Construction Project Procurement Methods (PMs) define the roles, relationships and responsibilities of project team members and the sequence of the activities required to construct or provide a facility. A number of different PMs have evolved over the years, but each is characterised by a different set of features upon which the criteria for selecting the most appropriate method to procure a given project must be based, if successful project performance (PP) is to be ensured. The use of procurement method selection criteria (PMSC) to inform clients’ decision on suitable PMs to adopt remains a recommended good practice in the construction industry. However, project clients in the Libya Construction Industry (LCI), continue to face great challenges when it comes to selecting the most appropriate PM for its projects. The general practice in this industry is largely dominated by a culture of clients’ reliance on their familiarity and experience with a particular method to inform their PM choice, with no consideration of the plethora of other PMs and use of rational approaches to aid in this decision-making. This procurement issue has long been recognised as a major contributory factor to the frequent time and cost overruns often experienced by projects in the LCI. Although the selection of an appropriate PM to procure any given project is known to result in success PP and (and vice versa), very little is known about the nature of this relationship from literature. Having persistently suffered a great deal of project failures over the years, the LCI stands to benefit from detailed knowledge and understanding of how exactly PM choice do actually influence PP. Stimulated by the dearth of this information, this thesis reports on a research investigation into this relationship with the aim of developing a model to explain the criteria functions in contributing to PP and their implications to PM selection practice in Libya. The methodological approach adopted for this research was the mixed method, i.e., using a combination of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Following a critical review of the extant relevant literature, a number of relevant hypotheses were first formulated, together with a conceptual framework, to establish the theoretical basis underpinning this research, namely the relationship between the selection of PMs (based on PMSC) and PP. The primary data collection stage involved an initial field questionnaire survey aimed at identifying and confirming the key areas of the research inquiry that needs focusing on. This was followed by a semi-structured questionnaire and interview surveys. With the aid of SPSS and Excel, the collected data were analysed, followed by the development of a mathematical model (based on regression) that demonstrate the influence of PMSC on PP. Finally, the model was validated by expert interviews to test for its validity and reliability. The key findings of the research include the identification of DBB and DB selection criteria that contributes to PP. The distinct contribution to knowledge arising from this research includes the development of a regression model to demonstrate this relationship between PMSC and PP. The benefit of these outputs lies not only in the ability of LCI’s clients to make PM selection decisions much faster by virtue of the need for them to only focus on the criteria with significant influence on PP, they are also able to work out, in quantitative terms, the PP outcomes to be expected for each of the method being considered. This latter information would enable clients to compare the PP outcome values expected from their decisions to select DBB and DB, and then be able to conclude which of these two options represents a better procurement strategy for any given project at hand.

The realism of virtual surgery through a surgical simulator depends largely on the precision and reliability of the haptic device. The quality of perception depends on the design of the haptic device, which presents a complex design task due to the multi-criteria and conflicting character of the functional and performance requirements. In the model-based evaluation of the performance criteria of a haptic device, the required computational resources increase with the complexity of the device structure as well as with the increased level of detail that is created in the detail design phases. Due to uncertain requirements and a significant knowledge gap, the design task is fuzzy and more complex in the early design phases. The goal of this thesis is to propose a situated, i.e., flexible, scalable and efficient, methodology for multi-objective and multi-disciplinary design optimization of high-performing 6-DOF haptic devices. The main contributions of this thesis are: 1. A model-based and simulation-driven engineering design methodology and a flexible pilot framework are proposed for design optimization of high-performing haptic devices. The multi-disciplinary design optimization method was utilized to balance the conflicting criteria/requirements of a multi-domain design case and to solve the design optimization problems concurrently. 2. A multi-tool framework is proposed. The framework integrates metamodel-based design optimization with complementary engineering tools from different software vendors, which was shown to significantly reduce the total computationally effort. 3. The metamodeling methods and sampling sizes for specific performance indices found from case studies were shown to be applicable and usable for several kinds of 6-degrees-of-freedom haptic devices. 4. The multi-tool framework and the assisting methodology were further developed to enable computationally efficient and situated design multi-objective optimization of high-performing haptic devices. The design-of-experiment (DOE) and metamodeling techniques are integrated with the optimization process in the framework as an option to solve the design optimization case with a process that depends on the present system complexity. / <p>QC 20171108</p>

