Throughout the world, innovation is viewed as a critical factor in the future health of the construction industry. There is universal interest in successful commercialization of innovative construction products. This thesis focuses on the US construction industry's ability to successfully commercialize innovative products. US small, limited-resource innovators will be key players in this success. Recent failures of entrepreneurial business ventures in the commercialization of such products would benefit from a unique model for construction industry commercialization. The general approach is through an identification of accelerators for previously commercialized products, which are incorporated into a generic commercialization model. This process consists of five stages that are presented in this work: defining commercialization and innovation through literature for the residential construction industry; reviewing literature from other-industry commercialization models; establishing a new generic model (or framework) for innovative construction products from such literature; capturing qualitative and quantitative construction data from industry experts regarding actions that facilitate commercialization; populating specific cells of the generic model deemed relevant through this industry data, resulting in the accumulation of important cells, actions, and sequences. This work uses industry cases to present challenges specific to the construction industry and its products. It is limited to five such cases and their important data for residential construction innovation commercialization success. / Master of Science

The objectives of this research were to determine the required net lateral restraining force to brace j-webs or j-chords braced by one or more continuous lateral braces (CLB's), and to develop a methodology for permanent bracing design using a combination of lateral and diagonal braces. SAP2000 (CSI, 1995), a finite element analysis program, was used to analyze structural analogs for three sets of truss chords braced by n-CLB's and one or two diagonals, one web braced by one and two CLB's, and j-truss chords braced by n-CLB's. System analogs used to model five eight-foot truss chords braced by three CLB's and one diagonal, six twenty-foot truss chords braced by nine CLB's and two diagonals, and eleven twenty-foot truss chords braced by nine CLB's and two diagonals were analyzed. For each of the three cases analyzed, the chord lumber was assumed to be 2x4 No. 2 Southern Pine (S. Pine) braced by 2x4 STUD Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF). Chord load levels of 10% to 50% of the allowable compression load parallel-to-grain assuming le/d of 16 were studied. All wood-to-wood brace connections were assumed to be made with 2-16d Common nails. A nonlinear load-displacement function was used to model the behavior of the nail connections. Single member analogs were analyzed that represented web members varying in length from four-feet to twelve-feet braced by one and two CLB's. The web and CLB's were assumed to be 2x4 STUD SPF. The web members were also analyzed assuming 2x6 STUD SPF. Single member analogs were analyzed that represented chord members varying in length from four-feet to forty-feet braced by n-CLB's spaced twenty-four inches on-center. The truss chord was assumed to be No. 2 Southern Pine and the CLB's were assumed to be STUD SPF. The chord size was varied from 2x4 to 2x12 and connections were assumed to consist of 2-16d Common nails. The system analog analysis results were compared to the single member chord analysis results based on the number of truss chords and the diagonal brace configuration. For the three cases studied involving multiple 2x4 chords braced as a unit (and believed to be representative of typical truss construction), the bracing force from the single member analog analysis was a conservative estimate for bracing design purposes. It was concluded that the single member analysis analog yields approximate bracing forces for chords larger than 2x4 and for typical constructions beyond the three cases studied in this research. For analysis and design purposes, a ratio R was defined as the net lateral restraining force per web or chord divided by the axial compressive load in the web or chord. For both 2x4 and 2x6 webs braced with one CLB, the R-value was 2.3% for all web lengths studied. For both 2x4 and 2x6 webs braced with two CLB's, the R-value was 2.8% for all web lengths studied. The web and CLB lumber species did not affect the R-values for the braced webs. Calculated R-values for truss chords, 2x4 up to 2x12, braced by n-CLB's assumed to be spaced two feet on-center for chords four to twelve feet in length ranged from 2.2% to 3.0%, respectively. For chords from sixteen to forty feet in length, R ranged from 3.1% to 2.6%, respectively. The lumber species and grade assumed for the chord and CLB did not affect the R-values for the truss chords. Step-by-step design procedure was developed for determining the net lateral restraining force required for bracing j-chords based on the results of the single member analogs studied. The required total lateral restraining force for j-compression members in a row can be calculated based on the R-value for or the number of CLB's installed at 2 feet on-center, the design axial compression load in the chord, and number of trusses to be braced. / Master of Science

