James L. Simonton

The impact of the cost of quality on serial supply‐chain network design

This paper presents a model for supply‐chain design that considers the Cost of Quality as well as the traditional manufacturing and distribution costs (SC‐COQ model). It includes three main contributions: (1) the SC‐COQ model internally computes quality costs for the whole supply chain considering the interdependencies among business entities, whereas previous works have assumed exogenously given Cost of Quality functions; (2) the SC‐COQ model can be used at a strategic planning level to design a logistic route that achieves a maximum profit while considering the overall quality level within a supply chain; and (3) we provide two solution methods based on simulated annealing and a genetic algorithm and perform computational experiments on test instances.

Texas Trooper Uniforms: Assessment of Fabrics, Comfort, and Wear

Using the physical dimension triad of Branson and Sweeneys Model for Clothing Comfort as a conceptual framework, the purpose of the study was to examine the effects of cotton/wool fabrics on comfort and wear of trooper uniforms. Participants were 10 troopers recruited for wear- testing uniforms developed in accordance to Texas Department of Public Safety specifications. Trooper shirt and pants fabrics were developed in two fiber contents (80/20 and 70/30 cotton/wool) and tested before and after dry-cleaning. Twenty constructed uniforms and 10 issued uniforms were worn through four wear-refurbishing-dry-cleaning cycles. Surveys and scales were used to gather data during and after wear testing; data were analyzed by t-test and ANOVAs. Branson and Sweeneys comfort model was supported, in part, with person attributes (body weight, hours uniform worn) affecting uniform comfort. Implications are given for fabric producers and garment manufacturers.

Public Transportation Vehicle Maintenance and Regional Maintenance Center: An Analysis of Existing Literature

Abstract: In order to minimize maintenance cost and improve rural transit vehicles services, a Regional Maintenance Center (RMC) concept was conceived and utilized by the Illinois Department of Transportation (DOT) to maintain and repair rural transit vehicles within a geographical region. The key attributes of an RMC is the resource sharing between urban and rural transit during their respective idle time – the urban transit maintenance facility is utilized to provide vehicle maintenance and repair to rural transit vehicles. Benefits of RMC for rural transit providers include lower vehicle maintenance costs and better maintenance quality. Benefits of RMC for urban transit include lower maintenance operating costs and higher maintenance facility utilization rates. Previous studies show that RMC is a new concept, and research in creating and managing RMCs does not exist. In attempt to assist practitioners in creating and managing RMCs, this study examined existing literature and attempted to identify research, tools, and techniques that are relevant to RMCs. The foci of the literature review are rural and urban transit vehicle management, rural and urban transit vehicle maintenance, vehicle maintenance management, resource sharing, performance measurement on transit vehicle maintenance, and best practice in transit maintenance. A total of 169 publications were found. An analysis of the existing literature showed that research in public transportation management had increased significantly over the past 50 years, with 60% of the existing literature focused on urban transit and 32% focused on rural transit. This study provides an analysis of research relevant to creating and managing a RMC, and provides a compendium of publications in public transit vehicle maintenance and management.

The Concept of a Regional Maintenance Center

This article presents a model for a Regional Maintenance Center (RMC) for use in rural transportation systems. The authors first outline some of the maintenance concerns faced by rural transit systems, including an aging fleet, poor maintenance practices, and a lack of technical expertise, which can be particularly acute in rural areas. The article then describes the RMCs instituted in the state of Illinois. Typical services covered by the RMCs include preventive maintenance and safety inspections, repair services, warranty recovery services, road call and wrecker services, and loaner vehicle service. The authors contend that Regional Maintenance Centers, with an in-house training center for mechanics and drivers, could improve vehicle reliability, increase vehicle longevity, and improve service to transit clientele. However, generalized “onesize-fits-all” approach to these centers could actually be counter-productive as there is great variety in factors such as vehicle type, fleet age, RMC maintenance capacity, and human resource availability. Instead, Regional Maintenance Centers must be individualized and located so potential use by rural transit service providers is maximized in order to provide superior serviceability and quality customer service.

Feasibility Study for Constructing and Operating a Facility to Manufacture Fuel Pellets from Cotton By-Products

The objective of this study was to explore the cost feasibility of creating a fuel pellet manufacturing operation utilizing cotton gin by-products from a commercial gin processing 55,000 bales of cotton per year. An economic model was developed and evaluated in order to conservatively address the effects of key elements such as marketing, transportation, and manufacturing. The cost system model was developed and analyzed to examine the factors influencing the sensitivity of critical areas such as cost and profits. The cost system model simulated changes for twenty-three cost variables associated with the proposed fuel pellet operation. Results from the analysis indicate the probability of obtaining a 15% return on investment as 34.4% or 59.1% depending on whether the product was shipped to various distribution hubs via truck or rail, respectively. Based upon the information contained in this study, it appears that a fuel pellet operation can be a viable means of utilizing cotton gin byproducts to enhance revenue.

Manufacturing Vegetable Oil Based Biodiesel: An Engineering Management Perspective

Abstract: The search for alternative fuels has increased over the past years. In an era of high government subsidies for alternative fuel production, engineering managers will be tasked with evaluating the economic benefits of these proposed alternatives. This research was an exploratory process that examined biodiesel manufacturing as a potential alternative for cottonseed oil mills that could furnish an outlet for their product if their current market shrinks. The analysis was performed as possible future investment by an existing company with a no debt scenario. The cost modeling indicates that under current market conditions, cottonseed oil is not a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. With the expected wholesale price of

Site Assessment Instrument for Regional Maintenance Center

0.91 per liter of bio-diesel and a production cost of

A model for supply chain design considering the cost of quality

1.28 per liter, the current feasibility of the operation is questionable without the inclusion of governmental subsidies.

MODULARIZED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UREA PRODUCTION USING A BIO-MASS FEEDSTOCK

To minimize maintenance cost and improve rural transit vehicles services, a Regional Maintenance Center (RMC) concept is being considered by Texas. Currently, rural transit vehicles are maintained and repaired by local garages, where service fees and quality of work performed often are questionable. RMCs are designed to maintain and repair rural transit vehicles within a geographical region. A cost-efficient method to create an RMC is by upgrading an existing maintenance operation. The objective of this study is to create a site assessment instrument to assist in the process of selecting potential maintenance operations that could be upgraded to an RMC. Upon interviewing various rural transportation experts and visiting the benchmark RMC in Illinois, a list of criteria crucial for a successful RMC was compiled and classified into various categories. The result of this benchmarking was used in a preliminary study of Lubbock County, Texas, and vicinity.