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Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Civil Engineering / Yacoub M. Najjar / Access to databases after the digital revolutions has become easier because large databases are progressively available. Knowledge discovery in these databases via intelligent data analysis technology is a relatively young and interdisciplinary field. In engineering applications, there is a demand for turning low-level data-based knowledge into a high-level type knowledge via the use of various data analysis methods. The main reason for this demand is that collecting and analyzing databases can be expensive and time consuming. In cases where experimental or empirical data are already available, prediction models can be used to characterize the desired engineering phenomena and/or eliminate unnecessary future experiments and their associated costs. Phenomena characterization, based on available databases, has been utilized via Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) for more than two decades. However, there is a need to introduce new paradigms to improve the reliability of the available ANN models and optimize their predictions through a hybrid decision system. In this study, a new set of ANN modeling approaches/paradigms along with a new method to tackle partially missing data (Query method) are introduced for this purpose. The potential use of these methods via a hybrid decision making system is examined by utilizing seven available databases which are obtained from civil engineering applications. Overall, the new proposed approaches have shown notable prediction accuracy improvements on the seven databases in terms of quantified statistical accuracy measures. The proposed new methods are capable in effectively characterizing the general behavior of a specific engineering/scientific phenomenon and can be collectively used to optimize predictions with a reasonable degree of accuracy. The utilization of the proposed hybrid decision making system (HDMS) via an Excel-based environment can easily be utilized by the end user, to any available data-rich database, without the need for any excessive type of training.

At present, more and more demands are placed on the quality and the speed of transport of products and goods from manufacturers to suppliers and then to the end customer. This requires a lot of knowledge and experience in planning, purchasing, production and distribution. In all activities and at all levels of the organization, it is important to properly and timely to decide how to proceed in order to ensure maximum customer satisfaction at minimum cost to the company. To ensure speed and quality of distribution, it is necessary to focus on the logistics of circulatory systems. This includes both information and communication flow, and the supply, storage, transport, handling and packaging. To ensure all these services efficiently, quickly and on time, it is advisable that the company has to have developed appropriate methodology for the given process. The main aim of the doctoral thesis is to design a methodology for management decisions in the distribution area. The properly chosen methodology of distribution can help to speed up the transport of the product from the supplier to the customer or from the manufacturer to the customer, but ultimately to reduce the overall distribution costs. When deciding on the choice of distribution channel, processes and knowledge of European legislation in relation to the logistics and transport management in the Czech Republic are also important. The data collection and processing, under which the analysis of the current situation was carried out, were the bases for the methodology design. In the further step, the basic criteria for selection of the companies that could make the distribution were set up. Subsequently, the weights of importance were assigned to the given criteria. In the final decision for the selection of the distribution company, methods of multi-criteria decision-making were used. The thesis was developed on the basis of theoretical research and practical experience in businesses in the solved area. Objectives to be achieved: The aim of the doctoral thesis is the methodology design of managerial decision making in the European distribution area in connection with the Czech Republic's infrastructure in implementing the legislative requirements of the European environment while respecting the principles of integration.

Abstract At present, more and more demands are placed on the quality and the speed of transport of products and goods from manufacturers to suppliers and then to the end customer. This requires a lot of knowledge and experience in planning, purchasing, production and distribution. In all activities and at all levels of the organization, it is important to properly and timely to decide how to proceed in order to ensure maximum customer satisfaction at minimum cost to the company. To ensure speed and quality of distribution, it is necessary to focus on the logistics of circulatory systems. This includes both information and communication flow, and the supply, storage, transport, handling and packaging. To ensure all these services efficiently, quickly and on time, it is advisable that the company has to have developed appropriate methodology for the given process. The main aim of the doctoral thesis is to design a methodology for management decisions in the distribution area. Properly chosen methodology of distribution can help to speed up the movement of the product from the supplier to the customer or from the manufacturer to the customer, but ultimately to reduce the overall distribution costs. When deciding on the choice of distribution channel, processes and knowledge of European legislation in relation to the logistics and transport management in the Czech Republic are also important. The data collection and processing, under which the analysis of the current situation was carried out, were the bases for the methodology design. The basic criteria for selection of the companies that could make the distribution were set by another method. Subsequently, the weights of importance were assigned to the given criteria. In the final decision for the selection of the distribution company, methods of multi-criteria decision-making were used. The thesis was developed on the basis of theoretical research and practical experience in businesses in the solved area. Objectives to be achieved: The aim of the doctoral thesis is the methodology design of managerial decision making in the European distribution area.

This paper addresses folding the circle in half and discussing some of over one hundred different mathematical terms and functions generated in that one fold. The simplicity of process in understanding fundamentals of mathematics by folding circles and observing what is generated is unknown because we only draw pictures of circles. Examples are given about observing and exploring relationships in the circle that are appropriate for first, second, third grade level and beyond. The traditional educational ‘parts-towhole’ approach can only be fully realized through the comprehensive frame of Whole-to-parts by folding the circle. Wholemovement of the circle is not only direct; it is the only context inclusive to progressively understanding parts within unity of the Whole.

The study focused on the effects of Continuing Professional Teacher Development on teachers’ workload in the Gauteng province. Apart from the literature review, the objectives of this study were: to determine the understanding of new approaches to Continuing Professional Development on the workload of teachers. To establish the administrative barriers that frustrate teachers’ efforts in accepting responsibility for improving not only their practice, but also the shared practice of the profession. To draw recommendations for the successful implementation of Continuing Professional Teacher Development on teachers’ workload in the Gauteng province. The qualitative research methodology was adopted and engaged to investigate the effects of CPTD on teachers’ workload in Gauteng schools. The importance or significance of the study was to find out ways and means of dealing with the new roles that form part of teachers’ workload. The participants’ perceptions on the topic were generally in agreement that the schools value the Professional Development initiatives of teachers. Additionally, their learners’ scholastic achievements showed a great improvement as a result. / Educational Management and Leadership / D. Phil. (Educational Leadership and Management)

This paper addresses folding the circle in half and discussing some of over one hundred different mathematical terms and functions generated in that one fold. The simplicity of process in understanding fundamentals of mathematics by folding circles and observing what is generated is unknown because we only draw pictures of circles. Examples are given about observing and exploring relationships in the circle that are appropriate for first, second, third grade level and beyond. The traditional educational ‘parts-towhole’ approach can only be fully realized through the comprehensive frame of Whole-to-parts by folding the circle. Wholemovement of the circle is not only direct; it is the only context inclusive to progressively understanding parts within unity of the Whole.