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Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited / The purpose of this thesis is to develop a prototype web-enabled database to improve the process flow of data collection and manipulation in support of Army aviation operations. Data collection is focused around routine aviation operations and aviation maintenance with the intention of identifying a feasible replacement for the existing redundant manual and automated collection procedures. The web interface has the potential to reduce the logistical burden on unit's data collection procedures and provides tailorable, near real time information about aircraft maintenance status, individual training, and unit training to decision makers at all levels as a decision support tool. This thesis will describe the design considerations for a web-enabled database to include the development of detailed data and process models. / Major, United States Army

Transport infrastructure constitutes one of the key factors to a country’s economic growth. Investment in new transport infrastructure might cause potential environmental impacts, and if a project has several alternative corridors open for suggestion then each alternative corridor will have a different impact on the environment. The European Commission has stated that the natural resources are important to the quality of life. Therefore, the efficient use of resources will be a key towards meeting future climate change and reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This implies that in an evergrowing global society the resource efficiency as well as the choice of transport infrastructure corridor becomes even more important to consider. The aim of this research project was to contribute to early transport infrastructure planning by the development of methods for and implementation of easy understandable geological criteria and models for decision support. Moreover, the intention was to assess how geological information can be developed and extracted from existing spatial data and coupled with other areas of interest, such as ecology and life cycle assessment. It has previously been established that geological information plays an important role in transport infrastructure planning, as the geological characteristics of the proposed area as well as the possibilities of material use influences the project. Therefore, in order to couple geological information for early transport infrastructure planning, four studies (Paper I-IV) were undertaken where methods were developed and tested for the inclusion of geological information. The first study (Paper I) demonstate how optional road corridors could be evaluated using geological information of soil thickness, soil type and rock outcrops, bedrock quality and slope in combination with ecological information. The second study (Paper II) shows how geological information of soil thickness and stratigraphy can be combined with life cycle assessments (LCA) to assess the corresponding greenhouse gas emission and energy use for the proposed road corridors. The difficulty of using expert knowledge for susceptibility assessment of natural hazards, i.e. flooding, landslide and debris flow, for early transport infrastructure planning was presented in the third study (Paper III). In this study the expert knowledge was used in a multi-criteria analysis where the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was chosen as a decision rule. This decision rule was compared to the decision rule weighted linear combination (WLC) using two different schemes of weighting. In all the mentioned studies the importance of soil thickness information was highlighted. Therefore, the fourth and final study (Paper IV) presented a new methodology for modelling the soil thickness in areas where data is sparse. A simplified regolith model (SRM) was developed in order to estimate the regolith thickness, i.e. soil thickness, for previously glaciate terrain with a high frequency of rock outcrops. SRM was based on a digital elevation model (DEM) and an optimized search algorithm. The methods developed in order to couple geological information with other areas of interest is a tentative step towards an earlier geo-environmental planning process. However, the methods need to be tested in other areas with different geological conditions. The combination of geological information in GIS with MCA enabled the integration of knowledge for decision making; it also allowed influencing the importance between various aspects of geological information as well as the importance between geological information and other fields of interest, such as ecology, through the selected weighting schemes. The results showed that synergies exist between ecology and geology, where important geological considerations could also have positive effects on ecological consideration. Soil thickness was very important for GHG emission and energy whereas stratigraphical knowledge had a minor influence. When using expert knowledge the consistency in the expert judgements also needs to be considered. It was shown that experts tended to be inconsistent in their judgements, and that some consistency could be reached if the judgements were aggregated instead of used separately. The results also showed that the developed SRM had relatively accurate results for data sparse areas, and that this model could be used in several projects where the knowledge of soil thickness is important but lacking. It was concluded that geological information should be considered. By using GIS and MCA it is possible to evaluate different aspects of geological information in order to improve decision making. / Environmental assessment of road geology and ecology in a system perspective

