A fuzzy QFD program modelling approach using the method of imprecision

The use of quality function deployment (QFD) to aid decision making in product planning has gained extensive international attention, but current QFD approaches are unable to cope with complex product planning (CPP) characterized by involving multiple engineering characteristics (ECs) associated with significant uncertainty. To tackle this difficulty, in this paper, fuzzy set theory is embedded into a QFD framework and a novel fuzzy QFD program modelling approach to CPP is proposed to optimize the values of ECs by taking the design uncertainty and financial considerations into account. In the proposed methodology, fuzzy set theory is used to account for design uncertainty, and the method of imprecision (MoI) is employed to perform multiple-attribute synthesis to generate a family of synthesis strategies by varying the value of s, which indicates the different compensation levels among ECs. The proposed methodology will allow QFD practitioners to control the distribution of their development budget by presetting the value of s to determine the compensation levels among ECs. An illustrative example of the quality improvement of the design of a motor car is provided to demonstrate the application and performance of the modelling approach.     

Modelling engineering change management in a new product development supply chain

The changes within a new product development (NPD) process are handled differently depending on the stage of the project. The changes during the initial stages of the project are addressed by design iterations, while the changes after the product design is complete are addressed using a formal engineering change management (ECM) process. The ECM process is a complex process, especially under a collaborative environment, where various independent entities work together for a common cause of product development. The interactions between the NPD and ECM processes have rarely been investigated in the research community. In this paper, we attempt to study the interactions between the various NPD and ECM process parameters by modelling the processes and simulated the model to understand the parameter interactions. The organisations in a supply chain have been characterised based on their interactions with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) during the NPD process. The organisation process templates representing the NPD and ECM processes of each type of organisation in the supply chain have been modelled. The templates have been used to develop a simulation model representing the NPD and ECM processes for a supply chain. The process variables, such as processing rates, resources, resource composition, resource allocation priority, processing quality and phase overlap, have been included in the model. The results indicate that most of the variables and interactions among the variables have a significant influence on the NPD lead time. By identifying the status of?the NPD process, the decision-makers can use these results to develop appropriate management policies to govern their product development projects.     

On the valuation of goods and selection of the best design alternative

A platform is the set of elements and interfaces that are common to a family of products. In this paper, the design of a platform-based product family is formulated as an optimization problem. This optimization is then transformed into a two-step process amenable to industrial product design processes. The first step involves designing the technical aspects of the product family, optimizing an objective (or a set of objectives) subject to technical constraints, with external uncertain factors fixed. We have previously presented such a method for designing product families based on platforms that optimizes performance and cost metrics, using variables and a system model. That approach allows a team of engineers to design and evaluate candidate platforms, given perfect understanding of the designs and requirements. The second step is to quantify the value to the firm for each identified design alternative, while here accounting for external uncertain factors of the product family development. In this paper we present a model to perform this second step of the overall approach. Real options concepts are introduced to model the risks and delayed decision benefits present during product development due to uncertainty in technologies, funding, etc. We develop a quantitative measure of the value to the company for different family designs, and apply it to select the most appropriate design from the possible alternatives. An application to the design of platform-based families of spacecraft is shown. Electronic Publication     

A real option based model for the valuation of patent protected technological innovation projects

Decision Tree Analysis and Internal Rate of Return, do not properly consider uncertainty and flexibility, which are crucial for both valuating a project and the related decision-making process. Usually, uncertainty and managerial flexibility have been regarded as a factor that needs to be reduced; nevertheless, Real Option analysis recognizes that both may generate value, since both allow managers to decide on the investment on a project as time unfolds. This research proposes the development of a model and a tool based on real options that supports decision-makers in the valuation process of uncertain projects. The model originally developed by Schwartz and later adapted and modified by Ernst et al. is used as a baseline for the tool. The objective is to develop an easier-to-use-tool for decision-makers to valuate patent protected technological innovation projects which uses fewer variables than the actual model. The expected users are Technology Transfer Offices, which can support the decision-making process of investing on risky projects for its further commercialization. The main results of the model are the probability distribution of the project value and the percentage of times that profit is generated, which are critical factors when deciding to invest in a technological project.     

