CONTACT INFORMATION
Office:	310 Kalkin  FIND OFFICE
Phone:	656-4043
E-Mail:	david.novak@uvm.edu
Office Hours:	MW 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. or by appointment

• BSAD 141 - Management Information Systems
  Section B, 004 Kalkin 11:30-12:45 TR - ON-LINE SYLLABUS
  Section Z2, 004 Kalkin 11:30-12:45 TR - ON-LINE SYLLABUS
   
• BSAD 146 - Business Data Communications
  Section A, 002 Kalkin 10:00-11:15 TR - ON-LINE SYLLABUS
  Section Z1, 002 Kalkin 10:00-11:15 TR - ON-LINE SYLLABUS

Publication History

Journal Article, Academic Journal

• Novak, D. C. - "Managing Bandwidth Allocations Between Competing Recreational and Non-Recreational Traffic on Campus Networks" (Refereed) - Decision Support Systems - 2008 - v. 45, no. 2, pp. 338-353 [View publication] [Show/Hide Abstract]
  Abstract: Network performance is a serious concern faced by many campus network managers across the country. As demand for entertainment-based Peer-to-Peer (P2P) applications that involve the transfer of large audio and video files continues to grow, managers are faced with the increasingly difficult task of determining how much bandwidth should be allocated to these applications. Unrestricted P2P traffic has the potential to monopolize bandwidth and severely degrade network performance. University IT managers are placed in a particularly difficult position, because they must juggle demands for non-recreational traffic without severely restricting recreational use of the network. This paper discusses a solution for optimizing bandwidth allocations on a campus gateway Internet link.
  
• Novak, D. C.; Hodgdon, C. D.; Aultman-Hall, L. - "Nationwide Freight Generation Models: A Spatial Approach" (Refereed) - Networks and Spatial Economics - 2008 [View publication] [Show/Hide Abstract]
  Abstract: This paper investigates the application of linear regression models and modeling techniques in predicting freight generation at the national level within the U.S. Specifically, the paper seeks to improve the performance and fit of linear regression models of freight generation. We provide insight into different variable transformation techniques, evaluate the use of spatial regression variables, and apply a spatial regression modeling methodology to correct for spatial autocorrelation. We conclude that the spatial regression model is the preferred specification for freight generation at the national level. The proliferation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) within planning agencies affords more widespread ease of use of spatial regression and our results indicate this technique would provide improvement to models that have been traditionally limited by insufficient data.
  
• Novak, D. C.; Nair, S. - "A Traffic Shaping Model for Optimizing Network Operations" (Refereed) - European Journal of Operational Research - 2007 - v. 180, no. 3, pp. 1358-1380 [View publication] [Show/Hide Abstract]
  Abstract: The management of technology in multi-service computer networks, such as university networks, has become a challenge with the explosive growth of entertainment oriented peer-to-peer (P2P) traffic. Traffic shaping is one of the tools used to manage bandwidth to improve system performance by allocating bandwidth between P2P and non-peer-to-peer (NP2P) traffic. We present a model for traffic shaping and bandwidth management that considers the trade-offs from allocating different amounts of bandwidths for different application categories and use data from a university network. The current policy allocates varying bandwidths over the day to P2P and NP2P traffic to reflect the importance of not letting entertainment based traffic choke the network during the day time at the expense of the more important traffic, such as Web traffic. We highlight the difficulties in obtaining data in the form required for analysis, and the need to estimate demand for allocations not covered by current policy. We present a goal programming model for this estimation task. We also model the traffic shaping problem as a Markov decision process and develop an algorithm for determining the optimal bandwidth allocation to maximize the utility of all users. Finally we use a numerical example to illustrate our approach.
  
