Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

A Framework For Measuring And Analyzing Customer Satisfaction At Computer Service Company Using Lean Six Sigma, Mohammed Abboodi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The computer service industry has been expanding dramatically due to the increase in the number of computing machineries in the last two decades. The entrance of large size companies in the market and the release of online tools that have the ability for diagnosing and troubleshooting hardware and software issues have boosted the competition. In the meantime, many of the small and medium size companies find themselves unable to keep their customers satisfied since their competitors provide high quality service with lower cost. The lack of a good measurement system to assess and analyze the satisfaction level with the provided …

Conquering Complexity: Challenges And Opportunities: Preface, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Part Viii: Health Care Analytics: Preface, Cilan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

How To Rein In The Volatile Actor: A New Bounded Perspective, Abhijit Gosavi

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Actor-critic algorithms are amongst the most well-studied reinforcement learning algorithms that can be used to solve Markov decision processes (MDPs) via simulation. Unfortunately, the parameters of the so-called "actor" in the classical actor-critic algorithm exhibit great volatility - getting unbounded in practice, whence they have to be artificially constrained to obtain solutions in practice. The algorithm is often used in conjunction with Boltzmann action selection, where one may have to use a temperature to get the algorithm to work, but the convergence of the algorithm has only been proved when the temperature equals 1. We propose a new actor-critic algorithm …

Ieee Cibcb 2014-Computational Intelligence In Bioinformatics And Computational Biology [Conference Reports], Steven Corns

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The 2014 Conference on Computational Intelligence in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (CIBCB) was held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu, from May 21-25. The papers presented at the conference covered the full range of computational intelligence techniques and applications. James Hughes from Brock University received the best student paper award from General Chair Steven Corns for his paper titled, 'Recentering and Restarting Genetic Algorithms Variations for DNA Fragment Assembly.' The best overall paper was awarded to Jennifer Hallinan, Owen Gilfellon, Goksel Misirli and Anil Wipat, all of Newcastle University, for their work 'Tuning Receiver Characteristics in Bacterial Quorum Communication: An …

Carbon Constrained Integrated Inventory Control And Truckload Transportation With Heterogeneous Freight Trucks, Dinçer Konur

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper analyzes an integrated inventory control and transportation problem with environmental considerations. Particularly, explicit transportation modeling is included with inventory control decisions to capture per truck costs and per truck capacities. Furthermore, a carbon cap constraint on the total emissions is formulated by considering emission characteristics of various trucks that can be used for inbound transportation. Due to complexity of the resulting optimization problem, a heuristic search method is proposed based on the properties of the problem. Numerical studies illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method. Furthermore, numerical examples are presented to show that both costs and emissions can …

Nonlinear Modeling Using Neural Networks For Trading The Soybean Complex, Phoebe S. Wiles, David Lee Enke

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Recently, there has been a spike in the prices and popularity of commodities. On a macroeconomic level, developing countries are increasing production; while on a microeconomic level, speculative traders are becoming more involved in the market. Agricultural products have a diverse array of factors that can affect the price (i.e. political, government, population, weather, supply and demand). Commodity prices can suffer from extreme volatility in the short term, changing as much as 50% in one year. This research uses the soybean crush spread as a model. The soybean complex adds an interesting component as the underlying soybean product can be …

Computational Complexity Measures For Many-Objective Optimization Problems, David M. Curry, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Multi-objective Optimization Problems (MOPs) are commonly encountered in the study and design of complex systems. Pareto dominance is the most common relationship used to compare solutions in MOPs, however as the number of objectives grows beyond three, Pareto dominance alone is no longer satisfactory. These problems are termed "Many-Objective Optimization Problems (MaOPs)". While most MaOP algorithms are modifications of common MOP algorithms, determining the impact on their computational complexity is difficult. This paper defines computational complexity measures for these algorithms and applies these measures to a Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm (MOEA) and its MaOP counterpart.

A Hybrid Neuro-Fuzzy Model To Forecast Inflation, David Lee Enke, Nijat Mehdiyev

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

One of the key issues in constructing monetary policy is accurate prediction of the inflation level. The complex behavior and non-linear nature of the financial markets makes it hard to forecast the inflation rate precisely. This paper introduces a hybrid model that attempts to forecast the inflation rate with a combination of a subtractive clustering technique and a fuzzy inference neural network to overcome the shortcomings of the individual methodologies. Selected macroeconomic factors were used to predict the historical CPI data from the US Markets. The results of the proposed hybrid model are measured in RMSE.

