Performance measurements and analysis of the existing wireless communication technology in Iraq.

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel UniversityIraq may be considered as the largest wireless market in the Gulf region. A key driving factor in the market of wireless communication, it has seen enormous growth in the mobile phone market over the last five years leading to almost 24 million subscribers in 2011. Moreover, there are several technologies and services working in Iraq; three GSM Operators, three CDMA national operators and three CDMA provinces operators. The recent growth in the mobile phone market is based on the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) standards creating the next-generation wireless technologies in the Iraqi Wireless Communication market. One of the essential issues of this research is to investigate the performance of the decreased Quality Of Service (QoS) caused by interferences in the services on GSM/CDMA operators in Iraq. Many issues should be studied and taken into consideration, such as; does the Multi-Coalition Forces cause the interferences, jamming, higher rate of calls drop and false ringing; or are they caused by bad design and planning? Do we need to optimise our network due to the large number of users? All these factors are investigated and the measurements of most service providers and government agencies will be gathered. A detailed analysis was included from the providers with measurements of performance and the reasons for the deterioration of wireless services. The novel contributions of this thesis is the extensive radio measurement campaign over the three mobile an CDMA operator networks and the analysis and recommendations that were drawn to suggest the best approach to improve the QoS of Wireless communication technologies. Awareness of actual reasons behind the deterioration of services will be raised to the Iraqi Government, CMC and the wireless service providers

Performance analysis of management strategies in Tshiombo irrigation scheme of South Africa.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.The poor performance of most irrigation schemes has undermined their potential of transforming the rural community into economic hubs which will create employment for rural people. Therefore, focusing on the management strategies of smallholder irrigation schemes will create viable alternatives that will improve scheme performance. This study aims to assess the contribution of management strategies on the performance of smallholder irrigation farming in Tshiombo irrigation scheme. The study specifically looks on the performance of scheme farmers, extent to which available incentives impact scheme farmers’ performance and the impact of institutional factors on scheme performance. The study was done in Tshiombo irrigation scheme located in Thulamela Municipality in Limpopo Province of South Africa. Stratified random sampling was used to select 148 from the head, middle and lower section of the scheme. Focus group discussions (FDGs) and Key informant interviews (KIIs) was conducted. Financial performance of the scheme was analysed using gross margin and Ordinary Least Square. Principal Component Analysis and Ordinary Least Square were used to find the relationship between the role of institutions, incentives and scheme performance. Cabbage has the highest gross margin of R187 324.08, while maize and sweet potatoes have a gross margin of R22 275.95 and R5 873.62 respectively. Age of scheme farmers, labour availability, size of cultivated area pesticide subsidy, market price, and distance of the plot from the main canal significantly affect scheme performance by -0.022, -0.185, -0.30, 0.138, 6.090, and 0.191 respectively. Participation of institutions in Tshiombo irrigation scheme helps to improve scheme farmers’ performance. Results show variance on access to institutional services among groups of farmers. Poor combination of institutional factors contributes to the poor performance of irrigation scheme. Smallholder farmers in Tshiombo approach farming as a business and can generate profit from their investment. There is a need for female farmers to prioritise crops with high-profit margins in order to improve scheme performance. The government should change support from subsidy to cash to allow flexibility in access to inputs. Farmers’ choice of institutional services should be identified and promoted. Institutions should form some platforms upon which they meet and facilitate resource governance. High yielding combination of institutional services needs to be identified and embraced

Performance analysis and mitigating the effects of stray currents on underground metal pipelines in South Africa.

