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The continuous advancement in wireless communications technology demands new approaches to improving the capacity of existing radio links. The high data throughput required can be achieved by the complete utilization of space, time and polarization diversities inherent in any propagation environment. Among the different propagation scenarios, the indoor channels represent a particularly challenging problem given the number and complexity of interactions between the transmitted signal and the environment. This dissertation explores the interrelation between propagation physics and space-time-polarization diversity based on a novel high resolution channel sounding and reconstruction technique. First, a method to reconstruct the indoor complex channel response based on a limited set of samples and the elimination of the interference using deconvolution techniques is presented. Then, the results for the joint angle-of-arrival, delay characterization and depolarization of electromagnetic waves are presented. Finally, a novel approach to using depolarized multipath signals to boost the receiver signal-to-noise performance is presented. The current study shows that full utilization of the diversities of channel novel wireless systems can be proposed with significant improvement in capacity.

The continuous advancement in wireless communications technology demands new approaches to improving the capacity of existing radio links. The high data throughput required can be achieved by the complete utilization of space, time and polarization diversities inherent in any propagation environment. Among the different propagation scenarios, the indoor channels represent a particularly challenging problem given the number and complexity of interactions between the transmitted signal and the environment. This dissertation explores the interrelation between propagation physics and space-time-polarization diversity based on a novel high resolution channel sounding and reconstruction technique. First, a method to reconstruct the indoor complex channel response based on a limited set of samples and the elimination of the interference using deconvolution techniques is presented. Then, the results for the joint angle-of-arrival, delay characterization and depolarization of electromagnetic waves are presented. Finally, a novel approach to using depolarized multipath signals to boost the receiver signal-to-noise performance is presented. The current study shows that full utilization of the diversities of channel novel wireless systems can be proposed with significant improvement in capacity.

Improvements to highway safety have become a high priority for highway authorities due to increasing public awareness and concern of the high social and economic costs of accidents. However, satisfying this priority in an environment of limited budgets is difficult. It is therefore important to ensure that the funding available for highway safety improvements is efficiently utilized. In attempt to maximize the overall highway safety benefits, highway professionals usually invoke an optimization process. The objective of this thesis study is to develop a model for the selection of appropriate improvements on a set of black spots which will provide the maximum reduction in the expected number of accidents (total return), subject to the constraint that the amount of money needed for the implementation of these improvements does not exceed the available budget. For this purpose, a computer program, BSAP (Black Spot Analysis Program) is developed. BSAP is comprised of two separate, but integrated programs: the User Interface Program (UIP) and the Main Analysis Program (MAP). The MAP is coded in MATLAB and contains the optimization procedure itself and performs all the necessary calculations by using a Binary Integer Optimization model. The UIP, coded in VISUAL BASIC, was used for monitoring the menu for efficient data preparation and providing a user-friendly environment.

Syfte – Syftet med studien är att identifiera kritiska begränsningar i inlagringsprocessen i ett distributionslager för att därmed kunna effektivisera materialflödet. Studiens syfte uppnås genom att följande forskningsfrågor har formulerats: Vilka kritiska begränsningar kan förekomma i materialflödet i en inlagringsprocess i ett distributionslager? Hur kan de identifierade begränsningarna exkluderas i en inlagringsprocess? Metod – Studien hade en induktiv ansats och datainsamling skedde genom intervjuer, observationer, dokumentstudier och litteraturstudier. En fallstudie genomfördes på ett distributionslager och empiri och teori har jämförts för att kunna uppfylla studiens syfte. Resultat – Studiens resultat påvisar att de förekommande kritiska begränsningarna i ett distributionslager är brist på yta, materialhantering, automatiska system samt lagerlayout. Studiens slutsats är att begränsningarna är sammankopplade och påverkar varandra eftersom de ingår i samma process. För att exkludera begränsningarna bör distributionslager implementera diverse standarder i sin inlagringsprocess och arbeta med ständiga förbättringar. Implikationer – Studien bidrar inte med nya teorier men bidrar med praktisk nytta för distributionslager med liknande kriterier som studiens fallföretag. Begränsningar – Studien riktar enbart in sig på distributionslager och var en fallstudie av enfallsdesign. Genom att utföra flera liknande undersökningar på företag med liknande kriterier hade generaliserbarheten kunnat stärkas. / Purpose – The purpose of the study is to identify critical constraints in the inbound process at a distribution warehouse. To accomplish the purpose two research questions were formulated: Which critical constraints can occur in the material flow in the inbound process at a distribution warehouse? How can the identified constraints be excluded in the inbound process? Method – The study was performed inductively, and the data collection techniques were interviews, observations, document studies and literature studies. A single case study was performed at a distribution warehouse and the empirical data and theories were compared to accomplish the purpose of the study. Findings – The result of the study demonstrates that the critical constraints in the inbound process at a distribution warehouse are space, material handling, automatic systems and warehouse layout. The conclusion of the study is that the constraints are connected and affect each other since they are all included in the same process. To exclude the constraints different types of standards should be implemented in the inbound process, and distribution warehouses should work with continuous improvements. Implications – The study does not contribute to new theories but can be practically beneficial for distribution warehouses similar to the studies case study. Limitations – The study only focuses on one distribution warehouse and is therefore a single case study. The generalizability could have been higher if the study had been conducted at multiple distribution warehouses.

