Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

Search-Based System Architecture Development Using A Holistic Modeling Approach, Renzhong Wang

Doctoral Dissertations

"This dissertation presents an innovative approach to system architecting where search algorithms are used to explore design trade space for good architecture alternatives. Such an approach is achieved by integrating certain model construction, alternative generation, simulation, and assessment processes into a coherent and automated framework. This framework is facilitated by a holistic modeling approach that combines the capabilities of Object Process Methodology (OPM), Colored Petri Net (CPN), and feature model. The resultant holistic model can not only capture the structural, behavioral, and dynamic aspects of a system, allowing simulation and strong analysis methods to be applied, it can also specify …

Chemical Risk In Early Design, Carlton Ashley Washburn

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to present a methodology to identify risks in the chemical product development process, including fortification of the failure mode taxonomy by including chemical failures. This work will enable comprehensive risk analysis in technology-based products that have a chemical based subsystem, such as those used in the lithography process in the semiconductor industry. This research broadened the failure mode taxonomy by identifying chemical failures from publications in the semiconductor industry. These failures were analyzed to determine the rudimentary failure modes in each case. The newly identified failure modes were added to the failure mode taxonomy. …

A New Hybrid Approach For Forecasting Interest Rates, David Enke, Nijat Mehdiyev

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The dynamic, non-linear, volatile and complex nature of interest rates makes it hard to predict their future movements. in order to deal with these complexities, the authors propose a two-stage neuro-hybrid forecasting model. in the initial data preprocessing stage, multiple regression analysis is implemented to determine the variables that have the strongest prediction ability. the selected variables are then provided as inputs to a Fuzzy Inference Neural Network to forecast future interest rate values. the proposed hybrid model is implemented using data from the U.S. interest rate market. © 2012 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Sustainable Engineering Practices In Transportation Projects, Kiran Rangarajan

Doctoral Dissertations

"Sustainability has become an important issue in transportation and infrastructure development projects. While several agencies are trying to incorporate a range of sustainability measures in their goals and missions, only a few planning agencies have been able to implement these policies and they are far from perfect. The low rate of success in implementing sustainable policies is primarily due to incomplete understanding of the system and the interaction between various elements of the system. The conventional planning efforts focuses mainly on performance measures pertaining to the system and its impact on the environment but seldom on the social and economic …

Real-Time Supply Chain Predictive Metrics, William Scott Hunter

Doctoral Dissertations

"Supply chains drive the production world. Virtually all products use a supply chain to produce them and they can determine the success of companies using them. The ability to manage supply chains is currently a mix of relationship management and science, combining personal and company relationships with data analysis.

The increased dependency on supply chains has increased the need to develop and use predictive real-time metrics to manage supply chain risk, measure suppliers and drive performance. Current metrics used are reactive and stagnant in nature. Real-time metrics will allow supply chain professionals to better manage risk. Current management techniques include …

Logistics Modeling And Project Management Practices For Contingency Basing, Amanda Jo Gealy

Masters Theses

"Contingency basing is a critical factor in mission success but requires significant logistical and commander support. Designing and constructing a camp that is safe, secure, and self-sustaining can be a difficult task for a Contingency Basing engineering manager. The infrastructure for basic needs such as electricity, fuel, water, food, and waste management is critical and needs to be flexible.

This research focuses on assisting the Contingency Basing engineering manager in designing and constructing a feasible base camp using project management and modeling tools. Measuring scalability and resiliency with in the contingency base was studied as well. The methodology concentrates on …

Modeling Forward Base Camps As Complex Adaptive Sociotechnical Systems, Lori Ann Miller

Masters Theses

Work for this thesis focuses on managing complexity within complex adaptive sociotechnical systems by using model based systems engineering and virtual engineering tools. The hypothesis of the work is that integrated virtual models can be used to increase the understanding of these complex adaptive sociotechnical systems, resulting in a reduction in the perceived complexity. This was tested by the use of a two factor survey given to experts of a system (the customer and members of the model design team) and to a target user-group. This group received a demonstration and had hands on experience with a preliminary model of …

Optimization Of Process Planning For Focused Ion Beam Machine In Nano-Manufacturing, Sushrut Shekhar Naik

Masters Theses

"The current revolution witnessed by nanotechnology is facing several challenges such as manufacturing of nano sized devices economically on a large scale. Focused ion beam (FIB) technology is one of the widely used approaches for nano-manufacturing due to its versatile nature. It provides accurate machining and process repeatability and has a range of applications. Major challenges for the current FIB process are the tradeoffs between quality, the processing time, and the long planning time. This research provides a pathway to eliminate the current problems facing nanotechnology. Using MATLAB and the Helios 600 FIB/SEM instrument available, modeling and analyses are carried …

