published_or_final_version / Transport Policy and Planning / Master / Master of Arts

This study explores the effectiveness of the Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad (MERS) in support of Distributed Operations in urban terrain. The Marine Corps is evaluating the Distributed Operations concept as a solution to new threats posed in current operations. In order to employ distributed tactics, a more effective and capable Marine Rifle Squad is needed. The MERS concept seeks to increase the effectiveness of the current rifle squad, enabling smaller, more lethal, and more survivable units. Those issues are explored using agent-based modeling and data analysis. The most significant finding is that the MERS must be evaluated as a system; factors cannot be analyzed in isolation. The two factors that most affect the effectiveness are survivability and lethality. Maximizing these two factors leads to the lowest friendly casualties, highest enemy casualties, and highest probability of mission success. Agent-based modeling provides the maximum flexibility and responsiveness required for timely insights into small unit combat.

No description available.

Thesis (PhD)--University of South Australia, 2003.

Thesis (M.U.R. Pl.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1994. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 109-114). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (Master)--İzmir Institute of Technology, İzmir, 2004 / Includes bibliographical references (leaves. 73).

Thesis (B.S.) Magna Cum Laude--Butler University, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (38-42).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 1987. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 134-141). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center.

This thesis is part of a comprehensive group study undertaken by five students in the School of Community and Regional Planning. Section I, which is a combined study, explores present trends and concepts of urban growth in North America. As a result of a preliminary investigation, a study concept, "The Nodular Metropolitan Concept," was derived. An hypothesis was formulated to serve as a study base for individual research by members of the group. Section II of this thesis is the author's individual contribution which looks at one aspect, the provision and distribution of local open space within residential areas of the present city form and the Nodular Metropolitan form of development. In Chapter I, present inadequacies within North American cities are pointed out and various current classifications and standards are outlined. It was indicated that they do not appear to meet present and future needs. Chapter II looks at income as a variable of inequality in the distribution of local open space. The present system of distribution and the standards of local parks are examined in the cities of Vancouver and Montreal. Inequalities between high income areas and low income areas in respect to park quality were substantiated. Factors tested for park quality included acreage, types of facilities, seclusion and annual expenditures. It was found that lower income areas had the least acreage, types of facilities, seclusion and annual park expenditure per capita. The Nodular Metropolitan system of open space was examined in Chapter III to ascertain whether it offered a more equitable and functional distribution than the present grid system. A theoretical open space model that follows the principles of this concept was formulated and partly tested by use of a preliminary social behaviour activity survey. The model illustrates a radical change to the present open space system. Three forms of local open space are proposed for study: intensive activity open space, corridor open space and parkland open space. Due to limitations of time and survey data only the parkland category was tested as an illustration of methodology for further research. The results of the questionnaire used in the survey indicated that the present unco-ordinated system of local park distribution is not meeting basic human needs. The particular social economic group of persons interviewed expressed a need for large open spaces that offered a variety of activities but were predominately passive in character as illustrated by the parkland category within the theoretical open space model. The study indicated that the behaviour activity approach would be feasible for future use. The results of the study to date indicate that the provision and distribution of open space within the city could be perhaps more adequately provided under a form of redevelopment such as that of the Nodular Metropolitan Concept. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate

D.Phil. / Authors and researchers from disciplines studying the relationship between social processes and spatial patterns agree that the characteristics of society, specifically the divisions within society, are mirrored in the residential structure of the city. The transformation of the former into discernible patterns of residential differentiation is effected by four mechanisms. These are residential mobility, the housing market, institutions and socio-spatial engineering, i.e. the manipulation of social and spatial structures by those in power to achieve certain social and political-ideological goals. The purpose of this study is firstly, to analyse the functioning of the mechanisms which shape the residential structure and secondly, to describe the divisions in society, i.e. , the socio-political basis of the South African metropolis, against the backdrop of its spatial implications on the residential structure. Thirdly, to describe the characteristics of the structure in terms of its spatial patterns and distinctive characteristics and lastly, to construct an explanatory model of the structure...