Abstract: The essentiality of maintenance assessment and
maintenance optimization in design stage is analyzed, and the existent
problems of conventional maintenance design method are illuminated.
MDMVM (Maintenance Design Method based Virtual Maintenance)
is illuminated, and the process of MDMVM established, and the
MDMVM architecture is given out. The key techniques of MDMVM
are analyzed, and include maintenance design based KBE (Knowledge
Based Engineering) and virtual maintenance based physically
attribute. According to physical property, physically based modeling,
visual object movement control, the simulation of operation force and
maintenance sequence planning method are emphatically illuminated.
Maintenance design system based virtual maintenance is established in
foundation of maintenance design method.
Abstract: Risk management is an essential fraction of project management, which plays a significant role in project success. Many failures associated with Web projects are the consequences of poor awareness of the risks involved and lack of process models that can serve as a guideline for the development of Web based applications. To circumvent this problem, contemporary process models have been devised for the development of conventional software. This paper introduces the WPRiMA (Web Project Risk Management Assessment) as the tool, which is used to implement RIAP, the risk identification architecture pattern model, which focuses upon the data from the proprietor-s and vendor-s perspectives. The paper also illustrates how WPRiMA tool works and how it can be used to calculate the risk level for a given Web project, to generate recommendations in order to facilitate risk avoidance in a project, and to improve the prospects of early risk management.
Abstract: In the queueing theory, it is assumed that customer
arrivals correspond to a Poisson process and service time has the
exponential distribution. Using these assumptions, the behaviour of
the queueing system can be described by means of Markov chains
and it is possible to derive the characteristics of the system. In the
paper, these theoretical approaches are presented on several types of
systems and it is also shown how to compute the characteristics in a
situation when these assumptions are not satisfied
Abstract: There exists a strong correlation between efficient project management and competitive advantage for organizations. Therefore, organizations are striving to standardize and assess the rigor of their project management processes and capabilities i.e. project management maturity. Researchers and standardization organizations have developed several project management maturity models (PMMMs) to assess project management maturity of the organizations. This study presents a critical evaluation of some of the leading PMMMs against OPM3® in a multitude of ways to look at which PMMM is the most comprehensive model - which could assess most aspects of organizations and also help the organizations in gaining competitive advantage over competitors. After a detailed morphological analysis of the models, it is concluded that OPM3® is the most promising maturity model that can really provide a competitive advantage to the organizations due to its unique approach of assessment and improvement strategies.
Abstract: E-learning is not restricted to the use of new technologies for the online content, but also induces the adoption of new approaches to improve the quality of education. This quality depends on the ability of these approaches (technical and pedagogical) to provide an adaptive learning environment. Thus, the environment should include features that convey intentions and meeting the educational needs of learners by providing a customized learning path to acquiring a competency concerned In our proposal, we believe that an individualized learning path requires knowledge of the learner. Therefore, it must pass through a personalization of diagnosis to identify precisely the competency gaps to fill, and reduce the cognitive load To personalize the diagnosis and pertinently measure the competency gap, we suggest implementing the formative assessment in the e-learning environment and we propose the introduction of a pre-regulation process in the area of formative assessment, involving its individualization and implementation in e-learning.
Abstract: The focus of this paper is to construct daily time series
exchange rate forecast models of Samoan Tala/USD and Tala/AUD
during the year 2008 to 2012 with neural network The performance
of the models was measured by using varies error functions such as
Root Square mean error (RSME), Mean absolute error (MAE), and
Mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Our empirical findings
suggest that AR (1) model is an effective tool to forecast the
Tala/USD and Tala/AUD.
Abstract: The objective of this study is to evaluate the threshold
stress of the clay with sand subgrade soil. Threshold stress can be
defined as the stress level above which cyclic loading leads to
excessive deformation and eventual failure. The thickness
determination of highways formations using the threshold stress
approach is a more realistic assessment of the soil behaviour because
it is subjected to repeated loadings from moving vehicles. Threshold
stress can be evaluated by plastic strain criterion, which is based on
the accumulated plastic strain behaviour during cyclic loadings [1].
Several conditions of the all-round pressure the subgrade soil namely,
zero confinement, low all-round pressure and high all-round pressure
are investigated. The threshold stresses of various soil conditions are
determined. Threshold stress of the soil are 60%, 31% and 38.6% for
unconfined partially saturated sample, low effective stress saturated
sample, high effective stress saturated sample respectively.
Abstract: Research papers are usually evaluated via peer
review. However, peer review has limitations in evaluating research
papers. In this paper, Scienstein and the new idea of 'collaborative
document evaluation' are presented. Scienstein is a project to
evaluate scientific papers collaboratively based on ratings, links,
annotations and classifications by the scientific community using the
internet. In this paper, critical success factors of collaborative
document evaluation are analyzed. That is the scientists- motivation
to participate as reviewers, the reviewers- competence and the
reviewers- trustworthiness. It is shown that if these factors are
ensured, collaborative document evaluation may prove to be a more
objective, faster and less resource intensive approach to scientific
document evaluation in comparison to the classical peer review
process. It is shown that additional advantages exist as collaborative
document evaluation supports interdisciplinary work, allows
continuous post-publishing quality assessments and enables the
implementation of academic recommendation engines. In the long
term, it seems possible that collaborative document evaluation will
successively substitute peer review and decrease the need for
journals.
