Theory of Effectiveness Measurement

Effectiveness measures provide decision makers feedback on the impact of deliberate actions and affect critical issues such as allocation of scarce resources, as well as whether to maintain or change existing strategy. Currently, however, there is no formal foundation for formulating effectiveness measures. This research presents a new framework for effectiveness measurement from both a theoretical and practical view. First, accepted effects-based principles, as well as fundamental measurement concepts are combined into a general, domain independent, effectiveness measurement methodology. This is accomplished by defining effectiveness measurement as the difference, or conceptual distance from a given system state to some reference system state (e.g. desired end-state). Then, by developing system attribute measures such that they yield a system state-space that can be characterized as a metric space, differences in system states relative to the reference state can be gauged over time, yielding a generalized, axiomatic definition of effectiveness measurement. The effectiveness measurement framework is then extended to mitigate the influence of measurement error and uncertainty by employing Kalman filtering techniques. Finally, the pragmatic nature of the approach is illustrated by measuring the effectiveness of a notional, security force response strategy in a scenario involving a terrorist attack on a United States Air Force base

Optimizing underground, trackless loading and hauling systems

Determining the optimum system and equipment to be utilized in today\u27s underground trackless haulage mine is a complex problem which was dealt with in this research by systems simulation. The computer program developed by the Caterpillar Tractor Company served as the starting point for simulating the equipment\u27s capabilities to move material over a course in a prescribed time. Extensive time studies of the unsimulated events lead to structuring this program in the deterministic mode since it was felt to be more acceptable to the operating management which would eventually use the technique. Every phase of the simulation was successfully validated before going to the next phase of the program. After identifying six systems of moving ore with a front end loader, a truck and/or ore pass with a feeder-chute, formulas describing the relationship of four of the systems were developed. The unique approach of generating simulated production and cost tables, which were both printed and stored, allowed the users to accurately determine optimum conditions either by using hand calculators, or by using the computer. A multi-purpose program was written, allowing three different operating approaches to the optimization problem. Numerous actual case studies were optimized and the results are given. General prupose [sic] Optimum Trackless Materials Moving Charts were developed to correctly define equipment and method for all cases that will be encountered in the normal practices found in most modern trackless underground mines --Abstract, page iii

A study of tunnel demolition by hasty methods

The use of explosives to construct obstacles which impede the enemy or close his routes of communication has long been employed by our armies. They have developed fairly effective methods for destroying bridges, setting up road craters and constructing abatis. However, one phase of obstacle construction, that of tunnel demolition, has been neglected in that no procedures or methods have been formulated which will aid in the proper destruction of tunnels. At the present time, under the auspices of the Department of the Army, The Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy is conducting a research program on tunnel demolition. The entire investigation is to cover both hasty and deliberate methods of tunnel demolition. Hasty demolition is that type of demolition which requires no previous preparation of the tunnel site before charge placement. Deliberate demolition requires time and effort in preparing the tunnel prior to the placement of the charge. At the completion of the project, the Missouri School of Mines will recommend to the Department of the Army the most feasible approach to the theories and techniques for the destruction of tunnels by explosive charges. This recommendation will cover various types of charges placed in different types of tunnels for both hasty and deliberate demolition. This paper is confined to the study of hasty demolition of tunnels and the degree of influence of various factors which may be encountered. The factors which were studied are: Length of tunnel Character and tightness of tunnel lining Cross-sectional area of tunnel Cross-sectional shape of tunnel Various sizes of explosive charges Different methods of charge placement Different types of military explosives The approach to the problem began by the construction of scale models to simulate tunnels under these varying conditions. By following the principles of similitude, it was possible to study the demolition effects of each of the above factors. A total of 21 tunnels were built and tested. To the writer\u27s knowledge, nothing has been published concerning research on tunnel demolition. However, because of a recognized need for effective methods of tunnel destruction, The Corps of Engineers decided to sponsor this research program --Introduction, pages 1-2

Adaptation without natural selection

Document is itself an extended abstract