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Title: An Engineering Analytics Based Framework for Computational Advertising Systems.
Creator: Chen, Mengmeng, Rabelo, Luis, Lee, Gene, Keathley, Heather, Rahal, Ahmad, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Engineering analytics is a multifaceted landscape with a diversity of analytics tools which comes from emerging fields such as big data, machine learning, and traditional operations research. Industrial engineering is capable to optimize complex process and systems using engineering analytics elements and the traditional components such as total quality management. This dissertation has proven that industrial engineering using engineering analytics can optimize the emerging area of...
Show moreEngineering analytics is a multifaceted landscape with a diversity of analytics tools which comes from emerging fields such as big data, machine learning, and traditional operations research. Industrial engineering is capable to optimize complex process and systems using engineering analytics elements and the traditional components such as total quality management. This dissertation has proven that industrial engineering using engineering analytics can optimize the emerging area of Computational Advertising. The key was to know the different fields very well and do the right selection. However, people first need to understand and be experts in the flow of the complex application of Computational Advertising and based on the characteristics of each step map the right field of Engineering analytics and traditional Industrial Engineering. Then build the apparatus and apply it to the respective problem in question.This dissertation consists of four research papers addressing the development of a framework to tame the complexity of computational advertising and improve its usage efficiency from an advertiser's viewpoint. This new framework and its respective systems architecture combine the use of support vector machines, Recurrent Neural Networks, Deep Learning Neural Networks, traditional neural networks, Game Theory/Auction Theory with Generative adversarial networks, and Web Engineering to optimize the computational advertising bidding process and achieve a higher rate of return. The system is validated with an actual case study with commercial providers such as Google AdWords and an advertiser's budget of several million dollars.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007319, ucf:52118
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007319

Title: A Methodology for Data-Driven Decision-Making in Last Mile Delivery Operations.
Creator: Gutierrez Franco, Edgar, Rabelo, Luis, Karwowski, Waldemar, Zheng, Qipeng, Sarmiento, Alfonso, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Across all industries, from manufacturing to services, decision-makers must deal day to day with the outcomes from past and current decisions that affect their business. Last-mile delivery is the term used in supply chain management to describe the movement of goods from a hub to final destinations. This research proposes a methodology that supports decision making for the execution of last-mile delivery operations in a supply chain. This methodology offers diverse, hybrid, and complementary...
Show moreAcross all industries, from manufacturing to services, decision-makers must deal day to day with the outcomes from past and current decisions that affect their business. Last-mile delivery is the term used in supply chain management to describe the movement of goods from a hub to final destinations. This research proposes a methodology that supports decision making for the execution of last-mile delivery operations in a supply chain. This methodology offers diverse, hybrid, and complementary techniques (e.g., optimization, simulation, machine learning, and geographic information systems) to understand last-mile delivery operations through data-driven decision-making. The hybrid modeling might create better warning systems and support the delivery stage in a supply chain. The methodology proposes self-learning procedures to iteratively test and adjust the gaps between the expected and real performance. This methodology supports the process of making effective decisions promptly, optimization, simulation, and machine learning models are used to support execution processes and adjust plans according to changes in conditions, circumstances, and critical factors. This research is applied in two case studies. The first one is in maritime logistics, which discusses the decision process to find the type of vessels and routes to deliver petroleum from ships to villages. The second is in city logistics, where a network of stakeholders during the city distribution process is analyzed, showing the potential benefits of this methodology, especially in metropolitan areas. Potential applications of this system will leverage growing technological trends (e.g., machine learning in supply chain management and logistics, internet of things). The main research impact is the design and implementation of a methodology, which can support real-time decisions and adjust last-mile operations depending on the circumstances. The methodology allows taking decisions under conditions of stakeholder behavior patterns like vehicle drivers, customers, locations, and traffic. As the main benefit is the possibility to predict future scenarios and plan strategies for the most likely situations in last-mile delivery. This will help determine and support the accurate calculation of performance indicators. The research brings a unified methodology, where different solution approaches can be used in a synchronized form, which allows researches and other interested people to see the connection between techniques. With this research, it was possible to bring advanced technologies in routing practices and algorithms to decrease operating cost and leverage the use of offline and online information, thanks to connected sensors to support decisions.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007645, ucf:52505
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007645

Title: A Framework for Measuring the Value-Added of Knowledge Processes with Analysis of Process Interactions and Dynamics.
Creator: Cintron, Jose, Rabelo, Luis, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Thompson, William, Ajayi, Richard, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The most known and widely used methods use cash flows and tangible assets to measure the impact of investments in the organization's outputs. But in the last decade many newer organizations whose outputs are heavily dependent on information technology utilize knowledge as their main asset. These organizations' market values lie on the knowledge of its employees and their technological capabilities. In the current technology-based business landscape the value added by assets utilized for...
Show moreThe most known and widely used methods use cash flows and tangible assets to measure the impact of investments in the organization's outputs. But in the last decade many newer organizations whose outputs are heavily dependent on information technology utilize knowledge as their main asset. These organizations' market values lie on the knowledge of its employees and their technological capabilities. In the current technology-based business landscape the value added by assets utilized for generation of outputs cannot be appropriately measured and managed without considering the role that intangible assets and knowledge play in executing processes. The analysis of processes for comparison and decision making based on intangible value added can be accomplished using the knowledge required to execute processes. The measurement of value added by knowledge can provide a more realistic framework for analysis of processes where traditional cost methods are not appropriate, enabling managers to better allocate and control knowledge-based processes. Further consideration of interactions and complexity between proposed process alternatives can yield answers about where and when investments can improve value-added while dynamically providing higher returns on investment.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004983, ucf:49585
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004983

