Using Graphic Management Tools

Based upon a research survey of 228 firms in five states, several generalizations are apparent from the survey findings: (1) the graphic management tools utilized by a majority of all firms included the breakeven chart and the learning curve; (2) a sizable majority of firms (74.0 percent) reported not using the Line of Balance chart; (3) there is a relatively low rate of experimental use for all the specific tools; (4) there are very few rejections once the tool is utilized; and (5) in every instance there was a discernable pattern showing that the larger firms make heavier use of the graphic management tools. Except for the low usage with the Line of Balance chart, the high use of all the other four graphic management tools is encouraging. The low rate of experimental use indicates that the rate of change is very slow; however, once the graphic management tools are accepted, users are apparently well satisfied with their use because very few are subsequently rejected. The graphic management tools discussed in this article are relatively basic. Their greater utilization could be helpful toward the improved planning, scheduling, and controlling of a firm's activities.     

基于LSTM多尺度共生关系挖掘的测井曲线复原

利用测井数据进行储层地质描述的应用中,经常出现部分测井曲线失真或缺失的问题,为此,测井曲线复原一直以来都是相关研究领域的研究热点和难点。传统信号复原方法和基于神经网络等机器学习的复原方法,对同井不同测井曲线间关联信息的表示和利用不充分,跨井模型适应能力差。针对这些问题,该文提出一种基于长短时记忆(LSTM)网络多尺度共生关系挖掘的测井曲线复原方法：在基于神经网络测井曲线复原方法的基础上,通过引入多尺度灰度共生短阵(GLCM)关系完成对不同测井曲线间横向关联信息的表征以实现测井曲线集纵横向语义信息的全面利用,进而实现缺失测井曲线的复原。实验结果表明,与BP神经网络、随机森林(RF)、GBDT、深度森林(DF)和LSTM网络方法相比,该文所提方法具有更好的信号复原精度,且所构建模型具有一定的井间适应能力。     

Examining market oriented aspects of cost of quality

This paper examines the market-oriented aspects of cost of quality that have not been examined by current research. Using data from the automotive industry, we study the relationship between unit cost and economies of scale, experience curve effects, and imputed cost of quality in a specific context. Estimating these effects on unit cost explicitly has been problematic either due to unavailability of data or the imprecision of available data. Further, if a firm wishes to benchmark itself against its principal competitors along these cost dimensions, unavailability of data on competitors renders estimation impossible. In this paper, we propose and illustrate a method based on the iterative optimization of a dynamic model that has been presented in the literature. The results for a specific, illustrative case confirm the anticipated effects of experience curve advantages and economies of scale, lending validity to the proposed methodology. The results show that there is a positive relationship between unit cost and quality improvements; this possibility has also been raised by other researchers in the literature. The use of the methodology and implications for managerial use are discussed     

一种宽带数字相控阵天线比幅曲线的设计方法

随着宽带数字化技术的发展,如何利用宽带DBF 技术在电子对抗领域中进行精确测角测向一直是研 究的热点。文中论述了一种宽带数字相控阵天线比幅曲线的优化设计方法,从多波束类型的选择出发,分析了和和 交叠电平的选择、空域覆盖和增益覆盖的取舍等问题,并且通过对雷达探测领域和差比幅曲线绘制方法的演化,得 到宽带数字和和比幅曲线的绘制方法,分析了基于正弦空间的多波束比幅曲线、中心频点的频率转移、侦察频点的 频率转移等问题,最终仅用一条标准比幅曲线进行装订即可解决宽带带宽内和扫描空域内的所有和和比幅测角问 题,该设计方法拟制的宽带多波束比幅曲线,可应用于宽带数字相控阵体制的雷达探测或电子对抗领域,在简化比 幅曲线数量、减少比幅曲线存储空间、提升比幅测角测向精度等方面均有明显的优势。     

Teamwork in planning innovative projects: improving groupperformance by rational and interpersonal interventions in group process

Management research has suggested that consensus (interacting) groups exhibit superior performance on many organizational tasks such as selecting R&D proposals for funding, planning innovative projects, and exercising quality control during implementation. The objective of this research was to investigate or not the already good performance of consensus groups on project planning tasks could be further improved by a diagnosis and feedback intervention concerning the nature of a group's rational and interpersonal processes. Data from a total of 114 groups (547 individuals) were collected. Feedback on rational processes had a more significant impact on performance than did feedback on interpersonal processes, but only for high-ability groups. The implications of these findings for project management are discussed     

Computational survey of univariate and multivariate learning curvemodels

A computational survey of the various univariate and multivariate learning curve models that have evolved over the past several years is presented. Discussions are presented to show how the models might be used for cost analysis or productivity assessment in engineering management. A computational experiment comparing a univariate model to a bivariate model is presented. While the bivariate model provides only a slightly better fit than the univariate model, it does provide more detailed information about the factor interactions, and better utilization of available data. The results of the computational experiment can be generalized for the appropriateness of multivariate models     

