The purpose of this study was to describe a Title I inclusion program in a north Texas middle school, to evaluate the degree of its success as a high achieving program, and to analyze how closely it met the requirements of the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994. Data were collected from the learning facilitators and teachers at the middle school with the permission of the school district. This study began with extensive research on the nature of adolescents and the beliefs and characteristics of high achieving middle schools. It addressed the steps which were recommended in the literature to improve middle schools and benefit students that are at-risk of failing to master the curriculum at their grade level. The researcher concluded by reporting effective strategies being used in middle school at-risk programs. These are strategies noted by experts as successful in identified programs. The population for this study was seventh and eighth grade Title I students who attended middle school during the 1992-1993, 1993-1994, 1994-1995 and 1995-1996 school years. The data collected by the researcher are presented in two parts: the description of the Title I inclusion program; and the results of the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills tests in reading and math, the Shaw-Hiehle Math Tests, and the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Tests. Findings from this study suggest that the program met the requirements of a Title I program established by the federal government. The test scores for the middle school improved during the three years of the program. The Title I inclusion program met the requirements of the Improving America's Schools Act. Finally, the Title I students were successful working in classrooms with other students on challenging curriculum which met the State's content and performance standards. These findings have implications for other middle schools who are developing Title I programs to meet the requirements of the Improving America's Schools Act.

Submitted by Silvana Teresinha Dornelles Studzinski (sstudzinski) on 2015-05-14T17:57:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 LizianeSilvaMenezes.pdf: 4918464 bytes, checksum: 2a4190164c3f6313abf6dcd3d0e8a09f (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T17:57:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 LizianeSilvaMenezes.pdf: 4918464 bytes, checksum: 2a4190164c3f6313abf6dcd3d0e8a09f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-12-15 / Nenhuma / Estudos demonstram a crescente importância estabelecida pelo mercado ao serviço de atendimento ao cliente. Uma vez que tal processo permite às organizações a compreensão de necessidades explícitas ou implícitas dos clientes atuais e futuros, a partir da sistematização e análise das interações recebidas nos diferentes canais de atendimento, tal movimento tem gerado questionamentos sobre como este pode ser mais bem gerenciado, visando assim qualificar os serviços prestados pelas Centrais de Atendimento atuais. Sendo a Matriz da Qualidade parte do QFD, que é um método que visa aprimorar o desenvolvimento de produtos/serviços a partir da escuta, tradução e transmissão, de forma priorizada, das necessidades dos clientes para dentro da empresa, questionou-se: como esta poderia contribuir para aprimorar os serviços prestados por uma Central de Atendimento? Desta forma, este trabalho se propôs a explorar tal questão, por meio de um estudo que objetivou analisar os resultados da aplicação desta Matriz em tal contexto. Para tanto, a pesquisa foi realizada em três etapas: (i) a primeira, de caráter Exploratório, em que foram identificadas alternativas para resposta à questão de pesquisa, a partir de uma revisão na literatura existente; (ii) a segunda, de caráter Aplicado, por meio de uma pesquisa-ação realizada na Central de Atendimento de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior de grande porte (com aproximadamente 27.000 alunos), localizada no estado do Rio Grande do Sul; tal etapa foi constituída por três fases, sendo que na primeira delas foi feita a aplicação da Matriz como ferramenta para triagem e estabelecimento das prioridades a serem trabalhadas nas etapas subsequentes; e (iii) a terceira para elaboração de análises e conclusões dos resultados. De modo geral, entende-se que os objetivos pré-estabelecidos para o estudo tenham sido atingidos, uma vez que os resultados apresentam uma análise detalhada da aplicação da Matriz em uma Central de Atendimento real, com reflexões e contribuições para pesquisas futuras sobre o tema. Entre as principais contribuições encontradas destacam-se as melhorias realizadas na infraestrutura e nos processos de gestão de pessoas e de falhas da Central de Atendimento estudada, as quais foram percebidas positivamente tanto pelos usuários como pelos gestores da Instituição após a finalização do trabalho, demonstrando assim a efetividade do método utilizado. Visando colaborar para pesquisas futuras, ao término das análises é apresentado um roteiro para possível uso em Centrais de Atendimento que estejam em busca de objetivos semelhantes. Acredita-se também que tal roteiro possa ser visto como uma ferramenta gerencial, sendo útil no apoio ao cumprimento de estratégias voltadas para gestão da qualidade. / Studies show the increasing importance established by the market at the service of customer service. Once this process enables organizations to understand the stated or implied needs of current and future customers, based on the systematization and analysis of interactions received from different service channels, such movement has generated questions about how this process can