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. University of KwaZulu-Natal. Durban, 2016.The transport, distribution and utilization of electrical energy can often negatively influence other services in the vicinity due to leakage of stray currents or the influence of varying magnetic fields causing induction in nearby pipelines. When pipeline operators are informed of electrical abnormalities in the vicinity of their facilities, it raises considerable concern and triggers priority remedial reaction. It is well known that in the vicinity of DC stray current the risk of electrolytic corrosion on buried pipelines is very high. In the case of a good external pipe coating with a small defect in the coating, electrolytic corrosion current density at the coating defect will be high and penetration of the pipe wall can result in a short period of time. Invariably the license agreement to operate a pipeline is granted on condition that all necessary steps are taken to prevent spillages and that all actions taken to ensure the integrity of the pipeline are accurately recorded and be available at all times for inspection to the applicable investigating authorities. The primary protection of pipelines against electrolytic corrosion is the external coating of the pipe. As no coating is deemed to be perfect and all coatings are subject to deterioration from aging and subject to damage during installation, a secondary or back-up means of corrosion protection is required. The most commonly used means of secondary corrosion protection for pipelines is cathodic protection. Cathodic protection works on the principle of polarizing all areas on the pipe surface to the same potential so that no corrosion cells can exist on the pipe surface. In addition the pipe surface is maintained at a potential more negative than its immediate surrounding so that it becomes the cathode with respect to the anode of the cathodic protection circuit. A cathodic protection system may consist of a combination of galvanic and impressed current technologies depending on varies factors such as, availability of power sources, soil resistivity, land availability for installation of anode beds and length of pipe to be protected. In South Africa metal pipelines are frequently subjected to the influence of stray currents as a result of the DC rail traction network than spans across the country. Stray current is known to cause the most severe form of corrosion to underground metallic structures that could result in a pipeline leak in a very short period of time with devastating damage to the environment. Stray currents may also interfere with existing cathodic protection systems rendering them inadequate of providing the necessary protection to the pipeline. These currents also interfere in such a manner that maintenance and operation of the existing cathodic protection becomes difficult and unpredictable. Knowledge of the presence of stray current is also critical when designing new pipelines and cathodic protection systems so that the necessary mitigating factors can be implemented in new designs. In South Africa cathodic protection has been proven to be an effective means of protecting both new and old pipelines. This study analyses the challenges associated with the mitigation of stray current and the existing methodology used by a major South African pipeline operator to monitor the presence of stray current. Methodologies for detection and mitigation are briefly discussed in this dissertation. Based on the information studied proposals are suggested to enhance the current methodology and create greater awareness about the damaging effects of stray currents

Performance improvement of a circulating fluidized bed boiler through flow modifications in primary air supply system.

The primary air supply system is a key component of a Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) boiler. The uniformity of air flow through the primary air supply system is important for highly efficient operation of the CFB boiler. Non-uniform air flow distribution within the primary air supply system can affect the boiler's combustion adversely, resulting in higher energy consumptions. An effective measure to solve this problem is to install an air flow modifier in the primary air supply system. Thus, extensive numerical investigations have been carried out to design a suitable air flow modifier in order to improve operational efficiency of the CFB boiler. It has been shown that inhomogeneity in the air flow velocity, at a control cross-section of the wind-box, reduces from 65.79% to 21.25% when flow modifier is used. In order to validate the numerical results, visual and velocity distribution uniformity experiments have been conducted under five different test conditions. For this purpose, a small-scale model of a 220t/hr CFB boiler has been used. The experimental results substantiate the numerical predictions. Moreover, the same methodology has been implemented to a full-scale 220t/hr CFB boiler. The hot test results depict that the thermal efficiency of the boiler has increased from 85.71% to 88.34% when tested with an air flow modifier in place, which is equivalent to a saving of 5,000 tons of coal per year. The economic benefits of this energy-saving technology have been shown to be very significant, clearly demonstrating the effectiveness of the air flow modifier

Performance evaluation framework for destination management organisations: managers' perspectives.