Title: A STUDY ON THE ANALYZING PRIORITY OF LIMITING FACTORS IN LIVE, VIRTUAL, AND CONSTRUCTIVE (LVC) SIMULATION INTEROPERABILITY USING ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS (AHP) METHOD.
Creator: Yoo, Youngkun, Lee, Gene, Rabelo, Luis, Elshennawy, Ahmad, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Each Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) simulation model has been developed and used with many benefits. When system developers created each simulation model, focused on specific standards to fit to their own respective purposes. Consequently, there have been interoperability issues among simulation models that have many limitations. To be specific, despite various efforts to achieve and maintain complete interoperability in LVC simulation environment, substantial limiting factors have...
Show moreEach Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) simulation model has been developed and used with many benefits. When system developers created each simulation model, focused on specific standards to fit to their own respective purposes. Consequently, there have been interoperability issues among simulation models that have many limitations. To be specific, despite various efforts to achieve and maintain complete interoperability in LVC simulation environment, substantial limiting factors have remained in technical and managerial fields. Thus, analyzing and prioritizing limiting factors in LVC simulation is the effective way to solve interoperability problems while saving budget and time. The purpose of this research is to analyze the priority of limiting factors in LVC simulation interoperability. Based on the identified limiting factors from the literature review, this study performed Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) survey to generate weights of experts' judgement for each limiting factor. Following the AHP survey targeted to LVC simulation experts, this researcher suggest the priority of limiting factors that are needed to be focused on as well as recommendations for future research.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005912, ucf:50849
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005912

Title: A Predictive Model To Identify Caregivers At Risk Of Musculoskeletal Disorders.
Creator: Ali, Abdulelah, Lee, Gene, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Rabelo, Luis, Rahal, Ahmad, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Healthcare systems face several challenges due to the aging workforce, recruitment shortages, increasing patient acuteness, and increasing patient size and weight. The most costly, leading, and prevalent problem in the healthcare industry and nursing professions is work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). MSDs are common among caregivers because of the nature of their work, which requires repetitive heavy physical activity. The development of MSDs among caregivers negatively impacts the...
Show moreHealthcare systems face several challenges due to the aging workforce, recruitment shortages, increasing patient acuteness, and increasing patient size and weight. The most costly, leading, and prevalent problem in the healthcare industry and nursing professions is work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). MSDs are common among caregivers because of the nature of their work, which requires repetitive heavy physical activity. The development of MSDs among caregivers negatively impacts the quality of care, and incurs high costs such as worker compensation, days away from work, turnover, rehabilitation, and lower productivity. Therefore, it is essential to determine the factors that contribute to musculoskeletal disorder injuries among caregivers, in order to reduce or eliminate risks within healthcare environments which might cause such ramifications. This dissertation develops a framework to identify risk factors for MSDs and to determine which ones show significant contribution to be included in a developed predictive model. The data was obtained from caregivers who work in Saudi Arabian healthcare institutions, with 104 participating nurses to determine which risk factors would be included in the predictive model. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association of the identified work related and non-work related risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare organizations among caregivers. The development of the predictive model provides insights into risk factors which can guide the development of policies and recommendations to reduce and eliminate the development of MSDs among caregivers.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006065, ucf:50967
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006065

Title: A Holistic Framework for Transitional Management.
Creator: Elattar, Ahmed, Rabelo, Luis, Pazour, Jennifer, Mollaghasemi, Mansooreh, Ajayi, Richard, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: For all business organizations, there comes a time when a change must take place within their eco-system. It consumes a great deal of thought and planning to ensure that the right decision is made as it could alter the entire course of their business for a number of years to come. This change may appear in the form of a brilliant CEO reaching the age of retirement, or an unsuccessful Managing Director being asked to leave before fulfilling the term of her contract. Regardless of the cause, a...
Show moreFor all business organizations, there comes a time when a change must take place within their eco-system. It consumes a great deal of thought and planning to ensure that the right decision is made as it could alter the entire course of their business for a number of years to come. This change may appear in the form of a brilliant CEO reaching the age of retirement, or an unsuccessful Managing Director being asked to leave before fulfilling the term of her contract. Regardless of the cause, a transition must occur in which a suitable successor is chosen and put into place while minimizing costs, satisfying stakeholders, ensuring that the successor has been adequately prepared for their new position, and minimizing work place gossip, among other things. It is also important to understand how the nature of the business, as well as its financial standing, effects such a transition.Engineering and management principles come together in this study to ensure that organizations going through such a change are on the right course. As the problem of transitional management is not one of concrete values and contains many ambiguous concepts, one way to tackle the problem is by utilizing various industrial engineering methodologies that allow these companies to systematically begin preparing for such a change. By default, organizational strategy has to change, technology is continually being renewed and it becomes very hard for the same leader to constantly implement new and innovative developments.Organizations today have a very poor understanding of where they currently stand and as a result the cause for a company's lack of profitability is often overlooked with time and money being wasted in an attempt to fix something that is not broken. To be able to look at the bigger picture of an organization and from there begin to close in on the main problems causing a negative impact, the Matrix of Change is used and takes in many factors to layout an accurate representation of the direction in which an organization should be headed and how it can continue to grow and remain successful. The Theory of Constraints on the other hand is used here as a step-by-step guide allowing companies to be better organized during times of change. And System Dynamics modeling is where these companies can begin to simulate and solve the dilemma of transitional management using causal loop diagrams and stock and flow diagrams.Through such tools a framework can begin to be developed, one that is valued by corporations and continually reviewed. Several case studies, simulation modeling, and a panel of experts were used in order to demonstrate and validate this framework.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005160, ucf:50708
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005160