Volatility Forecasting Using A Hybrid Gjr-Garch Neural Network Model, Soheil Almasi Monfared, David Lee Enke

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Volatility forecasting in the financial markets, along with the development of financial models, is important in the areas of risk management and asset pricing, among others. Previous testing has shown that asymmetric GARCH models outperform other GARCH family models with regard to volatility prediction. Utilizing this information, three popular Neural Network models (Feed-Forward with Back Propagation, Generalized Regression, and Radial Basis Function) are implemented to help improve the performance of the GJR (1,1) method for estimating volatility over the next forty-four trading days. During training and testing, four different economic cycles have been considered between 1997-2011 to represent real and …

Timekeeping Issues In Ultra-Quality Metering Systems, David D. Haynes, Steven M. Corns

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The improvements made to smart metering systems in terms of performance and accuracy have in many cases created a gap in the requirements for timekeeping performance. When clock errors accumulate in different metrology systems, data collected from one system cannot be compared to data collected from another system. This paper recommends the use of a common time base for all data gathering systems, and that systems clocks are corrected with numerous minor corrections when possible, rather than major corrections. © 2013 IEEE.

On The Flexibility Of Systems In System Of Systems Architecting, Dincer Konur, Hadi Farhangi, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

System of Systems (SoS) architecting requires analyzing a set of individual but interconnected systems simultaneously in order to build a communicating SoS, which can provide the capabilities needed. In general, the systems can provide a set of capabilities and the SoS architect needs to decide which systems to include in the SoS so that each capability is provided by at least one system. In this case, the systems are inflexible, i.e., a selected system will contribute to the SoS with all the capabilities it can provide. On the other hand, if SoS architect can incentivize systems to contribute specific capabilities …

A Hybrid Genetic Algorithm And Particle Swarm Optimization With Type-2 Fuzzy Sets For Generating Systems Of Systems Architectures, Siddhartha Agarwal, Louis E. Pape, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Both modeling and simulating a system of systems (SoS) are difficult due not only to a changing environment but also the unique behavior that is linked to different participating systems. Generating architectures for a SoS is a multi-objective optimization problem with large number of variables and constraints. The paper presents several of computational intelligence techniques that can generate SoS architectures, such as genetic algorithms (GA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) combined with Type 2 Fuzzy logic nets. The Maritime search and rescue (SAR) were used as a SoS domain scenario to both implement and demonstrate the architecting methodology. SAR utilizes …

Joint Decisions On Inventory Replenishment And Emission Reduction Investment Under Different Emission Regulations, Ayşegül Toptal, Haşim Özlü, Dinçer Konur

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Carbon emission regulation policies have emerged as mechanisms to control firms' carbon emissions. To meet regulatory requirements, firms can make changes in their production planning decisions or invest in green technologies. In this study, we analyze a retailer's joint decisions on inventory replenishment and carbon emission reduction investment under three carbon emission regulation policies. Particularly, we extend the economic order quantity model to consider carbon emissions reduction investment availability under carbon cap, tax and cap-and-trade policies. We analytically show that carbon emission reduction investment opportunities, additional to reducing emissions as per regulations, further reduce carbon emissions while reducing costs. We …

Multi-Agent Based Architecture For Acknowledged System Of Systems, Siddhartha Agarwal, Lou E. Pape, Nil Kilicay-Ergin, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Negotiation and collaboration issues in large organizations, with centralized control, across the globe, are becoming more complex with each passing day. The Acknowledged System of Systems (SoS) is a new approach that addresses some of these issues in a systematic, efficient manner. This paper proposes a hierarchical architectural framework to support Acknowledged SoS architecting and analysis for a Department of Defense (DoD) Acquisition process. A major challenge of the successful planning and evolution of an Acknowledged SoS is the lack of understanding of the impact of presence or absence of a system and its interface with another constituent system on …

Characterization Of The Relationship Between Firms And Universities And Innovation Performance: The Case Of Colombian Firms, Fredy Gomez, Tugrul U. Daim, Jorge Robledo

