Many-objective optimisation poses great challenges to evolutionary algorithms. To start with, the ineffectiveness of the Pareto dominance relation, which is the most important criterion in multi-objective optimisation, results in the underperformance of traditional Pareto-based algorithms. Also, the aggravation of the conflict between proximity and diversity, along with increasing time or space requirement as well as parameter sensitivity, has become key barriers to the design of effective many-objective optimisation algorithms. Furthermore, the infeasibility of solutions' direct observation can lead to serious difficulties in algorithms' performance investigation and comparison. In this thesis, we address these challenges, aiming to make evolutionary algorithms as effective in many-objective optimisation as in two- or three-objective optimisation. First, we significantly enhance Pareto-based algorithms to make them suitable for many-objective optimisation by placing individuals with poor proximity into crowded regions so that these individuals can have a better chance to be eliminated. Second, we propose a grid-based evolutionary algorithm which explores the potential of the grid to deal with many-objective optimisation problems. Third, we present a bi-goal evolution framework that converts many objectives of a given problem into two objectives regarding proximity and diversity, thus creating an optimisation problem in which the objectives are the goals of the search process itself. Fourth, we propose a comprehensive performance indicator to compare evolutionary algorithms in optimisation problems with various Pareto front shapes and any objective dimensionality. Finally, we construct a test problem to aid the visual investigation of evolutionary search, with its Pareto optimal solutions in a two-dimensional decision space having similar distribution to their images in a higher-dimensional objective space. The work reported in this thesis is the outcome of innovative attempts at addressing some of the most challenging problems in evolutionary many-objective optimisation. This research has not only made some of the existing approaches, such as Pareto-based or grid-based algorithms that were traditionally regarded as unsuitable, now effective for many-objective optimisation, but also pushed other important boundaries with novel ideas including bi-goal evolution, a comprehensive performance indicator and a test problem for visual investigation. All the proposed algorithms have been systematically evaluated against existing state of the arts, and some of these algorithms have already been taken up by researchers and practitioners in the field.

Les centrales solaires thermiques de grande dimension basse et moyenne température (80-120°C) peuvent fournir une chaleur renouvelable et compétitive aux réseaux de chaleurs et aux industries. Ces installations, intensives en capital et avec des faibles coûts de fonctionnement, ont un retour sur investissement sur le long terme. Le suivi de performance et la détection et le diagnostic de défauts automatisés sont donc des axes essentiels permettant de garantir des performances optimales sur toute la durée de vie de l’installation.Cette thèse a pour but l’analyse des défauts les plus importants, dans un but de détection et de diagnostic. Dans un premier temps, une étude exhaustive des défauts pouvant affecter les installations solaires thermiques a été réalisée. Cette étude a permis d’identifier les défauts les plus fréquents et les plus graves, autrement appelés défauts critiques. Parmi ces défauts, six ont été sélectionnés pour être étudiés plus en détails.Afin d’analyser le comportement du système lorsqu’il est soumis aux différents défauts étudiés, un modèle numérique a été mis en place. En particulier, un nouveau modèle de capteur solaire thermique plan a été développé, les modèles existants ne détaillant pas suffisamment certaines caractéristiques physiques nécessaires à la reproduction des défauts. Une validation expérimentale de ce modèle en fonctionnement normal et défaillant a montré qu’il permet une modélisation simple des défauts et que son comportement est réaliste.Une méthodologie pour analyser de façon numérique l’impact des défauts sur le comportement du système est ensuite proposée. Un ensemble de grandeurs permettant de caractériser ce comportement sont notamment définies. Cette méthodologie est ensuite appliquée, d’abord à l’échelle du composant directement impacté par le défaut, puis à l’échelle du système complet. Les résultats permettent d’identifier les défauts détectables ainsi que ceux qui sont identifiables et de proposer un ensemble réduit de grandeurs suffisant pour les détecter et les identifier.Ces travaux offrent une base méthodologique et des premiers résultats qui pourront permettre de développer un algorithme automatisé pour détecter et diagnostiquer les défauts critiques d’une installation solaire thermique de grande dimension. / Large scale solar systems at low and medium temperature (80-120 °C) can provide renewable and competititve energy to district heating and industrial processes. These systems, which are capital-intensive and have low operating costs, present a long-term return on investment. Automated monitoring and fault detection and diagnosis are key elements to guarantee optimal performances during all the lifespan of the plant.This dissertation aims to analyze of the main faults, in a detection and diagnosis purpose. First, an exhaustive study of the dysfunctions that can affect the large scale solar systems enabled to identify the more frequent and serious faults, also called critical faults. Among these critical faults, six were selected for a more detailed study.To analyze the behavior of the system subjected to the studied faults, a numerical model was implemented. A new flat plate thermal solar collector model was particularly developed as existing ones do not detail enough several physical characteristics required for the reproduction of faults. An experimental validation of this model in normal and faulty operation showed that it enables a simple fault modelling and presents a realistic behavior.A methodology to numerically analyze the impact of the faults on the system behavior is then proposed. A set of features enabling the characterizing of this behavior are particularly defined. This approach is applied first at the scale of directly affected component then at system scale. The results enable to identify detectable and isolable faults, but also to propose a reduced set of features sufficient to properly detect and diagnose them.This work presents a methodologic base and first results to develop an automated algorithm for detection and diagnosis of critical faults of a large scale thermal solar system.

The oil and gas industry in Libya has suffered a number of health and safety accidents including environmental disasters due to the nature of the work involved and the hazardous materials it handles in all facets of exploration and production. Such issues have hitherto not received due attention by the Libyan Authorities. The fact that strict HSE assessment standards are neither well-defined nor established in Libya is not helpful. Furthermore, oil and gas industry in new free Libya has suffered immensely during the 2011 Arab Spring and its rebuilding poses a number of critical HSE challenges. The purpose of the research is to develop and validate a HSE Performance Review Methodology for Libyan oil and gas industry based on clearly defined and measurable aspects for assessment. The thesis starts by performing a comprehensive literature review on all aspects of HSE including universal standards. The review indicates that there is a gap in respect of semi-qualitative methods for assessing HSE performance commensurate with other disciplines. The thesis then identifies four key research problems in the context of Libyan oil and gas industries. Based on these problems, an empirical research was conducted and included three distinct Stages. Stage 1 consisted of a pilot study based on an interview questionnaire with 15 experienced HSE professionals working in oil and gas companies in Libya to help identify key issues pertaining to HSE assessment. Data analysis results for Stage 2 have been used to derive a list of 12 main groups of HSE questions which have then been tested on 84 HSE professionals working in Libya stemming from 35 medium and large oil and gas companies. Modal distribution analyses have been performed to scope down the number of HSE performance factors, which would then be used in Stage 3 of the empirical research. This consisted of issuing the same 84 interviewees with a questionnaire requesting their assessment of how Critical, Important and Less Important were the 60 factors identified. Central Tendency, Variation Ratios and Indices of Diversity were used to successfully analyse the data. With the QAA Subject Review in mind as a potential model for the sought methodology, and a mapping of the four research problems with data analysis results from Stages 1, 2 and 3; six HSE Performance Review Aspects emerged: Prevention, Surveillance, Response, Achievements, Resource and HSE Management and Enhancement – judged and graded using a 1 to 4 scale. The HSE Performance Review methodology has been validated by direct application to five comprehensive studies starting from the self-assessment document written by the companies, an extensive review visit by peer-assessors and a final report showing grades, benchmarks and shortcomings. Lessons learned from the validation exercise have been used to revise the definition of the six Aspects and used to propose an appropriate implementation plan in Libya. The results of the validation exercise are very encouraging and readily confirm that the methodology can be applied to other industry sectors.

