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Parallel Hybrid Clustering using Genetic Programming and Multi-Objective Fitness with Density(PYRAMID)Tour, Samir R. 01 January 2006 (has links)
Clustering is the art of locating patterns in large data sets. It is an active research area that provides value to scientific as well as business applications. There are some challenges that face practical clustering including: identifying clusters of arbitrary shapes, sensitivity to the order of input, dynamic determination of the number of clusters, outlier handling, high dependency on user-defined parameters, processing speed of massive data sets, and the potential to fall into sub-optimal solutions. Many studies that were conducted in the realm of clustering have addressed some of these challenges. This study proposes a new approach, called parallel hybrid clustering using genetic programming and multi-objective fitness with density (PYRAMID), that tackles several of these challenges from a different perspective. PYRAMID employs genetic programming to represent arbitrary cluster shapes and circumvent falling in local optima. It accommodates large data sets and avoids dependency on the order of input by quantizing the data space, i.e., the space on which the data set resides, thus abstracting it into hyper-rectangular cells and creating genetic programming individuals as concatenations of these cells. Thus the cells become the subject of clustering, rather than the data points themselves. PYRAMID also utilizes a density-based multi-objective fitness function to handle outliers. It gathers statistics in a pre-processing step and uses them so not to rely on user-defined parameters. Finally, PYRAMID employs data parallelism in a master-slave model in an attempt to cure the inherent slow performance of evolutionary algorithms and provide speedup. A master processor distributes the clustering data evenly onto multiple slave processors. The slave processors conduct the clustering on their local data sets and report their clustering results back to the master, which consolidates them by merging the partial results into a final clustering solution. This last step also involves determining the number of clusters dynamically and labeling them accordingly. Experiments have demonstrated that, using these features, PYRAMID offers an advantage over some of the existing approaches by tackling the clustering challenges from a different angle.
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An Internet-based Collaborative Prototype for (SAP R/3) Database AdministratorsTownsend, Ramora Connor 01 January 1999 (has links)
International Business Machines (18M) and IBM Global Services South, that provide informational technology (IT) services for customers, have a strong commitment to deliver world-class customer service and to maintain highly skilled technical administrators. Distributed Database Services, a division of IBM Global Services South, is made up of two teams, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Solutions Delivery and Database Delivery. The ERP Solutions Delivery Team handles Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing, Real-time Version 3 (SAP R/3) support and BASIS (SAP R/3 kernel) support; Database Delivery team handles database support for DB2, Oracle, Sybase, Informix and several smaller relational database environments. The Oracle databases are running in a SAP environment, so database administrators must be technically proficient in SAP as well as Oracle. Training will be a continual, expensive problem for these two teams, especially for the Enterprise Resource Planning Solutions Delivery Team since the DBAs are geographically dispersed. A solution to handle mentoring, collaborating and maintaining skills anytime, anyplace, any pace for SAP R/3 database administrators was a very high priority. Lotus Corporation, a subsidiary of IBM, recently announced its Learning Space was industry's first instructor-led, collaborative distance learning solution with Web access. A Web-based prototype for collaborative learning, mentoring and maintaining skills was a viable solution for geographically dispersed, mobile database administrators. The problem to be solved in this study was the lack of effective collaboration among SAP R/3 database administrators that are located in different geographical areas. Without this collaboration, work on critical tasks was problematic.
Geographically dispersed database administrators must work from a distance that precludes daily face-to-face meetings with other database administrators. Solving this problem was critical to successful implementation and maintenance of SAP databases. The Internet was selected as the way to increase collaboration and overcome the associated dysfunction among geographically dispersed database administrators working on SAP Rl3 projects. The collaboration would include mentoring, maintaining skill levels, sharing documentation, sharing work procedures and techniques, sharing run procedures and policies, and collaborative problem repositories. Expectations were this collaborative prototype would reduce costs and raise productivity of dispersed Systems SAP R/3 database administrators. The prototype would supplement the cost of corporate education and bring IBM Global Services South (IGSS) cost of doing business to lower levels.