A systematic approach to preliminary polymer process development: modeling and design

A general and complete methodology is presented to facilitate systematic modeling and design of polymer processes during the early development period. To capture and handle the subjective type of uncertainty, embedded in the preliminary process development, fuzzy theories are used as a basis to model and design the process in the presence of ambiguity and vagueness. Physical membership functions are developed for mapping the relation between process variables and the associated fuzzy uncertainties. Based on the qualitative results generated using our previously proposed “linguistic based preliminary design method,” the process modeling can be followed even in the absence of any process governing equations. The modeling is carried out by establishing an appropriate fuzzy reasoning system which provides a specific functional mapping that relates input process variables to one (or more than one) output performance parameter(s). A reduced yet feasible domain is generated by our qualitative design scheme to constrain the process variables. Now, any optimization routine can then be employed to search for a proper process design. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology by its application to a typical compression molding process.     

Scheduling optimization of design stream line for production research and development projects

In a development project, efficient design stream line scheduling is difficult and important owing to large design imprecision and the differences in the skills and skill levels of employees. The relative skill levels of employees are denoted as fuzzy numbers. Multiple execution modes are generated by scheduling different employees for design tasks. An optimization model of a design stream line scheduling problem is proposed with the constraints of multiple executive modes, multi-skilled employees and precedence. The model considers the parallel design of multiple projects, different skills of employees, flexible multi-skilled employees and resource constraints. The objective function is to minimize the duration and tardiness of the project. Moreover, a two-dimensional particle swarm algorithm is used to find the optimal solution. To illustrate the validity of the proposed method, a case is examined in this article, and the results support the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm.     

基于可靠性的设计门限值的分析与确定

针对设计过程中所需确定的产品主要参数的可靠性设计门限值进行了分析。通过采用蒙特卡洛仿真方法和性能性参数可靠性评定方法,实现了随机变量的综合分析和可靠性设计门限值的确定,从而提出了产品设计过程中保证可靠性指标的实现途径,并为产品的制造验收和使用检测提供了定量依据。     

基于线性流程的企业设计项目管理研究

目的 在设计管理理论的基础上细化研究企业设计管理实践内容和具体方式,基于企业设计项目的线性流程特性,将成熟的设计管理方法引入企业产品设计开发领域。方法 以设计项目开展流程为切入点,分析当前企业设计管理主要环节存在的问题。结论 目前设计管理范围从单个部门的设计任务管理演变为跨职能部门的多专业团队设计管理,以基于流程的设计项目为载体,承载企业设计战略的实现。当前产品市场更新速度快,产品设计趋于系统化工程,设计项目因为周期、成本的限制而始终有限投入,对于如何在设计周期内合理调配软、硬件设计资源,提高设计效率、控制各种成本消耗、采用先进的设计项目管理模式显得十分迫切,对设计项目管理在企业产品开发中的应用提出若干建议。     

基于C-K设计理论的旅游产品原型研发模式研究

目的 提出一种旅游产品原型创新开发的新模式,以促进区域旅游产业协作发展,提升旅游产品设计质量.方法 基于哈绪尔的C-K设计理论,从原型开发基本流程、高复杂度项目中的目标确定、研发团队建设3个方面构建旅游产品原型研发设计的基础框架.首先,原型开发基本流程将阐述基于C-K理论的旅游产品设计的基本原理;其次,高复杂度项目中的目标确定则解释如何通过C-K设计运算来获得跨学科、高复杂度的旅游产品原型的子项目目标属性和最终原型概念,以代入实施阶段;最后,为提高产品原型设计的工作效率,需要构建一套整合管理系统,包括目标共识、行为管理、团队授权和监控结果4个方面.结论 C-K设计理论有助于改善现有旅游产品开发模式的不足,有助于旅游产品设计的优化,更好地实现通过产品设计传达文旅价值和产品性能的过程.     