be better managed, by that means, aiming to qualify the services provided by customer service center nowadays. As the Quality Matrix part of QFD, which is a method that aims to improve the system development of products/services from listening, translating and transmission, prioritizing the needs of customers into the company, it was questioned: How could this help improving services provided by a customer service center? Therefore, this work proposes to explore this question through a study that aimed to analyze the results of the application of the Quality Matrix in this context. With this objective, the survey was conducted in three steps: (i) the first, exploratory, where there were identified alternatives to answer to the research question, from a review of existing literature, (ii) the second, applied, through an action research conducted in the customer service center of a large Higher Education Institution (approximately 27,000 students) located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil); this step was consisted of three phases, and the first of these was the application of the Matrix as a tool for screening and establishing priorities to be worked on in subsequent steps, and (iii) the third, for the analysis and conclusion of the results. In general, it is understood that the pre-established goals for the study have been achieved, since the final work is a detailed analysis of the results of a Quality Matrix application in a real Service Center, with reflections and contributions for future research on the subject. Among the main contributions found are the improvements made in infrastructure and people management processes, and failures of the customer service center study, which were discerned positively by both users and managers of the institution after the conclusion of the work, in this manner demonstrating the effec tiveness of the method used. Aiming to contribute to future research, at the end of the analysis is presented a roadmap for possible use in customer service center that are seeking similar objectives. It is also believed that this script can be seen as a management tool and is useful in supporting the achievement of strategies for quality management.

Submitted by Sara Ribeiro (sara.ribeiro@ucb.br) on 2018-06-18T19:12:17Z No. of bitstreams: 1 ThiagoCarneiroCampeloDissertacao2018.pdf: 1236568 bytes, checksum: 5e4ffa01d0b5f8c3924c4bfe1fa510fc (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Sara Ribeiro (sara.ribeiro@ucb.br) on 2018-06-18T19:12:50Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 ThiagoCarneiroCampeloDissertacao2018.pdf: 1236568 bytes, checksum: 5e4ffa01d0b5f8c3924c4bfe1fa510fc (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-06-18T19:12:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ThiagoCarneiroCampeloDissertacao2018.pdf: 1236568 bytes, checksum: 5e4ffa01d0b5f8c3924c4bfe1fa510fc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-27 / This article is an effort in better understand specific migration through brazilian urban areas, occurred more intensely since 1980, investigating wage and skill dynamics, besides another migrants aspects and qualities, and the influence of more populated cities, where higher wages are perceipt. The analysis uses data of four IBGE Censos, namely, 1980, 1991, 2000 and 2010 and bases in works by authors dealing with the effects known as agglomeration economies, perceived as the cities go bigger in population. Whereas new metropolis were arising at national scenarium, studies show that the tipic migration flows have changed (mainly from rural-urban to urban-urban), but have the migrants profile changed too? A detailed investigation points that contemporary migration flows are more associated to young and more nomads generations, looking for acquire and share experience, to find specific jobs and wages that recognizes their individuals skills. In big cicies, migrants average wage are bigger. Mainly in the 2000 and 2010, although education levels of migrants are lower that of people who has born in those places, showing that not only education levels, but also the migration profile influences in wage, as the bibliographic references shows (agglomeration economies). / Este artigo busca se aprofundar sobre os movimentos migratórios específicos entre zonas urbanas brasileiras, ocorrido com maior intensidade a partir dos anos 80, investigando as dinâmicas salariais e educacionais, além de outras características do perfil dos migrantes, e a influência de municípios com maior população, onde eventualmente se constatam níveis de renda mais elevados. A análise usa dados dos quatro censos IBGE, a saber 1980, 1991, 2000 e 2010 e se baseia em trabalhos de autores que tratam dos efeitos conhecidos como vantagens de aglomerações, presentes em maior intensidade quanto maior é o município em quantidade de habitantes. Consoante ao surgimento de novas metrópoles no cenário nacional, estudos mostram que houve mudança nos fluxos migratórios, mas houve mudança também no perfil dos migrantes? Uma investigação detalhada aponta que fluxos migratórios contemporâneos são mais associados a gerações cada vez mais nômades, que buscam adquirir e compartilhar experiência, achar empregos mais específicos e salários que recompensem suas habilidades individuais. Nas grandes cidades, a renda média dos migrantes se mostra maior principalmente nos últimos dois censos, embora o perfil de escolaridade dos migrantes fique aquém do perfil daqueles que nasceram nestes locais, mostrando que não apenas o grau de escolaridade, mas o movimento migratório influencia na renda, em harmonia com as teorias referenciadas (vantagens de aglomerações).