Title: Integrated Maritime Simulation Complex Management, Quality And Training Effectiveness From The Perspective Of Modeling And Simulation In The State Of Florida, USA (A Case Study).
Creator: Sendi, Yaser, Kincaid, John, Rabelo, Luis, Lee, Gene, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Naturally, maritime training simulators at all events are valuable instructional and pedagogical tools. Through the history, the maritime simulation was utilized to train prospective maritime apprentices in whom it has filled the gap left by the acute shortage of opportunities for jobs onboard vessels around the globe. However, professional seafarers are the axis of success and competitiveness in the field of maritime training. They are the ones that, who are well trained and have the...
Show moreNaturally, maritime training simulators at all events are valuable instructional and pedagogical tools. Through the history, the maritime simulation was utilized to train prospective maritime apprentices in whom it has filled the gap left by the acute shortage of opportunities for jobs onboard vessels around the globe. However, professional seafarers are the axis of success and competitiveness in the field of maritime training. They are the ones that, who are well trained and have the responsibilities of their work and the surrounding environment. In order to achieve the success along with effective training skills, both maritime companies and seafarers should implement a management of safety onboard ships, which only can be executed through the effective usage of the Bridge Resource Management (BRM) and righteous maritime simulation training.Qualitative upgrading of the maritime training process at higher education levels depends predominantly on the instructive value of the instructors' educational software and the content of these programs which contains advanced and intelligent scenarios that benefit positively in providing effective training in order to, transfer and implement their gained skills from virtual reality to the actual environment with minimal risks and additionally to avoid the unforeseen occurrences at sea. The outcomes of the evaluation have shown the instructional suitability of the maritime educational scheme and significant capabilities, it provides, as well as the domains and frameworks for its instructional development. The above facts are substantial in the refinement and improvement of the current maritime education and growth of the apprentices' capabilities and the professionalism of their skills, along with the farthest purpose of creating more educated marine navigators in the worldwide merchant fleet.This research proposes and demonstrates in details the purpose of the maritime simulation training complexes, the elements that if provided, will lead to an effective maritime simulation training, types of maritime simulation, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), its tools and its power for the effectiveness of the maritime simulation training through different conventions (&) codes and the future for the maritime simulation training, in order to emphasize and accentuate the interplay between instructors and apprentices in an integrated maritime simulation complex on which a serious maritime event is taking place.The distillation of this thesis draws an attention to the effectiveness of the partnership between maritime apprentices and their instructors across a maritime simulation training complex scheme during a virtual maritime scenario event in an advanced facilities located in the state of Florida, which is armed with modern technology, provides both added stimulation for the apprentice himself and elevates the simulator a degree toward a vessel for practical training and/or sailing.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005999, ucf:50787
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005999

Title: An Unsupervised Consensus Control Chart Pattern Recognition Framework.
Creator: Haghtalab, Siavash, Xanthopoulos, Petros, Pazour, Jennifer, Rabelo, Luis, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Early identification and detection of abnormal time series patterns is vital for a number of manufacturing.Slide shifts and alterations of time series patterns might be indicative of some anomalyin the production process, such as machinery malfunction. Usually due to the continuous flow of data monitoring of manufacturing processes requires automated Control Chart Pattern Recognition(CCPR) algorithms. The majority of CCPR literature consists of supervised classification algorithms. Less...
Show moreEarly identification and detection of abnormal time series patterns is vital for a number of manufacturing.Slide shifts and alterations of time series patterns might be indicative of some anomalyin the production process, such as machinery malfunction. Usually due to the continuous flow of data monitoring of manufacturing processes requires automated Control Chart Pattern Recognition(CCPR) algorithms. The majority of CCPR literature consists of supervised classification algorithms. Less studies consider unsupervised versions of the problem. Despite the profound advantageof unsupervised methodology for less manual data labeling their use is limited due to thefact that their performance is not robust enough for practical purposes. In this study we propose the use of a consensus clustering framework. Computational results show robust behavior compared to individual clustering algorithms.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005178, ucf:50670
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005178

