近年來台灣國人十大死因以慢性疾病為主，其中惡性腫瘤（俗稱之癌症）自1982年起已連續32年位居國人死因首位；而在台灣人民所罹患之惡性腫瘤中，女性乳癌為發生率最高之病症。本研究自國衛院全民健保資料庫所提供之2005承保抽樣歸人檔，使用承保資料檔（ID）、住院醫療費用清單明細檔（DD）、住院醫療費用醫令清單明細檔（DO）、門診處方及治療明細檔（CD）、門診處方醫令明細檔（OO），對台灣女性乳癌患者進行病症相關分析，以國際疾病分類號的病症編號，挑選診斷代碼為174到1749，共10種類型之女性乳癌診斷結果之患者資料，藉由從2005年至2011年的資料，逐年分析其乳癌患者年齡分佈及患症趨勢、就醫後門診與住院所使用之相關診療方式、所花費之成本，進行資料彙整與分析，並分析乳房造影術及超音波兩種診療方式篩檢乳癌之成效，以及利用歷年資料推估未來一年的罹癌人數與死亡人數。 　　本研究結果顯示，台灣女性乳癌患者主要在40歲以上，好發年齡層為40～59歲之間，乳癌之盛行率逐年漸增，但死亡率卻無特別趨勢。門診部份，費用集中於用藥明細與診療明細點數，並以50～59歲為花費最高的年齡層；門診的診療方式主要以乳癌篩檢的項目為主。住院方面，費用集中在葯費、檢查費、病房費與手術費，各年齡層各年花費的波動很大，但主要以40歲以上的三組年齡層花費比例較高；而住院的診療方式則是以切除乳房的手術為主。乳房造影術與超音波在50～59及60歲以上兩組年齡層的篩檢率最高。在估計未來一年患病與死亡人數上，利用類似中央極限定理概念的CLT法以及無母數的拔靴法兩種方式來估計，其中以CLT法的估計方式對未來的人數估計較為準確。

This research is on mines that struggle to obtain closure from the state departments. The closure process at the footprints of five Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) of a South African gold mine was investigated. They are situated in the Germiston, Brakpan, Springs and Nigel suburbs of the East Rand region of Johannesburg. Very limited scientific research has been done in South Africa on the management of mine closure. The most recent performed research was completed at Coal mines and only one was at an underground gold mine. The history of the case studies at a surface gold mine revealed similar problems, as confirmed in previous research, during the interviews with mine management and the review of operational documents. There is a whole array of causes giving rise to the struggle to obtain closure by a mine, that will be subsequently discussed. Major causes are the lack of estimation of closure costs and the lack of a proper Project Life Cycle (PLC) process for closure by mine management. Previous investigations indicated a general shortfall in estimated closure costs, mining operations that are not planned with closure in mind, closure objectives that are not set at all management levels, final land use after mine closure that is not defined properly, residual and latent impacts that are not dealt with, the post-closure period when the final impact will occur that is not defined and a proper risk assessment based on detailed information that is not properly done and communicated. Another cause is that the integrated process of making closure part of the Environmental Management Programme Report (EMPR) process is not followed. The result of not following the correct process is that mines do not obtain closure. Another reason why mines do not obtain closure is because of an underdeveloped mine infrastructure, e.g. tailings facilities, waste rock dumps, shafts and plants that are not constructed in an environmentally friendly way during the operational phases to facilitate closure. Therefore, these structures need to be changed in terms of their topography and growth medium to ensure an improvement in environmental parameters. This will assist in obtaining sustainability and final closure. Significantly more trust fund money than initially estimated during operations needs to be spent to ensure the above change. Specific issues defined from the case studies were the adaptation of the administration of the closure process, the management of risks, especially the differences in opinions, the management of the mine life cycle for closure and involvement of the land owners and Interested and Affected Parties (l&APs). This research was necessary because companies are uncertain and lack the competency to estimate and to correctly spend trust fund money in order to be sure of obtaining closure. This situation threatens the long-term survival of mining-companies by holding assets and profits back until closure is attained. The state departments also have to address the risks and have to rehabilitate the polluted mine sites if companies do not obtain closure. A proper PLC to facilitate closure was compiled from the above-mentioned data. An important fact to bear in mind is that the activities within the life cycle depend on one another. Therefore, when one activity is disregarded or not properly performed, it will influence the outcome of the remaining activities. The methodology of the research was as follows: Categories to evaluate the closure process of the selected case studies were determined from the project life cycle and the management principles of the literature review. Thereafter a questionnaire was developed from these categories. The questionnaire was subsequently used to guide interviews. After the interviews these categories and findings from the questionnaire were combined and summarised into key findings. The key findings of the research were: • The driving force behind obtaining closure must shift from the State Departments to the mining companies. They must realise there is an opportunity during the closure process to make money and to minimise their long-term liability. The mining company must thus drive the closure process to obtain environmental sustainability. • The gold mines do have problems in terms of cost estimation and trust fund expenditure at their TSF footprints during the closure process. The reasons were a mismanagement of the closure process and making use of a limited information system to make decisions. • A proper closure process does exist, but it can be improved to ensure all interested and affected parties have the same expectations from