More than ever, organizational development and results are affected by employee well-being and motivation. To be an attractive workplace from a staff perspective, it is vital that the organization is aware of how employees actually experience the workplace. By measuring employee satisfaction, the organization is given the opportunity to improve its position as an attractive workplace. The organization in this study has a future goal and that is to become one of Sweden’s most valued workplaces, therefore they need to develop a strategy for how employee satisfaction is measured and evaluated. The purpose of this study is to develop a standardized approach for the organization to measure and monitor it’s employee satisfaction. The study presents an implementation proposal in which the organization in an educational and step-by-step approach can begin the work of measuring employee satisfaction. In addition to the handy steps that the organization can follow, the benefits of a successful implementation project are also presented. The organization's challenges are mapped out and include a strategy to overcome these challenges. / Mer än någonsin påverkas en verksamhets utveckling och resultat av medarbetarnas trivsel och motivation. För att vara en attraktiv arbetsgivare utifrån ett medarbetarperspektiv är det av stor vikt att organisationen är medveten om hur medarbetarna faktiskt upplever arbetsgivaren. Genom att mäta medarbetarnöjdheten ges förutsättningar för organisationen att förbättra sin position som en attraktiv arbetsplats. Den studerade organisationens framtida mål är att bli en av Sveriges bästa arbetsgivare och de behöver därmed ta fram en strategi för hur medarbetarnöjdheten ska mätas och utvärderas. Syftet med studien är att ta fram ett standardiserat tillvägagångssätt för KitchenTime att mäta och följa upp sin medarbetarnöjdhet på. Studien presenterar ett implementeringsförslag där organisationen på ett pedagogiskt och stegvis tillvägagångssätt kan inleda arbetet med att mäta medarbetarnöjdheten. Förutom de handfasta stegen som organisationen kan följa presenteras även fördelar med ett lyckat implementeringsprojekt. Organisationens utmaningar är kartlagda och det finns även en strategi för att överkomma dessa utmaningar.

