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Articles 1201 - 1230 of 1284

Full-Text Articles in Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering

Range Scheduling Automation For The Air Force Satellite Control Network: A Case Study In Computer System Development, Donald J. Aitken, Steven C. Bishop Sep 1992

Range Scheduling Automation For The Air Force Satellite Control Network: A Case Study In Computer System Development, Donald J. Aitken, Steven C. Bishop

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the factors influencing divergent outcomes of two computer system development efforts which were undertaken to fulfill the same requirement for computer automation of a manual resource scheduling process. The first project employed the traditional waterfall approach to system development, but resulted in user rejection and cancellation after considerable resources and effort had been expended. The second project employed prototyping and both the process and the product were well received by the users and ultimately produced an operational system. Analysis yielded eight contributory factors to the failure of the first effort. Three of these were related to the …

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An Investigation Of Integrated Weapon System Management Implementation Issues, Scott A. Dalrymple, Lester F. Pietraszuk Sep 1992

An Investigation Of Integrated Weapon System Management Implementation Issues, Scott A. Dalrymple, Lester F. Pietraszuk

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated Integrated Weapon System Management implementation issues. Five functional areas were examined: Contracting, Engineering, Financial management, Program Management, and Test Management. Data was collected through interviews. The most significant lessons learned were to establish a direct chain of command and to use TQM principles. Program business practices were changed by increasing Product Center/ALC interaction and implementing a single joint CCB. Program personnel obtained useful guidance from other IWSM programs and from the information products distributed by HQ AFMC. Communication improvements included increased teleconference capability and establishment of a Local Area Network. Cultural differences between centers, insufficient initial guidance, …

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A Methodology For Project Selection Using Economic Analysis And The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Jeffrey L. Battin, Thomas J. Bender Sep 1992

A Methodology For Project Selection Using Economic Analysis And The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Jeffrey L. Battin, Thomas J. Bender

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the applicability of a multiple criterion decision making method, known as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) , to economic analysis decisions involving project selection. Through a survey of the literature and current practices, it was determined that qualitative criteria were not adequately represented in a typical economic analysis of projects. Several MCDM methods were examined and the AHP was found to be the most promising technique to rate projects on a ratio scale. Two types of project selection problems, those involving nonmutually exclusive alternatives and those involving mutually exclusive alternatives, were examined. It was determined that the …

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The Theory Of Constraints Applied To Project Scheduling: The Critical Chain Concept Defined, Andrew D. Ingram, Paul E. Scherer Sep 1992

The Theory Of Constraints Applied To Project Scheduling: The Critical Chain Concept Defined, Andrew D. Ingram, Paul E. Scherer

Theses and Dissertations

This research applies the Theory of Constraints' principles to a project management environment. The Constraint Theory developed by Dr. Eliyahu M. Goldratt has been successfully applied in many manufacturing settings. Researchers are now beginning to apply Theory of Constraints' principles and techniques outside the manufacturing environment. Specific objectives of this research effort include: to develop and demonstrate a resource constrained project scheduling algorithm based on the Theory of Constraints' principles and techniques: to perform a detailed comparison of the manufacturing and project scheduling environments designed to support algorithm development; and to lay the foundation for additional research in this area …

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A Comparison Of Computer And Paper Media In Psychological Testing, Anthony C. Hensley, Timothy R. Morris Sep 1992

A Comparison Of Computer And Paper Media In Psychological Testing, Anthony C. Hensley, Timothy R. Morris

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined differences based on computer and paper modes of administration in psychological testing. The hypotheses tested were the expectations that scores on the computer Wonderlic Personnel Test (WPT) would be higher than the paper version and subjects would report higher levels on the computer Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI) scales. A counterbalance experimental design with two experimental groups was used. The subjects were volunteers from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) and Wright State University (WSU); 90 subjects completed the study. This included 75 students from AFIT and 15 from WSU; 69 subjects were male and 21 were …

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An Analysis Of The Air Force Enlisted Performance Feedback System, Dee J. Jackson, Mark A. Ward Sep 1992

An Analysis Of The Air Force Enlisted Performance Feedback System, Dee J. Jackson, Mark A. Ward

