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Adam, Shalima. "Carbon disclosure and company performance : a portfolio performance approach." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/21194.
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Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.The objective of this research study was to investigate whether socially responsible companies that disclose their carbon emission, referred to in this research report as ‘carbon disclosure leaders’, outperform their non-disclosing counterparts, referred to in this research report as ‘carbon disclosure laggards’. This research study attempted to substantiate the relationship between companies’ carbon disclosure practices and companies’ share price performance. An empirical analysis was conducted with a focus on South African-listed Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) top-100 companies. A portfolio approach was utilised to establish if any significant relationship exists between company carbon disclosure and company share price performance. Portfolios were constructed based on companies that participated in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and were thus categorised into JSE industry sectors. It was assumed that by using industry-specific sectors, the macro-economic conditions would generally affect all companies in that specific sector in a similar way, thus enabling comparative analysis. The results from this study subsequently found, having done various analyses in terms of share price growth and carbon disclosure, that no significant correlation exists in terms of the CDP. This would, however, be correct in terms of the analysed data, which is limited at times, but cannot be necessarily inferred as a broader statement. Intuitively, it can be said that carbon disclosure and greater ratings in terms of the CDP would imply that companies are more positive in dealing with their carbon footprint, which would be more positive for their long-term existence and sustainability. Equally, it could also yield various cost savings that will translate into higher earnings and earnings per share that drive share price growth. In becoming more active in reducing the carbon footprint, companies would also reduce their risk profile since they would be better aligned to potential restrictive carbon emission legislation and improve their public profile, which could again boost profitability. Further arguments can be made to suggest that disclosure of a company’s carbon initiatives and footprint would benefit the company’s value and share price performance. Thus, having observed the outcomes of the analyses conducted in this report, the more appropriate question would be if other factors exist that could have affected the outcomes as observed and whether these factors could have overshadowed the proof that there is a positive correlation between share price growth and carbon disclosure.
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Wang, Guanying. "Evaluating MapReduce System Performance: A Simulation Approach." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/28820.
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Scale of data generated and processed is exploding in the Big Data era. The MapReduce system popularized by open-source Hadoop is a powerful tool for the exploding data problem, and is widely employed in many areas involving large scale of data. In many circumstances, hypothetical MapReduce systems must be evaluated, e.g. to provision a new MapReduce system to provide certain performance goal, to upgrade a currently running system to meet increasing business demands, to evaluate novel network topology, new scheduling algorithms, or resource arrangement schemes. The traditional trial-and-error solution involves the time-consuming and costly process in which a real cluster is first built and then benchmarked. In this dissertation, we propose to simulate MapReduce systems and evaluate hypothetical MapReduce systems using simulation. This simulation approach offers significantly lower turn-around time and lower cost than experiments. Simulation cannot entirely replace experiments, but can be used as a preliminary step to reveal potential flaws and gain critical insights.
We studied MapReduce systems in detail and developed a comprehensive performance model for MapReduce, including sub-task phase level performance models for both map and reduce tasks and a model for resource contention between multiple processes running in concurrent. Based on the performance model, we developed a comprehensive simulator for MapReduce, MRPerf. MRPerf is the first full-featured MapReduce simulator. It supports both workload simulation and resource contention, and it still offers the most complete features among all MapReduce simulators to date. Using MRPerf, we conducted two case studies to evaluate scheduling algorithms in MapReduce and shared storage in MapReduce, without building real clusters.
Furthermore, in order to further integrate simulation and performance prediction into MapReduce systems and leverage predictions to improve system performance, we developed online prediction framework for MapReduce, which periodically runs simulations within a live Hadoop MapReduce system. The framework can predict task execution within a window in near future. These predictions can be used by other components in MapReduce systems in order to improve performance. Our results show that the framework can achieve high prediction accuracy and incurs negligible overhead. We present two potential use cases, prefetching and dynamic adapting scheduler.Ph. D.
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Eltemsahi, Ayman. "A systemic approach to performance measures." Thesis, University of Sunderland, 2001. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.341433.
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Brammer, Stephen John. "A bounds approach to industrial performance." Thesis, University of East Anglia, 2000. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.327416.
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Hillston, Jane. "A compositional approach to performance modelling." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/15027.
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Performance modelling is concerned with the capture and analysis of the dynamic behaviour of computer and communication systems. The size and complexity of many modern systems result in large, complex models. A compositional approach decomposes the system into subsystems that are smaller and more easily modelled. In this thesis a novel compositional approach to performance modelling is presented. This approach is based on a suitably enhanced process algebra, PEPA (Performance Evaluation Process Algebra). The compositional nature of the language provides benefits for model solution as well as model construction. An operational semantics is provided for PEPA and its use to generate an underlying Markov process for any PEPA model is explained and demonstrated. Model simplification and state space aggregation have been proposed as means to tackle the problems of large performance models. These techniques are presented in terms of notions of equivalence between modelling entitles. A framework is developed for analysing such notions of equivalence and it is explained how the bisimulation relations developed for process algebras fit within the framework. Four different equivalence relations for PEPA, two structural and two based on bisimulation are developed and considered within this framework. For each equivalence the implications for the underlying Markov process are studied and its potential use as the basis of a model simplification technique is assessed. Three of these equivalences are shown to be congruences and all are complementary to the compositional nature of the models considered. As well as their intrinsic interest from a process algebra perspective, each of these notions of equivalence is also demonstrated to be useful in a performance modelling context. The strong structural equivalence, isomorphism, generates equational laws which form the basis of model transformation techniques. This is weakened to define weak isomorphism.
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Melia, Detta M. "Towards performance measurement in hotels : an incremental approach." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2009. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/12520.