Parametric Moment Closure For Non-Linear State Dependent Stochastic Systems, Ritesh Arora

Masters Theses

"This research highlights the use of moment closure approximation techniques to provide analytical approximations to nonlinear state dependent systems. Nonlinear systems are often difficult to solve and often approximated through the use of simulation. However, Moment Closure has the capability to derive an approximate solution by making a closed form solution out of open set of differential equations representing nonlinear system behavior in both transient and equilibrium state. It is this capability of approximating the closed form solution to complex systems that draws interest in the use of this method within systems engineering. This research further extends to the stability …

A Feasibility Analysis Of Retrofitting Existing Roadway Lighting Infrastructure With Led Technology, Sean Michael Schmidt

Masters Theses

LED technology has advanced towards use in high intensity lighting purposes. LED luminaires have a significantly longer expected lifetime than traditional high-intensity discharge lighting systems. Due to these recent improvements in LED technology, there is a growing need for a comprehensive method to analyze the applicability of LED luminaires for use on major routes and roadways. This research investigates the acceptability of LED luminaires for use on major roadways through a feasibility analysis using data collected at various LED street light testing sites. Nine distinct LED luminaires were analyzed in field testing. The field data was then analyzed and compared …

Dynamic Model-Based Systems Engineering Using Xml Metadata Interchange, Dustin Scott Nottage

Masters Theses

"Designing systems presents an engineer with numerous design choices based on multiple conditions and constraints. Base camp planning must take into account the number of soldiers, the permanency of the base, the location of the base, etc. To help alleviate the complexity of constructing a base camp, a model-based systems engineering approach is used. This method creates and integrates models for all of the facilities that can make a base camp, as well as interactions between facilities and required utilities for each. The goal is to have a camp design, and then solve a system of equations to solve for …

Impact Of Interruptions In White Collar Working Environment, Zafar Akhil Khan

Masters Theses

"An interruption is a randomly occurring, discrete event that breaks continuity of cognitive focuses on a primary task and typically requires immediate attention and insists on action. "White collar interruptions" are those that affect knowledge workers in professional, managerial, or administrative positions. Interruptions are often a common occurrence in the white collar workplace.

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the effect of timing of an interruption on the overall performance of white collar workers. This study also analyzes the interruption sources (i.e. externally and internally generated) along with effect of different types of interruptions on both demanding and …

Modeling Supply Chain Network Resiliency In The Aftermath Of An Extreme Event, Varun Ramachandran

Masters Theses

"Failure of infrastructure elements due to an extreme event adversely affects the supply chain networks in any urban environment. This study models the resiliency of a supply chain network by integrating geospatial data with critical supply chain elements and graph theory. This model can then be combined with an extreme event simulation to calculate resiliency. Resiliency refers to the time required for services and select economic indicators to approach pre-event levels (in this study, a return to 80% of the pre-event capacity). This research proposes an interdisciplinary approach to develop a comprehensive framework for resiliency modeling. This approach includes the …

Preface To Part Ii Computational Intelligence And Machine Learning, Rosemary D. Paradis, David Enke

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Strategic Management And Entrepreneurship As Economic Development Tools, Norbert Ziemer

Doctoral Dissertations

This research develops a framework of Biobased Entrepreneurial Ventures for Rural Economic Development. Rural economic development poses unique challenges and opportunities, based on available production assets, workforce trends like "brain drain," and access to industry clusters. However, certain entrepreneurial venture opportunities are preferable for rural economic development. Since supply chains are vital to business success, initial emphasis is placed on the biomass resource base to be transformed through entrepreneurial activity into higher economic value outputs. The literature contains research on specific opportunities in rural economic development (e.g. ethanol, wind power). Many of these are limited in scope and depend on …

The Effects Of Personal Protective Respirators On Human Motor, Visual, And Cognitive Skills, Anas Ahmed Alghamri

Doctoral Dissertations

"In oxygen-deficient or toxic environments in which controlling the hazard is not feasible, workers wear personal protective respirators. Hazard controls include but are not limited to engineering controls, such as ventilation, and substituting less hazardous materials. However, respirator selection and the design of tasks that require respirators are critical issues. Understanding the effects of respirators on human abilities is critical to respirator selection and therefore to the safety and efficiency of workers. This research investigated the effect of respirators on human abilities. A review of the relevant literature was conducted, revealing that respirators can affect physiological, psychological, motor, and visual …