Abstract The symptom complex originating from the inner ear, known as Meniere's disease, was studied especially from the epidemiologic point of view. A total of 442 patients' charts were retrospectively analysed in several hospital districts of Finland. The period of 1992-1996 was covered. The main focus was on the epidemiological assessment of the disease in Finland. To clarify the epidemiological figures, the validity of the diagnostic assessment was examined using the latest guidelines (1995) of the Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) as a gold standard. The diagnostic tools used in the different hospitals were documented and evaluated, and diagnostic accuracy at the different levels of the health care system was evaluated. The clinical picture of Meniere's disease was characterised, and the therapeutic modalities used were evaluated. The audiometric configurations were classified according to two principles. The prognosis of hearing impairment was specified by creating a multivariable model. Half of the patients (N = 221) fulfilled the AAO-HNS criteria for definite disease. The prevalence and incidence of definite cases of Meniere's disease appeared to be lower in Finland than could be expected based on previous international studies. A prevalence of at least 43 per 100,000 and an average annual incidence of 4.3 per 100,000 were obtained. The prevalence rates in the catchment areas of the university and central hospitals did not differ statistically, but a significant (p &lt; 0.001) difference was found between the average prevalences in the northern and southern Finnish hospital districts. Fluctuation of hearing in repeated audiometric measurements appeared to be a highly sensitive (94%) diagnostic test to detect definite Meniere's disease. According to the multivariable model created in this study, the hearing impairment in Meniere's disease affects equally males and females, and the deterioration is about 1 dB per year due to the duration of the disease and 0.5 dB per year due to aging. The disease was controlled conservatively in 69% of the cases. A gently sloping high-frequency audiometric pattern was most prevalent according to the EU Work Group classification and a flat pattern according to the mid-frequency-based classification. The variability of diagnostic criteria, diagnostic tools and therapeutic modalities shows an evident need for up-to-date therapy recommendations for Meniere's disease in Finland.

This article seeks to enhance acceptance of the profile distance method (PDM) in decision support systems. The PDM is a multiple attributive based decision making as well as a multiple method approach to support complex decision making and uses a heuristic to avoid computationally complex global optimization. We elaborate on the usability of the method and question the heuristic used. We present a bisection algorithm, which efficiently supports the discovery of transition profiles needed in a user-friendly and practical application of the method. Additionally, we provide empirical evidence showing that the proposed heuristic is efficient and delivers results within 5% of the global optimizer for a wide range of data sets.

Kyoto University (京都大学) / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第15363号 / 工博第3242号 / 新制||工||1488(附属図書館) / 27841 / 京都大学大学院工学研究科都市環境工学専攻 / (主査)教授 寶 馨, 准教授 山敷 庸亮, 准教授 立川 康人 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当

Kyoto University (京都大学) / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第16377号 / 工博第3458号 / 新制||工||1523(附属図書館) / 29008 / 京都大学大学院工学研究科都市社会工学専攻 / (主査)教授 小林 潔司, 教授 大津 宏康, 教授 河野 広隆 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当

The thesis is concerned with the relativity of marking at primary school, aimed to subjectivity in evaluation when rating the pupils' work in the Czech language. The theory is focused on evaluation generally - its functions, types, forms. In the theoretical part there is mentioned, what types of assessment are believed to be the first- quality ones. Two chapters are devoted to objectiveness and fairness in the evaluating, too. This thesis contains several paragraphs about the embedment of evaluation in the law. The target of the research was to find out, if the teachers interpret the pupil's performance differently and what criteria are taken into consideration. I want to alert to the huge amount of subjectivity when rating with marks. The teachers were given the same simulated piece of a pupil's work. Their task was to correct it and to mention what was an influence on their evaluation, the given mark. The half-structured dialogue was the chosen method for the research. The thesis confirmed the hypothesis that the evaluation through the marks is burdened with a high measure of subjectivity. That is to say, that the teachers marked the work very differently and their evaluation was grounded on various criteria. KEYWORDS evaluation, marking, subjectivity, teachers, criteria, difficulty

This thesis investigates decision-making activities leading to the initial selection of which new ideas should be selected for further development or rejected. This process, often referred to as idea screening, is described as being one of the most important, but also challenging, tasks to master during the entire innovation process. There are two main reasons for this: Firstly, not all ideas are good and secondly no firm has the resources to develop every single idea proposed to it. Thus, it is important to be careful when initially deciding which ideas are to be selected and developed into future possible innovations in order to eliminate weak ideas and retain those that have a substantial chance of becoming successful.  Two alternative decision-making approaches are explored in the thesis (the intuitive and rational approaches). In the thesis, the concept of intuition during the screening of product and service ideas is demystified. The empirical findings show that decision-makers utilize five main underlying criteria when intuitively assessing ideas. Of these, the findings indicate user-value to be the most important one, or at least the criterion that most assessors emphasize when making intuitive decisions. The findings presented in the thesis increase our understanding of the use of rational and holistic intuitive decision-making when screening ideas during the Front End Innovation phase, as well as questioning the traditional view of intuition, as a decision-making tool that is only reliable if applied by those with a vast amount of experience and expertise. The reported findings indicate that, for example, users with an understanding of the idea context are able to intuitively identify the ideas that decision-making experts identify as the top (best) ones. Hence, managers faced with a situation where they are being inundated with new ideas can turn to non-experts for help. / This thesis explores and investigates two alternative decision-making approaches (the intuitive and the rational approaches) used when screening ideas during the initial part of the innovation process. In this thesis, the concept of intuition when screening product and service ideas is demystified. The empirical findings show that decision-makers utilize five main underlying criteria when making intuitive assessments of ideas. Of these, the findings indicate that user-value is the most important one, or at least the single criterion that most assessors emphasize when making an intuitive decision. The findings presented in the thesis increase our understanding of the use of rational and holistic intuitive decision-making when screening ideas during the Front End Innovation phase, as well as questioning the traditional view of intuition, as a decision-making tool that is only reliable if applied by those with a vast amount of experience and expertise. The reported findings indicate that, for example, users with an understanding of the idea context are able to intuitively identify the ideas that decision-making experts identify as the top (best) ones. Hence, managers faced with a situation where they are being inundated with new ideas can turn to non-experts for help.

