A methodology for the selection of new technologies in the aviation industry

The purpose of this report is to present a technology selection methodology to quantify both tangible and intangible benefits of certain technology alternatives within a fuzzy environment. Specifically, it describes an application of the theory of fuzzy sets to hierarchical structural analysis and economic evaluations for utilisation in the industry. The report proposes a complete methodology to accurately select new technologies. A computer based prototype model has been developed to handle the more complex fuzzy calculations. Decision-makers are only required to express their opinions on comparative importance of various factors in linguistic terms rather than exact numerical values. These linguistic variable scales, such as ‘very high’, ‘high’, ‘medium’, ‘low’ and ‘very low’, are then converted into fuzzy numbers, since it becomes more meaningful to quantify a subjective measurement into a range rather than in an exact value. By aggregating the hierarchy, the preferential weight of each alternative technology is found, which is called fuzzy appropriate index. The fuzzy appropriate indices of different technologies are then ranked and preferential ranking orders of technologies are found. From the economic evaluation perspective, a fuzzy cash flow analysis is employed. This deals quantitatively with imprecision or uncertainties, as the cash flows are modelled as triangular fuzzy numbers which represent ‘the most likely possible value’, ‘the most pessimistic value’ and ‘the most optimistic value’. By using this methodology, the ambiguities involved in the assessment data can be effectively represented and processed to assure a more convincing and effective decision- making process when selecting new technologies in which to invest. The prototype model was validated with a case study within the aviation industry that ensured it was properly configured to meet the

A Conceptual Framework for Mobile Learning

Several technology projects have been launched to explore the opportunities that mobile technologies bring about when tackling issues of democratic participation and social inclusion through mobile learning. Mobile devices are cheaper than for instance a PC, and their affordance, usability and accessibility are such that they can potentially complement or even replace traditional computer technology. The importance of communication and collaboration features of mobile technologies has been stressed in the framework of ICT-mediated learning. In this paper, a theoretical framework for mobile learning and e-inclusion is developed for people outside the conventional education system. The framework draws upon the fields of pedagogy (constructivist learning in particular), mobile learning objects and sociology.Mobile Learning, Digital Divide, Constructivist Pedagogy, Forms Of Capital

An alternative approach to firms’ evaluation: expert systems and fuzzy logic

Discounted Cash Flow techniques are the generally accepted methods for valuing firms. Such methods do not provide explicit acknowledgment of the value determinants and overlook their interrelations. This paper proposes a different method of firm valuation based on fuzzy logic and expert systems. It does represent a conceptual transposition of Discounted Cash Flow techniques but, unlike the latter, it takes explicit account of quantitative and qualitative variables and their mutual integration. Financial, strategic and business aspects are considered by focusing on twenty-nine value drivers that are combined together via “if-then” rules. The output of the system is a real number in the interval [0,1], which represents the value-creation power of the firm. To corroborate the model a sensitivity analysis is conducted. The system may be used for rating and ranking firms as well as for assessing the impact of managers’ decisions on value creation and as a tool of corporate governance.Firms’ evaluation, fuzzy logic, expert system, rating, acquisition, sensitivity analysis

