James M. Pruett

A Markovian model for process setup and improvement

We examine the setup and improvement policies for a production process with multiple performance states. Assume that the production process deteriorates randomly over time, following a Markovian process with known transition probabilities. In order to reduce the production cost incurred because of process deterioration, the process is inspected at the end of each period. Then one of three actions may be taken: do nothing, perform routine process setup, or perform routine setup and process improvement. The routine setup operation returns the process to its best performance state, whereas the process improvement action may reduce future production and setup costs and improve the process-state transition probabilities. A discounted Markovian model is formulated to find the strategy that minimizes the total cost of operating the production process.

CONTROL CHARTING ISSUES IN THE PROCESS INDUSTRIES

This article addresses several important issues related to control charting in the process industries, including deciding what, when, and where to measure; understanding of process variation, overcontrol, stratification, mixing, and autocorrelation; and..

IPM: A computer Interactive Project Management teaching tool

Abstract Project management deals with all phases of a project, from the initiation of the planning procedure to the physical completion of the entire effort. The process of teaching the quantitative approaches to project management (i.e. Critical-Path Method and Program Evaluation and Review Technique) is a fairly straightforward task that has been performed for many years. However, teaching the principles of project management is a different task altogether. The project management process involves a sequence of planning, decision making, follow-up activities and reevaluation followed by a repeat of the sequence. That is, in order to truly examine and teach the process of project management (i.e. not just the tools), it is necessary to view the activities in a dynamic projectlike environment. With this idea in mind, the Interactive Project Management game (IPM) was developed. IPM was created with the intent of teaching project management principles in a simulated project environment using the computer. This paper describes IPM, its characteristics and its capabilities, and includes an IPM gaming session.

Information technology transfer in econometric forecasting: a pictorial approach

Successful information technology transfer requires effective communication and clear, concise information exchange. This paper, using the Louisiana econometric model as a case study, proposes a pictorial approach to present and manage complex factors essential to information technology transfer. The approach utilizes multi-layer entity-relationship diagrams to provide a meaningful framework for the entire forecasting process, provide clarity to ensure better model maintenance when changes in social/economic structures require reformulations, and provide a procedural and data dictionary for clear documentation. The pictorial approach is both intuitive and readable, capable of serving as a task management tool, a model implementation aid, and a system maintenance resource.

Maintenance project management in the process industries: A look at the realities

Abstract Realistic issues regarding maintenance project management in the process industries are examined. Guidelines and examples are provided under well-accepted project management headings and presented with a focus on the need for timely, meaningful information.

JOB: An Instructive Job Shop Scheduling Environment

Describes the scheduling problem and JOB, then presents an extensive job shop scheduling session in which a variety of scheduling problems are encountered and overcome using JOB′s interactive scheduling option. The example shows how work orders may be created and scheduled, and the schedules evaluated, all within the framework of the JOB system. By working with typical job shop scheduling opportunities in a realistic though simulated environment, users will better understand the problems job shop schedulers actually face and will be better able to solve them.

Simulation on three sizes of computers—An evaluation

Abstract Discrete simulation modeling is a powerful tool used for evaluation and analysis. While it has been used extensively on mainframe computers, for a number of reasons it has not to-date been widely used on small computers. This paper addresses the issue of simulation on small computers by answering the following question: “Are microcomputers powerful enough to process a highly iterative simulation model in an accurate, timely, and cost-effective manner?”

Humanizing a highway maintenance simulation model

Abstract Industrial engineers are often called upon to set up systems that other people must use. As such, it is important that clear documentation and procedures are developed for the system. When the system is to be used by a wide range of personnel, the task of describing how to operate the system takes on added importance—and, when the system is computer based, clarity and ease of use become mandatory. This paper describes the evolutionary process which led to the development of an interative input module for a highway maintenance simulation model. The paper also describes the simulation models purpose and the manner in which the input module is arranged in order to effectively respond to user requests.

Reduction of variation in the gasoline blending process —A case study

Abstract In an attempt to reduce the release of gasoline vapors into the atmosphere, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has placed restrictions on the volatility of commercial gasoline. In particular, they have set an upper specification limit on the gasolines volatility as measured by the Reid vapor pressure (RVP). Exceeding the EPAs upper specification limit may result in a fine to the refiner. While there is no lower specification limit imposed by the EPA, lower RVP values require greater production costs. This article describes the efforts of one refiner to meet the EPA requirements with minimum economic disbenefit. Various statistical tools were used during this effort. The paper demonstrates a variety of successful SPC applications in the continuous process industry.

Managing the user services function

Over the years, a great deal has been written about performing the various functions of user services. Last years conference in Montreal focused on a variety of topics, ranging from microcomputer support to supercomputer support and from online documentation to desktop publishing. As we—two “managers” of user services—watched, listened, read, and discussed the content and progress of the conference, it seemed to us that one key topic was missing: a discussion of the problems, concerns, and approaches to actually managing the multi-faceted user services function. Since many of the conferences attendees were themselves managers, we thought that a session on “managing user services” could be truly helpful. At that time, we decided to put together our collective views on the user services management process—not because our views are particularly unique or because we think we have all of the answers, but because we have thought about and lived the process (which may help others) and because we would like to hear other views on the process (which may help us). The paper has been divided into six major topics of discussion: Overview, Internal Organization, Mandatory Internal Functions, Classical Functions, Other Ways to Serve Users, and Concerns. Each of us, user services managers at two distinctly different universities in two different parts of the United States, has addressed each topic from our organizations perspective.