“不确定性因素”在文创产品设计中的介入与辩析

目的 当下中国文创产品的设计与开发是多方面因素共同作用的结果。其中文创产品自身的文化属性与特性,决定了情感因素融入的必然性。为了谋求更好的情感与设计体验,“不确定性因素”需要适时介入文创开发中,完善与增益文创产品本身的价值。采用文创产品开发中的“不确定性”独特设计因素与思路,以期为文创设计提供更为合理、科学、有效、开放的研发途径。方法 基于用户体验研究的理念,采用“不确定性因素”介入研究和结果导向的辩证研析法。通过对设计过程中情感因素的介入原理、设计方法的分析,解决“不确定性因素”在文创设计中情感价值的体现问题,并通过对“不确定性因素”的利用以谋求更为合理化的用户需求。结论 通过对“不确定性因素”在文创设计中的利用,研究文创产品开发的一种设计方法,在设计前端、设计流程、设计终端的利用上做系统与辩证的分析。构建了情感因素与文创产品开发的依存研究,提炼出文创产品开发中完整、趣味、合理且有效的提升路径。     

Queueing network modelling and lead time compression of pharmaceutical drug development

Designing an optimized pharmaceutical drug development process is an important problem in itself and is of significant practical and research interest. Drug development lead time is a critical performance metric for a pharmaceutical company. In this paper, we develop a multiclass queueing network model to capture the project dynamics in drug development organizations that involve multiple, concurrent projects with contention for human/technical resources. We explore how drug development lead times can be reduced using efficient scheduling and critical mass-based resource management. The model captures important facets of any typical drug development organization, such as concurrent execution of multiple projects, contention for resources, feedback and reworking of project tasks, variability of new project initiations and task execution times, and certain scheduling issues. First, we show, using a class of fluctuation smoothing scheduling policies, that development lead times can be compressed impressively, without having to commit additional resources. Next, we show that critical mass-based project teams can compress lead times further. The model presented, though stylized, is sufficiently generic and conceptual, and will be of much value in new drug development project planning and management.     

Comparison of evidence theory and Bayesian theory for uncertainty modeling

This paper compares Evidence Theory (ET) and Bayesian Theory (BT) for uncertainty modeling and decision under uncertainty, when the evidence about uncertainty is imprecise. The basic concepts of ET and BT are introduced and the ways these theories model uncertainties, propagate them through systems and assess the safety of these systems are presented. ET and BT approaches are demonstrated and compared on challenge problems involving an algebraic function whose input variables are uncertain. The evidence about the input variables consists of intervals provided by experts. It is recommended that a decision-maker compute both the Bayesian probabilities of the outcomes of alternative actions and their plausibility and belief measures when evidence about uncertainty is imprecise, because this helps assess the importance of imprecision and the value of additional information. Finally, the paper presents and demonstrates a method for testing approaches for decision under uncertainty in terms of their effectiveness in making decisions.     

航电产品BIT研制流程设计与应用

如何合理地规划航电产品机内测试（built in test,BIT）的研制流程,是BIT设计尚需解决的重要问题．首先,分析了当前与BIT相关的研制流程,指出现有BIT设计流程存在的不足;其次,通过对BIT设计相关工作项目的梳理,确定了航电产品研制的方案阶段和初样/试样阶段的BIT设计工作项目;再次,结合航电产品研制工作流程,建立了融入产品整个研制周期的BIT设计工作流程．通过构建针对航电产品BIT研制的工作流程,提高了航电产品BIT设计工作的可操作性,BIT针对性强,节约了时间成本,降低了开发费用,并为航电产品BIT研制工作的流程化设计提供了参考范例．最后,以某综合控制管理系统的研制为案例,对该BIT研制流程进行了应用,验证了工作流程的有效性．     

基于支持向量机的产品感性意象值预测方法

为设计出符合消费者感性需求的产品,提出基于支持向量机的产品感性意象值预测方法。先确定产品的感性意象、造型设计要素以及感性评价矩阵。在此基础上,以造型设计要素为自变量,以感性意象评价值为因变量,利用LIBSVM软件,通过对惩罚函数、不敏感损失函数以及核函数等相关参数的分析设置,建立产品感性意象值的预测模型。结合办公座椅进行研究,结果表明支持向量机具有较高的预测精度,所提出的方法是正确可行的。     

