This thesis describes the theory of automatic coset systems. These provide a simple and economical way of describing a system of co- sets in a group with respect to a subgroup, such as the cosets of the stabiliser of an object under a group of transformations. An automatic coset system possesses a finite state automaton that provides a name for each coset, and a set of finite state automata that allow these cosets to be multiplied by group generators. An algorithm is given that will produce a certain type of automatic coset system, should one exist, from a description of the group and subgroup. The type of system produced has the advantage that it names each coset uniquely using as short a name as possible. This makes it particularly useful for coset enumeration, and several ex- amples of its use are given in an appendix. Two theorems are also proved: the property of being an automatic coset system is independent of the generating set chosen, and quasiconvex subgroups of hyperbolic groups have automatic coset sys- tems.

The thesis proposes an integrated product introduction (PI) information model for managing the product introduction process in an efficient manner. Through the process of product introduction, ideas and needs are converted to the information from which technical systems and products can be made and sold. Two critical factors for its success are the management of the product introduction activities, and the quality and functionality of its output (i.e. the product) which itself depends on the quality of the PI process. The process is as effective as the decisions made within it, and as efficient as the speed with which the information required for each decision is made available. In order to improve the efficiency of the management of the project in meeting its diverse targets (project time, project cost, product cost and uparrow product functionality), a model that integrates the targets would be essential in relating the activities of the project to their outcomes. Existing information models in related areas such as design, product development, project management, computer aided design and manufacturing consider some of these targets, but not all of them simultaneously. Especially product functionality is not considered along with the other targets of the PI project. The project introduction information includes managerial and technical information and complex associations among these two categories. Its representation places a challenging and novel set of demands on database technology as it is evolving, distributed and heterogeneous. Existing information models do not address the link between the managerial and technical information, and their continual evolution. Based on a detailed analysis of its nature and content, the thesis presents a three dimensional model of the product introduction information from three related but different viewpoints:- (1) entity-relationship or objects, (2) intra-layer integration and (3) evolution, each capturing important aspects of the PI information, but all required for a complete description. The overall three dimensional information model includes the following layers:- from view 1 - product functionality, process or project, product introduction resources, product and information map; from view 2 - node, relationship, and organisation; from view 3 - meta-model, data model, and data. Each model describes one aspect of the product introduction information but contains references to the others. The building blocks of the information model are described using schema definitions.

The thesis investigates the possibility of using simulation for understanding and improving the design of decision making in a real context. The approach is based on the problem of representing decision making behaviour in Discrete Event Simulation. An investigation of existing techniques led to the design of a methodology known as Knowledge Based Improvement (KBI). The KBI covers the key stages of the process of using simulation for understanding and improving the design of decision making. Using a research strategy that involves a case study in Ford, the research tests each stage of KBI. The thesis explains how simulation can be used for understanding real decision making problems and for collecting the data required for modelling individual decision making strategies. The thesis demonstrates the possibility of a simulation based knowledge elicitation in a real context and it investigates the practical difficulties involved in this process. The research tests the process of understanding decision making policies by modelling specific decision makers using Artificial Intelligence. It tests the use of simulation for assessing the decision making strategies and it shows that simulation can be used for identifying efficient strategies and for improving the design of decision making practices. The thesis reports the degree of success of the approach in relation to the data that were collected and it describes the validation checks that were undertaken. In addition, it reports the lessons learned from the application of the KBI methodology, the overall success of the approach and the main limitations that were identified during the implementation.

Thesis (M.Eng.) - Carleton University, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 62-63). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--Carleton University, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 107-109). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Carleton University, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 93-95). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--Carleton University, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 117-126). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (M.C.S.) - Carleton University, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 107-115). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (M.App.Sc.) - Carleton University, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 72-74). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Texas at El Paso, 2008. / Title from title screen. Vita. CD-ROM. Includes bibliographical references. Also available online.