Title: Internet of Things Business Modeling and Analysis using Agent-Based Simulation.
Creator: Basingab, Mohammed, Rabelo, Luis, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Lee, Gene, Rahal, Ahmad, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Internet of Things (IoT) is a new vision of an integrated network covering physical objects that are able to collect and exchange data. It enables previously unconnected devices and objects to become connected using equipping devices with communication technology such as sensors and radio frequency identification tags (RFID). As technology progresses towards new paradigm such as IoT, there is a need for an approach to identify the significance of these projects. Conventional simulation...
Show moreInternet of Things (IoT) is a new vision of an integrated network covering physical objects that are able to collect and exchange data. It enables previously unconnected devices and objects to become connected using equipping devices with communication technology such as sensors and radio frequency identification tags (RFID). As technology progresses towards new paradigm such as IoT, there is a need for an approach to identify the significance of these projects. Conventional simulation modeling and data analysis approaches are not able to capture the system complexity or suffer from a lack of data needed that can help to build a prediction. Agent-based Simulation (ABM) proposes an efficient simulation scheme to capture the structure of this dimension and offer a potential solution.Two case studies were proposed in this research. The first one introduces a conceptual case study addressing the use of agent-based simulations to verify the effectiveness of the business model of IoT. The objective of the study is to assess the feasibility of such application, of the market in the city of Orlando (Florida, United States). The second case study seeks to use ABM to simulate the operational behavior of refrigeration units (7,420) in one of largest retail organizations in Saudi Arabia and assess the economic feasibility of IoT implementation by estimating the return on investment (ROI).
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006855, ucf:51756
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006855

Title: A Framework for Measuring Return on Investment for Healthcare Simulation-Based Training.
Creator: Bukhari, Hatim, Rabelo, Luis, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Goldiez, Brian, Andreatta, Pamela, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In the healthcare sector, providing high-quality service in a safe environment for both patient and staff is an obvious and ultimate major objective. Training is an essential component for achieving this important objective. Most organizations acknowledge that employee simulation-based training programs are an important part of the human capital strategy, yet few have effectively succeeded in quantifying the real and precise ROI of this type of investment. Therefore, if the training is...
Show moreIn the healthcare sector, providing high-quality service in a safe environment for both patient and staff is an obvious and ultimate major objective. Training is an essential component for achieving this important objective. Most organizations acknowledge that employee simulation-based training programs are an important part of the human capital strategy, yet few have effectively succeeded in quantifying the real and precise ROI of this type of investment. Therefore, if the training is perceived as a waste of resources and its ROI is not clearly recognized, it will be the first option to cut when the budget cut is needed.The various intangible benefits of healthcare simulation-based training are very difficult to quantify. In addition, there was not a unified way to count for the different cost and benefits to provide a justifiable ROI. Quantifying the qualitative and intangible benefits of medical training simulator needed a framework that helps to identify and convert qualitative and intangible benefits into monetary value so it can be considered in the ROI evaluation.This research is a response to the highlighted importance of developing a comprehensive framework that has the capability to take into consideration the wide range of benefits that simulation-based training can bring to the healthcare system taking into consideration the characteristics of this specific field of investment. The major characteristics of investment in this field include the uncertainty, the qualitative nature of the major benefits, and the diversity and the wide range of applications.This comprehensive framework is an integration of several methodologies and tools. It consists of three parts. The first part of the framework is the benefits and cost structure, which pays special attention to the qualitative and intangible benefits by considering the Value Measurement methodology (VMM) and other previously existing models. The second part of the framework is important to deal with the uncertainty associated with this type of investment. Monte Carlo simulation is a tool that considered multiple scenarios of input sets instead of a single set of inputs. The third part of the framework considers an advanced value analysis of the investment. It goes beyond the discounted cash flow (DCF) methodologies like net present value (NPV) that consider a single scenario for the cash flow to Real Options Analysis that consider the flexibility over the lifetime of the investment when evaluating the value of the investment. This framework has been validated through case studies.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006859, ucf:51750
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006859

Title: A framework to generate a smart manufacturing system configurations using agents and optimization.
Creator: Nagadi, Khalid, Rabelo, Luis, Lee, Gene, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Ahmad, Ali, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Manufacturing is a crucial element in the global economy. During the last decade, the national manufacturing sector loses nearly 30% of its workforce and investments. Consequently, the quality of the domestic goods, global share, and manufacturing capabilities has been declined. Therefore, innovative ways to optimize the usage of the Smart Manufacturing Systems (SMS) are required to form a new manufacturing era. This research is presenting a framework to optimize the design of SMS. This...
Show moreManufacturing is a crucial element in the global economy. During the last decade, the national manufacturing sector loses nearly 30% of its workforce and investments. Consequently, the quality of the domestic goods, global share, and manufacturing capabilities has been declined. Therefore, innovative ways to optimize the usage of the Smart Manufacturing Systems (SMS) are required to form a new manufacturing era. This research is presenting a framework to optimize the design of SMS. This includes the determination of the suitable machines that can perform the job efficiently, the quantity of those machines, and the potential messaging system required for sharing information.Multiple reviews are used to form the framework. Expert machine selection matrix identifies the required machines and machine parameter matrix defines the specifications of those machines. While business process modeling and notation (BPMN) captures the process plan in object-oriented fashion. In addition, to agent unified modeling language (AUML) that guides the application of message sequence diagram and statecharts. Finally, the configuration is obtained from a hybrid simulation model. Agent based-modeling is used to capture the behavior of the machines where discrete event simulation mimics the process flow. A case study of a manufacturing system is used to verify the study. As a result, the framework shows positive outcomes in supporting upper management in the planning phase of establishing a SMS or evaluating an existing one.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006540, ucf:51311
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006540

