Evaluation of construction contractor performance: a critical analysis of some recent research

International comparisons of construction industry performance are notoriously difficult. A recent comparative study, extensive in scope and using an innovative approach, is reviewed and questions raised regarding various aspects of the methodology adopted, the validity of the conclusions drawn and manner in which outcomes were reported. Particular areas of concern include the unequivocal statement of conclusions that are based on a small sample, and the use of data from that sample that are, in fact, no more than estimates of project performance. Attention is drawn to the limitations of the research reported and the reliability of the methods used, and the data gathered is examined.

A performance model for analysis of heterogeneous multi-cluster systems

This paper addresses the problem of performance modeling for large-scale heterogeneous distributed systems with emphases on multi-cluster computing systems. Since the overall performance of distributed systems is often depends on the effectiveness of its communication network, the study of the interconnection networks for these systems is very important. Performance modeling is required to avoid poorly chosen components and architectures as well as discovering a serious shortfall during system testing just prior to deployment time. However, the multiplicity of components and associated complexity make performance analysis of distributed computing systems a challenging task. To this end, we present an analytical performance model for the interconnection networks of heterogeneous multi-cluster systems. The analysis is based on a parametric family of fat-trees, the m-port n-tree, and a deterministic routing algorithm, which is proposed in this paper. The model is validated through comprehensive simulation, which demonstrated that the proposed model exhibits a good degree of accuracy for various system organizations and under different working conditions.

Performance modeling and analysis of heterogeneous meta-computing systems interconnection networks

The overall performance of a distributed system often depends on the effectiveness of its interconnection network. Thus, the study of the communication networks for distributed systems is very important, which is the focus of this paper. In particular, we address the problem of interconnection networks performance modeling for heterogeneous meta-computing systems. We consider the meta-computing system as a typical multi-cluster system. Since the heterogeneity is becoming common in such systems, we take into account network as well as cluster size heterogeneity to propose the model. To this end, we present an analytical network model and validate the model through comprehensive simulation. The results of the simulation demonstrated that the proposed model exhibits a good degree of accuracy for various system organizations and under different working conditions.

Evaluation of the performance and development culture initiative 2005-2008

An evaluation of the P&D Culture initiative 2005-2008 was contracted to Deakin University in 2009. The findings from the evaluation indicated a belief that the P&D Culture initiative had a significant impact on:

* Establishing effective school policies, processes and structures
* Strengthening school culture related to continuous improvement
* Improved instructional practice
* Improved student learning
* Implementation of other DEECD initiatives.

Multi-cluster computing interconnection network performance modeling and analysis

The overall performance of a distributed system often depends on the effectiveness of its interconnection network. Thus, the study of the communication networks for distributed systems–which is the focus of this paper–is very important. In particular, we address the problem of fat-tree based interconnection networks performance modeling for multi-user heterogeneous multi-cluster computing systems. To this end, we present an analytical model and validate the model through comprehensive simulation. The results of the simulation demonstrate that the proposed model exhibits a good degree of accuracy for various system organizations and under different working conditions. On the basis of the validated model, we propose an adaptive assignment function based on the existing heterogeneity of the system to minimize multi-user environment overhead.

Application of compression test in analysis of mechanical and color changes in grapefruit juice powder as related to glass transition and water activity

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Elusive development: the quest for a unified approach to development analysis and planning

Includes bibliography

Enfoques para una política de la infancia y la juventud en el desarrollo económico: examen de cinco casos latinoamericanos = Approach to a children and youth policy in relation to economic development: analysis of five Latin American case studies

Incluye Bibliografía