Theses and Dissertations

This research evaluated the effectiveness of the enlisted evaluation performance feedback system. The Air Force created the feedback system because many airmen, especially those in lower ranks, did not know or did not understand their duties. Therefore, for the purpose of this study, effectiveness was defined as the degree to which the Air Force model mimicked the ideal feedback model as formulated by the researcher's analysis of the literature. The researchers found evidence that the new Air Force feedback system is an improvement over the old design. Under the old system, the only regulated means of providing feedback was a …

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An Evaluation Of Schedule Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Robert J. Hayes, Lawrence M. Miller Sep 1992

An Evaluation Of Schedule Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Robert J. Hayes, Lawrence M. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on a selected group of schedule metrics in use at Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) acquisition program offices. Over 300 metrics were collected from the System Program Offices (SPOs). The metrics data were sorted into the categories of cost, schedule, and performance. In order to narrow the scope of the project, the team decided to focus on schedule metrics. Seven of the most common schedule metrics were selected for evaluation by a group of five experienced acquisition professionals. The group was asked to input the likely behaviors driven by the metrics being addressed by the study. Next, they …

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An Analysis Of Strategic Planning To Support The United States Special Operations Forces' C3 Interoperability, George M. Pierce Ii Sep 1992

An Analysis Of Strategic Planning To Support The United States Special Operations Forces' C3 Interoperability, George M. Pierce Ii

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the strategic plans of USSOCOM to determine its role in resolving the C3 interoperability issues. A model using strategic controls and Theory of Constraints was used as a standard to evaluate USSOCOM's management plans. A literature search revealed that hardware and new technology were the primary concerns of previous studies. However, the literature did not address whether the lack of a formal strategy contributed to the C3 interoperability problems. Therefore, the determination was to adopt a fresh approach to the C3 interoperability issues and analyze the strategic process. The data analysis of …

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Change In Self-Efficacy As A Measure Of Training Effectiveness At Squadron Officer School, Edward J. Berghorn, Michael Lewis Sep 1992

Change In Self-Efficacy As A Measure Of Training Effectiveness At Squadron Officer School, Edward J. Berghorn, Michael Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of the US air Force Squadron Officer School (SOS) training curriculum by measuring students' self-efficacy before and after training. The authors verified through the literature that an individual's personal assessment of his self-efficacy was associated with task understanding and performance. Then self-efficacy questions were generated (for each of the four SOS curriculum areas) for an individual to assess his ability to perform a behavior related to a particular SOS learning objective. Demographic questions were also developed and combined with the self- efficacy questions to form pretest (before SOS training) and …

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A Methodology For Model Comparison Using The Theater Simulation Of Airbase Resources And All Mobile Tactical Air Force Models, Heston R. Hicks, Lawrence L. Long Sep 1992

A Methodology For Model Comparison Using The Theater Simulation Of Airbase Resources And All Mobile Tactical Air Force Models, Heston R. Hicks, Lawrence L. Long

Theses and Dissertations

This research compares the Theater Simulation of Airbase Resources (TSAR) model to the sortie generation (SORGEN) module of the AH Mobile Tactical Air Force (AMTAF) model, qualitatively and quantitatively, while concurrently developing and proving a model co methodology. The qualitative analysis compares the models' background and documentation, features and databases, and useability. The quantitative analysis statistically compares the models' estimates of sorties generated. For the quantitative study, eight variables are chosen and assigned high and low values for use in a 2' 1/4 fractional factorial experimental design. Equivalent input databases are developed from a TSAR F-15C database and pilot trials …

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Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria: A Reference Guide To C/Scsc Information, Erik G. Cummings, Kirk A. Schneider Sep 1992

Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria: A Reference Guide To C/Scsc Information, Erik G. Cummings, Kirk A. Schneider

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis effort provides a valuable tool for contract performance measurement (CPM) analysts to use both while attending formalized Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria (C/SCSC) training, and while on the job. Research indicated a large amount of written material existed on contract performance measurement and the more specific topic of C/SCSC, yet this information was hidden in a wide array of unindexed professional journals, master's thesis, and texts. Further, while many professions have a reference guide of annotated bibliographies, CPM had none. Through an extensive literature review using several search and retrieval methods, the authors were able to amass a bibliography …

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Review Of Factors Impacting Warranty Cost-Benefit Analysis For The Sensor Fuzed Weapon System, Donna E. Kehrt Sep 1992

Review Of Factors Impacting Warranty Cost-Benefit Analysis For The Sensor Fuzed Weapon System, Donna E. Kehrt

