Global ETD Search

1	The optimal design of skill-based consumer contests in the context of online entertainment Liu, De 26 May 2010 (has links) This dissertation looks at several issues in designing an optimal skill-based consumer contest (SBCC). Consumer product (or service) companies, such as online entertainment providers, often use SBCCs to promote the consumption of their products (or services). The main objective of a SBCC is to maximize the profit from the enhanced consumption by consumers rather than their outcome in the contest. This research is the first to investigate design issues in contests of this kind. The first part of the dissertation explores the role of SBCCs in online entertainment area by focusing on the status-seeking behavior of human beings. Drawing from psychology literature, I argue that the desire for status provides a strong motive for consumers to compete with each other in online entertainment communities. In the second part of the dissertation, I build a game-theoretical model to study a handful of design issues arising from the SBCCs. In this framework, a monopoly firm faces n consumers who may differ in skill levels. The firm offers a set of prizes to consumers in a SBCC that requires two inputs: skill and consumption. One of the main findings in this research is that a Winner-Take-All prize structure is often optimal (but not always) for the SBCCs. Another finding is that consumers will compete more aggressively when their skill levels are closer to each other. As a result, the firm may be better off by segmenting consumers based on their skill levels. In addition, in some cases, the firm is better off by charging an entry fee to exclude low-skilled consumers. These findings contribute to existing literature on contest designs and provide practical guidelines for structuring a SBCC. The last part of the dissertation empirically analyzes two individual-level datasets from a wireless game to verify the insights obtained from the theoretical model. / text Skill-based consumer contest online entertainment Contest design
2	Economies of Speed? Bike Couriers, Pace, and Economic Development in the Global City Adler, Patrick 01 December 2011 (has links) In this thesis, I propose that bike courier delivery is not merely a convenient service for clients but an important function in the operation of successful economies. By allowing the regions to function at higher speeds, same-day courier networks seem to play an active role in generating positive economic outcomes. The availability of courier networks is found to be as uneven as economic vitality itself. Cities like New York and Toronto have large, dense courier networks, capable of delivering items within an hour while smaller cites, do not support same-day courier service at all. They do this, in part, by allowing for couriers to cope with the precariousness of their work, and in part by providing supportive sub-cultures. These findings point to the role of service workers, and wider eco-systems in fostering regional advantage. Economic Geography Economic Development Cycling Culture Urban Metabolism Global Cities Skill Based Technological Change 0366
3	Economies of Speed? Bike Couriers, Pace, and Economic Development in the Global City Adler, Patrick 01 December 2011 (has links) In this thesis, I propose that bike courier delivery is not merely a convenient service for clients but an important function in the operation of successful economies. By allowing the regions to function at higher speeds, same-day courier networks seem to play an active role in generating positive economic outcomes. The availability of courier networks is found to be as uneven as economic vitality itself. Cities like New York and Toronto have large, dense courier networks, capable of delivering items within an hour while smaller cites, do not support same-day courier service at all. They do this, in part, by allowing for couriers to cope with the precariousness of their work, and in part by providing supportive sub-cultures. These findings point to the role of service workers, and wider eco-systems in fostering regional advantage. Economic Geography Economic Development Cycling Culture Urban Metabolism Global Cities Skill Based Technological Change 0366
4	Specificity in the physical preparation of elite rugby union football players Gamble, Paul January 2005 (has links) The present thesis explored various applications of training specificity with regard to elite-level rugby union football players of various ages. A novel approach to metabolic conditioning employing skill-based conditioning games was investigated with elite-level senior professional players, during the course of a preseason training period. Training responses were assessed using a submaximal intermittent shuttle test performed at weekly intervals. Significant differences post-training (p<0.01) were observed for %HRmax reached during the final test stage and recovery of HR from the end of the final stage to the end of the final 1-minute rest period. The second study examined effectiveness of a circuit format for strength training in elite senior professional players during a preseason training period. Following the circuit based strength training, deadlift and bench pull I-RM strength scores were significantly improved both in comparison to pre-tests (p<0.01) and end season scores (p<0.01). Bench press scores were also significantly improved following the training period (p<0.01), and post-test bench press scores were improved relative to end season scores, albeit to a lesser extent (p<0.05). An Olympic lift training intervention was undertaken with Junior academy-level rugby union players. The effect of the application of these lifts on mean power output measured using test apparatus that simulated the ruck clean movement featured in rugby union football was examined. The considerably greater increases of the training group on this measure (28% vs 8%) were reflected in greater statistical significance (p<0.01) relative to the improvement for the control group (p<0.05). A significant interaction effect also indicated the training groups responded significantly differently on the test measure following training. A weighted ballistic push up training mode, incorporating a prototype shoulder harness, was investigated in a group of junior academy-level rugby football players. The training group recorded significant improvements in work output measured using a concentric-only push test (p<0.05), whereas countermovement push-up test scores approached significance (P=0.063). The final study employed an overweight ball complex training intervention. Following training the elite academy professional players who served as subjects showed significant improvements (p<0.05) in right-handed and left-handed mean and peak pass velocities. 796.333077