O escopo desta dissertação é o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia para identificar os modelos de canais da matriz dinâmica que estejam degradando o desempenho de controladores preditivos, ou MPC (Model Predictive Control), baseado nas técnicas de auditoria e diagnóstico deste tipo de controlador propostas por BOTELHO et al. (2015) e BOTELHO; TRIERWEILER; FARENZENA (2016) e CLARO (2016). A metodologia desenvolvida contempla dois métodos distintos. O primeiro, chamado método direto compensado, tem como base o método direto de identificação em malha fechada (LJUNG, 1987)e compensa cada saída medida do processo de modo a se reter apenas a contribuição do canal que se deseja identificar. O segundo, chamado método do erro nominal, utiliza a definição de saída nominal do processo, proposta por BOTELHO et al. (2015), como métrica para se quantificar o quão próximo o modelo está do comportamento da planta através da minimização do erro nominal. Os métodos foram aplicados ao sistema de quatro tanques cilíndricos (JOHANSSON, 2000) para dois cenários distintos, sendo o primeiro um sistema 2x2 em fase não mínima contendo um MPC trabalhando com setpoint e o segundo um sistema 4x4 em fase mínima com o MPC atuando por faixas. Para o sistema 2x2, se avaliou a influência da localização do canal discrepante (dentro ou fora da diagonal principal da matriz dinâmica de transferência) na eficácia dos métodos. Para o sistema 4x4, o estudo foi voltado para a eficácia dos métodos frentes a controladores que atuam dentro de limites para as variáveis. Os modelos identificados foram comparados pela capacidade de identificar um modelo que capturasse o zero de transmissão da planta e o RGA dinâmico, par ao sistema 2x2, e pelas respostas degrau e diagrama de Bode para o sistema 4x4. O método direto compensado resultou em baixo erro relativo no valor do zero para a discrepância na diagonal principal da matriz dinâmica e alto valor quando a discrepância se encontrava fora da diagonal principal. O método do erro nominal, por sua vez, foi capaz de identificar um modelo cujo zero de transmissão possuía baixo erro relativo frente ao zero da planta em ambos os cenários. No cenário do controlador atuando por faixas, os métodos propostos obtiveram melhores estimativas dos modelos quando comparados com o método concorrente, uma vez que apresentou alto percentual de aderência das saídas simuladas com as saídas medidas. Em todos os cenários estudados, o método do erro nominal se mostrou capaz de identificar um modelo mais robusto, pois este apresentou RGA dinâmico compatível com a planta em todo o range de frequências analisado. / The objective of this dissertation is to develop a method to identify the model for the channel of the dynamic matrix that are affecting the performance of model predictive controllers (MPC), based on the assessment and diagnosis techniques for this type of controller proposed by BOTELHO et al. (2015) e BOTELHO; TRIERWEILER; FARENZENA (2016) and CLARO (2016). The proposed methodology includes two different methods. The first, called the compensated direct method, is based on the closed-loop direct identification method (LJUNG, 1987) and compensates each process measured output in order to retain only the contribution of the channel being identified. The second, called nominal error method, uses the definition of the process nominal output, proposed by BOTELHO et al. (2015), as a metric to quantify how close the model is to the actual plant behavior by minimizing the nominal error. The proposed methods were applied to the quadruple-tank system (JOHANSSON, 2000) for two distinct scenarios, the first being a nonminimum-phase 2x2 system containing a MPC working with setpoint and the second a minimum-phase 4x4 system with the MPC working by ranges. For the 2x2 system, the influence of the model mismatch location (inside or outside the main diagonal of the dynamic transfer matrix) on the effectiveness of the methods was evaluated. For the 4x4 system, the study was focused on the effectiveness of the methods with controllers that operate within limits for the variables. The identified models were compared by the capability of identifying a model with accurate plant transmission zero and dynamic RGA, for the 2x2 system, and by the step responses and Bode diagram for the 4x4 system. The compensated direct method resulted in low relative error in the value of the transmission zero for the model mismatch located in the main diagonal of the dynamic matrix and high relative error when the mismatch was outside the main diagonal. On the other hand, the nominal error method was able to identify a model whose transmission zero had low relative error against the plant zero in both scenarios. In the scenario of a controller working by range, the proposed methods obtained better estimates of the models when compared to the concurrent method, since it presented a high percentage of adherence of the simulated outputs with the measured outputs. In all the studied scenarios, the nominal error method was able to identify a more robust model, since it presented dynamic RGA compatible with the plant in the entire range of analyzed frequencies.

