Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'External analysis'

Thesis: M.B.A., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, 2014. In conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT.<br>Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2014. In conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT.<br>Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.<br>Includes bibliographical references (pages 61-62).<br>This thesis focuses on a medical device manufacturer, Company X, using a razor-and-blades business strategy, in which surgical instruments are offered to customers at little or no cost in order to facilitate the sale of certain implantable products that require the use of such instruments. It faces considerable challenges in managing the instrument supply chain. Company X is interested in better understanding its instrument portfolio through segmentation so that it can efficiently manage its supply chain with an appropriate supply chain strategy for each segment. This thesis deals with the development of a segmentation methodology that can be used to objectively rank and segment medical device products that do not directly generate sales revenues, but contribute to the revenues generated by a dependent class of products. A methodology was developed to rank and segment the instruments within Company X's instrument portfolio using criticality heuristics. The segments were then evaluated for opportunities for inventory reduction without harming service levels. In addition, a cost minimization decision tool was developed to determine the optimal amount of excess inventory that should be discarded when items subject to minimum order quantities. Using the segmentation methodology and the minimum order quantity decision tool, Company X can potentially reduce its inventory value by over 60%.<br>by Todd A. Rosenfield.<br>M.B.A.<br>S.M.

<p>Stakeholder management is a topic that has received increased attention in later years. Researchers have tried to answer the question of which stakeholders that really matters to organizations and developed ways for identifying and prioritizing among stakeholders. This thesis fills a void in academia by looking exclusively on external stakeholders in large and complex projects such as the construction of power plants. The thesis investigates the approach towards external stakeholders as well as the process of identifying and prioritizing external stakeholders in this specific setting. By using attributes identified in earlier research, a theoretical framework was created that was used to investigate two of Sweden’s largest companies through a qualitative case study. The thesis describe how stakeholder identification and prioritization occurs in the different case companies and ultimately contribute with a new model that can be used by managers to prioritize among external stakeholder in organizational projects.</p>

A general eigen-value buckling solution is developed for the buckling of long thick pipes subjected to internal and external hydrostatic pressure. The principle of stationary potential energy is used to formulate the conditions of equilibrium, neutral stability conditions, and associated boundary conditions using polar coordinates. The formulation accounts for shear deformation effects and is suited for composite pipe systems with thick cores. It involves destabilizing terms: one is due to the external hydrostatic pressure and incorporates the follower effects, and the other, is due to the pre-bucking stresses undergoing the nonlinear components of strains. The formulation adopts a work conjugate triplet consisting the Cauchy stress tensor, the Green Lagrange strain tensor, and constant constitutive relations. A Fourier series expansion of the displacement fields is adopted to transform the 2D problem into a series of independent 1D problems, thus keeping the computational effort to a minimum while preserving the accuracy of the solution. Two numerical solutions were developed and implemented under MATLAB; the first one is based on the finite difference technique and the second one is based on the finite element solution. Both solutions were shown to converge to the same solution, the finite difference from below, while the finite element converges from above. The finite element solution is then applied to predict the buckling capacity of sandwich pipes consisting of two steel pipes with a soft core. A comprehensive verification study is conducted and the validity of the formulation was established through comparison with other solutions. A parametric study is then conducted to investigate the effect of hydrostatic internal pressure, core material, core thickness, and internal and external pipe thicknesses, on the external buckling pressure of sandwich pipes.

Graduation theses deals in theory charakteristic of the main notions from the sphere of strategy leading, external analysis, internal analysis, SWOT analysis and strategy. The practice part applies theoretic notions to the real. The thesis solves the first two parts of strategy planning cycle -- analytic part, strategy part. Point of the thesis is in terms of analyses finding strategy, that makes for increasing market share of the company.

The aim of this thesis was to perform a strategic analysis of the enterprise ZTS Jindrichuv Hradec, s.r.o. In the theoretical part are given fundamental characteristics of strategic management and methods of strategic analysis. In the practical part, I was applied the external and internal analysis of the enterprise. I also put together a SWOT analysis, from which I have formulated a strategy that the company should in the future implement.

The aim of this thesis was to perform a strategic analysis of the company SOME Jindrichuv Hradec, s.r.o. In the theoretical part are given fundamental characteristics of strategic management and methods of strategic analysis. In the practical part, I was applied the external and internal analysis of the enterprise. I also put together a SWOT analysis, from which I have formulated a strategy that the company should in the future implement.