Population growth and climate change have strained existing water supplies requiring municipalities to shift towards demand management strategies to ensure reliable water provisions. Particularly in the residential sector, water conservation measures and incentives have been utilized to reduce demand during short-term shortages. As water conservation programs are now being commonly utilized as a way to ensure enough water will be available for continued growth, the impacts on a basin-wide scale have yet to be established. By changing the relative water demand for indoor and outdoor uses within a municipality, the amount of water being consumed can thereby reduce the effluent available for downstream communities. This research investigates how the timing of water conservation, water conservation strategy, and population growth impact water availability in a shared basin. A generalized system dynamics model reflecting typical residential water use and availability patterns similar to the southwest United States was utilized. We found that when upstream municipalities focus their initial reductions on non-consumptive demands, downstream municipalities reliant on upstream return flow have to increase their conservation rate to meet demands and maintain population growth. When most of the basin's population is in upstream municipalities, the more influence their change in water use has on downstream water availability. Therefore, consumptive conservation should be the priority of basin-wide conservation programs to ensure return flow is sufficient to satisfy the demands of downstream municipalities. / Master of Science / Population growth and climate change have reduced water supplies for many cities across the United States. This has led to increased water conservation at the household level to reduce the amount of water needed for everyday uses. Efforts like reduced lawn watering and shorter showers have been helpful during short-term dry spells but more cities are using long-term strategies like high efficiency appliances and the removal of green lawns to "free up" enough water for population growth. However, these changes in water use can impact how much water returns to the river and goes downstream for the next city to use. This research looks at how changes in the speed of water conservation, water conservation strategy, and population impacts water availability in a shared basin. Our stylized model reflects typical residential water use and availability patterns similar to the southwest United States. We found that the faster cities within a basin reduce their indoor water use, the greater downstream cities have to reduce their water use in order to have enough available water to meet demands. Also, when most of the basin's population is in upstream cities, the harder it is for the downstream city to have enough water to maintain target population growth. However, reducing outdoor water use first is the best way for every city that shares the same river to stay satisfied.

Lease and ownership of non-residential premises Resumé The objective of my thesis is to describe in detail the current lease (sublease), and ownership of non-residential premises as well as their expected changes in the new Civil Code. Within my thesis I branch out into several chapters in which I try to provide a comprehensive view on the legal legislation of the concepts of a lease, sublease and ownership. I have analysed these terms and referred to the current as well as previous judgments where the legislation appears to be ambiguous, notably judgments delivered by the Supreme Court. Chapter One is introductory and defines basic terminology used in the thesis, non- residential premises. Chapter Two is subdivided into parts which I dedicated to lease of non residential premises. This part of my work is devoted to a brief historical overview and current legislation of lease of non-residential premises most notably in view of selected parts of the Act No. 116/1990 Coll, and Act No. 40/1964 Coll. It provides an outline about creation of lease, particulars of the contract, rights and obligations of the lease and termination of lease. Act No. 116/1990 Coll. is significant as it restores the rights, which were removed during the period of socialism, of owners of non-residential premises to rent their property....

Residential lease The thesis examines residential lease. For the reason of limited length the paper does not deal with the topic in general but focuses primarily on the aspects of residential lease termination. This particular topic was chosen because of the fact that it is one of the significant legal relations occurring among the subjects of law, many people fulfil their accommodation requirements through it and almost everyone gets in touch with it in his/her life, in a way. Taking into consideration the social implications of rental housing the topic goes beyond the legal area. It is politically sensitive and it involves frequent disputes between the parties that are on the opposite sides of the political spectrum, mainly because of the different levels of regulation. The goal of the thesis is to explore and evaluate the effective legal regulation in the light of practice of the Supreme Court of the Czech Republic. Moreover, the thesis tries to be proactive and predict possible questionable aspects and it aims to provide the readers with practical advice and recommendations at the same time. From the structural point of view the thesis is divided into chapters, each of them dealing with different features. Firstly, chapter one briefly describes what the residential lease is, furthermore, it explains its...

Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering / Charles L. Burton / An energy analysis was performed on a Midwestern residence to evaluate its performance based on energy use. A model of the actual house was replicated using eQuest and adjusted until its projected utility bills matched the actual yearly bills. This model was used to gauge how potential improvements made to the envelope and HVAC systems lowered the energy use. The results were documented after each improvement the feasible options were considered. The top alternatives were then combined to see how much money could be saved through renovating an existing home or through constructing a new residence. The overall goal of this report was to use the resulting improvement data as a reference for homeowners or home builders who are interested in conserving energy and money through residential improvements.

abstract: Colleges and universities have continued to refine their understanding of engagement, affinity, and retention. At Arizona State University (ASU), the goal has been to continually retain first-year students at a 90%+ retention rate. At ASU, two key aspects of the first-year experience have been employed to foster retention. First, ASU has grouped on-campus students so they lived in residential colleges, housing students with others in the same college, to aid retention of first-year students. Second, ASU has required first-year students to take a 101 class, an orientation to ASU resources (library, advising, etc.) and its community (student organizations, clubs, etc.). The residential college living experience has afforded students opportunities to intentionally engage in campus events, connect with other students, and develop a vision for success. The 101 class has provided students with opportunities to learn about resources and community that have enriched their first-year experiences. Together, these two key approaches have offered students pathways to building initial engagement at the institution. The current research study was conducted to examine the ways in which students became engaged during their initial semester at ASU. Student participants in this study all lived in the W. P. Carey (WPC) Residential College Community in Hassayampa Academic Village (HAV) and were enrolled in WPC 101—Student Success in Business. WPC 101 was focused on helping students navigate college and learn about campus resources. In the study, the researcher infused three Engagement Workshops into the WPC 101 curriculum alongside pre-existing assignments to afford students learning opportunities for a richer, deeper exploration and reflection on their first-semester experience. Students participated in a pre- and post-intervention survey, contributed written narratives and reflections, and six students completed individual interviews. Results of the study, particularly the qualitative results, indicated (a) quality of relationships, (b) ASU community, and (c) campus environment emerged as variables that served as the ‘roots of engagement’ for these first-semester students Thus, the current work extended previous research on engagement by identifying the initial developmental aspects of engagement among first-semester, university students. The discussion included detailed explanations of the results, limitations, implications for research and practice, lessons learned, and conclusions. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Leadership and Innovation 2019

The purpose of this research was to analyze the effectiveness of psychotherapy for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who reside in community residential settings. The present body of literature did not address the utility of psychotherapy treatment for this population. A key area of focus for this research was whether psychotherapy has an impact on psychiatric hospitalization rates for the target population. An additional research question was whether significant differences exist in psychiatric hospitalization rates between males and females for the target population. Data analyses were conducted using archival data from the Blossom Hill Corporation and Sunrise Farm Corporation in the State of Minnesota. Research questions were analyzed with a 2x2 factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results indicated no significant differences in hospitalization rates for individuals in the target population who received psychotherapy (n = 60) compared to those who did not (n = 76). Hospitalization rates also did not differ between gender in psychotherapy treatment response for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in community residential settings. This study has implications for social change because it informs community residential providers in Minnesota serving individuals in the target population about the impact of psychotherapy on reducing psychiatric hospitalizations. Social change is further affected by providing data about how psychotherapy and theory can be used to better treat and understand the target population's mental health stability.

