In the mortgage industry, many mortgage lenders cannot manage mortgage workflow systems while meeting and exceeding organizational objectives. Organizations with an above-industry average turnaround time (ATT) to complete a retail mortgage transaction (RMT) from origination to funding experience revenue losses. Grounded in the proposition that mortgage loan purpose (MLP), mortgage loan type (MLT), and subject property type (SPT) impact ATT to complete an RMT, the purpose of this causal-comparative study was to assess the impact of MLP, MLT, and SPT on ATT to complete an RMT. Using archival data records (N = 146) from a selected mortgage institution in the state of Florida, the results of the 2 x 2 x 2 factorial ANOVA showed that there were no main or interaction effects F(5,140) = 0.42, p = .83. Implications for social change include the possibility for mortgage lenders to implement improved workflow processes to reduce costs and improve efficiency metrics and intrinsic value, thereby benefitting organizational stakeholders such as employees and consumers.

The U.S. market for geospatial services totaled US $2.2 billion in 2010, representing 50% of the global market. Data-processing firms subcontract labor-intensive portions of data services to offshore providers in South and East Asia and Eastern Europe. In general, half of all offshore contracts fail within the first 5 years because one or more parties consider the relationship unsuccessful. Despite the high failure rates, no study has examined the offshore vendor selection process in the geospatial industry. The purpose of this study was to determine the list of key offshore vendor selection criteria and the efficacy of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for ranking the criteria that North American geospatial companies consider in the offshore vendor selection process. After the selection of the initial list of factors from the literature and their validation in a pilot study, a final survey instrument was developed and administered to 15 subject matter experts (SMEs) in North America. The SMEs expressed their preferences for one criterion over another by pairwise comparisons, which served as input to the AHP procedure. The results showed that the quality of deliverables was the top ranked (out of 26) factors, instead of the price, which ranked third. Similarly, SMEs considered social and environmental consciousness on the vendor side as irrelevant. More importantly, the findings indicated that the structured AHP process provides a useful and effective methodology whose application may considerably improve the quality of the overall vendor selection process. Last, improved and stabilized business relationships leading to predictable budgets might catalyze social change, supporting stable employment. Consumers could benefit from derivative improvements in product quality and pricing.

This dissertation focused on the IRIS design since this will likely be one of the designs of choice for future deployment in the U.S and developing countries. With a net 335 MWe output IRIS novel design falls in the “medium” size category and it is a potential candidate for the so called modular reactors, which may be appropriate for base load electricity generation, especially in regions with smaller electricity grids, but especially well suited for more specialized non-electrical energy applications such as district heating and process steam for desalination. The first objective of this dissertation is to evaluate and quantify the performance of a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) comprised of two IRIS reactor modules operating simultaneously with a common steam header, which in turn is connected to a single turbine, resulting in a steam-mixing control problem with respect to “load-following” scenarios, such as varying load during the day or reduced consumption during the weekend. To solve this problem a single-module IRIS SIMULINK model previously developed by another researcher is modified to include a second module and was used to quantify the responses from both modules. In order to develop research related to instrumentation and control, and equipment and sensor monitoring, the second objective is to build a two-tank multivariate loop in the Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of Tennessee. This loop provides the framework necessary to investigate and test control strategies and fault detection in sensors, equipment and actuators. The third objective is to experimentally develop and demonstrate a fault-tolerant control strategy using this loop. Using six correlated variables in a single-tank configuration, five inferential models and one Auto-Associative Kernel Regression (AAKR) model were developed to detect faults in process sensors. Once detected the faulty measurements were successfully substituted with prediction values, which would provide the necessary flexibility and time to find the source of discrepancy and resolve it, such as in an operating power plant. Finally, using the same empirical models, an actuator failure was simulated and once detected the control was automatically transferred and reconfigured from one tank to another, providing survivability to the system.

Strategic planning can be a critical business process for today’s organizations, especially for IT organizations that are facing continually changes in technology. This research was designed to investigate IT organizations’ use of strategic planning and determine if the organization uses their strategic plan to set project priorities. The second part of this research was to determine if the IT strategic plans are aligned with the overall organization’s strategic plan. This research was conducted using a mail-type survey to IT Executives from organizations with sales/revenues under 100 million dollars, a maximum of 5000 employees, and SIC codes of 201 thru 399. The selected organizations were mailed a survey packet followed by a phone call for all non-responding organizations. The findings that resulted from this research showed that there is statistical evidence to support that organizations do perform the business process of developing a strategic plan. This research also showed that IT organizations do develop an IT strategic plan. However, there is not a high correlation between the organization’s strategic plan and the IT strategic planning process. If the IT organization has a strategic plan, then the plan is reviewed on a regular basis, referenced for project prioritization, and the IT employees are familiar with the plan.

