This research is centred on designing a framework for application of systems engineering in non-conventional application areas. It uses the manufacturing – small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as a framing case. The system engineering approach (SEA) application and the value it brings is greatly appreciated in the traditional application areas like defence and aerospace industries, however, the SEA application in other industries particularly manufacturing has been very low. This has led to the mind-set that the formal systems engineering approach application is more practical and viable in high technology systems. The research focused on exposing the structural elements of the SEA combining the two systems engineering extremes (soft and hard systems) and proposing a framework tailored to the sophistication levels of the targeted manufacturing SMEs. The aim of the study was to illustrate that the SEA can be applied in other non-conventional applications areas. The Delphi study was used as the front-end primary research instrument to get input to build the conceptual framework. This involved a pilot study and a two round Delphi iteration exercise. Sixteen (16) expert‟s participated in round 1 while twelve (12) participated in round 2. This represents a response rate of 20% in the first round and 80% in the second round. An acceptable convergence of opinion of over 67% was achieved on most of the proposed SEA process activities targeted for the manufacturing SMEs. The tools required to validate the conceptual framework and frame the final implementation framework were then extracted. The study then proposed a conceptual implementation framework targeting the low to medium technology manufacturing SMEs. A sustainable hybrid SE framework is proposed in Chapter 7 which acknowledges the limitations and the constraints in the manufacturing SMEs in particular. This study adds to the body of knowledge of systems engineering by showing that a methodical approach can be followed in structuring a hybrid SEA for specific applications. The report concludes by recommending validating the proposed framework in pilot case study companies to provide useful comments and applicability levels within the targeted SMEs context.

Ho Wai Fung. / "Architecture Department, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Master of Architecture Programme 1997-98, design report." / Includes bibliographical references. / Chapter 0. --- Problem Statement / Chapter 0.1. --- Academic objective / Chapter 0.1.1. --- Value of the project / Chapter 0.2. --- Introduction of the project / Chapter 0.2.1. --- Reasons of the project / Chapter 0.2.2. --- Client profile / Chapter 0.2.3. --- Client's considerations / Chapter 0.2.4. --- Project and site selection / Chapter 0.2.5. --- Precedents of hotels / Chapter 1. --- Project Analysis / Chapter 1.1. --- Subject analysis / Chapter 1.1.1. --- Brief formation / Chapter 1.1.2. --- Inspiration / Chapter 1.1.3. --- Precedents of movable parts in building / Chapter 1.1.4. --- Precedents of transformable product design / Chapter 1.1.5. --- Precedents of transformable architectural design / Chapter 1.2. --- Plan of study / Chapter 1.2.1. --- Priority of focus / Chapter 1.3. --- Design issues / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Conclusions / Chapter 2. --- Appendices / Chapter 2.1. --- Records of reviews / Chapter 2.2. --- Final presentation / Chapter 2.3. --- Final programming report / Chapter 2.4. --- ARC 6710 assignment three / Chapter 2.5. --- Bibliography

Thesis (B.Sc)--University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 75-82)

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 198-202). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2007. / Title from title screen (site viewed June 17, 2008). PDF text: xvii, 250 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 33 Mb. UMI publication number: AAT 3288803. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in microfilm and microfiche formats.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Available also from UMI Company.

If one is to arrive at a true reflection of the investment potential and total cost of a particular real property investment the appraisal method used must be capable of allowing for the following factors which, although by no means complete, incorporates those aspects which are required to give a valid and meaningful assessment of the investment . 1. Comparisons to be made with alternative investment opportunities 2. Limited life of certain components in a building which may have to be repaired or replaced 3. Comparisons to be made with alternative materials and/or forms of construction 4. The total costs and income generated throughout the effective life of the building including residual value at the expiry of the investment 5. The effect of the time value of money and the impact of inflation 6. Income tax implications 7. Adaptation to the individual characteristics of each specific project Life cycle costing which is essentially similar in concept to costs-in-use or terotechnology, is a sophisticated method of appraisal capable of satisfying the abovementioned needs. It could be defined essentially as: A financial appraisal technique which allows valid comparative evaluation of available alternative possibilities based on time-phased costs over a specific investment period in order to arrive at the optimum economic solution. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the economics of buildings with special reference to life cycle costing in order to illustrate how valid comparisons of alternative construction methods or material selection can be achieved with a view to optimizing total costs.

Thesis (M. Arch.)--University of Hong Kong, 1970. / Typewritten.

In the field of construction engineering, effective management of projects relies on domain knowledge and experience. However, many domain problems cause difficulty on performing projects in China. Such problems include difference between planned and market economies, difference between fixed-price and bill of quantity estimations, lack of domain experts for foreign investor, and so forth. / Thesis (DBA(DBusinessAdministration))--University of South Australia, 2005