In the design of the third generation of multi-media wireless networks, we are primarily concerned with the greatly varying information source rates, the quality requirements of various traffic types, the characteristics of the wireless environment, as well as the complexity and cost. Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cellular system is one of the most important candidates for supporting the future universal communications services. The objective of this research is to improve the capacity and the quality of service (QOS), as well as to reduce the complexity of cellular CDMA with integrated services, through improving or optimizing the design of system level operations. To facilitate the system performance and capacity evaluation, the multi-cell multi-user interference is analyzed through a new approach. The area averaged probability density function (PDF) of interference power from one active user is evaluated. The Gamma distribution is proposed for modelling the area averaged PDF of the interference power. An efficient method for evaluating system performance is developed. Differing from the Gaussian approximation, this method is very effective and accurate for both a large number and a small number of users. In this research, differing from the distance membership determination, the statistical effect of handoff is considered. The effects of soft handoff operation on multi-cell multi-user interference are analyzed. Membership statistics which are determined by soft handoff are investigated. A simple binomial model is proposed for modelling the distribution of the number of users belonging to a base station. Considering the call arrival statistics, user membership statistics and a finite number of channels available at a base station, we evaluate the call blocking/dropping rate. The minimum number of channels required at a base-station, which ensures a specified quality of service at a given capacity requirement, is determined. System capacity is further evaluated considering both outage probability limited by interference and call blocking/dropping rate limited by finite number of channels. A pilot assisted channel allocation method is proposed to minimize the number of channels required at a base station. Based on the analysis of a CDMA cellular system with a single traffic type, the design issues in developing a multi-media wireless networks are further discussed. The capacity of a CDMA cellular system with high quality requirements and mixed stream and packet types of traffic is assessed. The impact of the choice of a line rate (bit transmission rate through channel) on the system capacity is investigated. It is also shown that the power allocated to different types of traffic can be optimized to achieve maximum capacity. The optimum power allocation suggests that the power assignments to different traffic types are mainly determined by their quality requirements. / Graduate

In the past, the design of PC algorithms for CDMA systems has remained at the physical layer to compensate for slow and fast channel impairments (known as fast PC and slow PC). The TDMA/FDMA manages inter-cell interference at the beginning of the radio planning process. In SS technology, real time adaptive PC and power management algorithms would need to work coherently to ensure reliable multi-media services, and the need for this real-time hybrid structure of PC and power management has only been shown recently. The emphasis in this dissertation is therefore on the design of a QoS-based PC structure in W-CDMA applications, the ultimate goal being to evaluate the new QoS-based PC structure by means of a Monte Carlo computer simulation; a multi-user, multimedia W-CDMA simulation package. Before the design of the QoS-based PC structure, this dissertation examines and proposes a new power-sensitive model that addresses factors affecting the W-CDMA system capacity. Consequently, PC problems are put into a framework for various optimization criteria. Finally the design of a QoS-based PC structure by means of Monte Carlo computer simulation is described and evaluate. The first problem is closely related to the fact that W-CDMA is a design of a power management network architecture. The power management can co-exist in every layer of operation with different specific time scale and optimization objectives. The solution to this problem is therefore to introduce a general and mathematically tractable power-sensitive model to identify factors that influence the capacity of W-CDMA cellular systems and then articulate the general power sensitive model to form a PC framework aimed at finding a common systematic treatment for different schools of thought on PC algorithms. This dissertation proves the benefits of layered PC operation for guaranteed QoS transmission and also shows that this research coincides with and extend the literature on PC management by categorizing PC algorithms according to various optimization objectives and time scales. The second problem is to evaluate the new QoS-based PC structure in a channel coded and RAKE combining uplink UMTSIUTRA cellular environment using the Monte Carlo simulation package. The UMTS radio channel models are described in terms of frequency-selective Rayleigh fading: Indoor-Office, Outdoor and Pedestrian and Vehicular environments. The package is simulated in Matlab. The influence of the number of multipath components, of Doppler Spread, the number of received antenna, the coding scheme and multi-access interference are discussed in the dissertation. The performance evaluation criteria for utility-based PC structures are Bit-Error-Rate (BER) performance (robustness), outage performance (tracking ability) and rate of convergence. The first test shows that the new proposed unbalanced step-size closed-loop FPC schemes can provide better SINR tracking ability and better BER performance than conventional balanced step-size PC schemes. The unbalanced FPCs have better PC error distribution in all scenarios. The second test shows that the proposed BER-prediction distributed OPC schemes can provide better BER tracking ability. This scheme converges iteratively to an optimal SINR level under current network settings with no excessive interference to other active users. / Dissertation (M Eng (Electronics))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering / Unrestricted

