Abstract: Systems and methods for the continuous improvement of performance. The present systems and methods provide the art with a mechanism for the continuous assessment of the performance of users. By measuring professional performance against benchmarks, standards, and goals, the present invention allows the art to assess continuously and in real time any gaps or deficiencies in performance of the user. The present invention also preferably provides users with performance improvement pathways that are targeted to address the deficiencies and shortcomings of each individual user. The present invention further provides a mechanism by which users may routinely evaluate their own performance and compare it against industry standards and peer groups. Through the present invention, users may also track activities related to their certification, licensure, or credentials and tie those to particular performance improvement pathways. The present invention is particularly useful within medical, legal, engineering, law enforcement, and public safety sectors.

Abstract: Engineering managers are typically concerned with the assessment and improvement of system performance In the literature, analytical approaches have been proposed not only for the purpose of computing and estimating performance measures, but also for linking these performance measures to performance improvement strategies In reality, organizational and/or system efficiency performance is dynamic, nonlinear in its relationship to key production drivers, and a function of multiple/complex interactions and feedback mechanisms This paper introduces a methodological approach that combines the system dynamics (SDs) modeling paradigm with the concepts taken from the measurement of productive efficiency so as to evaluate dynamical systems In this research, the SD paradigm is coupled with the fundamental assumptions of production theory in order to evaluate productive efficiency performance As a result, a structure within the SD model is introduced that computes efficiency performance scores based on a hill-climbing optimization procedure The structure is illustrated using an electric utility example described by Kopp, 1981, where constrained optimization results are not only replicated but also the path to achieve optimal dynamic system performance is found An example is provided as to how this structure can be used to facilitate policy decisions within a technology management environment where investments are made in new technologies

Abstract: 1. Introduction Section 1: The Management Role in Performance Improvement 2. Leadership 3. The Relationship between Strategy and Performance Improvement 4. Performance Measurement Section 2: Improvement as Damage 5. Superficiality 6. Considering the Gender Aspect to Involvement 7. Continuous or 'Big Bang' Improvement: Using the Analogy of the Body Section 3: Repair 8. Repair at an Individual Level 9. Repair at the Level of the Organization: The Contribution of External Frameworks 10. Conclusions

Abstract: In this paper we present results from a measurement campaign evaluating the web performance of different mobile Internet access technologies with and without caching. We measured in GPRS, EDGE, UMTS and HSDPA radio access networks of a mobile operator in Austria. The operator has implemented a web-proxy for performance improvement. To evaluate the impact on the different technologies we ran the setup with and without the web-proxy. We defined the download time of web pages as the performance index for our work. We developed a tool to capture this parameter and derived the index for a set of web sites frequently used by the customers in the network. Beginning with an over-all comparison we will present detailed analysis for special cases. We evaluated the impact of the proxy system to different site configurations using the performance index. Finally we compared the performance numbers for HTTP with results collected from FTP transfers.

Abstract: Most previous 3D IC research focused on "stacking" traditional 2D silicon layers, so the interconnect reduction is limited to interblock delays. In this paper, we propose techniques that enable efficient exploration of the 3D design space where each logical block can span more than one silicon layers. Although further power and performance improvement is achievable through fine grain 3D integration, the necessary modeling and tool infrastructure has been mostly missing. We develop a cube packing engine which can simultaneously optimize physical and architectural design for effective utilization of 3D in terms of performance, area and temperature. Our experimental results using a design driver show 36% performance improvement (in BIPS) over 2D and 14% over 3D with single layer blocks. Additionally multi-layer blocks can provide up to 30% reduction in power dissipation compared to the single-layer alternatives. Peak temperature of the design is kept within limits as a result of thermal-aware floorplanning and thermal via insertion techniques.

Abstract: A data storage system includes a data management system that transfers data between a host system and multiple storage devices through multiple channels. The data addressing is distributed amongst channels to improve system performance and durability. In one embodiment, each channel has an address translation table or address map which is utilized to gain performance improvement during data transfer or erasure, and an increase of the device's useful life span.

