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Title: PROJECT REVIEW MATURITY AND PROJECT PERFORMANCE: AN EMPIRICAL CASE STUDY.
Creator: Vergopia, Catherine, Kotnour, Timothy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Many organizations use project management maturity models to improve their project performance. These systematic and sequential frameworks are designed to help organizations quantify their project management maturity and improve their project management processes. However, these models rarely put enough emphasis on project reviews as tools to improve project performance, because, too often, project reviews are considered as non-productive administrative processes. The lack of emphasis on...
Show moreMany organizations use project management maturity models to improve their project performance. These systematic and sequential frameworks are designed to help organizations quantify their project management maturity and improve their project management processes. However, these models rarely put enough emphasis on project reviews as tools to improve project performance, because, too often, project reviews are considered as non-productive administrative processes. The lack of emphasis on project reviews in project management maturity models is also illustrated by the limited amount of research published on the relationship between project reviews and project performance. Based on the concept of project management maturity models, this dissertation presents a project review maturity model used to measure the project review maturity for four (4) types of reviews (routine, gate, post-mortem, and focused-learning) as well as the overall project review maturity. In addition, this research establishes the quantitative relationship between project review maturity and project performance. This dissertation also quantifies the concept of project review performance and its relationship with project performance for all four (4) types of reviews, as well as for the overall project review performance. Finally, this research provides enablers, barriers, and best practices for effective reviews, based on the answers of written interview questions, and observations from a post-mortem review meeting at a highly-technical organization. The empirical case study and survey analysis conducted by this dissertation led to some unique findings. Five (5) specific conclusions were developed: •Organizations use all types of reviews in their project management procedures, and view each review role differently. •Some reviews are more related than others to project performance, although generally, review maturity and performance are significantly relevant to project performance. •Organization culture (beliefs, expected actions, etc.) is not significantly relevant to project team members when assessing project status or PM procedures during project life-cycle. •Post-mortem and focused-learning reviews are linked with higher levels of learning than routine and gate reviews. •Effective reviews need managerial support. This research is the first of its kind to show significant positive relationships between project review maturity and performance with project performance and to provide quantifiable results for organizations to further improve their review processes.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002401, ucf:47743
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002401

Title: AN ASSESSMENT OF ALIGNMENT BETWEEN PROJECT COMPLEXITY AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT STYLE.
Creator: Camci, Alper, Kotnour, Timothy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The main drivers for this research are the complexities associated with the project management and an organization's project management style in dealing with these complexities. This research aims to demonstrate that alignment between project complexity and project management style increases project performance and decreases project issues, and also, with increased project issues, project performance deteriorates. In order to test these claims, this research developed measures for...
Show moreThe main drivers for this research are the complexities associated with the project management and an organization's project management style in dealing with these complexities. This research aims to demonstrate that alignment between project complexity and project management style increases project performance and decreases project issues, and also, with increased project issues, project performance deteriorates. In order to test these claims, this research developed measures for assessing project complexity, project management styles and project issues by employing a survey of project management professionals. The measure for project complexity is based on a taxonomy with four categories: organizational complexity, product complexity, methods (process) complexity and goal complexity. Project management style is defined as the management paradigm that guides the managers of an organization in perceiving and dealing with management problems. The measure for project nagement style is based on the plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycle and the Newtonian and complexity paradigms. Also the measures for project issues are developed after an extensive content analysis on the literature on project issues, risks and success factors. A self-administered survey instrument (paper-based and on-line) with 40 questions (seven point Likert scale) was utilized. The respondents were the project management professionals from different industries in the Central Florida region. Each respondent was asked to answer questions for two different kinds of projects: a successful project and a challenged project. Based on the data collected by the survey instrument, the results of confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses provide strong evidence that the final measures for project technology complexity, project management styles, project issues and project performance have adequate validity and reliability. Results of the hypothesis tests demonstrate that increased alignment of project complexity and project management style leads to increased project performance and decreased project issues, and also increased project issues leads to project decreased performance. From the perspective of project management, the results of this study have illustrated the importance of aligning a project's complexity and management style. These results suggest that project or program managers can improve the performance of their projects by any attempt to increase the alignment between project complexity and project management style. Project management professionals and theoreticians can use the methodologies provided in this dissertation to assess project complexity, project management style and alignment.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001195, ucf:46853
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001195

Title: The Relationship between Agile Project Management and Project Success Outcomes.
Creator: Bergmann, Thomas, Karwowski, Waldemar, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Hancock, Peter, Mikusinski, Piotr, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Agile project management (APM) has recently emerged as a new approach to managing complex projects. Some experts believe that APM will become the standard project management approach used in the 21st century. However, thus far, the role of agility in project management has not been widely investigated. In the recent past, the concept of agility has mainly been applied to software development projects. The literature on agility is still in its early stages, and further research needs to be...
Show moreAgile project management (APM) has recently emerged as a new approach to managing complex projects. Some experts believe that APM will become the standard project management approach used in the 21st century. However, thus far, the role of agility in project management has not been widely investigated. In the recent past, the concept of agility has mainly been applied to software development projects. The literature on agility is still in its early stages, and further research needs to be conducted in new project management domains.This study is intended to determine the impact of the adoption of APM on project success as perceived by project managers. This investigative approach can be applied to any project domain. In addition, the influencing effects of project complexity on the results of projects are analyzed. Through an analysis of the existing literature, critical success factors and success criteria are identified to develop a model that can be used to assess current APM practice.The research questions are answered by means of an empirical study that collected data using an online survey that was distributed to project managers located across the United States. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling are performed to gauge the validity of the proposed research model.The study results show a significant positive relationship between APM and project success. Furthermore, a weak negative association is identified between project complexity and project success, suggesting a need for further research into and refinement of the project complexity construct. Finally, the results reveal an apparent need for additional education and certification in the field of project management, which are expected to lead to an increased use of agile approaches to project management in the future.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007391, ucf:52070
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007391