The thesis deals with the business strategy of a middle-sized entrepreneur in the food manufacturing industry. The theoretical part explains basic terms, introduces methods of a strategic analysis and describes basic approaches to formulating the strategy. The practical part contains the strategic analysis of a specific entrepreneur created using the PEST analysis, the Porter five forces analysis, and the Value Chain Analysis. The practical part also includes suggested business strategies determined using the Ansoff Matrix, Porter's approach to strategy and the Johnson -- Scholes' Strategy Clock. The last chapter is dedicated to a more detailed elaboration of the selected strategy variant.

The aim of this thesis is to elaborate a strategic analysis of the enterprise Minesa s.r.o. through external and internal analysis. Based on the results of the analysis to formulate strategy and to suggest possible recommendations for future development of the company.

This diploma thesis is focused on strategic analysis of Simba Toys CZ Ltd. It is devided into three parts. The first part describes theoretical background of the study, external and internal methods of the analysis. The second part includes practical application of the strategic analysis to particular conditions of the company. In the last charter, the situation of the company in the market is evaluated and recommendations for the future of the company are specified.

The topic of this diploma work is based on a specific assignment and needs of the company owner. The goal of the work is to conduct a strategic analysis of the company Rybářství Nové Hrady s. r. o. using external and internal analysis. Primary focus is concentrated on a comparative analysis, financial indicators of the company Rybářství Nové Hrady s. r. o. are compared with the indicators of a sister company Rybářství Kardašova Řečice s. r. o. The main emphasis is put on the information value of the ratio indicators and explanation of the reasons for reaching such values. Based on the acquired information, the economic situation of these companies is compared.

The work is limited by the selected methods of strategic analysis to describe the current position of Elektroporcelán Louny a.s. market and the results of the analysis highlight the opportunities that companies on the market offers. This work will serve the company as a basis for future strategies.

This diploma thesis deals with strategic analysis of the firm Real Estate RE/MAX All located in the city of Pardubice. It tackles and explains the basic concepts of strategic analysis, describes the internal and external analysis. The conclusion focuses on the recommendations for the future development of the company.

The purpose of this paper is to analyse external economic stability of the Czech Republic. The external economic stability is defined and basic theory related to especially intertemporal approach to external balances is reviewed. Special consideration is given to the transition character of the economy. The descriptive as well as econometric analysis (VAR and cointegration models) find that the Czech Republic is not dangerously imbalanced. A potential threat is found to be reresented by government budget deficits due to the problem of twin deficits.

The purpose of this paper is to analyse external economic stability of the Czech Republic. The external economic stability is defined and basic theory related to especially intertemporal approach to external balances is reviewed. Special consideration is given to the transition character of the economy. The descriptive as well as econometric analysis (VAR and cointegration models) find that the Czech Republic is not dangerously imbalanced. A potential threat is found to be reresented by government budget deficits due to the problem of twin deficits.

Gait is the method of human locomotion using limbs. Recently, the analysis of human motion, specifically human gait, has received a large amount of research attention. Human gait can contain a wide variety of information that can be used in biometrics, disease diagnosis, injury rehabilitation, and load determination. In this dissertation, the development of a model-based gait analysis technique to classify external loads is presented. Specifically, the effects of external loads on gait are quantified and these effects are then used to classify whether an individual gait pattern is the result of carrying an external load or not. First of all, the reliability of using continuous relative phase as a metric to determine loading condition is quantified by intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and the number of required trials is computed. The ICC(2, 1) values showed moderate reliability and 3 trials are sufficient to determine lower body kinematics under two external load conditions. Then, the work was conducted to provide the baseline separability of load carriage conditions into loaded and unloaded categories using several lower body kinematic parameters. Satisfactory classification of subjects into the correct loading condition was achieved by resorting to linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The baseline performance from 4 subjects who were not included in training data sets shows that the use of LDA provides an 88.9% correct classification over two loaded and unloaded walking conditions. Extra weights, however, can be in the form of an external load carried by an individual or excessive body weight carried by an overweight individual. The study now attempts to define the differences in lower body gait patterns caused by either external load carriage, excessive body weight, or a combination of both. It was found significant gait differences due to external load carriage and excessive body weight. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was also used to analyze the lower body gait patterns for four loading conditions: normal weight unloaded, normal weight loaded, overweight unloaded and overweight loaded. PCA has been shown to be a powerful tool for analyzing complex gait data. In this analysis, it is shown that in order to quantify the effects of external loads for both normal weight and overweight subjects, only two principal components (PCs) are needed. The results in this dissertation suggest that there are gait pattern changes due to external loads, and LDA could be applied successfully to classify the gait patterns with an unknown load condition. Both load carriage and excessive body weight affect lower body kinematics, but it is proved that they are not the same loading conditions. Methods in the current work also give a potential for new medical and clinical ways of investigating gait effects in osteoarthritis patients and/or obese people.<br>Ph. D.

