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Carroll, Paula
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Carroll, Paula
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Carroll, Paula
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Now showing 1 - 10 of 21
- PublicationA Genetic Algorithm for a Green Vehicle Routing Problem(2017-02-28)
; ; ; We propose a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to address a Green Vehicle Routing Problem (G-VRP). Unlike classic formulations of the VRP, this study aims to minimise the CO 2 emissions per route. The G-VRP is of interest to policy makers who wish to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The GA is tested on a suite of benchmark, and real-world instances which include road speed and gradient data. Our solution ap- proach incorporates elements of local and population search heuristics. Solutions are compared with routes currently used by drivers in a courier company. Reductions in emissions are achieved without incurring additional operational costs.1470 - PublicationEngaging Business Students in Quantitative Skills DevelopmentIn this paper the complex problems of developing quantitative and analytical skills in undergraduate first year, first semester business students are addressed. An action research project detailing how first year business students perceive the relevance of data analysis and inferential statistics in light of the economic downturn and the challenges society faces is discussed. Students¿ attitudes were evaluated via an online survey consisting of both quantitative and qualitative responses. While two thirds of respondents do acknowledge the relevance of such a course for future business roles, it is shown that more work must be done to distinguish between why data analysis is relevant and how data analysis is performed. Also discussed are findings related to student learning, their intellectual development, and their motivation and expectations upon enrolling on the Data Analysis for Decision Makers (DADM) module. The challenges in teaching such a mandatory module to Business students are discussed and a pedagogical framework for promoting deeper student engagement through active learning, regular continuous assessment and technology are also examined.
122 - PublicationMotivational Assessment Strategies in Business AnalyticsThis teaching case describes an assessment component which was developed as part of a core undergraduate module in data analysis. The data analysis module is taken by all undergraduate business students at the School of Business in University College Dublin. We give a detailed description of the team project assessment component. This component was designed to address two key problems in business analytics education: how to engage business students in quantitative analysis and how to foster decision-making based on data analysis. We present promising results with analysis and some recommendations.
227 - PublicationHigh Resolution Wind Power and Wind Drought ModelsWe present high resolution wind power statistical models fitted to meteorological data for the island of Ireland. We find that a discrete Burr model efficiently represents the number of consecutive hours of wind power availability. Burr models are also useful to model the complement of the wind power availability events, wind droughts, when wind speed is insufficient to produce wind power. The models developed in this study may be most useful at time resolutions less than six hours to capture zero power and short bursts of wind power potential. They could serve as a useful complement to other wind power modelling approaches such as MERRA reanalysis models. Wind power duration models, and their wind drought complements, also provide insights for investors on potential wind power availability at geographic locations.
470 - PublicationImproving Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Yield Using Neural Network ClassificationTraditionally, the Six Sigma framework has underpinned quality improvement and assurance in biopharmaceutical manufacturing process management. This paper proposes a neural network (NN) approach to vaccine yield classification and compares it to an existing multiple linear regression approach. As part of the Six Sigma process, this paper shows how a data mining framework can be used to extract further value and insight from the data gathered during the manufacturing process, and how insights into yield classification can be used in the quality improvement process.
554 - PublicationIdentifying Patterns of Learner Behaviour: What Business Statistics Students do with Learning ResourcesThe interactions of early stage business students with learning resources over the duration of an introductory statistics module were analysed using latent class analysis. Four distinct behavioural groups were identified. While differing levels of face-to-face attendance and online interaction existed, all four groups failed to engage with online material in a timely manner. The four groups were found to demonstrate significantly different levels of attainment of the module learning outcomes. The patterns of behaviour of the different groups of students give insights as to which analytics education learning resources students use and how their use patterns relate to their level of attainment of the module learning outcomes.
414 - PublicationSmart Grid Topology DesignsThis paper addresses supports for evolving design demands of electricity low voltage networks in urban areas. Innovations in how electricity is generated and supplied are required to support transformation of energy systems in response to climate change. We describe a MIP model to support grid upgrade decisions in the context of an energy community in an existing urban setting. We evaluate the MIP model on an adaption of an IEEE radial network benchmark instance augmented with geographic data. We present interesting computational results which suggest additional arcs to be added. Our results highlight potential research opportunities for the network optimisation community to facilitate the desired energy systems transformation challenge.
161 - PublicationA Decomposition Algorithm for the Ring Spur Assignment ProblemThis paper describes the ring spur assignment problem (RSAP), a new problem arising in the design of next generation networks. The RSAP complements the sonet ring assignment problem (SRAP). We describe the RSAP, positioning it in relation to problems previously addressed in the literature. We decompose the problem into two IP problems and describe a branch-and-cut decomposition heuristic algorithm suitable for solving problem instances in a reasonable time. We present promising computational results.
396Scopus© Citations 5 - PublicationValidating unit commitment models: A case for benchmark test systemsDue to increasing penetration of non-traditional power system resources; e.g. renewable generation, electric vehicles, demand response, etc. and computational power there has been an increased interest in research on unit commitment. It therefore may be important to take another look at how unit commitment models and algorithms are validated especially as improvements in solutions and algorithmic performance are desired to combat the added complexity of additional constraints. This paper explores an overview of the current state of unit commitment models and algorithms, and finds improvements for both comparing and validating models with benchmark test systems. Examples are provided discussing the importance for a standard benchmark test system(s) and why it is needed to compare and validate the real world performance of unit commitment models.
517Scopus© Citations 7 - PublicationSmart Meter Tariff Design to Minimise Wholesale RiskSmart metering in electricity markets offers an opportunity to explore more diversetariff structures. In this article a Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used to design Time ofUse tariffs that minimise the wholesale risk to the supplier in residential markets.Residential demand and the System Marginal Price of Ireland's Single ElectricityMarket are simulated to estimate the wholesale risk associated with each tariff.
316Scopus© Citations 1