Ghana's mining sector is a significant contributor to the national economy; however, environmental degradation continues to stigmatize the sector. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore experiences and perspectives of middle managers on how to drive compliance with EPA regulations and standards in Ghana's mining sector. Ajzen's theory of planned behavior was the conceptual framework for this phenomenological study. A purposive sample of 20 middle managers from Ghana's mining sector participated in interviews, which were transcribed and then coded to generate common themes. The primary research question involved exploring factors that promote employee compliance in Ghana's mining sector. Three critical themes that emerged from the study were (a) business benefits of compliance, (b) factors that promote employee compliance, and (c) obstacles to compliance. The implications for positive social change include the potential for community members to experience reduced environmentally related health challenges with concomitant increases in their quality of life

Indian pharmaceutical companies spend one-third of their revenue from supply chain management (SCM) activities due to inherently poor transportation infrastructure. SCM is a vital function for many companies, as it is usually employed to lower expenses and increase sales for the company. SCM costs are higher in India than they are in other areas of the world, amounting to 13% of India's GDP. The purpose of this study was to explore SCM strategies Indian business leaders in the pharmaceutical industry have used to reduce the high costs associated with SCM. This study used a single case study research design and semistructured interviews to collect data from 3 SCM business leaders working in Indian pharmaceutical organizations and possessing successful experience in using SCM strategies to reduce high costs. Goldratt's (1990) theory of constraints was used as the conceptual framework for this study to identify challenges associated with SCM strategies. Data from semistructured interviews, observations, and company documents were processed and analyzed using data source triangulation, grouping the raw data into key themes. The following 3 themes emerged: distribution and logistics challenges, impact of SCM processes, and best practices and solutions. The implications for positive social change include the potential to reduce supply chain risk, which could lead to lower product prices for consumers, increased stakeholder satisfaction, and a higher standard of living.

In the work there is the data presented, that show the condition of automobile road network and road safety problems in Lithuania. The road network and its conditions are analyzed, as well as the means allocated for road building, repairement and supervision. The possibility to realize measures for improving road safety and analysis of compliance of the Lithuanian road safety legislation with that of the European Union.The work consists of four parts.The first part analysis the today’s road safety situation in Lithuania.The second part analyses the road safety factors, the measures for improving road safety.The third part describes the purposes and peculiarities of European Union, relation between Lithuania and EU. There is an analyses Lithuanian and Europe Union road safety legislation.The fourth part analyses the methods for calculating losses at accidents and economic evaluation of the road safety measures. In the research part of the work there is given analysis of the benefit – cost for the road safety improvement measures.

Color vision deficiency (CVD) is the inability or limited ability to recognize colors and discriminate between them. A person with this condition perceives a narrower range of colors compared to a person with a normal color vision. A growing number of researchers are striving to improve the quality of life for CVD patients. Finding cure, making rectification equipment, providing simulation tools and applying color transformation methods are among the efforts being made by researchers in this field. In this study we concentrate on recoloring digital images in such a way that users with CVD, especially dichromats, perceive more details from the recolored images compared to the original image. The main focus is to give the CVD user a chance to find information within the picture which they could not perceive before. However, this transformed image might look strange or unnatural to users with normal color vision. During this color transformation process, the goal is to keep the overall contrast of the image constant while adjusting the colors that might cause confusion for the CVD user. First, each pixel in the RGB-image is converted to HSV color space in order to be able to control hue, saturation and intensity for each pixel and then safe and problematic hue ranges need to be found. The method for recognizing these ranges was inspired by a condition called “unilateral dichromacy” in which the patient has normal color vision in one eye and dichromacy in another. A special grid-like color card is designed, having constant saturation and intensity over the entire image, while the hue smoothly changes from one block to another to cover the entire hue range. The next step is to simulate the way this color card is perceived by a dichromatic user and finally to find the colors that are perceived identically from two images and the ones that differ too much. This part makes our method highly customizable and we can apply it to other types of CVD, even personalize it for the color vision of a specific observer. The resulting problematic colors need to be dealt with by shifting the hue or saturation based on some pre-defined rules. The results for the method have been evaluated both objectively and subjectively. First, we simulated a set of images as they would be perceived by a dichromat and compared them with simulated view of our transformed images. The results clearly show that our recolored images can eliminate a lot of confusion from user and convey more details. Moreover, an online questionnaire was created and 39 users with CVD confirmed that the transformed images allow them to perceive more information compared to the original images.