For some considerable time, client satisfaction has been a problematic issue in the UK construction industry with many projects failing to satisfy the client needs and meet or exceed the client expectations. Client satisfaction is, however, a key performance measure and a major determinant of project success. There is a common belief that strategic decisions made by clients have a significant impact on the levels of client satisfaction. Strategic decisions in the context of construction projects are often associated with project stages including pre-design, design, tender, construction, occupancy & maintenance and disposal and vary in nature. Consequently the impact of strategic decisions on client satisfaction depends as much on timing as on the subjects of the decisions. While such findings are useful to facilitate the industry’s focus on addressing the failure in achieving client satisfaction, and point to the route for improvement, they are arbitrary and do not provide a systematic basis for investigating the real impact on client satisfaction. The nature of strategic decisions and the significance of its impact on client satisfaction have not been clearly identified and client satisfaction has remained an elusive issue for a majority of construction professionals. This research was hence undertaken to seek empirical evidence of an interrelationship between strategic decisions and client satisfaction. Defining strategic decisions, often associated with project stages, as ones that are complex and made under uncertainty and have a long-term impact on project success, a quantitative research methodology combined with qualitative approaches, was adopted in investigating the interrelationship between strategic decisions and client satisfaction. Findings of a detailed literature review revealed that client satisfaction at any stage depends as much on the service quality attributes of service providers including overall service delivery, people of service providers and communications with clients as on the influence of strategic decisions and the client itself. These performance attributes and the groups of strategic decisions, referred as strategic decision cluster (SDC), were further assessed and the relationships between these measures and strategic decisions were examined using factor analysis and multiple regression modelling techniques. Analyses revealed SDCs including Design Approach, Procurement and Implementation predict better the outcomes of service quality and hence higher levels of client satisfaction. Service delivery and communications with clients have a positively significant correlation with the levels of client satisfaction. Of these two attributes, communications with clients makes the largest unique contribution to the variance and is considered the better predictor for client satisfaction. The developed models is validated via external and internal validation and the findings support the thesis that strategic decisions have a impact on client satisfaction by strongly influencing the performance of service quality although causality cannot be assumed. It is recommended that service providers including contractors and consultants devote more efforts to improve their performance on the attributes of service quality identified as having significant association with client satisfaction, particularly service delivery and communications with clients. Further research efforts focusing on providing a practical tool or expert system so as to address the practical issues for a wider range of clients and service providers are also recommended.

Zhao Fei. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 87-89). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Chapter 1. --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Multirate Scheme --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- VSF Scheme --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Multicode Scheme --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2 --- Multicode CDMA System --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- System Model --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Envelope Variation of Multicode Signal --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Drawback of Multicode Scheme --- p.11 / Chapter 1.3 --- Organization of the Thesis --- p.13 / Chapter 2. --- Related Work on Minimization of PAP of Multicode CDMA --- p.15 / Chapter 2.1 --- Constant Amplitude Coding --- p.16 / Chapter 2.2 --- Multidimensional Multicode Scheme --- p.22 / Chapter 2.3 --- Precoding for Multicode Scheme --- p.25 / Chapter 2.4 --- Summary --- p.26 / Chapter 3. --- Multicode CDMA System with Constant Amplitude Transmission --- p.27 / Chapter 3.1 --- System Model --- p.28 / Chapter 3.2 --- Selection of Hadamard Code Sequences --- p.31 / Chapter 3.3 --- The Optimal Receiver for the Multicode System --- p.37 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- The Maximum-Likelihood Sequence Detector --- p.38 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Maximum A Posteriori Probability Detector --- p.41 / Chapter 4. --- Multicode CDMA System Combined with Error-Correcting Codes --- p.45 / Chapter 4.1 --- Hamming Codes --- p.46 / Chapter 4.2 --- Gallager's Codes --- p.48 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Encoding of Gallager's Codes --- p.48 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Multicode Scheme combined with Gallager's Code --- p.52 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Iterative Decoding of the Multicode Scheme --- p.55 / Chapter 4.3 --- Zigzag Codes --- p.59 / Chapter 4.4 --- Simulation Results and Discussion --- p.62 / Chapter 5. --- Multicode CDMA System with Bounded PAP Transmission --- p.68 / Chapter 5.1 --- Quantized Multicode Scheme --- p.69 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- System Model --- p.69 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- Interference of Code Channels --- p.71 / Chapter 5.2 --- Parallel Multicode Scheme --- p.74 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- System Model --- p.74 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Selection of Hadamard Code Sequences --- p.75 / Chapter 6. --- Conclusions and Future Work --- p.82 / Chapter 6.1 --- Conclusions --- p.82 / Chapter 6.2 --- Future Work --- p.84 / Bibliography --- p.87

