The word 'strategy' has represented many concepts since it originated in a military domain. Fundamentally, it is concerned with determining how best to direct systems in a changing world. However, in today's increasingly complex and vertically separated sectors, conventional top-down approaches to strategy design are becoming less applicable. The proverb 'I am because you are' encapsulates the idea that the world is not formed of independent, separate entities, but that all beings and actions are connected. This thesis puts forward a case for applying that way of thinking in a systems approach to strategy design. The proposed approach comprises three processes which are aligned with systems engineering principles, to plan, capture and communicate strategy. It is argued that strategy documents produced by following the approach would be clearer and more rigorous. To the field of strategy, this research offers a language framework for discussing strategy concepts, a new approach for designing strategy, and pragmatic guidance for strategy design exercises. In the field of systems thinking, it contributes to the challenge of translating systems engineering principles for non-traditional domains.

Air pollution from DEEEs is becoming an increased international concern, and whilst attention has been primarily focused on the automotive industry, concerns have also been raised about emissions from diesel rail vehicles. The research is designed to assess the hypothesis that diesel rolling stock severely impacts air quality at Birmingham New Street station due to the station’s enclosed nature. To assess this hypothesis, an extensive series of long term measurements were made at Birmingham New Street station. The monitoring campaign consisted of diffusion tube measurements, to measure NO2 at locations in and around the station, followed by measurements of NOx, PM, CO2 and BC at stationary and mobile sites at the platform level. The results illustrated that diesel trains serving the station elevated pollutant concentrations, particularly oxides of nitrogen. During the sampling campaign the average NO2 concentration in the centre of platform 10/11 was 407 μg/m3, approximately 10 times greater than the EU ambient air quality limit. NO exceed its WEL 35% of the time during the monitoring campaign for the same site. Furthermore, this research concludes that CO2 is not suitable as a surrogate for assessing DEEEs exposure. NO2 concentrations exceeded their relevant exposure limits, whilst CO2 did not exceed the ventilation system’s 50% speed threshold, as a result it is unlikely that harmful pollutants were being successfully exhausted from the station. The environmental analysis identified a potential trapped vortex in the West end of the station, which could have an impact on the ventilation system in place at Birmingham New Street station. It is clear that this research has been pivotal in driving a focus towards air quality with the railway industry and has prompted further research at other enclosed railway stations.

The issue of managing a large and complex railway system with continuous traffic flows and mixed train services in a safe and punctual manner is very important, especially after disruptive events. In the first part of this thesis an analysis method is introduced which allows the visualisation and measurement of the propagation of delays in the railway network. The BRaVE simulator and the University of Birmingham Single Train Simulator (STS) are also introduced and a train running estimation using STS is described. A practical single junction rescheduling problem is then defined and it investigates how different levels of delays and numbers of constraints may affect the performance of algorithms for network-wide rescheduling in terms of quality of solution and computation time. In order to deal with operational dynamics, a methodology using performance-based supervisory control is proposed to provide rescheduling decisions over a wider area through the application of different rescheduling strategies in appropriate sequences. Finally, an architecture for a real-time train rescheduling framework, based on the distributed artificial intelligence system, is designed in order to handle railway traffic in a large-scale network intelligently. A case study based on part of the East Coast Main Line is followed up to demonstrate the effectiveness of adopting supervisory control to provide the rescheduling options in the dynamic situation.

The development of the alternating current field measurement (ACFM) technique for high-speed inspection of railway wheels/track is important to ensure the integrity of railway assets. The stress and conditions at the wheel/rail contact patch, severity of rolling contact fatigue (RCF) damage and changes in microstructure and hardness with tread depth for railway wheels are investigated. This study employs experimental measurement of RCF defects in railway wheels to understand ACFM sensor signal - RCF defect relationships. The influence of sensor frequency and speed, sensor angle relative to crack angle, lift-off distance, crack propagation angle and inter-crack spacing distance are investigated. Low rather than high frequency sensors are better suited at sizing cracks in railway wheels and track. The optimum signal is obtained when the sensor is oriented parallel to the crack angle. The signal is reduced at higher speeds. The maximum change in the normalised Bx signal component of the sensor’s magnetic field is greater for closely spaced cracks (< 5 mm) and thus overestimates the defect. Inter-crack spacing distances of 15-20 mm yield estimates for crack pocket depths that are oversized by 20-36%. The inner cracks in a cluster with four defects yields higher Bₓ values than expected and thus significantly over sizes the defects at 15-20 mm inter-crack spacing distances, whereas, the sensor provides reasonable depth estimates for the outer cracks. Crack propagation angle affects the signal. Scans conducted with the probe oriented at 90° to the cluster of cracks consisting of a deep central crack surrounded by shallow cracks results in a distinct central sensor Bₓ signal that consists of a peak due to a flux leakage effect, thus, identifying the critical defect.

The author of this thesis deals with the issues of real time traffic management in junction areas and bottleneck sections on mainline railways in the event of service disturbances. A systematic methodology is proposed for modelling and solving real time train rescheduling problems in junction areas and bottleneck sections, including train re-sequencing and train re-timing. A formal mathematical model, the Junction Rescheduling Model (JRM) is proposed, based on a Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) to minimise a Weighted Average Delay (WAD). An innovative algorithm based on Differential Evolution algorithm, named DE_JRM is proposed for solving real time train rescheduling problems formulated with JRM. The performance of the algorithm DE_JRM has been evaluated with a stochastic method based on Monte-Carlo simulation methodology. The evaluation results show a good performance for both flyover and flat junctions compared with First Come First Served (FCFS) and a conventional ARS strategy. The author also extends the proposed methodology, including JRM and the algorithm DE_JRM, to model and solve real time train rescheduling problems for bottleneck sections of railway networks. Finally, an integrated system architecture for the traffic management and train control is introduced for system implementation of the proposed methodology of train rescheduling in junction areas and bottleneck sections on mainline railways.

The rail industry has focused on the improvement of maintenance through the effective use of online condition monitoring of rolling stock and rail infrastructure in order to reduce the occurrence of unexpected catastrophic failures and disruption that arises from them to an absolute minimum. The basic components comprising a railway wheelset are the wheels, axle and axle bearings. Detection of wheelset faults in a timely manner increases efficiency as it helps minimise maintenance costs and increase availability. The main aim of this project has been the development of a novel integrated online acoustic emission (AE) and vibration testing technique for the detection of wheel and axle bearing defects as early as possible and well before they result in catastrophic failure and subsequently derailment. The approach employed within this research study has been based on the combined use of accelerometers and high-frequency acoustic emission sensors mounted on the rail or axle box using magnetic hold-downs. Within the framework of this project several experiments have been carried out under laboratory conditions, as well as in the field at the Long Marston Test Track and in Cropredy on the Chiltern Railway line to London.

Through the use of new communication-based train control (CBTC) systems, modern metro railways have been able to provide a more efficient, more reliable and more eco-friendly transport services. The main advantages of the CBTC systems are achieved by utilising modern communication technologies. The performance of the communications network is dependent on a well-designed access point (AP) deployment, as this determines the overall communication capability and impacts the cost. In this thesis, a systematic methodology is proposed for formulating and solving AP deployment planning (ADP) problems in two scenarios: (i) a tunnel section area; and (ii) a real-world metro system. Different mathematical models are presented for modelling the ADP problem in these two scenarios. In addition to mathematical models, an exhaustive search and a customized search algorithm, which uses a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA/D), are proposed for solving the ADP optimisation problems. The methodologies are applied to the scenarios mentioned above. To evaluate the optimisation results, the optimised AP deployments are tested on a simulation platform integrating a railway network simulator and a communication network simulator. The test result shows that with the optimised AP deployments the DCS can achieve a better performance while using fewer APs.