Abstract: With technology scaling, the wire delay as a fraction of the total delay is increasing, and the communication architecture is becoming a major bottleneck for system performance in systems on chip (SoCs). A communication-centric design paradigm, networks on chip (NoCs), has been proposed recently to address the communication issues of SoCs. As the geometries of devices approach the physical limits of operation, NoCs will be susceptible to various noise sources such as crosstalk, coupling noise, process variations, etc. Designing systems under such uncertain conditions become a challenge, as it is harder to predict the timing behavior of the system. The use of conservative design methodologies that consider all possible delay variations due to the noise sources, targeting safe system operation under all conditions will result in poor system performance. An aggressive design approach that provides resilience against such timing errors is required for maximizing system performance. In this paper, we present T-error, which is a timing-error-tolerant aggressive design method to design the individual components of the NoC (such as switches, links, and network interfaces), so that the communication subsystem can be clocked at a much higher frequency than a traditional conservative design (up to 1.5x increase in frequency). The NoC is designed to tolerate timing errors that arise from overclocking without substantially affecting the latency for communication. We also present a way to dynamically configure the NoC between the overclocked mode and the normal mode, where the frequency of operation is lower than or equal to the traditional design's frequency, so that the error recovery penalty is completely hidden under normal operation. Experiments on several benchmark applications show large performance improvement (up to 33% reduction in average packet latency) for the proposed system when compared to traditional systems.

Abstract: In IEEE 802.16 networks, initial ranging is a primary and important procedure of connection setup between subscriber stations and base station. The mandatory method defined in the standard of contention resolution is based on a truncated binary exponential backoff, with a fixed initial contention window size. However, the original algorithm neglects the possibility that the number of actively contending stations may change dynamically over time, leading to dynamically changing contention intensity. The major contribution of this paper is twofold: 1) we propose an accurate analytical model to analyze the performance of initial ranging requests in IEEE 802.16 networks. Two metrics, connection probability and average connection delay, are investigated to evaluate the network performance; 2) based on the above analysis, we propose an efficient performance improvement method by using dynamic window adjustment for initial ranging. Unlike the standard algorithm, this algorithm automatically adjusts the initial contention window to an optimal trade-off point between connection probability and connection delay. The performance revels that improving the service capacity and buffer size of base station can optimize the connection probability and the average connection delay. The numerical results also show that the optimal contention window adjustment outperforms the algorithm in the standard.

Abstract: This paper presents aframeworkfor self-optimizing next generation mobile networks, such as 3G LTE and WiMAX systems. Concept, architecture, interfaces and functions are described in detail. The functionality and management thereof of the proposed autonomic system is exposed through two case studies on neighbor cell list performance improvement. Simulation results show the proposed application to be a feasible solution for self-optimizing performance ofwireless access systems.

Abstract: • A submitted manuscript is the author's version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.

Abstract: This paper focuses on a performance of network-on-a- chip (NoC) and I/O of ClearSpeed's CSX600 coprocessor with 96 multithread processing elements. Two versions of the Himeno benchmark were implemented on the CSX600 to evaluate its performance when it encounters frequent memory transfers between shared and local memories, or between local memories. In order to efficiently use the NoC bandwidth, the dataflow was customized to the one- dimensional array structure of CSX600's NoC. The results of evaluation and profiling indicate that the performance was lower than 1/50 of the sustained performance. We show three key points to improve the performance on such a case: 1) exploiting bandwidth between mono and poly memory, 2) further program tuning, and 3) architectural reform.

Abstract: The objective of this research was to: Develop and evaluate a method which supports performance improvement in industrial operations This has been done through several case studies and literature

Abstract: Earlier paper have demonstrated that the achievable throughput of OFDM systems can benefit significantly from individual modulation/transmit power selection on a per sub-carrier basis according to the actual gain of individual sub-carriers (so called dynamic OFDM scheme). Usage of such approach requires, however, providing support for additional functionality like: acquisition of the sub-carrier gains, signaling of the used modulation types between the sender and receiver, etc. Therefore dynamic OFDM is actively pursued for future radio interfaces, rather then considered as extension of existing OFDM based standards. In this paper we present for the first time a proposal how the widely accepted IEEE 802.11a/g systems might be extended to support the dynamic OFDM in a single-user (point-to-point) setting while assuring backward compatibility. We address these issues by a) presenting a set of protocol modifications; and b) a performance evaluation of the suggested extension (referred further on to as single-user 802.11 DYN mode) demonstrating the potential of performance improvement.

Abstract: Performance improvement by parallel execution depends on two factors: the potential parallelism of the application itself, and the optimal mapping of the application to the target architecture, which is usually very target specific. As a case study, we analyze the expected performance of parallel execution of an H.264 encoding algorithm, known as X264, on the cell processor. Considering the communication architecture of the Cell processor, we parallelize the algorithm at the macro-block level. From the performance analysis, we discover the overhead factors of parallel execution and estimate the expected performance. Comparison with simulation results proves the accuracy and the usefulness of the proposed analysis method.

