Digital Commons Network^™

Study Of The Effectiveness Of Cost-Estimation Models And Complexity Metrics On Small Projects, Lein-Lein Chen

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Software cost overruns and time delay are common occurrences in the software development process. To reduce the occurrences of these problems, software cost estimation models and software complexity metrics measurements are two popular approaches used by the industry.

Most of the related studies are conducted for large scale software projects. In this thesis, we have investigated the effectiveness of three popular cost estimation models and program complexity metrics in so far as their applicability to small scale projects is concerned.

Experiments conducted on the programs collected from FIU and NCR corporation indicate that none of the cost estimation models precisely …

Learning Style And Brain Hemisphere Dominance : Interrelationships And Influences On Organizational Role Selection, Helen Leitch Diehl

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated relationships between learning style, as measured by the Kolb Learning-Style Inventory, and brain hemisphere dominance, as measured by the Herrmann Participant Survey. The possible influence of either or both of these factors on organizational role selection as a supervisor, subordinate or work project group member was also studied. Subjects were 134 graduate management students.

Pearson product moment correlations at p <.01 (n = 125) were found between the following dimensions: Concrete Experience and right brain hemisphere dominance, r = .41; Concrete Experience and the Right Limbic, r = .42; Abstract Conceptualization and left brain hemisphere dominance, r = .23; Abstract Conceptualization and the Overall Cerebral, r = .49; Abstract Conceptualization and the Left Cerebral, r = .42. Although some results regarding organizational role selection based on learning style or brain hemisphere dominance were significant at p <.05 using chi square analysis, strong evidence was not found to support the concept that individuals would prefer working with others like themselves. There was some evidence, however, that the longevity of the acquaintance may influence students to select right brain hemisphere dominant students in some situations.

The bipolarity of the factors measured by both instruments was assessed. Using a level of p <.01, Concrete Experience and Abstract Conceptualization were correlated at -.46 (n = 133), whereas Reflective Observation and Active Experiementation were correlated at -.52 (n = 133) on the Kolb instrument. On the Herrmann instrument, Overall Left and Overall Right measures were correlated at -.84 (n = 126), whereas Overall Cerebral and Overall Limbic measures correlated at -.73 (n = 126). Split-half correlations on the Kofb factors yielded reliabilities of .85 to .90 (n = 133) for the four factors measured. Test-retest correlations for the Herrmann ranged from .67 to .81 (n=30) for the subscales. Suggestions for future research using these instruments were made.

Dissidence Within The Soviet Bloc : The Case Of Romania, Emil Craciun

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines why Romania's dissidence within the Soviet bloc has not provoked a military response from the Soviet Union during the 1965-1985 period. The hypothesis assumed is that Soviet tolerance is granted to Romania in exchange for its internal orthodoxy.

Based on English and Romanian sources of information and on the author's experience having lived in Romania, the following factors are analyzed: Party internal control, its organization, leadership and ideology.

The study concludes that Romania's internal orthodoxy, closely resembling Soviet society, has neutralized the country's dissident foreign policy saving it from a Soviet military intervention.

Pulsed Parabolic Equation Model Of Acoustic Transmission (Ppemat), Alicia Gonzalez Acebo

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Underwater sound is very important in the field of oceanography where it is used for remote sensing in much the same way that radar is used in atmospheric studies. One way to mathematically model sound propagation in the ocean is by using the parabolic-equation method, a technique that allows range dependent environmental parameters. More importantly, this method can model sound transmission where the source emits either a pure tone or a short pulse of sound. Based on the parabolic approximation method and using the split-step Fourier algorithm, a computer model for underwater sound propagation was designed and implemented. This computer …

Investigation Into Possible Causes Of Elevated Ozone Concentrations In Miami, Florida, Dale E. Aspy

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ozone readings which exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 120 ppbv were recorded in Miami, Florida during 1978 and 1980. Similar elevated concentrations of ozone extended across upper Florida and into the Southeastern portion of the United States. It is concluded that tropospheric transport of ozone into the Miami area occurs. This conclusion is supported by lead analyses of atmospheric samples taken in Miami and by isentropic trajectories. Six case studies are presented. In all cases transport of ozone into Florida appears to occur. In only four of the cases does this result in elevated ozone levels in …