The Relationship of Systems Engineering to the Project Cycle

ABSTRACT

A new way of portraying the technical aspect of the project cycle clarifies the role and responsibility of systems engineering to a project. This new three-dimensional graphic representation illustrates the end-to-end involvement of systems engineering in the project cycle, clarifies the relationship of systems engineering and design engineering, and encourages the implementation of concurrent engineering.     

Dissertation Review

Abstract:

This research article provides valuable insights for practicing engineering managers on improving a firm's performance by applying a knowledge management (KM) based approach to quality management (QM). Traditional quality management systems do not provide sufficient knowledge management and knowledge creation opportunities for manufacturing firms to stay competitive in today's fast paced, unpredictable, complex, and rapidly changing global business environment. The world's body of knowledge does not include a quality management strategy where KM is integrated in QM, and where the effectiveness of such a KM/QM strategy is determined through quantitative empirical research over a defined time frame, thus omitting important performance improvement opportunities for manufacturing firms. The objective in addressing this research topic is to present a KM/QM strategy and to demonstrate its effectiveness. Engineering management areas, such as knowledge management and quality management, are leveraged throughout this research. Systems engineering aspects, such as operational efficiency improvement and system performance, are leveraged by integrating knowledge management and quality management to form an enhanced quality management system. The research demonstrates that a company with a KM/QM strategy is more effective than a company which does not have a KM/QM strategy, that the implementation of a KM/QM strategy contributes to product quality improvements over KM/QM strategy application time, and presents a framework that can be applied by practicing engineering managers.     

Influence of Green Practices on Organizational Competitiveness: A Study of the Electrical and Electronics Industry

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to verify the efficacy of green practices in influencing competitive enablers of organizations in the electrical and electronics industry. This study applies quantitative modeling, supported by a survey of 70 companies in southern Brazil and a structural equations model. The model includes four constructs: green strategy, green innovation, externalities management in green operations, and information management in green operations. The model also includes three factors influenced by the constructs that facilitate the construction of the organizational competitiveness: compliance, strategic drivers, and corporate image. The main result obtained suggests that green strategy and green innovation are more likely to influence competitiveness in the industry, and information management only partially influences competitiveness, while externalities management appears to have no influence.     

Process Improvement: Reengineering Spacelab Mission Requirements Flow

ABSTRACT

An example of process improvement at the Marshall Space Flight Center is presented. The objective of this activity was to increase efficiency in the Spacelab mission requirements flow, which is the process that manages change requests from mission customers. The team formed to review the existing process used a systems engineering approach and Deming's plan, do, study, act cycle. The goal of the analysis was to eliminate rework and duplication, minimize the time that change requests spend in the system, and standardize procedures. After implementing the team's recommendations, average processing time was reduced by more than 60%.     

Exploring the Relationship Between Multi-Dimensional Top Management Support and Project Success: An International Study

Abstract

The role of top management support in achieving project success has gained much attention in research and practice. A number of studies on single dimensional top management support have been conducted. In the engineering management literature, top management support has rarely been studied as a multi-dimensional construct. This research examines the relationship between multiple dimensions of top management support and project success. Different data analysis methods were employed to test the research hypotheses and to validate the multi-dimensionality of top management support. Findings indicate a significant and positive relationship between multi-dimensional top management support and project success.     

The Statistical Filter Approach to Constrained Optimization

Abstract

Expensive black box systems arise in many engineering applications but can be difficult to optimize because their output functions may be complex, multi-modal, and difficult to understand. The task becomes even more challenging when the optimization is subject to multiple constraints and no derivative information is available. In this article, we combine response surface modeling and filter methods in order to solve problems of this nature. In employing a filter algorithm for solving constrained optimization problems, we establish a novel probabilistic metric for guiding the filter. Overall, this hybridization of statistical modeling and nonlinear programming efficiently utilizes both global and local search in order to quickly converge to a global solution to the constrained optimization problem. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods, we perform numerical tests on a synthetic test problem, a problem from the literature, and a real-world hydrology computer experiment optimization problem.     

PLM Software Selection Model for Project Management Using Hierarchical Decision Modeling With Criteria From PMBOK® Knowledge Areas

Abstract:

This article presents a methodology for product lifecycle management (PLM) software selection utilizing the nine knowledge areas of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) (A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide, 2008). The methodology utilizes a five-process gate approach where the PLM offerings are researched, sorted, paired down, evaluated, and implemented. The primary decision model utilizes hierarchical decision modeling (HDM). Prioritizations are assigned to the PMBOK® knowledge areas utilizing a pair-wise comparison survey and then assessed across the different PLM system offerings. The proposed decision methodology is meant to serve only as a guide to assist with selection of PLM software from a project management perspective. To validate the model, several applications are presented that apply the selection methodology to different industries: semiconductor, information technology (IT), and automotive supply.     