Dynamic Decision Making Under Uncertainty In Renewable Energy Portfolio Management And Inventory Management, Jianjun Deng

Doctoral Dissertations

"It is challenging and important for a firm to make effective decisions under uncertainties, such as random fluctuations of products prices or demands, etc. This dissertation formulates mathematic models to help decision makers in energy and retail industries make optimal timing and optimal operational decisions when facing uncertain electricity prices and demands. As for energy portfolio management, the optimal entry and dispatch strategies are investigated for an electricity generating firm to introduce a renewable power plant as an alternative method for generating electricity, with or without construction delay. In addition, the abandonment strategies of considering shutting down one of the …

A Socio-Technical Analysis Of Widespread Electric Vehicle Adoption, Onanwa Nneka Egbue

Doctoral Dissertations

A combination of high fuel costs, concerns about petroleum availability, and environmental issues associated with conventional vehicles powered by fossil fuels are driving interests in electric vehicles (EVs). Large-scale deployment of EVs can play a significant role in addressing some of these problems. In spite of the benefits of EVs, several obstacles need to be overcome before EVs will be widely adopted. This research focuses on two socio-technical issues that affect widespread adoption and sustainability of EVs, consumer attitudes and perceptions, and supply chain risks of raw materials for EV battery technology. A major barrier is that consumers tend to …

A Comparison Analysis Of Defensive Routines And Theories-In-Use Of Engineering And Non-Engineering Managers, Tyria Riley

Doctoral Dissertations

"Engineering managers are managers who have an understanding of both the technical and business world in organizations. Many lead teams of their peers who are purely technical individuals. However, the success of an engineering manager depends on being able to function in both worlds when necessary. There is a stigma that engineers experience challenges in areas such as communication, conflict resolution, and leadership. Due to these challenges, defensive routines are likely to exist. Defensive routines are behaviors that are common in many managers and may hinder the success of an organization. This research uses a case study approach to measure …

Modelling Interruptions Of Human-In-The Loop Tasks, Muhammet Servet Gulum

Doctoral Dissertations

"Interruptions are a part of our everyday experience and are increasingly becoming a part of our work. Systems are typically not designed with consideration of the effects of interrupting a user during a task sequence. Research is being done in the field of interruptions and its effects. There have been various claims about the effects of interruptions on human task performance. It has been shown that interruptions may not only increase the time to perform a task but also decrease the performance. It has also been analyzed that the effect of interruptions depends on many parameters including task complexity, point …

Analyses Of Alternative Energy Deployments, Mathew Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations

"Energy use around the world is rising drastically. Fossil fuels, including liquid fuels, natural gas, and coal, are expected to supply 80% of the world's energy need in 2035. As a result, the world's energy-related carbon dioxide emission is expected to increase from 30.2 billion metric tons in 2008 to 43.2 billion metric tons in 2035. Significant steps are necessary to reduce the dependence on fossil fuel and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable and alternative energy technologies can assist in reducing the use of fossil fuels and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, most of the renewable energy technologies …

Analyzing Risk And Catastrophic Accidents: Using Lopa And Human Factors To Improve Safety In Generic Projects, Siddharth B. Damle

Doctoral Dissertations

"Risk assessment and identification in the early stages of any project is critical to the success of that project from time, budget and cost prespective [sic]. Identifying unacceptable risks and making provisions to mitigate those, can reduce the uncertainty in the project and ensure its smooth completion and closure. Various techniques have been developed over time to identify and quantify risks. Inspite of all the available research on risk management tools, accidents continue to happen and projects consistently fail.

The objective of this study is to first, determine the generic risks that can be encountered by a project. A list …

Decreasing Time To Market For A Medical Device: New Methods For The Product Development Process, Kelly Marie Davis

Doctoral Dissertations

"Through an example, led at a leading medical device company, this dissertation will demonstrate that by applying certain lean principals and tools to the development of a medical device, shortened development times can be obtained. The two papers presented in the dissertation will fill a gap in current literature. Literature presents lean techniques and applications used in many different industries. But, due to the uniqueness of the medical device industry, these general techniques are not ideal. New methods will be used and validated at a medical device company, Covidien. Instead of trying to implement many general lean principals to their …

Agent-Based Model Of Aerial Ad-Hoc Network Market Potential, Christopher B. Watkins, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Mobile Ad hoc NETworks (MANETs) have seen significant growth as a research topic in recent years. as opposed to a traditional network with a fixed node infrastructure, the nodes in a MANET are free to move and arbitrarily organize themselves while maintaining wireless communication with each other. the major benefit of MANETs is the lack of reliance on a fixed network infrastructure. the challenge is to dynamically route traffic through a set of mobile network nodes. MANETs represent a novel solution for providing internet access in aircraft. Currently, each aircraft maintains its own gateway to the internet using expensive satellite …