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited / This thesis explores the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) needs for a decision support system in the area of analyzing, establishing and maintaining the organizational structures of BDF units. It also identifies the BDF measures that must be taken to qualify a certain unit structure. Subsequently, the thesis designs and develops a specific DSS prototype that can aid BDF decision makers and planners perspectives in this area. Creating this prototype has involved three different layers to be investigated: the data, the models and the user interfaces. The data layer consists of a Microsoft Access database application that houses BDF Units, Manpower, Vehicles, Weapons, Salaries, and Jobs information. The model layer consists of two Microsoft Excel spreadsheets that contain Infantry Battalion and enhanced Armor Battalion HR optimization models. The UI layer consists of user controls, input/output forms, queries, reports, and visualization aids (i.e. charts and pivot tables). These interfaces were developed using MS Access capabilities. Consequently, the BDF-DSS is an integration of database and optimization technology using widely available desktop tools. The general benefits of this DSS are reduced costs for data gathering, computation, and data presentation, and added value resulting from investigating more alternatives, doing more sophisticated analyses of alternatives, using better methods of comparing alternatives, and making quicker and better decisions. / Bahrain Defense Force author. / Major, Bahrain Defense Force

Background: Telephone counseling is a multifaceted profession, which makes it possible to perform nursing care without meeting the care seeker physically. Nurses supports, assesses, guides and provides care seekers with self-care advice, which is of great importance to avoid health problems and complications for the care seekers. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe nurses' experiences of telephone counseling within health centers and 1177 Vårdguiden. Method: A method aimed to contribute to evidence-based care based on the analysis of qualitative research described by Friberg (2012), was used. Eleven articles were analysed and resulted in four categories, with fourteen sub-categories. Results: The four categories that emerged were; the importance of own knowledge and security, to face ethical dilemmas, stress and job demands and the use of decision support. The lack of visual contact requires specific knowledge by the nurses and communication with healthcare seekers from other cultures and with third parties to some extent created uncertainty. The nurses must be quick and do right in limited time. Decision support was perceived as both an obstacle and complement. Conclusion: Nurses´ experiences of working with telephone counseling was described as stressful, demanding but also positive and challenging. In order to best perform telephone counseling it required experience, vast competence and ability to apply knowledge. It was considered important to use oneself as a main asset and to be aware of strengths, weaknesses and reactions in different situations.

