# Optimizing Flight Delay Predictions with Scorecard Systems
## 2 Literature Review
### An Innovative Approach-Scoreards  
The innovative approach of utilizing scorecards in forecasting delays in air transportation represents a significant advancement in the field of aviation management [28]. Scorecards, as a performance measurement tool, facilitate the systematic evaluation of various factors that influence flight delays, thereby improving decision-making processes and operational efficiency [29]. In recent years, scorecards have emerged as a transformative tool in aviation delay forecasting, offering a practical, flexible, and accessible alternative to traditional methods. These tools provide a systematic framework for integrating multiple performance indicators, enabling airlines to assess and respond to the complex interplay of factors contributing to delays. Unlike traditional statistical or machine learning approaches, which can be resource-intensive and require specialized expertise, scorecards offer an intuitive solution that is easier to implement and maintain while still delivering actionable insights. By assigning weights to key variables such as weather conditions, air traffic inefficiencies, operational disruptions, and external factors, scorecards present a simplified yet robust means of predicting and managing flight delays [30]. What distinguishes scorecards from traditional and AI-based approaches is their ability to bridge the gap between operational usability and analytical depth. They are interpretable by design and can be implemented without the need for specialized programming or data science expertise. One of the primary advantages of scorecards lies in their ability to incorporate a wide range of both internal and external performance indicators into a cohesive framework. Internal metrics include on-time performance rates, average delay durations, and turnaround times, all of which directly affect operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction. External variables, such as regulatory changes, economic conditions, and weather disruptions, are also critical components of effective delay forecasting. By systematically integrating these factors, scorecards offer a holistic view of the operational environment, enabling airlines to anticipate and mitigate delays more effectively [31]. The use of scorecards aligns with the broader shift of the aviation industry toward data-driven decision making, where analytics play an increasingly critical role in improving operational performance. Scorecards enable airlines to organize and visualize complex datasets in a structured manner, making it easier to identify patterns, trends, and areas of concern. For example, tracking KPIs such as the frequency and duration of delays allows airlines to pinpoint operational bottlenecks and inefficiencies, informing targeted interventions. Importantly, scorecards do not require retraining from scratch when operational parameters shift; instead, their rules and weights can be adjusted incrementally based on updated domain knowledge or performance monitoring, allowing for agile model maintenance. Research has demonstrated that the implementation of scorecards has been linked to improved operational efficiency in various sectors, including aviation, where timely and informed decisions are essential to maintaining competitiveness and profitability [32; 33]. Additionally, scorecards provide an adaptable framework capable of accommodating the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the aviation industry. The ability to incorporate external factors into delay forecasting is particularly valuable in light of recent disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which introduced unprecedented volatility in global air travel. By integrating variables such as fluctuating passenger demand, changing regulatory requirements, and evolving safety protocols, scorecards enable airlines to remain agile and responsive to shifting circumstances [34; 35]. This adaptability makes scorecards an indispensable tool for managing uncertainty and ensuring operational resilience in the face of external challenges.