This thesis presents the application of the finite-discrete element method for simulation of the impact of external blast loads on tunnels in rock. An extensive database of field tests of underground explosions above tunnels is used for calibrating and validating the proposed numerical method. The numerical results are shown to be in good agreement with published data for large-scale physical experiments. 1D and 2D model results are compared to analytical spalling equations and to the field test findings. It was found that only the 2D models are suitable for support design. The influence of rock strength on tunnel durability to withstand blast loads is investigated. It was found that higher rock strength will increase the tunnel resistance to the load on one hand, but decrease attenuation on the other hand. Thus, under certain conditions, results for weak and strong rock masses are similar. Finally, a discussion on tunnel support design to withstand blasting is presented. A distinction between heavy spalling and light rockfall is made based on an estimation of the ratio of peak stress of the arriving wave to the rock tensile strength. Accordingly, different design approaches are suggested: for heavy spalling a low impedance isolating layer between the tunnel liner and surrounding rock is recommended. For light rockfall, a simplified static FEM analysis procedure is presented.<br>Applied Science, Faculty of<br>Mining Engineering, Keevil Institute of<br>Graduate

I chose the topic: Strategic Analysis of the Firm for my diploma work. In this work, I devote myself to the hotel of Atom***, which has its seat in the street of Velkomeziříčská in Třebíč. I chose this firm, especially because I have been working here as a waitress and receptionist for a part-time job; I have access to information, and I know the environment in which the hotel is situated. The main purpose of the work was to analyze an external environment and mainly to focus on the competition being situated in this town. My alternate purpose was to find out whether potential customers are aware of the hotel and whether existing customers are satisfied with the services being offered. To reach these purposes, I used an internal and external analysis from whose results I made a SWOT analysis. I used the PEST analysis, industry analysis and Porter's five competitive forces model for the external analysis. Further, I used marketing research that helped to reach the alternative purpose and to complete previous analyses in particular. Since the hotel of Atom has no strategy, being apparently defined, I can tell that as a matter of fact, the strategy in itself does not exist. In the final chapter, I therefore suppose a certain strategy and specific operative measurements that will lead to the fulfilment of the vision existing only in subconsciousness of the hotel keeper.

The aim of this thesis is to conduct strategic analysis of Měšťanský pivovar Havlíčkův Brod a. s. company. To propose external analysis and internal analysis. And on the basis of these analysis to formulate future business development strategy.

The Master's Thesis is focused on determining the strategic situation and recommending the appropriate strategies for the H&V, s.r.o. companany. The theoretical part describes the basic concepts of strategic analysis and each external and internal strategies. The Theoretical information I drew from the literature follows the practical part, where each strategic analysis is processed. The first chapter of the practical part are processed each by external analysis, which then are applied to the company H&V, s.r.o. The next chapter processes the company's internal analysis. Then the analysis' are summarized in the SWOT analysis. The SWOT analysis serves to define the strengths and weaknesses from the company's internal environment. It also shows opportunities and threats from the external environment. Based on these conclusions, the last chapter recommended a strategy that is suitable for the company H&V, s.r.o. The basic goal of the Master's Thesis is to develop a thorough analysis for the H&V, s.r.o. company and subsequently recommend an appropriate strategy. The main contribution of this thesis submitted shows that H&V, s.r.o. are processed by various external and internal strategic analysis, and subsequently recommended a strategy that could be helpful for company H&V, s.r.o. for business in the future.