closure. • There are many activities in the closure process flow diagram which were not properly attended to according to the case studies. • A conceptual closure plan and a draft rehabilitation plan with broad objectives, policies and strategies with detailed descriptions were not compiled during the operational phase, because limited scientific monitoring information was gathered to do a proper risk assessment and some l&APs consultation was done mainly with the material and land owners on a one on one basis. From these key findings the following recommendations could be formulated: • Any mining operation should conduct a closure audit at least every second year and before mining activities change. • A searchable record keeping system must be established to keep track of the closure life cycle development. • Detailed conceptual and final closure plans need to capture the data from the audits and record keeping system. • A communication forum with company management and environmental specialists needs to be established. / Thesis (M. Environmental Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

This research is on mines that struggle to obtain closure from the state departments. The closure process at the footprints of five Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) of a South African gold mine was investigated. They are situated in the Germiston, Brakpan, Springs and Nigel suburbs of the East Rand region of Johannesburg. Very limited scientific research has been done in South Africa on the management of mine closure. The most recent performed research was completed at Coal mines and only one was at an underground gold mine. The history of the case studies at a surface gold mine revealed similar problems, as confirmed in previous research, during the interviews with mine management and the review of operational documents. There is a whole array of causes giving rise to the struggle to obtain closure by a mine, that will be subsequently discussed. Major causes are the lack of estimation of closure costs and the lack of a proper Project Life Cycle (PLC) process for closure by mine management. Previous investigations indicated a general shortfall in estimated closure costs, mining operations that are not planned with closure in mind, closure objectives that are not set at all management levels, final land use after mine closure that is not defined properly, residual and latent impacts that are not dealt with, the post-closure period when the final impact will occur that is not defined and a proper risk assessment based on detailed information that is not properly done and communicated. Another cause is that the integrated process of making closure part of the Environmental Management Programme Report (EMPR) process is not followed. The result of not following the correct process is that mines do not obtain closure. Another reason why mines do not obtain closure is because of an underdeveloped mine infrastructure, e.g. tailings facilities, waste rock dumps, shafts and plants that are not constructed in an environmentally friendly way during the operational phases to facilitate closure. Therefore, these structures need to be changed in terms of their topography and growth medium to ensure an improvement in environmental parameters. This will assist in obtaining sustainability and final closure. Significantly more trust fund money than initially estimated during operations needs to be spent to ensure the above change. Specific issues defined from the case studies were the adaptation of the administration of the closure process, the management of risks, especially the differences in opinions, the management of the mine life cycle for closure and involvement of the land owners and Interested and Affected Parties (l&APs). This research was necessary because companies are uncertain and lack the competency to estimate and to correctly spend trust fund money in order to be sure of obtaining closure. This situation threatens the long-term survival of mining-companies by holding assets and profits back until closure is attained. The state departments also have to address the risks and have to rehabilitate the polluted mine sites if companies do not obtain closure. A proper PLC to facilitate closure was compiled from the above-mentioned data. An important fact to bear in mind is that the activities within the life cycle depend on one another. Therefore, when one activity is disregarded or not properly performed, it will influence the outcome of the remaining activities. The methodology of the research was as follows: Categories to evaluate the closure process of the selected case studies were determined from the project life cycle and the management principles of the literature review. Thereafter a questionnaire was developed from these categories. The questionnaire was subsequently used to guide interviews. After the interviews these categories and findings from the questionnaire were combined and summarised into key findings. The key findings of the research were: • The driving force behind obtaining closure must shift from the State Departments to the mining companies. They must realise there is an opportunity during the closure process to make money and to minimise their long-term liability. The mining company must thus drive the closure process to obtain environmental sustainability. • The