Malgorzata Plaza

A comparative analysis of learning curves: Implications for new technology implementation management

New technology implementation projects are notoriously over time and budget resulting in significant financial and strategic organizational consequences. Some argue that inadequate planning and management, misspecification of requirements, team capabilities and learning contribute to cost and schedule over runs. In this paper we examine how learning curve theory could inform better management of new technology implementation projects. Our research makes four important contributions: (1) It presents a comparative analysis of learning curves and proposes how they can be used to help ERP implementation planning and management. (2) Based on empirical data from four ERP implementation projects, it provides illustrations of how managers can apply the curves in different project situations. (3) It provides a theoretical basis for empirical studies of learning and ERP (and other IT) implementations in different organizational settings. (4) It provides empirical justification for the development of learning curve theory in IT implementation.

A model-based DSS for integrating the impact of learning in project control

Earned Value Method (EVM) is a popular project control technique. In this paper, we discuss the extended version of EVM (EVM/LC) that addresses the effect of learning on the performance of project teams. These effects have so far been ignored in most EVM applications. We present a spreadsheet-based decision support tool that automates the calculations and analyses in EVM/LC. Using this tool would save the project manager from having to perform complicated calculations while still taking advantage of the relatively accurate estimates generated by EVM/LC. Consequently, this paper contributes to both research and practice in project management.

Team performance and information system implementation

Although the Earned Value Method (EVM), a multi-dimensional project control system, has been widely used since 1960, there has been little research focused specifically on its application in IS implementation. The management of IS projects—including the accurate forecasting of project duration—is complicated by the strong impact of the learning curve on the effectiveness of EVM. This study makes new contributions by advancing formulas for the accurate prediction of project duration, and by developing a decision support model in which the learning curve is fully integrated with EVM, and performance changes due to learning are isolated from other factors affecting project duration. The study makes three contributions to the understanding and use of EVM in IS implementation: (1) It provides an extended version of EVM, (2) it provides an illustration of the application of EVM to a real project situation based on empirical data from an ERP implementation project, and (3) it provides a theoretical basis for empirical studies of IS project control techniques. The decision support model can be used to determine both the learning curve coefficient and the project completion date during the early stages of a project, and it thus offers a significant practical contribution to the management of IS projects.

Simulation and optimization of physical phenomena when engine block machining: case study

Paper presents researches of cutting force measurements and computer simulation of physical phenomena existing in the cutting zone. Stress distributions in the upper layer after machining were calculated with the numerical software, basing on the FEM method. Optimization of turning process was realized for the purpose to minimize the cutting force and stress values during stainless steel machining, belonging to the difficult-to-cut materials group.

Enhancing audio description: a value added approach

Audio Description makes films, shows and TV programs accessible to visually impaired audience. It is expensive so wide adoption of this technology is not practical. Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission requires that broadcaster describes a minimum of four hours of primetime programming a week. Production companies do not see any incentives to move beyond the required minimum. This paper investigates the possibility of making AD profitable by making a described movie, show or program attractive to all kind of audiences including visually impaired. We argue that AD can become a revenue generation product widely adopted by production companies.

The FEM simulation of the thin walled aircraft engine corpus deformation during milling

This paper discusses the results of the experimental research performed with the support of finite element method. The deformation of the thin walled aircraft engine corpus was analyzed based on a geometric model. Then, the boundary of the outer side of the part was loaded by the components of a cutting force during milling. The material model of the part was also defined in the simulation software. The analysis allowed to optimize feed rate in order to decrease the deformation of the part.

Cost-effectiveness of audio description production process: comparative analysis of outsourcing and ‘in-house’ methods

The need for audio description (AD) is growing rapidly due to the increasing number of people who suffer vision loss. Unfortunately, the producers of movie, shows and other TV programmes view AD as a costly service with no revenue potential. Since cost-effectiveness of AD was never argued, the producers hesitate to expand the service beyond mandatory requirements imposed by the regulatory agencies. This paper develops a cost model and a decision support system that can be used to examine the cost-effectiveness of AD production. AD expansion is examined using a case study, in which the three types of producers: a production studio, an independent film and a broadcaster audio, describe a 30-min TV show. The expansion is analysed under the following conditions: (1) the descriptions are produced by a full-time AD crew instead of being outsourced to a third party, (2) AD production is supported by technology to reduce the time required to record and synchronise narrations and (3) a rich programming mix that includes: shows, movies and other TV programmes is described. The results are promising. For example, if a rich programming mix is described by a broadcaster, AD expansion will become feasible.