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Articles 1 - 30 of 48
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Preferred Treatment Methods For Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease, James L. Deitschel
Preferred Treatment Methods For Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease, James L. Deitschel
Theses and Dissertations
Shared decision making is the concept of physicians involving patients in the treatment planning process. The University of Maryland Medical Center is interested in applying shared decision making to the treatment of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The two treatment methods analyzed in this study were medical management and surgery. To explore patient preferences between these two alternatives, a discrete choice experiment (DCE) was employed. The responses for the DCE were binary, so logistic regression models were explored. The conditional logistic regression model was determined to be the most appropriate for this analysis. After step-wise regression was performed, a …
Confirmation Bias Estimation From Electroencephalography With Machine Learning, Micah Villarreal
Confirmation Bias Estimation From Electroencephalography With Machine Learning, Micah Villarreal
Theses and Dissertations
Cognitive biases are known to plague human decision making and can have disastrous effects in the fast-paced environments of military operators. Traditionally, behavioral methods are employed to measure the level of bias in a decision. However, these measures can be hindered by a multitude of subjective factors and cannot be collected in real-time. This work investigates enhancing the current measures of estimating confirmation bias with additional behavior patterns and physiological variables to explore the viability of real-time bias detection. Confirmation bias in decisions is estimated by modeling the relationship between Electroencephalography (EEG) signals and behavioral data using machine learning methods.
Experimental Designs, Meta-Modeling, And Meta-Learning For Mixed-Factor Systems With Large Decision Spaces, Zachary C. Little
Experimental Designs, Meta-Modeling, And Meta-Learning For Mixed-Factor Systems With Large Decision Spaces, Zachary C. Little
Theses and Dissertations
Many Air Force studies require a design and analysis process that can accommodate for the computational challenges associated with complex systems, simulations, and real-world decisions. For systems with large decision spaces and a mixture of continuous, discrete, and categorical factors, nearly orthogonal-and-balanced (NOAB) designs can be used as efficient, representative subsets of all possible design points for system evaluation, where meta-models are then fitted to act as surrogates to system outputs. The mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulations used to construct first-order NOAB designs are extended to solve for low correlation between second-order model terms (i.e., two-way interactions and quadratics). The …
Pragmatic Divestment Of Kc-135 Navigators In The Special Operations Air Refueling Mission, Andrew P. Nation
Pragmatic Divestment Of Kc-135 Navigators In The Special Operations Air Refueling Mission, Andrew P. Nation
Theses and Dissertations
In the late 1990s, the Air Force eliminated over 200 KC-135 navigators, leaving 50 remaining for the aircraft's most complex Special Operations Air Refueling (SOAR) mission. As the Air Force unveils the KC-46 Pegasus, this mission will continue but without a position for the navigator. Instead, navigators will undergo divestment as the SOAR mission transfers to the KC-46. Current plans indicate navigators will not only remain as the KC-46 arrives, but inbound navigators will continue arriving until 2018. This thesis applies the Delphi method, a process eliciting analysis anonymously from a panel of experts, in order to examine the elements …
A Decision Analysis Framework For Evaluation Of Helmet Mounted Display Alternatives For Fighter Aircraft, Matthew R. Dansereau
A Decision Analysis Framework For Evaluation Of Helmet Mounted Display Alternatives For Fighter Aircraft, Matthew R. Dansereau
Theses and Dissertations
The promise of providing an intuitive and efficient information interface, while allowing the warfighter to perform other critical tasks such as targeting or aircraft control, has led to the growing popularity of Helmet Mounted Displays (HMDs) across the military landscape, especially combat aircraft. Though design and selection of competing systems is critical to optimized performance and safety, structured methods for the evaluation of HMDs are not often used in the acquisition community, leaving selection among alternative designs to the judgment of subject matter experts. However, technical decision-making has been shown to be flawed without the use of a structured decision …
Using Decision Analysis To Select Facility Maintenance Management Information Systems, Marchello T. Graddy
Using Decision Analysis To Select Facility Maintenance Management Information Systems, Marchello T. Graddy
Theses and Dissertations
Maintenance organizations, charged with preserving the built environment, are receiving a shrinking portion of an organization’s operational budget to do its job. It has been demonstrated through various studies that efficiencies can be gained by implementing a maintenance management information system (MMIS). However, with so many choices available, maintenance organizations often select the wrong system. This research effort used value-focused thinking decision analysis to create a model based on values from the Air Force Civil Engineer career field. Data for values and weights were collected from official documents and interviews. The resulting model is highly flexible, allowing the ultimate decision-maker …
Extending The Strategy Based Risk Model Using The Delphi Method: An Application To The Validation Process For Research And Developmental (R&D) Satellites, Amanda J. Langenbrunner, Mary R. Trautwein
Extending The Strategy Based Risk Model Using The Delphi Method: An Application To The Validation Process For Research And Developmental (R&D) Satellites, Amanda J. Langenbrunner, Mary R. Trautwein
