The content of this Master thesis is the creation of the car repair shop services informational security model and also the creation of commensurate e-commerce system solution for this car repair shop.

The study identified various value configurations, namely the value chain, value shop and value networks, that could be applicable in understanding the value adding activities within a law firm. The aim of the study was to determine whether information systems could be utilised throughout the identified activities comprising the various value configurations. In the event that information systems were used throughout these activities it was sought to determine to what extent information systems were being used in the law firm and whether, from the user’s perspective, the systems facilitated better efficiency in the workplace, increased productivity and had a positive effect on the profitability of the law firm.

Combinatorial optimization problems are of high academical as well as practical importance. Many instances of relevant combinatorial optimization problems are, due to their dimensions, intractable for complete methods such as branch and bound. Therefore, approximate algorithms such as metaheuristics received much attention in the past 20 years. Examples of metaheuristics are simulated annealing, tabu search, and evolutionary computation. One of the most recent metaheuristics is ant colony optimization (ACO), which was developed by Prof. M. Dorigo (who is the supervisor of this thesis) and colleagues. This thesis deals with theoretical as well as practical aspects of ant colony optimization. * A survey of metaheuristics. Chapter 1 gives an extensive overview on the nowadays most important metaheuristics. This overview points out the importance of two important concepts in metaheuristics: intensification and diversification. * The hyper-cube framework. Chapter 2 introduces a new framework for implementing ACO algorithms. This framework brings two main benefits to ACO researchers. First, from the point of view of the theoretician: we prove that Ant System (the first ACO algorithm to be proposed in the literature) in the hyper-cube framework generates solutions whose expected quality monotonically increases with the number of algorithm iterations when applied to unconstrained problems. Second, from the point of view of the experimental researcher, we show through examples that the implementation of ACO algorithms in the hyper-cube framework increases their robustness and makes the handling of the pheromone values easier. * Deception. In the first part of Chapter 3 we formally define the notions of first and second order deception in ant colony optimization. Hereby, first order deception corresponds to deception as defined in the field of evolutionary computation and is therefore a bias introduced by the problem (instance) to be solved. Second order deception is an ACO-specific phenomenon. It describes the observation that the quality of the solutions generated by ACO algorithms may decrease over time in certain settings. In the second part of Chapter 3 we propose different ways of avoiding second order deception. * ACO for the KCT problem. In Chapter 4 we outline an ACO algorithm for the edge-weighted k-cardinality tree (KCT) problem. This algorithm is implemented in the hyper-cube framework and uses a pheromone model that was determined to be well-working in Chapter 3. Together with the evolutionary computation and the tabu search approaches that we develop in Chapter 4, this ACO algorithm belongs to the current state-of-the-art algorithms for the KCT problem. * ACO for the GSS problem. Chapter 5 describes a new ACO algorithm for the group shop scheduling (GSS) problem, which is a general shop scheduling problem that includes among others the well-known job shop scheduling (JSS) and the open shop scheduling (OSS) problems. This ACO algorithm, which is implemented in the hyper-cube framework and which uses a new pheromone model that was experimentally tested in Chapter 3, is currently the best ACO algorithm for the JSS as well as the OSS problem. In particular when applied to OSS problem instances, this algorithm obtains excellent results, improving the best known solution for several OSS benchmark instances. A final contribution of this thesis is the development of a general method for the solution of combinatorial optimization problems which we refer to as Beam-ACO. This method is a hybrid between ACO and a tree search technique known as beam search. We show that Beam-ACO is currently a state-of-the-art method for the application to the existing open shop scheduling (OSS) problem instances.

The study identified various value configurations, namely the value chain, value shop and value networks, that could be applicable in understanding the value adding activities within a law firm. The aim of the study was to determine whether information systems could be utilised throughout the identified activities comprising the various value configurations. In the event that information systems were used throughout these activities it was sought to determine to what extent information systems were being used in the law firm and whether, from the user’s perspective, the systems facilitated better efficiency in the workplace, increased productivity and had a positive effect on the profitability of the law firm.