Computational studies of some fuzzy mathematical problems

In modelling and optimizing real world systems and processes, one usually ends up with a linear or nonlinear programming problem, namely maximizing one or more objective functions subject to a set of constraint equations or inequalities. For many cases, the constraints do not need to be satisfied exactly, and the coefficients involved in the model are imprecise in nature and have to be described by fuzzy numbers to reflect the real world nature. The resulting mathematical programming problem is referred to as a fuzzy mathematical programming problem.Over the past decades, a great deal of work has been conducted to study fuzzy mathematical programming problems and a large volume of results have been obtained. However, many issues have not been resolved. This research is thus undertaken to study two types of fuzzy mathematical programming problems. The first type of problems is fuzzy linear programming in which the objective function contains fuzzy numbers. To solve this type of problems, we firstly introduce the concept of fuzzy max order and non-dominated optimal solution to fuzzy mathematical programming problems within the framework of fuzzy mathematics. Then, based on the new concept introduced, various theorems are developed, which involve converting the fuzzy linear programming problem to a four objective linear programming problem of non-fuzzy members. The theoretical results and methods developed are then validated and their applications for solving fuzzy linear problems are demonstrated through examples.The second type of problems which we tackle in this research is fuzzy linear programming in which the constraint equations or inequalities contain fuzzy numbers. For this work, we first introduce a new concept, the α-fuzzy max order. Based on this concept, the general framework of an α-fuzzy max order method is developed for solving fuzzy linear programming problems with fuzzy parameters in the constraints. For the special cases in which the constraints consist of inequalities containing fuzzy numbers with isosceles triangle or trapezoidal membership functions, we prove that the feasible solution space can be determined by the respective 3n or 4n non-fuzzy inequalities. For the general cases in which the constraints contain fuzzy numbers with any other form of membership functions, robust numerical algorithms have been developed for the determination of the feasible solution space and the optimal solution to the fuzzy linear programming problem in which the constraints contain fuzzy parameters. Further, by using the results for both the first and second types of problems, general algorithms have also been developed for the general fuzzy linear programming problems in which both the objective function and the constraint inequalities contain fuzzy numbers with any forms of membership functions. Some examples are then presented to validate the theoretical results and the algorithms developed, and to demonstrate their applications

Development of the innovation process in GN Netcom

CEMSThis Work Project is based on a Business Project that was conducted with Jabra, studying its project development delays. Currently, unstructured management practices in initial stages of new product development processes lead to excessive time spent in subsequent stages. Thus, the project focuses on studying those stages in-depth, and found that main drivers of project delays are Uncertainty and Accountability. This is in line with conclusions from academic literature, that also provides a link to the subject of Finance, describing how these issues lead to higher costs and reduced revenues. Finally, recommendations to tackle the causes of delays were drawn

Complementing Measurements and Real Options Concepts to Support Inter-iteration Decision-Making in Agile Projects

Agile software projects are characterized by iterative and incremental development, accommodation of changes and active customer participation. The process is driven by creating business value for the client, assuming that the client (i) is aware of it, and (ii) is capable to estimate the business value, associated with the separate features of the system to be implemented. This paper is focused on the complementary use of measurement techniques and concepts of real-option-analysis to assist clients in assessing and comparing alternative sets of requirements. Our overall objective is to provide systematic support to clients for the decision-making process on what to implement in each iteration. The design of our approach is justified by using empirical data, published earlier by other authors

Multi-Dimensional Assessment of Transit System Efficiency and Incentive-based Subsidy Allocation

Over the past several decades, contending with traffic congestion and air pollution has emerged as one of the imperative issues across the world. Development of a transit-oriented urban transport system has been realized by an increasing number of countries and administrations as one of the most effective strategies for mitigating congestion and pollution problems. Despite the rapid development of public transportation system, doubts regarding the efficiency of the system and financing sustainability have arisen. Significant amount of public resources have been invested into public transport; however complaints about low service quality and unreliable transit system performance have increasingly arisen from all walks of life. Evaluating transit operational efficiency from various levels and designing incentive-based mechanisms to allocate limited subsidies/resources have become one of the most imperative challenges faced by responsible authorities to sustain the public transport system development and improve its performance and levels of service. After a comprehensive review of existing literature, this dissertation aims to develop a multi-dimensional framework composed of a series of robust multi-criteria evaluation models to assess the operational and financial performance of transit systems at various levels of application (i.e. region/city level, operator level, and route level). It further contributes to bridging the gap between transit efficiency evaluation and the subsequent subsidy allocation by developing a set of incentive-based resource allocation models taking various levels of operational and financial efficiencies into consideration. Case studies using real-world transit data will be performed to validate the performance and applicability of the proposed models