Title: ME,MYSELF,AND LIZA.
Creator: Sirianni, Jennifer, Ruscella, J.J., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This master's thesis project focuses on the life and music of Liza Minnelli, the research of which culminated in the development of a one-woman performance piece and monograph. Using song, dance, and dramatic dialogue, this presentation reveals the many aspects of Liza's heart and soul, her relationship with her famous mother, and her own personal struggles. Through the eyes of Liza, this piece will explore the duality of her life--the underlining turmoil that fluctuated between her...
Show moreThis master's thesis project focuses on the life and music of Liza Minnelli, the research of which culminated in the development of a one-woman performance piece and monograph. Using song, dance, and dramatic dialogue, this presentation reveals the many aspects of Liza's heart and soul, her relationship with her famous mother, and her own personal struggles. Through the eyes of Liza, this piece will explore the duality of her life--the underlining turmoil that fluctuated between her personal life and professional career. My methodology includes studying biographies, articles, and interviews written about Liza Minnelli, as well as watching films and performances of her work. The performance piece is a compilation of my research. I will also explore the relationship and influence that Liza's famous mother had on her, and see if other adversaries in her personal life affected her choices as a singer, actress, and entertainer. People have often told me I look like Liza Minnelli. Walking down Lexington and 47th Street was one of the many times; I was approached by excited Liza Minnelli fans wanting an autograph and snapshot of me. The reaction I received in letting them know I was in the same business was just a precursor to daydreaming of one day portraying Liza on stage. I always loved Judy Garland's and Liza's musicals and movies. They inspired me at a young age. Never once did I try to emulate Liza's style or copy her personality, because like her, I am determined to be my own "me." Ultimately, I would like this to be the beginning of something that I can continue to develop and workshop with the intent to produce for other professional theaters.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002079, ucf:47586
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002079

Title: BUFFER TECHNIQUES FOR STOCHASTIC RESOURCE CONSTRAINED PROJECT SCHEDULING WITH STOCHASTIC TASK INSERTIONS PROBLEMS.
Creator: Grey, Jennifer, Armacost, Robert, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Project managers are faced with the challenging task of managing an environment filled with uncertainties that may lead to multiple disruptions during project execution. In particular, they are frequently confronted with planning for routine and non-routine unplanned work: known, identified, tasks that may or may not occur depending upon various, often unpredictable, factors. This problem is known as the stochastic task insertion problem, where tasks of deterministic duration occur...
Show moreProject managers are faced with the challenging task of managing an environment filled with uncertainties that may lead to multiple disruptions during project execution. In particular, they are frequently confronted with planning for routine and non-routine unplanned work: known, identified, tasks that may or may not occur depending upon various, often unpredictable, factors. This problem is known as the stochastic task insertion problem, where tasks of deterministic duration occur stochastically. Traditionally, project managers may include an extra margin within deterministic task times or an extra time buffer may be allotted at the end of the project schedule to protect the final project completion milestone. Little scientific guidance is available to better integrate buffers strategically into the project schedule. Motivated by the Critical Chain and Buffer Management approach of Goldratt, this research identifies, defines, and demonstrates new buffer sizing techniques to improve project duration and stability metrics associated with the stochastic resource constrained project scheduling problem with stochastic task insertions. Specifically, this research defines and compares partial buffer sizing strategies for projects with varying levels of resource and network complexity factors as well as the level and location of the stochastically occurring tasks. Several project metrics may be impacted by the stochastic occurrence or non-occurrence of a task such as the project makespan and the project stability. New duration and stability metrics are developed in this research and are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed buffer sizing techniques. These "robustness measures" are computed through the comparison of the characteristics of the initial schedule (termed the infeasible base schedule), a modified base schedule (or as-run schedule) and an optimized version of the base schedule (or perfect knowledge schedule). Seven new buffer sizing techniques are introduced in this research. Three are based on a fixed percentage of task duration and the remaining four provide variable buffer sizes based upon the location of the stochastic task in the schedule and knowledge of the task stochasticity characteristic. Experimental analysis shows that partial buffering produces improvements in the project stability and duration metrics when compared to other baseline scheduling approaches. Three of the new partial buffering techniques produced improvements in project metrics. One of these partial buffers was based on a fixed percentage of task duration and the other two used a variable buffer size based on knowledge of the location of the task in the project network. This research provides project schedulers with new partial buffering techniques and recommendations for the type of partial buffering technique that should be utilized when project duration and stability performance improvements are desired. When a project scheduler can identify potential unplanned work and where it might occur, the use of these partial buffer techniques will yield a better estimated makespan. Furthermore, it will result in less disruption to the planned schedule and minimize the amount of time that specific tasks will have to move to accommodate the unplanned tasks.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001584, ucf:52850
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001584

