Browsing by Author "Trimble, John"

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    Optimisation of Self Organising Maps Using the Bat Algorithm
    (2017) Mzelikahle, Kernan; Mapuma, Dunstan Junior; Hlatywayo, Dumisani J.; Trimble, John; Hlatywayo, Dumisani J.
    Self Organising Maps are among the most widely used unsupervised neural network approaches to clustering. They have been shown to be efficient in handling large and high dimensional data. The Bat Algorithm is a swarm intelligence based, meta- heuristic optimisation algorithm. It is based on the echolocation behaviour of micro-bats with varying emission pulse rates and loudness. This paper gives a novel hybrid optimisation method which is here called the Bat Optimised Self-Organising Map. It combines the basic Self Organising Map learning algorithm with the Bat Algorithm. In this optimisation technique, the Bat Algorithm is used to initialise the weight vectors for a Self Organising Map to a near global optimum prior to the competition.
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    Strategies for community focused postal service development
    (National Inquiry Services Centre, 2015-11-16) Trimble, John; Chilumani, Khesani R.; Ngwenya, Sibangiso
    To maintain its relevance, the postal system must look at ways to innovate and optimize. It must optimize its use of resources and delivery of current services. It must employ innovation to develop new opportunities and services. The key will be to leverage its infrastructure and build on its strong community linkage, while taking advantages of emerging trends in information and communication technology. This study uses information gathered from the postal systems in Africa and other less developed settings. It also draws on postal expansion options identified by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in the areas of e-post, e-commerce, e-government and e-finance, as a basis for a framework orientated to community service in southern Africa. This framework is designed to facilitate the development of a more effective postal research strategy that is well integrated into the overall business strategy of the post office, building on existing services and incorporating new e-postal services. This overall process should encourage regional and continental integration of postal services and foster citizen and community empowerment.