Karen M. Bursic

A comparison of freshman and senior engineering design processes

Abstract In this paper we report the results of an in-depth study of engineering student approaches to an open-ended design problem. To do this, verbal protocols were collected from 26 freshman (first year) and 24 senior (fourth year) engineering students as they designed a playground for a fictitious neighborhood. We analysed these protocols to document and compare the student design processes. The results show that the seniors produced higher quality designs. In addition, compared to the freshmen, the seniors gathered more information, considered more alternative solutions, transitioned more frequently between design steps and progressed further into the final steps of the design process.

Information Gathering: A Critical Step for Quality in the Design Process

Information gathering is a critical step in the product design process. Designers should collect information to adequately define the problem, generate appropriate alternative solutions, and analyze, evaluate, and select the best solution to meet custom..

Strategies and benefits of the successful use of teams in manufacturing organizations

Based on an extensive review of case studies found in the literature, a model which describes the process of the use of teams in manufacturing is developed and proposed. The research methodology (aimed at establishing relationships between the factors in the model) was accomplished through a comprehensive investigation of a manufacturing organization which utilizes team concepts. The impact of this organizations team programs on five variables is directly measured: productivity; quality; job satisfaction; motivation; and decision making and implementation. Results and conclusions indicate what strategies are required for team programs to operate successfully and what benefits are to be expected from such programs. >

Strategic Technology Management

ABSTRACTThe explosion in the literature in the area of technology management indicates a need for some integration of concepts and issues. This article defines and discusses a Strategic Technology Management System (STMS), which meets this need. The STMS delineates a systems life cycle approach to technology management, which includes eight phases: creation, monitoring, assessment, transfer, acceptance, utilization, maturity, and decline. Each phase includes critical issues that must be managed in order for a firm to successfully control its product/service and process technology projects and programs. These critical issues are defined, and a number of industry examples are given to substantiate the STMS life cycle concept. Finally, several key performance factors for STMSs are discussed.