by Tso Tze Kwong. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1990. / Bibliography: leaves [121]-[123]. / Acknowledgments / Abstract --- p.A-1 / Table of Figures --- p.F-1 / Chapter Chapter 1. --- Group Factors and Their Impacts / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction --- p.1-1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Why Group --- p.1-3 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Effectiveness --- p.1-3 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Efficiency --- p.1-4 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Knowledge --- p.1-4 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Social Bias Reduction --- p.1-5 / Chapter 1.2.5 --- Commitment --- p.1-5 / Chapter 1.2.6 --- Communications --- p.1-5 / Chapter 1.3 --- Quality of Decision --- p.1-6 / Chapter 1.4 --- Risk Taking --- p.1-8 / Chapter 1.5 --- Social Factors --- p.1-8 / Chapter 1.6 --- Problems on Groups --- p.1-9 / Chapter Chapter 2. --- Group Decision Support Systems / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.2-1 / Chapter 2.2 --- Group Decision Making / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Definition of Decision-making Group --- p.2-2 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- An Information-Exchange View --- p.2-2 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Group Interaction --- p.2-3 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Group Decision Making Process --- p.2-4 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Group Decision Making Process Model TC-l --- p.2-7 / Chapter 2.3 --- Group Decision Support System --- p.2-9 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Current Research Trend --- p.2-9 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Definition of GDSSs --- p.2-10 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Comparisons of Major Features of GDSSs in Practice --- p.2-13 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- The GDSS Software Models / Chapter 2.3.4.1 --- The Software Components --- p.2-19 / Chapter 2.3.4.2 --- Mapping Group Decision Making Concepts into GDSS Model --- p.2-23 / Chapter Chapter 3. --- The GDSS Design / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.3-1 / Chapter 3.2 --- System Overall Objectives --- p.3-2 / Chapter 3.3 --- The Assumptions --- p.3-2 / Chapter 3.4 --- System Scope / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Design Scope --- p.3-3 / Chapter 3.5 --- Objectives / Chapter 3.5.1 --- User's Perspective --- p.3-4 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- System's Perspective --- p.3-5 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- Decision Support Perspective --- p.3-7 / Chapter 3.6 --- The Conceptual Design of Our GDSS --- p.3-8 / Chapter 3.6.1 --- The Information Exchange Subsystem --- p.3-8 / Chapter 3.6.2 --- The Decision Making Subsystem --- p.3-10 / Chapter 3.6.3 --- The Communications Framework of The System --- p.3-12 / Chapter 3.7 --- The Physical Design of The System / Chapter 3.7.1 --- The Network Structure --- p.3-14 / Chapter 3.7.2 --- The Communications Flow --- p.3-16 / Chapter 3.7.3 --- The Overall System Structure / Chapter 3.7.3.1 --- The Setup Module Its Functions and Components --- p.3-17 / Chapter 3.7.3.2 --- The Monitor Module Its Functions and Logic --- p.3-19 / Chapter 3.7.3.3 --- The Private Module Its Functions and Logic --- p.3-22 / Chapter 3.7.3.4 --- The Common Module Its Functions and Logic --- p.3-24 / Chapter 3.7.4 --- The System Overall Control Logic --- p.3-26 / Chapter 3.8 --- Aids in Group Decision Making / Chapter 3.8.1 --- The Nominal Group Technique --- p.3-29 / Chapter 3.8.2 --- Decision Tree --- p.3-30 / Chapter 3.8.3 --- Multi-Attribute Utility Technique (MAU) --- p.3-32 / Chapter 3.8.4 --- Adjusted Multi-Attribute Utility Model --- p.3-35 / Chapter 3.8.5 --- Compromise Rules / Chapter a. --- Simple Majority --- p.3-38 / Chapter b. --- Borda Rule --- p.3-39 / Chapter c. --- Weighting --- p.3-40 / Chapter 3.9 --- The Information-Exchange Phase --- p.3-41 / Chapter 3.10 --- The Decision Making Phase / Chapter I --- Factors to Consider --- p.3-41 / Chapter II --- The Solution of Finalizing / Chapter Chapter 4. --- The Implementation of GDSS / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.4-1 / Chapter 4.2 --- The Mechanism of Exchanging Information --- p.4-1 / Chapter 4.3 --- The Implementation of NGT --- p.4-2 / Chapter 4.4 --- The Forming of The Decision Structure --- p.4-3 / Chapter 4.5 --- The Finalizing of Node Details --- p.4-9 / Chapter 4.6 --- Methods in Evaluating A Final Choice --- p.4-12 / Chapter Chapter 5. --- A Practical Application / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.5-1 / Chapter 5.2 --- Background --- p.5-1 / Chapter 5.3 --- Objective --- p.5-2 / Chapter 5.4 --- Decision Analysis Rationale --- p.5-3 / Chapter 5.5 --- The Decision Tree --- p.5-4 / Chapter 5.6 --- Decision Making Process --- p.5-8 / Chapter 5.7 --- The Feedback on Use of The System --- p.5-10 / Chapter Chapter 6. --- Conclusion / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.6-1 / Chapter 6.2 --- System Feedback --- p.6-2 / Chapter 6.3 --- The Practical Means of The System --- p.6-5 / Chapter 6.4 --- The Limitation of The System --- p.6-6 / Chapter 6.5 --- The Future Perspective of The System --- p.6-6 / References --- p.ref-1