Abstract: This paper examines the impact of vertical integration on the dynamics of performance over the automobile product development lifecycle. Building on recent work in organizational economics and strategy, we evaluate the relationship between vertical integration and different performance margins. Outsourcing facilitates access to cutting-edge technology and the use of high-powered performance contracts. Vertical integration allows firms to adapt to unforeseen contingencies and customer feedback, maintain more balanced incentives over the lifecycle, and develop firm-specific capabilities over time. Together, these effects highlight a crucial tradeoff: while outsourcing is associated with higher levels of initial performance, vertical integration will be associated with performance improvement over the product lifecycle. We test these ideas using detailed data from the luxury automobile segment, establishing three key results. First, initial performance is declining in the level of vertical integration. Second, the level of performance improvement is significantly increasing in the level of vertical integration. Finally, the impact of vertical integration on alternative performance margins is mediated by the level of pre-existing capabilities, by the salience of opportunities to access external technology leaders, and by the scope for learning over the product lifecycle. Together, the findings highlight a strategic governance tradeoff between short-term performance and the evolution of firm capabilities.

Abstract: Nowadays, in industrial control applications, is rather usual to sample and update different variables at different rates, although it is common to consider all these activities equally and regularly spaced on time. These applications are implemented on real-time operating systems by decomposing them into several tasks in such a way that pre-emption and blocking may appear due to task priorities and resource sharing. This could imply the presence of delays, leading to a non-regular periodic behaviour and, as a result, the control performance can be degraded. In order to undertake this problem, a solution based on a modelling methodology for non-conventional sampled-data systems is proposed. This technique permits the consideration of any cyclic sampling pattern. Thus, these delays can be considered in the modelling step, and later on, a non-conventional controller based on this model can be designed. In this way, if the considered non-conventional control system is implemented assuming a real-time operating system (Tornado-VxWorks, in this case), a clear performance improvement can be observed.

Abstract: Level crossing (LC) analog-to-digital converters have been suggested as an asynchronous alternative to conventional schemes. It is our intention to improve the performance of these LC converters. In this paper, we also suggest alternative adaptive and multi-level adaptive LC schemes and use an iterative method to drastically improve the performance of LC converters. The impressive improvement of these schemes make LC converters a potential competitor to other conventional A/D converters such as sigma delta modulators (SDM).

Abstract: Optical Burst Switching (OBS) has been proposed as a promising switching technology for the next generation of optical transport network. In this dissertation, we address the issue how to provide QoS control and improve performance in OBS networks. In order to provide proportional differentiated services without or with absolute constraints in bufferless OBS networks, a Dynamic Wavelength Selection (DWS) scheme is introduced to assign more and longer periods of wavelengths to higher priority classes dynamically and efficiently due to wavelength-sharing. The integration of DWS scheme and another proposed Delayed Burst Assignment (DBA) scheme improves the burst loss performance by giving the burst head packet (BHP) two opportunities of scheduling its data burst (DB). Furthermore, we propose two novel burst assembly algorithms with traffic shaping functions to reduce the variance of assembled traffic and improve the burst loss performance, which are named advanced timer-based and sliding window-based assembly algorithms. Finally, an edge buffering based OBS layer fast error recovery scheme is proposed to improve the TCP performance over OBS networks, in which lost bursts are retransmitted at edge nodes without being reassembled. In general, all the proposed schemes solve many of the fundamental issues faced by optical burst switching networks, thereby making OBS more practical and efficient in the near future.

Abstract: Research in control design on the basis of identified models has lead to many iterative algorithms where performance weights in a control objective function are determined a-priori and remain fixed in order to evaluate performance improvement during iterations. This paper considers the case where performance weights are adjusted in iterative identification and control schemes where performance robustness is maintained during each iteration to yield a cautious control design. In order to adjust performance weights, a nominal model along with uncertainty description obtained from a system identification procedure are used to adjust the performance weighting function conjointly with robust control synthesis. A framework is developed for measuring performance comparison between iterations which allows adjustment of the performance weights during the iterative cautious control design.