Abstract Intelligent field technology is being developed for the management of industrial processes, but its development and diffusion have met with problems. This research looks at the problem area from the perspective of industrial decision-makers and end users. The lowest level of process management consists of various electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic devices, using analog and digital signals. In this research the term 'field technology' refers to instrumentation and electrical devices, the communication between them, alarm and registration devices, programs, functions and process management methods. Important concepts in this connection are distribution, availability performance, usability, feasibility and degree of automation. Decision-making and hermeneutical methodologies have been used as research strategies. The leading idea is to provide support to industrial decision-makers and end users involved in the design and planning of processes, field technology and management systems. The research strategy is applied in all parts of the research: methods, historical review, decision-making support model and criteria, and when studying the diffusion of innovations. The objective is to experimentally verify the decision-making models. This was accomplished by means of multiple-choice questionnaires, example and case process surveys, and by collecting information on intelligent field technology. The target group of the research consisted of 50 decision-makers and end users from 20 factories, and the response percentage varied from 28% to 47%. The study of the example and case processes contains contributions from 13 key persons from the factories. Field technology knowledge has been obtained from a number of experts and sources. The results have been employed to verify the current multivariable decision-making model and its technological and economic subcriteria and decision-making criteria (1), as well as the expanded multivariable decision-making model based on the features of intelligent field technology (2). The most significant parameters of the example processes are described (3). The typical characteristics, operations, input and output materials of the case processes and their parameters are examined and assessed (4). A proposal for intelligent field technology solutions will also be made (5). The decision-making support model is an excellent tool in situations involving technological changes. The current set of decision-making criteria will have to change and expand due to the concepts, operations and changes introduced by new, intelligent field technology. Changes will occur in the communication protocol interfaces, in the data processing of field devices, in diagnostic operations and operation management. Suitable decision-making tools include development and decision databases, lifelong learning, human and electronic information networks, the decision-making support model, and benchmarking. In the future, investments will focus on the acquisition and maintenance of field technology. Intelligent field technology is more expensive, and thus automation design requires more economic and human resources during the diffusion phase; its economic benefits will become more apparent when it gains more ground and the users' skills and expertise increase. Industrial enterprises must actively seek to promote the diffusion of innovations. The current research has also brought up numerous topics that would merit further research.

Apparel purchase is an everyday decision process for consumers and the decision is motivated by various consumer needs. As an important aspect in the study of consumer behaviour, the link between South African young adult male consumers’ perception of apparel quality, use of informational cues, and apparel evaluation criteria needs to be established. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the role of intrinsic and extrinsic apparel features as informational cues on young adult males’ assessment of apparel quality during purchase decision-making. The quantitative research approach involved a structured questionnaire with Likert-type four-point scales to measure the importance of informational cues in the quality assessment of smart casual wear. This study involved a non-probability purposive sample of 330 young adult males between the ages of 24 and 36 living in Pretoria and Johannesburg, Gauteng. The study included purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Descriptive analyses were used to determine the importance of apparel features in the assessment of apparel. Correlation analyses were conducted to explore relationships among the quality dimensions. Lastly, exploratory analyses were done to measure the interaction of demographics and shopping behaviour with the importance of apparel quality dimensions. Results showed that South African young adult male consumers rank comfort most important in their quality assessment criteria, next to durability, in assessment of smart casual apparel. The country where garments are manufactured or assembled is the least important to the young adult South African males. The strongest relationship among the various apparel dimensions existed between extrinsic features and aesthetic performance. The weakest relationship, although positively significant, existed between the extrinsic features and functional performance. This suggests that to some extent, male apparel consumers form links between apparel features as each feature to some extent influences the importance placed on other apparel quality features. Furthermore, findings suggest that male consumers differ in their apparel assessment criteria based on how much money they have for apparel, and that income is an important socio-economic variable in apparel purchase decision-making. Most of these male consumers, although not experts in the field of apparel quality, considered it important to assess apparel for perceived quality during the pre-purchase phase of consumer decision-making. In all, informational cues, although varying in importance, play a role in the young adult male’s quality assessment of smart casual wear. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / lk2014 / Consumer Science / MA / Unrestricted