A oscilação em malhas de controle é um problema frequente na indústria, atingindo cerca de 30% das malhas, entre as causas, o agarramento em válvulas de controle possui maior incidência. O agarramento é a resistência ao movimento da haste da válvula devido à presença de atrito estático, a combinação desse fator com a utilização de controladores com ação integral causa o ciclo limite no processo, onde a oscilação é mantida até que alguma ação seja tomada. A literatura apresenta diversos métodos para a detecção do agarramento, apesar disso, não existe método aplicável a qualquer tipo de processo que apresente resultado preciso, um dos principais problemas para a aplicação das técnicas é a presença de referência variável no sinal a ser analisado. A referência variável é uma característica comum dentro de processos industriais, principalmente para processos controlados por malha cascata ou que apresentam distúrbios externos. Para a identificação nesses casos, duas alternativas podem ser seguidas: criação de nova metodologia para a identificação do agarramento para sinais com referência variável ou a adaptação das técnicas existentes de modo que essas sejam aplicáveis a esse tipo de sinal, neste trabalho, as duas alternativas foram consideradas. Primeiramente, duas novas técnicas baseadas na forma do sinal foram criadas, a primeira diferencia o sinal pela inclinação dos picos e a segunda pela distribuição dos dados. Posteriormente, foi considerada a adaptação de quatro métodos de detecção já consolidados pela literatura e por suas aplicações industriais. A adaptação dos métodos é basicamente feita através do pré-processamento dos sinais de modo que esses sejam corretamente tratados antes da aplicação das técnicas de detecção. As duas alternativas foram aplicadas a dados simulados e industriais, comprovando a eficiente para a detecção em sinais com referência variável. / Oscillation in control loops is a frequent problem in industrial processes, reaching about 30% of the control loops, among the causes, stiction in control valves have the higher incidence. Stiction is the resistance to movement in the valve stem due to the presence of static friction, the combination of this factor with the use of controller with integral action induces the limit cycle, where the oscillation is sustained until some control action is taken. The literature presents several methods for stiction detecting. However, there is no universal method applicable for all process that produces accurate results. The main problems for the application of the techniques are the presence of variable reference in the signal to be analyzed. The reference variable is a common feature in industrial processes, especially for processes controlled by cascade loop or submitted to external disturbances. For stiction identification in these cases, two choices can be followed: a creation of a new methodology for the identification of stiction for signals with variable reference or the modification of existing techniques so that they could be applied to this type of signal. In this work, the two alternatives were considered. First, two new techniques based on the signal form were created, the first differentiates the signal by the slope of the peaks and the second by data segmentation. Later the adaptation of four detection methods already established in the literature and by its industry applications was considered. The adaptation is done by preprocessing the signals so that they are properly treated before application. The two alternatives were applied to simulated and industrial data, proving to be effective for the stiction detection of signals with variable references.

O escopo desta dissertação é o desenvolvimento de um método para detectar os modelos da matriz dinâmica que estejam degradando o desempenho de controladores preditivos baseados em modelos. O método proposto se baseia na análise de correlação cruzada entre o erro nominal do controlador em malha fechada e a uma estimativa da contribuição de cada canal para o cálculo da saída, filtrada pela função de sensibilidade do controlador. Esse método pode ser empregado na auditoria de controladores com variáveis controladas em setpoints e/ou com variáveis que operem entre faixas, como é usual de se encontrar na indústria. Esta dissertação apresenta os resultados da aplicação bem sucedida do método no sistema de quatro tanques (JOHANSSON, 2000), para o qual três cenários foram avaliados. No primeiro cenário, o método localizou corretamente discrepâncias de ganho e de dinâmica de modelos de um controlador preditivo baseado em modelos (Model-based Predictive Controller, ou controlador MPC). No segundo, o método foi utilizado para avaliar a influência de uma variável externa para melhorar o desempenho de um controlador afetado por distúrbios não medidos. No terceiro cenário, o método localizou canais com modelos nulos que deveriam ser incluídos na matriz de controle de um controlador MPC de estrutura descentralizada. Os resultados deste estudo de caso foram comparados com aqueles obtidos pelo método proposto por BADWE, GUDI e PATWARDHAN (2009), constatando-se que o método proposto é mais robusto que o método usado na comparação, não demandando ajustes de parâmetros por parte do usuário para fornecer bons resultados. A dissertação inclui também um estudo de caso da aplicação industrial do método na auditoria de desempenho de um controlador preditivo linear de estrutura descentralizada, com doze variáveis controladas, oito manipuladas e quatro distúrbios não medidos, aplicado a um sistema de fracionamento de propeno e propano em uma indústria petroquímica. A auditoria permitiu reduzir o escopo de revisão do controlador a dezenove canais da matriz, sendo que quatorze destes correspondiam a canais com modelos nulos que deveriam ser incluídos na matriz. A eficácia do método foi comprovada repetindo-se a avaliação da qualidade de modelo para todas as variáveis controladas. / The scope of this dissertation is the development of a method to detect the models of the dynamic matrix that are affecting the performance of model-based predictive controllers. The proposed method is based on the cross correlation analysis between the nominal controller error and an estimate of the contribution of each channel to the controller output, filtered by the controller nominal sensitivity function. The method can be used in the performance assessment of controllers employing variables controlled at the setpoint and/or those controlled within ranges. This dissertation presents the results of the successful application of the method to the quadruple-tank process (JOHANSSON, 2000), for which three scenarios were evaluated. In the first scenario, the method correctly located gain and dynamic mismatches on a model-based predictive controller (MPC controller). In the second one, the method was used to evaluate the influence of an external variable to improve the performance of a controller affected by unmeasured disturbances. In the third scenario, the method located null models that should be included in the dynamic matrix of a decentralized MPC controller. The results of the three scenarios were compared with the ones obtained through the method proposed by BADWE, GUDI e PATWARDHAN (2009). The proposed method was considered more robust than the reference one for not requiring parameters estimation performed by the user to provide good results. This dissertation also includes a case study about the application of the method on the performance assessment of an industrial linear predictive controller of decentralized structure. The controller has twelve controlled variables, eight manipulated variables, and four unmeasured disturbances and is applied to a propylene-propane fractionation system of a petrochemical industry. The performance assessment allowed reducing the scope of the controller revision to nineteen channels of the models matrix, fourteen of which were null models that should be included in the controller. The efficacy of the proposed method was confirmed by repeating the model quality evaluation for all the controlled variables.