Abstract: There is significant interest in achieving technology
innovation through new product development activities. It is
recognized, however, that traditional project management practices
focused only on performance, cost, and schedule attributes, can often
lead to risk mitigation strategies that limit new technology
innovation. In this paper, a new approach is proposed for formally
managing and quantifying technology innovation. This approach uses
a risk-based framework that simultaneously optimizes innovation
attributes along with traditional project management and system
engineering attributes. To demonstrate the efficacy of the new riskbased
approach, a comprehensive product development experiment
was conducted. This experiment simultaneously managed the
innovation risks and the product delivery risks through the proposed
risk-based framework. Quantitative metrics for technology
innovation were tracked and the experimental results indicate that the
risk-based approach can simultaneously achieve both project
deliverable and innovation objectives.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the probabilistic numerical
solution of the problems in biomechanics and mining. Applications of
Simulation-Based Reliability Assessment (SBRA) Method are
presented in the solution of designing of the external fixators applied
in traumatology and orthopaedics (these fixators can be applied for
the treatment of open and unstable fractures etc.) and in the solution
of a hard rock (ore) disintegration process (i.e. the bit moves into the
ore and subsequently disintegrates it, the results are compared with
experiments, new design of excavation tool is proposed.
Abstract: The impact assessment in its various forms has
recently become a very important part of policy-making and
legislation in many different countries. Regulatory impact assessment
(RIA) is yet another set of analytical methods deployed in the
legislation of the European Union, of many developed countries as
well as in many developing ones such as Mexico, Malaysia and
Philippines. The aim of this paper is to provide a theoretical
background for economic models in regulatory impact assessment
and an overview of their application especially on the financial
market in the Czech Republic. We found out an inadequate
application of these models, what makes room for further research in
this field.
Abstract: This study examined a habitat-suitability assessment method namely the Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA). A virtual species was created and then dispatched in a geographic information system model of a real landscape in three historic scenarios: (1) spreading, (2) equilibrium, and (3) overabundance. In each scenario, the virtual species was sampled and these simulated data sets were used as inputs for the ENFA to reconstruct the habitat suitability model. The 'equilibrium' scenario gives the highest quantity and quality among three scenarios. ENFA was sensitive to the distribution scenarios but not sensitive to sample sizes. The use of a virtual species proved to be a very efficient method, allowing one to fully control the quality of the input data as well as to accurately evaluate the predictive power of the analyses.
Abstract: The new programming technologies allow for the
creation of components which can be automatically or manually
assembled to reach a new experience in knowledge understanding
and mastering or in getting skills for a specific knowledge area. The
project proposes an interactive framework that permits the creation,
combination and utilization of components that are specific to
mathematical training in high schools.
The main framework-s objectives are:
• authoring lessons by the teacher or the students; all they need
are simple operating skills for Equation Editor (or something
similar, or Latex); the rest are just drag & drop operations,
inserting data into a grid, or navigating through menus
• allowing sonorous presentations of mathematical texts and
solving hints (easier understood by the students)
• offering graphical representations of a mathematical function
edited in Equation
• storing of learning objects in a database
• storing of predefined lessons (efficient for expressions and
commands, the rest being calculations; allows a high
compression)
• viewing and/or modifying predefined lessons, according to the
curricula
The whole thing is focused on a mathematical expressions minicompiler,
storing the code that will be later used for different
purposes (tables, graphics, and optimisations).
Programming technologies used. A Visual C# .NET
implementation is proposed. New and innovative digital learning
objects for mathematics will be developed; they are capable to
interpret, contextualize and react depending on the architecture
where they are assembled.
Abstract: The stem cells have ability to differentiated
themselves through mitotic cell division and various range of
specialized cell types. Cellular differentiation is a way by which few
specialized cell develops into more specialized.This paper studies the
fundamental problem of computational schema for an artificial neural
network based on chemical, physical and biological variables of
state. By doing this type of study system could be model for a viable
propagation of various economically important stem cells
differentiation. This paper proposes various differentiation outcomes
of artificial neural network into variety of potential specialized cells
on implementing MATLAB version 2009. A feed-forward back
propagation kind of network was created to input vector (five input
elements) with single hidden layer and one output unit in output
layer. The efficiency of neural network was done by the assessment
of results achieved from this study with that of experimental data
input and chosen target data. The propose solution for the efficiency
of artificial neural network assessed by the comparatative analysis of
“Mean Square Error" at zero epochs. There are different variables of
data in order to test the targeted results.
Abstract: In the current economy of increasing global
competition, many organizations are attempting to use knowledge as
one of the means to gain sustainable competitive advantage. Besides
large organizations, the success of SMEs can be linked to how well
they manage their knowledge. Despite the profusion of research
about knowledge management within large organizations, fewer
studies tried to analyze KM in SMEs.
