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Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) have played an important role in modern microelectronics, thermal, mechanical and hybrid systems. MEMS technology is a very promising means that might have a great impact on almost every corner of the society. Although many design methodology of MEMS already exists, not as much attention was given to the synthesis and optimization of MEMS devices. This thesis focuses on the optimization of MEMS actuators and MEMS tunable comb drive capacitors. The optimization is based on changing device geometry to achieve desired output parameter profile. For example in the design of MEMS tunable comb drive capacitors, the output parameter is the capacitance tuning range. Numerical experiments were performed to show the successful implementation of the optimization method.

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Claims negotiation plays an important role in construction claims settlement and disputes resolution. However, claims negotiations are normally conducted inefficiently. Although many research projects have been undertaken on human behaviours in negotiation (e.g. negotiation planning, documentation and negotiation strategies) and computer-aided negotiation, there is not an effective approach to solving such problem. The development of multi-agent systems provides an innovative approach to facilitating claims negotiation, where intelligent agents can negotiate with each other for the real world parties that they represent. The significance of multi-agent systems lies in the fact that they match the fragmented nature of the construction industry. This thesis describes the work of developing a multi-agent system for construction claims negotiation (MASCOT). The objectives are to create an architecture for the agent system, and develop a negotiation mechanism for agent interaction. A conceptual MASCOT model is designed based on a thorough analysis of the nature, characteristics and problems of construction claims negotiation, multi-agent systems negotiation mechanisms, and negotiation theories. A modified Monotonic Concession protocol and the related negotiation strategies which are based on the integration of Zeuthen's risk evaluation model and Bayesian learning model were developed. A prototype was built using the ZEUS agent building toolkit and Java. The system was then assessedin terms of the quality of the negotiation mechanisma nd prototype using critical evaluation criteria and prototype evaluation. The result revealed that the MASCOT system could significantly enhance the efficiency of construction claims negotiation. Furthermore, it is recognised that multi-agent systems have a great potential to solve the fragmentation problem in other construction areas such as scheduling, concurrent engineering; and collaborative design, particularly when the project team members are geographically distributed. This research not only contributes to the improvement of construction claims negotiation, bdt also provides an effective approach for the development of multi-agent 'system negotiation mechanism.

Project management is a carefully planned and organized effort to accomplish a specific one-time task. For example, constructing a building or implementing a new computer system, all need to be well-managed. Projects are conceived and completed by people, who are involved in the whole process of project execution and completion. Thus, project management not only requires an efficient project manager, but also a qualified leader who can lead the team effectively. This research will provide a clearer understanding of the concept of leadership in projects, discussing how and why it works, and the ways to make project teams more dynamic and effective. The results from the study are applied to these leadership concepts, in an effort understand the role of effective leadership in reducing costs across the whole project process and increasing the project value.