Title: Quality by Design Procedure for Continuous Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: An Integrated Flowsheet Model Approach.
Creator: Vezina, Ashley, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Rabelo, Luis, Karwowski, Waldemar, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Pharmaceutical manufacturing is crucial to global healthcare and requires a higher, more consistent level of quality than any other industry. Yet, the traditional pharmaceutical batch manufacturing has remained largely unchanged in the last fifty years due to high R(&)D costs, shorter patent durations, and regulatory uncertainty. This has led regulatory bodies to promote modernization of manufacturing process to continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing (CPM) by introducing new methodologies...
Show morePharmaceutical manufacturing is crucial to global healthcare and requires a higher, more consistent level of quality than any other industry. Yet, the traditional pharmaceutical batch manufacturing has remained largely unchanged in the last fifty years due to high R(&)D costs, shorter patent durations, and regulatory uncertainty. This has led regulatory bodies to promote modernization of manufacturing process to continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing (CPM) by introducing new methodologies including quality by design, design space, and process analytical technology (PAT). This represents a shift away from the traditional pharmaceutical manufacturing way of thinking towards a risk based approach that promotes increased product and process knowledge through a data-rich environment. While both literature and regulatory bodies acknowledge the need for modernization, manufacturers have been slow to modernize due to uncertainty and lack of confidence in the applications of these methodologies. This paper aims to describe the current applications of QbD principles in literature and the current regulatory environment to identify gaps in literature through leveraging regulatory guidelines and CPM literature. To aid in closing the gap between QbD theory and QbD application, a QbD algorithm for CPM using an integrated flowsheet models is also developed and analyzed. This will help to increase manufacturing confidence in CPM by providing answers to questions about the CPM business case, applications of QbD tools, process validation and sensitivity, and process and equipment characteristics. An integrated flowsheet model will aid in the decision-making process and process optimization, breaking away from ex silico methods extensively covered in literature.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006923, ucf:51683
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006923

Title: A Holistic Framework for Effective Engineering Leadership Development Using 3D Virtual World Simulation.
Creator: Almalki, Hamed, Rabelo, Luis, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Lee, Gene, Ferreras, Ana, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Problems associated with the limited success of traditional engineering leadership development are the absence of embedded real-life industry case studies in leadership development and incorrect applications of leadership strategies in the various contexts. Though recommended programs for enhancing leadership development exist, they lack an examined framework, especially when it comes to leadership development of undergraduate engineering students. In this research effort, the impact of a...
Show moreProblems associated with the limited success of traditional engineering leadership development are the absence of embedded real-life industry case studies in leadership development and incorrect applications of leadership strategies in the various contexts. Though recommended programs for enhancing leadership development exist, they lack an examined framework, especially when it comes to leadership development of undergraduate engineering students. In this research effort, the impact of a framework using 3D virtual world simulation and the 4-D Leadership System to enhance the leadership abilities of undergraduate engineering students at the individual and team levels based on industrial leadership case studies was investigated. The 3D virtual world simulation was used to provide experiential learning by replacing human beings with avatars that could be managed or dramatized by real people. This framework was examined and validated by a randomized pretest-posttest control group design. Paired and two-sample t-tests revealed a significant development in the average team leadership skills of the experimental group, but no significant change occurred in the control group teams. There was a reduction in the mean of individuals' tests which indicated there was a small enhancement in an individual's leadership skills; however, the change was small and not statistically significant. Also, the administration of the 3D virtual world leadership simulation on the undergraduate engineering students had a significant effect on a team's average leadership skills. There was a small, but insignificant effect of the 3D virtual world simulation for individuals. The findings of the study supported simulation as having potential to strengthen the leadership development of undergraduate engineering students, thereby preparing them to meet industry's demands for engineering leadership.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006248, ucf:51087
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006248

