Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 2009. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 58-59). Also available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.S.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 113-117).

Thesis supervisor: John D. Lee. Includes bibliographic references (p. 188-200).

Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009. / Full text also available online. Scroll down for electronic link.

Thesis (M. S.)--Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2007. / Dr. Gregory M. Corso, Committee Chair ; Dr. Arthur D. Fisk, Committee Member ; Dr. Lawrence James, Committee Member.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Texas at Dallas, 2008. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 92-95)

No description available.

A driving simulator reproduces the essential features of a vehicle and provides an interface for direct human operation. It provides a safe and less expensive way of training people how to drive. Against the backdrop of a comprehensive literature survey on driving simulators and their applications, this thesis endeavours to make five unique contributions. Many of the military armoured vehicles have eight wheels, are able to cross trenches of approximately two meters, and can climb steps of as high as one meter. Available research, however, focuses primarily on the vehicle dynamics modelling of commercial four wheel vehicles. In this thesis, a mathematical model is given for simulating the vehicle dynamics of an eight wheel vehicle over rough terrain, taking into account the limitations of real-time driving simulation. A discussion of the model by Janse van Rensburg et al. is contained in a paper which is currently under review by the International Journal of Modern Physics C (IJMPC). To prove the validity of a vehicle model, it is necessary to provide a method of testing the model. Detail about the vehicle dynamics model used is not always available when developed by a third party. This thesis describes a “black box” testing method for the verification of a vehicle dynamics model. An article regarding this matter by Janse van Rensburg et al. has been submitted to the IJMPC and is currently under review. Normally, the focus on driving simulators is on the modelling of realistic vehicle dynamics models. However, the design of a realistic simulation environment is of equal importance. A human driver usually steers one vehicle, but the rest of the vehicles used in the simulation should be managed by a computer program. An automatic driver model is described to be used within the simulation environment. The current presentation is based on the published paper [86] by Janse van Rensburg et al. (IJMPC, 16(6):895-908, 2005). An understanding of three-dimensional coordinate system transformations is one of the most important parts of a flight or driving simulator. Although the procedure of using Euler angles for coordinate system transformations is nothing new, almost no literature is available of how it can be applied on more complex situations. This thesis supplies more information on how a program language such as C++ could be used to apply more complex coordinate transformations in real-life situations. Results appeared in the published paper by Janse van Rensburg et al. (IJMPC, 16(6):909-920, 2005). Finally the use of vocoders is proposed for the modelling of engine sound. For a driving simulator which should be an exact replica of a certain vehicle, an accurate sound model is of extreme importance. By using vocoders, a technique used for the manipulation of voice, a higher level of accuracy and realism can be obtained than with the methods currently discussed in literature. A paper on this matter, compiled by Janse van Rensburg et al. is currently under review by the IJMPC. / Prof. M. A. van Wyk

Marketing strategy relies heavily on segmentation and positioning. Lifestyle and psychographics are increasingly being used as a basis for market segmentation. Marketers require deeper insight into the motivational factors that encourage purchases in order to tailor make offerings to suit individual needs. The focus is on customer relationship management in order to retain customers over a longer period of time, rather than once-off sales. This study examines how using the ancient and mystical technique of the Enneagram can improve customer relationship management and formulates a model for doing so. The Enneagram can be used as an effective base for psychographic segmentation by harnessing the diagnostic and predicative power therein. It is already being used in human resource development and strategic planning by companies and it seems fitting to apply it in yet another business area that can greatly benefit from this.

<p> A review ·of the basic purposes for, and research work conducted on, estimates of running costs of motor vehicles is presented. An attempt at using available running cost data at the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (Ontario) to obtain acceptable estimates of running costs is also presented. The purpose of this report was to study, in detail, the purpose and research methods advocated for obtaining running cost estimates with inherent advantages and disadvantages, and includes an attempt at using available data in obtaining such estimates and the problems associated with it. </p> <p> Several of the principal purposes and uses of running cost estimates are addressed. Each purpose is presented and discussed in detail and examples of data obtained to satisfy that purpose are given. In addition, the deficiencies of each data type are identified. Examples of use and application of different data types in obtaining economic assessment for individual organizational and governmental uses are included. </p> <p> A review of literature on running costs for motor vehicles is given. The different data collection and research methods adopted by researchers all over the world are discussed. A discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each method with respect to variables included, data collection method, level of data aggregation, impact of time-dependence, techniques and results is presented. </p> <p> An investigation of running cost records available at the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Communications was conducted. An effort at using such records to obtain reliable estimates of running costs was attempted but no conclusive results were obtained. The limitations of using these records to obtain running costs estimates are indicated. </p> <p> The concluding chapter includes recommendations for future research efforts for both short term and long term consideration. </p> / Thesis / Master of Engineering (MEngr)