Theses and Dissertations
The validation between a research and developmental satellite and its ground system is critical to ensuring the success on-orbit. However, the exact process for completing validation is not documented, frequently underfunded, and accomplished ad hoc. This leads to debate regarding maintenance of budget and schedule, while ensuring on-orbit success. This thesis examines readiness and on-orbit activities within the U.S. Air Force Space Development and Test Wing's Research Development Test and Evaluation Support Complex. Combining historical data with the consultation of subject matter experts, a validation process was defined. Risks associated with this process were then analyzed using the Strategy Based …
Synthesis, Interdiction, And Protection Of Layered Networks, Kevin T. Kennedy
Synthesis, Interdiction, And Protection Of Layered Networks, Kevin T. Kennedy
Theses and Dissertations
This research developed the foundation, theory, and framework for a set of analysis techniques to assist decision makers in analyzing questions regarding the synthesis, interdiction, and protection of infrastructure networks. This includes extension of traditional network interdiction to directly model nodal interdiction; new techniques to identify potential targets in social networks based on extensions of shortest path network interdiction; extension of traditional network interdiction to include layered network formulations; and develops models/techniques to design robust layered networks while considering trade-offs with cost. These approaches identify the maximum protection/disruption possible across layered networks with limited resources, find the most robust layered …
Methodology For Value-Driven Enterprise Architecture Development Goals: Application To Dodaf Framework, Justin W. Osgood
Methodology For Value-Driven Enterprise Architecture Development Goals: Application To Dodaf Framework, Justin W. Osgood
Theses and Dissertations
The Department of Defense Architectural Framework (DoDAF) describes 29 distinct views but offers limited guidance on view selection to meet system needs. This research extends the Value-Driven Enterprise Architecture Score (VDEA-Score) from a descriptive, evaluation protocol toward a prescriptive one by evaluating each DoDAF view and its contribution to the overall objective of the completed architecture. This extension of VDEA is referred to as VDEA-Development Goals (VDEA-DG). The program manager or other decision-makers may use this insight to justify the allocation of resources to the development of specific architecture views considered to provide maximum value. This research provides insight into …
Value-Driven Enterprise Architecture Score: Evaluation Applied To Joint Force Protection Future State Design, Larry D. Cotton, Gary A. Haase
Value-Driven Enterprise Architecture Score: Evaluation Applied To Joint Force Protection Future State Design, Larry D. Cotton, Gary A. Haase
Theses and Dissertations
This research presents a methodology to evaluate the quality of a system's architecture using principles drawn from Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) and resulting in a Value-Driven Enterprise Architecture Score (VDEA-Score). This is an overall numerical architecture quality score useful to a system's management team to identify the advantages and disadvantages of a system design and associated architecture documentation or to track its quality across discrete evaluation epochs. This effort determined which aspects of the architecture are most valuable to the stakeholder in the areas of (1) the system effectiveness values (quality of the instantiated system being represented and its ability to …
Developing A Decision Model For Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (Jieddo) Proposal Selection, Lyle M. Dawley, Lenore A. Marentee, Alice Marie Long
Developing A Decision Model For Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (Jieddo) Proposal Selection, Lyle M. Dawley, Lenore A. Marentee, Alice Marie Long
Theses and Dissertations
This research uses decision analysis to develop a structured, repeatable and most importantly defensible decision model for the evaluation of proposed IED defeat solutions submitted to the Joint IED Defeat Organization (JIEDDO). Additive value models using Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) are examined as possible methodologies. VFT is determined to be the "best fit" for JIEDDO's decision situation in which proposals are submitted continuously and must be scored independently of previous proposals. VFT is first used to determine desirable qualities in IED defeat options, and then to generate a hierarchal value model to evaluate these qualities …
Selecting The Best Thermal Building Insulation Using A Multi-Attribute Decision Model, Theodore J. Sotoropolis
Selecting The Best Thermal Building Insulation Using A Multi-Attribute Decision Model, Theodore J. Sotoropolis
Theses and Dissertations
Thermal building insulation has traditionally been viewed as a means to reduce thermal conductivity through the building envelope. Builders typically choose the least expensive material which meets the specifications in order to remain competitive. Other factors regarding long term health and environmental consequences are typically dismissed. However, a recent shift toward sustainability requires that architects and engineers take a more responsible approach to building design. This research takes a holistic approach to selecting thermal building insulation through the use of a multi-attribute decision model. Several types of insulating products from a variety of manufacturers were investigated in order to determine …
Robust Sensitivity Analysis Of Courses Of Action Using An Additive Value Model, Hunter A. Marks
Robust Sensitivity Analysis Of Courses Of Action Using An Additive Value Model, Hunter A. Marks
Theses and Dissertations
