outset (ˈaʊtˌsɛt Pronunciation for outset )

Definitions
noun

a start; beginning (esp in the phrase from ( or at) the outset)

Collins dict.

You are looking at 'Assessment model for the transport of dangerous goods through road tunnels', from the Netherlands (https://www.tno.nl/media/2370/assessment_model_transport_dan... . The paper discusses two models: in the first model, some dangerous goods are allowed through the tunnel and the rest are diverted to a 'deviation route'; in the second model, all goods are allowed through the tunnel. The models are then subjected to a cost-benefit analysis.

The word 'outset' has been used in four places, in each case incorrectly.

I would paraphrase these sentences as follows:


1. ' This paper gives an outset of such an approach and discusses the need for further research.'

This paper gives a preliminary analysis of such an approach ...


2. 'However, the assessment model is an outset that needs to be further developed, for example, by means of case studies.'

However, the assessment model is a beginning that needs to be …


3. ' In the outset for the assessment model, the following knowledge gaps have been identified:

l. The current outset for the assessment model does not include the option of weighing factors.'

In the initial assessment model, the following ..

The current version of the assessment model ...

This comes from a paper by two Dutch authors. As has been said already, their use of the word "outset" here is not natural in English. It does normally mean beginning, but although "outset of the assessment model" might just about make sense (without being idiomatic), "outset for" is very strange, and suggests that they meant something else.

As well as the two instances of the word that you have quoted in the question, there are another two, which provide clues, I think:

In the abstract:
"This paper gives an outset of such an approach and discusses the needs for further research."

And in the text just before the part you have quoted:
"However, the assessment model is an outset that needs to be further developed, for example by means of case studies."
http://tinyurl.com/nzcnnoj

These two sentences suggest to me that what the authors mean by "outset" is an initial proposal, a scheme, design or project. Maybe the English word they intended to use was "outline", which would fit in this context.

The Dutch word they had in mind could perhaps have been "ontwerp":
http://en.bab.la/dictionary/dutch-english/ontwerp

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Note added at 3 hrs (2015-05-14 06:12:03 GMT)
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I didn't see Piyush's answer before posting mine. We must have been writing at the same time. As I say, I think the likeliest explanation is they meant the same thing each time and simply chose the wrong word: probably "outset" instead of "outline". Another possibility is that they were literally translating the Dutch word "uiteenzetting" ("outsetting"), which means a "setting-out" or exposition of something, an initial explanation.
http://en.bab.la/dictionary/dutch-english/uiteenzetting

Another option.

On the basis of the immensely helpful additional context so kindly found for us by Piyush, and Donal's interpretation of the Dutch, I suspect this is actually the meaning required here — and which fits all instances given.

The 'approach' being the 'starting point' for something (in this case, a model) — the setting-out point, the way you go about it, etc.