Digital Commons Network^™

An Enhancement And Improvement Of A Prototype Distributed System Based On Elements Of An Integration Architecture, Kunal R. Shah

Theses

The concepts and results presented in this thesis are related to Integrated System Development. It provides introduction to Generic System Integration Framework (GenSIF). And hence its three principal components, Domain Analysis, Integration Architectures and Enabling Technology. It addresses certain issues of distributed processing relating to systems integration.

The primary objective of this thesis is to develop/improve a prototype by applying concepts and ideas presented in GenSIF, with an example channel based building block integration architecture as an example. This prototype was developed with the objective of studying the effect of system intregration framework in mind while working on an application. …

Reduction Of Acoustic Feedback Oscillations By Use Of Spectrum Shifting, Youssef Abdelilah

Theses

The problem of whistling noise or self-oscillation in public address systems operating in closed halls or rooms can be very disturbing to the listeners. This noise is sustained when the positive acoustic feedback, of the public address-room system, meets the oscillation criteria. This feedback system results from the acoustic sound signal reflected off the room walls and any other obstacles in the room, originating from the public address speakers and then re-entering the microphone.

When all of the audio signal components entering the public address system are shifted by a frequency increment Δf of 6 Hz, an increase of 5 …

Measures For Estimating The Need For Flexibility In A Manufacturing Facility, Raghu Chilukuri

Theses

Manufacturing technology is in the midst of on-going developments stemming from rapid improvements in machine tools, computers and robots. These developments present engineers with greater challenges and opportunities in designing more complex and productive systems. The concept of flexibility was defined by authors like Jaikumar, Son & Park, and Buzacott. The various challenges can be partly over come by building flexibility into the various systems. Various operational or raw measures are described as they help managers to understand the kind and extent of flexibility embedded in their production process and allow them to make informal judgement on new equipment.

Various …

A Planning Model For Intermodal Auto-Rail Transportation Assignment, Daniel Disario

Theses

This thesis presents a planning model for assigning trips in a corridor served by highways and commuter rail. The underlying assumption is that commuters will choose a mode (or a combination of modes) connecting the origin and destination in a way that will either minimize their individual travel times and costs (the user equilibrium principle) or minimize total system travel time and cost (system optimal principle). The model is structured as a mathematical program with a non-linear objective function and linear constraints.

The model was applied to a case study of the Raritan Valley Corridor located in Northern New Jersey. …

Performance Analysis Of Pyramid Mapping Algorithms For The Hypercube, Jing-Chiou Liou

Theses

Comparative performance analysis of algorithms that map pyramids and multilevel structures onto the hypercube are presented. The pyramid structure is appropriate for low-level and intermediate-level computer vision algorithms. It is not only efficient for the support of both local and global operations but also capable of supporting the implementation of multilevel solvers. Nevertheless, pyramids lack the capability of efficient implementation of the majority of scientific algorithms and their cost may become unacceptably high. On a different horizon, hypercube machines have widely been used in the field of parallel computing due to their small diameter, high degree of fault tolerance, and …

Computer Aided Manufacturing For Production Environment, Biren K. Parikh

Theses

Investments in new technology like Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) increased in the past few years because of the foreign competition in the world market as well as on the home ground. Improper investment in CAM and CIM resulted in the "Islands of Automation" instead of an integrated system. These "Islands of Automation" have created new problems for production planning and factory communication.

The objective of the thesis is to develop the methodology to selection and implementation of the CAM system in the production environment. It is to be noted that a CAM system is part of the overall CIM implementation, …

Translation Of Images On The Hypercube Using Leaf Codes, Bhavesh Patel

Theses

Image processing is used for manipulation of pictorial images. Image analysis applications are typically characterized by the need to process large quantities of image data. Some of the important transformations or operations which are car¬ried out by image processing systems are translation, scaling, superposition and rotation. Algorithms have been developed to carry out these transformations on image regions represented by quadtrees. Gargantini introduced an algorithm to translate an image region represented by a linear quadtree or leafcodes. A linear quadtree is a space efficient data structure used for storing digital images. Ziavras et.al. have proposed a modification of Gargantini's algorithm …

Systems Integration In Pharmaceutical Industry Using Object-Oriented Expert System Technology, Korrapolu Reddy

Theses

SPHINX is an object-oriented expert system addressed to solve the burning problems of pharmaceutical industry. SPHINX stands for Systems integration in PHarmaceutical INdustry using object-oriented eXpert system technology.

