Engineering Commons^™

Decision Support Models For A Few Critical Problems In Transportation System Design And Operations, Ran Zhang

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Transportation system is one of the key functioning components of the modern society and plays an important role in the circulation of commodity and growth of economy. Transportation system is not only the major influencing factor of the efficiency of large-scale complex industrial logistics, but also closely related to everyone’s daily life. The goals of an ideal transportation system are focused on improving mobility, accessibility, safety, enhancing the coordination of different transportation modals and reducing the impact on the environment, all these activities require sophisticated design and plan that consider different factors, balance tradeoffs and maintaining efficiency. Hence, the design …

Strategies For Reducing Preventable Hospital Readmissions On Medicare Patients, Andres Patricio Garcia-Arce

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The high expenditure of healthcare in the United States (U.S.) does not translate into better quality of care. Indeed, the U.S. healthcare system is recognized by its lack of efficiency and waste (which represents about 20% of the country’s healthcare expenses). Lack of coordination is one of the most referenced causes of waste in the U.S. healthcare system, and preventable hospital readmissions have been acknowledged to be evidence of poor coordination of care. In fiscal year 2013, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) established financial penalties for inpatient care reimbursements in hospitals with excessive readmissions. All the same, …

Design And Optimization Of An Explosive Storage Policy In Internet Fulfillment Warehouses, Sevilay Onal

Dissertations

This research investigates the warehousing operations of internet retailers. The primary physical process in internet retail is fulfillment, which typically involves a large internet fulfillment warehouse (IFW) that has been built and designed exclusively for online sales and an accompanying parcel delivery network. Based on observational studies of IFW operations at a leading internet retailer, the investigations find that traditional warehousing methods are being replaced by new methods which better leverage information technology and efficiently serve the new internet retail driven supply chain economy. Traditional methods assume a warehouse moves bulk volumes to retail points where the bulks get broken …

Comparing Critical Chain Project Managemenet With Critical Path Method: A Case Study, Behzad Montazeri

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Scheduling is a major task in project management. The current scheduling technique, Critical Path Method (CPM), has been widely applied for several decades, but a large number of projects fail to be completed on time and schedule delays occur in many projects. This raises question about the validity of the current project scheduling system. Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM), derived from Theory of Constraints, is a relatively new alternative approach toward scheduling projects. This study compared CCPM and CPM to determine which scheduling method delivers a shorter project duration and has a better usage of resources. A scheduling software called …

Revisiting The One-Sided Ewma Control Chart Design, Duy Anh Duong-Tran

Masters Theses

Over the past half-century, Exponential Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) control charts have been widely used in Statistical Process Control to detect small and persistent process shifts. In theory, EWMA control limits monotonically increase over time to account for the continual growth of the EWMA statistic’s variance. These control limits are often assumed constant and are set to their respective asymptotic limits. While not theoretically correct, this simplifies the process of applying and analyzing the EWMA control chart while having little effect on the chart’s performance. One-Sided EWMA charts are often implemented when it is only desirable to detect shifts in …

A Predictor Analysis Framework For Surface Radiation Budget Reprocessing Using Design Of Experiments, Patricia Allison Quigley

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Earth’s Radiation Budget (ERB) is an accounting of all incoming energy from the sun and outgoing energy reflected and radiated to space by earth’s surface and atmosphere. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) Surface Radiation Budget (SRB) project produces and archives long-term datasets representative of this energy exchange system on a global scale. The data are comprised of the longwave and shortwave radiative components of the system and is algorithmically derived from satellite and atmospheric assimilation products, and acquired atmospheric data. It is stored as 3-hourly, daily, monthly/3-hourly, and monthly averages of 1°x1° …

Analysis Of Project Management System Structure Using The Viable System Model (Vsm), Joseph A. Sisti

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to explore the applicability of the Viable System Model as a framework for structural analysis of Project Management Systems using a case study approach. The research used a modified Viable System Model based on the work of Stafford Beer (1979) for the analysis of systems (organizations). The specific research questions explored in this research were: (1) How can the Viable System Model (VSM) be adapted for analysis of project management structure? And, (2) What results from exploration of the Viable System Model framework application to active project management structures?