Abstract: Part explosion is the main process involved in material requirement planning (MRP), whose purpose is to generate time-phased production and purchase order information based on the master schedule, bill of materials, and inventory records. However, due to the time consuming characteristic, this process makes it difficult to use for real-time planning. To overcome this limitation, there have been many studies for improving the performance of database systems focused on the modification of the data structure, data partitioning, and materialization strategies. However, to the best of our knowledge, no attempt has yet been made to apply these advanced database technologies to the MRP part explosion process. The main contribution of this study is to improve part explosion performance by utilizing its hierarchical structure with processing queries in main memory virtual DB. The process was found to be almost 2∼5 times faster using the proposed DB schema and more than 10 times faster when the DB archiving process was performed separately. Several experimental results are shown to illustrate the performance of the proposed approach.

Abstract: This first of a two-part series presents the evolution of value, moving from activity-focused value to the ultimate value, return on investment (ROI). This feature clearly shows that the ROI methodology is not only appropriate for the performance improvement field, but is designed with a variety of performance improvement solutions in mind. The next article in this series will describe issues and challenges that those using this methodology face, along with a brief case study.

Abstract: c © 2007 by John von Neumann Institute for Computing Permission to make digital or hard copies of portions of this work for personal or classroom use is granted provided that the copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial advantage and that copies bear this notice and the full citation on the first page. To copy otherwise requires prior specific permission by the publisher mentioned above.

Abstract: This paper discusses a package design technique to enhance high speed signal performance by reducing the large discontinuity effects at the vias and solder ball interfaces. In the technique, an intentional counter-discontinuity in complementary phase to existing discontinuity is inserted to mitigate the existing discontinuity. Transmission line behavior of short multiple discontinuities are analyzed using theoretical approximation and simulation examples to demonstrate the validity of the technique. The techniques are then applied to package via and solder ball transitions of high speed differential nets using 3D simulation to evaluate improvement at target frequencies versus impact in bandwidth.

Abstract: A computer-based program performs calculations to analyze, vary, test, manage, and/or improve the performance of channels and/or frequencies in the communication spectrum. The program varies parameters of a point of communication, such as the location, transmission power, channel frequency, antenna height, and the like, alone or in combination, to measure, test, and/or evaluate which parameter changes increase the market coverage of a target market or area. In some scenarios, changes to one point of communication cause the regulations governing the broadcast relationship between one or more nearby points of communication to be violated. When this occurs, the program determines which of the parameters, such as the location, transmission power, channel and/or frequency, antenna height, and the like, alone or in combination, of the point of communication interfering with the increased market coverage scenario to vary to overcome the conflict with communications and/or regulatory law. In addition, the program can determine simultaneously which of the parameters of multiple points of communication to vary to overcome the conflict with communications and/or regulatory law. The program outputs multiple solutions with varying degrees of difficulty and varying amounts of performance improvement.

Abstract: A computer-based program performs calculations to analyze, vary, test, manage, and/or improve the performance of channels and/or frequencies in the communication spectrum. The program varies parameters of a point of communication, such as the location, transmission power, channel frequency, antenna height, and the like, alone or in combination, to measure, test, and/or evaluate which parameter changes increase the market coverage of a target market or area. In some scenarios, changes to one point of communication cause the regulations governing the broadcast relationship between one or more nearby points of communication to be violated. When this occurs, the program determines which of the parameters, such as the location, transmission power, channel and/or frequency, antenna height, and the like, alone or in combination, of the point of communication interfering with the increased market coverage scenario to vary to overcome the conflict with communications and/or regulatory law. In addition, the program can determine simultaneously which of the parameters of multiple points of communication to vary to overcome the conflict with communications and/or regulatory law. The program outputs multiple solutions with varying degrees of difficulty and varying amounts of performance improvement.

Abstract: A speed performance improved vehicle tracking system on a given set of evaluation videos of a street surveillance system is presented. We implement multi-threading technique to meet the requirement of real-time performance which demanded in the practical surveillance systems. Through multi-threading technique, we can accomplish near real-time performance. An analysis of results is also presented.

Abstract: In networked control systems several devices (controller, process and others) share a common communication bus. This feature can suppose delays when those devices try to transmit information through the unique bus, leading to a non- regular behaviour, that is, different variables are sampled and updated in a non-uniform way along the time. As a result, if the control system is designed by means of classical design techniques, control performance can be degraded, since these techniques used not to consider those delays. In order to undertake this problem, a solution based on a PID controller's parameters readjustment is proposed. This approach permits to retune these parameters depending on the detected delay. In this way, a clear performance improvement can be observed for the network based control system.