Process Design and Optimization of a Once-Through Dimethyl Ether Process Using AVEVA Process Simulation

The primary purpose of the project on which I wrote this thesis was to design an optimize a once-through dimethyl ether process utilizing a software called AVEVA Process Simulation. The process was initially modeled and optimized to minimize the EAOC of the distillation column. The result of that effort was an optimized column with six stages with the feed entering the column at stage six. It had a height of 3 m, diameter of 0.44 m, and an EAOC of $65,100. This optimized solution was submitted to a Toller. The Toller provided available equipment to model the plant. From here, another optimization was conducted to find the appropriate equipment combination that would have both the lowest rent and utility cost. This solution was then further optimized by manipulating process variables such as temperature, pressure, and feed stage. The most optimal configuration was reactor B and column A. The metric used to gauge the most optimal configuration is the total annual cost which includes rent and utilities. After optimization, the estimated utility and rent cost for the entire process was approximately$642,000 per year. Of course, there are other costs to consider such as raw materials and labor, but they are not included in this price. The final recommendation is to proceed with this project considering the fixed equipment cost and economic potential of $6.8 million per year. The next steps would be complete a more thorough economic analysis and purchase the equipment from the Toller to get the process running as soon as possible to increase potential profit

Response to Out of Stock Produce and its Underlying Economic Considerations

The goal of this research is to investigate consumer response to out-of-stock product in the produce category. We do this by comparing results from a survey conducted in Greece and the United States to previous research on consumer response to out-of-stock situations for other perishable and non-perishable products. We further examined the underlying economic reasoning as well as the cultural and physical differences between the United States and Greece as explanations of different reactions. Out of Stock produce response proved different in produce than in other perishables and non-perishables. There is some evidence that produce does follow previous the suggested economic reasoning from the previous research, especially within transaction costs. Finally, the respondent’s country proved very significant in dictating response.Out-of-stock, grocery, perishables, opportunity cost, transaction costs, Agribusiness,

VALUATION OF RECREATIONAL BEACH QUALITY AND WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN OAHU

Hawaii’s pristine ocean and tropical environment is a keystone of Hawaii tourism and the state economy. Water pollution from stormwater and development threatens the beach quality to both residents and tourists. In order to understand the lost nonmarket value, we assess changes in quality of beach characteristics including water and sand quality, swimming safety conditions, and congestion using a Discrete Choice Experiment of recreational beach users. Further, we study willingness to pay (WTP) for water management strategies in Hawaii using another discrete choice experiment, including structural and nonstructural Best Management Practices, testing, monitoring, and educational efforts. Using a mixed logit model, beach quality results suggest similar preferences among resident and tourists. Both groups consistently have higher WTP to avoid poor quality levels versus obtaining excellent levels. Additionally, water quality is the single most important attribute. For the policy discrete choice experiment, both parties exhibit similar ranking of WTP to initiate water quality management strategies, with improved testing methods followed by education having the highest WTP. Lastly, we use Benefit-Cost analysis to find that all significant management strategies may be viable, since WTP is greater than the predicted cost of implementation based on expert opinion of Hawaiian policy leaders

A STUDY LINKING TITLE 1 STRATEGIC RESOURCE ALLOCATION TO STUDENT ACADEMIC SUCCESS IN SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Strategic instructional resourcing has become an important topic in public education, the most lucrative and expensive business in the United States. It is estimated which the United States spends about $612.7 billion annually on public education. This study will analyze and synthesize data from Title I schools in South Carolina, specifically in the area of resource allocation and its relationship to student academic success. Historically, public education has provided all citizens with an equal and equitable opportunity to receive an adequate education. Over time, access to strong public education can impact the lives of students with regard to social mobility. Instructional leadership is a term which appeared during the 1970s through the research conducted by Ronald Edmonds. In his publications Edmonds found which school leaders who focused on learning in their actions and conversations throughout the school year had a deeper impact on student learning. This was a significant discovery because school leaders during this time focused more on inspiring students and stakeholders to work together towards a common goal. These leaders had qualities of what is referred to as being a “transformational leader”, which meant a leader devoted to reflecting on student data and what/how teachers teach. Prior to this point, teachers were regarded as the experts and the reason why students learned or did not learn. After this research was published, school leaders were determined to have the biggest impact on student learning. School leaders who were most effective had a strong focus on areas including: collective efficacy, evidence, implementation, learning, student engagement, and instructional strategies. This research study is designed to examine how Title I high schools in the state of South Carolina are resourcing their Title I funds. Studies have shown which schools which practice effective and efficient specific instructional resourcing improve their students’ academic success. This paper will also explore what steps schools execute before making strategic instructional resourcing decisions. Keywords: Funding, per-pupil expenditure, equity, quality education, social mobility, socioeconomic status, achievement gap, adequacy, Title I, instructional leadership, six principles of instructional leadership, strategic resourcing, instructional resourcing, English language learner (ELL), socioeconomic disadvantage (SED), special education (SPED), end of course tests (EOC), graduation rate, college and career readiness assessment