The Department of Defense (DoD) requires the ability to quantifiably measure progress in arenas that are complex and difficult to measure, such as the stability of a region. Therefore, the DoD works diligently to predict the effect of operations and sponsors research to improve prediction and analysis. They desire a repeatable, systematic methodology to aid in the selection of courses of action (COA) that efficiently meet stated objectives and quantitatively measure the degree of accomplishment of these objectives. The author proposes a value-focused thinking (VFT) decision analysis (DA) approach to this problem. This methodology not only aids in selection of …
A Decision Tool To Evaluate Budgeting Methodologies For Estimating Facility Recapitalization Requirements, Krista M. Hickman
A Decision Tool To Evaluate Budgeting Methodologies For Estimating Facility Recapitalization Requirements, Krista M. Hickman
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to develop a decision tool to assist in the evaluation of facility recapitalization budget estimation models to determine which model was best suited for a particular organization. Specifically, this thesis sought to answer an overarching research question addressing the importance of recapitalization and the best method to estimate the facility recapitalization budget using the Department of Defense (DoD) as the subject of the research. A comprehensive literature review revealed ten existing recapitalization model alternatives to consider for implementation. The methodology used to develop a decision tool was based on the Value Focused Thinking (VFT) …
A Decision Model For Selecting Energy Efficient Technologies For Low -Sloping Roof Tops Using Value-Focused Thinking, Michael J. Mccourt
A Decision Model For Selecting Energy Efficient Technologies For Low -Sloping Roof Tops Using Value-Focused Thinking, Michael J. Mccourt
Theses and Dissertations
The Air Force has a large inventory of low-sloping built up roofs (BURs) and millions of dollars are spent each year retrofitting these systems. The DOD has been directed to reduce non-renewable energy consumption by using energy-efficient technologies. These two details present a great opportunity to use the open roof space to install energy-efficient roofing technologies. The purpose of this research is to provide Air Force decision makers with a tool to assist them in deciding what roofing technologies should be installed on facilities. Value Focused-Thinking is the methodology used to construct the model, in which values were used, instead …
Selecting Electricity Generation Sources In Remote Locations, Kelly E. Kwan
Selecting Electricity Generation Sources In Remote Locations, Kelly E. Kwan
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of using a decision analysis technique for the selection of an electrical generation system for remote locations. Specifically, this thesis sought to answer five research questions addressing the types of energy sources used in remote locations, the decision-making processes used to identify these sources, the types of constraints incorporated in such a process, other valued factors, and their level of importance in relation to each other. The research questions were answered through a comprehensive literature review and the 10-Step Value-Focused Thinking Process on a specific case study in the National …
A Value-Focused Thinking Model For The Selection Of The Best Rigid Pavement, Partial-Depth Spall Repair Material, Benjamin G. Speer
A Value-Focused Thinking Model For The Selection Of The Best Rigid Pavement, Partial-Depth Spall Repair Material, Benjamin G. Speer
Theses and Dissertations
Concrete spalls on airfield pavements generate foreign object debris (FOD) that is damaging to aircraft engines, and may damage landing gear by roughening of the pavement surface. Repairing spalled concrete on aging and deteriorating airfields is essential for its safe operational use. Picking the best repair material from many products on the commercial market is difficult. There is wide variation on material properties, and good performance on certain criteria is critical to constructing long lasting repairs. Since there is currently no procedure for Air Force decision-makers to select the best rigid-pavement repair material, a model was created using Value-Focused Thinking …
Using Value-Focused Thinking To Evaluate The Practicality Of Porous Pavement Parking Areas On Air Force Installations, Christopher D. Bulson
Using Value-Focused Thinking To Evaluate The Practicality Of Porous Pavement Parking Areas On Air Force Installations, Christopher D. Bulson
Theses and Dissertations
Natural runoff processes have been altered by urban development; impervious surfaces (rooftops, highways, parking areas) and their associated storm water systems channel runoff from a vast area into one concentrated outflow. This storm water runoff can cause erosion, flooding, landslides, and significant damage to aquatic ecosystems. Runoff from highways and parking areas has also been known to contain high levels of suspended solids, heavy metals and hydrocarbons. Porous pavements allow infiltration of water through typically impervious surfaces, reducing storm water volumes and acting as a pollutant filtration system. Since there is currently no methodology for Air Force decision-makers to compare …
Strategic Airlift En Route Analysis To Support The Global War On Terrorism Using A Value Focused Thinking Approach, Marykathryn W. Tharaldson
Strategic Airlift En Route Analysis To Support The Global War On Terrorism Using A Value Focused Thinking Approach, Marykathryn W. Tharaldson
Theses and Dissertations
The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) has yielded new challenges to the United States' strategic airlift infrastructure. The network of en-route airfields that serve as refueling and maintenance stops were designed primarily to service relatively static Cold War requirements. However, the GWOT has resulted in the need for an infrastructure that is responsive to a highly dynamic environment. This research uses a "value focused" methodology to identify en-route airfield locations that simultaneously maximize cargo throughput capability while possessing a high degree of adaptability to volatile cargo delivery requirements.