This diploma thesis deals with company performance assessment of MEDIN, a.s. Choosen company is analyzed according to multi-criterial model START PLUS. The final score of the company is done by this model, there are indentified company’s strenghts, areas for improvements and in conclusion of this work, there are suggested measures, which should lead to the company’s higher performance.

In California, 55 teacher preparation programs have embedded a standardized four-task teaching performance assessment (CalTPA) as a requirement for initial teacher licensure. Guided by the frameworks of transactional experience and the theory of formative assessment, this phenomenological study addressed the meaning and role ascribed to the CalTPA by those who complete it. Research questions examined participants' perceptions of their CalTPA experience with respect to preparation, completion of the tasks, feedback, remediation, activities between tasks, and overall experience Data were collected through 3 semi-structured interviews of 8 participants who had successfully completed the CalTPA tasks, chosen by reputational case selection from 1 teacher preparation program. Data were coded for elements of process and overarching themes using inductive descriptive coding in 2 cycles, beginning with discrete codes and then grouping those into themes. Results indicated that the CalTPA played a significant role in the development of completers. Themes included common process elements, emotions, perceptions of tasks, key success factors, and overall influence of the experience. Implications for positive social change include informing stakeholders in teacher preparation programs on best policies and practices to support the development of pre-service teachers into effective in-service teachers, whose future students will benefit from improved educational quality.

Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2006 / Numerous programmes addressing performance assessment in the workplace have been designed and implemented in various organizations. In South Africa, public institutions have employed various appraisal systems with mixed results. A new tool for performance assessment has been designed and implemented since 2003 (for the past three years). This tool is called Performance Management Development System (PMDS).This study is based on the performance assessment of women in managerial positions, in the Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality, Capricorn District, Limpopo Province. It explores the views of women managers on the challenges they are faced with, the type of support they receive, the effects of PMDS on work performance and the extent of institutional intervention at workplace. The qualitative techniques were used on the population of 180 women managers. The sample size of 114 was selected using random sampling method. The findings indicate the need to improve Performance Management and Development Systems (PMDS) and Performance Instruments (PIs) in order to create an environment conducive to better performance standards of women managers.

Thesis (M.Cur.) --University of Limpopo, 2012 / The implementation of a Performance Management System (PMS) and its impact on the professional nurses have never been evaluated and, therefore, the experiences of professional nurses are not known. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses with regard to performance assessment at the Polokwane Mankweng Hospital Complex. Upon obtaining the clearance to conduct the study from the Medunsa Reseach and Ethics Committee, permission to conduct the study was granted by the Department of Health. A qualitative research approach was used by applying the principles of a phenomenological, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design. Data were collected from fourteen (14) professional nurses by using unstructured face-to-face interviews. Data were audio recorded and field notes were also written. Trustworthiness was ensured by applying the Lincoln and Guba’s criteria. Transferability was ensured by utilizing purposive sampling to include participats. Confirmability was ensured by by collecting data from thr participants who have experience on the problem studied. Data were analysed qualitatively by using Tech’s open coding method. The results indicated that there was conflict between the nurse managers and professional nurses that was arising from dissatisfaction with the assessment rating and scores allocated. Professional nurses complained about unfair ratings, stating that scores were based on personality and not performance. Those professional nurses who were obtaining high scores were perceived as the nurse managers’ favourites. Professional nurses called for a change in or review of the method of performance assessment. The results indicated that nurse managers were lacking knowledge about performance assessment and, therefore, feedback about performance were not given. It is recommended that on-going training of the nurse managers and a change in the method of assessment will remedy the situation.