• Scott, D.; Novak, D. C.; Aultman-Hall, L.; Guo, F. - "Network Robustness Index: A New Method For Identifying Critical Links and Evaluating the Performance of Transportation Networks" (Refereed) - Journal of Transport Geography - 2006 - v. 14, no. 3, pp. 215-227 [View publication] [Show/Hide Abstract]
  Abstract: Highway planning efforts, especially those involving capacity expansions, have traditionally relied on the volume/capacity (V/C) ratio to identify "highly congested" or critical links, resulting in localized solutions that do not consider system-wide impacts. This paper presents a new, comprehensive, system-wide approach to identifying critical links and evaluating network performance. The approach considers network flows, link capacity and network topology. Moreover, it relies on readily available sources of data. Using three hypothetical networks, we demonstrate that the approach, known as the Network Robustness Index, yields different highway planning solutions than the traditional V/C ratio. Moreover, these solutions yield far greater system-wide benefits, as measured by travel-time savings, than solutions identified by the V/C ratio.
  
• Novak, D. C.; Ragsdale, C. - "A Decision Support Methodology for Stochastic Multi-Criteria Linear Programming Using Spreadsheets" (Refereed) - Decision Support Systems - 2003 - v. 36, no. 1, pp. 99-116 [View publication] [Show/Hide Abstract]
  Abstract: In recent years, tools for solving optimization problems have become widely available through the integration of optimization software (or solvers) with all major spreadsheet packages. These solvers are highly effective on traditional linear programming (LP) problems with known, deterministic parameters. However, thoughtful analysts may rightly question the quality and robustness of optimal solutions to problems where point estimates are substituted for model parameters that are stochastic in nature. Additionally, while many LP problems implicitly involve multiple objectives, current spreadsheet solvers provide no convenient facility for dealing with more than one objective. This paper introduces a decision support methodology for identifying robust solutions to LP problems involving stochastic parameters and multiple criteria using spreadsheets.
  
• Novak, D. C.; Rowland, D.; DaSilva, L. - "Modeling Dialup Internet Access: An Examination of User-to-Modem Ratios, Blocking Probability, and Capacity Planning in a Modem Pool" (Refereed) - Computers & Operations Research - 2003 - v. 30, no. 13, pp. 1959-1976 [View publication] [Show/Hide Abstract]
  Abstract: In the near future, dialup connections will remain as one ofthe most popular methods ofremote access to the Internet as well as to enterprise networks. The dimensioning ofmodem pools to support this type of access is of particular importance to commercial Internet service providers as well as to universities that maintain their own modem pools to support access by faculty, staff, and students. The primary contribution of this paper is to analyze how network administrators may decrease the probability of blocking for access to the pool by imposing session limits restricting the maximum duration ofthe online session. Session limits may provide a viable alternative to improving network performance without necessarily adding capacity to the pool. Blocking probability is examined under a number ofdifferent scenarios to assess potential improvements in the quality of service by imposing session limitations during peak-period operations.
  

Conference Proceeding

• Kraushaar, J. M.; Chittenden, T. I.; Novak, D. C. - "A Descriptive Study of Perceived and Actual Tablet PC Use by Undergraduate Students in a Traditional Lecture-based Graphical Modeling Class" (Refereed) - The Impact of Tablet PCs and Pen-based Technology on Education, Purdue University Press - 2008 - v. 2008, pp. 81-88 [View publication] [Show/Hide Abstract]
  Abstract: Currently, there is substantial debate nationwide with respect to the value of Tablet/laptop usage in higher education classrooms. Some lecturers feel very strongly that students are easily distracted by technology and Tablets/laptops facilitate goofing around in the classroom by creating an environment where students are physically present, but mentally absent. On the other hand, there are lecturers who feel very strongly that technology usage in the classroom is critical in explaining certain topics and that Tablets/laptops are tools that modern day students must become comfortable with using in a productive manner. Faculty suspect some students might be using the technology in ways that detract from the learning process. Many universities require students to purchase Tablets/laptops while at the same time more faculty feel strongly enough to ban them from their lectures. This study investigates undergraduate students??? self-reportedreported and actual use of Tablets/laptops during lecture-style classes with significant graphic-based content.
  