Title: A Framework for Measuring and Analyzing Customer Satisfaction at Computer Service Company using Lean Six Sigma.
Creator: Abboodi, Mohammed, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Rabelo, Luis, Xanthopoulos, Petros, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The computer service industry has been expanding dramatically due to the increase in the number of computing machineries in the last two decades. The entrance of large size companies in the market and the release of online tools that have the ability for diagnosing and troubleshooting hardware and software issues have boosted the competition. In the meantime, many of the small and medium size companies find themselves unable to keep their customers satisfied since their competitors provide...
Show moreThe computer service industry has been expanding dramatically due to the increase in the number of computing machineries in the last two decades. The entrance of large size companies in the market and the release of online tools that have the ability for diagnosing and troubleshooting hardware and software issues have boosted the competition. In the meantime, many of the small and medium size companies find themselves unable to keep their customers satisfied since their competitors provide high quality service with lower cost. The lack of a good measurement system to assess and analyze the satisfaction level with the provided service is the fundamental cause of customer decline. The aim of this study is to construct a robust framework to measure customer satisfaction and highlight the root causes of dissatisfaction in the computer service sector. This framework brings together the key aspects of Six Sigma and SERVQUAL instruments into a structured approach to measure and analyze customer satisfaction with computer services. It deploys the DMAIC problem solving methodology along with the SERVQUAL model, which contributes service dimensions and the Gap Analyze technique. Literature review indicates there have not been enough studies conducted to integrate Lean Six Sigma with SERVQUAL. To explore the effectiveness of the current framework, a computer service company has been selected. The satisfaction levels are calculated and the root causes of dissatisfaction have been identified. With a low overall customer satisfaction level, the company did not fulfill their customer requirements due to five major causes. Eliminating those causes will boost customer satisfaction, reduce the cost of acquiring new customers and improve the company performance in general.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005117, ucf:50751
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005117

Title: Dynamic Job-shop scheduling program(DJSP) analysis for Preventive military Helicopter maintenance system(PMS).
Creator: Park, Kyungjin, Lee, Gene, Rabelo, Luis, Elshennawy, Ahmad, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Republic of Korea Army(ROKA) has been founding new attack helicopter troops since last year by adopting US main attack helicopter, AH-64E Apache, and peripheral system like pilots and mechanics training systems and their organization. The AH-64E Apache is a major attack helicopter of the US Army and all of its systems are verified in terms of the effectiveness in real operations for several decades. However, ROKA still needs their own version of systems including tactics, template, and...
Show moreRepublic of Korea Army(ROKA) has been founding new attack helicopter troops since last year by adopting US main attack helicopter, AH-64E Apache, and peripheral system like pilots and mechanics training systems and their organization. The AH-64E Apache is a major attack helicopter of the US Army and all of its systems are verified in terms of the effectiveness in real operations for several decades. However, ROKA still needs their own version of systems including tactics, template, and maintenance which are suitable for Korean terrain, climate, personnel, and so on. At least ROKA needs to have a chance to verify that the adopted system is working well with different circumstances, especially with a different maintenance system.As basic characteristics, routine maintenance and management are essential for accident prevention for a helicopter, there are specially formalized maintenance systems for every kind of helicopter respectively. It was established by a manufacturer in maintenance manuals and can be modified and integrated by users and operators. Apache also has its own maintenance schedule and system including 25-hour, 50-hour, 125-hour, and 250-hour maintenance and inspections which are implemented according to the operation hours. Those schedules are done by a task force or temporary maintenance team which is led by one or two inspectors and supported by 3~4 mechanics.Maintenance troops restrict the number of aircraft to get in the process by managing the flight hours considering the limit of manpower and equipment so that the operation rate stays above at least 80%. It is important to stipulate their capacity in need and max capacity with given personnel and facility for newly founding military troops. Especially since ROKA aviation branch is applying a more strict maintenance process, it might cause insufficiency of resources if organized by same template and procedure with the US Army. The goal of this study is to verify if existing personnel organization is affordable for new maintenance system of AH-64 Apache helicopters. As a further step ahead, this research found the most critical personnel pool and their relationship by sensitivity analysis. This research specified actual maintenance procedure and restrictions on computer and simulated virtually. During the repetition of the test, existing organization was found inadequate to satisfy all restrictions and requirements. Test pilot and inspector pool are critical to secure the successful maintenance support and to prepare for contingency. Also, there were interesting relationships between the mechanics groups. They are in supplemental relationships with each other because of the condition of one pool affects the other.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006776, ucf:51864
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006776

Title: Design of a Framework for Sharing and Generating Combat Damage Assessment(CDA) of a HLA/RTI Federation.
Creator: Park, Hongseon, Lee, Gene, Rabelo, Luis, Elshennawy, Ahmad, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In this paper, a new framework for sharing Combat Damage Assessment(CDA) is proposed to find out the differences of each CDA system between military combat units belonging to their own federate in a HLA/RTI federation. When there are engagements in a battle among combat units belonging to their own federate in the HLA/RTI federation, each result of damage assessments is very different. This affects the HLA/RTI federation's confidence and needed to be overcome because it is also one of the...
Show moreIn this paper, a new framework for sharing Combat Damage Assessment(CDA) is proposed to find out the differences of each CDA system between military combat units belonging to their own federate in a HLA/RTI federation. When there are engagements in a battle among combat units belonging to their own federate in the HLA/RTI federation, each result of damage assessments is very different. This affects the HLA/RTI federation's confidence and needed to be overcome because it is also one of the major issues to generate reliable engagement data. Also, a RTI can generate only qualitative data about combat damage while quantitative data can be useful.Therefore, the new framework for sharing CDA and generating quantitative CDA data is proposed to solve the problems with a CDA Module of one federate which is considered to have a standard engagement logic. The new framework is also tested through two case studies by using two federates of a HLA 1516 / M(&)#196;K RTI federation. This new framework will be helpful to increase the interoperability in a HLA/RTI federation, provide an environment in which all developers can reuse the proposed new framework, and generate quantitative engagement data through this new framework.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006775, ucf:51843
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006775