Load-capacity interference and the bathtub curve

Load-capacity (stress-strength) interference theory is used to derive a heuristic failure rate for an item subjected to repetitive loading which is Poisson distributed in time. Numerical calculations are performed using Gaussian distributions in load and capacity. Infant mortality, constant failure rate (Poisson failures), and aging are shown to be associated with capacity variability, load variability, and capacity deterioration, respectively. Bathtub-shaped failure rate curves are obtained when all three failure types are present. Changes in load or capacity distribution parameters often strongly affect the quantitative behavior of the failure-rate curves, but they do not affect the qualitative behavior of the bathtub curve. Neither is it likely that the qualitative behavior will be affected by the use of nonGaussian distributions. The numerical results, however, indicate that infant mortality and wear-out failures interact strongly with load variability. Thus bathtub curves arising from this model cannot be represented as simple superpositions of independent contributions from the three failure types. Only if the three failure types arise from independent failure mechanisms or in different components is it legitimate simply to sum the failure rate contributions     

Affine-invariant B-spline moments for curve matching

The article deals with the problem of matching and recognizing planar curves that are modeled by B-splines, independently of possible affine transformations to which the original curve has been subjected (for example, rotation, translation, scaling, orthographic, and semiperspective projections), and possible occlusion. It presents a fast algorithm for estimating the B-spline control points that is robust to nonuniform sampling, noise, and local deformations. Curve matching is achieved by using a similarity measure based on the B-spline knot points introduced by Cohen et al. (1991). This method, however, can neither handle the affine transformation between the curves nor the occlusion. Solutions to these two problems are presented through the use of a new class of weighted B-spline curve moments that are well defined for both open and closed curves. The method has been applied to classifying affine-transformed aircraft silhouettes, and appears to perform well.     

Using a wearable computer for continuous learning and support

A wearable computer with an electronic performance support system can provide continuous learning and support to mobile workers. This system allows mobile users to ask for advice, receive instruction, access productivity tools, communicate with others, and assess their knowledge on a continuous basis. Workers can get this support when they need it, where they need it. Compared to traditional training and support, this new technique may provide substantial performance improvements. We are developing an architecture for this type of support system and are currently investigating the use of this system to help mobile factory workers perform their tasks.     

三次Bézier曲线分切算法在电信网管中的应用

曲线是任何图形方法中不可缺少的组件,也是电信网管拓扑图的一种方法,利用曲线可绕开节点,避免重叠.网络节点愈多,曲线愈显得重要.文章在探索Bézier曲线性质后,给出了三次Bézier曲线的分切算法,及其在网管拓扑图中实现,这种应用可使界面获得很大改进,并且稳定性极高.     

Developing Managers without Management Development

"Development," as used here, is the learning that occurs independently of instruction. It is primarily the result of experience. Whether it carries the individual very far beyond what he was taught depends partly on his learning capacity, but more importantly on the quality of his experience and on whether he is encouraged to learn from it. In the present review I also want to point out that: ? Whether an organization succeeds in assuring its supply of competent managers depends far more on how it runs its business than on the sophistication, or even the use, of formal training programs. ? Four specific aspects of the organization's management of itself are the keys to both the quality and quantity of its future talent supply. These are: organization structure, job design, career planning, and control systems. ? Formal management training programs are neither necessary nor sufficient for this purpose, although they can significantly strengthen the organization that uses these four tools effectively. ? The process of developing subordinates can be anxiety-provoking for executives, and this, rather than the inherent difficulty of the process, is the principle obstacle to its wider use. S.W.G.     

Principal Curve Time Warping

Time warping finds use in many fields of time series analysis, and it has been effectively implemented in many different application areas. Rather than focusing on a particular application area we approach the general problem definition, and employ principal curves, a powerful machine learning tool, to improve the noise robustness of existing time warping methods. The increasing noise level is the most important problem that leads to unnatural alignments. Therefore, we tested our approach in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) signals, and obtained satisfactory results. Moreover, for the signals denoised by principal curve projections we propose a differential equation-based time warping method, which has a comparable performance with lower computational complexity than the existing techniques.      

PLE中个人知识管理策略研究

个人知识管理作为提升个人竞争力的一种手段,近年来被各行各业高度重视,人们纷纷寻求各种方法来提高自身的个人知识管理能力。但他们过多的重视知识的个人价值,不注重知识的共享。PLE是基于Web2.0和社会性软件的一种理念,强调自主学习、交流共享,其中社会性软件为我们进行个人知识管理带来了很大的便利。在PLE中,充分利用社会性软件,加强对个人知识管理方法的研究,以此来促进综合素质的提升。     

A Real-Time Monitoring and Intelligent Decisions-Making Platform for Enhanced Radio Resource Management in Wireless Cellular Systems

Congestion management in cellular networks is of prime importance for the mobile network operators of present and future generations. Nowadays cellular operators utilize improved planning techniques for enhanced capacity management, but on the other hand the number of mobile subscribers rapidly increases and additionally, new data-technologies for wireless access add extra traffic to the already overloaded networks, often causing serious problems to their performance. In this paper, we present a resource management system for increasing the efficiency of 2G and 2.5G cellular networks especially during overloading periods through the introduction of innovative extra elements. For validating the system's behavior, a set of trials have been performed focusing on alleviating both voice and data congestion problems. The results of these trials show important improvements on the network's capacity availability when the presented system intervenes.     