In this thesis we have presented a mathematical model of a scheduling problem which arises in the Brewing Industry. We have implemented two different types of global optimization algorithms to find the global minimum of the problem. Several instances of the scheduling problem are considered and the results thereof are presented. The results show that significant savings can be made if the global optimization techniques are used in brewery Industry.

Student Number : 0110634H - MPH research report - School of Public Health - Faculty of Sciences / During October 1996 to December 1999, isocyanates were the most frequently reported causative agent for occupational asthma cases (16.7% of all cases) submitted to the Surveillance of Work-Related and Occupational Respiratory Diseases in South Africa registry (SORDSA). Occupational disease surveillance registries in other countries also identified isocyanates as the most important occupational sensitiser. Asthma caused by isocyanates exposure may be severe and may persist even after exposure ceases. For this reason, it is important to identify the potentially hazardous isocyanate exposure settings, and to prevent sensitisation and asthma development where possible. Auto body repair shops, typically small, medium or micro enterprises (SMMEs), were the focus group in this study. Due to the paucity of medical surveillance and occupational hygiene programmes, there is likely to be over-exposure to isocyanates in such workplaces. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify exposure to HDI in auto body repair shops, and secondly, to describe the control measures currently used in these repair shops. The study investigated hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) exposure in the spray-painting processes of automotive repair shops in Gauteng. The repair shops were selected from the Highveld South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA) membership list. Ten repair shops were included in this cross sectional study. Twelve subjects directly or indirectly involved in spray-painting in each repair shop had HDI exposure measured, resulting in a total of 113 HDI measurements. HDI monomers, prepolymers and total isocyanates determined using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) draft method 5525 for analysis of monomeric and TRIG aliphatic isocyanates. Eighty one percent of workers were over-exposed to HDI monomers (exposure limit of 0.02mg/m3) and 3.4% to HDI prepolymers (exposure limit of 0.5mg/m3). Ninety percent of the establishments’ HDI monomer airborne concentration exceeded the OEL and 30% the prepolymer HDI concentrations. Workers were divided into 12 occupation categories according to the extent of their direct contact with the HDI-based paint and the three highest exposed groups were panel beaters, spray painters and dent-fillers. Workers directly and indirectly in contact with paint, in the auto body repair shops registered with SAMBRA were exposed to high levels of HDI during the spray painting operation. Insufficient and incorrect control measures were in place to control HDI exposure. The findings of this study confirm the risk of exposure to HDI in the automotive repair industry and the need for occupational hygiene control measures. In conclusion, high concentrations of HDI were common and even indirectly exposed workers were at risk of excessive exposure to HDI. Inadequate exposure control methods were widespread.

Goal of diploma thesis is to develop set of metrics for Internet Mall, a.s. company, carrying business in online shopping. Secondary goal is practical demonstration of Business Intelligence (BI) analysis on selected metrics. Balanced scorecard (BSC), strategic planning and management system, was selected as a framework for model of metrics. Basic concept of BSC was upgraded by an e-commerce extension. These extensions appear to be mostly inspiration. Main sources of information were consultations with company`s representatives. Developing process for model of metric consist of several steps: 1. Definition of mission, vision and strategy 2. Creating strategic objectives for each BSC perspective 3. Defining connections among objectives in explicit cause-and-effect relationship 4. Assigning each objective one or more indicators 5. Accomplished Model of metrics 6. Practical demonstration of BI analysis on selected metrics Goal of practice part was fulfilled by simple implementation of BI analysis, using three selected metrics. The aim was on introducing analytics reports for management and explaining their features and benefits. Contribution of whole effort is in increasing of quality of decision making process (carrying by head executives) supported by analytics reports.