Various problems that American pharmaceutical industries are facing have been explained. Using the revolutionary object-oriented concepts and the powerful expert systems technology, it has been shown how a prescription can be written to solve all the problems of pharmaceutical industries. A problem "Minimizing the wastage of Interferon" has been taken to demonstrate the power of Object-oriented Expert System technology.

Computer Aided Finite Element Stress Analysis Of A Three Dimension Mandibular Bone Model Using I-Deas Software, Yixiong Xu

Theses

A three dimensional model of half of the mandibular bone, with 487 tetrahedra elements and 1,047 nodes, is established and analyzed by means of I-DEAS software. The masseter muscle is assumed to be 15° deviation from y-axis, and the Umetani boundary conditions are allowed to be varied. A 337 lb force was applied along the midline of the mandible to simulate a trauma force caused by the auto accident. The maximum principal stress is 18,400 psi and the minimum principal stress is -1,340 psi. Depending on the experimental results of dispalcement and maximum principal stress, the conclusions are drawn: 1) …

Cause And Effect Diagrams For Process Analysis And Control, Philip Thomas

Theses

Cause and effect diagrams can be used as an effective tool for identifying the possible causes of a quality problem. Using this diagram one can go deep into the causes of the problem and take proper remedial action. Several graphical techniques like matrix diagrams, systematic diagrams, etc., can be combined with this tool to better represent the cause effect relationships. While a quantitative approach of this technique is feasible but limited, there are useful applications based on qualitative approach to this technique. The objective of this thesis is to propose a quantitative approach to the cause and effect diagrams especially …

Design Of Holographic Optical Interconnections, Su-Chiou Tsay

Theses

Optics have many advantages over electronics in interconnecting systems together, particularly in terms of higher transmission speed and better immunity to noise. Optical interconnections may be used at all levels of computing: for local area networks, between processors or memory elements, and between boards.

In this thesis, we attempted to generate a new type of computer hologram for optical interconnection purposes. The holographic method is very promising whenever integrated optical interconnections are considered. In this research we have tried two designs: the shortest path grating design which can maximize the global output energy and the single input maximum output grating …

Figurative Emotion, Jeff Kell

Theses

None provided.

A Comparison Of The Photochemical Reproduction Quality From Color Negative Films Versus Color Transparency Films, Dawn Dubois

Theses

Color transparency film is the most frequently used original material in the color separation process. Recent technological advances in color negative film and electronic color generated scanners capable of working from a color negative have led to new avenues of exploration in the area of color separation. By using a color negative film as the original it may be possible to produce color separations of equal or higher quality than those produced from color transparencies. This research project has investigated the possibility that a set of color separations made from an Eastman Kodak Ektar color negative could yield a set …

Abb Canada National Sales Conference: A Case Study, Kimberly A. Blum

Theses

Not listed.

Bausch & Lomb Food Service: An Analysis Of An Independent Business And Food Service Industry From The Customers Perspective, Richard Mcqueen

Theses

A customer satisfaction survey was developed from six focus groups sessions. The areas identified for analysis included price, quality, stock available, variety, and customer service. Analysis of the survey indicated that the price was the most sensitive issue. Quality of food rated well while there was some dissatisfaction with our variety of entrees, grill items, and soups. The amount of food in stock was satisfactory. Customer service ratings were high. This instrument can be used again to identify incremental changes in satisfaction levels as perceived by the customer.