The research used an exploratory …

Impact Of A Localized Lean Six Sigma Implementation On Overall Patient Safety And Process Efficiency, Luvianca G. Gil-Moreno

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Continuous quality improvement tools have been widely used in the Healthcare Industry to increase efficiency and patient safety as well as to reduce cost. This research explores the impact of a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) process improvement initiative on the overall process efficiency and patient safety in the Labor and Delivery (L+D) units of a large hospital provider. This study focuses on the application of a modeling and simulation methodology to investigate the influence of a localized process improvement intervention on the overall L+D unit output by considering patient flow, system capacity, and unit performance. The simulation models capacity profiles …

Role Of Requirements Engineering In Software Project’S Success, Sujatha Alla

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Despite considerable time and resources spent on the initiation phase of software projects, discrepancies often exist between formal project documentation, customer requirements, and final project specifications. Such discrepancies in the requirements management process can have a very negative impact on final project outcomes. A Business Requirements Document (BRD) constitutes the formal software requirements documentation, which typically includes stakeholders’ needs and expectations and project scope while providing a clear project roadmap and project plan. According to IEEE standards, a BRD should be a structured document that includes specific elements such as functional and technical requirements while incorporating certain traits such as …

Developing A Greenometer For Green Manufacturing Assessment, Ahmed H. Salem, Ahmed M. Deif

Industrial Technology and Packaging

In this paper a toolbox (Greenometer) to assess the greenness level of manufacturing companies is proposed. The assessment approach is based on capturing the relative greenness position of any company among other industries from different sectors as well as within the same sector. The assessment was based on selected greenness attributes and their composing indicators at each of the two levels of the developed Greenometer. Geometric Mean Method (GMM) was adopted to be the generic assessment technique for cross industries greenness evaluation, while Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was employed to assess the greenness level of intra-industries layer. Three different industrial …

Application Of Enlisted Force Retention Levels And Career Field Stability, Jamie T. Zimmermann

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force’s success is influenced by the manpower it has. The end-strength is Congressionally mandated. Predicting personnel retention is critical to the operations of the military. Over 10 years ago, the Air Force produced enlisted career field sustainment lines based on manning. If a career field was over manned the authorizations were decreased, likewise if a career field was under manned the authorizations were increased. The constant fluctuation of manning caused bathtubs to be created and requirements to go unfilled. Currently, the Air Force produces enlisted career field sustainment lines based on the 5-year historical retention rates. This method …

Analyzing The Critical Supply Chain For Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Megan L. Muniz

Theses and Dissertations

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) play a vital role in present day operations due their asset capability and ability to reduce risk to pilots’ lives. A complex supply chain network capable of producing and integrating all raw materials, components, sub- systems, and systems supports the successful acquisition of a UAS. Such a complex network is supported by vital supply chain decisions. Two important decisions regarding supply chain design include supplier selection and optimal flow of material and product Whether a decision maker wishes to design or interdict a supply chain, the methodology developed in this thesis provides a suite of tailorable …

Reliability And Cost Impacts For Attritable Systems, Bryan R. Bentz

Theses and Dissertations

Attritable systems trade system attributes like reliability and reparability to achieve lower acquisition cost and decrease cost risk. Ultimately, it is hoped that by trading these attributes the amount of systems able to be acquired will be increased. However, the effect of trading these attributes on system-level reliability and cost risk is difficult to express complicated reparable systems like an air vehicle. Failure-time and cost data from a baseline limited-life air vehicle is analyzed for this reliability and reparability trade study. The appropriateness of various reliability and cost estimation techniques are examined for these data. This research employs the cumulative …

2018 Military Retirement Options: An Expected Net Present Value Decision Analysis Model, Bret N. Witham

Theses and Dissertations

The 2016 NDAA authorized changes to the military retirement system transitioning from the legacy High-3 defined benefit annuity to the new Blended Retirement System (BRS). In exchange for a reduced defined benefit annuity, the BRS incorporates automatic and matching contributions to the member’s Thrift Savings Plan and a continuation payment offered at 12 years of service. In 2018,service members with less than 12 years of service will make an irrevocable decision between the two retirement systems. This research effort addresses the problem by developing a decision analysis model incorporating up to 27 different input variables. Service members can use the …

Feasibility And Environmental Implications Of Using Waste Motor Oil As Alternative Supplemental Fuel In Contingency Prime Power Generation, Zachary S. Bierhaus

Theses and Dissertations

In an era of strict hazardous material restrictions and intense energy savings projects, DoD has an opportunity for a waste-to-energy initiative by looking to vintage diesel engine technology for inspiration. The idea comes in the form of recycled Waste Motor Oil (WMO) which can be used as a fuel in compression-ignition engines. When mixed at a low blend ratio, WMO can supplement diesel fuels to extend the range of fuel stores for electrical power generating equipment at contingency military bases while simultaneously decreasing the burden on fuel supply chain management and the hazardous waste disposal stream. This research looked at …

Resource Evaluation Of Quantum Linear Systems Algorithm For Application To Electromagnetic Scattering Problems, Casey J.R. Riggs