• Kraushaar, J. M.; Chittenden, T. I.; Novak, D. C.; Chittenden, N. B. - "A Preliminary Profile of Student Tablet Use During the Lecture" - 2007 EDUCAUSE Southeast Regional Conference - 2007 - v. Web Page, [View publication] [Show/Hide Abstract]
  Abstract: What are the students really doing with their laptops during your lecture? We describe both the actual and self-reported use of student laptop and tablet PCs during the lecture for a year-long pilot study with three courses, seven sections, two faculty, and 200 students during the Fall 06/Spring 07 semesters. Proceedings (power point presentation and podcast interview) of this available at http://connect.educause.edu/library/abstract/APreliminaryProfileo/44612. Full conference proceedings available at http://www.educause.edu/content.asp?page_id=12288&bhcp=1
  
• Novak, D. C.; Kitchin, P. - "An Automated Statistical Quality Control Process for Internet Service Providers" - Annual Meeting of the Southeast Decision Sciences Institute (SEDSI) - 2004 [Show/Hide Abstract]
  Abstract: While the use of statistical quality control (SQC) techniques are very common in manufacturing, they do not appear to be widely used for evaluating and improving the performance of networking hardware for dialup Internet service. This paper discusses the development of an automated SQC process for a large university dialup Internet Service Provider (ISP). In this paper critical network performance variables are identified, underlying distributional assumptions and the variable transformation process is described, and the statistical procedures used to establish performance baselines and identify out of control processes are presented. The paper is based on an actual quality improvement project currently being deployed at Virginia Tech.
  
• Novak, D. C.; Chang, S. J.; Nair, S. K. - "Setting Optimal Bandwidth Controls for Peer-to-Peer Traffic on Campus Networks" (Refereed) - Annual Meeting of the Northeast Decision Sciences Institute (NEDSI) - 2003
• Novak, D. C.; Rakes, T. - "A Characterization of Online Modem Pool Traffic" (Refereed) - National Decision Sciences Institute meeting - 2001
• Novak, D. C.; DaSilva, L.; Rowland, D. - "Modem Pool Simulation and Performance Analysis" (Refereed) - Society for Computer Simulation Symposium for Performance Evaluation of Computer and Telecommunications Systems (SPECTS) - 2000 [View publication] [Show/Hide Abstract]
  Abstract: In the near future, dial-up connections will still be one of the most popular methods of remote access to the Internet as well as to enterprise networks. The dimensioning of modem pools to support this type of access is of particular importance to commercial Internet service providers (ISPs)as well as to universities that maintain their own modem pools to support access by faculty, staff, and students. The primary contribution of this paper is to analyze how network administrators may decrease the probability of blocking for access to the pool by imposing business rules restricting the maximum duration of the on-line session.
  
• Novak, D. C. - "A Methodology for Solving Stochastic Programming Problems Using Microsoft's Excel" - Annual Meeting of the Southeast Institute for Ops. Res. & the Mgmt Sciences (INFORMS) - 1999 - pp. First Place in the Student Paper Competition

Material Regarding New Courses/Curricula

• Kraushaar, J. M.; Novak, D. C.; Chittenden, T. I. - "Curriculum Redesign of Junior/Senior Course: Management Information Systems" - School of Business Administration - 2006 [View publication] [Show/Hide Abstract]
  Abstract: To fully leverage the tablet functionality afforded us by having a majority of students with Tablet PC's, Dr. David Novak and Dr. James Kraushaar re-designed their course delivery of the required Junior/Senior core Management Information Systems course to leverage Tablet Functionality for all diagrammatic concepts taught in the class. This included concepts like Entity Relationship Diagrams (data-modeling), Data Flow Diagrams (process modeling), Systems Development Life Cycles, etc. Assignments related to these units were required to have been done in MS Journal and submitted electronically to further motivate student use of the pen functionality to learn the course concepts. Simultaneously, lecture delivery was re-vamped to leverage the Tablet PC pen functionality. In addition to these Tablet PC oriented alterations, Drs. Kraushaar and Novak implemented a PC Skills Assessment at the beginning and end of the course to have a data point of digital literacy and technology comfort levels in analyzing student performance with and without the Tablet PCs used in the class. In addition to this assessment test, activity monitoring software was installed (with explicit permission) on student machines to track the actual student usage of the PC in class. Lastly, an expanded Mobile Computing Usage survey was conducted to get self-reported information from students about how they use their machines (both tablets and non-tablets) in an educational environment.