Teaching Moments Of Truth In Dining Room Management And Operations, Elizabeth Schaible

Theses

Educators are challenged every day to continuously improve the quality of their teaching methods in order to meet the expectations of their students, the customer. In the hospitality management department of a major urban university, the teaching of quality service in a dining room management laboratory setting lacks a formal and quantifiable feedback system to measure guest satisfaction. Such a feedback system is hypothesized to have an impact on the student's learning of quality service delivery. A literature review discusses information concerning quality service management, customer satisfaction measurement, and a detailing of a procedural and convivial service dimensions model as …

The Hotel Management Simulation/Game: An Evaluation Of Game Mechanics And Learning Outcomes, Angel E. Dominguez

Theses

Hospitality education, as a vocationally oriented field of study, must provide the student not only with theoretical concepts, but also with a series of skills that the student will use in the work place. These skills include problem analysis and decision making, team building, and the relationship of the hotel business variables (Occupancy, Profits and Guest Satisfaction). Simulation gaming techniques are thought to be very effective methods to develop these skills. In simulations participants imitate actions required on the job and are actively involved in the processes of learning and skills acquisition. The Hotel Management Simulation/Game is a simulation technique …

Prelude To Teambuilding: The Nature Of Modernity, Fred Klein

Theses

Professional management defines itself by the particularistic (dominant) view that shapes the form and conduct of its activities. Modern management theory and practice is primarily the outcome of the greater espoused views of positivistic science. This has permeated a conscription to an attitude that is considered "factually" appropos to conduct research and inquiry. "Reality" has thus become categorized to derivatives of Newtonian science. While there is no disputation that this perspective and its conjointed methodology has a basis in the confluences that interact on materialistic reality (objective world), newer insights dispute its absolutistic form. The principle import of the newer …

A Case Study: Rit's Changing Travel Policy, Kathryn Hoch

Theses

Rochester Institute of Technology has made the decision to start controlling its corporate travel costs. A travel committee was formed and a group of five people have worked very hard to develop a system of controls on costs that is acceptable to the RIT community. One of the first needs of the travel committee was reliable information on which to base it's decisions. This project is to present to the RIT travel committee information received from the four designated travel agencies on specific dollar amounts spent for the period of July December 1992. The project will also make recommendations for …

Empowerment: "Lip Service" Or "Guest Service", Earle Lindel Bowman

Theses

The purpose of this study was to ascertain indications of hotel operators' understanding and application of empowerment. While there was a large amount of literature available on empowerment, there were few writings specific to the hotel industry. Little, if any, research exists on empowerment usage in the hospitality industry. Also, the term empowerment is poorly defined. The study additionally sought information on which job positions were affected and the completeness of implementation of empowerment programs. The pilot study used a deep probe technique to develop information from operating heads of full service hotels. It found preliminary indications that the concepts …

An Evaluation To Determine If There Is A Communication Gap Between Campus Auxiliary Services And Their Student Customers, Marylynne Crocker

Theses

The purpose of this study was to find out what the student customers of Campus Auxiliary Services have as their perceptions of the services provided by the corporation, and also if there is a communication gap between the corporation and their student customers. The question of whether there is a gap between what the customers expect and what they receive was also studied. The population studied consisted of student customers, Resident Advisors, and the Salaried CAS/Dining Service employees. A ten item perception questionnaire was given to CAS /Dining Service employees and also to the SUNY Geneseo Resident Advisors. A twenty …

Total Quality Management And The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, Mary Beth Defazio

Theses

This study addresses three main issues and provides the hospitality industry with information about improving the quality of service delivered to its customers. The main issue was to identify the implementation process of Total Quality Management. Secondary issues introduced the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and how the application of TQM enabled The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company to achieve the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 1992. To address these topics, three approaches were undertaken. Extensive library research, interviews of knowledgeable experts and representatives of each area, review of secondary data, and participation in The Ritz-Carlton New Employee Orientation and 21 …

Evaluation Methods Among Corporate Travel Managers, Eva B. Larsson

Theses

This study examined whether corporate travel planners performed any kind of evaluation among their clients and in that case what that evaluation revealed about the different air lines' performance. A questionnaire was sent out to 100 members of National Business Travel Association (NBTA) all over the U.S. In this questionnaire the respondents were asked to answer 10 questions about if and how the evaluated the performance of the airlines. In the survey, 25% of the respondents said that they did not perform any evaluation at all. The most commonly used evaluation method was to hand-out questionnaires which was used by …