5	Ankylosing Spondylitis & Chronic Pain Syndrome: Bridging the Gap Between Perpetuated Medicine & Holistic Therapies Chizick, Jarett 01 January 2015 (has links) Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and Chronic Pain Syndrome (CPS) can be treated in many different ways. I found a problem in the balance of healing modalities surrounding diagnosis and care of illness and disease. This struggle is not singular to AS and CPS, but universal to physical and mental concerns. Some effective treatments and therapies are not recognized as such or are just beginning to become so. The scope of my work reflects on the course of my life. It was heavily influenced by the way my medical care was managed from an early age and how it evolved over the years. Through my educational program, I examined the necessity to bridge the gap between treatment paradigms and to expand on a broader, more inclusive, healing rubric. This rubric includes a broader emphasis on skill-based and complementary and alternative medicines. The viability to incorporate holistic health therapies earlier in life is explored through my use of the Scholarly Personal Narrative (SPN) qualitative research method. I chose this methodology because scientific fact could be argued either way for one therapeutic approach over another. By incorporating lived experience through SPN the union and cohesion necessary in all healing modalities, and their positive aspects, can be seen. The truth becomes self-evident. The results of this examination showed awareness earlier in life toward alternative and holistic treatments being paramount. Parents and educators lack information concerning modern therapeutic approaches. It also showed each situation will vary, but choice in treatment for ailments and illness of all kinds is not only viable, but highly recommended and researched. Access issues such as health insurance remain obstacles with some treatments and therapies, while others are a matter of cost prohibition, such as nutrition therapies. The implications of my work indicate a need for earlier incorporation of holistic healing programs and skill based therapies alongside perpetuated medical models in early childhood development and education. In conclusion, awareness towards medical concerns and how we as a society treat them can be improved upon by systemically incorporating less harmful therapies earlier in life. Fostering relations between medical providers, care providers and educators for students' wellbeing should be the foreground of any educational policy. Educators and parents alike should be made aware of and take advantage of effective skill-based treatments before a physical or mental condition surfaces or medication only approaches are authoritatively recommended. Integrating programs that build strong mental resilience and focus on youth development and education can reduce the necessity for more invasive treatments or medications should an ailment or illness develop. Ankylosing Spondylitis Chronic Pain Syndrome Complementary and Alternative Medicine Medication Management Scholarly Personal Narrative Skill Based Therapies Education Health and Physical Education
6	Abertura, tecnologia e desigualdade salarial na indústria brasileira: a dinâmica da demanda por qualificação / Liberalization, skill based technological changes and the salaries in Brazilian industry: the dynamic of the demand for skilled workers Giovannetti, Bruno Cara 06 June 2006 (has links) O objetivo dessa dissertação é investigar a dinâmica da demanda relativa por qualificação na indústria brasileira durante o período que se inicia em 1990 e vai até 2002. A partir de evidências de que a demanda relativa por qualificação se deslocou no período em questão, produzindo assim efeitos no sentido do aumento da desigualdade salarial na indústria em favor dos trabalhadores qualificados, o presente trabalho busca explicar tal movimento através da hipótese de choques tecnológicos enviesados para a qualificação. Para isso, são utilizadas como proxies para progresso técnico medidas relacionadas diretamente à abertura econômica, como tarifas, e medidas de tecnologia ao nível das firmas, como participação de bens intermediários importados, investimento em P&D, registro de patentes e características de inovação das firmas, como o fato de a empresa atuar ou não no mercado externo e inovar ou não em produtos ou em processos. Como proxy para qualificação do trabalhador, duas variáveis são utilizadas durante o trabalho, quais sejam, educação e ocupação. Os resultados apresentam fortes indícios de que ao menos parte dos movimentos da demanda relativa por qualificação, ocorridos nos últimos quinze anos, deveu-se a choques tecnológicos. Além disso, para o período que vai de 1990 a 1998, são reunidas evidências de que tais choques tecnológicos aumentaram, de fato, a produtividade relativa dos trabalhadores qualificados. Já para o período seguinte, que vai até 2002, os resultados relativos à produtividade são pouco conclusivos. / This paper examines the relationship between trade liberalization, technological changes, and the evolution of the demand for skill in Brazil during the period between 1990 and 2002. Using firm-level data, we test the hypothesis that technological shocks explain part of this rise. The results indicate that the reduction in input tariffs and other proxis for technological changes increased the relative demand for skilled workers. Abertura economica Choques tecnológicos Demand for skills Demanda por qualificação Labor market Liberalization Mercado de trabalho Skill based technological changes
