Probability Distributions.- Linear Models for Regression.- Linear Models for Classification.- Neural Networks.- Kernel Methods.- Sparse Kernel Machines.- Graphical Models.- Mixture Models and EM.- Approximate Inference.- Sampling Methods.- Continuous Latent Variables.- Sequential Data.- Combining Models.

Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning

According to W. Edwards Deming, American companies require nothing less than a transformation of management style and of governmental relations with industry. In Out of the Crisis, originally published in 1982, Deming offers a theory of management based on his famous 14 Points for Management. Management's failure to plan for the future, he claims, brings about loss of market, which brings about loss of jobs. Management must be judged not only by the quarterly dividend, but by innovative plans to stay in business, protect investment, ensure future dividends, and provide more jobs through improved product and service. In simple, direct language, he explains the principles of management transformation and how to apply them.

Out of the Crisis

Data Mining Practical Machine Learning Tools and Techniques

How has Japan become a major economic power, a world leader in the automotive and electronics industries? What is the secret of their success? The consensus has been that, though the Japanese are not particularly innovative, they are exceptionally skilful at imitation, at improving products that already exist. But now two leading Japanese business experts, Ikujiro Nonaka and Hiro Takeuchi, turn this conventional wisdom on its head: Japanese firms are successful, they contend, precisely because they are innovative, because they create new knowledge and use it to produce successful products and technologies. Examining case studies drawn from such firms as Honda, Canon, Matsushita, NEC, 3M, GE, and the U.S. Marines, this book reveals how Japanese companies translate tacit to explicit knowledge and use it to produce new processes, products, and services.

The knowledge-creating company : how Japanese companies create the dynamics of innovation

With digital equipment becoming increasingly networked, either on wired or wireless networks, for personal and professional use alike, distributed software systems have become a crucial element in information and communications technologies. The study of these systems forms the core of the ARLES' work, which is specifically concerned with defining new system software architectures, based on the use of emerging networking technologies. In this context, we concentrate on the study of distributed systems which bring to life the vision of ubiquitous computing systems, also known as ambient intelligence.

반도체 공정 overview

Construction simulation is the science of developing and experimenting with computer-based representations of construction systems to understand their underlying behavior. This branch of operations research applications in construction management has experienced significant academic growth over the past two decades. In this paper, the author summarizes his views on this topic as per his Peurifoy address, given in October 2008. The paper provides an overview of advancements in construction simulation theory as reported in literature. It then summarizes the key factors that contribute to successful deployment of simulation in the construction industry, and the key attributes of problems that make them more amenable for simulation modeling as opposed to other tools. The paper then provides an overview of long-term simulation initiatives leading to the next generation of computer modeling systems for construction, where simulation plays an integral role in a futuristic vision of automated project planning and control.

Role of Simulation in Construction Engineering and Management

Special-purpose simulation (SPS) is a proven principle that can lead to the effective transfer of simulation knowledge to the construction industry. Three separate industry experiments have led to the identification of a set of requirements that construction SPS tools should adhere to in order to be successful. This set of requirements was then used in the implementation of a computer system called Simphony. The system greatly simplifies the SPS tool development process and standardizes the simulation, modeling, analysis and integration features of such tools. The result is a complete environment that can be tailored to the needs of both novice and advanced simulation tool developers and users.

Simphony: an environment for building special purpose construction simulation tools

The importance of integrating construction knowledge into the design process has long been recognized by the construction industry. This paper studies early contractor involvement in design and its impact on construction schedule performance through a combined empirical case study and theoretical simulation analysis. Pipe and steel fabricators' inputs at different design stages of industrial construction projects are identified. The case study shows that these inputs lead to improved drawing quality, material supply, information flow, and consequently improved construction schedule performance. This impact on construction schedule is illustrated using actual project data and simulation techniques. Simulation models were developed to demonstrate intuitively the impact at the construction operation level and they allow people to gain management insights through simulation experiments. Better understanding of the early contractor involvement process and its benefit can improve buy-in and help industry practitioners to reach the full potential of this concept.

Early Contractor Involvement in Design and Its Impact on Construction Schedule Performance

This paper discusses a new approach that will facilitate the use of simulation in the construction industry. Previous attempts in this regard have been hampered by the gap between the user and the simulation software, the power and flexibility of available tools, and the readiness of industry. A comprehensive new approach (referred to as the Unified Modeling Methodology), which addresses the complete needs of the construction simulationist, is detailed. It is based on several state-of-the-art concepts in addition to newly developed ones. This methodology also describes how all of these concepts can be combined together using object oriented principles. The methodology was used in the development of a complete simulation tool development and utilization environment called Simphony. Several case studies were performed to illustrate the advantages of the new approach.

Unified Modeling Methodology for Construction Simulation

Concepts. Planning. Project Organization. Bar Charts (GANTT). CPM: Activity on Arrow (AOA). AOA Critical Path Analysis. Precedence Networks: Activity-on-Node (AON). Planning Methods, Tools, and Procedures. Resource Allocation. Determination of Most Economical Project Duration. Project Estimates. Cost Budgeting. Cash Flow Forecasting. Plan Implementation, Monitoring, and Control. Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT). An Introduction to Simulation. An Introduction to Systems Simulation. Material Management. Project Management Information System. Claims. Corrective Action. Total Quality Management of Projects. Constructability. Computers in Construction. Glossary. Appendix. Index.

Simaan AbouRizk

Papers

Role of Simulation in Construction Engineering and Management

Simphony: an environment for building special purpose construction simulation tools

Early Contractor Involvement in Design and Its Impact on Construction Schedule Performance

Unified Modeling Methodology for Construction Simulation

Project Management: Techniques in Planning and Controlling Construction Projects