Généralement, les problèmes de conception de réseaux consistent à sélectionner les arcs et les sommets d’un graphe G de sorte que la fonction coût est optimisée et l’ensemble de contraintes impliquant les liens et les sommets dans G sont respectées. Une modification dans le critère d’optimisation et/ou dans l’ensemble de contraintes mène à une nouvelle représentation d’un problème différent. Dans cette thèse, nous nous intéressons au problème de conception d’infrastructure de réseaux maillés sans fil (WMN- Wireless Mesh Network en Anglais) où nous montrons que la conception de tels réseaux se transforme d’un problème d’optimisation standard (la fonction coût est optimisée) à un problème d’optimisation à plusieurs objectifs, pour tenir en compte de nombreux aspects, souvent contradictoires, mais néanmoins incontournables dans la réalité. Cette thèse, composée de trois volets, propose de nouveaux modèles et algorithmes pour la conception de WMNs où rien n’est connu à l’ avance. Le premiervolet est consacré à l’optimisation simultanée de deux objectifs équitablement importants : le coût et la performance du réseau en termes de débit. Trois modèles bi-objectifs qui se différent principalement par l’approche utilisée pour maximiser la performance du réseau sont proposés, résolus et comparés. Le deuxième volet traite le problème de placement de passerelles vu son impact sur la performance et l’extensibilité du réseau. La notion de contraintes de sauts (hop constraints) est introduite dans la conception du réseau pour limiter le délai de transmission. Un nouvel algorithme basé sur une approche de groupage est proposé afin de trouver les positions stratégiques des passerelles qui favorisent l’extensibilité du réseau et augmentent sa performance sans augmenter considérablement le coût total de son installation. Le dernier volet adresse le problème de fiabilité du réseau dans la présence de pannes simples. Prévoir l’installation des composants redondants lors de la phase de conception peut garantir des communications fiables, mais au détriment du coût et de la performance du réseau. Un nouvel algorithme, basé sur l’approche théorique de décomposition en oreilles afin d’installer le minimum nombre de routeurs additionnels pour tolérer les pannes simples, est développé. Afin de résoudre les modèles proposés pour des réseaux de taille réelle, un algorithme évolutionnaire (méta-heuristique), inspiré de la nature, est développé. Finalement, les méthodes et modèles proposés on été évalués par des simulations empiriques et d’événements discrets. / Generally, network design problems consist of selecting links and vertices of a graph G so that a cost function is optimized and all constraints involving links and the vertices in G are met. A change in the criterion of optimization and/or the set of constraints leads to a new representation of a different problem. In this thesis, we consider the problem of designing infrastructure Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) where we show that the design of such networks becomes an optimization problem with multiple objectives instead of a standard optimization problem (a cost function is optimized) to take into account many aspects, often contradictory, but nevertheless essential in the reality. This thesis, composed of three parts, introduces new models and algorithms for designing WMNs from scratch. The first part is devoted to the simultaneous optimization of two equally important objectives: cost and network performance in terms of throughput. Three bi-objective models which differ mainly by the approach used to maximize network performance are proposed, solved and compared. The second part deals with the problem of gateways placement, given its impact on network performance and scalability. The concept of hop constraints is introduced into the network design to reduce the transmission delay. A novel algorithm based on a clustering approach is also proposed to find the strategic positions of gateways that support network scalability and increase its performance without significantly increasing the cost of installation. The final section addresses the problem of reliability in the presence of single failures. Allowing the installation of redundant components in the design phase can ensure reliable communications, but at the expense of cost and network performance. A new algorithm is developed based on the theoretical approach of "ear decomposition" to install the minimum number of additional routers to tolerate single failures. In order to solve the proposed models for real-size networks, an evolutionary algorithm (meta-heuristics), inspired from nature, is developed. Finally, the proposed models and methods have been evaluated through empirical and discrete events based simulations.