Engineering and Technology Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Within the National Innovation System, universities play a key role as the main source of knowledge that supports national productivity and as a system that seeks to improve the competitiveness of firms competitiveness and to find answers concerning market needs in today’s fast-changing and globalized economy. Innovation, as a source of competitiveness, is normally supported by a firm’s technological capabilities: internal R&D, external collaborative agreements, and relationships with universities. This study uses a cluster analysis to identify three clusters that represent respectively those firms that interact closely with universities for technology development (which include R&D projects) and technological learning activities, …

Relaxation Adaptive Memory Programming For The Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem, Robert Christopher-Lee Riley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The resource constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP) is one of the most intractable problems in operations research; it is NP-hard in the strong sense. Due to the hardness of the problem, exact solution methods can only tackle instances of relatively small size. For larger instances commonly found in real applications heuristic solution methods are necessary to find near-optimal solutions within acceptable computation time limits. In this study algorithms based on the relaxation adaptive memory programming (RAMP) method (Rego, 2005) are developed for the purpose of solving the RCPSP. The RAMP algorithms developed here combine mathematical relaxation, including Lagrangian relaxation and …

Injury Prevention With Physical Therapy, Karen Kott, Margaret F. Lemaster

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

(First paragraph) Ergonomics is the study of human performance (positioning and movement) and workplace design, such as equipment, ambience, and placement. The purpose of ergonomics is to maximize productivity by increasing safety, improving work quality, reducing operator fatigue and discomfort, and decreasing the risk of work -related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).^1-3

Investigation Of Mirror Image Bias: Evidence For The Use Of Psychophysiological Measures As Indicators Of Cognitive Heuristics, Caroline R. Salchak

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

The Mirror Imaging Bias (MIB) is gaining attention as a prominent quality factor in analysts' performance. MIB is an irrationality in which analysts perceive and process information through the filter of personal experience. As evidenced by notable historical events, the consequences of this bias can be dramatic. A way to understand MIB in humans is sought. How analysts analyze data, are trained, and interact with biases is explored. An experiment testing for the appearance of MIB was designed and completed. Measures from an eye tracker as well as physiological measures were collected. Results show a significant correlation between pupil diameter …

Painted Rumble Stripes: Alternatives To Raised Pavement Markers (Rpms), Thomas M. Brennan Jr, Stuart R. Mikey, Darcy M. Bullock

JTRP Posters

This poster highlights research completed by the Joint Transportation Research Program (JTRP) led by Darcy Bullock, Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University, for JTRP Project SPR-3528, "Alternatives to Raised Pavement Markers (RPMs)." The poster includes photos taken at a construction site on State Road 25 located near Shadeland, Indiana. The top photo demonstrates how the center line corrected a driver when snow covered to avoid oncoming traffic. Photo was taken on US 231 near Country Road 800 in Tippecanoe County.

2013-14 Indiana Interstate Mobility Summary, Steve M. Remias, Howell Li, Darcy M. Bullock

JTRP Posters

These posters highlight the speed and mobility metrics on four of Indiana’s interstates (I-94, I-65, I-465, and I-70). The posters are part of the effort by the Indiana Department of Transportation to characterize mobility concerns on the statewide interstate system.

Striping Truck Utilization Project, Jon R. Padfield, James Handy

JTRP Posters

This poster highlights research completed by the Joint Transportation Research Program (JTRP) led by Jon Padfield and James Handy, Purdue University for JTRP project SPR-3722, “Striping Truck Utilization for Crawfordsville and Greenfield District.” This poster highlights the transformation of striping trucks at both districts using Value Stream Mapping (VSM) through the Technical Assistance Program.

Sustainability Analysis In Integrated Inventory Control And Transportation Systems, Brian Joseph Schaefer

Doctoral Dissertations

"Due to the importance of costs as well as environmental effects of logistical activities throughout supply chains, such as inventory holding, freight transportation, and warehousing activities, this dissertation models and analyzes four integrated inventory control and transportation problems that account for economic and environmental aspects of a supply chain agents related decisions.

