Developing general procedure to quantitatively analyze boom height control performance on self-propelled agricultural sprayers

On self-propelled agricultural sprayers, automatic control systems control the height of the boom through ground detection sensors and hydraulics actuators. There is limited information available to assess the performance of these control systems, and less information available documenting the required field, test, and machine parameters. This research is focused on developing a general procedure to compare the performance of automatic boom height control systems. This research will provide general background information regarding the self-propelled sprayer and the importance of boom height control. The current literature in the agriculture industry around procedures and metrics to compare systems will be addressed. A general procedure was developed to collect the necessary boom height data to compare control systems in a field environment, and the documentation of necessary field, test, and machine parameters to produce accurate and repeatable results. A metric was then developed to characterize the terrain, which will ultimately limit the performance of the control system. An improved metric was then established to effectively analyze the boom height data and compare the performance of the systems. Data was then collected with three different control systems in a field-testing environment. The relevant background information was documented, the terrain characterized, and the boom height data summarized

A Strategy To Increase The International Visibility And Participation Of A State University

This paper presents a strategy for expanding a university’s international participation. An effort to correct international exchange imbalances evolved into a unique international program and partnership with Walt Disney World

The Determination Of The Effectiveness Of A Marketing Promotional Activity

This paper presents the effectiveness of a promotional effort to increase target-market awareness. The marketing activities included survey design and implementation, conducting focus groups, developing ads, and evaluating the promotional activity. In an effort to acquire knowledge and experience, the students in a class (Promotional Management) were given the opportunity to offer a research service to a client’s products and services. The knowledge obtained by the students will enhance them as they enter the workforce and the experience will aid the students in competing for positions in marketing. The service provided to the client is invaluable because of the pertinent information that was gained about non business majors and the exposure that was gained from the promotional campaign activities

Achieving National Recognition Through Experiential Learning

A student marketing organization was created as an internship project sponsored by General Motors (GM). Students gained hands-on experience in marketing the products and services of a local General Motors dealership selected by GM. The finalist team members presented the results of the project to a panel of GM representatives. The plan and its implementation which resulted in first place in a nationwide competition will be discussed. This paper will evaluate the project and determine the benefits to students, the faculty member, the University, and the community

Terry Labonte Chevrolet Dealer Targets College Student Market

This case presents the problem of a new owner of an existing dealership coupled with a move to a new location/new facility within the city. The marketing problem is presented whereby a college marketing class is challenged to create a promotional event on campus to make students aware of the dealership and its location. Additionally, two surveys were administered to gain insight of the college student in regard to the dealership and its products/services. Questions/assignments are posed for students appropriate for a marketing promotions course. The questions/assignments address the goals stated by the manager of the dealership

Principles before Profits: An Interview with S. Truett Cathy

Interview of S. Truett Cathy with Miles K. Davis and Leyland M. Lucas. Since 1946, S. Truett Cathy, founder and chairman of Chick-fil-A Inc., has run his enterprises based on his understanding of Christian principles. In the following interview, S.Truett offers his perspective on why focusing on principles is more important than focusing on profits and what he thinks it takes to succeed in business and in life

Bending vibration measurement on rotors by laser vibrometry

A new technique is proposed for noncontact measurement of bending vibration directly from a rotating component. This notoriously difficult and previously unattained measurement is a further development of laser Doppler vibrometry. Simultaneously the technique provides an accurate measure of shaft torsional vibration in situations in which measurements of torsional vibration have shown significant sensitivity to bending vibration. Experimental results validate the theory developed, and a conservative estimate of the minimum measurable bending vibration is made at 20 millidegrees

Challenges Of The UNCG/Tec De Monterrey/Disney College Program

This report is based on a study of participants in an international, academic exchange program that includes a Walt Disney World internship. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) was a principal partner in developing the UNCG/Tec de Monterrey/Disney College Program (UNCG Program). This cooperative arrangement involves students enrolled in degree programs at one of the Tec de Monterrey campuses in Mexico. The report analyzes the challenges faced by the UNCG Program Director and assisting faculty in the early development of the UNCG Program as well as the challenges presented since the Program has matured

Learning Communities: A Business School Perspective

This paper discusses the organization and operation of a university learning community program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). After several years, the program administrator and certain of the faculty and staff reflected on the achievements of the program. The learning community concept is discussed as well as the nature of the learning activities both general and those specific to the business school. The program reported higher levels of student retention and students reported higher involvement in leadership skill development and the UNCG community than students who were not in the learning community program