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A Novel Wireless Communications Architecture for Supporting Legacy Mainframe Data TransmissionTrujillo, Angela M. 01 January 1995 (has links)
This dissertation described a communications architecture that facilitated higher performance and better responsiveness in wireless environments where data transmission failures can be frequent. This communications architecture enabled efficient and cost -effective incorporation of legacy mainframe data access into today's wireless data network environments without the need for costly rewrites of legacy applications code. Data communications over radio frequencies represent the final frontier in computer-based connectivity. Wireless data communications allow users to access enterprise-based information from virtually any location without the constraints imposed by traditional telephone or data network connections. However, legacy applications do not operate efficiently when run over wireless transmissions. Nonetheless, wireless access to enterprise data has become a high priority issue for mobile users within corporations that require "go-anywhere and do-anything" computing. The communications architecture proposed allows mobile users to access legacy mainframe data more efficiently and cost-effectively. The communications architecture described is a layered architecture which eliminated unnecessary legacy mainframe connection-oriented overhead and reduced the amount of data sent to and from the mainframe. It described the layers of the architecture that were responsible for these tasks. The layers in the proposed architecture were designed with built-in intelligence because of the high likelihood of corrupt and incomplete data transmissions in wireless environments. Intelligent analysis of the state of the communications was performed at all times within each layer. The proposed architecture presented various types of intelligent analysis, actions, and the appropriate layers in which the analysis and actions resided. The proposed communications architecture was based upon a simple OSI-like layered protocol with enhancements designed to reduce unnecessary data flow and maximize compression of data to be transferred. Communications was allowed between non-adjacent layers. This inter-intelligent layer communications architecture supported dynamic tuning of communications to minimize cost and maximize network efficiency. A simulation model was implemented to illustrate a performance analysis comparison between SNA communications architecture and the proposed architecture, both in a wireless environment scenario. It simulated the communications between two machines running concurrently. The implementation of the system was in the C computer language using an IBM compatible personal computer. The dissertation proved and demonstrated that the communications architecture and layered protocol proposed, Wireless Communication (WCOM), significantly reduced the overall user wait time (response time), especially in cases where communication failures were high. It also reduced communication costs (air time). These improvements were accomplished without having to change the legacy mainframe applications, a requirement and key benefit of this architecture.
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The Effect of Total Quality Management on Faculty ProductivityTurner, Richard E. 01 January 1997 (has links)
This project examined the implementation of a Total Quality Management (TQM) process to enhance Professional Development at a New England College. The goals of the study were: [1) to improve the quality of academic instruction (Excellence). [2] to improve the quality of faculty responsiveness to student concerns (Access). [3] to improve the quality of the faculty development process (Innovation). A search of the literature produced a number of studies showing the need for quality improvement in faculty productivity on a national scale. A cross-functional team composed of faculty, staff and administrators made up the TQM process group. A systemic evaluation model of disciplined inquiry was used to collect data for decision making. The purpose of the TQM group was to improve the faculty development process, to educate faculty in terms of alternate strategies for improving services and to enhance professional competencies. The Team used formal TQM tools such as fishbone, check sheet and histogram in its process. The TQM process group chose a feedback mechanism for measuring progress towards attainment of goals and objectives. This progress measurement compared baseline data with outcome data in a number of key areas of concern. The study showed that an ongoing process of continuous improvement in these key areas did affect student retention rate, course evaluations and student service satisfaction rate. There were two measures of baseline information: the Cause and Effect diagram and the student conference scheduling check sheet. These were not designed to directly test the hypothesis. There were four outcome measures that provided information for testing the thesis of improved faculty productivity through a TQM system improvement and assessment process. Two of these measures, the Student Services Survey and the Phone calls returned study, showed statistically significant differences in pre and post TQM groups. A third study, the Student Retention Study, showed an improvement of7% in the number of program dropouts after the intervention. The Evaluation forms (Course and Instructor) showed an improvement of six percent for the post TQM group but this was not found to be statistically significant.