The purpose of this paper is the prep1ration of environmental criteria to be used to aid future developers, county planning board, and county commissioners in the evaluation of sites for proposed small scale residential developments, and whether that development will have an irreparable environmental impact. The criteria are intended to fill the gap between standards for housing developments and finished design and that of environmental impact of small scale housing developments in Cache County, Utah.

Taiwanese residential construction experienced a massive rise and then fall in residential unit completions during the period 1992-1997. Completions rose nearly 200 per cent between 1992 and 1994 alone. A series of questions arise in relation to this phenomenon (referred to here as 'the Peak'): Why did it occur? How was this increase in construction achieved in such a short time? What were its impacts? Was it a supply-side or a demand-side phenomenon? And what are the significance and implications of the Peak? This thesis adopts a distinct methodological stance, being explanatory and interpretative rather than concerned with theory construction and testing. It is argued that this is appropriate as the Peak was a singular phenomenon, and not part of the regular fluctuations in a residential market cycle. Consequently, it is treated as an event and event-triggered, rather than as part of a continuing time-series. In addition, given that it was influenced by an enormous array of exogenous factors, including politics, the economy, and government regulations and policy, as well as by demographic, historical and geographical factors, a holistic approach is employed, as opposed to a reductionist one. The purpose is to build as complete an interpretation as possible. A major trigger for the Peak was the announcement of a residential density regulation (vohme control) in early 1992. This regulation, which threatened to dramatically reduce the profitability of development land, caused a massive acceleration in the rate of residential development approvals and ensuing completions. The regulation is viewed as interacting with a loosening of development and construction credit restrictions in late 1990 to precipitate a massive Peak in residential construction. This took glace over a very short period of time. This is analysed for each city and county in Taiwan as well as for Taiwan as a whole, the same factors applying throughout the country with the exception of Taipei City. In Taipei City, the peak occurred in a milder form in the 1980s rather than in the 1990s, due to an earlier implementation of volume control. This provides support for the overall interpretation of the thesis. After its announcement a grace period before the regulation was to come into effect allowed existing developers and landowners to propose and execute land development and construction under the old regulation. This period also induced new developers into the market, in part based on an expectation of higher unit prices resulting from volume control. This created a huge new stock of smaller-size apartments. Accompanied by falling prices, this outcome is consistent with the supply-side explanation of the Peak. Additional evidence of a supply-side phenomenon includes the high vacancies and unsold developer inventories that resulted. The rush to construction under the old regulation meant that the demand and supply market feedback loop could not effectively operate. The presence of simultaneous production peaks in all cities and counties is just one piece of evidence that this feedback loop was ineffective. A pooled cross-sectional time-series model, based on supply and demand factors of all cities and counties during 1982-1998, was used to further analyse this model of the Peak. Again the results are consistent with the supply- side interpretation. While credit loosening and volume control triggered the Peak, it is the existence of huge production flexibilities in the residential construction industry that enabled such a massive and rapid increase in construction. These flexibilities flowed, in part, from a dominant reinforced concrete construction method, as well as the Taiwanese subcontracting system, and residential construction industry networks. It is argued that these networks provided a form of quasi-public good that could be exploited. These same factors also facilitated the rapid entry of new developers into the industry. Conversely, this was associated with a decline in construction quality, as the limits of flexibility were reached. Some evidence for this was revealed by the 1999 earthquake. Imputed construction costs rose enormously during the Peak, with profits necessarily declining under the combined pressures of falling prices and rising costs. This resulted in bankruptcies and other exits from the industry. The impacts of oversupply -such as a high vacancy rate, growing developer inventories and falling prices -are expected to be long-term. The vacant stock is calculated as equivalent to ten to twelve years of pre- Peak construction. This thesis concludes that the Peak was a discontinuity phenomenon. It was triggered by a unique set of events, rather than being part of a continuous historical development. While developer behaviour was individually rational, collectively their decisions were disastrous for themselves and the industry