An Examination of Engineering Personnel Assignment Policies in the Multi-Project,Capacity Constrained Situation

Abstract:

Engineering management is often done in a multiproject setting where projects arrive dynamically, engineering human resources are overloaded, and preemption is allowed. In this simulation research, factors of that setting are varied to identify ideal resource assignment policies associated with personnel capacity loading and the use of personnel preemption. The experimental factors include resource overloading, learning rate, and the frequency and length of preemption. The performance measures are project set flow time, resource utilization, and mean project duration. The best situation is one where preemption is not allowed but where engineering resources are overloaded to 200% of capacity. The results of this research are important for engineering resource utilization and for the timely project completion, and have the additional benefit of recommending a best practice for project initiation and engineering project portfolio management.     

Interaction of design,manufacturing method,and material selection

Abstract

The characterisation of a design in terms of function, appearance, manufacturing method, and cost is considered. The interacting influences of design, fabrication, and materials selection are not always appreciated, which results in inefficiency or failure. This is considered in an historical setting, highlighting the changes in circumstance which now require better communication of information for such interaction to occur. The role of the computer in the provision of databases from standardised information and the development of ‘intelligent’ selector systems with input to models from consideration of microstructural engineering is outlined. The greatly increased range of materials to be considered and the need for integration of design, processing, and materials expertise, poses problems for the teaching of materials engineering where, again, the computer has an important role to play in developing understanding. In this very important area of industrial and educational endeavour, interaction should progress towards integration.

MST/1063     

3D road modeling via the integration of large-scale topomaps and airborne LIDAR data

Abstract

Modern road systems have become complex networks with multiple layers, making three- dimensional (3D) road modeling an important task in the geoinformatic realm. Although traditional topographic maps contain explicit planimetric networks, they often lack sufficient elevation information to describe the vertical alignments in multi-layer road systems. In this investigation, we combine data from large-scale topographic maps and airborne light detection and ranging (LIDAR) data to reconstruct 3D road models. The proposed scheme includes two steps: planimetric networking and surface modeling. In the first part, road centerlines are determined then linked up and their topologies organized using the polylines extracted from large-scale topographic maps. In the second part, a filter is utilized for the extraction of road surface points from airborne LIDAR data. The three dimensional alignment of the profiles and cross-sections is then computed. Furthermore, to improve the realism of the road models, surfaces are constrained by continuities of slope and slope difference. There are three types of data included in the test data set: single-layer, multi-layer, and interchanges between road systems. In addition to the elevation accuracy, surface continuity, slopes, and slope differences of the modeled roads are also analyzed.     

Technology Engineering: The Concurrent Development of Space Transportation Systems and Technology

Abstract:

This article develops and presents a technology engineering framework for the selection, development, and insertion of space transportation technologies concurrent with the systems engineering of the space transportation system(s) in which the technology will eventually be employed. The technology engineering framework developed and presented in this article draws on existing systems engineering processes, tools, and methods; takes into account the differences between systems engineering and technology engineering; and accounts for the high degree of interaction required between the concurrent technology and system development programs. The components of this technology engineering framework are discussed, and the major steps in the technology engineering process are outlined. An investigation is also conducted into facilitating the implementation of key portions of the framework using a state-of-the-art relational computer database referred to as the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Technology Database (RTDB). This database is demonstrated to provide an invaluable tool to collect, manipulate, analyze, document, and disseminate technology-related information, including previous research results, key technical parameters and characteristics, technology readiness levels, relationships to other technologies, costs, and potential barriers and risks.     

Extending RDD-100 to Produce Military Standard Specifications

ABSTRACT

RDD-100 is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) automation tool used for systems engineering applications. It is based on a rigorous approach using an element, relationship, attribute (ERA) data base, graphical input and output formats, and built-in engineering data consistency checks. It also includes the capability to expand the definition (schema) of the ERA data base and to create reports to manipulate, format, and print the data base contents. The following describes the process that establishes a new ERA schema and the data extraction reports that are used with the inherent capabilities of RDD-100 to produce deliverable, military-compliant specifications from a systems engineering data base.     

Statistical process monitoring of time-dependent data

ABSTRACT

During the last decades, we evolved from measuring few process variables at sparse intervals to a situation in which a multitude of variables are measured at high speed. This evidently provides opportunities for extracting more information from processes and to pinpoint out-of-control situations, but transforming the large data streams into valuable information is still a challenging task. In this contribution we will focus on the analysis of time-dependent processes since this is the scenario most often encountered in practice, due to high sampling systems and the natural behavior of many real-life applications. The modeling and monitoring challenges that statistical process monitoring (SPM) techniques face in this situation will be described and possible routes will be provided. Simulation results as well as a real-life data set will be used throughout the article.     