Pandemic outbreaks are unpredictable as to their virus strain, transmissibility, and impact on our quality of life. Hence, the decision support models for mitigation of pandemic outbreaks must be user-friendly and operational, and also incorporate valid estimates of disease transmissibility and severity. This dissertation research is aimed at 1) reviewing the existing pandemic simulation models to identify their implementation gaps with regard to usability and operability, and suggesting research remedies, 2) increasing operability of simulation models by calibrating them via an epidemiological model that estimates infection probabilities using viral shedding profiles of concurrent pandemic and seasonal influenza, and 3) developing a testing strategy for the state laboratories, with their limited capacities, to improve their ability to estimate evolving transmissibility parameters. Our review of literature (Aim 1) indicates the need to continue model enhancements in critical areas including updating of epidemiological data during a pandemic, smooth handling of large demographical databases, incorporation of a broader spectrum of social-behavioral aspects, and improvement of computational efficiency and accessibility. As regards the ease of calibration (Aim 2), we demonstrate that the simulation models, when driven by the infection probabilities obtained from our epidemiological model, accurately reproduce the disease transmissibility parameters. Assuming the availability of sufficient disease reporting infrastructure and strong compliance by both infected population and healthcare providers, our testing strategy (Aim 3) adequately supports characterization of real-time epidemiological parameters. Future research on this topic will be aimed at integrating the laboratory testing strategy with our modeling and simulation approach to develop dynamic mitigation strategies for pandemic outbreaks.

Η παρούσα εργασία παρουσιάζει το μαθηματικό υπόβαθρο της διαχείρισης των έργων. Η πολυπλοκότητα του όλου εγχειρήματος, έχει οδηγήσει στην ανάπτυξη ενός διακλαδικού κλάδου με βάση την Επιχειρησιακή Έρευνα. Στο πρώτο κεφάλαιο δίνονται οι αναγκαίοι ορισμοί, ενώ στο δεύτερο καταγράφεται η ιστορική εξέλιξη της διαχείρισης των έργων. Στο τρίτο κεφάλαιο δίνεται η προσέγγιση του προβλήματος μέσω της δικτυωτής ανάλυσης. Το τέταρτο κεφάλαιο ασχολείται με τη μέθοδο PERT, η οποία με τη βοήθεια της Θεωρίας Πιθανοτήτων εκτιμά το χρόνο περάτωσης του έργου μέσω σταθμισμένων μέσων όρων. Για το σκοπό αυτό γίνεται σύγκριση διαφόρων υποθέσεων για τις κατανομές των χρόνων περάτωσης των επιμέρους δραστηριοτήτων. Στη διαχείριση των έργων σημαντικό ρόλο για την επίτευξη των στόχων παίζει η αποδοτική αξιοποίηση των διαθέσιμων πόρων. Έτσι, στο πέμπτο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζεται η μέθοδος της κρίσιμης διαδρομής (CPM) για την εκτίμηση της βέλτιστης σχέσης χρόνου-κόστος ενός έργου. Το κεφάλαιο ολοκληρώνεται με μία αναφορά στη χρήση του γραμμικού μοντέλου στη διαχείριση των έργων. Ακολουθεί η επίλυση ενός υποθετικού αλλά ρεαλιστικού προβλήματος με τη χρήση του λογισμικού Microsoft Project 2007© παράλληλα με οδηγίες χρήσης του. / The present work presents the mathematic background of project management. The complexity of all undertaking, has led to the growth of one of intersectorial branch with base the Operational Research. In the first chapter are given the necessary definitions, while in second is recorded the historical development of project management. In the third chapter is given the approach of problem via the reticular analysis. The fourth chapter deals with the method of PERT, which with the help of Theory of Probabilities appreciates per year finalization of work via parked means. For this aim becomes comparison of various affairs for the distributions of years of finalization of individual activities. In the project management important role for the achievement of objectives plays the efficient exploitation of available resources. Thus, in the fifth chapter is presented the method of critical path (CPM) for the estimate of most optimal relation of time-cost of project. The chapter is completed with a report in the use of linear model in the project management. Follows the resolution of hypothetical but realistic problem with the use of software Microsoft Project 2007© in step with its directives of use.

