Digital Commons Network^™

A Student Performance Evaluation Method For An Intelligent Simulation-Based Tutoring System, Camille Marie Dixon

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Intelligent simulation-based tutoring systems (ISTS) present intriguing and complex environments for the training of high performance skills. These skills involve the manipulation of objects within time and space constraints.

As with any tutoring system, there must exist a performance measurement methodology. Within an ISTS there is a module which functions as a tutor and a module which functions as a student modeler. These fundamental modules are required to make effective individualized tutoring decisions. However, each of these modules rely on information from a performance measurement system or evaluation system.

The objective of this research was to establish a performance evaluation …

Mrp, Jit, And Opt: A Comparison On The Production Floor, Donna M. Denicole Christopher

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

In order to compete in manufacturing, industry realizes it must work more efficiently with its resources. Three manufacturing techniques have been developed to assist industry in this challenge --MRP, JIT, and OPT. This paper compares these three techniques. It concentrates on the factors that affect production after vendor materials are in-house. A brief discussion of some of the implementation difficulties a company may face during the transition to a new philosophy is also addressed. Finally, a case study of a low volume, highly technical military project is evaluated and analyzed.

Management Considerations Of Productivity Issues For Local Government, Scott M. Gilbertson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This report examines the issues needed to be addressed by a municipal manager and provides guidelines to follow when establishing a productivity measurement and improvement program. Examined in detail is the relationship of the municipality's quality of service delivery in relationship to productivity. The concerns of productivity in the public sector at the national and local levels are also identified.

Numerous difficulties are encountered when attempting to measure and improve productivity. Many of these difficulties are presented and several are discussed in detail. To overcome the identified difficulties, there are a number of techniques available, some of which are recently …

Some Reasons Why New Technologies Are Not Always Successful - Specifically Directed Toward Cim, Shuk Fong Lai

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

To keep the competitive edge, many companies constantly implement new technologies. However, the implementation of these new technologies are not always successful. Why?

Problems with implementation of new technologies can be either technical or managerial. This paper presents research limited to management problems and suggests the necessary changes. It also outlines the important factors in the decision-making process and the criteria for a successful implementation of a Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) system. Many experts believe that CIM is the ultimate solution to slow and reverse the decline of the U.S. global manufacturing market. However, some companies that have implemented CIM …

Toward The Development Of A Knowledge-Based Construction Schedule Planning System, Nordin Bin Yunus

Doctoral Dissertations

"This research attempts to model and prototype a knowledge-based system for use in the construction industry to accomplish the automatic generation of initial construction schedules. The schedule can be transformed into a logical network that provides a physical representation of the construction operations plan. The prototype system, which requires symbolic processing and reasoning, is developed based on an intensive modeling that rationally examines industry practice.

The model identifies work breakdown and precedence relationship as the two major concepts in schedule planning. Work breakdown is concerned with the identification of construction activities that result in the completion of project elements. Precedence …

Packaging Engineering Education Qualitative Need Assessment, M. Douglas Sachs

Masters Theses

"Packaging engineering is an interdisciplinary field which has no formal degree program to support it. While there arc packaging engineers in industry, there are no packaging engineering degrees presently being offered by our nation's colleges and universities. In order to lay a foundation upon which a degree program could be based, this thesis has investigated the needs of packaging engineering education by seeking the input of the packaging industry. This qualitative comparison has been quantified, resulting in a list of prioritized classes and topics upon which a degree program could be based"--Abstract, page ii.

Dynamic Allocation Of Responsibility Between Operators With Different Models Of System Information Using Computer-Mediated Communication, Michele Terranova

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

This research focused on the effectiveness of two operator teams for dynamic control of a process simulation. The responsibility for system optimization and failure detection was shared by the operators through computer-mediated communication. System information was displayed to both operators by one of three mental models of the systems: an alphanumeric/separable representation, a graphic/integral system representation, or both representations. The following team-display configurations were used: primary operator with graphic display, support operator with alphanumeric (GRAL); primary operator with alphanumeric display, support operator with graphic (ALGR); both operators with alphanumeric displays (BOAL); both operators with graphic displays (BOGR); and both operators …

Matrix Methods Of Approximating Classical Predator-Prey Problems, E. Y. Rodin, R. Greenberg, B. Nelson

Computer Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works

No abstract provided.