This study aims to develop a performance evaluation framework for Destination Management Organisations (DMOs). Although tourism researchers (Ritchie and Crouch 2005; Pike 2005; Bornhorst et al. 2010; Morrison 2013; Pike and Page 2014) acknowledge that the organisational performance of a DMO is a key determinant of destination development and competitiveness, existing studies in this area are scarce. Therefore, the major contribution of this study is towards the advancement of knowledge and understanding of the construct of DMO effectiveness, and ultimately the development of a robust DMO performance evaluation framework (PEF). A stronger focus on evaluation of DMO effectiveness is particularly relevant in light of the recent public sector funding cuts in England that have significantly affected DMOs. The thesis is informed by a critical review of the existing tourism destination development and performance management literature. The discussion focuses on the strategic and operational roles of DMOs as key development agents within the contemporary context of destinations in England. Moreover, the study is informed by relevant performance management theories applied in wider private, public and non-profit organisational contexts. The principles of organisational effectiveness in this study are examined by a synthesis of multiple theoretical lenses: goal theory, stakeholder theory and competing values approach. Particular emphasis is placed on existing theory and practice of evaluating organisational effectiveness in the context of small and medium organisations, as well as development agencies, as they are pertinent to the organisational nature of DMOs. The study’s research design is underpinned by an interpretive social sciences paradigm and employs a qualitative methodology. A total of twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior DMO managers across England. Emphasis is on identifying senior DMO managers’ perspectives on the concept of effectiveness and organisational performance. Furthermore, the interviews focus on exploring the key determinants of DMO performance evaluation. The thematic analysis and critical discussion of DMO managers’ views with the relevant literature has led to relevant conclusions that informed the performance evaluation framework as presented in the final chapter of the thesis. The theoretical contributions of the study include the identification of key performance perspectives that enable the comprehensive evaluation of operational effectiveness and strategic impact of DMOs. The findings of this study suggest that DMO effectiveness is defined by the organisation’s rationale for existence and non-profit strategic impetus, which includes supporting the visitor economy by means of strategic value creation and co-creation, strategic leadership for tourism development, and advancing the collaborative governance structures for tourism development. The study ascertains that several features of the specific destination context determine the complexity of destination development and ultimately the emphasis of DMOs in particular performance evaluation perspectives. Nevertheless, it was found that a holistic approach to DMO performance evaluation requires a focus on two key interrelated perspectives: outward-looking and internal. From an outward-looking perspective, DMO performance evaluation primarily focuses on the achievement of strategic tourism development results that the DMO creates or co-creates with its stakeholders. These strategic results (or value) is underpinned by the DMO’s rationale for existence, and is associated with its supporting and leadership role in four destination development areas: identifying the rationale for intervention; designing action plans for the strategic support of tourism; administering the implementation of destination development activity; and, monitoring the impact of development interventions. Internal performance perspectives focus on internal value creation within a DMO in terms of business planning and organisational capability. The former relates to evaluation of business objectives and functions, as well as structures and processes; while, the latter relates to evaluation of resources, skills and competences. Importantly, the interface between outward-looking and internal perspectives of DMO effectiveness is elusive, as internal and external stakeholders co-create value with various levels of contribution at different stages of the process of development. The study specifies the nature and mechanisms of value creation and co-creation across outward-looking and internal perspectives of DMO performance; therefore, it supports an advanced understanding of the dynamics that determine the elusiveness between DMO and destination success. The study has several practical applications for DMO managers and policy makers. The study can help DMO managers conduct systematic and robust performance evaluations of their organisation by combining both outward-looking and internal perspectives of DMO effectiveness. This can help them identify areas for improvement of economy, efficiency, capacity and effectiveness in achieving strategic and operational results. Ultimately, this can lead to improvements in return on investment for DMOs and their resource providers (e.g. funders). The study can help DMO managers and stakeholders determine each other’s contribution to the value creation and value co-creation in destination development activities. This can assist DMOs evaluate their added value or additionality in destination development initiatives, which in turn can support or clarify the rationale for the DMO’s existence. Moreover, the study supports improvements in destination development initiatives by promoting the need for DMO managers to work in partnership with stakeholders and advance unified theories of change and impact chain models for destination development. This way, DMO managers can improve effectiveness in monitoring and controlling the processes of project and programme implementation. The study also helps DMO managers identify gaps in skills and competences for performance monitoring and evaluation. Demonstrating commitment in developing performance evaluation capability, as well being able to demonstrate return on investment can be valuable for DMOs. It enables them to gain credibility, trust and legitimacy, which can lead to improved capacity to develop successful partnerships with key stakeholders. This is then particularly important in the contemporary context of DMOs in England, where they work as key partners within LEPs. In addition, it is valuable in times of scarce public sector funding as strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders can lead to opportunities for revenue generation. Finally, the study can enable policy makers to evaluate DMO performance and rationalise their existence and their roles in the context of sustainable destination development