Title: A framework for interoperability on the United States electric grid infrastructure.
Creator: Laval, Stuart, Rabelo, Luis, Zheng, Qipeng, Xanthopoulos, Petros, Ajayi, Richard, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Historically, the United States (US) electric grid has been a stable one-way power delivery infrastructure that supplies centrally-generated electricity to its predictably consuming demand. However, the US electric grid is now undergoing a huge transformation from a simple and static system to a complex and dynamic network, which is starting to interconnect intermittent distributed energy resources (DERs), portable electric vehicles (EVs), and load-altering home automation devices, that...
Show moreHistorically, the United States (US) electric grid has been a stable one-way power delivery infrastructure that supplies centrally-generated electricity to its predictably consuming demand. However, the US electric grid is now undergoing a huge transformation from a simple and static system to a complex and dynamic network, which is starting to interconnect intermittent distributed energy resources (DERs), portable electric vehicles (EVs), and load-altering home automation devices, that create bidirectional power flow or stochastic load behavior. In order for this grid of the future to effectively embrace the high penetration of these disruptive and fast-responding digital technologies without compromising its safety, reliability, and affordability, plug-and-play interoperability within the field area network must be enabled between operational technology (OT), information technology (IT), and telecommunication assets in order to seamlessly and securely integrate into the electric utility's operations and planning systems in a modular, flexible, and scalable fashion. This research proposes a potential approach to simplifying the translation and contextualization of operational data on the electric grid without being routed to the utility datacenter for a control decision. This methodology integrates modern software technology from other industries, along with utility industry-standard semantic models, to overcome information siloes and enable interoperability. By leveraging industrial engineering tools, a framework is also developed to help devise a reference architecture and use-case application process that is applied and validated at a US electric utility.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005647, ucf:50193
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005647

Title: A curricula assessment and improvement quantitative model for higher education: a design for six sigma methodology.
Creator: Halawany, Abdullah, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Lee, Gene, Rabelo, Luis, Rahal, Ahmad, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Curricula assessment is an integrated process to assist higher education institutions in addressing the challenges in adesignated field of study and in exploring the opportunities to better educate and prepare their students for an increasinglycomplex world.Although assessment as a topic has been researched extensively, there has been a lack of quantitative tools that addressthe requirements of many of the stakeholders that may be critical to the curriculum design and assessment processes...
Show moreCurricula assessment is an integrated process to assist higher education institutions in addressing the challenges in adesignated field of study and in exploring the opportunities to better educate and prepare their students for an increasinglycomplex world.Although assessment as a topic has been researched extensively, there has been a lack of quantitative tools that addressthe requirements of many of the stakeholders that may be critical to the curriculum design and assessment processes.This research proposes the utilization of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) to develop a quantitative model for curriculumassessment and improvement for higher education institutions. A review of the literature indicates that there is a lack ofquantitative tools that enhance the reliability and efficiency of gathering customer requirements for curriculum in highereducation environment. In addition, there is a lack of tools to translate these requirements into actual characteristics that canbe used for curriculum design and assessment purposes. The literature also indicates that curriculum assessment is one ofseveral educational processes that affect the quality of education.This research proposes a quantitative model for curriculum assessment and improvement in higher education institutions,utilizing design for six sigma methodology. The proposed model explores the use of the Kano model concept to translateneeded requirements into desirable curriculum attributes and the general concept of establishing transfer function todetermine the level at which those requirements have been satisfied. The use of the developed model can help improvestudent learning and provide curriculum stakeholders with timely feedback about the curriculum and identify areas in need ofimprovement.To validate the capability of the proposed model, an ABET accredited department of Industrial Engineering in a USuniversity was used a case study.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005344, ucf:50497
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005344

Title: Model-Based Systems Engineering Approach to Distributed and Hybrid Simulation Systems.
Creator: Pastrana, John, Rabelo, Luis, Lee, Gene, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Kincaid, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: INCOSE defines Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) as (")the formalized application of modeling to support system requirements, design, analysis, verification, and validation activities beginning in the conceptual design phase and continuing throughout development and later life cycle phases.(") One very important development is the utilization of MBSE to develop distributed and hybrid (discrete-continuous) simulation modeling systems. MBSE can help to describe the systems to be modeled...
Show moreINCOSE defines Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) as (")the formalized application of modeling to support system requirements, design, analysis, verification, and validation activities beginning in the conceptual design phase and continuing throughout development and later life cycle phases.(") One very important development is the utilization of MBSE to develop distributed and hybrid (discrete-continuous) simulation modeling systems. MBSE can help to describe the systems to be modeled and help make the right decisions and partitions to tame complexity. The ability to embrace conceptual modeling and interoperability techniques during systems specification and design presents a great advantage in distributed and hybrid simulation systems development efforts. Our research is aimed at the definition of a methodological framework that uses MBSE languages, methods and tools for the development of these simulation systems. A model-based composition approach is defined at the initial steps to identify distributed systems interoperability requirements and hybrid simulation systems characteristics. Guidelines are developed to adopt simulation interoperability standards and conceptual modeling techniques using MBSE methods and tools. Domain specific system complexity and behavior can be captured with model-based approaches during the system architecture and functional design requirements definition. MBSE can allow simulation engineers to formally model different aspects of a problem ranging from architectures to corresponding behavioral analysis, to functional decompositions and user requirements (Jobe, 2008).
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005395, ucf:50464
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005395

