Leland Blank

A comprehensive methodology for manufacturing system evaluation and comparison

Abstract The implementation of manufacturing technology in American industry has lagged the advances made in recent years. The absence of adequate analysis and justification methods is a fundamental problem in dealing with investment decisions of this scope and complexity. But even when the justification barrier is overcome, some problems remain, as evidenced by the failure of several installed flexible manufacturing systems to produce at a desired level of output. The preponderance of evidence in the literature and case studies suggests that justifying and tracking manufacturing systems is a complex task that requires consideration of many tangible and intangible decision factors. Previously developed methods usually focus on subsets of factors measured strictly in monetary-based terms. A comprehensive methodology that systematically identifies the relevant decision factors and incorporates them in a procedure to indicate the value of the system to the user is presented. Strategic, tactical, and operational decision factors are systematically identified, scaled, and aggregated into four measures of value to the user—namely suitability with respect to strategic planning, capability, performance, and economic productivity. Features of the method include the analysis of manufacturing systems from several vantage points which allows problem isolating comparisons to be made; adaptability to both justification planning studies and postimplementation tracking analysis; and implicit and explicit risk evaluation.

The Changing Scene of Economic Analysis for the Evaluation of Manufacturing System Design and Operation

(1985). The Changing Scene of Economic Analysis for the Evaluation of Manufacturing System Design and Operation. The Engineering Economist: Vol. 30, No. 3, pp. 227-244.

The evaluation of computer hardware/software plans for municipalities

Abstract This paper presents a methodology employing systems analysis techniques which may be used to evaluate alternative data processing plans for municipalities. The basic information which must be formulated for the analysis includes the following three areas: general hardware specifications, implementation schedules for database applications, and cost profiles which include capital and operating expense estimates. Specific factors are developed which may be used to assign numeric ratings to the relative advantages of each plan, and as a basis for making recommendations in the areas of hardware, software, staffing and costs. The methodology is illustrated by the analysis and evaluation of five plans developed to meet the data processing needs of a large metropolitan area.

Pilot-to-project cash flow estimation

Abstract The evaluation of an anticipated project often includes a pilot study which has many of the same characteristics and parameters of the future project. This paper presents some of the relationships between pilots and projects, especially as regards cash flow values. The economic evaluation and use of observed pilot study cash flows to estimate and evaluate those of the project are discussed, and several of the important relations such as cash flow components and their distribution in the project are examined in detail. The system capabilities for a software package helpful in performing pilot-to-project cash flow estimation and evaluation are presented, and a system meeting these specifications is overviewed.

A decision support system for urban pavement management

Abstract The design, development, and use of a Street Inventory and Management System (SIMS) is described. SIMS maintains a database of street information used in supporting decisions for street maintenance project formulation in a large metropolitan city. The software, implemented using SAS, the Statistical Analysis System software package, performs a variety of functions such as preparation of data collection forms, error-checking of collected data, processing and updating of data, and preparation of management reports. The involvement of SIMS users in its development resulted in an acceptance of its ability to provide information useful to them in their day-to-day decision making.

A methodology for conducting municipal computerization studies

Abstract As urban problems become more complex and as accountability and cost minimization become more of a requirement than simply a suggestion computerization is being relied upon to handle the large amounts of data upon which public administrators base decisions. Interdisciplinary teams of faculty and staff from Texas A&M University, in the areas of urban planning, computing science, industrial engineering and accounting, have been involved in studies dealing with several aspects of computerization within municipal organizations. Experience shows that the participation and support of public administrators is vital to the success of the implementation management of computerized systems. This paper develops a staged methodology useful in conducting municipal computerization studies. Investigation of the benefits and disadvantages of computerizing existing manual systems or of a major upgrade of a present computer system is performed via a four staged process. The process highlights the role of the municipal administrator, study team, potential users of the system, and the citizens. When the administrator, the study team members and the future users have a clear understanding of the goals of the system and their goals, the study has a very high chance of being successful. The Texas A&M teams use the methodology discussed here to make a concentrated effort to ensure that all parties have a part in formulating their goals and to understand their role in the design and implementation of the system.