gold mines do have problems in terms of cost estimation and trust fund expenditure at their TSF footprints during the closure process. The reasons were a mismanagement of the closure process and making use of a limited information system to make decisions. • A proper closure process does exist, but it can be improved to ensure all interested and affected parties have the same expectations from closure. • There are many activities in the closure process flow diagram which were not properly attended to according to the case studies. • A conceptual closure plan and a draft rehabilitation plan with broad objectives, policies and strategies with detailed descriptions were not compiled during the operational phase, because limited scientific monitoring information was gathered to do a proper risk assessment and some l&APs consultation was done mainly with the material and land owners on a one on one basis. From these key findings the following recommendations could be formulated: • Any mining operation should conduct a closure audit at least every second year and before mining activities change. • A searchable record keeping system must be established to keep track of the closure life cycle development. • Detailed conceptual and final closure plans need to capture the data from the audits and record keeping system. • A communication forum with company management and environmental specialists needs to be established. / Thesis (M. Environmental Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Upon consultation with NPS faculty, the School has determined that this thesis may be released to the public, its distribution is unlimited effective August 25, 2011. / One result of the break-up of the Soviet Union is that the DOD has been forced to reevaluate the roles of each of the Armed Services based on the declining resource pool. From the Marine Corps' evaluation of itself came the Combined Arms Regiment (CAR) concept. The objective of this study was to develop an estimate of the Life Cycle Cost (LCC) of the two possible vehicles used with the CAR and the CAR's components. Standard cost factors are used to cost out the various organizations involved. Two supporting analyses done in this study are: an evaluation of the Marine Corps' role in national security and how the CAR could be used to support that security role, and a comparison of the vehicle option operating characteristics which was done to enrich the dimensions under which the CAR could be evaluated. The results of the study are a tool which can help Marine Corps planners make more informed decisions in regards to the CAR concept. The final conclusion, based on the assumption that any CAR would act as a follow-on element of the MAGTF, was that although the CAR(LAV) was a workable option, the CAR using upgraded AAVs was the better, more cost effective option.

Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, is a manufacturing method where components are produced by successively adding material to the product layer by layer, unlike traditional machining where material is subtracted from a workpiece. There are advantages and disadvantages with both methods and it can be a complex problem to determine when one method is preferable to the other. The purpose of this study is to develop a decision support model (DSM) that quickly guides the end user in selecting an appropriate method with regards to production costs. Information is gathered through a literature study and interviews with people working with AM and CNC machining. The model takes into consideration material selection, size, times, quantities, geometric complexity, post-processing and environmental aspects. The DSM was formulated in Microsoft Excel. The difference in costs between each method in relation to quantity and complexity was made and compared to the literature. The AM model is verified with calculations from the Sandvik Additive Manufacturing. The margin of error is low, around two to six percent, when waste material isn’t included in the calculations. Unfortunately, verification of the CNC model hasn’t been performed due to a lack of data, which is therefore recommended as future work. The conclusion of the study is that AM will not replace any existing manufacturing method anytime soon. It is, however, a good complement to the metalworking industry, since small, complex parts with few tolerances benefits from AM. An investigation of existing solutions/services related to the study was also performed with the ambition that the DSM can complement existing solutions. It was found that while there are many services that helps companies with implementing AM through consulting, few provides any software to assist the company. Regarding the question if AM is profitable for certain products, only one software fulfilled that demand, though it didn’t provide any actual costs. The DSM therefore fills a gap among the existing services and software. / Additiv tillverkning (AM), eller 3D-printing, är en tillverkningsmetod där komponenter produceras genom att succesivt addera material till produkten lagervis, till skillnad från skärande bearbetning där material subtraheras från ett arbetsstycke. Det finns fördelar och nackdelar med respektive metod och det kan vara ett komplext problem att avgöra när den ena metoden är att föredra framför den andra. Syftet med denna