Removal Of Eucalyptus Vessel Segments Using Centrifugal Cleaners, Amnuay Ponpued

Masters Theses

Two commercial feedforward centrifugal cleaners were used in the study of vessel segment removal from bleached eucalyptus pulp. The reduction of vessel elements yielded a reduction of vessel pick tendency and other problems caused by vessel elements which limit the use of eucalyptus pulp in paper stock furnishes. The operating conditions of the centrifugal cleaners were evaluated for their effect on separation efficiency. Pulp loss with rejects was reduced by multiple stage separation. The Vandercook Proof Press was used to compare the picking of cleaned, original pulp and two higher-vessel-content pulps. Regression analysis and ANOVA showed significant effects of feed …

Robotization For Assembling Small Parts, Frank J. Valese

Theses

The thrust of this paper is directed toward establishing a roboticized small parts assembly line where none currently exist. Technical and pragmatic requisites were established and reviewed prior to installing the proposed robotic workcell. Although the specific model chosen for discussion is the locksmithing industry, the procedures followed, the design tools utilized, and the methods of job-costing employed apply equally to other small parts industries.

Basic industrywide considerations reviewed for each robotization effort included:

1. Choosing the proper application for robotization
2. Obtaining management support and labor input to insure the success of the project
3. Deciding on the economic and production goals …

Acuta Enews November 1987, Vol. 16, No. 11

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

President's Message

Party Line

Eight Action Points For Telco Execs

US West unit signs US Sprint to card validation service

Critical Issues in Premises Cabling

Need a Consultant? Here's Why, When

Evaluation Of Word Processing Cost Effectiveness, Nicholas E. Tedesco

Theses

The objective of this thesis is to examine the use of word processing technology to determine if its implementation is a cost effective investment. This will be accomplished by comparing the cost of a typewritten page before and after the implementation or upgrade of word processing equipment. The degree of utilization and the impact of utilization on standard costs will also be examined.

Significant difficulty was encountered attempting to locate and compile statistical information on word processing. Therefore, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to the 100 largest public and 100 largest private companies headquartered in New Jersey, requesting information …

Application Of Robots In Developing Countries, Badi Uddin

Theses

The increasing versatility of robots has led to their use in a widening range of applications. The robot population is growing at a remarkable pace. The increase in the use of robots in industry has changed the standards of productivity and quality. During past years, as labor costs has risen, safety and environmental regulations have been changed to provide more benefits to workers and capabilities of robots became more sophisticated. Therefore, robots became a valuable piece of production equipment.

Now, robots are able to perform all kinds of hazardous and heavy duty jobs which are harmful to human life or …

Acuta Enews September & October 1987, Vol. 16, No. 9 & 10

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

Back to the Future: The Power of 1A2

Party Line

Potpourri

Equal Access Reaches 84% of America

A Prognostication Of Just-In-Time Efficacy In American Manufacturing, Mark L. Kahan

Theses

"Just-in-time" is a Japanese philosophy of business management which has as its ideal the complete elimination of waste in the process of adding value to a product. Some experts have contended that its basis is not cultural, but technical, and is thus applicable to American manufacturing concerns. After an initial exploration of economics and productivity concepts, and of U.S. logistics, inventory, and purchasing practices, the matter of Just-in-time will be addressed, both theoretically and in terms of Japanese business and labor relationships and culture. Then, based upon a case study consisting of observations made at a traditional American manufacturer, this …

Acuta Enews August 1987, Vol. 16, No. 8

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

President's Message

Party Line

PBX Helps University Provide Voice and Data

The Dangers to your Telecommunications System

Acuta Enews July 1987, Vol. 16, No. 1987

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

Stanford University switches to the Meridian SL-100

The Broadband Cable Network

Party Line

Microcomputers Found More Available -and More Often Required -at Selective Colleges

Recruitment Of Engineers In A Small Company, Robert Cohen

Theses

With most recruitment techniques written for large companies, recruitment of engineers in a small company may be a large problem. A detailed analysis of the engineering employer and employee is constructed making note of large and small company differences. A survey was taken and the results are presented in support of the authors opinions. A generic recruitment technique is also presented, followed by modifications or other considerations to that technique. This should increase the available applicant pool and optimize quality levels of the engineering candidates for the small company.

Just-In-Time In The United States : Culture And Competitive Manufacturing, Wolfram Pabst Von Ohain

Theses

Richard Schonberger, 'the' Guru of Just-in-Time' in the United States, wrote in the preface of his 1986 book World Class Manufacturing:

"...Japanese success is rot mature-based. Its basis is a quite different set of concepts, principles, policies, and techniques for managing and operating a manufacturing enterprise. All of it is easy to understand, not hand to accept (once known), eminently teachable and learnable, and not so difficult to apply.

If Just-in-Time is such 'a piece of cake' one would expect that most American companies would practice Just-in-Time. As commonly known, most American companies do not follow the philosophy of Just-in-Time. …

Management Controls And Modeling With Personal Computers (Pcs) For Material Procurement Within The Department Of Defense (Dod), Stefano Coppola

Theses

As an inevitable fallout of the microcomputer explosion, micro-to-mainframe links have been praised as an effective means of satisfying microcomputer users who insist for more processing power and less dependence on mainframe data processing. Personal Computers used to emulate terminals offer local storage capabilities as well as financial analysis and graphics.