This research proposes a new framework showing the determinant
role of organizational dimensions onto KM approaches. The paper
and its propositions are based on a literature review and analysis.
In this research, personalization versus codification,
individualization versus institutionalization and IT-based versus non
IT-based are highlighted as three distinct dimensions of knowledge
management approaches.
The study contributes to research by providing a more nuanced
classification of KM approaches and provides guidance to managers
about the types of KM approaches that should be adopted based on
the size, geographical dispersion and task nature of SMEs.
To the author-s knowledge, the paper is the first of its kind to
examine if there are suitable configurations of KM approaches for
SMEs with different dimensions. It gives valuable information, which
hopefully will help SME sector to accomplish KM.
Abstract: This article proposes a new methodology to be used by SMEs (Small and Medium enterprises) to characterize their performance in quality, highlighting weaknesses and area for improvement. The methodology aims to identify the principal causes of quality problems and help to prioritize improvement initiatives. This is a self-assessment methodology that intends to be easy to implement by companies with low maturity level in quality. The methodology is organized in six different steps which includes gathering information about predetermined processes and subprocesses of quality management, defined based on the well-known Juran-s trilogy for quality management (Quality planning, quality control and quality improvement) and, predetermined results categories, defined based on quality concept. A set of tools for data collecting and analysis, such as interviews, flowcharts, process analysis diagrams and Failure Mode and effects Analysis (FMEA) are used. The article also presents the conclusions obtained in the application of the methodology in two cases studies.
Abstract: The objective of this article is to discuss the potential
of economic analysis as a tool for identification and evaluation of
corruption in legislative acts. We propose that corruption be
perceived as a risk variable within the legislative process. Therefore
we find it appropriate to employ risk analysis methods, used in
various fields of economics, for the evaluation of corruption in
legislation. Furthermore we propose the incorporation of these
methods into the so called corruption impact assessment (CIA), the
general framework for detection of corruption in legislative acts. The
applications of the risk analysis methods are demonstrated on
examples of implementation of proposed CIA in the Czech Republic.
Abstract: International markets driven forces are changing
continuously, therefore companies need to gain a competitive edge in
such markets. Improving the company's products, processes and
practices is no longer auxiliary. Lean production is a production
management philosophy that consolidates work tasks with minimum
waste resulting in improved productivity. Lean production practices
can be mapped into many production areas. One of these is
Manufacturing Equipment and Technology (MET). Many lean
production practices can be implemented in MET, namely, specific
equipment configurations, total preventive maintenance, visual
control, new equipment/ technologies, production process
reengineering and shared vision of perfection.The purpose of this
paper is to investigate the implementation level of these six practices
in Jordanian industries. To achieve that a questionnaire survey has
been designed according to five-point Likert scale. The questionnaire
is validated through pilot study and through experts review. A sample
of 350 Jordanian companies were surveyed, the response rate was
83%. The respondents were asked to rate the extent of
implementation for each of practices. A relationship conceptual
model is developed, hypotheses are proposed, and consequently the
essential statistical analyses are then performed. An assessment tool
that enables management to monitor the progress and the
effectiveness of lean practices implementation is designed and
presented. Consequently, the results show that the average
implementation level of lean practices in MET is 77%, Jordanian
companies are implementing successfully the considered lean
production practices, and the presented model has Cronbach-s alpha
value of 0.87 which is good evidence on model consistency and
results validation.
Abstract: There are different kinds of online systems on the Internet for people who need support and develop new knowledge. Online communities and Ask the Expert systems are two such systems. In the health care area, the number of users of these systems has increased at a rapid pace. Interactions with medical trained experts take place online, and people with concerns about similar health problems come together to share experiences and advice. The systems are also used as storages and browsed for health information. Over the years, studies have been conducted of the usage of the different systems. However, in what ways the systems can be used together to enhance learning has not been explored. This paper presents results from a study of online health-communities and an Ask the Expert system for people who suffer from overweight. Differences and similarities in regards to posted issues and replies are discussed, and suggestions for a new holistic design of the two systems are presented.
Abstract: In a liberalized electricity market, it is not surprising
that different customers require different power quality (PQ) levels at
different price. Power quality related to several power disturbances is
described by many parameters, so how to define a comprehensive
hierarchy evaluation system of power quality (PQCHES) has become
a concerned issue. In this paper, based on four electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC) levels, the numerical range of each power
disturbance is divided into five grades (Grade I –Grade V), and the
“barrel principle" of power quality is used for the assessment of
overall PQ performance with only one grade indicator. A case study
based on actual monitored data of PQ shows that the site PQ grade
indicates the electromagnetic environment level and also expresses the
characteristics of loads served by the site.
The shortest plank principle of PQ barrel is an incentive
mechanism, which can combine with the rewards/penalty mechanism
(RPM) of consumed energy “on quality demand", to stimulate utilities
to improve the overall PQ level and also stimulate end-user more
“smart" under the infrastructure of future SmartGrid..