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research effort was to identify factor that affect the warranty cost-benefit analysis for the Sensor Fuzed Weapon (SFW) system since an essential performance requirement (EPR) warranty waiver was under consideration. Defense funding has become scarce, and the limited dollars must be spent wisely. A cost-benefit analysis should provide a relevant projection of cost-effectiveness based on the best available data. The SFW and other dormant weapon systems present difficulties in determining cost- effectiveness because the systems most probably will be non-operating, non- reusable, and non-restorable. Three recommendations were made, relevant to dormant weapon systems, that pertained to …

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Demonstrating The Effects Of Shop Flow Process Variability On The Air Force Depot Level Reparable Item Pipeline, Marvin A. Arostegui Jr., Jon A. Larvick Sep 1992

Demonstrating The Effects Of Shop Flow Process Variability On The Air Force Depot Level Reparable Item Pipeline, Marvin A. Arostegui Jr., Jon A. Larvick

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effects of reducing the mean processing time and variability in the Shop Flow Segment of the Depot Level Reparable Item pipeline. The measure of interest was the average number of units in the pipeline of a particular type of item (referred to as the average pipeline contents). A literature review revealed that process variability in the pipeline has an impact on its effective operation and cost. A simulation model was developed to determine if reducing mean processing time and/or variability in the Shop Flow Segment would result in a reduction in the average pipeline contents. The …

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A Method For Determining Schedule Delay Information In A Channel Cargo Route Network Schedule, Justin E. Moul Jun 1992

A Method For Determining Schedule Delay Information In A Channel Cargo Route Network Schedule, Justin E. Moul

Theses and Dissertations

This research develops a method for measuring schedule effectiveness by determining the amounts of enroute, cargo delay caused by a given aircraft mission schedule. The method is designed to generate information which helps identify flights for which different scheduling might decrease overall cargo delay in the entire network, given that all non-scheduling factors are held constant. The research uses a simplified twelve-airport cargo route network to test the methodology.

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Strategic Deterrence In The Post-Start Era, David C. Mccormick Apr 1992

Strategic Deterrence In The Post-Start Era, David C. Mccormick

Theses and Dissertations

With the Soviet Union's fall there have been widespread calls for drastic reductions in the United States military's strategic nuclear forces. Although a major threat to the United States has been greatly reduced, the number of strategic targets will not decrease as rapidly as the number of available weapons. This research considers how the United States should think about strategic forces in the rapidly changing world order of the 1990s. An extensive literature review of deterrence concepts and conventional weapons capabilities is conducted with special attention paid to the role that precision guided munitions played in the 1991 Persian Gulf …

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Modular Simulation Of Hei Fragments And Blast Pressure, Gordon L. Galloway Mar 1992

Modular Simulation Of Hei Fragments And Blast Pressure, Gordon L. Galloway

Theses and Dissertations

The fragmentation and blast pressure of High Explosive Incendiary projectiles are major causes of aircraft fuel fires. Because Halon 1301 is being banned from DoD use as a fire suppressant, alternative fire suppressants must be developed and tested. These new suppressants must counteract the fire directly or eliminate one or more of the factors which cause the fire. To this end, this thesis takes a detailed look at the HEI processes that lead to a fire. A comprehensive review of the current knowledge and understanding of these processes is presented. In addition, hypothesized dependencies between the various processes are stated. …

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An Investigation Of Modifications To The Tac Campaign Model, Efgan Denguer Mar 1992

An Investigation Of Modifications To The Tac Campaign Model, Efgan Denguer

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the cost and budget modifications to Mixmaster which is an aggregate version of the Theater Attack Model (TAM). Seven simple cost employment methods, a goal programming approach, a probabilistic approach for determining cost coefficients, and goal programming version of that probabilistic approach were applied to Mixmaster. Also, Mixmaster was enhanced with an additional leading constraint to incorporate the Air Force tactical considerations in a campaign scenario. The results favor the advantages of the goal programming approaches. In addition, the probabilistic approach introducing the time factor in the computations promises more accurate results, given that the required parameters …

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Optimization Of Stochastic Response Surfaces Subject To Constraints With Linear Programming, Robert G. Harvey Mar 1992

Optimization Of Stochastic Response Surfaces Subject To Constraints With Linear Programming, Robert G. Harvey

