Other Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

A Decision Support Model Using Life Cycle Cost (Lcc) Analysis To Select Cost-Effective Alternatives For Hazardous Materials, Blaine F. Burley, Kirk A. Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

This research focuses on the development of a decision support model to select cost-effective alternatives for hazardous materials using life cycle cost (LCC) analysis. The model provides an effective decision-making tool to evaluate the economic feasibility of using alternatives for hazardous materials. Given a specific operation, the users of this model can enter site-specific cost data to determine the total LCCs of using baseline hazardous materials (i.e., hazardous materials currently being used in an operation), as well as the total LCCs of using various alternatives. This thesis postulates that the material having the lowest total LCC is considered to be …

An Analysis Of The Ability Of Commercial Wargames To Fulfill The Education Requirements Of The Air Force Wargaming Center, Scott Goehring

Theses and Dissertations

It has been the contention of some that current commercial wargames could possibly fulfill the education requirements addressed by the Air Force Wargaming Center. The Wargaming Center, lacking the opportunity to conduct a thorough, in-house analysis of these commercial wargames, requested an independent evaluation be performed. This thesis identifies potential commercial wargames and provides an analysis of those wargames to determine their ability to educate senior military officers in the application of aerospace power. In addition, this thesis establishes a set of Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs) against which future wargames can be easily evaluated. The MOEs were developed from the …

The Battle Of Little Round Top: An Analysis Of Battle Alternatives Through Commercial Wargames, John J. Mcguiness

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the problem of whether one can use commercial wargames as a tool for historical research. The research examines two wargames dealing with the battle of Little Round Top: Gettysburg: The Turning Point and Thunder at the Crossroads. This research emphasized the need to analyze the wargame's structure prior to playing the game. This will avoid a possible mistake of drawing a conclusion about a particular driver in the battle which may not be from the historical situation but rather an inevitable outcome produced by the model's basic assumptions. Additionally, quantitative measures of time lines, casualty rates, and …

Introduction To Intellisim 2.0, Paul Savory

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

IntelliSIM is a prototype for a new generation of knowledge-based simulation tool that has been developed by the Systems Simulation Laboratory at Arizona State University. This tool is a computer environment that allows non-simulation trained modelers to predict the performance of a manufacturing system for which the necessary data is available. The system provides predictive data on such items as throughput time, queue levels, equipment utilization, reactions to machine failures, etc. With IntelliSIM, the benefits of discrete-event simulation can be exploited without requiring the high level of expertise necessary to successfully conduct a sound simulation study. The approach offered with …

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 …

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 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 …

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.

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Introduction To Intellisim 1.0, Paul Savory

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

IntelliSIM is a prototype for a new generation of knowledge-based simulation tool that has been developed by the Systems Simulation Laboratory at Arizona State University. This tool is a computer environment that allows non-simulation trained modelers to predict the performance of a manufacturing system for which the necessary data is available. The system provides predictive data on such items as throughput time, queue levels, equipment utilization, reactions to machine failures, etc. With IntelliSIM, the benefits of discrete-event simulation can be exploited without requiring the high level of expertise necessary to successfully conduct a sound simulation study. The approach offered with …

Migrating A C-Based Cad Tool To An Object-Oriented Database/C++ Environment: Conversion Costs And Performance Analysis, Mark A. Roth, Timothy M. Jacobs

AFIT Documents

his paper examines the potential of object-oriented databases to support complex design applications. To do this we migrated the Magic very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuit design tool written in the C language to a new environment in which Magic's existing file management code is replaced with a C++ language interface to the commercial object-oriented database management system (OODBMS) product Object Store. In our initial implementation we found the performance of this tool as implemented on the OODBMS to be marginally faster than the tool as currently implemented with a flat file system in several critical areas. Increased functionality, including …

Material Handling In A Flexible Manufacturing Systems Processing Part Families, Paul Savory, Gerald Mackulak, Jeff Cochran

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The objective of this simulation study is to analyze the system performance of a six machine flexible manufacturing system cell in which a material handling system is to be incorporated. The analysis focuses on determining the production potential of the cell by grouping common parts into "families". To accomplish this, computer simulation models are developed using the SIMAN simulation language.