The public-sector organizations have been in limelight for research work about the implementation of various quality management approaches with the evolution of process management ideology into this sector. The awareness among the citizens regarding their rights and demand for qualitative service has been increased which led to the focus on the quality management approaches like Six Sigma and Lean. The public-sector organizations such as municipalities, health care, social administrators and others are not driven by profits unlike private sectors making it complex to implement these approaches. This led to the purpose of the thesis to research on proposing a process improvement strategy for increased customer satisfaction in the public sector. Seven tools from Lean and Six Sigma methodologies have been chosen to propose the strategy and they are – Process Mapping, Voice of the Customer, Critical to Quality, Cause & Effect Analysis, 5 Why’s, Benchmarking and Standardization. To execute this research, a qualitative case study methodology has been conducted at MoS department of Linköping Municipality on one of their ground process – customer request handling process. The research questions were designed to understand how to map the process, the customer orientation and process efficiency specific to the case and finally grasp the effectiveness of the selected tools for public sector. Various data sources were collected for this study. The empirical findings led to interesting analysis and discussion on the case study in relation to the previous literatures reviewed in this area. Moreover, the usefulness of these tools has been clearly identified and the strategy for process improvements has been proposed. From the overall discussion, major conclusions on the thesis work have been made with respect to the research questions. Firstly, while mapping the process it is important to consider the customer perspective and identify the process steps which lead to customer satisfaction. Further, communication with the customers and considering their feedback for future improvements is identified to be vital. Finally, the selected tools contribute majorly for the process improvements in public sector where the numerical data availability is limited and the importance of the strategic order for the tools has been highlighted. Key Words: Process Improvements, Six Sigma, Lean, Public Sector, Municipal Organizations, Customer Orientation, Customer Satisfaction.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The vegetable meals are pointed out as the main alternative sources of the protein with widespread availability, low cost and nutritional potential to replace the fish meal in aquaculture diets. However, they have lower protein content, higher fiber and antinutrients, requiring a thorough study for broad and secure applicability. Processing techniques or pretreatment may extract and/or inactivate antinutrients improving the nutritional value of the sources. In this sense, we measured nutrients and antinutrients and dynamics of in vitro protein digestibility of tung and crambe meal in nature and after chemical treatment in acid-alcohol solution. This procedure reduced the levels of fat, calcium, phosphorus, condensed tannins and phytic acid in tung meal, increased neutral detergent fiber and did not change crude protein, ash, phenolic compounds, total and hydrolysable tannins. For crambe meal the treatment increased the fiber and ash contents and reduced crude protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, total phenols, tannins (total, hydrolysable and condensed) and phytic acid. However, there was no effect of chemical treatment on the in vitro protein digestibility of the meals. The crambe or tung meals were also pretreated with exogenous microbial enzymes, non-commercial phytase (phytase and tannase action 1400 U and 1100 U/Kg) and commercial phytase (Natuphos/BASF, 1400 U/Kg). The commercial phytase showed higher efficiency on the tung meal, reducing phytic acid concentration and non-commercial phytase acted more effectively on the tannins in crambe meal. The replacement of fish meal and meat and bone meal by in natura crambe or tung meal (integral form) or chemically or enzymatically detoxified in feeding of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) was evaluated for nine weeks, with the study of growth, digestive parameters, metabolic and body nutrient deposition. Growth response similar to the control was observed since the beginning of the study in animals fed with crambe meal in the integral or chemically detoxified forms. These animals showed minimal enzymatic and metabolical changes. The inclusion of integral tung meal or chemically detoxified caused slower growth of animals. In the diet containing the integral form of meal, these results were observed until the end of the experimental period and were summed the lower digestive enzymatic and metabolic changes and lower survival of the animals. Tung meal chemically treated caused greater growth compared to the integral form, possibly due to removal of antinutrients and toxic substances. The inclusion of vegetable meals (both forms of enzymatically treatment) reduced fish growth since the first evaluation, but the response was more pronounced in animals that received tung meal. The increase in the digestivosomático index and intestinal quotient