Towards Failure Free Design: An Analysis Of Risk Mitigation Communication, Daniel Krus, Katie Grantham

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In order to ensure that risk mitigation strategies are properly communicated to and understood by those who would use them in future designs, a common language of risk mitigation should exist. This paper focuses on a set of elements for describing risk mitigation strategies based on a linguistic analysis of the information such strategies must communicate to the design team. Sample strategies are then decomposed into these attributes and evaluated using the Gricean cooperation principle, relevance theory, and functional analysis theories from the pragmatics sub-field of linguistics. using the deficiencies found from this analysis, a format for risk mitigation strategies …

Stochastic Policy Search For Variance-Penalized Semi-Markov Control, Abhijit Gosavi, Mandar Purohit

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The variance-penalized metric in Markov decision processes (MDPs) seeks to maximize the average reward minus a scalar time the variance of rewards. in this paper, our goal is to study the same metric in the context of the semi-Markov decision process (SMDP). in the SMDP, unlike the MDP, the time spent in each transition is not identical and may in fact be a random variable. We first develop an expression for the variance of rewards in the SMDPs, and then formulate the VP-SMDP. Our interest here is in solving the problem without generating the underlying transition probabilities of the Markov …

Methodology For Behavioral-Based Malware Analysis And Detection Using Random Projections And K-Nearest Neighbors Classifiers, Jozsef Hegedus, Yoan Miche, Alexander Ilin, Amaury Lendasse

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In This Paper, a Two-Stage Methodology to Analyze and Detect Behavioral-Based Malware is Presented. in the First Stage, a Random Projection is Decreasing the Variable Dimensionality of the Problem and is Simultaneously Reducing the Computational Time of the Classification Task by Several Orders of Magnitude. in the Second Stage, a Modified K-Nearest Neighbors Classifier is Used with Virus total Labeling of the File Samples. This Methodology is Applied to a Large Number of File Samples Provided by F-Secure Corporation, for Which a Dynamic Feature Has Been Extracted during Deep guard Sandbox Execution. as a Result, the Files Classified as False …

Executable System Architecting Using Systems Modeling Language In Conjunction With Colored Petri Nets In A Model-Driven Systems Development Process, Renzhong Wang, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This work proposes an executable system architecting paradigm for discrete-event system modeling and analysis through integration of a set of modeling tools, executable formalisms, analytical tools, and animation tools. the essential step is converting SysML-Based specifications into colored Petri nets through a conversion scheme proposed here. Such a paradigm permits rigorous static and dynamic system analysis, as well as formal verification of the behavior and functionality of the SysML-Based design. This paper also compares the capabilities of the proposed executable system architecting paradigm with other executable formalisms. Further, it discusses the basic principles of executable architecture specification and analysis for …

On The Curse Of Dimensionality In Supervised Learning Of Smooth Regression Functions, Elia Liitiäinen, Francesco Corona, Amaury Lendasse

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In This Paper, the Effect of Dimensionality on the Supervised Learning of Infinitely Differentiable Regression Functions is Analyzed. by Invoking the Van Trees Lower Bound, We Prove Lower Bounds on the Generalization Error with Respect to the Number of Samples and the Dimensionality of the Input Space Both in a Linear and Non-Linear Context. It is Shown that in Non-Linear Problems Without Prior Knowledge, the Curse of Dimensionality is a Serious Problem. at the Same Time, We Speculate Counter-Intuitively that Sometimes Supervised Learning Becomes Plausible in the Asymptotic Limit of Infinite Dimensionality. © 2011 Springer Science business Media, LLC.

A Comparison Of Finite State Classifier And Mahalanobis-Taguchi System For Multivariate Pattern Recognition In Skin Cancer Detection, Elizabeth A. Cudney, Steven M. Corns

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This project presents two methods for image classification for the detection of malignant melanoma: The Mahalanobis-Taguchi System and Finite State Classifiers. the Mahalanobis-Taguchi System is a diagnosis and predictive method for analyzing patterns in multivariate cases, while Finite State Classifiers are a state-based machine learning technique. the goal of this study is to compare the ability of the Mahalanobis-Taguchi System and a Finite State Classifier to discriminate using small data sets. We examine the discriminant ability as a function of data set size using publicly available skin lesion image data. While analysis of the data shows a high degree of …