The first model presents an integrated inventory control and transportation problem in a single item deterministic demand setting. A supply chain agents inventory control and transportation mode selection problem is solved under carbon cap, carbon cap and trade, carbon cap and offset, and carbon tax regulations. The second …

Development And Application Of An Analyst Process Model For A Search Task Scenario, Hendrickson K. Karl

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

A key intelligence analyst role in open source search is the transformation of data into understanding. Better comprehension is needed of how new tools impact the analyst search process. The use of function analysis, heuristic analysis, and a usability study combine to provide the basis for developing an analyst process model, which affords the researcher with a structure to measure the impact of tools and expertise in performing a search task. The experiment utilized representative analyst scenario tasks in comparing baseline tools with the Geospatial Open Search Toolkit (GOST). The results show error rates increase when using a new toolset …

Investigation Of Capabilities Of Observers In A Watch Window Study, Ositadimma Nnanna Eziolisa

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Due to an abundance of data and dynamic nature of tasks, challenges with information retrieval in surveillance and target identification tasks have risen in today's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) community. In this study, two variables, Area of Coverage and Amount of Activity (AOC/ACT), are manipulated to study their effects on the number of Watch Windows an observer can monitor. This research describes the analyst's task model, and explains how the level of AOC/ACT and number of Watch Windows affects the analyst's cognitive load. Results showed a significant difference in performance and physiological indicators of workload between high AOC/ACT conditions …

Use Of Vibrotactile Feedback And Stochastic Resonance For Improving Laparoscopic Surgery Performance, Robert Douglas Hoskins

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Vibrotactile feedback, used as sensory substitution for loss of haptic feedback, has been utilized to improve performance in manual control, teleoperation and during minimally invasive surgical tasks. Stochastic resonance (SR), introduced into the human control system as white noise at a sub-threshold level, has shown promise to improve the sensitivity of tactile receptors resulting in enhancement of performance for a variety of manual tracking and sensorimotor tasks. The purpose of this study was to determine if SR could improve performance (accuracy, speed) in a simulated laparoscopic palpation task and to compare it to vibrotactile feedback (VIB). It was hypothesized that …

Improving Motion Imagery Analysis: Investigating Detection Failures, Remembering To Perform Deferred Intentions, Michael R. Nickels

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Advances in automation have led to an increased prevalence of human multitasking in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. Despite advancements in computer-vision research, almost all video data collected must be processed by human analysts. Traditionally, analysts are plagued with the presence and possible overabundance of interruptions that fundamentally leads to multitasking while processing video data. It is currently unknown what factors influence decision making in completing primary tasks or handling interruptions. In this study, we investigated the performance effects and the resulting design implications of varying the number of concurrent prospective memory tasks and encoding of one large group of …

A Theoretical Adaptive Autonomy Model: Real-Time Physiological Assessment Of Cognitive Workload, Dakota C. Evans

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Increases in modern-day system complexity, has led for a need to improve human performance and the interaction between the two. Three objectives: (1) to investigate physiological measures as indicators of cognitive workload, (2) to assess cognitive workload during human interaction with different autonomy levels, and (3) to develop a theoretical model for an adaptive autonomous system that changes with real-time cognitive workload measures were addressed. This effort seeks to improve human computer interaction by providing the human with the acceptable level of computer automation based on real-time cognitive state. Two experiments involved collection of measures of subject physiology, subjective survey …

Structure Health Monitoring (Shm) System Trade Space Analysis, Salman A. Albinali, David R. Jacques

Faculty Publications

An analytic approach to exploring the tradespace associated with Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems is presented. Modeling and simulation of the life cycle of a legacy aircraft and the expected operational and maintenance events that could occur is shown. A focus on the SHM system detection of a significant crack length and the possibility of False Alarm (FA), miss detection and mishap events is investigated. The modeling approach allows researchers to explore the tradespace associated with safe and critical crack lengths, sensor thresholds, scheduled maintenance intervals, falsely triggered maintenance actions, and mishaps due to missed detections. As one might expect, …

Dispatch, Delivery, And Location Logistics For The Aeromedical Evacuation Of Time-Sensitive Military Casualties Under Uncertainty, Benjamin Grannan

Theses and Dissertations

Effective aeromedical evacuation of casualties is one of the most important problems in military medical systems because high-priority casualties will not survive without timely medical care. The decision making process for aeromedical evacuation consists of the following components: (1) identifying which aeromedical evacuation asset (see figure 1) to dispatch to the casualty, (2) locating aeromedical evacuation assets strategically in anticipation of incoming demand, and (3) deciding which medical treatment facility to transport the casualty. These decisions are further complicated because prioritization of casualties is based on severity of injury while aeromedical evacuation assets and medical treatment facilities operate with varying …