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has recently released routing standards that allow deployment of TCP/IP local area networks (LANs) onboard a moving vehicle and yet maintain permanent connectivity of the onboard LAN to the Internet via a vehicular mobile router. This recent development opens up new opportunities for providing efficient mobile computing for users on the move, especially for commuters traveling on public transports. Supporting real-time communications, e.g. IP Telephony, on-line video on demand, etc., over such onboard mobile networks is the main motivation of this thesis. Due to the volatility of the wireless bandwidth available to connect the moving LAN to the Internet at different locations of the trip, supporting on-line services that require bandwidth guarantees becomes a challenging task. The main problem investigated is how to provide bandwidth guarantee efficiently, effectively, and in a scalable manner in the context of moving onboard networks. To achieve the goal, a systematic approach is taken that involves (i) designing a signalling protocol that allows transparent bandwidth reservation for the aggregate demand of all onboard users in the vehicle, and (ii) proposing effective aggregation and bandwidth reservation policies that aim to maximize the chances of successful reservation and minimize the bandwidth and processing overhead in critical network elements. Mathematical models are derived to evaluate the performance of proposed solutions. These models are validated using discrete event simulation. One important conclusion reached is that onboard mobile communication provides significant aggregation and centralized management opportunities that must be exploited to provide a scalable solution to the bandwidth guarantee problem in mobile communications. The techniques proposed and analyzed in this thesis to exploit such aggregation opportunities constitute the original contribution to knowledge.

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has recently released routing standards that allow deployment of TCP/IP local area networks (LANs) onboard a moving vehicle and yet maintain permanent connectivity of the onboard LAN to the Internet via a vehicular mobile router. This recent development opens up new opportunities for providing efficient mobile computing for users on the move, especially for commuters traveling on public transports. Supporting real-time communications, e.g. IP Telephony, on-line video on demand, etc., over such onboard mobile networks is the main motivation of this thesis. Due to the volatility of the wireless bandwidth available to connect the moving LAN to the Internet at different locations of the trip, supporting on-line services that require bandwidth guarantees becomes a challenging task. The main problem investigated is how to provide bandwidth guarantee efficiently, effectively, and in a scalable manner in the context of moving onboard networks. To achieve the goal, a systematic approach is taken that involves (i) designing a signalling protocol that allows transparent bandwidth reservation for the aggregate demand of all onboard users in the vehicle, and (ii) proposing effective aggregation and bandwidth reservation policies that aim to maximize the chances of successful reservation and minimize the bandwidth and processing overhead in critical network elements. Mathematical models are derived to evaluate the performance of proposed solutions. These models are validated using discrete event simulation. One important conclusion reached is that onboard mobile communication provides significant aggregation and centralized management opportunities that must be exploited to provide a scalable solution to the bandwidth guarantee problem in mobile communications. The techniques proposed and analyzed in this thesis to exploit such aggregation opportunities constitute the original contribution to knowledge.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2008. / Laskar, Joy, Committee Chair ; Cressler, John, Committee Member ; Kornegay, Kevin, Committee Member ; Tentzeris, Emmanouil, Committee Member ; Lee, Chang-Ho, Committee Member.

Mobile commerce, due to its inherent characteristics of mobility and reachability in enhancing personalized services provides an excellent means for life insurers to exploit such avenue in their service offerings. The objective of this study was to determine whether mobile commerce can be used to improve the services of life insurance post-sale activities. This objective was achieved with the relevant literature and empirical study. To accomplish the objective of this treatise, a triangulated research approach was selected and a multiple-case study consisting of four cases was conducted. The four cases selected comprised of leading insurers with large market share in the life insurance market in South-Africa. The primary data were collected through questionnaire and face-to-face interviews with selected respondents. The main finding shows that the respondents had a positive view about mobile commerce and its application in their companies. This was demonstrated by 80 percent of respondents who agreed that mobile commerce was more of an opportunity rather than a challenge or even a threat for the life insurance market. The results also indicate that customer relationship management, mobile messaging services and field service automation functions were used by all the insurers; although minor discrepancies were observed due to the efficiency of each firms IT infrastructure. The Internet was found to assist in the collection of more precise data, to increase service performing abilities. Some of the major obstacles that were found to hinder the deployment of mobile commerce in the industry were security concerns, low and infrequent internet usage and performance by supporting industries. Cumbersome and inefficient legacy systems were declared as the greatest technological weakness particularly by respondents from case 1 and 2. Conversely, hardware and network infrastructure, lack of software packages, lack of technical expertise and the fear of disintermediation was rated low in hindering the deployment of mobile commerce. However, according to the findings the key benefits derived from engaging in increased mobile commerce activities include enhancing customer contact and service, more transparency and speed of claims management, increasing client retention and policy extension rates hence increasing overall company profit.