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The overall aim of this study is to investigate the phenomenon of performance measurement in independently owned hotels in Ireland in order to understand the role of measurement in the management of the largest component of the hotel sector. The primary objectives of this study are to investigate the extent to which Irish hotel operators are utilising performance measurement techniques, to establish the rationale for the use of selected performance measures in independent hotels and to understand approaches to performance measurement in the management of independent hotels. A comprehensive investigation of existing performance management and measurement activity is provided in this study. A mixed methods approach to the research was undertaken to gather data on the phenomenon of performance measurement, allowing for a triangulation of data through multiple sources. A survey questionnaire was carried out within the hotels in Ireland followed by focus groups and indepth interviews carried out in a number of small and medium-sized hotels in Ireland. A number of key' performance measurement issues were investigated and include the rationale for performance measurement, the benefits of performance measurement, those responsible for carrying out the function, critical success factors impacting on the business and performance dimensions and measures utilised by hotel operators in the study. The findings of this research have implications for a number of stakeholders, however, the greatest impact will be on the small and medium-sized hotel operator. The research shows there is a need for these hotel operators to adopt a more structured formal approach to performance measurement. A number of models of performance measurement for small, medium-size and large hotels are proposed. These models will contribute to the management of performance in the hotel sector in Ireland, leading to increased effectiveness which is especially important in the current economic climate that the hotel and tourism sector is facing and will face into the future.
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Park, Jaewook. "An integrated approach to lifeline performance evaluation /." Thesis, Connect to this title online; UW restricted, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/1773/10196.
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Esler, Robert Wadhams. "A phenomenological approach to contemporary music performance." Connect to a 24 p. preview or request complete full text in PDF format. Access restricted to UC campuses, 2007. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/ucsd/fullcit?p3258703.
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Thesis (D.M.A.)--University of California, San Diego, 2007.Title from 1st page of PDF file (viewed July 12, 2007). Available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 121-124).
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Ashley, Simon James. "Business performance measurement : a soft systemic approach." Thesis, City University London, 2001. http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/8282/.
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The first objective of the research presented in this thesis, was to perform an investigation into the challenges of business performance measurement. The second objective of the research was to respond to these challenges, by articulating a Soft Systemic approach to business performance measurement. To meet the objectives of the research, the project draws on two key areas: a review of literature about measurement in different fields of study; and three real world action research case studies. The work in these areas is presented in this thesis, the main topics of which are: - Identifying specific challenges to measurement in the area of business performance measurement. - Identifying a number of generic causes of complexity in measurement situations; and introducing a new measurement classification based on the complexity of measurement situations. - Using the new classification of measurement situations to critique the traditional approach to measurement; and thereby identifying situations, such as business performance measurement, where a new approach to measurement is needed. -Proposing a set of Soft Systemic principles to measurement; and showing that this Soft Systemic approach is significantly different to the traditional approach. -Showing that the Soft Systemic approach is more suitable to the complex challenges of business performance measurement. -Translating the Soft Systemic approach into a practical framework, the Soft Systemic Performance Measurement Framework (SSPMF), to assist measurement practitioners in business performance measurement; and validating that framework in case study work.
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Strand, Stephen. "Motorsport performance analysis| A spatio-temporal approach." Thesis, California State University, Long Beach, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=1584460.
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As data logging technologies advanced, a point was reached where amateur motorsport enthusiasts could now log their vehicle's data while competing in motorsport events. Many drivers take advantage of these new data logging technologies but lack options for analyzing the data during and after motorsport events beyond standard tables and two-dimensional graphs. This thesis investigated the use of GIS as a tool for analyzing data collected during a motorsport event through time geography approaches and three-dimensional geovisualization techniques. Data were collected from the vehicle to analyze the speed and handling of the car while heart rate data were collected from the driver to help understand the driver's emotional state while navigating the course. Analysis of the data showed that time geography visualizations in a three-dimensional environment could help drivers better understand the data that had been collected from their vehicles and themselves and use it to improve their future performances when driving in motorsport events.
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Salinas-Navarro, David Ernesto. "Performance in organisations : an autonomous systems approach." Thesis, University of Lincoln, 2003. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.400858.
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Albano, Leonard D. (Leonard Daniel). "An axiomatic approach to performance-based design." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1992. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/13196.
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Kakkos, Nikolaos. "An integrated approach to export performance assessments." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2006. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/35941.
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The importance of export performance measurement has long been acknowledged in the literature and various conceptualisations of export-related behaviours have been linked to performance variables. From a research perspective, such emphasis on performance aims to explain why some firms are more successful than others in the export front and seeks to develop empirically-based guidelines on how exporters could perform better than they do. From a business perspective, sound measurement of export performance is essential for managers to be able to evaluate the impact of their decision making and therefore assess the extent to which their firms' export objectives have been attained.
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Hopfinger, Sarah. "Performance (in) ecology : a practice-based approach." Thesis, University of Glasgow, 2017. http://theses.gla.ac.uk/8040/.
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This thesis develops an ecological performance practice using a practice-as-research methodology. It explores how performance can engage the ecological, where performance (in process and product) is understood as an ecology of diverse humans and nonhumans, which participates within the wider ecology of Earth. Whilst recent publications have given sustained attention to the ways performance can respond to ecological imperatives (Allen and Preece, 2015; Heddon and Mackey, 2012; Bottoms, Franks and Kramer, 2012; Arons and May, 2011; Kershaw, 2007; Bottoms and Goulish, 2007), there has been scarce attention paid to how performance practices and creative process can be and do ecology. In attending to that gap, this research develops a critically-engaged practice of performance (in) ecology, exploring how performance – in its very methods, modes and live moments of practice – can enact the ecological. The project developed an ecological practice through intergenerational and professional-nonprofessional collaboration. It was led by two performance works – Age-Old (2013) and Wild Life (2014). Age-Old involved collaborating with a seven-year-old girl to co-devise a new performance and it formed a developmental period of the research inquiry from which key methods were taken into the more ambitious work, Wild Life. This performance explored ‘wildness’ and was a collaboration with eight professional and nonprofessional performers, aged between nine and 60 years old. It presents the main body of the research. The written component of the thesis frames and elucidates the practice-based research findings. The thesis proposes that involving collaborators of diverse ages and skills presents a dynamic performance ecology through which an inclusive ecological practice can be developed. Its claim is that collaborative practice offers a potentially radical enactment of ecological qualities and dynamics, where this enactment is the ‘wilding’ of performance. Conducted through a Collaborative Doctoral Award from the Arts and Humanities Research Council, the project was supported by Catherine Wheels Theatre Company. It offers new approaches for practice and scholarship in the fields of performance and ecology, devised performance, movement and ecology, and intergenerational practice. It also contributes to wider meanings of ‘ecology’ as advanced by scientific views, including posthumanist and rewilding perspectives.