Title: System justification theory: Synthesizing and applying its theoretical motivations in behavioral accounting research.
Creator: Olczak, Wioleta, Roberts, Robin, Libby, Theresa, Tian, Yu, Patten, Dennis, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This dissertation consists of two studies on System Justification Theory, hereafter SJT. SJT (Jost and Banaji 1994) is a psychology theory stating that individuals justify the status quo even if doing so is against their own or their group's interest (Jost et al. 2004). Comprised of twenty propositions, SJT attempts to explain social and psychological factors driving individuals to perceive the social system as legitimate. These factors also drive individuals to support and maintain the...
Show moreThis dissertation consists of two studies on System Justification Theory, hereafter SJT. SJT (Jost and Banaji 1994) is a psychology theory stating that individuals justify the status quo even if doing so is against their own or their group's interest (Jost et al. 2004). Comprised of twenty propositions, SJT attempts to explain social and psychological factors driving individuals to perceive the social system as legitimate. These factors also drive individuals to support and maintain the social system. The synthesis and application of this psychological theory in behavioral accounting research is limited, but could provide explanatory evidence on individual decision-making in accounting. The first study of this dissertation synthesizes SJT's four foundational theories (-) cognitive dissonance, social identity, social dominance, and belief in a just world (-) in behavioral accounting research, specifically focusing on two predominantly used theoretical motivations, cognitive dissonance and social identity theory. Behavioral accounting and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have increasingly become more complex as interest in these two areas continues to grow. The first study reviews prior behavioral accounting research that applied cognitive dissonance or social identity theory, and then demonstrates how the application of SJT in behavioral accounting research addresses more complex research questions that cannot be addressed solely from one or a combination of SJT's four foundational theories. The second study then applies SJT's theoretical motivations in a complex managerial accounting setting by investigating whether maintaining the status quo is a factor explaining managers' decisions to overstate environmental capital expenditure (ECE) projections. This study uses an experimental design to understand whether the presence of an overstatement status quo and a system threat affects managers' decisions to overstate environmental projections. The results indicate that managers are more likely to overstate ECE projections when the industry exhibits an overstatement status quo. Additionally, this propensity to overstate ECE projections is further exacerbated when managers face a stakeholder threat, suggesting they (")dig in their heels(") and maintain the status quo. This study extends environmental accounting research by demonstrating that the societal status quo affects managers cognitively and psychologically as they make environmental disclosure decisions. Results also contribute to practice by shedding insight as to why managers make certain environmental disclosure decisions. Specifically, the results show that the social system impacts managers' willingness to use environmental disclosures as a legitimating tool. Overall these two studies contribute to behavioral accounting research by exploring and applying a psychological theory in a managerial environmental accounting setting. It demonstrates how a commonly used psychology theory that has never been utilized in accounting research could address broad and complex accounting topics
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007697, ucf:52447
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007697

Title: STOCHASTIC RESOURCE CONSTRAINED PROJECT SCHEDULING WITH STOCHASTIC TASK INSERTION PROBLEMS.
Creator: Archer, Sandra, Armacost, Robert, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The area of focus for this research is the Stochastic Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (SRCPSP) with Stochastic Task Insertion (STI). The STI problem is a specific form of the SRCPSP, which may be considered to be a cross between two types of problems in the general form: the Stochastic Project Scheduling Problem, and the Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem. The stochastic nature of this problem is in the occurrence/non-occurrence of tasks with deterministic...
Show moreThe area of focus for this research is the Stochastic Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (SRCPSP) with Stochastic Task Insertion (STI). The STI problem is a specific form of the SRCPSP, which may be considered to be a cross between two types of problems in the general form: the Stochastic Project Scheduling Problem, and the Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem. The stochastic nature of this problem is in the occurrence/non-occurrence of tasks with deterministic duration. Researchers Selim (2002) and Grey (2007) laid the groundwork for the research on this problem. Selim (2002) developed a set of robustness metrics and used these to evaluate two initial baseline (predictive) scheduling techniques, optimistic (0% buffer) and pessimistic (100% buffer), where none or all of the stochastic tasks were scheduled, respectively. Grey (2007) expanded the research by developing a new partial buffering strategy for the initial baseline predictive schedule for this problem and found the partial buffering strategy to be superior to Selim's "extreme" buffering approach. The current research continues this work by focusing on resource aspects of the problem, new buffering approaches, and a new rescheduling method. If resource usage is important to project managers, then a set of metrics that describes changes to the resource flow would be important to measure between the initial baseline predictive schedule and the final "as-run" schedule. Two new sets of resource metrics were constructed regarding resource utilization and resource flow. Using these new metrics, as well as the Selim/Grey metrics, a new buffering approach was developed that used resource information to size the buffers. The resource-sized buffers did not show to have significant improvement over Grey's 50% buffer used as a benchmark. The new resource metrics were used to validate that the 50% buffering strategy is superior to the 0% or 100% buffering by Selim. Recognizing that partial buffers appear to be the most promising initial baseline development approach for STI problems, and understanding that experienced project managers may be able to predict stochastic probabilities based on prior projects, the next phase of the research developed a new set of buffering strategies where buffers are inserted that are proportional to the probability of occurrence. The results of this proportional buffering strategy were very positive, with the majority of the metrics (both robustness and resource), except for stability metrics, improved by using the proportional buffer. Finally, it was recognized that all research thus far for the SRCPSP with STI focused solely on the development of predictive schedules. Therefore, the final phase of this research developed a new reactive strategy that tested three different rescheduling points during schedule eventuation when a complete rescheduling of the latter portion of the schedule would occur. The results of this new reactive technique indicate that rescheduling improves the schedule performance in only a few metrics under very specific network characteristics (those networks with the least restrictive parameters). This research was conducted with extensive use of Base SAS v9.2 combined with SAS/OR procedures to solve project networks, solve resource flow problems, and implement reactive scheduling heuristics. Additionally, Base SAS code was paired with Visual Basic for Applications in Excel 2003 to implement an automated Gantt chart generator that provided visual inspection for validation of the repair heuristics. The results of this research when combined with the results of Selim and Grey provide strong guidance for project managers regarding how to develop baseline predictive schedules and how to reschedule the project as stochastic tasks (e.g. unplanned work) do or do not occur. Specifically, the results and recommendations are provided in a summary tabular format that describes the recommended initial baseline development approach if a project manager has a good idea of the level and location of the stochasticity for the network, highlights two cases where rescheduling during schedule eventuation may be beneficial, and shows when buffering proportional to the probability of occurrence is recommended, or not recommended, or the cases where the evidence is inconclusive.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002491, ucf:47673
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002491