7	Abertura, tecnologia e desigualdade salarial na indústria brasileira: a dinâmica da demanda por qualificação / Liberalization, skill based technological changes and the salaries in Brazilian industry: the dynamic of the demand for skilled workers Bruno Cara Giovannetti 06 June 2006 (has links) O objetivo dessa dissertação é investigar a dinâmica da demanda relativa por qualificação na indústria brasileira durante o período que se inicia em 1990 e vai até 2002. A partir de evidências de que a demanda relativa por qualificação se deslocou no período em questão, produzindo assim efeitos no sentido do aumento da desigualdade salarial na indústria em favor dos trabalhadores qualificados, o presente trabalho busca explicar tal movimento através da hipótese de choques tecnológicos enviesados para a qualificação. Para isso, são utilizadas como proxies para progresso técnico medidas relacionadas diretamente à abertura econômica, como tarifas, e medidas de tecnologia ao nível das firmas, como participação de bens intermediários importados, investimento em P&D, registro de patentes e características de inovação das firmas, como o fato de a empresa atuar ou não no mercado externo e inovar ou não em produtos ou em processos. Como proxy para qualificação do trabalhador, duas variáveis são utilizadas durante o trabalho, quais sejam, educação e ocupação. Os resultados apresentam fortes indícios de que ao menos parte dos movimentos da demanda relativa por qualificação, ocorridos nos últimos quinze anos, deveu-se a choques tecnológicos. Além disso, para o período que vai de 1990 a 1998, são reunidas evidências de que tais choques tecnológicos aumentaram, de fato, a produtividade relativa dos trabalhadores qualificados. Já para o período seguinte, que vai até 2002, os resultados relativos à produtividade são pouco conclusivos. / This paper examines the relationship between trade liberalization, technological changes, and the evolution of the demand for skill in Brazil during the period between 1990 and 2002. Using firm-level data, we test the hypothesis that technological shocks explain part of this rise. The results indicate that the reduction in input tariffs and other proxis for technological changes increased the relative demand for skilled workers. Abertura economica Choques tecnológicos Demanda por qualificação Mercado de trabalho Demand for skills Labor market Liberalization Skill based technological changes
8	Americans Abroad in Spain and Australia : A Comparative Study of University Students' Study Abroad Outcomes DiFante, Louis January 2016 (has links) The study abroad field has progressed into an innovative and exciting stage given the high- rise of interest throughout the last twenty years. Study abroad is not showing signs of losing momentum concerning student interest or academic research. Numerous variables affect the direction the field is heading. This study intends to illuminate some of those variables through classifying study abroad results. This research study is part of the 21st century phenomena regarding increased travel through study abroad programs. It investigates the results of U.S. students’ study abroad experiences in Spain and Australia, through identifying aspects of the knowledge outcomes, changes in perspective, and the social, professional, and personal implications on a U.S. student after returning home from such an endeavor. It is critical to recognize and comprehend student results from the study abroad perspective to provide higher education institutions, study abroad companies, educators, students, and researchers with a contextual, first-hand encounter through the eyes of the student. This student analysis provides a greater framework for various stakeholders to continue the promotion of studying abroad, while enriching study abroad programs, and to continue the provision of breadth of opportunity for upcoming students interested. Education International Comparative Study abroad knowledge outcomes results attitude changes Spain Australia American sojourn abroad students english culture social implication skill based implication adaptation change experience
9	Performance Evaluation Of Skill-Based Routing In An Inbound Call Center Using Stochastic Petri Nets Mazumdar, Chandra Sen 01 1900 (has links) Call centers have become a preferred and prevalent means for companies to communicate with their customers. As a consequence of this, the call center industry has seen a huge growth in both volume and scope in the last couple of decades. Operations managers are challenged with the fact that personnel costs, especially staffing, account for over 65% of the cost of running the typical call center. The trade-off between service quality (marketing) and efficiency (operations), thus naturally arises, and a central goal of ours is to contribute to its understanding. We present here a server switching policy for routing of calls to Customer Service Representatives (CSR) in a multi-skilled inbound call center utilizing skill-based routing (SBR). We model the system as a queueing network and propose stochastic Petri net based models for the design and performance analysis of call centers. Our models and experimentations help in identifying practices that result in efficient usage of existing personnel in a call center. In our work, we have considered two types of scenarios in which a multi-skilled SBR call center handling inbound calls can function - (i) with specialist agents only, and (ii) with a mix of specialist and flexible agents. We have developed both these models and compared the rewards obtained from each of them. This analysis helped us answer important issues regarding the routing decision of calls to CSRs, identify the hedging point where one obtains the highest rewards and the impact of varying the strategic and tactical level decisions on the overall call center performance. Call Centers Call Center - Routing Petrinets Stochastic Processes Call Center Performance Call Center Models Stochastic Petri Net Package (SPNP) Petri Net Models Skill-based Routing (SBR) Customer Service Representatives (CSR) Management
10	The Effect of Tactile and Audio Feedback in Handheld Mobile Text Entry Edman, Christopher L. 30 August 2016 (has links) No description available. Communication Computer Engineering Computer Science Design Engineering Experiments Industrial Engineering Information Technology Physiological Psychology Psychology Systems Design Systems Science Technology text entry texting mobile handheld hand held hand-held feedback feed back feed-forward feed forward tactile haptic audio typing interface touchscreen touch-screen touch screen iPhone skilled skill-based behavior Gibson Rasmussen

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