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Hunt, Daryl R. (Daryl Roscoe) 1955. "A systems approach to team performance measurement." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/9622.
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Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 1999.Includes bibliographical references (p. 99-102).
Teams are rapidly becoming the primary work unit across business and industry. Much has been written about the advantages of teams in problem solving, decision-making, quality improvement and performing complex tasks. Likewise, the body of knowledge surrounding team development, teamwork and team dynamics has grown rapidly over the last 15 to 20 years. Many theories of team performance have been developed. However, few unified approaches to measuring team performance have been proposed. Team performance measurement (TPM) is important for several reasons: 1) team measures have a motivating and focusing influence on team processes; 2) measurement provides necessary feedback for decision-making, problem diagnosis and intervention; and 3) measurement is fundamental to team learning and continuous improvement. The premise of this thesis is that the design and deployment of effective team performance measurement strategies can best be accomplished through a systems approach. A systems approach to TPM considers the following: I) The object of the measurement, the team is a system. 2) Team performance measurement strategies must consider the elements of the system (members, sub-teams, tasks, processes and interfaces) in addition to system outputs. 3) The team operates within an organizational super-system, which imposes contextual and environmental influences on team performance. 4) Team performance measurement is itself a system, with an associated function, interrelated elements, interfaces, influences and context. This thesis suggests an architectural framework for analyzing the critical factors influencing team performance and a holistic TPM framework for developing and deploying a balanced set of team measures.
by Daryl R. Hunt.
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Waitman, Sergio. "A piecewise-affine approach to nonlinear performance." Thesis, Lyon, 2018. http://www.theses.fr/2018LYSEC017/document.
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Lorsqu’on fait face à des systèmes non linéaires, les notions classiques de stabilité ne suffisent pas à garantir un comportement approprié vis-à-vis de problématiques telles que le suivi de trajectoires, la synchronisation et la conception d’observateurs. La stabilité incrémentale a été proposée en tant qu’outil permettant de traiter de tels problèmes et de garantir que le système présente des comportements qualitatifs pertinents. Cependant, comme c’est souvent le cas avec les systèmes non linéaires, la complexité de l’analyse conduit les ingénieurs à rechercher des relaxations, ce qui introduit du conservatisme. Dans cette thèse, nous nous intéressons à la stabilité incrémentale d’une classe spécifique de systèmes, à savoir les systèmes affines par morceaux, qui pourraient fournir un outil avantageux pour aborder la stabilité incrémentale de systèmes dynamiques plus génériques.Les systèmes affines par morceaux ont un espace d’états partitionné, et sa dynamique dans chaque région est régie par une équation différentielle affine. Ils peuvent représenter des systèmes contenant des non linéarités affines par morceaux, ainsi que servir comme des approximations de systèmes non linéaires plus génériques. Ce qui est plus important, leur description est relativement proche de celle des systèmes linéaires, ce qui permet d’obtenir des conditions d’analyse exprimées comme des inégalités matricielles linéaires qui peuvent être traités numériquement de façon efficace par des solveurs existants.Dans la première partie de ce document de thèse, nous passons en revue la littérature sur l’analyse des systèmes affines par morceaux en utilisant des techniques de Lyapunov et la dissipativité. Nous proposons ensuite de nouvelles conditions pour l’analyse du gain L2 incrémental et la stabilité asymptotique incrémentale des systèmes affines par morceaux exprimés en tant qu’inégalités matricielles linéaires. Ces conditions sont montrées être moins conservatives que les résultats précédents et sont illustrées par des exemples numériques.Dans la deuxième partie, nous considérons le cas des systèmes affines par morceaux incertains représentés comme l’interconnexion entre un système nominal et un bloc d’incertitude structuré. En utilisant la théorie de la séparation des graphes, nous proposons des conditions qui étendent le cadre des contraintes quadratiques intégrales afin de considérer le cas où le système nominal est affine par morceaux, à la fois dans les cas non incrémental et incrémental. Via la théorie de la dissipativité, ces conditions sont ensuite exprimées en tant qu’inégalités matricielles linéaires.Finalement, la troisième partie de ce document de thèse est consacrée à l’analyse de systèmes non linéaires de Lur’e incertains. Nous développons une nouvelle technique d’approximation permettant de réécrire ces systèmes de façon équivalente comme des systèmes affines par morceaux incertains connectés avec l’erreur d’approximation. L’approche proposée garantit que l’erreur d’approximation est Lipschitz continue avec la garantie d’une borne supérieure prédéterminée sur la constante de Lipschitz. Cela nous permet d’utiliser les techniques susmentionnées pour analyser des classes plus génériques de systèmes non linéairesWhen dealing with nonlinear systems, regular notions of stability are not enough to ensure an appropriate behavior when dealing with problems such as tracking, synchronization and observer design. Incremental stability has been proposed as a tool to deal with such problems and ensure that the system presents relevant qualitative behavior. However, as it is often the case with nonlinear systems, the complexity of the analysis leads engineers to search for relaxations, which introduce conservatism. In this thesis, we focus on the incremental stability of a specific class of systems, namely piecewise-affine systems, which could provide a valuable tool for approaching the incremental stability of more general dynamical systems.Piecewise-affine systems have a partitioned state space, in each region of which the dynamics are governed by an affine differential equation. They can represent systems containing piecewise-affine nonlinearities, as well as serve as approximations of more general nonlinear systems. More importantly, their description is relatively close to that of linear systems, allowing us to obtain analysis conditions expressed as linear matrix inequalities that can be efficiently handled numerically by existing solvers.In the first part of this memoir, we review the literature on the analysis of piecewise-affine systems using Lyapunov and dissipativity techniques. We then propose new conditions for the analysis of incremental L2-gain and incremental asymptotic stability of piecewise-affine systems expressed as linear matrix inequalities. These conditions are shown to be less conservative than previous results and illustrated through numerical examples.In the second part, we consider the case of uncertain piecewise-affine systems represented as the interconnection between a nominal system and a structured uncertainty block. Using graph separation theory, we propose conditions that extend the framework of integral quadratic constraints to consider the case when the nominal system is piecewise affine, both in the non-incremental and incremental cases. Through dissipativity theory, these conditions are then expressed as linear matrix inequalities.Finally, the third part of this memoir is devoted to the analysis of uncertain Lur’e-type nonlinear systems. We develop a new approximation technique allowing to equivalently rewrite such systems as uncertain piecewise-affine systems connected with the approximation error. The proposed approach ensures that the approximation error is Lipschitz continuous with a guaranteed pre-specified upper bound on the Lipschitz constant. This enables us to use the aforementioned techniques to analyze more general classes of nonlinear systems
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Coates, Graham. "An approach to operational design co-ordination." Thesis, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10443/1571.
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Design co-ordination is aimed at improving the performance of the design development process. It can be viewed as providing the continuous coherent organisation and control of the assignment of inter-related tasks to the most relevant resources such that they can be undertaken and completed in a suitable order in a timely and appropriate manner. The nature of operational design co-ordination is discussed resulting in the identification of key issues, i. e. coherence, communication/interaction, task management, resource management, schedule management and real-time support. Based on these key issues, existing approaches related to operational engineering management have been critically reviewed and found to exhibit a number of fundamental limitations. In addition, aimed at addressing the key issues identified and overcoming the limitations of existing approaches, a set of requirements have been established that define an approach to operational design co-ordination. A novel, integrated and holistic approach to operational design co-ordination has been developed enabling the performance of the design development process to be improved. This approach consists of two components: a methodology and a knowledge modelling formalism. Further, the methodology consists of two parts: real-time and prospective. Real-time operational design co-ordination enables the coherent, timely and appropriate structured undertaking of inter-related tasks while continuously optimising the utilisation of the resources, in accordance with dynamically derived schedules, within a changeable design development process. Prospective operational design co-ordination facilitates the identification of deficiencies in terms of existing resources with respect to scheduled tasks and, thus, the assessment of proposed improvements to the resources. The knowledge modelling formalism of tasks, resources and schedules supports the methodology. Three practical case studies from engineering industry have been used to evaluate the approach. A prototype agent-oriented system, called the Design Co-ordination System, has been developed to evaluate the implementation of the real-time part of the methodology by applying it to a turbine blade design process. The prospective part of the methodology has been applied to practical case studies concerning a marine vessel conversion design programme and a rotary drum dryer design development process. Based on the evaluation of the approach, its strengths and weaknesses have been identified. Finally, areas of possible future work have been recommended to improve the approach and develop the Design Co-ordination System. In addition, based on industrial feedback, further applications of the approach have been suggested.
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NGU, BRYAN, and Tsegaye Mesfin. "MEASURING COMMERCIAL BANK PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA." Thesis, University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society, 2009. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:his:diva-3736.
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This paper offers to measure efficiency of banks in Sub Saharan Africa and its determining input andout put factors on two fonts. At this purpose, we applied the first font; Data Envelopment Analysis(DEA) for assessing efficiency level. The actual and target level of inputs/outputs to foster efficiencyare shown in the results. Secondly, the banks ratio analysis measuring banks performance throughreturns volatility for each bank, asset utilization and provision for bad and doubtful debts over thestudy period are all used as tools for this analysis. Our results suggest that Sub Saharan AfricanBanks are about 98.35% efficient. We are aware that the level of efficiency could be subject to up anddown swing if environmental factors influencing banks efficiency where taken into consideration.Finally, our result (DEA) is more sensitive to loans, other liabilities, other non interest expense,securities and deposit.
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Whitney, John Emmett. "My approach to building a character." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2015. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/1799.
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The goal of this work is to explain the process through which I develop a character as an actor. I will explain the crucial elements that I believe great actors exude and also where I have been able--and also unable--to adopt these elements. The act of writing down these ideas is beneficial to myself because it requires me to express on paper what could easily be discussed with any other actor endlessly in circles comparing and contrasting processes and tendencies of practice. I will be able to look back to this particular work in the future and see how I have grown and what principles I'm sure I'll possibly still believe are paramount to great acting. I hope this work will also benefit younger actors who might come across my words and realize that they aren't as clueless and off-the-mark as they might think they are as a result of doing this type of work. I could certainly be the one who is clueless--and only time will answer that question. By exploring and expressing the ways in which I work, I hope I am able to offer some tangible insight to the general public as to what an actor actually does in preparation for a role that they might see onstage or in a film.
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Strydom, Carla. "Business excellence : an integrated approach." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/52722.
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Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2002.Some digitised pages may appear illegible due to the condition of the original hard copy
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: To compete in the global economy South African, organisations have been forced to become more competitive with other organisations worldwide. These changes have necessitated analysis of improved management techniques, stakeholder needs and requirements, business orientation and people management skills in order to ensure that the most efficient systems and structures are implemented. In this project, the systematic approach towards business excellence is discussed. Business excellence can only be achieved by implementing a structured approach towards business performance. This approach starts with the stakeholder needs, which are incorporated into the organisation's policies and strategies. The organisation must align its process and capabilities with the strategy in order to achieve the desired business results. This whole process is driven by leadership and a performance culture. The Denison Organisational Culture Model is based on managerial practices that have an impact on performance, and is introduced as a framework for measuring the organisational culture. The SAEF Model for performance excellence is a framework for measuring the organisation's progress towards achieving performance excellence, and is supported by the principles of continuous improvement and TOM. The self-assessment process, as prescribed by the South African Excellence foundation, is reviewed as a process to measure performance against the SAEF Model framework. A process for integrating results of the self-assessment exercises into the business planning process is presented. Lastly, guidelines on benchmarking, surveys and performance measurement are discussed as a toolkit for successful self-assessment.
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Hieber, Ralf Schönsleben Paul Schönsleben Paul Schönsleben Paul. "Supply chain management : a collaborative performance measurement approach /." Zürich : vdf Hochschulverlag AG an der ETH Zürich, 2002. http://opac.nebis.ch/cgi-bin/showAbstract.pl?u20=3728128325.
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Polca, Mark A. "A performance measurement approach for price-based acquisition." Thesis, Monterey, Calif. : Springfield, Va. : Naval Postgraduate School ; Available from National Technical Information Service, 2000. http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA386442.