Title: VALUE MAPPING FRAMEWORK INVOLVING STAKEHOLDERS FOR SUPPLY CHAIN IMPROVEMENT WHEN IMPLEMENTING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS.
Creator: Moore, Karla, Rabelo, Luis, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Successful Supply Chain Management (SCM) depends on how well an organization performs internal and external communications with trading partners, executes the logistics component, and understands/monitors related costs of conducting its business. The use of information technology (IT) is considered a prerequisite for the effective control of today's complex supply chains. Increased communication technology has redefined how businesses work together, raised customer expectations, and...
Show moreSuccessful Supply Chain Management (SCM) depends on how well an organization performs internal and external communications with trading partners, executes the logistics component, and understands/monitors related costs of conducting its business. The use of information technology (IT) is considered a prerequisite for the effective control of today's complex supply chains. Increased communication technology has redefined how businesses work together, raised customer expectations, and placed new demands on supply chain performance. IT components with proven and rapid return-on-investment are favored to support critical supply chain processes such as leaner manufacturing processes, consumer-driven supply chains, and customer responsiveness. The use of IT in the digital era has become critical and it is treated as a major competitive tool for success. Complex and comprehensive IT infrastructures support the firm's communications network, databases, and operating systems. Information technology facilitates the creation of value. However, the creation of value is defined by the different groups of stakeholders. Therefore, stakeholders must be integrated into this process of change management that uses IT as the enabler. Supply chains are due to change when higher levels of performance and/or adaptation are required as mandated by changes in the business structure and/or benchmarking and/or regulations. One of the major problems for any supply chain executive is to understand and manage these changes. These changes usually require the implementation of an IT project. Therefore, the successful design, execution, and completion of these IT projects are important for the supply chain. SCM is now a strategic function addressed at the highest levels of the organization in concert with multiple stakeholders on both the supplier and customer side of the table. The aim of this dissertation is to develop a value mapping framework involving stakeholders to improve supply chain performance when implementing IT projects. The framework has components that help define the supply chain, measure the size of the issues, identify necessary changes in the metrics to improve performance, measure the organizational consequences of these changes, and develop and follow a plan to implement IT projects to achieve the new goals of performance. Through this new framework, these IT projects will be able to bring the supply chain from a current state "As is" to a future state "To be"; capturing the existing and desired states of the proposed changes which are aligned with the objectives and goals of the organization. Therefore, the IT project can be designed, executed, and completed. One unique component of this framework is the inclusion of the stakeholders at different stages. This framework identifies the group of stakeholders to be taken into consideration in order to define the future "To be" state. In addition, the framework identifies the value creation of the "To be" system as seen by the stakeholders.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002108, ucf:47541
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002108

Title: ESSAYS IN OUTSOURCED IS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT.
Creator: Parolia, Neeraj, Jiang, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: IS vendor organizations are increasingly using program management practices to manage complex projects (Gierra 2004). The move to program teams is due to the realization that the management of many client projects and their underlying dependencies requires teamwork among project managers from different projects (Cooke-Davies 2002; Ferratt et al. 2006; Sanghera 2007). With two separate studies, first we extend the team competence framework and utilize organizational learning theory to...
Show moreIS vendor organizations are increasingly using program management practices to manage complex projects (Gierra 2004). The move to program teams is due to the realization that the management of many client projects and their underlying dependencies requires teamwork among project managers from different projects (Cooke-Davies 2002; Ferratt et al. 2006; Sanghera 2007). With two separate studies, first we extend the team competence framework and utilize organizational learning theory to understand the antecedents and outcomes of teamwork behaviors. Empirical results from the first study indicated that teamwork behaviors within the program team were significantly related to an increase in team competencies of personnel development, methodology development and dissemination and customer focus. Further, the three program team competencies were a significant predictor of program outcomes. In the second study, we investigate the outcomes of conflict resolution and their impact on program performance. The results indicated that conflict resolution can enhance the level of communication, mutual support and effort among IS program members Directions for practitioners and implications for future research are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002344, ucf:47794
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002344

Title: UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL IN EXPERTISE COORDINATION IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT (ISD) TEAMS.
Creator: Hsu, Shih-Chieh, Jiang, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Information system development (ISD) project is a knowledge-intensive teamwork process which requires members to coordinate their expertise to generate the final outcome. Breakdown or coordination and insufficient knowledge integration have been reported as critical factors which lead to ISD project failure. Most existing coordination literature focus on the effect of administrative coordination mechanisms toward project performance which hints that more efforts are needed to understand...
Show moreInformation system development (ISD) project is a knowledge-intensive teamwork process which requires members to coordinate their expertise to generate the final outcome. Breakdown or coordination and insufficient knowledge integration have been reported as critical factors which lead to ISD project failure. Most existing coordination literature focus on the effect of administrative coordination mechanisms toward project performance which hints that more efforts are needed to understand expertise coordination and explore ways to improve it. Addressing the above issues, two studies in this dissertation attempt to understand expertise coordination within the IS development team based on social capital perspective. The first study, based on intention-behavior literature, knowledge management research, and Gerwin's (2004) coordination model, investigates relationships among willingness, competence, and actual expertise coordination. The relationships between expertise coordination and teamwork outcomes are also examined. The second study incorporates social capital theory and examines (1) dependencies among three dimensions of social capital and (2) linkage between social capital and expertise coordination. Data collected from more than five hundred information systems project team members was used to test the proposed hypotheses. The analysis results confirmed most of the hypotheses. This dissertation contributes to coordination, project management, and team mental model research through many perspectives. In each study, directions for management practice and future research are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002347, ucf:47816
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002347