There are indications of concern by governments for public opinion even centuries ago. The use of scientific research though, was only introduced by governments to enhance the effectiveness of government communication and the dissemination of government information during the last few decades of the twentieth century. The main aim with this research is to contribute towards improving the research used in South Africa by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in order to enhance the effectiveness of government communication and the dissemination of government information. As research can contribute towards enhancing the effectiveness of government communication and the dissemination of government information, it is considered as being of critical importance to contribute towards improving the quality of relevant research in South Africa. No research has been conducted before in South Africa regarding the use of research to enhance the effectiveness of government communication and the dissemination of government information. The methodology used to address the aim and objectives of this research was that of a qualitative, non-empirical study conducted by means of a literature review. The research provides a brief theoretic overview of research in communication. It records the use of communication research by government in South Africa since 1936 as well as the process of transforming government communication after 1994. Furthermore, it records government communication and information dissemination in other countries, with specific reference to the use of research. Various conclusions derive from this research. Among these is a clear indication of the necessity of conducting communication research in a scientific way, by applying sound theoretical principles. It also indicates that there is a good platform and strategic framework from which government communication research in South Africa can be improved further, and that South Africa can learn from relevant research conducted by governments in other countries. The researcher presents a wide range of recommendations for consideration, as well as potential areas for further research regarding this broader theme. / Thesis (MA (Information Science))--University of Pretoria, 2001. / Information Science / unrestricted

Wireless body area networks (WBANs) have tremendous potential to benefit from wireless communication technology and are expected to make sweeping changes in the future human health care and medical fields. While the prospects for WBAN products are high, meeting required device performance with a meager amount of power consumption poses significant design challenges. In order to address these issues, IEEE has recently developed a draft of IEEE 802.15.6 standard dedicated to low bit-rate short-range wireless communications on, in, or around the human body. Commercially available SoC (System-on-Chip) devices targeted for WBAN applications typically embed proprietary wireless transceivers. However, those devices usually do not meet the quality of service (QoS), low power, and/or noninterference necessary for WBAN applications, nor meet the IEEE standard specifications. This dissertation presents a design of low-power RF front-end conforming to the IEEE standard in Medical Communication Service (MICS) band of 402-405 MHz. First, we investigated IEEE 802.15.6 PHY specifications for narrow band WBAN applications. System performance analysis and simulation for an AWGN (additive white Gaussian noise) channel was conducted to obtain the BER (bit error rate) and the PER (packet error rate) as the figure of merit. Based on the system performance study, the link budget was derived as a groundwork for our RF front-end design. Next, we examined candidate RF front-end architectures suitable for MICS applications. Based on our study, we proposed to adopt a direct conversion transmitter and a low-IF receiver architecture for the RF front-end. An asynchronous wake-up receiver was also proposed, which is composed of a carrier sensing circuit and a serial code detector. Third, we proposed and implemented low-power building blocks of the proposed RF front-end. Two quadrature signal generation techniques were proposed and implemented for generation of quadrature frequency sources. The two quadrature voltage controlled oscillators (QVCOs) were designed using our proposed current-reuse VCO with two damping resistors. A stacked LNA and a down-conversion mixer were proposed for low supply and low power operation for the receiver front-end. A driver amplifier and an up-conversion mixer for the transmitter front-end were implemented. The proposed driver amplifier uses cascaded PMOS transistors to minimize the Miller effect and enhance the input/output isolation. The up-conversion mixer is based on a Gilbert cell with resistive loads. Simulation results and performance comparisons for each designed building block are presented. Finally, we present a case study on a direct VCO modulation transmitter and a super-regenerative receiver, which can also be suitable for an MICS transceiver. Several crucial building blocks including a digitally-controlled oscillator (DCO) and quench signal generators are proposed and implemented with a small number of external components. / Ph. D.