The role of computer modeling and simulation in electric and hybrid vehicle research and development

Computer modeling and simulation is widely used in support of electric and hybrid vehicle research and development. Many modeling-assisted studies and assessments, involving candidate technology comparisons, have been performed to provide information for management planning and research decisions. Modeling has also been extensively used in engineering activities including preliminary and final design optimization. A wide range of programs has been developed including small ones for use on hand-held programmable calculators and large programs involving more than 11 000 lines. Many programs exist in the public domain, and two major programs are available on commercial time-sharing systems.     

R&M 2000 An Air Force Logistics Command Challenge Do It Now

This paper outlines the priorities of the Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) in supporting the R&M 2000 initiative; provides an overview of long, mid, and near-term R&M planning; and discusses initiatives within the AFLC depots and material management community. In view of decreasing manpower and funding AFLC is focusing on the basic elements of R&M with smart applications of developing technologies and innovative approaches within the Air Logistics Centers. AFLC has restructured itself to support such technologies at VHSIC, composites, and information. Several major offices and centers such as the Air Force Acquisition Center and the Air Force Coordinating Office for Logistics Research actively work R&M/supportability issues. These issues include R&M incentives, logistics support analysis, and advances in avionics leading to greater combat capability through R&M. On a more day-to-day basis the paper discusses R&M integration into the Weapon System Master Plan and ongoing efforts to enhance the R&M of existing systems. Initiatives have begun within depots to identify improvements in repair techniques which will lead to higher reliability and productivity. Within the material management community, new management approaches, use of ESS on repairable assets, and enhancement of the product improvement process all highlight new efforts.     

Deep learning methods for fingerprint-based indoor positioning: a review

ABSTRACT

Outdoor positioning systems based on the Global Navigation Satellite System have several shortcomings that have deemed their use for indoor positioning impractical. Location fingerprinting, which utilizes machine learning, has emerged as a viable method and solution for indoor positioning due to its simple concept and accurate performance. In the past, shallow learning algorithms were traditionally used in location fingerprinting. Recently, the research community started utilizing deep learning methods for fingerprinting after witnessing the great success and superiority these methods have over traditional/shallow machine learning algorithms. This paper provides a comprehensive review of deep learning methods in indoor positioning. First, the advantages and disadvantages of various fingerprint types for indoor positioning are discussed. The solutions proposed in the literature are then analyzed, categorized, and compared against various performance evaluation metrics. Since data is key in fingerprinting, a detailed review of publicly available indoor positioning datasets is presented. While incorporating deep learning into fingerprinting has resulted in significant improvements, doing so, has also introduced new challenges. These challenges along with the common implementation pitfalls are discussed. Finally, the paper is concluded with some remarks as well as future research trends.     

Technological learning, strategic flexibility, and new productdevelopment in the pharmaceutical industry

The objective of this study was to better understand strategic management using the dynamic capabilities approach. The authors have focused on two fundamental constructs of dynamic capabilities, technological learning and strategic flexibility, and discerned their influence on organizational performance. Their main argument has been that a firm's strategic flexibility moderates the relationship between technological learning and technological performance as evidenced by new product development. Their model is based on the synthesis of the traditions of research in strategic and technology management. Technological learning has been defined in two dimensions: internal and external learning. Strategic flexibility has been operationalized in financial, marketing, manufacturing, and technological dimensions. Data from the US ethical pharmaceutical industry for 1977-1991 have been used to test their hypotheses. Although they found support for their basic argument, they have observed that the strategic flexibility factors are related with the variables in a more complex way. Furthermore, internal learning involves a different process than learning from external sources. The robustness of their finding is due to the longitudinal data and objective indicators used in measuring the constructs. Implications for further research and managerial actions are also discussed     

Managing capacity for telecommunications networks under uncertainty

The existing telecommunications infrastructure in most of the world is adequate to deliver voice and text applications, but demand for broadband services such as streaming video and large file transfer (e.g., movies) is accelerating. The explosion in Internet use has created a huge demand for telecommunications capacity. However, this demand is extremely volatile, making network planning difficult. Modern financial option pricing methods are applied to the problem of network investment decision timing. In particular, we study the optimal decision problem of building new network capacity in the presence of stochastic demand for services. Adding new capacity requires a capital investment, which must be balanced by uncertain future revenues. We study the underlying risk factor in the bandwidth market and then apply real options theory to the upgrade decision problem. We notice that sometimes it is optimal to wait until the maximum capacity of a line is nearly reached before upgrading directly to the line with the highest known transmission rate (skipping the intermediate lines). It appears that past upgrade practice underestimates the conflicting effects of growth and volatility. This explains the current overcapacity in available bandwidth. To the best of our knowledge, this real options approach has not been used previously in the area of network capacity planning. Consequently, we believe that this methodology can offer insights for network management.