The Relationship between Supervisor Ratio and Organizational Turnover: The Mediating and Moderating Effects of Engineers

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to examine the association between organizational supervisor ratio and engineer supervisor percentage with engineer turnover and total organizational turnover. Our study has new implications for the effects of supervisor ratio, which has not been specifically investigated in past engineering management research. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used on 85 organizational-level datasets from 17 large U.S. federal agencies. The findings suggest that engineer turnover is negatively related to supervisor ratio and positively related to engineer supervisor percentage. Mediation and moderation effects were observed. The study found partial mediating effects of engineer supervisor percentage in weakening the negative association between supervisor ratio and engineer turnover. Engineer turnover was also found to moderate the negative association between supervisor ratio and non-engineer turnover rate. This study further provides a theory-building framework for the role of organizational supervisor ratio in mitigating turnover risk for both engineers and all other knowledge workers in interdisciplinary work environments. Applying value congruence theory, engineering managers can use these findings to understand the role of supervisor ratio in organizational design and its impact on engineer turnover. We conclude with practical engineering management recommendations for engineer-manager training programs, engineer mentorship, organizational strategic communications, and the strategic deployment of engineers across the organization.     

Total Quality Management Applied in Engineering and Construction

ABSTRACT

This article details the concepts of total quality management (TQM) in engineering and construction (E&C), lists the elements of effective TQM, and describes how TQM can be applied. Included is a discussion of the importance of customers within or external to an organization. The key practices of continual improvement and defect prevention are described. Also, specific activities for implementing the TQM process in an E&C organization are suggested.     

Bayesian reliability: Combining information

ABSTRACT

One of the most powerful features of Bayesian analyses is the ability to combine multiple sources of information in a principled way to perform inference. This feature can be particularly valuable in assessing the reliability of systems where testing is limited. At their most basic, Bayesian methods for reliability develop informative prior distributions using expert judgment or similar systems. Appropriate models allow the incorporation of many other sources of information, including historical data, information from similar systems, and computer models. We introduce the Bayesian approach to reliability using several examples and point to open problems and areas for future work.     

Unlocking the Power of Systems Engineering for Product and Process Management

ABSTRACT

To improve the efficiency of American industry, it is necessary to create an environment to manage and control the processes that enable complex systems to be created, deployed, operated, supported, and disposed of. Steps toward realizing that environment include process definition, organizational development, assignment of responsibility, and personnel training. Automated support tools are essential for defining and managing the environment and for personnel training. These tools must include abroad range of modeling elements, a three-schema representation system, stored content (data base) and application logic acquisition tools, and a common-sense knowledge base for product definition. This article will provide a background regarding these requirements and will describe efforts to meet the requirements through developing and applying advanced information system technologies.     

Content and Trends in Engineering Management Literature

Abstract

Analysis investigating subject content and trends in engineering management literature from 1993 to 2000 is reported. 479 articles from Engineering Management Journal and IEEE Transactions in Engineering Management were analyzed using content analysis of article subject classifications. Results indicate a consistent effort by engineering management researchers to apply technical skills in the larger context of answering the leadership and management questions facing technical organizations today. The preponderance of engineering management research in the manufacturing and services industry sectors was confirmed. These trends were identified: decreasing research attention in the subject of strategic planning; increasing research attention in the services industrial sector; and increase in the subject of innovation. Varying emphasis on the subject of total quality/quality assurance was seen throughout the time period of this research.     

Local Embeddedness and Knowledge Management Strategies for Project-Based Multi-National Firms

Abstract:

Multinational, project-based organizations are faced with competing challenges of adapting to a local marketplace and integrating various offices globally. Case studies with 14 multinational real estate development, general contracting, and engineering firms revealed types of knowledge required for international operations, knowledge management strategies, and the level of embeddedness within the local project area. Eighty-nine interviews were recorded, transcribed, and imported into qualitative coding software. Analysis of the data built propositions regarding different levels of local project embeddedness and the relationship between embeddedness and knowledge management strategies. The findings indicate that firms with a low level of local embeddedness have more formal knowledge management platforms to share local knowledge, whereas firms with a high level of embeddedness, which require the most local knowledge, lack formal knowledge management strategies to share their knowledge across projects.     

Reliability Meets Big Data: Opportunities and Challenges

ABSTRACT

Reliability field data such as that obtained from warranty claims and maintenance records have been used traditionally for such purposes as generating predictions for warranty costs and optimizing the cost of system operation and maintenance. In the current (and future) generation of many products, the nature of field reliability data is changing dramatically. In particular, products can be outfitted with sensors that can be used to capture information about how and when and under what environmental and operating conditions products are being used. Today some of that information is being used to monitor system health and interest is building to develop prognostic information systems. There are, however, many other potential applications for using such data. In this article we review some applications where field reliability data are used and explore some of the opportunities to use modern reliability data to provide stronger statistical methods to operate and predict the performance of systems in the field. We also provide some examples of recent technical developments designed to be used in such applications and outline remaining challenges.