by Cheung Wai-Lam, William. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1992. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 93-96). / Chapter chapter 1: --- introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- STRUCTURE OF REPORT --- p.3 / Chapter 1.4 --- CHAPTER SUMMARY --- p.5 / Chapter chapter 2: --- decision support systems (dss) / Chapter 2.1 --- THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS --- p.6 / Chapter 2.2 --- DEFINITION OF DSS --- p.8 / Chapter 2.3 --- STRUCTURE OF DSS --- p.12 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Users --- p.12 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Database --- p.12 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Model Base --- p.14 / Chapter 2.4 --- CHAPTER SUMMARY --- p.15 / Chapter chapter 3: --- dss for stock evaluation / Chapter 3.1 --- STOCK VALUATION: CAPM vs APT --- p.16 / Chapter 3.2 --- DSS FOR STOCK INVESTMENT --- p.21 / Chapter 3.3 --- THE PROPOSED STOCK EVALUATION DSS --- p.23 / Chapter 3.4 --- CHAPTER SUMMARY --- p.26 / Chapter chapter 4: --- analyticheerarchy process (ahp) / Chapter 4.1 --- WHAT IS AHP --- p.27 / Chapter 4.2 --- AN EXAMPLE: PLANT LOCATION SELECTION --- p.27 / Chapter 4.3 --- COMPUTATION PROCESS OF AHP / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Notations --- p.35 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Principal Eigenvector --- p.35 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Eigenvalue --- p.36 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Consistency Ratio --- p.36 / Chapter 4.4 --- CHAPTER SUMMARY --- p.37 / Chapter chapter 5: --- an ahp model for stock evaluation / Chapter 5.1 --- ALTERNATIVES FOR STOCK EVALUATION --- p.39 / Chapter 5.2 --- THE AHP MODEL FOR STOCK SELECTION --- p.41 / Chapter 5.3 --- EXPLANATIONS AND JUSTIFICATIONS FOR PROPOSED HIERARCHY --- p.43 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Level1 --- p.45 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Level2 --- p.45 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Level3 --- p.46 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Level4 --- p.48 / Chapter 5.3.5 --- Level5 --- p.49 / Chapter 5.3.6 --- Level6 --- p.60 / Chapter 5.4 --- CHAPTER SUMMARY --- p.61 / Chapter chapter 6: --- the development of iris: a prototype / Chapter 6.1 --- SYSTEM FLOWCHART --- p.63 / Chapter 6.2 --- PROGRAM SPECIFICATION --- p.65 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- File Maintenance Module --- p.65 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- Hierarchy Setup --- p.65 / Chapter 6.2.3 --- Eigenvector Computation --- p.67 / Chapter 6.2.4 --- Overall Weight Computation --- p.67 / Chapter 6.3 --- PROTOTYPE OPERATION --- p.67 / Chapter 6.4 --- CHAPTER SUMMARY --- p.79 / Chapter chapter 7: --- user evaluationof model and prototype / Chapter 7.1 --- METHODOLOGY OF EVALUATION --- p.82 / Chapter 7.1.1 --- Participants --- p.82 / Chapter 7.1.2 --- Stock Candidates --- p.83 / Chapter 7.1.3 --- Stock Data --- p.83 / Chapter 7.1.4 --- Process of Model and Prototype Evaluation --- p.84 / Chapter 7.2 --- FINDINGS --- p.85 / Chapter 7.2.1 --- Structure the Stock Evaluation Process --- p.86 / Chapter 7.2.2 --- Time-consuming --- p.87 / Chapter 7.2.3 --- The Consistency Ratio --- p.87 / Chapter 7.2.4 --- Reconsideration of Factors --- p.87 / Chapter 7.2.5 --- Precise Amount Available --- p.88 / Chapter 7.2.6 --- Users Forced to Considered All Factors --- p.88 / Chapter 7.3 --- CONCLUSION OF EVALUATION --- p.89 / Chapter 7.4 --- CHAPTER SUMMARY --- p.90 / Chapter chapter 8: --- summary and conclusion / Chapter 8.1 --- REPORT SUMMARY --- p.91 / Chapter 8.2 --- CONCLUSION --- p.91 / references --- p.93 / appendix --- p.97

by Liu Shu Cheung, Jimmy. / Thesis (M.Ph.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1988. / Bibliography: leaves 61-64.

Decision Support Tools (DSTs) are commonly utilised within the Asset Management (AM) operations of infrastructure organisations. These manual or computerised tools are used to support decisions about what assets to acquire and how to operate them. Their performance can therefore have significant financial and non-financial implications for a business. Despite their importance, managing the performance of DSTs after implementation has received only limited attention within the literature. The output of this research is a conceptual approach for managing the performance of decision support tools used within an Asset Management context. It encompasses a risk-based DST Performance Management Process and DST Performance Assessment Techniques (the methods for applying the process in an industry setting).The novelty of the approach: (1) Alignment with the fundamental principles of the International Standard for Asset Management, ISO 5500x:2014. Thus, consistency of the management of DSTs with other assets types. (2) A generic process that is tailored to the context of the specific organisation. (3) Consistency with the risk management process (ISO 31000:2009) and meeting the requirements for a quality process defined within the Quality Management Standard (ISO 9000: 2015). (4) A cyclical process design ensuring that the approach, and how the approach is applied within an industry setting, will evolve to reflect the changing environment. A case study and the input of subject matter experts from within National Grid Electricity Transmission was used to both inform and evaluate the conceptual approach design. A semi-structured interview, with a water sector subject matter expert, assesses the transferability of the approach to a wider Asset Management population. The results of the evaluation demonstrate the conceptual approach to be both logical and useable in each context. The future research pathway looks to progress the conceptual approach through to industry adoption.