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Basic Skills Training Program For the Handicapped Using Adaptive Computer SoftwareTwohy, Elizabeth 01 January 1989 (has links)
A basic computer skills training program for disabled adults was designed, implemented and evaluated. The training, using adaptive software, was offered in conjunction with a career placement program. Non-credit training courses with a low student/teacher ratio were run for 3 hours once a week or 1 1/2 hours twice a week. The 37 students were learning disabled, orthopedically impaired, other-health impaired, emotionally disturbed, visually impaired, multi-impaired, deaf, or educable mentally retarded. There was a heterogeneous mix of disability groups in the classes. The adaptive software applications used were: Mind Reader, Turbo Lightning, Freedom 1, Filch, vista 2, and Micro-Interpreter I. The courses, students and adaptive software were evaluated using structured individual interviews and Likert-type scale questionnaires. The evaluation data were categorized by disability and presented in narrative and table form. Of the students, 84% improved their ability to use the computer as a tool and 89% were placed in jobs, increased their job skills or enrolled in career courses. Further studies were recommended to identify target populations for new adaptive software applications. Additional studies were also recommended to determine the most effective method of keyboarding instruction, optimum class length and instructional grouping for disabled adults, and to evaluate other types of computer training programs for the disabled.
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An Empirical Investigation of Workflow Management Systems Queues: A Case Study of Telephone Call Canter Systems Queue PerformanceUde, Arisa K. 01 January 2006 (has links)
In recent year’s organizations are increasingly utilizing workflow management systems technology, based on queuing models, to automate manual business processes. One industry that has seen one of the most rapid implementation and deployment of workflow systems in recent years is the services call center industry. Despite the great promise, workflow queue monitoring and work distribution continue to pose great challenges to organizations in terms of operational efficiency and performance. The primary reason for the inherent performance problems is whether the queues are configured as static or dynamic queues. In this study, static and dynamic queue configurations, based on M/M/c and M/M/I queuing models in the call center context are compared across several performance dimensions. An empirical study was used to compare the performance of a static versus a dynamic configuration in a call center context. Results suggest that dynamic queue configurations perform better than static queue configurations. A simulation model using parameter estimates from the real-life case was used to understand the results further. Overall, the superiority of dynamic workflow systems over static workflow systems in the call center context is confirmed in this study.
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Perceptual Organization of eCommerce Risks Among Consumer: A Cross-Country StudyUgbaja, Monica C. 01 January 2007 (has links)
The purpose of this dissertation was to examine how consumers perceptually organize the risks that are associated with business-to-consumer (B2C) buying and selling of goods and services through the Internet. Prior studies did not focus on risk per se, but dealt mainly with the impact of the risks on eCommerce adoption. The existing studies assumed that the dimensions on which risks are rated are obvious to the respondents. However, electronic (eCommerce) related risks are new to the typical consumer, so, it is not yet known how consumers judge the risks. The Schema Theory states that people use generic concepts, schemata (mental structures), to organize risk perceptions in their memory. In this research, it is assumed that consumers have a schema for risk unto which online risks are embedded. Using the psychometric paradigm, respondents were asked to judge the riskiness of various risk objects in a pair-wise fashion using a similarity/dissimilarity scale, e.g., how dissimilar is Risk-object I to Risk-object 2 on a scale of I to 7? The collected data were analyzed using a Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) technique to infer the set of dimensions across which respondents evaluate risks. The data collection method and analysis aided in answering two research questions: a) the dimensions consumers use when they judge online risks, and, b) how risk perceptions differ across customers from two countries.
The study found that consumers employ a fine-grained schema to distinguish and group risks in their minds, characterize risks with more than two dimensions, and that none of the dimensions can be interpreted as pure probability or pure value. Analysis suggests that in judging online risks, subjects use three dimensions in general: familiar versus unfamiliar risk, known versus unknown, eVendor-trustieVendor distrust. Analysis suggests that differences exist in how U.S. and Nigerian subjects view online risks. For instance, on a ratio of 4 to I, the average U.S. e-consumer considered eVendor risk a major issue than the average Nigerian e-consumer. On the other hand, the average Nigerian e-consumer judged familiarity with the eCommerce risk of a major concern on a ratio of 4 to 2 than the average U.S. e-consumer.
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A Study of Organizational Climate in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education LibrariesValunas, Madelyn F. 01 January 1987 (has links)
The Work Group Survey (Bare, 1976) was adapted to investigate organizational climate in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (SSHE) libraries. The goal was to determine whether or not the APSCUF (Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties) collective bargaining agreement was perceived by the work groups as a cause of dysfunction. The Work Group Survey measured member characteristics, task dimensions, group structure and process, group effectiveness, and leadership. Seven items relating to the faculty union contract (CBA) were added to diagnose the effect of collective bargaining.
