Massey Documents by Type

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/294

Browse

Filters

Settings

Has files: YesSubject: search.filters.subject.Decision support systems

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Development of a decision support tool for automation adoption and optimisation in precast concrete plants : a New Zealand case study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Project Management at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2022) Ansari, Reza
    In response to the growing demand in the New Zealand construction market, this study aims to develop a decision-support framework for adopting and optimising automation in precast concrete plants, which are increasingly recognised for their numerous benefits. The primary resources required by these plants include labour, equipment, and materials, and their efficient use is essential for maintaining competitiveness. Automation has been identified as a potential solution for improving productivity and profitability in precast concrete manufacturing; however, an appropriate decision-support tool is currently lacking. The current study commences with a comprehensive literature review, followed by historical data collection, face-to-face interviews, and site observations of precast concrete plants to address this research gap. These methods help identify attributes that affect profitability, leading to developing and validating of a theoretical framework named the Precast Plant Automation System Tool (PPAST) through a case study. The PPAST framework comprises two sequential phases: the strategic phase, which uses the direct rating method for preliminary feasibility evaluation of automation adoption, and the tactical phase, where the AHP method assesses the appropriate automation sequence for the plant. The study’s main findings indicate that the developed decision support system enables decision-makers to articulate their objectives and attitudes towards risk as they explore the feasibility of automation and formulate an optimal automation strategy. Specifically, the system aids in evaluating the impact of automation on cost and quality and identifying necessary process changes before implementing new technologies. The primary contribution of this research is its novel approach to systematically evaluating alternative automation scenarios in precast concrete production plants. The results demonstrate that the proposed model is a valuable and effective decision-making tool for adopting and optimising automation in precast concrete plants. This research fills a critical knowledge gap concerning the crucial measurements of precast concrete plant profitability and the absence of an automation adoption tool. The developed framework can be extended to investigate automation adoption and optimisation in other precast concrete plants across New Zealand. This study's practical implications include empowering precast plants to meet their organisation's profitability measures, thus satisfying stakeholder value propositions. A thriving precast concrete industry will lead to more satisfied clients, attract additional investment, and improve the overall construction industry's quality, productivity, and profitability at the national level. Theoretically, this research contributes a reliable benchmark for future studies by developing decision support tools that facilitate selecting optimised automation methods for precast concrete plants and contributing to theoretical knowledge by establishing an optimised automation decision support method that guides researchers in exploring other avenues for maximising profitability.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Development of a decision support system through modelling of critical infrastructure interdependencies : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Emergency Management at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2021) Syed, Yasir Imtiaz
    Critical Infrastructure (CI) networks provide functional services to support the wellbeing of a community. Although it is possible to obtain detailed information about individual CI and their components, the interdependencies between different CI networks are often implicit, hidden or not well understood by experts. In the event of a hazard, failures of one or more CI networks and their components can disrupt the functionality and consequently affect the supply of services. Understanding the extent of disruption and quantification of the resulting consequences is important to assist various stakeholders' decision-making processes to complete their tasks successfully. A comprehensive review of the literature shows that a Decision Support System (DSS) integrated with appropriate modelling and simulation techniques is a useful tool for CI network providers and relevant emergency management personnel to understand the network recovery process of a region following a hazard event. However, the majority of existing DSSs focus on risk assessment or stakeholders' involvement without addressing the overall CI interdependency modelling process. Furthermore, these DSSs are primarily developed for data visualization or CI representation but not specifically to help decision-makers by providing them with a variety of customizable decision options that are practically viable. To address these limitations, a Knowledge-centred Decision Support System (KCDSS) has been developed in this study with the following aims: 1) To develop a computer-based DSS using efficient CI network recovery modelling algorithms, 2) To create a knowledge-base of various recovery options relevant to specific CI damage scenarios so that the decision-makers can test and verify several ‘what-if’ scenarios using a variety of control variables, and 3) To bridge the gap between hazard and socio-economic modelling tools through a multidisciplinary and integrated natural hazard impact assessment. Driven by the design science research strategy, this study proposes an integrated impact assessment framework using an iterative design process as its first research outcome. This framework has been developed as a conceptual artefact using a topology network-based approach by adopting the shortest path tree method. The second research outcome, a computer-based KCDSS, provides a convenient and efficient platform for enhanced decision making through a knowledge-base consisting of real-life recovery strategies. These strategies have been identified from the respective decision-makers of the CI network providers through the Critical Decision Method (CDM), a Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) method for requirement elicitation. The capabilities of the KCDSS are demonstrated through electricity, potable water, and road networks in the Wellington region of Aotearoa New Zealand. The network performance has been analysed independently and with interdependencies to generate outage of services spatially and temporally. The