The reliability of ocean systems is dependent on organizational factors. It has been shown that low probability / high consequence system failures are overwhelmingly induced by organizational factors. However, no methodology is yet widely accepted for the evaluation of this phenomenon or its accurate quantification. A qualitative complementary approach is proposed based on the CANL (Complex Adaptive Non-Linear) model. In the first part, the understanding of organizational processes that affect reliability is sought. The approach is applied to several case studies based on published information: the "Story of a Platform Audit" (where no failure occurred) and some offshore accidents. A methodology is proposed to complement regular safety audit procedures. The approach is shown useful also to improve post-mortem investigations. In the second part, quantitative probabilistic formulations are revised, based on the understanding obtained through the previous approach. Some of the limitations of these quantitative methods are pointed out. The Reliability State of an Organization is defined and a ranking for its evaluation is proposed. Preliminary guidelines are presented for the use of this approach as a framework to identify suitable quantitative methods for a given case. The use of a qualitative approach is demonstrated. A different insight into organizational factors is achieved based on a disciplined approach that relies on experience. Significant conclusions regarding quantitative methods, their limitations and appropriate use, are obtained. / Graduation date: 1999

No / We describe a study conducted during 2009-12 into innovative assessment practice, evaluating an assessed coursework task on a final year Medical Genetics module for Biomedical Science undergraduates. An authentic e-assessment coursework task was developed, integrating objectively marked online questions with an online DNA sequence analysis tool (BLAST), routinely used by NHS and research professionals. The aim was to combine the assessment of understanding of complex module learning outcomes with real-world authentic skills highly valued in the work place. This approach challenges the oft-heard accusation that online computer-marked tests can lack validity and authenticity in higher education. The study demonstrates the content and construct validity of this form of e-assessment, showing that careful question design, allied with integration with the real life BLAST tool, enables instructors to assess complex higher order understanding, and requires students to demonstrate skills relevant for the work place. A study of three years of test results and measures of internal consistency data also show the reliability of this assessment. In addition, the results of surveys of student opinion and positive feedback from student module feedback questionnaires suggest that it is effective in terms of face validity.

This research investigates risks arising from the mechanism of green building assessment tools that may impact on the consistency of their outcomes and render them ineffective in reliably fulfilling their goals in the building industry. None of the past efforts at developing assessment tools have focused on the risk aspects of assessment tools. Moreover, slowly the building industry has started placing considerable reliance on them without completely understanding the consequences of potential risks. The origin of risks lies in the realization that assessing sustainability in buildings is complex and full of conflicting concepts and opinions, and that amidst all this, assessment tools are expected to deliver multiple performance objectives and goals. Given that the importance of assessing sustainability in buildings cannot be ignored, it becomes extremely important that assessment tools are understood well and are free from risks. To accomplish this, an array of potential risks are systematically brought together using a risk categorization method, which facilitated a basis to critically analyse the literature in the light of risks. This addressed the acknowledged gap in the literature on risks relating to assessment tools. Four categories are discussed under this categorization. These categories provide a basis for the quantitative investigation, which applies techniques of uncertainty analysis to quantify these risks. In the quantitative investigation, uncertainty in 40 input parameters is propagated through several alternative forms of the mechanism of assessment tools. The input parameters are selected using the assessment data of a case study (Arts Faculty building, University of Sunshine Coast). The design of alternative forms of the mechanism is based on the identified risk categories and is carried out using a vehicle assessment tool (Green Building Tool). The uncertainty propagation is carried out using a risk analysis tool (@Risk). Descriptive statistics is deployed to analyse the results of the uncertainty propagations. Analysis of the results has brought an understanding and insights into various aspects of the mechanism in the context of their predisposition to increase or decrease risks. To ensure that an assessment tool's specific goals are fulfilled, the mechanism needs to be designed carefully so that it is low-risk and appropriate to the intent. By providing in-depth insights into the mechanism, the methodology and outcomes of this research are important for the future development of green building assessment tools.

Thesis (M.S. in Computer Science)--Naval Postgraduate School, Sept. 2004. / Thesis Advisor(s): Karen Burke, Craig Rasmussen. Includes bibliographical references (p. 131). Also available online.

Thesis (Ph.D)--Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2009. / Committee Chair: Mavris, Dimitri N.; Committee Member: German, Brian J.; Committee Member: Osburg, Jan; Committee Member: Ruffin, Stephen M.; Committee Member: Schrage, Daniel P.. Part of the SMARTech Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Collection.

Thesis (M. P. A.)--Texas State University-San Marcos, 2006. / "Spring 2006." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 72-74).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Idaho, May 2006. / Major professor: John C. Davis. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 154-174). Also available online in PDF format.