Multimedia transmission is the effective way of transmitting multimedia elements (comprising voice, audio, video, data etc) from one place to the other via internet enabled protocols and other means. The term 'effective' is used because multimedia transmission is a nightmare if the conveyance is not smooth, seamless and efficient. Over time, the world has seen tremendous improvement that started from the era of the first generation of multimedia generation to the point of multimedia transmission. Much has been said and done in this area and the world has become a connected enterprise because of the transmission of multimedia. In spite of these successes that have been recorded in these areas, there are still many challenges facing multimedia transmission. What determines the progress of technology globally is the trends of evolution that multimedia transmission has gone through. An important challenge facing multimedia transmission is one that has been neglected for a long time. There has been deep neglect of the devices that are used in transmission while much emphasis has been on the protocols and the software that are being developed for multimedia transmission. Devices play a very important role in the realization of seamless transmission of media. Lately, the world seems to have realized the fact that devices that do the actual transmission needs more attention. These devices are the ones that do the distribution and the transmission of the multimedia streams or signals. This has been highlighted in a recent research study that was referenced in the Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning that showed that the expectations of meeting the world's target on multimedia has been reduced by half because of problems arising from the inefficiency of multimedia devices and not really from the protocol perspective as earlier perceived. It is inline with the above that this research was titled "improving multimedia transmission through enhanced multimedia devices". Multimedia devices are the end to end units that are used in multimedia transmission. This research investigated the current devices that are being used, their deficiencies and the reasons that make them unstable for multimedia transmission. It focused on the real time multimedia transmission over the internet protocol (IP) through enhancing limited capabilities of the current multimedia devices. This will make way for new studies into newer devices that are better designed for the efficient multimedia flow. It will assure better quality end-to-end solutions in the area of multimedia distribution and transmission. This research is broad enough to cover most of the major areas of multimedia transmission and cut across several industries and technologies. These might include industries that specialize in internet telephony; design and manufacture multimedia devices and multimedia technologies. Despite the huge number of fields that this research cut across, the focus remained unchanged in highlighting this challenge and proffering a solution through enhanced end to end multimedia elements. It is hoped that this research work will contribute to the solution of this area of challenge and bring to fore the work that should be done in this regard. The advantages of improved multimedia transmission cannot be over emphasized as there will be a tremendous reduction in the cost of long distance communication globally and smoother media transmission which makes use of the readily available internet protocols. In spite of these successes that have been recorded in these areas, there are still many challenges facing multimedia transmission. What determines the progress of technology globally is the trends of evolution that multimedia transmission has gone through. An important challenge facing multimedia transmission is one that has been neglected for a long time. There has been deep neglect of the devices that are used in transmission while much emphasis has been on the protocols and the software that are being developed for multimedia transmission. Devices play a very important role in the realization of seamless transmission of media. Lately, the world seems to have realized the fact that devices that do the actual transmission needs more attention. These devices are the ones that do the distribution and the transmission of the multimedia streams or signals. This has been highlighted in a recent research study that was referenced in the Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning that showed that the expectations of meeting the world's target on multimedia has been reduced by half because of problems arising from the inefficiency of multimedia devices and not really from the protocol perspective as earlier perceived. It is inline with the above that this research was titled "improving multimedia transmission through enhanced multimedia devices". Multimedia devices are the end to end units that are used in multimedia transmission. This research investigated the current devices that are being used, their deficiencies and the reasons that make them unstable for multimedia transmission. It focused on the real time multimedia transmission over the internet protocol (IP) through enhancing limited capabilities of the current multimedia devices. This will make way for new studies into newer devices that are better designed for the efficient multimedia flow. It will assure better quality end-to-end solutions in the area of multimedia distribution and transmission. This research is broad enough to cover most of the major areas of multimedia transmission and cut across several industries and technologies. These might include industries that specialize in internet telephony; design and manufacture multimedia devices and multimedia technologies. Despite the huge number of fields that this research cut across, the focus remained unchanged in highlighting this challenge and proffering a solution through enhanced end to end multimedia elements. It is hoped that this research work will contribute to the solution of this area of challenge and bring to fore the work that should be done in this regard. The advantages of improved multimedia transmission cannot be over emphasized as there will be a tremendous reduction in the cost of long distance communication globally and smoother media transmission which makes use of the readily available internet protocols. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Development and Management Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Multimedia transmission is the effective way of transmitting multimedia elements (comprising voice, audio, video, data etc) from one place to the other via internet enabled protocols and other means. The term 'effective' is used because multimedia transmission is a nightmare if the conveyance is not smooth, seamless and efficient. Over time, the world has seen tremendous improvement that started from the era of the first generation of multimedia generation to the point of multimedia transmission. Much has been said and done in this area and the world has become a connected enterprise because of the transmission of multimedia. In spite of these successes that have been recorded in these areas, there are still many challenges facing multimedia transmission. What determines the progress of technology globally is the trends of evolution that multimedia transmission has gone through. An important challenge facing multimedia transmission is one that has been neglected for a long time. There has been deep neglect of the devices that are used in transmission while much emphasis has been on the protocols and the software that are being developed for multimedia transmission. Devices play a very important role in the realization of seamless transmission of media. Lately, the world seems to have realized the fact that devices that do the actual transmission needs more attention. These devices are the ones that do the distribution and the transmission of the multimedia streams or signals. This has been highlighted in a recent research study that was referenced in the Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning that showed that the expectations of meeting the world's target on multimedia has been reduced by half because of problems arising from the inefficiency of multimedia devices and not really from the protocol perspective as earlier perceived. It is inline with the above that this research was titled "improving multimedia transmission through enhanced multimedia devices". Multimedia devices are the end to end units that are used in multimedia transmission. This research investigated the current devices that are being used, their deficiencies and the reasons that make them unstable for multimedia transmission. It focused on the real time multimedia transmission over the internet protocol (IP) through enhancing limited capabilities of the current multimedia devices. This will make way for new studies into newer devices that are better designed for the efficient multimedia flow. It will assure better quality end-to-end solutions in the area of multimedia distribution and transmission. This research is broad enough to cover most of the major areas of multimedia transmission and cut across several industries and technologies. These might include industries that specialize in internet telephony; design and manufacture multimedia devices and multimedia technologies. Despite the huge number of fields that this research cut across, the focus remained unchanged in highlighting this challenge and proffering a solution through enhanced end to end multimedia elements. It is hoped that this research work will contribute to the solution of this area of challenge and bring to fore the work that should be done in this regard. The advantages of improved multimedia transmission cannot be over emphasized as there will be a tremendous reduction in the cost of long distance communication globally and smoother media transmission which makes use of the readily available internet protocols. In spite of these successes that have been recorded in these areas, there are still many challenges facing multimedia transmission. What determines the progress of technology globally is the trends of evolution that multimedia transmission has gone through. An important challenge facing multimedia transmission is one that has been neglected for a long time. There has been deep neglect of the devices that are used in transmission while much emphasis has been on the protocols and the software that are being developed for multimedia transmission. Devices play a very important role in the realization of seamless transmission of media. Lately, the world seems to have realized the fact that devices that do the actual transmission needs more attention. These devices are the ones that do the distribution and the transmission of the multimedia streams or signals. This has been highlighted in a recent research study that was referenced in the Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning that showed that the expectations of meeting the world's target on multimedia has been reduced by half because of problems arising from the inefficiency of multimedia devices and not really from the protocol perspective as earlier perceived. It is inline with the above that this research was titled "improving multimedia transmission through enhanced multimedia devices". Multimedia devices are the end to end units that are used in multimedia transmission. This research investigated the current devices that are being used, their deficiencies and the reasons that make them unstable for multimedia transmission. It focused on the real time multimedia transmission over the internet protocol (IP) through enhancing limited capabilities of the current multimedia devices. This will make way for new studies into newer devices that are better designed for the efficient multimedia flow. It will assure better quality end-to-end solutions in the area of multimedia distribution and transmission. This research is broad enough to cover most of the major areas of multimedia transmission and cut across several industries and technologies. These might include industries that specialize in internet telephony; design and manufacture multimedia devices and multimedia technologies. Despite the huge number of fields that this research cut across, the focus remained unchanged in highlighting this challenge and proffering a solution through enhanced end to end multimedia elements. It is hoped that this research work will contribute to the solution of this area of challenge and bring to fore the work that should be done in this regard. The advantages of improved multimedia transmission cannot be over emphasized as there will be a tremendous reduction in the cost of long distance communication globally and smoother media transmission which makes use of the readily available internet protocols. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Development and Management Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.