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated an alternative to the traditional approaches of optimizing a stochastic response surface subject to constraints. This research investigated the bias in the expected value of the solution, possible alternative decision variable settings, and a method to improve the solution. A three step process is presented to evaluate stochastic response surfaces subject to constraints. Step 1 is to use a traditional approach to estimate the response surface and a covariance matrix through regression. Step 2 samples the objective function of the linear program (i.e., response surface) and identifies the extreme points visited. Step 3 presents a method to …

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An Analysis Of Escort Formations, Mustafa Ilhan Mar 1992

An Analysis Of Escort Formations, Mustafa Ilhan

Theses and Dissertations

This study used computer simulation to investigate escort fighter formations unknown interceptor threat environment. A USAF computer simulation model, TAC, was used to simulate air combat between the escorts and the interceptors in several different combat scenarios. The escort formations were defined by the vertical and horizontal distances of the escort fighters from the main strike body. Interceptors were characterized as one of two types of fighters with dissimilar aircraft frames and missile firing ranges. A central composite design was used to mathematically model the effect of escort formations and interceptor type on the survivability of the bombers and escorts. …

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Quantifying The Impact Of The Acquisition Professional Development Program Certification Requirements On The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Paul A. Nicholson Mar 1992

Quantifying The Impact Of The Acquisition Professional Development Program Certification Requirements On The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Paul A. Nicholson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to determine the impact of implementing the Acquisition Professional Development Program on the Air Force Institute of Technology. APDP is part of a DOD-wide effort to decrease inefficiency in the procurement process. The program encompasses a tri-level certification process based on experience, training, and educational standards. APDP serves as a guideline for professional development of acquisition personnel from entry to senior level management. Many of the courses required for certification are offered through AFIT School of Systems and Logistics. Integrating the new educational requirements as a standard for career development is expected to produce …

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An Outline For A Manufacturing Planning And Control System For A Repair/ Overhaul/Rebuilding Environment, Peter H. Miyares Mar 1992

An Outline For A Manufacturing Planning And Control System For A Repair/ Overhaul/Rebuilding Environment, Peter H. Miyares

Theses and Dissertations

This study outlines a structure for a manufacturing planning and control (MPC) system for a repair/overhaul/rebuilding environment. Included an examination of the organizational components that must be incorporated into the system and the planning functions for which the system can be used. The study compares and contrasts the differences between an MPC system for a maintenance organization and a manufacturing organization and concludes that the MPC system for a maintenance organization must account for the greater degree of variability that occurs within the process. The proposed system is composed of an information system which collects data from throughout an organization …

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Saber: Airland Combat Training Model Credibility Assessment And Methodology, David L. Scagliola Mar 1992

Saber: Airland Combat Training Model Credibility Assessment And Methodology, David L. Scagliola

Theses and Dissertations

Saber is a theater-level, airland combat training model, designed by a number of computer science and engineering students and faculty at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). Saber is intended to replace the Agile model, which is currently used at the Air Force Wargaming Center, Maxwell AFB, Alabama for Theater Warfare Exercise (TWX) training purposes. This thesis focuses on the progress made towards generating the Saber training model, its ability to meet the objectives specified by the Wargaming Center, and its ability to represent actual combat. Specifically, this thesis is directed towards characterizing, establishing a credibility assessment, and developing …

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An A Priori Multiobjective Optimization Model Of A Search And Rescue Network, Joseph C. Imsand Jr. Mar 1992

An A Priori Multiobjective Optimization Model Of A Search And Rescue Network, Joseph C. Imsand Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the most robust frequency assignment for a search and rescue network. The focus was to assign weights to the transmitter areas of the network to determine which weight sequence produced the most robust frequency assignment. The DoD furnished weight sequences for twelve two-hour time blocks. These weight sequences were compared to a weight sequence with all weights having equal value. Network and linear programming were used to-solve this problem and generate frequency assignments for all weight sequences. Classical and tolerance sensitivity analysis were used to analyze the frequency assignments generated by the …

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Gettysburg: An Analysis Of The Training Value Of Commercial Models, Jude C. Fernan Mar 1992

Gettysburg: An Analysis Of The Training Value Of Commercial Models, Jude C. Fernan

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the possibilities of using commercial combat models/war games dealing with the battle of Gettysburg as aids for the training of soldiers and leaders in the military. With the downsizing of the military and the high cost of training, there exists a need to reduce training costs while not affecting the quality of training. The military employs various military models to assist in training but has yet to fully tap the wealth of commercial combat models. One reason may be the lack of an investigative analysis into the soundness and applicability of commercial combat models to military training. …

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Multilayer Perceptrons For Classification, Lisa M. Belue Mar 1992

Multilayer Perceptrons For Classification, Lisa M. Belue

Theses and Dissertations

Techniques for training, testing, and validating multilayer perceptrons are thoroughly examined. Results obtained using perceptrons are compared and contrasted with two multivariate discriminant analysis techniques- logistic regression and k neighbor. Methods for determining significant input features are investigated and a procedure for examining the confidence to place in the significance of these features is developed. Procedures to evaluate the applicability of high-order feature inputs are examined. These methods and procedures are applied to two very different applications. The first application concerns the prediction of Air Force pilot retention/separation rates for input to force projection models. The second application concerns the …

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Transformation Of Combat Data In Support Of Battle Trace, Hyoung-Kyu Choi Mar 1992

Transformation Of Combat Data In Support Of Battle Trace, Hyoung-Kyu Choi

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to find an appropriate way of characterizing battle data as a function of time. This study was initially designed to remove the numerical instability problem cited in Barr's battle trace methodology as suggested by TRAC-MTRY. The research focused on the instability problem and identifying/recommending a technique that improved the efficiency of computation, and enhanced an analyst's ability to meaningfully interpret the battle trace. Two Lanchester's Square Law based methodologies are introduced and analyzed. The results of this analysis indicate that the battle trace of a constant value generated by Lanchester's Square Law integration seemed …

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An Analysis Of The Endurance Of Mobile Satellite Command And Control Systems, Steven O. Brown Mar 1992

An Analysis Of The Endurance Of Mobile Satellite Command And Control Systems, Steven O. Brown

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the endurance of a single deployed generic mobile space (GMS) command and control (C2) system. Specifically, factors which affect overall system performance were examined. The analysis began with the development of a simulation model for a GMS C2 system. Optimal settings of factor levels were determined by using the model to find peak system endurance and availability. Factors set were field support vehicle (FSV) access, numbers of maintenance personnel, and numbers of spare components available. After optimum values were chosen for these factors, an experimental design was conducted to determine factor effect between maintenance manpower and the …

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Visual Information Processing And Response Time In Traffic-Signal Cognition, Hasan H. Demirarslan Mar 1992

Visual Information Processing And Response Time In Traffic-Signal Cognition, Hasan H. Demirarslan

Theses and Dissertations

In man-machine design, it is important to quantify the reaction time components instead of simply determining the lump-sum reaction time to stimulus. The primary purpose of this thesis was to investigate the reaction time components, such as visual perception and muscle response time, and to quantify them by separating from their aggregated sum. The prime example, traffic-signal cognition simulation was used to examine human reaction time to signal change. With a modified computer program that stimulates the driver's approach to the intersection, we measured the subject's reaction times and examined behavioral patterns. Twelve subjects were involved in the experiment. A …

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Causal Univariate Spatial-Temporal Autoregressive Moving Averages (Starma) Modelling Of Target Information To Generate Tasking Of A World-Wide Sensor System, Kelly A. Greene Mar 1992

Causal Univariate Spatial-Temporal Autoregressive Moving Averages (Starma) Modelling Of Target Information To Generate Tasking Of A World-Wide Sensor System, Kelly A. Greene

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense employs a resource limited world-wide sensor system to detect certain events of interest. The purpose of this research was to establish a methodology using a univariate causal STARMA model for forecasting the relative probability of an event occurring in a geographical location during a time block of the day. These relative probabilities are used as input for a tasking model that assigns the scarce sensor resources so as to optimize the detection of these events. The STARMA model is appropriate for forecasting the relative probabilities because a definite temporal relationship and a definite spatial relationship exists …

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A Sensitivity Analysis Of Circular Error Probable Approximation Techniques, Peter Puhek Mar 1992

A Sensitivity Analysis Of Circular Error Probable Approximation Techniques, Peter Puhek

Theses and Dissertations

Several algebraic CEP estimates models were examined in this study. Each assumes that the crossrange and downrange miss distances of the sample data follow a bivariate normal distribution. The analysis determined the sensitivities of these models to changes in the parameters of sample size, bias, correlation, and ellipticity. The accuracy of each model is expressed in terms of relative error, and the parameter regions in which a certain method dominated as the most accurate were noted. In general, it was found that bias was the most significant parameter in determining the best CEP method. A simple method, based on the …

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