This research models the behavior of a multi-task system with respect to time. The type of multi-task system considered here is one in which not all system components are required to perform each task. Each component may, however, be used for more than one task. Also, it is possible that some of the components may be required for every task that the system performs. The components that are required for a subset of the tasks are considered to be intermittently demanded components and those components required for every task are continuously demanded components. This modeling approach assumes that the system is subject to a Modified Age Replacement Policy (MARP). With a MARP the intermittently demanded components are maintained during their idle periods and the continuously demanded components are replaced according to their age replacement times. A renewal theory approach is used to develop an availability expression for the multi-task system. Past research has focused on systems consisting of continuously demanded components and typically does not distinguish between elapsed clock time and elapsed operating time in the renewal density function expressions. This research recognizes that the operational age of an intermittently demanded component is different than the chronological age of the component. The renewal density function and availability measures are modeled using joint density functions defined on both clock time and operating time. The expressions are evaluated numerically using a multidimensional numerical integration routine. The results show logical behavior of the joint density functions used to define the availability measure. The availability measure also displays behavior consistent with the definition of a multi-task system. This model is an important development in the need for stochastic models of highly complex systems. The model is also a first step in defining performance measures for systems composed of both intermittently demanded components and continuously demanded components. / Ph. D.

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In this thesis, Verizon's discourse was analyzed as a case study for corporate rhetoric. This rhetorical analysis examined Verizon's discourse before, during and after the crisis of 9/11. Press releases, executive speeches, and other internal documents were analyzed while media reports provided a context for the discourse. Renewal discourse coupled with the theories of organizational identification and values advocacy provided the basic framework for this thesis. Verizon's crisis situation during the crisis of 9/11 provided a unique context in which to study organizational discourse. By placing the response within a larger frame of the organization's history, this study was able to provide insight into traditional crisis response scholarship that often only focuses on the immediate response to crisis. / Master of Arts

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

Thesis (M.L.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes special report study entitled: Modular system: review & analysis of outdoor portable structures.

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning