## 2 Research Method
### Identification of Processes and Data Inputs in the Planning of Road Schedules
Unlike traditional methods, which primarily rely on keyword matching or citation counts, this study employed a two-tiered evaluation process. First, a detailed review of abstracts and conclusions was conducted to determine whether each publication addressed scheduling processes and data inputs relevant to road infrastructure. This initial step ensured that only documents directly related to the study's objectives moved on to the second evaluation phase. Second, the selected documents were systematically assessed based on predefined criteria for quality and completeness. These criteria included the clarity of research methods, the alignment of findings with intersection-related scheduling, and adherence to rigorous peer-review standards. During this stage, a matrix was used to cross-reference the topic relevance, study design (including qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods), and the depth of focus on traffic management approaches. Three inclusion/exclusion criteria were established for this analysis: (1) the document focused on road infrastructure projects, (2) the document reported processes and data inputs related to construction schedule planning, and (3) the document reported processes and data inputs related to traffic management schedule planning. Applying these criteria resulted in a final sample of 13 documents. Given the small sample size aligned with the research question, a second review was conducted using national and international transportation department databases. This second search included standardized guides such as the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) [37], the Contract Time Guidelines (CTD) [38; 39], and the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide [40], among others. Consequently, 22 documents were established as the final sample for analysis (see Figure 2). This sample identified 29 processes for scheduling road infrastructure projects and the associated data inputs. Based on the 29 processes identified through the systematic literature review, a preliminary classification of these processes involved in scheduling road intersection projects was proposed. This classification was proposed based on the schedule management stages listed in the PMBOK. To develop this classification, each process was examined in terms of its objective, required inputs, expected outputs, and logical position within a typical project timeline. The allocation of processes to each PMBOK stage was carried out considering their alignment with the specific purposes defined in the PMBOK's scheduling management structure. For example, processes that define baseline planning elements--such as time units, scheduling parameters, and planning methodologies--were assigned to the \"Schedule Management Planning\" stage. Processes related to the identification and breakdown of tasks, such as defining the WBS or identifying detailed activities, were associated with the \"Definition of Construction Activities\" stage. Similarly, tasks involving logical relationships  
Figure 2: Document flow in the systematic review. and sequencing were grouped under \"Sequencing Construction Activities\", while those involving the calculation of durations and productivity rates were placed in \"Estimating Activity Durations\". Finally, processes involving schedule modeling, analysis, evaluation, and documentation were linked to the \"Schedule Development\" stage. The selection of the PMBOK as a guide to structure the planning processes in this research is based on its worldwide recognition and acceptance as a standard of excellence in project management. The PMBOK offers a comprehensive and detailed framework that covers essential aspects of planning and scheduling management, making it possible to adopt a methodological and coherent approach in this study. Thus, the stages proposed in this study are: (1) Road Schedule Management Planning, (2) Definition of Construction Activities, (3) Sequencing Construction Activities, (4) Estimating Duration of Construction Activities, and (5) Road Construction Schedule Development.