Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2003. / Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains x, 168 p.; also includes graphics. Includes abstract and vita. Advisor: Larry Libby, Dept. of Agricultural, Environmental & Development Economics. Includes bibliographical references (p. 161-168).

This study evaluates specific variables that influence rail freight operating costs for line haul movements. This paper gives planners a mechanistic method to determine rail costs on a single corridor while analyzing the effects of different variables on the overall operating costs. Planners evaluating the benefits of rail operations face two problems; what is the route alignment and what rail costs are derived for this alignment? This paper also reports on a promising method to measure track alignment—specifically grades – which obviates the need to work with railroad companies to determine track alignments for preliminary multimodal analysis. Complete rail freight transportation assessment can be determined from the proposed two methods, allowing more accurate planning to be done in the area of freight movement. / text

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The thesis synthesises current water utility practice, and economic theory, through the development of a practical water rate based on marginal cost pricing. The suggested water rate is a three part tariff consisting of volumetric, connection and access charges. The volumetric charges recover the long run marginal costs associated with water demand, and include peak and off-peak prices. They are calculated using an extension to the Turvey concept of long run marginal cost. The connection charges represent the marginal costs associated with connecting to the system, rather than those associated with water demand. They are of two types: those related to the local distribution network, and those related to annual operating costs. An access charge is also suggested as a means of recovering residual common costs associated with economies of scale related to production. The proposed water rate, while based primarily on possible welfare improvements, also promises gains in simplicity in use and rate stability over time, compared to current practice.

Estimates of the costs involved in the development of a software product and the likely risk are two of the main components associated with the evaluation of software projects and their approval for development. They are essential before the development starts, since the investment early in software development determines the overall cost of the system. When making these estimates, however, the unknown obscures the known and high uncertainty is embedded in the process. This is the essence of the estimator's dilemma and the concerns of this thesis. This thesis offers an Effort Estimation Model (EEM), a support system to assist the process of project evaluation early in the development, when the project is about to start. The estimates are based on preliminary data and on the judgement of the estimators. They are developed for the early stages of software building in which the requirements are defined and the gross design of the software product is specified. From these estimates only coarse estimates of the total development effort are feasible. These coarse estimates are updated when uncertainty is reduced. The basic element common to all frameworks for software building is the activity. Thus the EEM uses a knowledge-base which includes decomposition of the software development process into the activity level. Components which contribute to the effort associated with the activities implemented early in the development process are identified. They are the size metrics used by the EEM. The data incorporated in the knowledge-base for each activity, and the rules for the assessment of the complexity and risk perceived in the development, allow the estimation process to take place. They form the infrastructure for a 'process model' for effort estimating. The process of estimating the effort and of developing the software are linked. Assumptions taken throughout the process are recorded and assist in understanding deviations between estimates and actual effort and enable the incorporation of a feedback mechanism into the process of software development. These estimates support the decision process associated with the overall management of software development, they facilitate management involvement and are thus considered as critical success factors for the management of software projects.

Thesis (doctoral)--Friedrich-Alexander-Universität zu Erlangen.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1962. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 65-68).

Thesis (doctoral) - Freie Universität, Berlin, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 1972. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 189-196). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center.

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