Title: Frames and Phase Retrieval.
Creator: Juste, Ted, Han, Deguang, Sun, Qiyu, Dutkay, Dorin, Wang, Dingbao, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Phase retrieval tackles the problem of recovering a signal after loss of phase. The phase problem shows up in many different settings such as X-ray crystallography, speech recognition, quantum information theory, and coherent diffraction imaging. In this dissertation we present some results relating to three topics on phase retrieval. Chapters 1 and 2 contain the relevant background materials. In chapter 3, we introduce the notion of exact phase-retrievable frames as a way of measuring aframe...
Show morePhase retrieval tackles the problem of recovering a signal after loss of phase. The phase problem shows up in many different settings such as X-ray crystallography, speech recognition, quantum information theory, and coherent diffraction imaging. In this dissertation we present some results relating to three topics on phase retrieval. Chapters 1 and 2 contain the relevant background materials. In chapter 3, we introduce the notion of exact phase-retrievable frames as a way of measuring aframe's redundancy with respect to its phase retrieval property. We show that, in the d-dimensional real Hilbert space case, exact phase-retrievable frames can be of any lengths between 2d ? 1 and d(d + 1)/2, inclusive. The complex Hilbert space case remains open.In chapter 4, we investigate phase-retrievability by studying maximal phase-retrievable subspaces with respect to a given frame. These maximal PR-subspaces can have different dimensions. We are able to identify the ones with the largest dimension and this can be considered as a generalizationof the characterization of real phase-retrievable frames. In the basis case, we prove that if M is a k-dimensional PR-subspace then |supp(x)| ? k for every nonzero vector x ? M . Moreover, if1 ? k (<) [(d + 1)/2], then a k-dimensional PR-subspace is maximal if and only if there exists a vector x ? M such that |supp(x)| = k.Chapter 5 is devoted to investigating phase-retrievable operator-valued frames. We obtain some characterizations of phase-retrievable frames for general operator systems acting on both finite and infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces; thus generalizing known results for vector-valued frames, fusion frames, and frames of Hermitian matrices.Finally, in Chapter 6, we consider the problem of characterizing projective representations that admit frame vectors with the maximal span property, a property that allows for an algebraic recov-ering of the phase-retrieval problem. We prove that every irreducible projective representation of a finite abelian group admits a frame vector with the maximal span property. All such vectors can be explicitly characterized. These generalize some of the recent results about phase-retrieval with Gabor (or STFT) measurements.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007660, ucf:52503
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007660

Title: A Study of the Implementation of the Executive Ed. D. in Educational Leadership at the University of Central Florida 2010-2013: A Professional Practice Doctorate.
Creator: Marsh, Nicole, Taylor, Rosemarye, Doherty, Walter, Murray, Kenneth, Baldwin, Gordon, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study conducted at the University of Central Florida was of two-fold importance. First, information gathered via this study has served to continually improve the rigor and relevancy of the curriculum and program requirements to issues in education. Second, the research findings from this study served to move forward the national and increasingly international efforts to improve the Ed. D. and other professional practice doctorate programs.The review of literature was organized to present...
Show moreThis study conducted at the University of Central Florida was of two-fold importance. First, information gathered via this study has served to continually improve the rigor and relevancy of the curriculum and program requirements to issues in education. Second, the research findings from this study served to move forward the national and increasingly international efforts to improve the Ed. D. and other professional practice doctorate programs.The review of literature was organized to present an introduction for the conceptual framework of the efforts to distinguish between the Ph. D. and Ed. D. and strengthen the education doctorate overall. The review presented discussions on the history of the doctorate, history and reform models for the professional doctorate, history of the education doctorate, the Ed. D. versus the Ph. D., differentiation of the education doctorates, and the future of the education doctorate. This study was conducted in the University of Central Florida's Executive Ed. D. in Educational Leadership program, and employed a mixed methods approach. A series of four surveys were developed to gather both quantitative perception rating responses on a Likert scale of either one to four or one to five, as well as qualitative or open responses to enhance context. Means and standard deviations were analyzed to determine perception ratings, and one-way analyses of variance were conducted to determine differences in perceptions between cohorts and over time.This research illustrated that the perceptions of students in the Executive Ed. D. in Educational Leadership program were positive. Student respondents indicated that their reasons for applying to the program are reflected in the program design, the program is aligned well with the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate's (CPED) Working Principles, and the program was meeting their needs at defined points in the program of study. Implications for practice include using admission and demographic information to inform instructional and advising processes, continuing to gather student perception ratings and open responses to keep the Executive Ed. D. in Educational Leadership at the University of Central Florida aligned with the CPED Working Principles and all programs with the students' needs, and following up with graduates to gather perceptions on the perceived impact of their study.Recommendations for further research include continuing this study in a longitudinal format to gather perceptions and conduct tests for changes in perceptions over time prior to entering the program, at different points throughout the program, and after completing the program. Also, continuing to gather data on the variable of persistence, to determine relationships between whether or not a student remains enrolled in the program and predictor variables including GRE score, undergraduate GPA, and professional position. Similarly, gathering measurements of program viability including graduation rates and time to degree completion to compare with those measurements on program prior to being redesigned as well as evaluating relationships between admission requirements and time to degree completion and graduation rates.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004885, ucf:49669
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004885

Title: A WEARABLE HEAD-MOUNTED PROJECTION DISPLAY.
Creator: Martins, Ricardo, Clarke, Thomas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Conventional head-mounted projection displays (HMPDs) contain of a pair of miniature projection lenses, beamsplitters, and miniature displays mounted on the helmet, as well as a retro-reflective screen placed strategically in the environment. We have extened the HMPD technology integrating the screen into a fully mobile embodiment. Some initial efforts of demonstrating this technology has been captured followed by an investigation of the diffraction effects versus image degradation caused by...
Show moreConventional head-mounted projection displays (HMPDs) contain of a pair of miniature projection lenses, beamsplitters, and miniature displays mounted on the helmet, as well as a retro-reflective screen placed strategically in the environment. We have extened the HMPD technology integrating the screen into a fully mobile embodiment. Some initial efforts of demonstrating this technology has been captured followed by an investigation of the diffraction effects versus image degradation caused by integrating the retro-reflective screen within the HMPD. The key contribution of this research is the conception and development of a mobile-HMPD (M-HMPD). We have included an extensive analysis of macro- and microscopic properties that encompass the retro-reflective screen. Furthermore, an evaluation of the overall performance of the optics will be assessed in both object space for the optical designer and visual space for the possible users of this technology. This research effort will also be focused on conceiving a mobile M-HMPD aimed for dual indoor/outdoor applications. The M-HMPD shares the known advantage such as ultra-lightweight optics (i.e. 8g per eye), unperceptible distortion (i.e. ≤ 2.5%), and lightweight headset (i.e. ≤ 2.5 lbs) compared with eyepiece type head-mounted displays (HMDs) of equal eye relief and field of view. In addition, the M-HMPD also presents an advantage over the preexisting HMPD in that it does not require a retro-reflective screen placed strategically in the environment. This newly developed M-HMPD has the ability to project clear images at three different locations within near- or far-field observation depths without loss of image quality. This particular M-HMPD embodiment was targeted to mixed reality, augmented reality, and wearable display applications.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003431, ucf:48390
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003431

Title: Momentum, Moment, Epiphany: The Psychological Intersection of Motion Picture, the Still Frame, and Three-Dimensional Form.
Creator: Gerstein, Mark, Poindexter, Carla, Buyssens, Ryan, Adams, JoAnne, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: My journey from Hollywood Film production to a Fine Arts practice has been shaped by theory from Philosophy of Mind, Cognitive Psychology, Film, and Art, leading me to a new visual vocabulary at the intersection of motion picture, the still image, and three-dimensional form.I create large mixed media collages by projecting video onto photographs and sculptural forms, breaking the boundaries of the conventional film frame and exceeding the dynamic range of typical visual experience. My work...
Show moreMy journey from Hollywood Film production to a Fine Arts practice has been shaped by theory from Philosophy of Mind, Cognitive Psychology, Film, and Art, leading me to a new visual vocabulary at the intersection of motion picture, the still image, and three-dimensional form.I create large mixed media collages by projecting video onto photographs and sculptural forms, breaking the boundaries of the conventional film frame and exceeding the dynamic range of typical visual experience. My work explores emotional connections and fissures within family, and hidden meanings of haunting memories and familiar places.I am searching for an elusive type of perceptual experience characterized by an instantaneous shift in perspective(-)an (")aha(") moment of epiphany when suddenly I have the overpowering feeling that I am both seeing and aware that I am seeing.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007003, ucf:52035
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007003

Title: QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT MANAGEMENT ISSUES USING PROCESS SIMULATION WITH SYSTEM DYNAMICS ELEMENTS.
Creator: Mizell, Carolyn, Malone, Linda, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The complexity of software development projects makes estimation and management very difficult. There is a need for improved cost estimation methods and new models of lifecycle processes other than the common waterfall process. This work has developed a new simulation model of the spiral development lifecycle as well as an approach for using simulation for cost and schedule estimation. The goal is to provide a tool that can analyze the effects of a spiral development process as well as a tool...
Show moreThe complexity of software development projects makes estimation and management very difficult. There is a need for improved cost estimation methods and new models of lifecycle processes other than the common waterfall process. This work has developed a new simulation model of the spiral development lifecycle as well as an approach for using simulation for cost and schedule estimation. The goal is to provide a tool that can analyze the effects of a spiral development process as well as a tool that illustrates the difficulties management faces in forecasting budgets at the beginning of a project which may encourage more realistic approaches to budgetary planning. A new discrete event process model of the incremental spiral development lifecycle approach was developed in order to analyze the effects this development approach has on the estimation process as well as cost and schedule for a project. The input data for the key variables of size, productivity, and defect injection rates in the model was based on analysis of Software Engineering Laboratory data and provided for analysis of the effects of uncertainty in early project estimates. The benefits of combining a separate system dynamics model with a discrete event process models was demonstrated as was the effects of turnover on the cost and schedule for a project. This work includes a major case study of a cancelled NASA software development project that experienced cost and schedule problems throughout its history. Analysis was performed using stochastic simulation with derived probability distributions for key software development factors. A system dynamics model of human resource issues was also combined with the process model to more thoroughly analyze the effects of turnover on a project. This research has demonstrated the benefits of using a simulation model when estimating to allow for more realistic budget and schedule determination including an interval estimate to help focus on the uncertainty of early estimates.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001209, ucf:46939
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001209