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Thesis (M.S. in Management) Naval Postgraduate School, Dec. 2000.Thesis advisor(s): Lamm, David V. ; Yoder, E. Cory . "December 2000." Includes bibliographical references (p. 127-129). Also available online.
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Polley, Arup. "High performance multimode fiber systems a comprehensive approach /." Diss., Atlanta, Ga. : Georgia Institute of Technology, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/31699.
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Thesis (Ph.D)--Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2009.Committee Chair: Ralph, Stephen; Committee Member: Barry, John; Committee Member: Chang, G. K.; Committee Member: Cressler, John D.; Committee Member: Trebino. Part of the SMARTech Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Collection.
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Litoiu, Marin. "Designing high-performance software systems, a quantitative approach." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1999. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape7/PQDD_0005/NQ42800.pdf.
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Rojon, Céline D. "A criterion-centric approach to measuring workplace performance." Thesis, University of Surrey, 2013. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.582862.
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The overall aim of this research is to further understanding of the criterion-side of individual workplace performance, and its conceptualisation and operationalisation, as this has been rather neglected by scholars in comparison to the prolifically researched predictor-side. This, is argued, has led to a problematic situation - it is not possible to fully comprehend, let alone predict performance without understanding how the construct is defined, conceptualised and measured in the first place. Three consecutive studies were conducted. First, the extant evidence base pertaining to performance was examined using systematic review methodology. Results indicated that widely cited performance models have not been sufficiently supported by evidence and/or do not adequately accommodate more recent findings, pointing to a need for further research to model individual workplace performance. The second study proposed a multidimensional behavioural performance model that has applicability across occupations. From repertory grid interviews (N = 25) to elicit individuals' understanding of critical components underlying performance - a total of 317 constructs -, a generic model featuring eleven categories, 57 subcategories and an overarching overall performance factor was developed. Next, using a newly designed online multirater performance measure, in study 3 I set out to test the model's applicability in a broader population of working adults. Based on results from an initial pilot phase (N = 164), I asserted that the model fits the collected data relatively well; whilst analyses suggested reducing the number of categories to six, the content and performance areas covered remained much the same. Findings from a subsequent main phase (N = 206), which utilised also two existing performance instruments for construct validation purposes, provided further support for the model and measure. In summary, this research contributes to the extant body of knowledge of performance by integrating perspectives from past research with insights gained here to provide a comprehensive, holistic understanding of the criterion-side, resulting in a new, validated, evidence-based model that can be used alongside an associated measure to inform scholarly efforts and practical applications (e.g. performance appraisal) alike. Future research can take several directions, such as how to apply the new model to other organisational levels or other cultural contexts.
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Pua, Chai Seng. "Process algebra approach to parallel DBMS performance modelling." Thesis, Heriot-Watt University, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/10399/1262.
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Tarnaud, Albane. "A "DEA-Financial" approach to assess portfolio performance." Thesis, Lille 1, 2015. http://www.theses.fr/2015LIL12003.
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Cette thèse de doctorat étudie la transposition d’une méthodologie héritée de la théorie de la production, couramment appelée "méthode DEA", à l’analyse de la performance des actifs financiers. Elle souligne la pertinence de l’utilisation d’un estimateur tel que DEA, présente en détail la méthodologie qui lui est traditionnellement associée et fournit une revue de la littérature appliquant cette méthodologie à des portefeuilles d’actifs financiers. La méthodologie étudiée requiert la définition de conditions de régularité caractérisant la technologie commune à chaque entité étudiée. Elle implique donc une définition rigoureuse des intrants et produits caractérisant la technologie de production. La littérature actuelle considère implicitement un processus de génération du rendement des investissements dans des portefeuilles d’actifs par le niveau risque. Cette thèse propose un traitement différent basé sur l’idée de production jointe, également héritée de la théorie de la production et selon laquelle des intrants peuvent générer des produits indésirables et inévitables. L’approche proposée dans cette thèse considère les divers types de risque associés à l’investissement comme des produits indésirables. Cette thèse propose donc une définition d’un processus de production financier et étudie les implications théoriques d’une telle définition sur le traditionnel ensemble d’axiomes. Elle recommande également la prise en compte d’une possible préférence pour le risque là où seule l’aversion au risque est généralement supposée, et rappelle la pertinence d’inclure dans les cadres théoriques des mesures de risque associées à des préférences telles que la prudence ou la tempéranceThis doctoral thesis studies the transposition of a methodology inherited from production theory, and commonly referred to as “DEA” (Data Envelopment Analysis) only, to the study of performance of financial assets. It underlines the accuracy of using DEA as an estimator to assess the performance of financial assets, provides a detailed presentation of the methodology associated to DEA and a review of the literature that applies this methodology to the performance measurement of portfolios of financial assets.The traditional methodology requires the definition of regularity conditions that characterize the technology shared by all entities. It then implies a rigorous definition of inputs and outputs that characterize the production technology. The current literature implicitly assumes a production process that generates returns on investment in portfolios of financial assets by the level of risk taken. This thesis proposes a different treatment based on the idea of joint productions inherited from production theory and according to which inputs can generate undesirable outputs that cannot be freely disposed of. The approach proposed in this thesis then considers the various types of risk associated to the investment as undesirable outputs. This thesis proposes a definition a financial production process and studies the theoretical implications of such a definition on the traditional set of axioms. It also recommends taking into account a possible preference for risk where only risk aversion is generally assumed and reminds the importance to include in the theoretical frameworks some measures of risk associated to preferences for some risks, such as prudence or temperance
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Chan, Albert T. (Albert Tak Chun). "A predictive approach for identifying high performance factories." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/98978.
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Thesis: M.B.A., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, 2015. In conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT.Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2015. In conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 54-55).