Performance of indigenous farming practices : a case study of maize land use types in Umzimkulu area, Eastern Cape.

Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2005.Although conventional or scientific farming practices have been encouraged and promoted by state and other agencies, rural and resource poorfarmers have increasingly resorted to indigenous farming practices. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that indigenous farming practices are not only environmentalfriendly, but are more profitable than conventional practices. A conceptual framework for testing the hypothesis was formulated based on a comparison of Margins above Specified Cost of indigenous and conventional farming practices. The data required were identified and a methodology for data collection and analysis was designed. The research methodology included a literature review, a GIS based sample scheme designedfor data collection and statistical analysis. As a major feature of this component of the mini-dissertation, the literature review reveals that indigenous farming practices have positive impact on the environment by improving soil through mulching, composting and use of non-toxic control ofpests and diseases. On the other hand the review reveals that conventional practices can impact negatively on the environment

Performance Analysis and Modelling of Spectrum Handoff Schemes in Cognitive Radio Networks. Modelling and Analysis of Spectrum Handoff Decision Schemes in Cognitive Radio Networks using the Queuing Theory and Simulation for Licensed and Unlicensed Spectrum Bands.

Recently, wireless access has become an essential part of modern society. Consequently, the demand for new wireless applications and services, as well as the number of wireless users, are gradually increasing. Given that this amount of expansion is eventually controlled by the available radio frequency spectrum, government regulatory agencies have recently adopted a strict approach to the licensing of limited amounts of spectrum to different entities (e.g., public safety, military, service providers, unlicensed devices, and TV). All of them possess exclusive transmissions to their assigned frequency channels. A new study on spectrum efficiency revealed big geographic and temporal variations in spectrum utilisation, ranging from 15-85% in the bands below 3GHz. These variations were less at frequencies above this figure. Recently, the Cognitive Radio (CR) has risen as an encouraging piece of technology to improve spectrum efficiency and to solve the problem of spectrum scarcity. This is because CR allows the secondary (unlicensed) users to occupy unused licensed spectrum bands temporarily, given that the interference of the primary (licensed) users is prohibited or minimised. In this thesis, various spectrum handoff management schemes have been proposed in order to improve the performance evaluation for CR networks. The proposed spectrum handoff schemes use the Opportunistic Spectrum Access (OSA) concept to utilise available spectrum bands. The handoff Secondary Users (SUs) have a higher priority to occupy available spectrum channels in the licensed and unlicensed spectrum bands without interfering with the legacy spectrum owner, i.e. primary users (PUs). However, existing spectrum handoff management schemes in CR networks do not provide high transmission opportunities for handoff secondary users to utilise the available radio spectrum resources. The first part of this thesis addresses the issue of spectrum handoff management in a licensed spectrum band environment. In this case, both reactive and proactive spectrum handoff schemes are proposed. Queuing theory or/and simulation experiments have been used to evaluate the performance of the proposed schemes and compare them with other existing schemes. Handoff delay has mainly been used to investigate the impact of successive handoff operations on the performance of the proposed CR networks. Implemented models have shown an improvement in the adopted performance measures. According to the achieved results, the improvement of the proposed, prioritised handoff schemes in some cases is approximately 75% when compared with existing schemes. On the other hand, the second part of this research proposed a prioritised spectrum handoff scheme in a heterogeneous spectrum environment, which is composed of a pool of licensed and unlicensed spectrum channels. In general, the availability of substantial numbers of the licensed spectrum channels is the key benefit of using this type of radio spectrum channel. Whereas, accessing with equal rights for all types of users is the main advantage of using unlicensed spectrum channels. In this respect, no transmission interruptions occur once a user obtains a channel. In addition, the proposed schemes use only the unlicensed spectrum channels as their backup channels. This enables the user to resume interrupted transmission in the case of the spectrum handoff operation (mainly; due to the appearance of the primary users), and thus facilitates a SUs communication. The proposed principle is investigated using a retrial queuing theory as well as extensive simulation experiments, and is compared with another non-prioritised scheme which do not give any preference to handoff SUs over new SUs. The results indicate that the proposed model has improved on current average handoff delay. This thesis contributes to knowledge by further enhancing the efficient utilisation of available radio spectrum resources and therefore subsequently provides an improvement in the spectrum capacity for wireless cognitive radio networks