The aim of this thesis was to perform a strategic analysis of the enterprises Neva-Trade s.r.o., Neva-TST s.r.o. and Delta Kardasova Recice a.s., which operate as one enterprise. In the theoretical part was described some fundamental characteristics of strategic management and methods of strategic analysis. In the practical part, I applied internal and external analysis to the enterprise. Last, I put togerher SWOT analysis of obtained results and based on this analysis I have formulated a strategy that I suggested to the enterprise to implement in the future.

The thesis deals with strategic analysis of the enterprise OBALY ČESKO s.r.o. It contains external and internal analysis and an outline of strategy for products VERPALIN and reduced stretch films. In conclusion is given advice.

This diploma deals with strategic analysis in a company Lázně Aurora, s.r.o. There is a description of the theoretical-metodological in the first part with relates to a particular strategy and to strategic analysis. There is direct application of the theoretical learnings into the practice in the cecond part.

This graduation thesis deals with the RILD Ltd. analysis. The business activity of the company is the production and distribution of domestic glass. The objective of this graduation thesis is to gain information about the manufacture of glass, to analyze the company activities, to find out the company strengths and weaknesses, to analyze the inner and outer company environment and to compose the list of recommendations for the company top management. Information was drawn from the company internal sources (the final accounts, the financial balance-sheets, price lists etc.), basic literature and the Internet. Obtained information help the company to decisively influence the company activities due to the planned expansion to Hungary and adopt new measures.

The basic goal of the Master's Thesis is theoretical aspects description and consequently practical realization of strategic analysis of Metrostav a.s. Practical part of the Thesis is divided into two main parts. External analysis is realized in the first one. It includes PEST analysis, 4C method and also sector analysis with Porter's model of five competitive forces. In the second part of the Thesis is applied internal analysis which is focused on company's sources and abilities to use these sources as well. Within this part both financial analysis and value-based chain are used. In conclusion of the work SWOT analysis is realized and list of recommendations for the strategy of Metrostav a.s. is created.

The aim of this thesis is to implement a strategic analysis of company Proton, Ltd. using external and internal analysis to determine the current strategic position of the company on the market and identify effective ways for its future development.

Strategic analysis on a theoretical level. The use of the theory in the practice in the company MANE BETON a.s. with a particular focus on internal and external analysis, and their connection during the SWOT analysis. Interpretation of the information, evaluation of analysis, a strategy with recommendations for further development of the company.

This paper deals with a process of strategy definition of Starkl -- zahradník s.r.o. company. The main target of this diploma thesis is to elaborate external and internal analysis and to assess present strategy, alternatively to suggest a new strategy reflecting competitive environment.

The aim of this thesis is to conduct strategic analysis for YORK, spol. s .r. o., specifically an external and an internal analysis. Based on these analyzes, the author suggested the strategy for the chosen company and recommended the future developement. The diploma thesis is divided into the theoretical, methodological and application part. The first part of the thesis explains the basic strategic concepts first. After that, the analyzes for the external and internal environment of the company and the methodology for creating the strategy are characterized. As for the methodology of the thesis, there is described, with what methods for analysis and data collecting the author came to the conclusion. Then the application section follows, which starts with the characteristic of the analyzed company. The external and internal analysis is applied on the company YORK, spol. s r.o. These analyzes define opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses. These factors are then processed in a SWOT analysis which synthesizes the acquired findings from the mentioned analyzes above. Based on the SWOT analysis, the strategy and recommendations for YORK, spol. s r. o. are formulated.