studie är att utveckla en beslutstödjande modell (DSM) som hjälper användaren välja lämplig metod med avseende på produktionskostnader. Information inhämtas genom en litteraturstudie samt intervjuer med personer som arbetar med AM och skärande bearbetning. Modellen tar hänsyn till material, storlek, tider, geometrisk komplexitet, efterbearbetning och miljöeffekter. Den beslutstödjande modellen skapades i Microsoft Excel. Skillnaden i pris mellan respektive tillverkningsmetod beroende på antal och komplexitet jämfördes mot litteraturstudien. Modellen för AM verifieras med hjälp av kostnadskalkyler från Sandvik Additive Manufacturing. Felmarginalen är förhållandevis låg på cirka två till sex procent när spillmaterial inte tas hänsyn till. Tyvärr har modellen för skärande bearbetning inte verifieras på grund av en brist på data, vilket därför rekommenderas som fortsatt arbete.  Slutsatsen är att AM inte kommer ersätta någon nuvarande tillverkningsmetod. Det är dock ett bra komplement till metallindustrin eftersom små, komplexa komponenter med få toleranskrav gynnas av AM. En undersökning över nuvarande tjänster relaterat till studien genomfördes med ambitionen att utreda om den beslutstödjande modellen kompletterar dessa. Resultatet av undersökningen visar att medan det finns många konsulttjänster som hjälper ett företag implementera AM så är det få som erbjuder någon form av mjukvara. Gällande frågan om AM är lönsam för vissa produkter så var det bara en mjukvara som kunde besvara den, dock utan att visa några kostnader. Den beslutstödjande modellen framtagen i denna studie fyller därmed en funktion bland nuvarande tjänster och mjukvaror.

Modelagem da Informação da Construção ou BIM (Building Information Modeling) é um processo inovador aplicado na gestão de todo o ciclo de vida de um empreendimento. Por meio do BIM, desenvolve-se o modelo virtual do empreendimento a ser construído. Os componentes deste modelo contêm geometria e parâmetros com dados técnicos relevantes para sua caracterização e utilização. No segmento de obras de sistemas prediais, os contratantes ditam os valores dos contratos, cabendo às empresas construtoras e instaladoras fazerem uma estimativa de orçamento acurada para dominar os custos e mensurar seus riscos no contrato almejado. Dada esta perspectiva, existe a necessidade de determinar com precisão os quantitativos do projeto, ponto de partida de qualquer orçamento analítico ou detalhado. Este trabalho, dividido em dois estudos de caso, destina-se a compreender como a Modelagem da Informação da Construção pode alterar o processo de orçamentação nas empresas instaladoras, auxiliando na extração de quantitativos e compatibilização dos projetos. Baseando-se em um fluxo de trabalho BIM descrito por Eastman et al. (2011) e utilizando-se em conjunto o processo de modelagem proposto por Nguyen (2010), propõe-se que o desenvolvedor do modelo BIM de sistemas prediais seja a empresa instaladora, por esta ser o agente ativo na orçamentação e execução dos sistemas prediais. Nos estudos de caso, foi comparado a acurácia dos quantitativos de componentes do empreendimento dentre as propostas orçamentarias das empresas instaladoras, o modelo BIM criado, e o quantitativo real utilizado na execução de uma obra de um centro comercial. Os resultados desta pesquisa sugerem que a utilização do BIM é uma alternativa viável para as empresas instaladoras em seus processos de orçamentação, considerando-se o nível de detalhamento e as informações inseridas e a serem extraídas do modelo, conforme o processo apresentado e o guia de modelagem criado no decorrer deste trabalho. / Building Information Modeling is an innovative process applied to the management of the entire lifecycle of a project. Through BIM, the virtual model of the project to be constructed is developed. The components of this model contain geometry and parameters with relevant technical data for their characterization and use. In the building systems works market segment, contractors dictate the values of contracts and is up to the construction and installation companies to make an accurate estimate of the budget to master the costs and measure their risks on the desired contract. Given this perspective, there is a need to accurately determine the quantities of the project, which are the starting point of any analytical or detailed budget. This work, divided into two case studies, was designed to understand how Building Information Modeling can change the budgeting process in the building systems companies, assisting in the quantity take off and design coordination processes. Relying on a BIM workflow described by Eastman et al. (2011) and jointly using the modeling process proposed by Nguyen (2010), it is proposed the building systems company to be the developer of the MEP model, as this is the active agent in the costing and execution of building systems. In these case studies, we compare the accuracy of the quantitative components of the project, among: the building systems companies, the BIM model and the actual quantities used in the execution of a small shopping center. These results suggest that the use of BIM is a viable alternative to the MEP companies in their budgeting processes, considering the level of detail and the model information input and output, according to the process and modeling guide proposed here.