Title: Employing Quality Management Principles to Improve the Performance of Educational Systems: An Empirical Study of the Effect of ISO 9001 Standard on Teachers and Administrators Performance in the Indonesian Vocational Education System.
Creator: Kuncoro, Andreas, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Lee, Gene, Rabelo, Luis, Bai, Haiyan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: ISO 9001 has been world widely implemented in both manufacturing and service organizations. A lot of studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of ISO 9001 implementation on the performance of these organizations. Most of these studies show that ISO 9001 implementation realized positive operational improvements and financial success.Building on the merits of successful implementation of ISO 9001 quality management system in manufacturing and service, educational institutions have...
Show moreISO 9001 has been world widely implemented in both manufacturing and service organizations. A lot of studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of ISO 9001 implementation on the performance of these organizations. Most of these studies show that ISO 9001 implementation realized positive operational improvements and financial success.Building on the merits of successful implementation of ISO 9001 quality management system in manufacturing and service, educational institutions have been attempted to adopt it in their operations. Even though there are studies relating ISO implementation to education, no research has been done to investigate the effects of ISO 9001 at the individual level.The objective of this research is to investigate the effects of ISO 9001 quality management implementation on the performance of administrators and teachers. The Indonesian vocational education system is selected as a case example as there is a significant number of such institutions in Indonesia that attempt to achieve ISO certification and there is a national need to improve the performance of vocational education. It is a challenge to assess objectively the degree of ISO 9001 implementation in this specific educational context because of the size and diversity. This study relies on survey that measures the respondents' perception. Hence, this study applies a self-reported survey based performance measurement. The questionnaires are developed based on extensive literature review. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLSSEM) has been used to examine the relationships between the different elements of quality management systems, quality culture; administrator and teacher performances. The study is able to examine multiple interrelated dependence and subsequent relationships simultaneously among examined factors such as teacher and administrator performance, existing quality culture and ISO principles; and to incorporate variables that cannot be directly measured, such as leadership, for example. The findings of this study show that ISO 9001 implementation has positive significant effect on the performance of the vocational school administrator and teacher. The study also identifies key influencing elements of the ISO quality management system and examines their direct and indirect relationships with teacher and administrator performances. This study is expected to improve the current practices in implementing ISO and quality culture in any educational settings, specifically in the case of vocational educational system.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0005019, ucf:50006
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005019

System Dynamics (8)	+ -
Machine Learning (4)	+ -
Simulation (4)	+ -
DFSS (3)	+ -
HLA (3)	+ -

Healthcare (3)	+ -
Industrial Engineering (3)	+ -
SPEEDES (3)	+ -
Agent Based Simulation (2)	+ -
Balanced Scorecard (2)	+ -
Change Management (2)	+ -
Customer Satisfaction (2)	+ -
Data Mining (2)	+ -
Engineering Management (2)	+ -
Hybrid Simulation (2)	+ -
Internet of Things (2)	+ -
LVC simulation (2)	+ -
Leadership (2)	+ -
Live (2)	+ -
Performance Excellence (2)	+ -
RTI (2)	+ -
Real Options Analysis (2)	+ -
Stakeholders (2)	+ -
Supply Chain Management (2)	+ -
Virtual (2)	+ -
Virtual Reality (2)	+ -
genetic algorithms (2)	+ -
interoperability (2)	+ -
lean (2)	+ -
manufacturing (2)	+ -

University of Central Florida (68)	+ -
Rabelo, Luis (67)	+ -
Elshennawy, Ahmad (35)	+ -
Lee, Gene (29)	+ -
Xanthopoulos, Petros (11)	+ -

Karwowski, Waldemar (8)	+ -
Rahal, Ahmad (7)	+ -
Kincaid, John (6)	+ -
Zheng, Qipeng (6)	+ -
Ajayi, Richard (5)	+ -
Ahmad, Ali (4)	+ -
McCauley, Pamela (4)	+ -
Pazour, Jennifer (4)	+ -
Darwish, Mohammed (2)	+ -
Ferreras, Ana (2)	+ -
Mollaghasemi, Mansooreh (2)	+ -
O'Neal, Thomas (2)	+ -
Porter, Robert (2)	+ -
Sarmiento, Alfonso (2)	+ -
Thompson, William (2)	+ -
Williams, Kent (2)	+ -
Abboodi, Mohammed (1)	+ -
Al-Foraih, Saleh (1)	+ -
Al-Shamkhani, Maher T. (1)	+ -
Albar, Abdulrahman (1)	+ -
Aldarmaki, Alia (1)	+ -
Alexander, Tiffaney (1)	+ -
Alghamdi, Mohammed (1)	+ -
Ali, Abdulelah (1)	+ -
Almalki, Hamed (1)	+ -

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