In recent years several high-profile building fires have highlighted shortcomings in the way we design for the complex interaction of structures and fire. These weaknesses appear to arise from a combination of gaps in knowledge of some of the more intricate aspects of compartment fire dynamics and from limitations in the engineering applications developed to date from hitherto established fundamentals. In particular the One Meridian Plaza Fire (1991), the Madrid Windsor Tower Fire (2005) and the Lakanal House Fire (2009) have emphasised the need for further study in the field of post-flashover compartment fires and the often consequent external fires that emerge from the compartment openings. External fire plumes impinge upon the structural façade, causing added structural stress, and often result in external fire spread and secondary ignition in upper level compartments. Hence a better understanding of the effect had by the internal compartment fire on the development of external flaming and the insult of the plume to its surroundings is beneficial for Structural Engineers, Fire Protection Engineers and Emergency Response Personnel alike. This research explores existing correlations, identifies their limitations and proposes a simplified methodology that links key parameters found to govern the internal post-flashover compartment fire to the heat flux potentially imposed on the exterior façade. Existing correlations addressing the effect of compartment fires on the insult to the external structure have largely been compiled by Law and are summarised in the form of a design manual for bare external structural steel [1]. Formulated in the 1970s, these correlations are based on the combined findings of several different experimental tests devised to investigate component phenomena of compartment fires and external flaming, forming an analytical model which is mostly empirical in nature. The methodology is convoluted and has several inherent assumptions which give rise to various limits of applicability however it is currently still used in structural-fire design, but best known as Annex B of both Eurocodes 1 and 3 [2,3]. As part of the present research, full-scale fire tests are conducted in situ, in a highly instrumented high-rise building, to provide high-resolution measurements of several internal compartment fire characteristics during a post-flashover fire in a modern, realistically-furnished compartment. External high resolution instrumentation in the main test also provides detailed measurements of the external flaming and distribution of heat flux incident on the façade. The tests provide realistic benchmark scenario data for comparing physical measurements against the analytical Law Model, the difference in which allows for an evaluation of the assumptions used in the model, which are often defined as ‘conservative’ in nature from the perspective of structural design. A detailed sensitivity study of the main input parameters in the Law Model allows for the identification of parameters of pivotal influence on the resultant heat flux incident on the plane of the external façade. Analysis of the Law Model and its underlying experimental basis also enables the identification of several limits of applicability of the model. Combined, these assessments show the analytical model can be stripped of unnecessary complexity and a Simplified Model is proposed with clear bounds of applicability. The proposed model describes the distribution of heat flux to the façade above a compartment opening and features only parameters of key importance, where low-dependency parameters are grouped into associated error bars. This results in a model that can be applied in the design of several building components that fall in the plane of the façade, such as structural elements, façade cladding and window arrangements. Its ease of implementation renders the model more widely accessible to different factions of the Fire Engineering Community. Furthermore, analysis of the Law Model identifies further parameters of potential importance that have, as of yet, not been addressed. A preliminary investigation conducted using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools shows that variation in some parameters – that are not individually accounted for in the Law Model – may influence the compartment fire conditions, the consequent external flaming and the resultant external heat exposure. Therefore, it is recommended that further comprehensive experimental research be conducted into the potential influence of the identified parameters.

The thermal response analysis of an ablative material on a two dimensional external surface is performed. The method is applied to both rectangular and cylindrical coordinate systems, where rectangular coordinate system is used for comparison with results available in literature. The current study solves the decomposition of the material at high temperatures by using the nth order Arrhenius equation but excludes the removal of char from the surface due to mechanical erosion or phase change and considers that the ablation process takes place in a finite zone. The method considers the whole domain as one computational domain, eliminating the necessity to check the positions of the start and end of decomposition zone. The decomposition of pyrolysis gases and/or char that may occur at high temperatures and the chemical reaction between pyrolysis gases and char is neglected while pyrolysis gases are assumed to behave as ideal gas. The pressure is taken as a constant value on a whole physical domain. The formulation for one-dimensional case is validated by experimental results obtained from literature. The two-dimensional case in a Cartesian geometry is formulated and an algebraic transformation is used to normalize the region in both directions and transformed at same time into a square computational domain in order to get a solution for the variable thickness domains. The formulation for two-dimensional case is revised for the cylindrical coordinates with finite length in the axial direction. To solve geometries where the outer surface deviates from cylindrical, the formulation is scaled and transformed into a non-dimensional square computational domain. The method is also applied to a two layer material problem in axisymmetric geometry. In all problems, the radiation and constant heat flux boundary conditions exist on the outer surface while whole domain is initially at a constant temperature. Case studies are performed to demonstrate the application of the solution method in optimizing the insulation material thickness.

CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO<br>BRITISH COUNCIL<br>A protensão de estruturas de concreto com cabos externos já é uma prática comum em vários países e, tem sido empregada tanto na recuperação e reforço de estruturas existentes quanto na concepção de novas estruturas. Entre algumas vantagens estão a redução do peso da estrutura,simplicidade no traçado dos cabos e melhores condições de concretagem. A protensão externa pode ser feita com cabos de aço ou com cabos sintéticos. Estes últimos são constituídos de fibras de alta resistência e excelente resistência à corrosão. O cálculo da resistência das vigas protendidas com cabos não aderentes é mais complexo do que o caso de cabos aderentes, pois a variação de tensão é função da integral das deformações da viga ao longo do traçado do cabo. Este trabalho apresenta um modelo rígido-plástico simplificado para estimar a variação da força em cabos de protensão não aderentes, para estágios de carregamento onde ocorrem deformações plásticas nos materiais, considerando que todas as rotações estejam concentradas em uma rótula plástica. O modelo leva em consideração a dependência da variação da força em cabos de protensão com o comportamento geral da estrutura, bem como a influência da resistência do concreto, da taxa de armadura na seção e dos deslizamentos que ocorrem ao longo da armadura não aderente. A eficiência deste tipo de análise é verificada por meio de uma boa concordância entre resultados analíticos e experimentais, desde que se tenha uma boa estimativa da capacidade de rotação e/ou posição relativa da linha neutra na ruptura. Apresenta-se um estudo paramétrico, sobre o comportamento à flexão de vigas protendidas com cabos externos, utilizando o modelo computacional de Campos (1993). A análise é utilizada para enfatizar as principais implicações do emprego de cabos externos de diferentes módulos de elasticidade. Estabeleceu-se também, uma relação entre a capacidade de rotação da seção e posição relativa da linha neutra, com o objetivo de facilitar a determinação da variação de força em cabos não aderentes quando o modelo rígido-plástico simplificado é empregado. Verificou-se uma boa concordância entre resultados analíticos e experimentais.<br>Beams prestressed with external tendons have a number of attractions for engineers. They allow a reduction in weight, since concrete is not provided merely to act as cover to tendon or duct; they allow the tendons to be inspected for signs of corrosion and tendons can be replaced or retensioned if necessary. External prestressing is also an ideal application of tendons made of new materials, such as aramids; since the tendons are brittle, it is necessary to avoid the strains concentrations that occur at crack locations with bonded tendons. Since aramids fibres are non-corrodable , there is no problem about the lack of alkaline environment. The main difference in behaviour between bonded and unbonded tendons is that the deflected shape of the unbonded tendon is not the same of the beam. The force change in unbonded tendons depends on the overall geometry of the beam. This work presents a rigid plastic analysis for predicting the force in unbonded tendons , which takes into account the overall geometry of the beam, concrete strenght, reinforment index, as well as the effects of the friction at deflector points. The method is validated with a good agrement with experimental results, provided that a good aproximation of the rotational capacity of a critical section and/or the relative position of the neutral axis are known. A numerical parametrical study of the flexural resistance of concrete beams prestressed with external tendons is carried out, with particular attention paid to those beams prestressed with aramid tendons. This study used a computer program developed by Campos(1993) based on the finite element method for the analysis of concrete structures prestressed with both bonded and unbonded tendons , including external prestressing. A relationship between the rotational capacity of a critical section and the relative position of the neutral axis was stablished. The usage of this relationship together with the rigid plastic model lead to a good agreement with experimental results. Beams prestressed with external tendons have a number of attractions for engineers. They allow a reduction in weight, since concrete is not provided merely to act as cover to tendon or duct; they allow the tendons to be inspected for signs of corrosion and tendons can be replaced or retensioned if necessary. External prestressing is also an ideal application of tendons made of new materials, such as aramids; since the tendons are brittle, it is necessary to avoid the strains concentrations that occur at crack locations with bonded tendons. Since aramids fibres are non-corrodable , there is no problem about the lack of alkaline environment. The main difference in behaviour between bonded and unbonded tendons is that the deflected shape of the unbonded tendon is not the same of the beam. The force change in unbonded tendons depends on the overall geometry of the beam. This work presents a rigid plastic analysis for predicting the force in unbonded tendons , which takes into account the overall geometry of the beam, concrete strenght, reinforment index, as well as the effects of the friction at deflector points. The method is validated with a good agrement with experimental results, provided that a good aproximation of the rotational capacity of a critical section and/or the relative position of the neutral axis are known. A numerical parametrical study of the flexural resistance of concrete beams prestressed with external tendons is carried out, with particular attention paid to those beams prestressed with aramid tendons. This study used a computer program developed by Campos(1993) based on the finite element method for the analysis of concrete structures prestressed with both bonded and unbonded tendons , including external prestressing. A relationship between the rotational capacity of a critical section and the relative position of the neutral axis was stablished. The usage of this relatio<br>La protensión de extructuras de concreto con cabos externos es ya una práctica común en varios países y, ha sido empleada tanto en la recuperación y refuerzo de extructuras existentes cuanto en la concepción de nuevas extructuras. Entre algunas ventajas están la reducción del peso de la extructura,simplicidad en el trazado de los cables y mejores condiciones para el concretaje. La protensión externa puede ser hecha con cables de acero o con cables sintéticos. Estos últimos están constituídos de fibras de alta resistencia y excelente resistencia a la corrosión. El cálculo de la resistencia de las vigas protendidas con cables no adherentes es más complejo del que el caso de cables adherentes, pués la variación de tensión es función de la integral de las deformaciones de la viga a lo largo del trazado del cable. Este trabajo presenta un modelo rígido-plástico simplificado para estimar la variación de la fuerza en cables de protensión no adherentes, para estadíos de carregamento donde ocurren deformaciones plásticas en los materiales, considerando que todas las rotaciones esten concentradas en una rótula plástica. El modelo lleva en consideración la dependencia de la variación de la fuerza en cables de protensión con el comportamiento general de la extructura, así como la influencia de la resistencia del concreto, de la tasa de armadura en la sección y de los deslizamientos que ocurren a lo largo de la armadura no adherente. La eficiencia de este tipo de análisis se verifica por meio de una buena concordancia entre resultados analíticos y experimentales, desde que se tenga uma buena estimativa de la capacidad de rotación y/o posición relativa de la línea neutra en la ruptura. Se presenta un estudio paramétrico, sobre el comportamiento a la flexión de vigas protendidas con cables externos, utilizando el modelo computacional de Campos (1993). El análisis se utiliza para enfatizar las principales implicaciones del uso de cables externos de diferentes módulos de elasticidad. Se establece también, una relación entre la capacidad de rotación de la sección y posición relativa de la línea neutra, con el objetivo de facilitar la determinación de la variación de fuerza en cables no adherentes cuando se emplea el modelo rígido-plástico simplificado. Se erificó una buena concordancia entre resultados analíticos y experimentales.

