Digital Commons Network^™

Modification Of Wear Testing Machine And Study Of Wear Resistance, Ning Li

Theses

In this work a modification of a wear testing machine has been done by designing a new loading mechanism and redesigning different components for a new roller-on-roller wear testing machine. A new loading mechanism containing gearbox frame and load cell assembly have been designed, manufactured and assembled. A pusher of the pushing mechanism is redesigned for better durability. Existing bearing support was redesigned and replaced. All new units of the wear testing machine were lined up and assembled with the machine. Finite element stress analysis for designed frame in the load mechanism was performed by using the Integrate Design Engineering …

Application Of Imaging Pyrometry For Remote Temperature Measurements, Michael B. Kaplinsky

Theses

The radiometric model of an IR image sensor has been developed. Based on this model, the application of imaging pyrometry to remote temperature measurements has been investigated. This analysis provides the estimation of temperature accuracy achievable by imaging pyrometry in conjunction with a number of radiometric methods. The detection of radiation emitted across the full spectral bandwidth of the imager as well as utilization of narrow-passband filters was analyzed for a target with known emissivity.

The methods of two-wavelength ratio radiometry and multi-wavelength radiometry were considered for the targets with unknown emissivity. The optimal selection of the wavelengths for the …

Microstructural Investigation Of Surface Coating Developed By Electro-Spark Deposition Technology, Tianzong Xu

Theses

Electro-spark deposition (ESD) is a pulsed-spark micro-welding process using an electrode to apply a fused, metallurgically bonded coating with an extremely low heat input so as to eliminate thermal distortion or changes in metallurgical structure of the substrate. The deposited surface achieves an exceptionally fine-grained, homogeneous coating that may approach as amorphous structure which is believed to contribute to good wear and corrosion resistance.

In this research, an optical image analysis system, scanning electron microscope with computerized energy dispersive spectrometer, microhardness testing system and computerized surfanalyzer were employed to investigate the microstructure and properties of achieved surface coatings.

As the …

Development Of A Model For An Objective Minimum Resolvable Temperature Difference Characterization Of An Infrared Camera, Christine Issa Mourad

Theses

The parameter almost universally adopted by the infrared community for describing the overall performance of a thermal imaging camera is the minimum resolvable temperature difference. Unfortunately, this criterion is subjectively determined by a group of observers and as a consequence significantly varying results can be obtained at different times. This project describes work on an approach which ultimately aims to replace the observers by a computer-aided installation that simulates the human process by which the MRTD is estimated. The simulation is based on a direct measurement of signal to noise ratio in the image of the target and a determination …

Graphics Interfaced Computer Automated Process Planning, Ajit Nimbvikar

Theses

The work is based on the manufacturing of gears in a Job Shop type production plant. The topic is divided into three sections. 1. design, 2. graphics, and 3. process planning and analysis. A program is developed using Fortran for the iterative design procedure. With basic inputs, the program provides the design of gears with dimensions. During the procedure, the user has to intervene to specify some codes for the selection of materials and other parameters. Second section deals with the graphics utility. It provides a drawing of the gear with dimensions according to the input obtained from the design …

Networking High-End Cad Systems Based On Pc/Ms-Dos Platforms, Dagmar Antje Brinkmann

Theses

The concept of today's technology has been dropped. Everything is now either oobsolete or experimental. Yesterday's technology is appealing only because it is tried-and-true and prices are reduced for clearance. Tomorrow's technology is exciting, somewhat expensive and not well tested.

In the field of architecture, where most firms are medium or small, having limited resources, the high cost initially required for a CAD installation was generally impossible to meet not too many years ago.

From spreadsheets and CAD graphics to network file systems and distributed database management, the basic systems and application tools have matured to the point that the …

Application Of Organophilic Clay, Koshy Koshy

Theses

The overall goal of this project is to asses the feasibility of using clay to filter water contaminated with organic contaminants. The clays that were used were provided by the Union Carbide Corporation and the Industrial Mineral Ventures (IMV), a division of Floridin company. The organic contaminants that this project concentrated on were, naphthalene, 1,4-dioxane, and phenol. The feasibility studies were done by batch isotherm studies. The protocol for the batch studies were the same as the ones used previously for granular activated carbon. This project looked at a total of six Union Carbide clays and five IMV Floridin clays. …

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 …

An Analysis Of A New Tier Pricing Strategy In Distilled Spirit Sales: A Longitudinal Approach, Dennis Dapolito

Theses

Not listed.

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 …

Construction Cost Analysis Of New/Refurbished Hotel & Motel Properties, Deshane Granger

Theses

The main thrust of this study was to acquire a bank of information on construction activity for the United States for 1992-93. It includes a statistical evaluation of construction costs for new hotel properties, properties who have made addition, and properties who have made renovations in 1992-93, with a breakdown of specific regions of the US. The literature review contains many articles on this topic, as well as many related subjects. This study also attempts to identify some agencies who are currently providing grant funding to individual developers. The study used Descriptive Statistics to obtain a consensus from a list …

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 …

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 …

A Model To Forecast Corporate Hotel Rates, Elizabeth A. Wawrzyniak

Theses

This study examined the relationship between corporate room rates and the variables of the number of hotel rooms; the number of delegates at conventions, conferences, and trade shows; the economic impact of these delegates; and passenger enplanements in 30 cities in the United States. These variables proved to have an influence on the corporate room rate, with passenger enplanements being the most statistically significant variable. These relationships were then used to develop a predictive model to forecast future corporate room rates.

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 …

Factors Contributing To Airline Insolvency, Richard M. Lagiewski

Theses

This study explores the problematic issues that caused Chapter 11 and bankruptcy filings during the period of March, 1989 to January, 1992. Unlike the approximately 85 airlines that went bankrupt during deregulation, 4 of the 6 airlines studied were original trunk carriers. The two remaining were, at that time, the only two surviving airlines born during deregulation. The data of these carriers was tracked over a thirteen year period. The tracking consisted of graphing financial / performance variables over time and then the construction of a matrix presenting the issues discovered in the literature search. In tracking their problematic issues …

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.

Forecasts In The Hotel Industry And Accuracy Of The Corporate Travel Index Survey, Maria H. Pulkkinen

Theses

This study looks at predicted and actual hotel rates for 1992 from the Corporate Travel Index. The Corporate Travel Index survey, which is conducted annually by Corporate Travel Magazine in conjunction with Rochester Institute of Technology, is analyzed from an accuracy stand point. Forecasts in the hotel industry are important to many people. Business people and meeting planners must somehow be able to predict the coming hotel rates. Among other forecasts in the industry, Corporate Travel Index is helpful to use when setting travel policies and spending guidelines for the corning year. The Corporate Travel Index asked for predicted rates …

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 …

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 …

Case Study Of Blackjack Dealers; Their Work Environment And Their Relationship With Management, Linda Anne Weintraub

Theses

Not listed.