This work is focused on the problem of IS/ICT project cost estimation. Main aim of this work is to design a methodology, which can be use for project cost estimation in the initial part of the project stadium. Defining a basic terms of the project management and describing the most widely use cost estimation metods are the first step to archive main aim. This will be achived by studing literature and relevant articles of the project management. Next step is find an appropriate factors which help to set up the methodology. This factors can derive from a stakeholder's analysis. After definition these factors there si possible to set up a particular methodology. Universality (for a wide group of the projects), accuracy (to determine a particular method) and usability (in the initial part of the project stadium) are the most important criteria to review this methodology. Finally, it is necessary to evaluate the proposed methodology. This can be achieved by comparing the methods recommended in the methodology and the methods actually used for the real project cost estimation. The expected benefits of this work are the most widely use cost estimation metods arrangement and creation of the recommended metodology which can be used to cost estimation of future projects.

<div>Cost estimation is an integral part of any project, and accuracy in the cost estimation process is critical in achieving a successful project. Manually computing cost estimates is mentally draining, difficult to compute, and error-prone. Manual cost estimate computation is a task that requires experience. The use of automated techniques can improve the accuracy of estimates and vastly improve the cost estimation process. Two main gaps in the automation of construction cost estimation are: (1) the lack of interoperability between different software platforms, and (2) the need for manual inputs to complete quantity take-off (QTO) and cost estimation. To address these gaps, this research proposed a new systems to support the computing of cost estimation using Model View Definition (MVD)-based checking, industry foundation classes (IFC) geometric analysis, logic-based reasoning, natural language processing (NLP), and automated 3D image generation to reduce/eliminate the labor-intensive, tedious, manual efforts needed in completing construction cost estimation. In this research, new IFC-based systems were developed: (1) Modeling – an automated IFC-based system for generating 3D information models from 2D PDF plans; (2) QTO - a construction MVD specification for IFC model checking to prepare for cost estimation analysis and a new algorithm development method that computes quantities using the geometric analysis of wooden building objects in an IFC-based building information modeling (BIM) and extracts the material variables needed for cost estimation through item matching based on natural language processing; and (3) Costing – an ontology-based cost model for extracting design information from construction specifications and using the extracted information to retrieve the pricing of the materials for a robust cost information provision.</div><div><br></div><div>These systems developed were tested on different projects. Compared with the industry’s current practices, the developed systems were more robust in the automated processing of drawings, specifications, and IFC models to compute material quantities and generate cost estimates. Experimental results showed that: (1) Modeling - the developed component can be utilized in developing algorithms that can generate 3D models and IFC output files from Portable Document Format (PDF) bridge drawings in a semi-automated fashion. The developed algorithms utilized 3.33% of the time it took using the current state-of-the-art method to generate a 3D model, and the generated models were of comparative quality; (2) QTO – the results obtained using the developed component were consistent with the state-of-the-art commercial software. However, the results generated using the proposed component were more robust about the different BIM authoring tools and workflows used; (3) Extraction – the algorithms developed in the extraction component achieved 99.2% precision and 99.2% recall (i.e., 99.2% F1-measure) for extracted design information instances; 100% precision and 96.5% recall (i.e., 98.2% F1-measure) for extracted materials from the database; and (4) Costing - the developed algorithms in the costing component successfully computed the cost estimates and reduced the need for manual input in matching building components with cost items.</div>