Leung Tak Wai. / "Architecture Department, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Master of Architecture Programme 1996-97, design report." / Includes bibliographical references. / Chapter 1.0 --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- Objectives / Chapter 1.2 --- Methodology / Chapter 2.0 --- BACKGROUND / Chapter 2.1 --- Client Profile / Chapter 2.2 --- Project Finance / Chapter 2.3 --- Existing conditions of Kowloon Tong Railway Station / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Location / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Accessibility / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Environmental Conditions / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Lease Constraints / Chapter 2.3.5 --- Facilities / Chapter 2.3.6 --- Users / Chapter 2.4 --- Previous KCRC Redevelopment Proposal / Chapter 3.0 --- SITE CONTEXT / Chapter 3.1 --- Regional Conditions / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Population / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Topography / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Existing development pattern of Kowloon Tong / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Land Use / Chapter 3.1.5 --- Build Form / Chapter 3.1.6 --- Transportation / Chapter 3.2 --- Surroundings / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Development of Festival Walk / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Nearby Traffic Conditions / Chapter 3.3 --- Study of Traffic Flow / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Pedestrian Flow / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Vehicular Flow / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Estimation of Future Traffic Demand / Chapter 4.0 --- PROBLEMS / Chapter 5.0 --- DESIGN PROGRAM / Chapter 5.1 --- Mission / Chapter 5.2 --- Schedule of Accommodation / Chapter 5.3 --- Design Guidelines / Chapter 5.4 --- Design Strategy / Chapter 6.0 --- APPENDIX

Submitted by Kenia Bernini (kenia.bernini@ufpel.edu.br) on 2018-03-01T20:43:40Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Andressa_Porto_Pereira_Dissertação.pdf: 4539055 bytes, checksum: 289dc7ee04bf73137c99c1f4119318f8 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Aline Batista (alinehb.ufpel@gmail.com) on 2018-03-05T21:39:00Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Andressa_Porto_Pereira_Dissertação.pdf: 4539055 bytes, checksum: 289dc7ee04bf73137c99c1f4119318f8 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Aline Batista (alinehb.ufpel@gmail.com) on 2018-03-05T21:39:07Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Andressa_Porto_Pereira_Dissertação.pdf: 4539055 bytes, checksum: 289dc7ee04bf73137c99c1f4119318f8 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-03-05T21:39:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Andressa_Porto_Pereira_Dissertação.pdf: 4539055 bytes, checksum: 289dc7ee04bf73137c99c1f4119318f8 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-08-17 / Sem bolsa / Esta pesquisa desenvolve uma etnografia sobre a sonoridade do trem, visando compreender como ela se integra à cidade de Pelotas/RS. Esta cidade acompanhou o nascimento, o auge e o sucateamento da rede ferroviária do Estado, atualmente entregue à empresa privada e restrita ao transporte de carga. O contato com os interlocutores se deu através da apresentação de áudios da sonoridade do trem. Ao realizar essa abordagem com moradores de diferentes faixas etárias e localidades da cidade, é discutida a diversidade de percepções quanto a essa expressão sonora. Dessa forma, foram considerados tanto segmentos sociais que ignoram a relevância histórica deste transporte para a região, quanto aqueles que guardam na memória uma época em que ele era vital para a manutenção das famílias ferroviárias, assim como para a circulação de passageiros e mercadorias. A etnografia concentra-se principalmente no bairro Simões Lopes, antigo bairro ferroviário, onde o som do trem afeta seus moradores, mas também em outros lugares, acionando diferentes sensações e memórias / This research develops an ethnography about the sonority of the train, aiming to understand how it integrates in the city of Pelotas / RS. This city followed the birth, the peak and the scrapping of the State rail network, currently delivered to the private company and restricted to freight transportation. The contact with the interlocutors happened through the presentation of the audio of the sonority of the train. This approach with residents of the city in different age groups, I discussed the diversity of perceptions regarding this sound. In this way, It´s contemplate both social segments, the ones that ignore the historical relevance of this transport to the region and those who keep in mind a time when it was vital for the maintenance of the railway families, as well as for the movement of passengers and goods. The ethnography is mainly concentrated in the neighborhood of Simões Lopes, an old railway neighborhood, where the sound of the train affects the residents, but also in other places, triggering different sensations and memories

Trata-se de dissertação de mestrado onde se procura dialogar com os autores que elaboraram diversas teorias do desenvolvimento econômico bem como de desenvolvimento da ciência. Para tanto, toma-se o tema do desenvolvimento ferroviário tal como visto por um estudioso que lhe foi contemporâneo, Adolpho Augusto Pinto, como estudo de caso para aquele diálogo. / Most authors have written about economic and scientific development. In this essay, we dialogue with some of them to compress it better. For that, we take the railway development in estate of São Paulo, as it was seen by another author, Adolpho Augusto Pinto, as a theme for that discussion.