Li and Fung, the world's largest apparel sourcing company, is facing rapid changes as customers demand lower prices and faster development cycles. To support the transformation of the supply chain, data analytics is used to explore leading indicators for firm survival in the garment industry. This project seeks to identify the major drivers of factory success through the lens of current factory performance metrics (quality, delivery, and compliance) and through a qualitative survey distributed to factories in China, Bangladesh, and Turkey. Based on modeled historical trends, we find that current factory metrics vary significantly in their ability to signal long-term performance. Whereas on-time delivery is universally correlated with factory success, compliance is not. Furthermore, we find that there may be secondary indicators that are strongly associated with high performance factories, including technical audit scores. These insights on the underlying drivers of high performance will increase internal transparency and enable improved data-driven strategic sourcing decisions. It is recommended that supply chain companies continue to explore these themes with data analytics. By proactively identifying high performance factories, the project enable transparent and sustainable supply chains, giving companies a powerful long-term competitive advantage.
by Albert T. Chan.
M.B.A.
S.M.
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Frade, Carlos Augusto Zerpa. "Performance of return models : a portfolio theoretical approach." Master's thesis, Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/14699.
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Mestrado em FinançasO objetivo desta investigação é avaliar o impacto das assunções dos modelos geradores de retornos nas fronteira eficiente e seus portafolios. Isto foi conseguido mediante o trabalho in-sample (assim eliminando o risco de estimação, focando a investigação no risco de modelo) em ambos mercados de ativos financeiros, o Europeo e Americano, nos 7 anos anteriores, considerando ambos, o caso em que shortselling esta permitido como também o caso em que esta proibido. O processo inclui o calculo da fronteira eficiente seguindo as assunções dos modelos geradores de retornos. Em particular o Constant Correlation Model (CCM), o Single-Index Model (SIM) e o modelo de tres factores de Fama e French (1993) Multi-Factor Model (MFM). Para os dois mercados de investimentos, comparamos a fronteira eficiente gerada aplicando MVT nos dados in-sample com a fronteira eficiente dos modelos de retorno seleccionados. Mostramos que o risco do model è importante na aplicação do MVT. Sendo os erros encontrados em todos os modelos consideravel. Também, considerando o risco de modelo para o caso de shortselling proibido, o CCM mostra melhor desempenho que os modelos mais sofisticados. Por outra parte, em condiçoes de shortselling permitido, o SIM mostra melhor desempenho.
The objective of this research is evaluating the impact of the return generating models assumptions in the efficient frontier and its portfolios. This is accomplished by working with in-sample data (eliminating the estimation risk and focus on the model risk) looking at both the European and American stock markets for the past 7 years, and considering both, the case when shortselling is allowed and the case when it is forbidden. The process includes the calculation of efficient frontier under the assumptions of return generating models. In particular, we look at the Constant Correlation Model (CCM), the Single-Index Model (SIM) and the three factors Fama and French (1993) Multi-Factor Model (MFM). For both markets we compared the true efficient frontier generated from the in-sample MVT with the corresponding efficient frontiers from the return generating models. We show model risk is an important issue when applying MVT. The errors in all model are considerable. In addition, considering model risk for cases when the short-sell is not allowed, the CCM is more accurate than more sophisticated models. On the other hand, under conditions of short-sell allowed, the SIM seams to be more accurate.
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Litoiu, Marin Carleton University Dissertation Engineering Systems and Computer. "Designing high performance software systems - a quantitative approach." Ottawa, 1999.
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McQuistion, Evin. "A Director's Approach to Annie Baker's The Aliens." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2018. https://dc.etsu.edu/honors/473.
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An exploration of Annie Baker's play The Aliens through the perspective of student directing. This includes the process of research, casting, rehearsal, and performance of the play in the Spring of 2017 at East Tennessee State University.
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Pietersen, Inge Kim. "A structured teaching approach to extended flute techniques at pre-tertiary level." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11717.
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Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references (p. 204-206).
This research explores extended flute techniques and arrives at a suggested structured teaching approach to these techniques at pre-tertiary level. The views of extended flute technique specialists have been collected to help set up lesson plans and resource lists for the contemporary teacher.
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Ouyang, Li. "Motivation, cultural values, learning processes, and learning in Chinese students." Thesis, Kingston, Ont. : [s.n.], 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1974/1340.
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Weisenfeld, Leslie. "Examining the effect of evaluating performance with performance report variances on reported performance: a field research approach." Diss., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1987. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/49908.
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Past research in accounting has suggested that the use of budgets, for performance evaluation purposes, may result in either functional or dysfunctional behavior.
This study unlike those of the past utilizes a theoretical model. The theoretical model, developed from a synthesis of prior research, presents the path-goal relationships that may be expected to exist as related to the use of performance report variances.
The study was conducted using a field research approach involving interviews, observation, and questionnaires. The organizations which participated in the study were members of the furniture industry, and each organization was treated initially as an individual case study.
The results of the study suggest that there is a positive relationship between the accepted use of performance reports, strong pay-performance linkage, and agreement regarding performance ratings.
A major limitation of this study was the small number of respondents on the negative path. As a result, little can be said regarding the generalizability of the negative path individuals’ responses. Additionally, some of the comparisons between supervisors’ perceptions and subordinates’ perceptions had to be done visually since no statistical technique to my knowledge exists to compare observations that are not independent.
A major contribution of this research is the development of a theoretical model of the expected behavior of managers who are evaluated using performance report variances. As a result of this study future researchers may be able to employ this model as it is or expand and modify it to further explore the relationships between management accounting performance evaluation techniques and expected behavior.Ph. D.
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Osman, Rasha Izzeldin Mohammed. "Performance Modelling of Database Designs using a Queueing Networks Approach. An investigation in the performance modelling and evaluation of detailed database designs using queueing network models." Doctoral thesis, University of Bradford, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/4870.
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Databases form the common component of many software systems, including mission
critical transaction processing systems and multi-tier Internet applications. There is a
large body of research in the performance of database management system components,
while studies of overall database system performance have been limited. Moreover,
performance models specifically targeted at the database design have not been
extensively studied.
This thesis attempts to address this concern by proposing a performance evaluation
method for database designs based on queueing network models. The method is targeted
at designs of large databases in which I/O is the dominant cost factor. The database
design queueing network performance model is suitable in providing what if
comparisons of database designs before database system implementation.