outcomes of this study provide a range of theoretical and practical contributions. Firstly, the topology network-based analysis of CI interdependencies will allow a group of users to build different models, make and test assumptions, and try out different damage scenarios for CI network components. Secondly, the step-by-step process of knowledge elicitation, knowledge representation and knowledge modelling of CI network recovery tasks will provide a guideline for improved interactions between researchers and decision-makers in this field. Thirdly, the KCDSS can be used to test the variations in outage and restoration time estimates of CI networks due to the potential uncertainty related to the damage modelling of CI network components. The outcomes of this study also have significant practical implications by utilizing the KCDSS as an interface to integrate and add additional capabilities to the hazard and socio-economic modelling tools. Finally, the variety of ‘what-if’ scenarios embedded in the KCDSS would allow the CI network providers to identify vulnerabilities in their networks and to examine various post-disaster recovery options for CI reinstatement projects.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Decision support system : development and application using off-the-shelf application packages and microcomputer in a manufacturing company : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Production and Quality at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1986) Tan, Sin Week
    The aim of this research was to apply the decision support systems and quality costs concepts to build a Quality Costs Management Information System/Decision Support System (QC MIS/DSS) using off-the-shelf application packages and a microcomputer for the system development. To achieve these aims, a survey was conducted to find out the extent of computer applications in industries in the Manawatu region. Application packages were evaluated to select two suitable packages for the development of a QC MIS/DSS project in Company A. A survey on the application of computers in the Manawatu region showed that about 47.4% of respondents were using microcomputers. The majority of the respondents used computer programs for finance, invoicing and stock control. Decision support was not yet a major usage. The Prototype of QC MIS/DSS has the features of easy to use, simple to understand, user controlled, adaptive and easy to communicate with. The mangers/ users were satisfied with the prototype demonstrated. Interest in the possibility of expanding the system to other existing products and for detailed information on quality costs were raised. Two main factors which contributed to the success of the project were - the prototyping approach used for system development. - the management support during the system development process. - the software used. There were some significant changes after the concept of QC MIS/DSS was introduced to Company A which included improvement on data collection and records for rework, rejects, scraps on the assembly line, increasing the awareness of the quality costs and their significance, as well as the process efficiency, As a result, work study and time study were carried out on the assembly line. The project has met the predetermined objectives and the users' requirements. It has also proved that it is feasible to apply the decision sypport system theories and prototyping system development methodology by using the costs and time saving tools- Application packages for their model building. To further improve and enhance the effectiveness of the system, it would be very useful to develop the DSS to a semi-expert system which would provide users with warning and some guidelines on what actions to be taken. This could be used as a consultancy device which would further improve the efficiency of the managers and decision makers in decision making.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Adding an intelligent component to an existing decision support system : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Information Systems at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1996) Jeffries, Anna Elizabeth
    A framework to guide the development of an intelligent component and its integration with an existing decision support system has been proposed. An initial framework was outlined, drawing concepts from the fields of decision support systems, knowledge based systems and intelligent decision support systems. This framework was applied to a problem in the domain of dairy farm management. A prototype intelligent decision support system was developed. Experiences gained during the development process enabled refinements to the framework to be made. The prototype was tested to assess the success of the framework in producing the desired results. The development framework was evaluated based on criteria drawn from relevant literature. The proposed development framework is considered to be a useful tool for intelligent decision support system development from an existing decision support system. Its success is attributed to the integration of methods and techniques drawn from a number of well established methodologies.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The development of a decision support system for energy cost management, using an expert system shell : a case study in the integrated use of software packages : report presented in fulfilment of the thesis requirements for the degree of Master of Technology (Computing Technology)
    (Massey University, 1989) Robertson, L J
    The theory of minimizing total energy usage is well known (if not well documented), and the techniques are widely practiced. Because of the way in which energy is sold, the total cost incurred may be affected even more strongly by the time-distribution of the energy usage, than by the total quantity used. A major subject of ECM is the MANAGEMENT of this time-distribution of energy usage, with the objective of minimizing of total energy costs to the user. A software package (named ECMES, Energy Cost Management Expert System) has been developed using the Lotus Symphony integrated spreadsheet software package. The ECMES application consists (currently) of three modules offering analyses of several aspects of electrical energy cost management (plus three corresponding modules for gas costs, which are not considered further). The Symphony ECM application modules have been developed over the last few years, largely on a spare time basis, by Professor W Monteith of Massey University's Production Technology Department. The analysis of Energy Cost Management on a PC is one which requires functions supplied by several standard software packages, particularly spreadsheet, graphics, database and expert system. The relatively recent availability of moderately priced and user-friendly expert system development packages has brought an additional set of powerful tools within the reach of the application developer. A Decision Support System (using an Expert System shell) has been developed, which is well integrated with the spreadsheet data, and with a database, to expand the functions of the original spreadsheet ECM analysis tool. Theoretical work on the data requirements and the production rules has opened up possibilities for future work.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Development of a decision support system for the design of good indoor air quality in office buildings : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Product Development at Massey University, Turitea, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2001) Phipps, Robyn A.