M.Phil. / The use of information systems has increased dramatically after the emergence of internet. Individuals, companies and organizations are becoming increasingly dependent on IT systems. Before technology and computers became such an important part of society, it was difficult to manage and control large organizations. Today computers enable the effective and efficient management of large organizations, therefore allowing them to spread throughout the country and world. Businesses are following latest advances in this era to remain competitive in the changing global market place. They use computers, automated IT systems and networks to gather, store, retrieve, process, and analyze information as well as to trade and communicate. The rapid advances in computer technology are largely a result of the research, development and design efforts of computer engineers. There is a direct correlation between a nation's wealth and scientific and technological capacity. The most effective way of taking our country forward is to enthuse our youth for science and technology. As the world makes rapid, sometimes breathtaking strides in the diverse fields of science and technology, South Africa more than ever needs qualified individuals who will use their skills and entrepreneurial spirit to enable our country to complete internationally with the best. However, Information systems and networks and their worldwide increasing usage have been accompanied by new and increasing risks. Data and information stored on and transmitted over information technology systems and networks are subject to threats from various means of unauthorized access, such as misuse, misappropriation, alteration, malicious code transmissions, denial of service or destruction and require appropriate safeguards. This research report will aim to emphasize the importance of risk management and its three activities; risk assessment, risk mitigation and evaluation and assessment. It will focus on activities that deal with the solution of problems through logical thinking, information system management This report will also deal with a case study that gives us real life examples of risk management experiences of one local computer hardware and software supplier companies. Information has become valuable assets that need to be protected after moving to a digital era and E-commerce. Protecting information can also be as critical as protecting other resources like money and physical assets.

Thesis advisor: Michael Russell / Large-scale assessments are often used for statewide accountability and for instructional and institutional planning. It is essential that the instruments used are valid and reliable for all test takers included in the testing population. However, these tests have often fallen short in the area of accessibility, which can impact validity for students with special needs. This dissertation examines two strategies to addressing accessibility: the use of technology to implement principles of universal design to assessment and the provision of accommodations. This study analyzed test data for students attending high schools in New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island who participated in the 2009 11th grade New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) science assessment. Three test conditions were of interest: (1) no accommodations with a paper-based form (2) accommodated test administration with a paper-based form and (3) accommodated test administration using a universally designed computer-based test delivery system with embedded accommodations and accessibility features. Results from two analyses are presented: differential item functioning (DIF) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). DIF was used to explore item functioning, comparing item difficulty and discrimination under accommodated and non-accommodated conditions. Similarly, CFA was used to examine the consistency of underlying factor structure as evidence that constructs measured were stable across test conditions. Results from this study offered evidence that overall item functioning and underlying factor structure was consistent across accommodated and unaccommodated conditions, regardless of whether accommodations were provided with a paper form or a universally designed computer-based test delivery system. These results support the viability of using technology-based assessments as a valid means of assessing students and offering embedded, standardized supports to address access needs.

The increase in the types of airspace users (large aircraft, small and regional jets, very light jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, etc.), as well as the very limited number of future new airport development projects are some of the factors that will characterize the next decades in air transportation. These factors, associated with a persistent growth in air traffic will worsen the current gridlock situation experienced at some major airports. As airports are becoming the major capacity bottleneck to continued growth in air traffic, it is therefore primordial to make the most efficient use of the current, and very often, underutilized airport infrastructure. This research thus proposes to address the increase in air traffic demand and resulting capacity issues by considering the implementation of operational concepts and technologies at underutilized airports. However, there are many challenges associated with sustaining the development of this type of airports. First, the need to synchronize evolving technologies with airports' needs and investment capabilities is paramount. Additionally, it was observed that the evolution of secondary airports, and their needs, is tightly linked to the environment in which they operate. In particular, sensitivity of airports to changes in the dynamics of their environment is important, therefore requiring that the factors that drive the need for capacity expansion be identified and characterized. Finally, the difficulty to evaluate risk and make financially viable decisions, particularly when investing in new technologies, cannot be ignored. This work thus focuses on the development of a methodology to address these challenges and ensure the sustainability of airport capacity-enhancement investments in a continuously changing environment. The four-step process developed in this research leverages the benefits yielded by impact assessment techniques, system dynamics modeling, and real options analysis to 1) provide the decision maker with a rigorous, structured, and traceable process for technology selection, 2) assess the combined impact of interrelated technologies, 3) support the translation of technology impact factors into airport performance indicators, and help identify the factors that drive the need for capacity expansion, and finally 4) enable the quantitative assessment of the strategic value of embedding flexibility in the formulation of technology portfolios and investment options. The proposed methodology demonstrates, through a change in demand at the airport modeled, the importance of being able to weigh both the technological and strategic performance of the technology portfolios considered. Hence, by capturing the time dimension and technology causality impacts in technology portfolio selection, this work helps identify key technologies or technology groupings, and assess their performance on airport metrics. By embedding flexibility in the formulation of investment scenarios, it provides the decision maker with a more accurate picture of the options available to him, as well as the time and sequence under which these should be exercised.