The current production field operates on linear resource flows, characterized by known supply and consistent manufacturing materials. In contrast, a remanufacturing system experiences variable process flows for each produced unit, even though the end product remains the same. The uncertainty surrounding the quality of cores can impact tactical decisions. This variability is influenced by factors such as the quality and condition of the core upon arrival at the facility, leading to uncertainties in cost and production times. The purpose of this research is to develop a cost estimation method for product recovery decision-making processes and enhance the flow efficiency of remanufacturing processes. To achieve this goal, the study identifies and investigates the factors that affect the condition of the core, represented by processing time. Subsequently, the analysis focuses on processing time and spare parts cost, and introduces a cost estimation method based on historical data. Finally, the current process flow is examined, and suggestions for improvements are provided. This research employs two distinct approaches: statistical and quantitative analysis, as well as qualitative inquiry that considers the experiences and perceptions of employees and other non-numerical aspects. Therefore, an action research methodology has been used, combining scientific knowledge with existing expertise within an organization to address real organizational problems. The study develops a new inspection process that combines a prediction model for processing times with a thorough inspection of important parts identified through spare part analysis. Additionally, suggestions are made to improve the flow of the remanufacturing process by prioritizing critical inventory items and introducing a new inspection and cleaning station where necessary spare parts are ordered before the remanufacturing process begins. / REMARKABLE

Syftet med detta examensarbete är att analysera nyckeltalen för produktionskostnaden som nyttjas vid investeringsbeslut i flerbostadsprojekt. För att kartlägga osäkerheterna innan investering sker tas kostnadskalkyler fram. Dessa kalkyler innehåller ofta flertalet osäkra poster då projekten är till stor del fortfarande på idéstadium och uppskattningar blir ett måste.  Rapporten inleds med att riskerna, utifrån risknivå och konsekvenserna utav dem, definieras och analyseras. Följande presenteras Veidekkes önskade hantering av kostnadsriskerna och slutligen vilka möjligheter och hinder det finns inom dagens organisation för att uppnå dessa arbetsmetoder.  Studien har baserats på kvalitativa intervjuer med representanter från olika yrkesroller, i olika projektskeden och från de tre olika svenska regionerna. Dessa intervjuer har visat på att de största osäkerheterna ligger i entreprenadkostnaderna, markkostnaderna och konjunkturens påverkan på bostadsmarknaden. Vidare visar studien på att en ökad detaljeringsgrad av produktionskostnaden per kvadratmeter skulle öka säkerheten i kostnadsuppskattningarna vid rätt hantering av dem. Detaljeringen måste framför allt ta hänsyn till typ av hus, val av grundläggning, garagelösning, antal våningar och snittstorlek på lägenheterna.  I rapportens slutsats och diskussion utvecklingen resonemang kring olika arbetssätt. Betoningen är lagd på samarbetet mellan affärsområdena då informanterna lyft det som viktigaste redskapet för säkra kalkyler. / This thesis aims to analyze the key figures of production costs in multi-family housing projects. Before committing to an investment these risks need to be identified and production calculations presented. These calculations often contain uncertain items as projects are largely undefined and still at the idea stage and estimations are required.   In the introduction of the report the risks are identified and analyzed based on their severity and the effect of them. Followed by a presentation of Veidekke's desired risk management practices and concluded with the opportunities and barriers that exists within the current organization.  The study based on interviews with representatives from various professions, in different phases of projects and from the three different Swedish regions. These interviews have shown that the greatest uncertainty lies in construction costs, land costs and the economy's effect on the housing market. The study also shows that an increased level of detail of the production cost per square meter would enhance the security of these cost estimates if handled correctly. The details need to especially consider the type of house, choice of foundation, garage solution, number of floors and the average size of the apartments.  The thesis is concluded by presenting and analyzing new working methods with key figures There is a focus on the cooperation between the business areas as the informants lift it as the main tool for secure calculations.