This diploma thesis concerns the analyses and design of the internet shop for GastronomikKV s.r.o. The internet trading is currently a high priority for the firms, and so applies to the firms in the area of the gastronomic appliances and services. The first part of the thesis deals with a theoretical background of the internet shops. The theory is followed by the analyses of the customers' requirements for the future internet shop of the firm and analyses of its competitors. Before the actual design part of the thesis, the proposed design is analyzed by WebML methodology. The main part of the thesis, the one regarding the design of the internet shop, is primarily focused on the use of internet marketing tools and implementation of the proper search-engine optimization, but also outlines the principles of usability and accessibility of websites. In conclusion, the thesis evaluates the design in terms of how it shall contribute to the increase the competitiveness of GastronomikKV s.r.o.

The objective of this thesis is to propose an optimal mix of shops at Ruzyně airport and ways of improving the comunication strategy towards customers of the airport's shops. The theoretical part outlines the comunication theories and specifications of Travel retailing at the airports. The practical part contains a situational analysis of the comunication at Ruzyně airport including analysis of the airport's shops. This is followed by inquiries using questionnaires passed on to a selected target group, by an external analysis of other world's airports and by a sumarizing SWOT analysis. Based on this research, recomendations to Letiště Ruzyně on how to structure the mix of airpoirt's shops and on how to make the comunication with the airport's customers are suggested.

Context: This study was founded on the notion that opportunities for individuals to improve their knowledge of and appreciation for design should be accessible to a broad population. If design is considered a driver in the development of environments that people encounter as part of their everyday activities, they may learn about design from those encounters. With a visual database of environments that include positive design examples, the population will benefit. Firstly, they have the capacity to use their informed encounters to contribute with some authority to discourse that shapes the future of their individual and collective surroundings. Secondly, they hold a greater expectation for design which can increase economic activity through design-related industry. Aim: The Australian post office (PostShop) was chosen as an example of an everyday environment that has the capacity to capture a large audience, due to an ever-increasing and proven catchment of the population-currently one in eighteen Australians will visit each day. To understand the role of design in the PostShop environment it is essential to understand the process through which the environment is developed, and those criteria that drive the final outcome. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which the key development drivers of the PostShop influence the inclusion of design as a driver. Background: To enable this investigation to take place within an established context, a review of background literature was undertaken. This included themes supporting design literacy; the history of the PostShop built environment; brand; fitout and landlord guidelines for the built environment; global postal models; organisational behaviour; the development process; and the role of design in improving economic growth. / Methodology: The qualitative approach was used during the research undertaken in this study. Semi-structured interviews were held with participants from Australia Post and other (external) organisations to capture data relating to the development process of the Postshop, and the role of design in that process. This data was categorised and coded according to themes that emerged from the interview data. This allowed the reduction of data for analysis and presentation. The presentation is primarily rich narrative descriptions and includes responses from interview participants. Key findings: The data uncovered thirty-three individual drivers that have contributed to the development of the postal environment over time. These drivers were presented to illustrate their changing importance over time, from early traditional post offices through to the current PostShop. Seventeen drivers were considered to be relevant today. These were distilled to four chief driver groups that influence the current PostShop. In rank order, these are : financial motivation: including minimisation of rental outgoings, capital fitout costs and business downtime during refurbishment; and queue operation organisational behaviour: including authority of internal opinion: and competition and personal imprimatur brand strategy: including the desire to be a modern retailer; national and tiered fitout standards; and measurement of the built environment as a brand medium external authority: including postal and other industry models; government pressure; and landlord guidelines. / Conclusions: The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which the key development drivers of the PostShop influence the inclusion of design as a driver. It was concluded that: all chief driver groups limit opportunities for design to contribute as a driver towards enhanced PostShop success. Despite being one of the leading international postal providers in terms of economic results, the chief drivers fail to embrace further potential for economic growth. The chief drivers also prevent the PostShop acting as an everyday environment that could successfully enhance the design literacy of the one million Australians that visit each day.