Title: IMPROVING PROJECT MANAGEMENT WITH SIMULATION AND COMPLETION DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS.
Creator: Cates, Grant, Mollaghasemi, Mansooreh, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Despite the critical importance of project completion timeliness, management practices in place today remain inadequate for addressing the persistent problem of project completion tardiness. Uncertainty has been identified as a contributing factor in late projects. This uncertainty resides in activity duration estimates, unplanned upsetting events, and the potential unavailability of critical resources. This research developed a comprehensive simulation based methodology for conducting...
Show moreDespite the critical importance of project completion timeliness, management practices in place today remain inadequate for addressing the persistent problem of project completion tardiness. Uncertainty has been identified as a contributing factor in late projects. This uncertainty resides in activity duration estimates, unplanned upsetting events, and the potential unavailability of critical resources. This research developed a comprehensive simulation based methodology for conducting quantitative project completion-time risk assessments. The methodology enables project stakeholders to visualize uncertainty or risk, i.e. the likelihood of their project completing late and the magnitude of the lateness, by providing them with a completion time distribution function of their projects. Discrete event simulation is used to determine a project's completion distribution function. The project simulation is populated with both deterministic and stochastic elements. Deterministic inputs include planned activities and resource requirements. Stochastic inputs include activity duration growth distributions, probabilities for unplanned upsetting events, and other dynamic constraints upon project activities. Stochastic inputs are based upon past data from similar projects. The time for an entity to complete the simulation network, subject to both the deterministic and stochastic factors, represents the time to complete the project. Multiple replications of the simulation are run to create the completion distribution function. The methodology was demonstrated to be effective for the on-going project to assemble the International Space Station. Approximately $500 million per month is being spent on this project, which is scheduled to complete by 2010. Project stakeholders participated in determining and managing completion distribution functions. The first result was improved project completion risk awareness. Secondly, mitigation options were analyzed to improve project completion performance and reduce total project cost.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000209, ucf:46243
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000209

Title: THE APPLICATION OF "CRASHING" A PROJECT NETWORK TO SOLVE THE TIME/COST TRADEOFF IN RECAPITALIZATION OF THE UH-60A HELICOPTER.
Creator: Fortier, Gregory, Reilly, Charles, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Since the beginning of project management, people have been asked to perform "more with less" in expeditious time while attempting to balance the inevitable challenge of the time/cost tradeoff. This is especially true within the Department of Defense today in prosecuting the Global War on Terrorism both in Afghanistan and Iraq. An unprecedented and consistent level of Operational Tempo has generated heavy demands on current equipment and has subsequently forced the need to recapitalize...
Show moreSince the beginning of project management, people have been asked to perform "more with less" in expeditious time while attempting to balance the inevitable challenge of the time/cost tradeoff. This is especially true within the Department of Defense today in prosecuting the Global War on Terrorism both in Afghanistan and Iraq. An unprecedented and consistent level of Operational Tempo has generated heavy demands on current equipment and has subsequently forced the need to recapitalize several legacy systems until suitable replacements can be implemented. This paper targets the UH-60A:A Recapitalization Program based at the Corpus Christi Army Depot in Corpus Christi, Texas. More specifically, we examine one of the nine existing project sub-networks within the UH-60A:A program, the structural/electrical upgrade phase. In crashing (i.e. adding manpower or labor hours) the network, we determine the minimal cost required to reduce the total completion time of the 68 activities within the network before a target completion time. A linear programming model is formulated and then solved for alternative scenarios. The first scenario is prescribed by the program manager and consists of simply hiring additional contractors to augment the existing personnel. The second and third scenarios consist of examining the effects of overtime, both in an aggressive situation (with limited longevity) and a more moderate situation (displaying greater sustainability over time). The initial linear programming model (Scenario 1) is crashed using estimates given from the program scheduler. The overtime models are crashed using reduced-time crash estimates. For Scenarios 2 and 3, the crashable times themselves are reduced by 50% and 75%, respectively. Initial results indicate that a completion time of 79.5 days is possible without crashing any activities in the network. The five-year historical average completion time is 156 days for this network. We continue to crash the network in each of the three scenarios and determine that the absolute shortest feasible completion times, 73 days for Scenario 1, 76 days for Scenario 2, and 77.5 days for Scenario 3. We further examine the models to observe similarities and differences in which activities get targeted for crashing and how that reduction affects the critical path of the network. These results suggests an in-depth study of using linear programming and applying it to project networks to grant project managers more critical insight that may help them better achieve their respective objectives. This work may also be useful as the groundwork for further refinement and application for maintenance managers conducting day-to-day unit level maintenance operations.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001381, ucf:47008
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001381