Initially the manufacturing cell is modeled with no material handling system to get an upper bound estimate of production output. We next explore the impact that an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) has on system performance of the manufacturing system cell. …

Software Cost Estimating Models: A Calibration, Validation, And Comparison, Gerald L. Ourada

Theses and Dissertations

This study was a calibration, validation and comparison of four software effort estimation models. The four models evaluated were REVIC, SASET, SEER, and COSTMODL. A historical database was obtained from Space Systems Division, in Los Angeles, and used as the input data. Two software environments were selected, one used to calibrate and validate the models outside their environment of calibration. REVIC and COSTMODL are COCOMO derivatives and were calibrated using Dr. Boehm's procedure. SASET and SEER were found to be un-calibratable for this effort. Accuracy of all the models was significantly low; none of the models performed better against the …

Relative Utility Of Selected Software Requirement Metrics, James H. Byers

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to determine the relative utility of selected software requirement metrics in assessing the productivity of the software requirements analysis process and the quality of the products of this process. This objective was met by collecting information about the perceptions that practicing software professionals have of the usefulness of various requirement metrics. The study employed a two part methodology. The first part utilized Basili's goal/question/metric paradigm to identify specific goals of the measurement effort and to identify requirement metrics worthy of further investigation. The second part employed a typical research design to gather perceptions that …

A Case Study In The Development Of A Cost Reduction Methodology In The Public Sector, Ross Cooper Haines

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Intense fiscal pressures have caused the Department of Defense (DoD) to explore new ways of reducing operating expenses. The primary technique used to achieve this objective is the use of competition - recently for maintenance requirements not previously subjected to competition. One such maintenance requirement is the periodic overhaul of one of the Navy's front line fighter aircraft - the F-14A Tomcat. This case study documents the cost reduction methodology developed by the DoD's incumbent overhaul facility in preparation for competition. The methodology discusses task time estimation, cost center structure, labor rate development and analysis, internal cost transfers as well …

Matrix Methods Of Approximating Classical Predator-Prey Problems, E. Y. Rodin, R. Greenberg, B. Nelson

Computer Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Multinational Corporations In The Transfer Of Management Technology To Nigeria, Liwhu Undiandeye

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The development of an active and viable managerial cadre in the developing nations is necessary for the initiation and sustainment of industrial growth and productivity. Management is not only able to recognize profitable opportunities but also possess sufficient entrepreneurial skills that can be organized for technological growth. Managerial skills are abundantly present in the West and significantly lacking in the developing nations. One of the ways to stimulate industrial growth in the developing nations is to transfer these abundant skills from the West. The transferability of western management technology to non-western cultures has been characterized by uncertainty as regards its …

Australian Tractor Test Report No. 55 : Nuffield 4/65, G H. Vasey, W. F. Baillie

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THE Nuffield 4/65 is a general purpose farm tractor of 49 drawbar horsepower.

With 54 h.p. at the P.T.O. at rated engine speed it comes within Class 5 of the Australian Standard Classification of Wheeled Tractors for Agricultural Purposes, AS D10-1967. I t is equipped with 18.4 x 30 pneumatic tyres.

It has a five speed gear box with a High and Low ratio change giving 10 forward and 2 reverse speeds.

A Shell-Theory Analysis Of Transient Thermal Stresses In Moderately Thick-Walled Cylinders, Thomas K. Mckinley

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

This paper investigates the validity of extending the concepts of shell theory to transient thermoelastic problems involving moderately thick-walled shells. The region of study is a moderately thick-walled cylinder which is constrained radially at both ends and is exposed to a uniform, time-dependent heating (or cooling) at one end. The cylinder walls are assumed to be adiabatic, and inertia effects are neglected in the development.

It is concluded from the results of this investigation that the extension of shell theory to moderately thick-walled cylindrical regions subjected to axial, time-dependent temperature variations is an analytical method of approach.

Tractor Testing In Australia, G H. Vasey, W. F. Baillie

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

AUSTRALIA is one of several countries that have set up "official" tractor testing schemes.

These schemes mean testing stations that, while providing a testing service for both the manufacturing industry and the consumer, in effect mainly the farming industries, are independent of either.