An Evaluation Of Contingency Construction Methods Using Value Focused Thinking, John E. Tyron
An Evaluation Of Contingency Construction Methods Using Value Focused Thinking, John E. Tyron
Theses and Dissertations
Rapid Engineering Deployable, Heavy Operational Repair Squadron, Engineer (RED HORSE) Squadrons are 400-person, self-contained, combat engineer units that provide deployable and flexible expert construction capability for the United States Air Force. To help meet Air Force mission requirements, RED HORSE units currently employ a variety of traditional and innovative construction methods. But their alternatives-focused decision analysis approach to method selection limits their decision to known alternatives and may not fully achieve all of their objectives. This research developed a generic value-focused thinking (VFT) decision analysis model to help RED HORSE evaluate and select contingency construction methods. Eight alternatives were generated …
Using Value-Focused Thinking To Evaluate The Practicality Of Ground-Source Heat Pumps At Military Installations, Jimmy J. Jeoun
Using Value-Focused Thinking To Evaluate The Practicality Of Ground-Source Heat Pumps At Military Installations, Jimmy J. Jeoun
Theses and Dissertations
Because of potential cost and energy savings, military decision-makers may want to consider the use of energy-efficient heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems at their installations. Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs), in particular, show great promise because of their low energy requirements and low life-cycle costs. However, there currently exists no design guidance or established criteria for HVAC selection. Consequently, military decision-makers have no basis for comparing conventional HVAC systems and GSHPs. The Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) methodology was used to create a multi-objective decision analysis model that measures the value of different HVAC systems. Consisting of five bottom-tier values and …
Assessing The Usefulness Of The Decision Framework For Identifying And Selecting Knowledge Management Projects, Kevin G. Budai
Assessing The Usefulness Of The Decision Framework For Identifying And Selecting Knowledge Management Projects, Kevin G. Budai
Theses and Dissertations
Knowledge management (KM) is becoming recognized as a valuable tool for the Department of Defense (DoD) in its effort to maintain a competitive, strategic advantage against its enemies in a new threat environment. Decision superiority is the ultimate end result and is only possible through the effective and efficient use of its chief key resource--knowledge. As the Air Force seeks to transform the way it does business the concept of knowledge management has made its way to the forefront of both the Air Force's Information Strategy and Information Resource Flight Plan. This research assesses the usefulness of a knowledge management …
A Value Focused Thinking Model For The Development And Selection Of Electrical Energy Source Alternatives At Military Installations, Gregory T. Schanding
A Value Focused Thinking Model For The Development And Selection Of Electrical Energy Source Alternatives At Military Installations, Gregory T. Schanding
Theses and Dissertations
Electrical power on military installations is vital for mission accomplishment. Most installations obtain electrical power from a local commercial utility. Although commercial power service has a very low interruption rate, the threat of a sustained power outage resulting from a terrorist act or a natural disaster is of concern. The military should posture itself to prevent such power outages and prepare to mitigate the adverse effects associated with the loss of power. This thesis presents a Value Focused Thinking approach to the development of a decision analysis model to assist a decision maker at a military installation in the generation …
Investigating The Optimal Management Strategy For A Healthcare Facility Maintenance Program, Daria J. Gaillard
Investigating The Optimal Management Strategy For A Healthcare Facility Maintenance Program, Daria J. Gaillard
Theses and Dissertations
Reacting to the need to transform and the increasing pressure to outsource all non-core activities, Air Force Material Command Surgeon General discontinued its previous use of full service contracts with original equipment manufacturers and adopted a relatively new maintenance outsourcing strategy: strategic partnering with an equipment management firm. The objective of this study is to create a decision-model for selecting the optimal management strategy for a healthcare organization's facility maintenance program. This study used personal interviews with facility management personnel from MAJCOMs to collect and analyze data. This study offers a re-conceptualized framework for viewing and understanding the various maintenance …
Keys To Successful Implementation And Sustainment Of Managed Maintenance For Healthcare Facilities, Elizabeth A. Waggoner
Keys To Successful Implementation And Sustainment Of Managed Maintenance For Healthcare Facilities, Elizabeth A. Waggoner
Theses and Dissertations