A formal specification that captures the essential database design features while keeping
the performance model sufficiently simple is presented. Furthermore, the simplicity of
the modelling algorithms permits the direct mapping between database design entities
and queueing network models. This affords for a more applicable performance model
that provides relevant feedback to database designers and can be straightforwardly
integrated into early database design development phases. The accuracy of the
modelling technique is validated by modelling an open source implementation of the
TPC-C benchmark. The contribution of this thesis is considered to be significant in that the majority of
performance evaluation models for database systems target capacity planning or overall
system properties, with limited work in detailed database transaction processing and
behaviour. In addition, this work is deemed to be an improvement over previous
methodologies in that the transaction is modelled at a finer granularity, and that the
database design queueing network model provides for the explicit representation of
active database rules and referential integrity constraints.Iqra Foundation
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Pienaar, Willem Alexander. "Bridging the gap between strategic control and performance measurement : a systems approach." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/5465.
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Lettice, Fiona E. "Concurrent engineering : a team-based approach to rapid implementation." Thesis, Cranfield University, 1995. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.283251.
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Wright, Robert Phillip. "Cognitions of performance appraisal system effectiveness : a repertory grid approach /." Thesis, Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 2000. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B22582204.
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Shulman, Tirza Elana. "Individual differences in cognitive performance : an affect regulatory approach /." Search for this dissertation online, 2006. http://www.lib.umi.com/cr/ksu/main.
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Nazzal, Dima. "Analytical Approach to Estimating AMHS Performance in 300mm Fabs." Diss., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/11557.
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This thesis proposes a computationally effective analytical approach to automated material handling system (AMHS) performance modeling for a simple closed loop AMHS, such as is typical in supporting a 300mm wafer fab bay. Discrete-event simulation can produce accurate assessments of the production performance, including the contribution by the AMHS. However, the corresponding simulation models are both expensive and time-consuming to construct, and require long execution times to produce statistically valid estimates. These attributes render simulation ineffective as a decision support tool in the early phase of system design, where requirements and configurations are likely to change often. We propose an alternative model that estimates the AMHS performance considering the possibility of vehicle-blocking.
A probabilistic model is developed, based on a detailed description of AMHS operations, and the system is analyzed as an extended Markov chain. The model tracks the operations of all the vehicles on the closed-loop considering the possibility of vehicle-blocking. The resulting large-scale model provided reasonably accurate performance estimates; however, it presented some computational challenges.
These computational challenges motivated the development of a second model that also analyzes the system as an extended Markov chain but with a much reduced state space because the model tracks the movement of a single vehicle in the system with additional assumptions on vehicle-blocking.
Neither model is a conventional Markov Chain because they combine the conventional Markov Chain analysis of the AMHS operations with additional constraints on AMHS stability and vehicle-blocking that are necessary to provide a unique solution to the steady-state behavior of the AMHS.
Based on the throughput capacity model, an approach is developed to approximate the expected response time of the AMHS to move requests. The expected response times are important to measure the performance of the AMHS and for estimating the required queue capacity at each pick-up station. The derivation is not straightforward and especially complicated for multi-vehicle systems. The approximation relies on the assumption that the response time is a function of the distribution of the vehicles along the tracks and the expected length of the path from every possible location to the move request location.
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Holgersson, Marcus. "An approach for performance measurements in distributed CORBA applications." Thesis, Blekinge Tekniska Högskola, Institutionen för programvaruteknik och datavetenskap, 2001. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:bth-1454.
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Distributed computing systems are becoming more and more important in everyday life as well as in industrial and scientific domains. The Internet and its capabilities enable people to communicate and cooperate all over the world. One way to construct distributed systems is to use a communication model with distributed objects as CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture). Distributed objects give many advantages, but suffer from some performance problems. In order to handle the performance problem it is important to find where in the event chain the delays occur. Therefore a tool for performance measurement and for identifying the bottlenecks in a distributed system should be a great help. This report answers the question: Can a profiling tool for CORBA applications, constructed with Interceptors as instrumentation for measuring points, give sufficient information for identify performance problems? This report investigates the possibilities to measure performance in a distributed system and if it s possible to automatically find the bottlenecks in a distributed system. The needs of a profiling tool are discussed and analyzed. The different ways of constructing a tool for distributed profiling is discussed. For verifying the ideas evolved in the investigation a prototype tool for profiling and performance measures is constructed. The profiling tool is constructed with Interceptors as instrumentation of the different nodes in the distributed system. A presentation program is also constructed for making the captured information more readable. The tool and presentation program constructed give the flow of the system in different callgraphs and also produces some call statistics in different levels. The constructed tool is tested and verified in a distributed environment. In the experiments we shows that the principle of the tool can work in a distributed environment and gives sufficient information for finding the bottlenecks and identifying the performance problems of the system.
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Fancher, Jill B. "Visual-spatial skills a biopsychosocial approach to performance differences /." Online access for everyone, 2008. http://www.dissertations.wsu.edu/Dissertations/Summer2008/j_fancher_060208.pdf.
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Morrison, Andrew James. "Performance management in further education : a balanced scorecard approach." Thesis, University of Strathclyde, 2002. http://oleg.lib.strath.ac.uk:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=21627.
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This study investigates aspects of performance management to determine if such a system can be implemented in a further education college. The performance management system used was based on the concept of the Balanced Scorecard devised by Kaplan and Norton in 1992. The Balanced Scorecard is a performance management system that enables institutions to translate their vision and strategic aims into action. After 1993 colleges concentrated their planning strategies on developmental activities to the detriment of other business processes. The Balanced Scorecard perspectives identified as essential to the success in this college were customers, finance, staff, systems and developments. The performance management system was based on a team approach where the strategic aims of the college were translated into operational objectives. In addition to linking teams to the vision and strategic aims of the college, it was also an objective to link individual performance of staff and CPD to the operational objectives of the team. The methodology used was an action research study. Qualitative and quantitative analysis were carried out to determine the effects of change on operational planning. A questionnaire was used to determine the opinions of staff. A focus group determined the opinions of senior managers. Visits to other colleges and industrial organisations were sources of information which informed the practicalities of implementing performance management. The study concluded a performance management system is effective in promoting teamwork and in ensuring that the vision and strategic aims of the college are achieved. The Balanced Scorecard model developed for this study is an effective method of linking the concept of performance management to operational planning. Evidence from the staff questionnaire led to the conclusion that the performance and development review procedure was effective.