Theses and Dissertations

Current limitations in quantum computing technology does not allow for very large applications of quantum algorithms, and it is the nature of quantum algorithms not only to be able to solve problems of interest much more quickly than classical means but also to do so with less resources which makes them so promising! One such problem of interest is the application of the Quantum Linear Systems Algorithm, along with a few other subroutines, to the calculation of an electromagnetic scattering cross-section via finite element methods. This work composes a resource analysis of the algorithm as well as required subroutines and …

Multi-Plc Exercise Environments For Training Ics First Responders, Joseph K. Daoud

Theses and Dissertations

When systems are targeted by cyber attacks, cyber first responders must be able to react effectively, especially when dealing with critical infrastructure. Training for cyber first responders is lacking and most existing exercise platforms are expensive, inaccessible or ineffective. This paper presents a mobile training platform which incorporates a variety of programmable logic controllers into a single system which facilitates the development of the unique skills required of cyber first responders operating in the realm of industrial control systems. The platform is modeled after a jail in the northeastern United States and was developed to maximize realism. Example training scenarios …

Enhancing The Thermal Performance Of Temporary Fabric Shelters For The Advanced Energy Efficient Shelter System, Justin E. Eshleman

Theses and Dissertations

Investment in the commercial space industry has grown significantly over the past decade. This investment has led to a tremendous leap in capability for small satellite systems and a greater demand for small launch vehicles. At the same time, space system affordability is a point of emphasis within the Department of Defense (DoD) which raises the question: Can the DoD lower space access costs through the exploitation of the growing small satellite and small launch marketplace? We perform a financial analysis of newly developed small launch vehicles delivering a small satellite constellation to low earth orbit (LEO) to perform wideband …

Learning Curves: An Alternative Analysis, Sharif F. Harris

Theses and Dissertations

Learning curves are used to describe and estimate the cost performance of a serial production process. There are numerous different models and methods, however, it is not definitively known which is preferred. The research objective is to performance compare the more common learning curve models. The research goal is improved understanding of the systemic cost drivers of a production process, their relationship to cost, and present modeling methods. The research method is qualitative analysis combined with statistical regression modeling. The research identified that preference for one function or another depended upon the shape of the data and how well a …

Alternate Stimuli For The Elicitation Of Event-Related Potentials, Bryan V. Jackson

Theses and Dissertations

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are systems that leverage user-brain activity to identify and perform specific functions. In applications requiring overt visual attention, focusing on visual stimuli with known temporal variation can elicit measurable changes in brain activity. However, elements of BCI applications can be intrusive. This research was designed to determine if Event-Related Potentials (ERPs), to include Steady-State Visually-Evoked Potentials (SSVEPs), could be elicited and interpreted from less obtrusive stimuli. Specifically, this research explores the use of variable frequency and long-wavelength (infrared) stimuli for SSVEP interpretation to explore the application of less obtrusive stimuli for application in BCIs. It was determined …

A Framework For Analyzing And Discussing Level Of Human Control Abstraction, Clifford D. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

It is often useful to understand the impact of an artificial teammate upon human workload in human-machine teams. Levels of Autonomy (LoA) differentiate systems based on control authority. Unfortunately, human workload is not necessarily correlated with LoA. An alternate classification framework, designated the Level of Human Control Abstraction (LHCA), is proposed. LHCA differentiates system states based on the control and monitoring tasks performed and the level of decisions made by humans. The framework defines five levels, designed to differentiate between system states based upon anticipated levels of human attention. This presentation will summarize the framework and demonstrate its application.

An Investigation Into The Indicators Of A Successful Total Force Association, Greg E. Hoyt

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force, since adopting and subsequently developing the Total Force concept in the early 1970s, has not thoroughly outlined clear objectives by which the progress toward and realization of this strategic vision should be defined and measured. Without clear definition, direction, and method of evaluation, the ability to credibly claim any subsequent successes or failures in the pursuit of this vision become vulnerable to challenge. Indeed, the mere claim that a single, clear vision exists may be challenged. The Total Force concepts degree of success has, on multiple occasions through its history, been critiqued with the most recent instance …

Real-Time Heuristic Algorithms For The Static Weapon-Target Assignment Problem, Alexander G. Kline

Theses and Dissertations

The problem of targeting and engaging individual missiles (targets) with an arsenal of interceptors (weapons) is known as the weapon target assignment problem. As many solution techniques are based upon a transformation of the objective function, their final solutions rarely produce optimal solutions. We propose a nonlinear branch and bound algorithm to provide the first optimization approach to the untransformed problem found in the literature. Further, we propose a new heuristic based upon the branch and bound algorithm which dominates other heuristics explored in optimality gap. We also propose a heuristic based upon the optimal solution to the quiz problem …