Health care providers are faced with two critical issues in today's evolving marketplace: lowering operational costs and achieving more efficient, cost-effective methods to deliver high quality patient care. The rising costs of healthcare and decreasing budgets have placed additional strain on the United States Air Force Medical Service to aggressively lower its facilities' costs. With fewer funds and less personnel, the Air Force medical service is re-evaluating its current maintenance outsourcing implementation practices and reexamining how these strategies might be implemented and sustained more successfully. This research offers some of the foundational needs for designing, implementing and sustaining any type …
Decision Analysis With Value Focused Thinking As A Methodology To Assess Air Force Officer Retention Alternatives, Sang-Ho Moon
Decision Analysis With Value Focused Thinking As A Methodology To Assess Air Force Officer Retention Alternatives, Sang-Ho Moon
Theses and Dissertations
Many countries realize the importance of the retention of qualified military personnel, and have tried to solve this problem using various methods. Nevertheless, the effects of those methods have not been determined or proven yet. The military retention problem is closely related to each individual's separation decision from the military. The characteristics of this decision are multi-objective and highly subjective. Accordingly, the effectiveness of various methods is heavily dependant on the value set of each individual. Decision Analysis (DA) using Value Focused Thinking (VFT) can be an excellent process to deal with this decision. Also, the data can reflect the …
Using Value-Focused Thinking To Evaluate The Effectiveness Of Air Force Utility Privatization, Carlos Braziel
Using Value-Focused Thinking To Evaluate The Effectiveness Of Air Force Utility Privatization, Carlos Braziel
Theses and Dissertations
The majority of the Air Force s stateside utility systems are old, obsolete, and unreliable. The cost to upgrade and repair these systems is currently estimated at over $4 billion. In response, the Air Force began efforts to convey ownership of these utility systems to the private sector through privatization efforts. However, privatization critics believe that newly privatized entities of government will cost the public more money and provide a lower level of service. Therefore, independent audits are a necessity to ensure government initiatives, meet their intended goals. However, the Air Force currently lacks an effective auditing tool to ensure …
The Application Of Value Focused Thinking To Utilities Privatization Source Selection, J. Heath Duncan
The Application Of Value Focused Thinking To Utilities Privatization Source Selection, J. Heath Duncan
Theses and Dissertations
The Department of Defense's utility systems have suffered from under-funding and lack of technology investment, thereby creating a service gap between these DoD systems and systems operated by commercial providers. In order to overcome this gap and refurbish their systems, the DoD has focused its efforts on privatization of these systems. The utilities privatization decision is extremely vital and permanent and thus warrants backup source selection methodologies. Since awarding contracts in the utilities privatization arena requires a decision considering tradeoffs between multiple competing objectives, a value-focused thinking approach was used to create a structured, standardized value model taking into account …
Linear Programming And Genetic Algorithm Based Optimization For The Weighting Scheme Of A Value Focused Thinking Hierarchy, David M. Thawley
Linear Programming And Genetic Algorithm Based Optimization For The Weighting Scheme Of A Value Focused Thinking Hierarchy, David M. Thawley
Theses and Dissertations
Deriving weights for a Value Focused Thinking (VFT) hierarchy demands considerable time and input from Decision Makers (DM) and Subject Matter Experts (SME). Often, the DMs and SMEs are the leaders of companies and organizations, and this required time is unrealistic with their schedules. In these situations, as well as scenarios where there no available DMs/SMEs, conventional means of weighting a VFT hierarchy are impossible, and any VFT analysis is halted. When historical data exists on evaluation measures and performance of alternatives, linear programming and genetic algorithm based optimization may be used to derive historically optimal weights for a hierarchy. …
Task Load And Automation Use In An Uncertain Environment, Mark A. Daly
Task Load And Automation Use In An Uncertain Environment, Mark A. Daly
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects that user task load level has on the relationship between an individual's trust in and subsequent use of a system's automation. Automation research has demonstrated a positive correlation between an individual's trust in and subsequent use of the automation. Military decision-makers trust and use information system automation to make many tactical judgments and decisions. In situations of information uncertainty (information warfare environments), decision-makers must remain aware of information reliability issues and temperate their use of system automation if necessary. An individual's task load may have an effect on his use …