Multi-Attribute Utility Test Of U.S. Frequent Guest Programs With Applications To The Korean Lodging Industry, Seakyoung Kim

Theses

This study has evaluated the adaptability of the Frequent Guest Program of the U.S. lodging industry to four sample hotels in Seoul, Korea, which are looking for competitive strategies to satisfy business travelers. The evaluation was done to produce qualitative insight into the program to help determine whether or not a hotel should commit its money to the Frequent Guest Program's implementation and operation. The evaluation showed that the program is fairly adaptable to all hotels in the sample. And for one sample hotel, the program is evaluated to contribute solidly to the realization of its purpose.

Decision Making Environments In The Meeting Planning Industry, Chia-Mei Johanna Liu

Theses

This was a pilot study on the decision making environments in the meeting planning industry. A critical incident questionnaire which was developed by Boone & Kilmann (1988) and later used by Janet Barnard (1992) in her research "Decision Environments of Small Firms" was adapted. The questionnaires were mailed to 210 samples which were randomly chosen from members of Meeting Planners International in four states, and there were 30 valid responses received. Among those 30 respondents, the majority (70%) are female meeting planners. Most of the participants are over 30 years old, and their years of experience in the meeting planning …

Quality Of Work Life In The Hotel Industry, Gina Marie Santercole

Theses

This study provides hotel organizations with information that reveals the feelings, perceptions, and attitudes of it's employees. By examining an employee's quality of work life, an organization can determine how they are doing internally, from an employee's point of view, which ultimately effects their "moments of truth" externally, with their customers. A nine item, five point scale, Quality of Work Life Survey was administered to the employees and managers from four hotel properties. These properties, located in different geographical locations and each targeting a specific market segment, provided an interesting and diverse 292 person sample. Results revealed agreement and disagreement …

Evaluation Of The U.S. National Tourist Office Impact On The U.S. Travel And Tourism Industry, Mary Tack

Theses

In an effort to better meet the needs of its customers, the United States national tourist office, U.S. Travel and Tourism Administration (USTTA) , surveyed travel and tourism industry organizations to determine their awareness and usage levels for the numerous programs and services offered by USTTA, the value they placed on these programs and services, and where improvements can be made. This survey was especially critical to USTTA as it embarked upon the Total Quality Management philosophy (which focuses on knowing your customers and their needs in order to better serve them) . A secondary issue existed for USTTA to …

The Corporate Travel Index In Taiwan: A Case Study, Liming Chen

Theses

Since it has booming business opportunities, Taiwan is shifting from a pleasure destination to business one. Business travel has become one significant segment of Taiwan tourism industry. However, tourism is not a major source of income for the Taiwanese. Consequently, there is less material discussing the spending style of business travelers in Taiwan. An overview of Taiwan tourism based on the statistics data from Tourism Bureau in Taiwan was done to give a general idea. The spending style of business travelers tried to identify the special items purchased by business travelers. This study followed the way for the Corporate Travel …

The Effects Of Video-Based Sales Training Methods And Feedback On Field Sales Performance, Michael T. Simorka

Theses

This thesis focused on the effects of video-based sales training methods on field sales performance. The study also evaluated the effects of feedback systems on performance.

Research in the field of training methodology presents a positive review of "high technology" methods . Most of the studies focus on the benefits of easy administration , reduced cost or improved performance . However, most reviews are anecdotal . There is little empirical data which studies the use of these medium and their effects on field sales performance.

In reviewing the research on feedback systems, the studies have shown that feedback can have …

An Analysis Of National Average Car Rental Rates And Economic Indicators, Amy S. Peterson

Theses

Travel suppliers have depended largely on business travel as their main source of business and profit because it is less price conscious and finicky compared to the pleasure travel market. The past recession has caused corporations to scale-down by drastically reducing business related travel; therefore, it is understood, as a majority, that the condition of the economy usually dictates future business. Car rental companies are a significant part of the travel supplier industry and it is wondered if the fluctuations in car rental rates are a direct reflection of the rise and fall of the economy also. The study will …