Predicting Solar Performance In A Contingency Environment To Meet Net-Zero Facility Power, Anthony D. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

The U.S. government is involved in contingency operations all over the world and these operations require operational support and sustainment in these locations; this includes the reliable delivery of power to base infrastructure. The traditional means of delivering this support requirement in austere environments has been the use of diesel-power generation that has an extensive logistical and economic tail. The research sought out contingency solar applications that may be implemented and operated to offset the facility demand loads in the location to achieve net-zero power. This research explores the technical feasibility of a deployable photovoltaic microgrid to deliver power to …

A System Dynamics Model Investigating The Efficacy Of Non-Kinetic Policy Strategies On The Diffusion Of Democratic Ideologies In China, Maria S. Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

Shaping the next century of global politics and power, United States-China relations comprise one of the most significant bilateral relationships in the world. A new era of unrestricted warfare is one example of how aggression from China could be very costly for the United States. The growth of democratic ideals within China decreases the risk of detrimental impacts according to democratic peace theory. This thesis explores a multifaceted system of relationships that regulate the diffusion of democratic ideology within China, as defined by a proxy-measure characterized as human rights by Freedom House. Relative deprivation theory coupled with an adapted Bass …

An Approximate Dynamic Programming Approach For Comparing Firing Solutions In A Networked Air Defense Environment, Daniel S. Summers

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Army currently employs a shoot-shoot-look firing policy for air defense. As the Army moves to a networked defense-in-depth strategy, this policy will not provide optimal results for managing interceptor inventories in a conflict to minimize the damage to defended assets. The objective for air and missile defense is to identify the firing policy for interceptor allocation that minimizes expected total cost of damage to defended assets. This dynamic weapon target assignment problem is formulated first as a Markov decision process (MDP) and then approximate dynamic programming (ADP) is used to solve problem instances based on a representative …

On Proportionate And Truthful International Alliance Contributions: An Analysis Of Incentive Compatible Cost Sharing Mechanisms To Burden Sharing, William N. Caballero

Theses and Dissertations

Burden sharing within an international alliance is a contentious topic, especially in the current geopolitical environment, that in practice is generally imposed by a central authority's perception of its members' abilities to contribute. Instead, we propose a cost sharing mechanism such that burden shares are allocated to nations based on their honest declarations of the alliance's worth. Specifically, we develop a set of multiobjective nonlinear optimization problem formulations that respectively impose Bayesian Incentive Compatible (BIC), Strategyproof (SP), and Group Strategyproof (GSP) mechanisms based on probabilistic inspection efforts and deception penalties that are budget balanced and in the core. Any feasible …

A Scenario-Based Parametric Analysis Of Stable Marriage Approaches To The Army Officer Assignment Problem, Matthew D. Ferguson

Theses and Dissertations

This paper compares linear programming and stable marriage approaches to the assignment problem under conditions of uncertainty. Robust solutions should exhibit reduced variability in the presence of one or more additional constraints. Several variations of each approach are compared with respect to solution quality, as measured by the overall social welfare among Officers and Assignments, and robustness as measured by the number of changes after a number of randomized perturbations. We examine the contrasts between these methods in the context of assigning Army Officers among a set of identified assignments. Additional constraints are modeled after realistic scenarios faced by Army …

Survival Analysis Of Us Air Force Officer Retention Rate, Courtney N. Franzen

Theses and Dissertations

Personnel retention is a matter of great interest in the private and public sectors. In the public sector--specifically the US Air Force--maintaining appropriate retention levels of rated officers is paramount as these officers are the backbone of the Air Force’s mission. As part of the effort to ensure proper retention rates for rated officers, retention models are created by the Air Force Personnel division that assist in predicting future retention patterns and accession needs. The techniques for creating these models, known as the "sustainment line," involve utilizing average retention percentages obtained from historical data. In this study, more statistical-based methods …

Identifying Partnership Opportunities At Air Force Installations: A Geographic Information Systems Approach, Corey R. Degroot

Theses and Dissertations

The excess capacity found in the Department of Defense real property portfolio creates challenges for leaders to provide resilient installations. Combining this fact with current funding trends makes decisions on how to properly maintain infrastructure even more challenging. The Air Force Partnership Initiative provides tools for installations to leverage community capabilities and resources to achieve savings and improve quality on Air Force installations and can reduce the real property footprint. This research proposes a method for assessing the viability of a partnership between Air Force installations and their nearby communities.
This research effort created a tool capable of investigating off-base …