    Office buildings are complex entities. Design decisions can affect the quality of the indoor air (IAQ) throughout the life of the building. Poor IAQ affects approximately 30% of all office buildings and is ranked within the five greatest risks to human health in developed countries. Despite a vast and growing body of scientific literature on IAQ, there is a large gap between the current knowledge and the application of this knowledge in building practices. The USA Environmental Protection Agency identified a high priority need for design and educational tools to assist building designers who are not experts in IAQ issues to create healthy buildings. In this study a Decision Support System (DSS) for the design of good IAQ in office buildings was developed. The DSS leads building designers through a structured question database on building attributes that affect IAQ. Full justification for each design decision is given in order to prompt designers to select building features that lead to low indoor concentrations of volatile organic compounds, gaseous pollutants, microbiological contaminants and respirable particulates. The DSS was developed for new office buildings in New Zealand conditions, with either natural or mechanical ventilation. An exisiting methodology for the development of DSS was used. The problem was approached from the perspective of the building users under the broad headings of site and external factors, building envelope, building infrastructure, interiors, and heating ventilating and air-conditioning. Each of these topics was subdivided into finer layers of detail until conclusions on the potential impact of each building element on the IAQ could be inferred. The hierarchy for decision-making placed highest priority on the elimination or reduction of pollutants at source. Opportunities for pollutants to enter from outside or spread within the building were also controlled. If either of these strategies were not found acceptable, then mitigation techniques were recommended. A panel of independent national and international experts validated the DSS for correctness and completeness. The reviewers reported that the system was very comprehensive, drew correct conclusions and would assist building designers without IAQ expertise, to design office buildings with good IAQ. The DSS was also considered to have a significant educational component for users.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Formal design of data warehouse and OLAP systems : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2007) Zhao, Jane Qiong
    A data warehouse is a single data store, where data from multiple data sources is integrated for online business analytical processing (OLAP) of an entire organisation. The rationale being single and integrated is to ensure a consistent view of the organisational business performance independent from different angels of business perspectives. Due to its wide coverage of subjects, data warehouse design is a highly complex, lengthy and error-prone process. Furthermore, the business analytical tasks change over time, which results in changes in the requirements for the OLAP systems. Thus, data warehouse and OLAP systems are rather dynamic and the design process is continuous. In this thesis, we propose a method that is integrated, formal and application-tailored to overcome the complexity problem, deal with the system dynamics, improve the quality of the system and the chance of success. Our method comprises three important parts: the general ASMs method with types, the application tailored design framework for data warehouse and OLAP, and the schema integration method with a set of provably correct refinement rules. By using the ASM method, we are able to model both data and operations in a uniform conceptual framework, which enables us to design an integrated approach for data warehouse and OLAP design. The freedom given by the ASM method allows us to model the system at an abstract level that is easy to understand for both users and designers. More specifically, the language allows us to use the terms from the user domain not biased by the terms used in computer systems. The pseudo-code like transition rules, which gives the simplest form of operational semantics in ASMs, give the closeness to programming languages for designers to understand. Furthermore, these rules are rooted in mathematics to assist in improving the quality of the system design. By extending the ASMs with types, the modelling language is tailored for data warehouse with the terms that are well developed for data-intensive applications, which makes it easy to model the schema evolution as refinements in the dynamic data warehouse design. By providing the application-tailored design framework, we break down the design complexity by business processes (also called subjects in data warehousing) and design concerns. By designing the data warehouse by subjects, our method resembles Kimball's "bottom-up" approach. However, with the schema integration method, our method resolves the stovepipe issue of the approach. By building up a data warehouse iteratively in an integrated framework, our method not only results in an integrated data warehouse, but also resolves the issues of complexity and delayed ROI (Return On Investment) in Inmon's "top-down" approach. By dealing with the user change requests in the same way as new subjects, and modelling data and operations explicitly in a three-tier architecture, namely the data sources, the data warehouse and the OLAP (online Analytical Processing), our method facilitates dynamic design with system integrity. By introducing a notion of refinement specific to schema evolution, namely schema refinement, for capturing the notion of schema dominance in schema integration, we are able to build a set of correctness-proven refinement rules. By providing the set of refinement rules, we simplify the designers's work in correctness design verification. Nevertheless, we do not aim for a complete set due to the fact that there are many different ways for schema integration, and neither a prescribed way of integration to allow designer favored design. Furthermore, given its °exibility in the process, our method can be extended for new emerging design issues easily.