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Hamrick, Richard. "Mutual Fund Performance Evaluation: The Modigliani Risk-Adjusted Approach." Honors in the Major Thesis, University of Central Florida, 2004. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETH/id/431.
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This item is only available in print in the UCF Libraries. If this is your Honors Thesis, you can help us make it available online for use by researchers around the world by following the instructions on the distribution consent form at http://library.ucf.edu/Systems/DigitalInitiatives/DigitalCollections/InternetDistributionConsentAgreementForm.pdf You may also contact the project coordinator, Kerri Bottorff, at kerri.bottorff@ucf.edu for more information.Bachelors
Arts and Sciences
Statistics
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Elawad, Omer Mohamed Ahmed. "Multicriterion approach to the evaluation of irrigation systems performance." Thesis, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, 1991. http://hdl.handle.net/10443/187.
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In recent years the importance and the lack of comprehensive methodologies for measuring the performance of existing irrigation schemes has been widely expressed. The objective of this study is to develop a systematic procedure by which some use can be made of the large quantities of data, already routinely collected in irrigation schemes, for the purpose of their regular seasonal evaluation. Consideration is confined to the performance of the main irrigation system of small-holder, canal-fed irrigation schemes of the developing countries. A generalized conceptual framework has been developed for a methodology by which the performance criteria for any irrigation system can be identified and combined together into a single index which measures the overall performance of the system. Six criteria have been identified as adequate for characterizing the important features of the performance of any irrigation system. These are; adequacy, equity, water losses, water user convenience, cost and durability. New methods for characterizing each of adequacy, equity and water user convenience have been developed and tested using data from the Gezira scheme, Sudan. Characterization of adequacy, equity and water losses involves the development of a soil moisture simulation model and characterization of the water user convenience involves the use of the concept of the fuzzy set theory. Identification of the criteria to be used in evaluating any particular system(s) and evaluating the trade-offs between them requires the participation of the decision-maker in the system(s) to be evaluated. This is achieved through the use of the multi-attribute utility theory. It has been applied with a group of Sudanese officials in order to derive their utility functions. The utility function reflects the decision-maker's strength of preferences over different achievement levels of each objective and his trade-offs between different objectives. The derived utility functions are reported and their usefulness is discussed. The methodology developed provides a useful tool for measuring the performance of irrigation systems, comparing the performance of different systems and assessing improvement in performance resulting from rehabilitation investments.
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Dimitrov, Andrey. "Building (as) performance : a material approach to adaptive architecture." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/54537.
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Thesis (M. Arch.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 2009.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 123-126).
One measure of performance in adaptive architecture is its ability the respond effectively to the environment and evolving program. As architects strive to create designs that respond to external change, more and more literally and actively, they are inevitably faced with the challenge of merging the kinetic with what is inherently an "immovable". Yet traditional mechanic devices allowing freedom of movement to an assembly have proven to be very expensive and often unreliable. This is in part due to their incompatibility with a building's use and lifespan. Thus, they are either implemented permanently at great expense or are confined to the temporary and architecturally limited realm of installations. We can thus witness a trend in architecture moving away from the mechanic and towards the use of material behavior and deformation as a cheaper and more durable architectural solution to responsiveness. Responsive materials such as shape memory alloys (SMA's) and electroactive polymers offer new possibilities for architecture. Furthermore, an understanding of the difference between kinetics in architecture and kinetics in mechanical objects has led to investigations into evolving interplays of rigidity and flexibility within structures. This thesis tries to advance the discourse by investigating the limits of elastic material deformation, and framing a niche where it is possible and fruitful for architecture to use material properties to produce adaptable space.
(cont.) The work instantiates these notions into a program of informal performance and exhibition space to test how performance criteria such as acoustical absorption, transmission and reflection, visual transparency and media proliferation at an architectural scale can be mediated by this approach.
by Andrey Dimitrov.
M.Arch.
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Ro, Raymond I. (Raymond Ian) 1971. "An evolutionary approach to improved performance of merged companies." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/91744.
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Martin, Jessie D. "Cognitive control and prospective memory performance: A mediation approach." Thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/54324.
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The majority of memory research, and research on its cognitive underpinnings has thus far focused on retrospective memory, or memory for things learned or rehearsed in the past. More recently, however, prospective memory, or the memory for future intentions, has become a major area of research. It is theorized that prospective and retrospective memory may both rely on similar constituent parts such as working memory and selective attention; the relationship between these constructs and prospective memory is, however, significantly less clear than for retrospective memory. In this study we sought to further clarify the role that cognitive process play in prospective memory performance using an SEM approach that included monitoring as a mediating variable in addition to focal, non-focal, and time-based prospective memory task condition. Results suggest a monitoring component is important in both focal and non-focal conditions, and that the type of monitoring observed in this study is related primarily to proactive interference, and reflects participants’ ability to disengage from no longer relevant stimuli¬¬¬.
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Vesterberg, Jimmy. "A regression approach for assessment of building energy performance." Licentiate thesis, Umeå universitet, Institutionen för tillämpad fysik och elektronik, 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-92465.
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Reliable evaluation methods is needed to ensure that investments in energy conservation measures (ECMs) and the construction of new energy efficient buildings lives up to the promised and expected performance. This thesis presents and evaluates a regression method for estimation of influential building parameters: transmission losses above ground (including air leakage), ground heat loss, and overall heat loss coefficient. The analysis is conducted with separately metered electricity, heating and weather data using linear regression models based on the simplified steady-state power balance for a whole building. The evaluation consists of analyzing the robustness of the extracted parameters, their suitability to be used as input values to building energy simulations (BES) tools. In addition, differences between uncalibrated and calibrated BES models are analyzed when they are used to calculate energy savings. Finally the suitability of using a buildings overall heat loss coefficient as a performance verification tool is studied. The presented regression method exhibits high robustness and good agreement with theory. Knowledge of these parameters also proved beneficial in BES calibration procedures as well as in performance verifications. Thus, the presented method shows promising features for reliable energy performance assessments of buildings.
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Zhang, Yongfang. "Performance-Based Chinese L2 Reading Instruction: A Spiral Approach." The Ohio State University, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1253681321.
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