Performance appraisal: an effective communication tool in the total quality process for an Amer[i]can company in Hong Kong.

by Wong Yuen-yee Grace.Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994.Includes bibliographical references (leaves ).ABSTRACT --- p.i-iiTABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iii-ivChapterChapter I. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1Chapter II. --- METHODOLOGY --- p.4Official Documents --- p.4Interviews --- p.5Personal Observations --- p.7Chapter III. --- THE SETTING: HAVI GROUP (FAR EAST) LP --- p.8Perseco Asia-Pacific --- p.9Performance Designs --- p.10HAVI Food Services (Hong Kong) Ltd --- p.11BDP Asia-Pacific --- p.12HAVI Group Services --- p.13Current Staff of the Hong Kong Headquarter --- p.14Chapter IV. --- TOTAL QUALITY IN HAVI GROUP (FAR EAST) LP --- p.15History of TQP Development in the Far East Div --- p.16Awakening --- p.16Active --- p.18Definition of Total Quality --- p.2lTotal Quality as in the Employees' Eyes --- p.24Chapter V. --- PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT IN HAVI GROUP (FAR EAST) LP --- p.28Performance Appraisal --- p.29Reward System --- p.34Training and Development --- p.38Chapter VI. --- REVIEWING THE PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL IN HAVI GROUP (FAR EAST) LP --- p.39Work of the Performance Review Task Force in 1993 --- p.40Continuing the Review in 1994 --- p.43Chapter VII. --- COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS --- p.46Performance Appraisal --- p.47For Managers --- p.48For General Staff --- p.50Common Aspects --- p.51Reward System --- p.53Training and Development --- p.57Chapter VIII. --- CONCLUSION --- p.59BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.60-61APPENDICES --- p.6

Performance and practice in higher education: an ethnomethodological study of everyday academic work.

A thesis submitted to the University of Bedfordshire, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.It is widely accepted that Higher Education (HE) has gone through significant changes within the last sixty years. The effects of such phenomena as managerialism, marketization and performativity are well documented in the literature (Deem et al 2007, Molesworth et al 2011, Hussey and Smith 2010, Bell et al 2009). Often, such terms are introduced and accepted as truth without fully exploring what such phenomena really mean to the members of that community. However, policy and purpose (impact) may differ from practice, as illustrated by Weider (1974). This research uses ethnomethodology (EM) as its focus, to explore this issue further. EM is a method of inquiry which concentrates on the members’ methods to understand how they make meaning of their work environment through their daily practices. This research applies a documentary approach to lecturing, to see it as a document of accomplishment. It also draws on the method of conversation analysis (CA) and examines discussions with academic members of two post 1992 universities, which are seen to be the most affected by the neoliberal phenomena mentioned. This is to understand how they accomplish their performance of being an academic. The use of EM allows a greater appreciation of the shared understanding of the use of the social space of the university and how the organisational daily objectives are achieved by its members. Evidence from this research shows that performativity (Lyotard 1984) causes misunderstandings of purpose, and marketized approaches have increased assymetries in student-academic interactions