Authorization to survey each work group was sought from the university administrator to whom the library director reported. Questionnaires, introductory letters, instructions, and stamped, self-addressed, return envelopes were then mailed to non-temporary librarians and library directors. Thirteen of the fourteen administrators gave authorization to send questionnaires. Of the one hundred forty-four questionnaires mailed, ninety-two (63.9%) or 58. 6 percent of the total population (N=157) were returned from twelve campuses. Ten of the twelve groups had greater than a 66 percent response rate and six (54.5%) of the eleven directors who were surveyed participated.
Responses from ten groups were analyzed using SPSSx. Analysis to test Scheffe's, were used of variance at .05 level of significance was used the hypothesis of no difference between groups. Tukey's HSD, and LSD multiple comparison tests in follow-up analysis when the F ratio was significant. Homogeneity with Bartlett's Box F. of group variances was tested.
No significant difference exists between groups on the CBA, polarization, autonomy, and initiation of structure criteria. Significant difference does exist for other criteria: task, group, leader, member, effectiveness, stratification, communication, team building, and boundary spanning. On the whole, the results are in accord with the hypothesis that the faculty contract is not a major cause of conflict within the work groups. Collective bargaining issues are symptoms of undeveloped or unrefined skills in communication, interpersonal or human relations, resolution, and leadership. Recommendations conflictto the Chancellor, the authorizing administrators, and to the work groups are: (1) to support and encourage growth and development in these areas, (2) for the director to be more aware of how others perceive his or her behavior, (3) for the group to consider themselves as a team and develop a shared view of their goals, and (4) that no change be made to the faculty contract without examining the survey results. The study supports earlier research conclusions that the Work Group Survey is a useful diagnostic tool.
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The Effects of a Mini-Integrated-Learning System, Traditional Lecture and Drill Instruction, Perceptual Learning Styles, and Gender On Language Mechanics AchievementVan Groesbeck, Raymond V. 01 January 1993 (has links)
This study examined the effects of a MiniIntegrated Learning System (MILS), perceptual learning style, and gender difference on language mechanics achievement. This MILS allows students to correct language errors in a short piece of text, receive hints about the errors, and monitor their own progress. The language mechanics subtest of the California Achievement Test and the Cognitive Skills Inventory were administered to seventy-nine fourth and sixth grade students prior to the experiment. The experimental students worked on the MILS to study language mechanics. Control group students learned the same material through a traditional drill and lecture method. After thirteen weeks an alternate form of the language mechanics subtest of the California Achievement Test was administered. A quasi-experimental design was used to test the effects of the independent variables of MILS, learning style, and gender on the dependent variable of language mechanics. Data were analyzed by employing an analysis of covariance, with scores from the language mechanics pretest as the covariate. Results indicate that the MILS is advantageous for enhancing language mechanics. The effectiveness of the treatment for fostering the development of language mechanics achievement does not seem to be related to perceptual learning style preference or gender.
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Web-Based evaluation Process for an Electrical and Computer Engineering DepartmentVentura, John 01 January 2006 (has links)
National and regional accrediting agencies require educational institutions to provide evidence that indicate the fulfillment of program objectives and generate results for improvement of curriculum. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) requires programs to develop and implement an evaluation process for assessing learning outcomes, reviewing achievement in the workplace by recent graduates of the program, and formulating a course of action for quality improvement of the program. Accrediting agencies require a structured plan to measure and evaluate learning outcomes and objectives, as defined by a program. They do not stipulate the methods to be used in the development of assessment and evaluation processes. However, they require that institutions demonstrate the andragogy used to achieve objectives as well as evidence of assessment and plans for continuous improvement.
The study developed an evaluation model that included seven surveys for measuring the achievement of program objectives and learning outcomes, methods for scoring the results of these surveys, and techniques for presenting and comparing the measurements obtained. Committees were formed to represent industry, professional organizations and societies, science department, master’s program, local conference leaders, faculty, and IEEE student branch. The committees assessed the evaluation model.
Web-based technologies were employed to deliver the surveys to students, faculty, alumni, and industry. These browser-based instruments were password protected to provide security to constituents. The university online survey system provided a database for storing data to be assessed over several semesters or terms of assessment for comparing results and determining trends.
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