can demonstrate a physiological adaptation of these animals to the consumption of diets with tung meal, which showed the highest fiber content. With regard to body composition, ash, crude protein and phosphorus were not changed between treatments containing vegetable meals under study, but treatments with inclusion of tung meal provided lower dry matter and fat content in animals. / Os farelos vegetais são apontados como as principais alternativas de fontes de proteína com ampla disponibilidade, baixo custo e potencial nutricional para substituir a farinha de peixe em dietas para piscicultura. No entanto, possuem menor conteúdo de proteína, maior teor de fibras e antinutrientes, necessitando de um estudo minucioso para aplicabilidade ampla e segura. Técnicas de processamento ou pré-tratamento podem extrair e/ou inativar antinutrientes melhorando o valor nutricional das fontes. Neste sentido, foram mensurados nutrientes e antinutrientes e digestibilidade proteica in vitro dos farelos de tungue e crambe in natura e após o tratamento químico em solução ácido-alcoólica. Este procedimento reduziu os teores de gordura, cálcio, fósforo, taninos condensados e ácido fítico no farelo de tungue, aumentou fibra em detergente neutro e não alterou proteína bruta, matéria mineral, compostos fenólicos, taninos totais e hidrolisáveis. Para o farelo de crambe o tratamento elevou fibra e matéria mineral e reduziu proteína bruta, gordura, cálcio, fósforo, fenóis totais, taninos (totais, hidrolisáveis e condensados) e ácido fítico. Não foi observado efeito do tratamento químico sobre a digestibilidade protéica in vitro dos farelos. Os farelos de crambe ou tungue também foram pré-tratados com enzimas microbianas exógenas, fitase não comercial (ação de fitase e tanase 1400 U e 1100 U/Kg) e fitase comercial (Natuphos/BASF, 1400 U/Kg). A fitase comercial mostrou maior eficiência sobre o farelo de tungue, reduzindo a concentração de ácido fítico e a fitase não comercial atuou mais efetivamente sobre taninos no farelo de crambe. A substituição de farinha de peixe e farinha de carne e ossos pelos farelos de crambe ou de tungue in natura (forma integral) ou detoxificados quimicamente ou enzimaticamente na alimentação de jundiás (Rhamdia quelen) foi avaliada durante nove semanas, com o estudo do crescimento, parâmetros digestivos, metabólicos e deposição corporal de nutrientes. Crescimento similar ao controle foi observado desde o início do estudo nos animais alimentados com farelo de crambe nas formas integral ou detoxificada quimicamente. Estes animais mostraram mínimas alterações enzimáticas e metabólicas. A inclusão do farelo de tungue integral ou detoxificado quimicamente causou menor crescimento aos animais. Na dieta contendo o farelo integral, estes resultados foram observados até o final do experimento e foram somados às alterações enzimáticas digestivas, metabólicas e menor sobrevivência dos animais. A forma tratada quimicamente do farelo de tungue propiciou maior crescimento em relação ao farelo integral, possivelmente devido à remoção de antinutrientes e substâncias tóxicas. A inclusão dos farelos vegetais (ambas as formas de tratamento enzimático) reduziu o crescimento dos peixes desde a primeira avaliação, com resposta mais pronunciada nos animais que receberam o farelo de tungue. Aumento no índice digestivosomático e quociente intestinal pode demonstrar uma adaptação fisiológica destes animais ao consumo das dietas contendo o farelo de tungue, as quais apresentaram o maior teor de fibra. Quanto à composição corporal, cinzas, proteína bruta e fósforo não foram alterados entre os tratamentos contendo os farelos vegetais em estudo, mas dietas com inclusão de farelo de tungue resultaram em menor matéria seca e gordura corporal.

Além do fato de as organizações se encontrarem em ambientes turbulentos com rápidas e radicais mudanças, soma-se a importância que se tem dado à questão da implementação das ações estratégicas nas empresas. Assim justifica-se uma análise mais cuidadosa para entender como as empresas podem buscar a implementação bem sucedida de suas ações de melhoria e mudança, alinhando-as e integrando-as aos seus objetivos e metas estratégicos. Para tratar essa questão, esta pesquisa propõe uma sistematização para o processo de gestão de melhoria e mudança de desempenho. Entretanto, agir não significa simplesmente mudar, mas sim tomar ações para a melhoria e mudança na direção que a própria empresa escolheu para seguir, ou seja, sua estratégia. Porém, para uma efetiva gestão da implementação da estratégia, a organização deverá ter um sistema para avaliação e medição do seu desempenho. Dessa forma, este trabalho está estruturado, inicialmente, com uma discussão teórica sobre os temas estratégia, gestão de melhorias e mudanças e medição do desempenho organizacional. Com o embasamento teórico, é realizada uma proposta de um modelo para a gestão de melhorias e mudanças estratégicas, que é detalhada em processos e atividades. Com o objetivo de analisar o caráter prático dessa proposta conceitual, foi desenvolvido um estudo de caso em uma empresa considerada “caso de sucesso” em seu processo de gestão de melhoria. Pôde-se notar a importância de se ter um processo estruturado e sistematizado para gerenciar a melhoria e mudança, entretanto, o desenvolvimento desse processo deve assumir a realidade e entender as características particulares de cada empresa / Besides the fact of organizations finding themselves in a turbulent environment with fast and radical changes, the importance they have given to the subject of strategic actions implementation is becoming higher. Then, it has justified a more careful analysis to understand how companies can reach a successful implementation of their improvement and change actions, aligning and integrating them into their objectives and strategic goals. To treat that subject, this research proposes the systematization to the process of performance improvement and change management. However, acting does not simply means changing, but taking actions in order to reach improvement and change in the direction chosen by the own company, in other words, their strategy. However, for an effective management of the strategy implementation, the organization should have a performance evaluation and measurement system. In that way, this work is based, initially, on a theoretical discussion about themes like strategy, improvements and changes management and performance management. After this, a model of improvement and strategic change management is proposed, which is detailed in process and activities section. A case study was developed within a company considered “success case” with the objective of analyzing the practical character of this conceptual proposal. It was noticed the importance of having a structured and systematized process to manage improvements and changes. However, the development of this process should assume the company’s reality to understand its peculiars characteristics

Made available in DSpace on 2018-06-27T19:13:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Caren_Saccol_Berleze.pdf: 3033976 bytes, checksum: 294bc3813530576fa9d8d63388cbf66f (MD5) Caren_Saccol_Berleze.pdf.jpg: 3496 bytes, checksum: 5115eaea3cd00e1d6527786466b8e279 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-09-14 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This research aims to analyze the Winplot contributions for the teaching and learning quality improvement of real functions, with focus on the graphical transformations. It also aims to analyze the interactivity influence (considering both the program and the classmates) in appearance of abilities, such as autonomy, criticality and creativity. The research was performed with 14 first-grade students from high school level at Colégio Militar de Santa Maria (CMSM). The used methodology followed some Didactic Engineering steps. We have elaborated a teaching sequence, based on 5 sessions, each one related to one type of real function (similar, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric). Each function-type was related to a practical situation involving the Earth Planet, associated with Geography and Physics. The preliminary studies had shown that the researched students have access to the computer; however, they use it basically for the leisure. On the other hand, the PCNs - Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais, state that the student formation must contemplate the access to new technologies, in order to prepare him for the job market, which expects critical and independent citizens. For this reason, the classes must be more reflexive and participative, instead of simply informative. From the result analysis (proposed activities, reports, interviews, and comments) we have concluded that the work in pairs is important during the teach-learning process, since it generates environment for discussion, reflection and argument that develop the student criticality. In a short period of time, the use of Winplot made possible for the students to infer and prove their assertions, decreasing the dependence of the professor presence. / Esta pesquisa tem como objetivos analisar as contribuições do Winplot para a melhoria da qualidade do ensino e da aprendizagem de funções reais, com enfoque nas transformações gráficas, bem como analisar a influência da interatividade, tanto com o programa quanto com os colegas, no despertar de habilidades como autonomia, criticidade e criatividade. A pesquisa foi realizada com 14 alunos da 1ª série do Ensino Médio do Colégio Militar de Santa Maria (CMSM). A metodologia utilizada seguiu alguns passos da Engenharia Didática. Foi elaborada uma seqüência de ensino, baseada em 5 sessões, cada uma relacionada a um tipo de função real (afim, quadrática, exponencial, logarítmica e trigonométrica) e a uma situação envolvendo o Planeta Terra, associada à Geografia e Física. Os estudos preliminares mostraram que os alunos pesquisados têm acesso ao computador, porém, o usam basicamente para o lazer. Por outro lado, os PCNs orientam que a formação do aluno deve contemplar o acesso às novas tecnologias, de modo a prepará-lo para o mundo do trabalho, que espera cidadãos críticos e autônomos. Para isso, a aula precisa ser mais reflexiva e participativa, ao invés de simplesmente informativa. Da análise dos resultados (atividades propostas, relatórios, entrevista, observações) concluiu-se que o trabalho em dupla é importante durante o processo de ensino-aprendizagem, pois gera ambiente de discussão, reflexão e argumentação que, por sua vez, desenvolve a criticidade do aluno. A curto prazo, o uso do Winplot possibilitou que os alunos inferissem e comprovassem suas asserções, diminuindo a dependência da figura do professor.