Application of new fuzzy-weighted average (NFWA) method to engineering design evaluation

Engineering design evaluation is characterized by imprecise (vague) importance and satisfaction levels of criteria, which are better treated as fuzzy variables rather than as subjective crisp variables. Nevertheless, operations on fuzzy numbers tend to increase unnecessarily the imprecision when they are combined for some applications, particularly, when a fuzzy-weighted average (FWA) is calculated. This paper proposes a novel method of operating on fuzzy numbers to obtain a fuzzy-weighted average of desirability levels during design evaluation. The method produces overall desirability levels less imprecise and more realistic than those of the conventional FWA. Furthermore, the balance points of these fuzzy numbers seem to be more credible than those of the FWA. An example is presented, which demonstrates the advantages of the method developed.     

复杂产品开发工程管理的 动态决策理论与方法

复杂产品开发是一个技术与管理深度融合的系统工程。本文阐明了复杂产品开发工程管理应该从战略统筹的高度整合开发工程实践的多元价值目标,提出了复杂产品开发工程的管理思路,构建了由开发项目组合的战略选择、开发工程的分解与分级优化、开发过程的动态管理、技能型员工调度、供应商协同管理以及相应的决策支持系统技术组成的动态决策理论体系框架,设计了多种优化、调度与决策模型及其求解方法,提出了基于信息资源库和决策方法库的复杂产品开发决策支持系统技术与多阶段反馈式复杂产品开发决策支持系统技术,总结了复杂产品开发工程管理动态决策理论体系中的几类决策方法,并展望了云计算技术在复杂产品开发工程管理中的应用前景。     

A proposal for a classification of product-related dependencies in development of mechatronic products

When designing mechatronic products, ‘complex dependencies’ are often reported to be a major challenge. This paper focuses on managing dependencies between attributes of the product during the design process. The literature study shows that there is a gap in the literature with regard to the classification of product-related dependencies. Traditionally, these dependencies have been described as appearing between the following product attributes: function, properties and structure. By analysing three mechatronic projects from industry, we identified and classified 13 types of product-related dependencies. Each product-related dependency is described and illustrated using the practical examples from the industrial projects. The value of the classification is evaluated by applying it to an industrial development setting not used for the analysis. The evaluation shows that delays in the project schedule, loss of functionality and quality issues can be avoided if attention is directed toward the product-related dependencies in the development process.     

Designing a Senior Capstone Course to Satisfy Industrial Customers

It is sometimes forgotten that industry is an important customer of engineering education. Ignoring this relationship has produced graduates that often fail to meet the changing needs of industry in today's competitive environment. On the basis of feedback from our industrial customers, faculty from Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering at Brigham Young University have jointly developed a new senior capstone design course entitled “Integrated Product and Process Design.” This new capstone course is centered on industrial design and manufacturing projects. These projects involve both product and process design activities. Multidisciplinary teams of students are taught a structured development approach to produce typical industrial deliverables. These deliverables include a functional specification, product and process design, prototype, and first production sample. This paper identifies changing industrial needs, describes how the course was designed to meet these needs, and presents results from the initial offerings of the course.     

Project Risk Management Using the Project Risk FMEA

Abstract:

Identifying and mitigating project risks are crucial steps in managing successful projects. This article proposes the extension of the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) format to quantify and analyze project risks. The new technique is labeled the project risk FMEA (RFMEA). The RFMEA is a modification of the well-known process, product, and service FMEA technique. In order to use the FMEA format for projects, the detection value of the standard FMEA is modified slightly for use in the project environment. The new approach is illustrated in a case study from the electronics industry. By adding the detection value to the risk quantification process, another measure beyond the typical risk score is made available to the project team. The benefits of the RFMEA include an increased focus on the most imminent risks, prioritizing risk contingency planning, improved team participation in the risk management process, and development of improved risk controls.