La recherche est développée en connexion avec l'évolution de la qualité et de l'efficience de la logistique inversée des déchets urbains. Après avoir observé comment la logistique inversée est exécutée au Brésil, plus spécifiquement dans deux villes brésiliennes (Fortaleza, l'Etat du Ceará et Osasco, l'Etat de São Paulo), nous avons suggéré une optimisation d'un point de vue quantitative et qualitative. Autrement dit, l'introduction d'un procédure d'optimisation dans les modelés courants de l'administration traditionnelle de la logistique inversée. En réalité, le management public peut apporter performance et efficience s'il utilise des outils mathématiques, computationnelles et managériales appropriées. Le modèle mathématique, formulé dans la thèse, est capable d'analyser et optimiser quantitativement l'emplacement d' installations pour la logistique inverse et d'indiquer quelle est la meilleure localisation pour que le management public puisse acquérir plus de performance et d'efficience dans sa gestion des déchets urbains. Pour optimiser les solutions, dans le contexte de la gestion des déchets urbains, nous utilisons la technique de programmation liner.Un programme computationnelle a été développé pour cette recherche pour faire des simulations. L'efficience et la versatilité de ce programme ont été utilisées pour faire l'analyse de deux exemples au Brésil en déterminant la localisation optimisée des installations à Fortaleza et à Osasco. Finalement, tandis que la recherche opérationnelle est la base de la construction de ce modèle mathématique, le modèle de partenariat public-privé est l'indication du type idéal de management pour la gestion des déchets urbains. / The research is developed in connection with the evolution in quality and efficiency of reverse logistics of urban solid waste. Therefore, after observing how reverse logistics is currently being executed in two Brazilian cities (Fortaleza, State of Ceará and Osasco, State of São Paulo), quantitative and qualitative management optimization procedures are suggested. In other words, such optimization procedures suggest that traditional management models currently used in public administration can enhance performance and efficiency if appropriate mathematical, computational and managerial tools are used.A mathematical model was formulated capable to accomplish an optimized quantitative analysis for the location of facilities within the ambit of reverse logistics and, then, it was indicated which is the best type of public management so that the proposed model is used with high performance and efficiency. To optimize solutions in the context of urban solid waste management, linear programming techniques are used.A computer program developed for this research was used to perform the simulations. The efficiency and versatility of the computer program were evaluated through the analysis of several examples for determining the optimized location of facilities in Fortaleza and in Osasco.Operational research is the basis for the construction of the mathematical model while the public-private partnership management model is the indication of the type of appropriate management so that the aforementioned mathematical and computational tool may present optimized solutions in the proposed reverse logistics urban solid waste management model.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-23T13:51:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Cristiane Coutinho Meneguzzi.pdf: 2106158 bytes, checksum: 65c537220893be6e9c9d64b3001fef07 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-10-04 / Na área florestal, ainda é dada maior ênfase ao desenvolvimento de estudos envolvendo as etapas de colheita e transporte florestal, por serem diretamente responsáveis pelo custo final da madeira. Entretanto, diversas outras etapas possuem grande potencial para estudos, como é o caso do inventário florestal. Informações fornecidas pelo inventário florestal são importantes no planejamento de todo empreendimento florestal, pois subsidiam qualquer tomada de decisão envolvendo recursos florestais. Nesta pesquisa, utilizou-se o modelo de roteamento de veículos (PRV) no planejamento dessa atividade. O PRV e suas variantes vêm sendo amplamente estudados nos últimos anos, principalmente pela sua aplicabilidade e eficiência em gerar soluções apresentando redução de custo e/ou distâncias. O objetivo geral foi otimizar o planejamento da atividade de inventário florestal a partir de um modelo PRV e avaliar a importância do uso desta técnica no rendimento das atividades. Dentre os fatores que influenciam neste rendimento, a dispersão espacial, característica básica dos povoamentos florestais, é um fator controlável a partir do uso de técnicas que possibilitem associá-lo ao planejamento. Estudos mostram que essa associação traz resultados significativos / On Forest field, studies in development of forest harvesting and transport still being the most emphasized subject, for being directly responsible for the final cost of wood. However, other different phases are a big potential for studies, as Forest Inventory. Information provided by the Forest Inventory are important for all planning of Forest Enterprise, as it bases any decision making involving forest resources. On this present research, was based on vehicle routing problem for planning this task. The vehicle routing problem and its variants has being largely studied on the last years, mainly for its applicability and efficiency for given solutions resulting in cost and distance reduction. The general objective of the present study is optimize the Inventory Forest planning from a vehicle routing problem and evaluate the importance of this technique on its productivity. Among the factors that influence this productivity, the spatial dispersion , basic feature of forest stands, it is one controllable factor from the use of technique that makes possible matches with planning. Studies shows that this match brings out significant results

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Every beginning of semester higher education institutions face the same dilemma: to assignment courses to classrooms keeping up certain restrictions. This problem is known as Classroom Assignment Problem or Rooms Allocation Problem and consists of allocating courses, with schedules established, at classrooms considering the room capacity and the needs of teachers and students. This process usually is solved manually by the institutions, which can take several days to complete, besides it is hard work and often does not guarantee the efficient allocation of spaces. This reality is also faced by the Technology Center of the Federal University of Santa Maria that due to increasing demand and expansion of the institution needs to adapt to efficiently allocate the available spaces. Currently, the center has 14 undergraduate courses divided into three buildings that have 47 rooms, effectively used, with capacities ranging between 25 and 50 students. Thereby, the aim of this study is to propose a new configuration for the allocation of classrooms in the Technology Center at the Federal University of Santa Maria in order to make the most efficient use of space. Therefore, the study has the support of the precepts of operational research so that a mathematical model was developed to represent the problem. Were used as reference the courses offered in the first and second half of 2014 and from these databases built were coded in ZIMPL and implemented with CPLEX. Because of the problem size, it was decided to split the databases on weekdays and shifts (morning and afternoon) totaling 20 instances. Overall, the results meets the proposed objectives to optimize the spaces and also demonstrated some nonconformities as between the number of vacancies offered by the disciplines and capabilities of rooms. In addition, it was found that there is some imbalance in the supply of disciplines as the days and timeslots, which consequently leads to difficulties for classrooms assignment. Furthermore, it is suggested that further studies are conducted, especially with the use of metaheuristics in order to test the quality of these solutions. / Todo início de semestre letivo as instituições de ensino superior enfrentam o mesmo dilema: o de alocar disciplinas às salas de aula respeitando determinadas restrições. Esse problema é conhecido como Classroom Assignment Problem ou Problema de Alocação de Salas (PAS) e consiste na alocação de disciplinas, com horários já estabelecidos, a salas de aulas considerando-se a capacidade da sala e as necessidades dos docentes e discentes. Esse processo, geralmente, é resolvido pelas instituições de ensino manualmente o que além de levar vários dias para ser concluído muitas vezes não garante a alocação eficiente dos espaços. Tal situação também é a enfrentada pelo Centro de Tecnologia da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) que devido à crescente demanda e expansão da Instituição precisa se adaptar para alocar eficientemente os espaços disponíveis. Atualmente, o Centro conta com 14 cursos de graduação alocados em três prédios que dispõem de 47 salas, efetivamente utilizadas, com capacidades que variam entre 25 e 50 alunos. Sendo assim, este estudo se propôs a desenvolver uma nova configuração para a alocação de salas de aula do Centro de Tecnologia da UFSM a fim de tornar mais eficiente o uso dos espaços. Para tanto o trabalho teve como aporte metodológico os preceitos da pesquisa operacional de modo que foi desenvolvido um modelo matemático para representar o problema. Foram utilizados como referência os dados das disciplinas ofertadas no primeiro e segundo semestre de 2014. De modo geral, os resultados encontrados foram ao encontro dos objetivos propostos de otimizar os espaços e também demostraram algumas inconformidades como entre o número de vagas ofertadas pelas disciplinas e as capacidades das salas. Ademais, sugere-se que novos estudos sejam realizados, em especial com o uso de metaheurísticas, a fim de testar a qualidade das soluções apresentadas.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-08T14:53:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ArquivoTotal.pdf: 2670073 bytes, checksum: b32f39ed0b53334c57b727abcef4f5cd (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-08-30 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The work presented in this thesis concerns the problem of sizing and sequencing batch production, single level, skilled (CLSP), in a manufacturing plant precast concrete used in construction, where the sizing and sequencing of lots production in a given period, represent a challenge for the company, which in turn seeks to minimize the costs of production, inventory, setup and improve the level of service customers' demands. The problem consists in defining the size of lots and production sequence of several blocks precast concrete in a press line, with setup times too high. It was proposed, therefore, a mathematical model whose objective is to minimize the costs of production, setup and inventory, involved in the manufacturing process of these products through the exact method of Integer Linear Programming. The presented model aims to solve the problem was proposed and applied to the real situation of the company for the purpose of comparison of current results with the results after application of the model . / O trabalho que se apresenta nesta dissertação diz respeito ao problema de dimensionamento e sequenciamento de lotes de produção, único nível, capacitado (CLSP), em uma fábrica de produtos pré-moldados de concreto usados na construção civil, onde o dimensionamento e sequenciamento dos lotes de produção num período pré-definido, representam um desafio para a empresa; que por sua vez busca minimizar os custos de produção, estoque, setup e melhorar o nível de atendimento das demandas dos clientes. O problema consiste em definir o tamanho dos lotes e sequência de produção de diversos blocos pré-moldados de concreto em uma linha de prensagem, com tempos de setup muito altos. Será proposto, portanto, um modelo matemático cujo objetivo é minimizar os custos de produção, setup e estoque, envolvidos no processo de fabricação destes produtos através do método exato de Programação Linear Inteira. O modelo a ser apresentado visa resolver o problema proposto e será aplicado em situação real da empresa para fins de comparação dos resultados atuais com os resultados após aplicação do modelo.