Title: USING THE SIX SIGMA POLICY DEPLOYMENT CYCLE TO MITIGATE PROJECT FAILURES.
Creator: Magadi, Archana, Elshennawy, Ahmad, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Many organizations are struggling to improve customer-focused quality in today's highly competitive domestic and global markets. At the same time, these organizations have failed to implement the Six Sigma methodology into their daily control and strategic planning processes. Six Sigma deployment failures have been categorized as coming from many sources, both management related and person related. Some of the key management related Six Sigma project failures have been identified and...
Show moreMany organizations are struggling to improve customer-focused quality in today's highly competitive domestic and global markets. At the same time, these organizations have failed to implement the Six Sigma methodology into their daily control and strategic planning processes. Six Sigma deployment failures have been categorized as coming from many sources, both management related and person related. Some of the key management related Six Sigma project failures have been identified and discussed in this research work. For continuous improvement to truly take root, organizations must realize that just successfully applying quality tools on any process will not necessarily provide dramatic results, unless the concepts of policy management and deployment are institutionalized. A model called "Six Sigma Policy Deployment" was developed and has been proposed which may help mitigate Six Sigma project failures that are presently attributed to management and organizational issues. By integrating Policy Deployment, the Six Sigma DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) problem solving approach, and the classic PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) Cycle, the potential for breakthrough improvements in any organization can be enhanced. The model was contrasted against a list of 30 sources of failure in typical Six Sigma projects in order to validate its applicability to mitigate these failures. Furthermore these failures were matched with the work of recent quality theorists in order to validate their occurrence and relevance. A case study section is presented to illustrate FPL's Quality Improvement Program and the Six Sigma Lifecycle, which are bases for the new model. This section also highlights how the use of the proposed Six Sigma Policy Deployment model could help to mitigate potential Six Sigma project failures.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000250, ucf:46236
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000250

Title: RECOGNIZING PAIN USING NOVEL SIMULATION TECHNOLOGY.
Creator: Grace, Justin C, Allred, Kelly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Effective pain management and time to treatment is essential in patient care. Despite scientific evidence supporting the need to treat pain and an emphasis on addressing pain as a priority, pain management continues to be an unresolved issue. As a member of the health care team, nurses are integral to optimal pain management. Currently, nursing schools have limited innovative or alternative methods for teaching pain assessment and management. Simulation in nursing education provides a unique...
Show moreEffective pain management and time to treatment is essential in patient care. Despite scientific evidence supporting the need to treat pain and an emphasis on addressing pain as a priority, pain management continues to be an unresolved issue. As a member of the health care team, nurses are integral to optimal pain management. Currently, nursing schools have limited innovative or alternative methods for teaching pain assessment and management. Simulation in nursing education provides a unique opportunity to expose students to realistic patient situations and allow them to learn and make mistakes without causing harm. However, modern low- and high-fidelity simulation technology is unable to display emotion, pain, or any facial expression. This limits training and education of conditions that may partially rely on the identification of symptoms based on the alteration of facial appearance, such as pain or stroke. This research explored student nurses� perception of new technology that displayed computer-generated faces, each expressing varying degrees of physical expressions of pain. A total of 15 nursing students participated in the study. Students were asked to interpret the level of pain in four sequential faces using a numeric rating scale of 0-10, with 0 indicating no pain, and 10 the most severe pain possible. After scoring the faces, students were asked to answer four open-ended questions addressing the technology. Results of the study indicate a majority of nursing students believe the technology should be implemented into nursing curriculum and interacting with the projected faces was more beneficial than traditional teaching methods. Eventually, the potential for increased identification of conditions requiring observation of subtle facial changes will be explored.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000002, ucf:45569
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000002

Title: CONTEXT-DRIVEN AGENTS IN COMPUTER SUPPORTED COOPERATIVE WORKS.
Creator: Lichtman, Brian, Gonzalez, Avelino, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis describes a research project that investigates the level of contextualization needed to successfully build context-driven agents that can manage a cooperative project. Many times in industry, collaborators in a large project may be located vast distances from each other. It is for this reason that management of such projects can often be difficult. The purpose of this research is to design an agent that can take on the role of a project manager (PM) to assist the human project...
Show moreThis thesis describes a research project that investigates the level of contextualization needed to successfully build context-driven agents that can manage a cooperative project. Many times in industry, collaborators in a large project may be located vast distances from each other. It is for this reason that management of such projects can often be difficult. The purpose of this research is to design an agent that can take on the role of a project manager (PM) to assist the human project manager. Specifically, this thesis looks to give such project management agents full situational awareness. It is hypothesized that only with situational awareness can an agent successfully act in the role of a project manager. This thesis describes the investigation into the use of Context-Based Reasoning and Contextual Graphs to create an agent with such situational awareness. This thesis shows that with enough situational awareness, an agent will have the ability to successfully take on the role of a project manager. In particular, this thesis looks at a PM-agent that can manage a simulated project to design and construct a small sounding rocket.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0004113, ucf:44871
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004113

Project Management (3)	+ -
project complexity (2)	+ -
project management (2)	+ -
project-based learning (2)	+ -
projection (2)	+ -

software development (2)	+ -
ACLU (1)	+ -
ADABTS (1)	+ -
AIDS (1)	+ -
AOA (1)	+ -
Agile project management (1)	+ -
Agricultural Terracing (1)	+ -
Al-Qaeda (1)	+ -
Alan Lomax (1)	+ -
Alton Morris (1)	+ -
American Civil Liberties Union (1)	+ -
American Guide Series (1)	+ -
Angle of Arrival (1)	+ -
Asia (1)	+ -
Automatic Detection of Abnormal Behaviour and Threats in crowded Spaces (1)	+ -
Axicon (1)	+ -
Bessel Beams (1)	+ -
Brickstream (1)	+ -
Buffer Sizing (1)	+ -
CALEA (1)	+ -
CFAA (1)	+ -
CIA (1)	+ -
CSCW (1)	+ -
Change Management (1)	+ -
Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (28)	+ -
Honors Collection (5)	+ -

University of Central Florida (33)	+ -
Adams, JoAnne (2)	+ -
Armacost, Robert (2)	+ -
Elshennawy, Ahmad (2)	+ -
Jiang, James (2)	+ -

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Malone, Linda (2)	+ -
Allred, Kelly (1)	+ -
Archer, Sandra (1)	+ -
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