Using a Personal Computer, Lotus 123, and a simulated PC-Link, a management control system was designed to satisfy the Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 7000.2 for material procurement.

The resulting model provides both the Government and the contractor's management control system with a reliable, timely, and auditable system that …

Current Trends In Facilities Planning, Chaochou Yang

Theses

In the past year the costs of computing and computer graphics have come down dramatically. At the same time, the computer graphic system has become easier to use, As a result, computer support has become more costeffective than before.

In this thesis, the writer describes types of systems first, then looks at computer usage. He first defines the technologies of DSS, CAD and MIS, then takes a detailed, step-by-step look at facilities planning and the various ways in which computers are used for support. Well-conceived planning is an important prerequisite to effective computer use. The remainder of the thesis expands …

Process Hazard Review For Drug Development, Rudolph R. Schwarz

Theses

The development of drugs has become increasingly complex, requiring the use of a wide variety of pharmaceutical actives and isolated intermediates, a majority of which are not always completely characterized with respect to their hazard potential. This can present a source of potential exposure to those who handle these substances during initial drug development, manufacturing of the drug active and ultimately the finished pharamaceutical product. It is, therefore, essential that safety and health information be documented and communicated during the entire drug development process.

The need for application of process hazard review techniques to the development of new drug materials …

Developing A Portable Data Terminal Computer System For Field Service Personnel, Frank De Bellis

Theses

This thesis is intended to provide the reader with a background in the development of modern day portable data terminals / computer systems. In order to accomplish this, some background will be provided to familiarize the reader with the evolution of computer systems. This will enable the reader to become familiar with the fast pace at which these computer systems have developed within only the last several years.

This thesis will include a description of the design, development, and implementation of these computer systems. The thesis will include a description of the way the many pieces of such a sophisticated …

Office Automation, Nanda Kishore Krishnaiah

Theses

This thesis gives an overview of the technology available to management for implementing office automation. It explores the methodology for creating an integrated automated office. It discusses methods for linking automated offices through the concept of networking and it addresses the major behavioral aspects associated with the implementation of automation in the office. The most significant part of this thesis is that the conceptual design model is illustrated by the application to an actual case study. The author was involved as a team member in an automation project with the Center for Information Age Technology, at New Jersey Institute of …

High Tech Transition And The Organization, Chetan H. Shah

Theses

The future outlook of any corporation depends upon the resourcefulness of those who manage the planning and operating functions of the business. Time and accuracy are two critical criteria in effective managerial reports for decision making. The electronic computer is a welcome addition into the industry. While its applications to payroll, accounting, sales, and inventory have been extensive, computing has nevertheless been criticized. This study concentrates on determining the impact computing has had on the managers and especially on the people working in the organization from clerks to the top level management.

While an investigation of the existing literature was …

Acuta Enews April 1987, Vol. 16, No. 4

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

New Haven Seminar

Telephone System Installation Some Helpful Hints

Party Line

Building Wiring Options

Potpourri

Facilities Management Market to Grow

Improving Maintenance Effectiveness, Stephen J. Thierry

Masters Theses

A methodology is advanced for measuring the productivity of industrial maintenance operations. A work sampling study and a production to maintenance interface survey are conducted to identify the current level of maintenance effectiveness at a food processing plant. Variables affecting maintenance effectiveness are postulated from site observations of the plant maintenance operation. A total of nine changes are proposed; three are implemented as part of this study and six remaining changes are proposed for the future. All recommendations are targeted at increasing the overall effectiveness of the maintenance operation under study.

Acuta Enews March 1987, Vol. 16, No. 3

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

President's Message

Party Line

Potpourri

Notice of Elections and Constitutional Amendments

Memorandum

Your Future in Telecommunications

Acuta Enews February 1987, Vol. 16, No. 2

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

President's Message

ACUTA Winter Seminar

Party Line

Cable Carnage: Coaxial battered

Confusion abounds

U.S. Asking Room for 'Baby Bells' To Grow

Experts Say Competition Would Stir Innovation

Mrp Ii As A Tool For Inventory Management : Application, Implementation, And Its Alternatives, Yi-Hsin Chiu

Theses

MRP II has been used universally as a tool for production planning in various manufacturing systems. Its foundation of success is based on an accurate inventory management. Due to the rational pricing of computer hardware and software, the selection of an appropriate off-the-shelf MRP II package has become an important topic. Moreover, implementation of a commercial MRP II package significantly affects its capability of handling an assigned task. The scope of this thesis is to discuss how to successfully implement MRP II through a design and development of a proper inventory data base in order to expand its application. The …