Thesis: M.B.A., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, 2019, In conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT<br>Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2019, In conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT<br>Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.<br>Includes bibliographical references (pages 115-117).<br>In the pharmaceutical industry, increasing product complexity, shifts towards specialty medicine and growth in emerging markets have resulted in increased forecast variation and manufacturing complexity for new products. In the past six years, AstraZeneca has outperformed its peers in research and development productivity, increasing the number and speed of product launches. The resulting demand variability and shifting operational environment have led to financial and non-financial impacts, such as poor inventory performance and strained supplier relationships. The objective of this research is to identify processes and procedures that amplify the impact of demand variability and the areas in the end-to-end operation that are significantly impacted. The secondary objective is to identify process improvements in the existing system and develop strategies to mitigate the risk of demand variability.<br>This thesis presents an analysis of the impact of demand variability on the external manufacturing and supply chain operations for new products. A case study approach is used to assess its impact on the forecast processes, manufacturing systems and supplier relationships. A simulation tool was developed as a method to measure financial impact based on inventory performance. The simulation was expanded for use as a decision assist tool to evaluate test cases developed from the current state analysis. The research illustrates that the end-to-end manufacturing and supply chain operation is experiencing significant bullwhip effects for new products. The primary sources of financial impacts are the policy stock requirements tied to monthly demand and segmentation of the supply chain causing different forecasts to be used for certain stages. Non-financial impacts include loss of trust with suppliers, manually managed complexity and limited communication resulting in the bullwhip effect.<br>The short-term and long-term recommendations focus on increased operational transparency and scenario-based forecast planning to mitigate the impact of demand variability on the system. Pilot programs for statistical process control implementation in drug substance manufacturing and development of a future state commercial partnership model were defined as follow-up work to this research<br>by Meghan Savage Wright.<br>M.B.A.<br>S.M.<br>M.B.A. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management<br>S.M. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering