Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

An Investigation Of Performance Appraisal With Recommendations For White Collar And Blue Collar Workers, Mark W. Alberts

Graduate Research Papers

The accurate evaluation of an employee's performance, whether it be a salary or wage worker, is one of the most challenging problems confronting any organization. According to Lazer (1977), which is still true today, performance appraisal is absolutely necessary if an organization is to prosper in the highly competitive world of modern business.

Regardless of all that has been written about the how and why of performance appraisal, there still seems to be constant problems and areas of clear disagreement. Published writings about performance appraisal cover approximately the past 30 years and deal mostly with private corporations. Before that, performance …

Acuta Enews December 1992, Vol. 21, No. 12

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

Regulatory update

President's column

Dual routing protects Duke

Talking clock "tells" time

Seminar ratings

Director's column

An Assessment Of Software Safety As Applied To The Department Of Defense Software Development Process, Peter W. Colan, Robert W. Prouhet

Theses and Dissertations

This research analyzed the relationships between the DOD software development process, system safety requirements, and current structured software safety analysis techniques. The current state of software safety was assessed within the aerospace industry and DOD, and a training program for DOD System Safety Managers was developed. A telephone survey was conducted to gather information on current software safety analysis techniques and methodologies. Personal interviews were conducted with Aeronautical System Center System Safety Managers to gather data on job perception and perceived training needs. The results of the study indicate that the DOD guidance and policy documents needed to implement and …

An Analysis Of Usspacecom's Space Surveillance Network (Ssn) Sensor Tasking Methodology, Jeff M. Berger, Joseph B. Moles, David G. Wisley

Theses and Dissertations

This study provides the basis for the development of a cost/benefit assessment model to determine the effects of alterations to the Space Surveillance Network (SSN) on orbital element (OE) set accuracy. It provides a review of current methods used by NORAD and the SSN to gather and process observations, an alternative to the current Gabbard classification method, and the development of a model to determine the effects of observation rate and correction interval on OE set accuracy. The proposed classification scheme is based on satellite J2 perturbations. Specifically, classes were established based on mean motion, eccentricity, and inclination Since J2 …

The Efficacy Of Group Decision Support Systems: A Field Experiment To Evaluate Impacts On Air Force Decision Makers, Benjamin C. Huff

Theses and Dissertations

The research contributed to the study of Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) in field experiments involving real managers making real decisions. This research was conducted by the Air Force Institute of Technology with the Air Force Armstrong Laboratory to evaluate the efficacy of using GDSS technology in an Air Force decision making environment. This study compared facilitated GDSS, facilitated manual, and unfacilitated manual decision making processes. This study focused on performance and secondary outcomes resulting from GDSS effects versus process structure effects. The research evaluated two performance outcomes: GDSS efficiency in terms of decision speed and effectiveness in terms of …

Hands-On Structural Engineering Experiences With The "Anex" Mini-Laboratory, Richard A. Behr, Colin Othniel Benjamin, Azam A. Mirza

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The ANEX facility has been developed to allow nearly real-time comparisons of analysis results with experimental data gathered on small-scale structural models. ANEX has been used successfully for in-class demonstrations, student-designed experiments, and comprehensive design/build competitions in an introductory structural analysis course at the University of Missouri-Rolla. An expert system is now being developed to guide ANEX users and to act as a trouble-shooter and advisor in the event that analytical and experimental results do not correlate acceptably well. ANEX, using only simple, small-scale model structures, is able to enrich structural engineering instruction by introducing students to the sophisticated capabilities …

Integrated Blade Inspection System (Ibis) Upgrade Study, Tony J. Deliberato, Steven W. Perkins, Steven K. Saplin, John G. Snyder, Gregory J. Toussaint

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this design study was to identify ways to improve the Integrated Blade Inspection System. The Air Force requires inspection of jet engine compressor and turbine blades to locate defects and prevent engine failure. The current inspection process uses fluorescent penetrant as an aid to identify cracked blades. A systems engineering design process was applied to evaluate the current inspection techniques and to develop alternative methods to satisfy the Air Force requirements. Three different inspection systems were developed and compared to the current process: manual, semi-automated, and fully automated inspection. This study made several noteworthy contributions: development of …

Analysis Of Whole-Sky Imager Data To Determine The Validity Of Pcflos Models, Richard W. Boltz, George R. Kather

Theses and Dissertations

Models used to predict the probability of a cloud-free line-of-sight (PCFLOS) from the ground to space have existed since the 1960s. Unfortunately, an adequate data set has not been available to check the validity of these models until the deployment of the Whole-Sky Imager (WSI) system in 1989. Now that a three-year database has been collected from the WSI system, it is possible to validate, or refute, the existing models. This study investigates the most generally accepted models. Specifically, we investigate three questions: (1) Is the Lund and Shank-lin PCFLOS model assumption of azimuthal independence valid; (2) Does the Lund …

Correlation Based Target Location And Identification, Richard A. Wenzel

Theses and Dissertations

Correlation was investigated as a technique for locating and identifying visible light terrain board images of tanks, airplanes, and trucks. A correlator was built which utilizes the Fast Fourier Transform. The 180 images in the image set were correlated in both the raw form and after pre-processing via energy normalization and local energy normalization. The correlation of the raw images led to development of quantitative and heuristic rules for possible inclusion in a rule based expert system. The correlation of the local energy normalized images resulted in a 100 percent target location rate and can be used as a baseline …

Retinal Modeling: Segmenting Motion From Spatio-Temporal Inputs Using Neural Networks, David E. Swanson

Theses and Dissertations

We applied two first-order, linear, time-varying, differential equations to the task of segmenting motion from sequences of images. The equations are modified Grossberg formulas for long-term and short-term memory models characterizing the neurotransmitter and cell-activity levels of a synapse and neuron. We described how a two layered, sensory, neural network can be built using the equations to simulate the amacrine neurons of the retina. The model is defined using adaptive input nodes (adaptive model) and is compared to a similar model without these nodes (O and G model). By replicating the basic amacrine neuron model to form both one- and …

An Integrated Simulation Model Development Environment For Slam Ii Using Object-Oriented Paradigm, Rizvan Erol

Masters Theses

An integrated simulation model development environment was implemented to assist the modeler by automating certain activities of simulation modeling. The system included interactive model definition, experimental design, automatic simulation program generation in SLAM II. Object-oriented paradigm at software development stage was extensively used to conceptualize the structure, and rules of the SLAM II language in order to generate efficient, and modular program code. The present system targeted modeling of various probabilistic inventory control system problems. The remarkable advantages of the system were rapid model development time, and achieving reliable program code without requiring any knowledge in SLAM II. Object-oriented programming …

Analysis Of Kriging Applied To Resolution Enhancement Of Digital Satellite Imagery, David J. Blaufuss

Theses and Dissertations

To aid the viewer in interpreting the information contained in an image, spatial resolution of the image can be increased. One way to increase the resolution is to improve the optics and sensors of the imaging system. Another is to process the data on the ground by computer. Enhancement techniques can be employed to alter the image and extract necessary data. Current techniques to manipulate and enlarge an image are nearest-neighbor, bilinear interpolation, and cubic convolution which can give greater clarity and readability. To satisfy the growing demand for quality (high-resolution) remotely sensed images, new techniques to enhance images need …

Comparison Of Artificial Neural Networks With A Conventional Heuristic Technique For Optimization Problems, Jeffrey S. Gruner

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the utility of the Hopfield and Kohonen artificial neural networks to the traveling salesman optimization problem. A third, non-neural-network technique (the Christofides Algorithm - a competitive, bounded-solution operations research technique) is also investigated for comparison to the artificial neural network solutions. An eight and forty-two city distribution are chosen for comparison of the solutions.

Locating An Imaging Radar In Canada For Identifying Spaceborne Objects, William G. Schick

Theses and Dissertations

This research presents a study of the maximal coverage p-median facility location problem as applied to the location of an imaging radar in Canada for imaging spaceborne objects. The classical mathematical formulation of the maximal coverage p-median problem is converted into network-flow with side constraint formulations that are developed using a scaled down version of the imaging radar location problem. Two types of network-flow with side constraint formulations are developed: a network using side constraints that simulates the gains in a generalized network; and a network resembling a multi-commodity flow problem that uses side constraints to force flow along identical …

A Two-Stage Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (Icbm) Design Optimization Study And Life Cycle Cost Analysis, David P. Blanks, Douglas M. Bruce, Anthony M. Logue, Ralph A. Sandfry, Stephen J. Skotte, Michael L. Zywien

Theses and Dissertations

Realities of recent changes in the fiscal environment and the international domestic security structure have caused the strategic community to make some difficult decisions to preserve the capability of the current ICBM force. One of these decisions is to view Minuteman Ill as the centerpiece of the strategic force well into the next century. Extending the life of the 24-year- old Minuteman III system requires system solutions that provide required performance at an affordable life cycle cost. The intent of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of designing a 2-stage ICBM to perform the Minuteman III mission. The main …

Identification Of The Initial Transient In Discrete-Event Simulation Output Using The Kalman Filter, Mark A. Gallagher

Theses and Dissertations

Data truncation is a commonly accepted method of dealing with initialization bias in discrete-event simulation. Algorithms for determining the appropriate initial-data truncation point for univariate and multivariate output are proposed. The techniques entail averaging across replications and estimating a steady-state output model in a state-space framework. Using the estimated model, Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation (MMAE), which uses Kalman filters with different parameter vectors, is applied. Based on the filters' residuals, the conditional probabilities of each filter's specific parameter vector being correct are determined. The MMAE parameter estimates are the probabilistic- weighted average of the filters' assumed parameter vectors. The estimated …

Spectral And Spatial Pattern Recognition In Digital Memory, John M. Amrine

Theses and Dissertations

The main purpose of this research is to develop a model that can be used to solve combined spectral and spatial pattern recognition problems. The basis of my model is a multiobjective discrete programming model developed by Benabdullah and Wright (B and W). The model will be modified and then tested by solving a real world problem with SPOT multispectral imagery. Several improvements were added to the B and W model, namely standard border length accounting and control over which pixels are selected by the model. The model was also improved to process more than one channel of imagery at …

A Model Of Global Positioning System (Gps) Master Control Station (Mcs) Operations, David N. Koster

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force's Navstar Global Positioning System (GPS) provides high-accuracy space-based navigation and time distribution to suitably- equipped military and civilian users. The system consists of earth-orbiting satellites and a world-wide network of ground stations. A single operational control center, the GPS Master Control Station (MCS) monitors, maintains, and commands the GPS satellite constellation. The on-going deployment of the complete satellite constellation and recent changes in the operational crew structure may invalidate previously used planning and management paradigms. There is currently no analytical method for predicting the impact of these and other environmental changes on system parameters and …

Software Support Measurement And Estimating For Oracle Database Applications Using Mark Ii Function Points, Steven D. Radnov

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the results of measuring software support of Oracle database applications and estimating the effort and schedule required to provide support. Software measurement was accomplished with a variant of the function points metric, called Mark II function points, which is comprised of three weighted parameters, inputs, entities, and outputs. A technique for mapping Mark II function points to Oracle DBMS components was developed, and the size of the software support for each project, per team, was measured by tabulating and weighting the number of inputs, entities, and outputs that are added, changed, and/or deleted. Software support effort was …

Development Of A Prototype Air Force Institute Of Technology (Afit) Research Management System (Arms), David N. Schaaf, Carl W. Scott

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to design, develop, test, and evaluate an initial prototype information system to enhance the conduct and management of research in the School of Systems and Logistics at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). To accomplish this goal, the researchers developed and completed a methodology that was generally patterned after the milestones in a typical system development life cycle. The proof-of-concept nature of this research caused the researchers to also map the study's seven major objectives into a second system development model called the Spiral Model (Boehm, 1988:61). This hybrid approach provided better defined …

An Interactive Life Cycle Cost Forecasting Tool, Nicolas M. Habash

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is about computing life cycle cost and culminates with a life cycle cost forecasting tool (software). The software is written in FORTRAN 77 and uses IMSL subroutine extensively for random number generation from various distributions. The algorithm can compute life cycle cost for the following types of cost elements: constant, stochastic, and cost estimating relationships (CERs). The use of a trapezoid approximation of payment allocation is allowed. Percent allocation of payments is also allowed and is recommended where the trapezoid fails to correctly represent the payment schedule. The CER algorithm handles cost data that was estimated in base …

Analysis Of Titan Iv Launch Responsiveness, Michael T. Dunn

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the feasibility of developing responsive space systems through responsive launch operations with the Titan IV, the only expendable heavy-lift launch vehicle in the United States inventory. A definition for responsive launch has not been firmly established by Air Force Space Command for this launch vehicle. For benchmark purposes, this study uses the responsive launch definition contained in the proposal request for the Medium Launch Vehicle Ill: launch vehicle ignition within 60 days of mission need notification. Titan IV launch processing at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), Florida currently requires in excess of six months, rendering Titan …

Recurrent Neural Networks For Radar Target Identification, Eric T. Kouba

Theses and Dissertations

A real-time recurrent learning algorithm was applied to a five class radar target identification problem. The wideband radar was assumed to measure both kinematic (tracking information expressed as estimated aspect angles) and high range resolution data from a single, isolated aircraft. The aspect angles (azimuth and elevation) of the aircraft relative to the radar were assumed to be constantly chancing. This created temporal sequences of high range resolution radar signatures that changed as the aspect angles changed. These sequences were used as input features to a recurrent neural network for three radar target identification test cases. The first test case …

The Adaptation Of The Sei's Capability Maturity Model To The Air Force Software Acquisition Management Process, William G. Dickerhoff Jr., William J. Sommers

Theses and Dissertations

This study develops an Air Force Software Acquisition Maturity Framework (SAMF) by adapting the Software Engineering Institute's (SEI) capability Maturity Model (CMM) to the Air Force software acquisition process. The SAMFs purpose is to provide the Air Force Materiel Command's product centers and program off ices with criterion to assess their software acquisition maturity in a similar fashion as the SEI's CMM provides companies a benchmark to measure their organization's software production maturity. The research was accomplished through a combination of information gathering techniques and data analysis. A literature search of documentation, both within and external to the Department of …

Acuta Enews November 1992, Vol. 21, No. 11

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

Interchangeable NPA, NNX

President's Message

Permanent 800 numbers

Industry/ Regulatory updates

Making voice mail effective

The fax-on-demand solution

Acuta Enews October 1992, Vol. 21, No. 10

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

CMSU testing VISIT

President's message

A telecom intern's report

Annual ACUTA budget

Answers from "Regional Feud"

Membership Director's report

Artificial Neural Networks For Robotics Coordinate Transformation, Stephen Aylor, Luis Rabelo, Sema E. Alptekin

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Artificial neural networks with such characteristics as learning, graceful degradation, and speed inherent to parallel distributed architectures might provide a flexible and cost solution to the real time control of robotics systems. In this investigation artificial neural networks are presented for the coordinate transformation mapping of a two-axis robot modeled with Fischertechnik physical modeling components. The results indicate that artificial neural systems could be utilized for practical situations and that extended research in these neural structures could provide adaptive architectures for dynamic robotics control.

Packet Routing In Networks With Long Wires, Ronald I. Greenberg, H.-C. Oh

Computer Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works

In this paper, we examine the packet routing problem for networks with wires of differing length. We consider this problem in a network independent context, in which routing time is expressed in terms of “congestion” and “dilation” measures for a set of packet paths. We give, for any constant ε > 0, a randomized on-line algorithm for routing any set of N packets in O((Clg^ε(Nd)+Dlg(Nd))/lglg(Nd)) time, where C is the maximum congestion and D is the length of the longest path, both taking wire delays into account, and d is the longest path in terms of number of wires. We also …

Automatic Recognition Of Tool Wear On A Face Mill Using A Mechanistic Modeling Approach, Daniel Waldorf, Shiv G. Kapoor, Richard E. Devor

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

A strategy is developed for identifying cutting tool wear on a face mill by automatically recognizing wear patterns in the cutting force signal. The strategy uses a mechanistic model development to predict forces on a lathe under conditions of wear and extends that model to account for the multiple inserts of a face mill. The extended wear model is then verified through experimentation over the life of the inserts. The predicted force signals are employed to train linear discriminant functions to identify the wear state of the process in a manner suitable for on-line application.

The Management Of Replicated Data, Hsueh-Chi Shih, C. Y. Ho, S. Alptekin

Computer Science Technical Reports

Data replication, which has the benefits of improving system availability and read performance, proved to be indispensable to many database applications. In a replicated database, the one-copy serializability of transaction executions can be ensured by employing a replica control mechanism on top of the traditional concurrency control mechanism. This work contains two replica control algorithms and a read-only transaction processing algorithm. Both replica control algorithms handle multiple site, communication and partitioning failures. The replica control algorithms achieve read operation efficiency by always translating a logical read operation into one local physical read operation and by taking advantage of the locality …