Mohamed-Asem Abdul-Malak

Mathematical modelling of the effect of human learning in the finite production inventory model

Abstract It is a natural phenomenon that the performance of a person engaged in a repetitive task improves with time. In the manufacturing engineering literature, 1,2 this phenomenon is referred to as the learning curve, which is a decrease in the effort required for producing each unit in a repetitive manufacturing operation. Factors contributing to this improved performance include more effective use of tools and machines, increased familiarity with operation tasks and work environment, and enhanced management efficiency. Deterministic production inventory models found in the literature 3,4 have been formulated to show the effects of numerous variables or a combination of variables on model outputs. Variables considered include stock shortages, safety stock, and level of customer patience. More recently, a finite production inventory model was formulated taking into consideration the effect of machine unavailability on optimum production quantity. 5 Because the learning phenomenon is believed to have economic and decision-making implications in an inventory management system, 6 it is the objective of the study presented herein to investigate the effect of learning on both optimum production quantity and minimum total inventory system cost.

Career Planning and Progression for Engineering Management Graduates: An Exploratory Study

Abstract: When faced with the decision of selecting an advanced degree, many engineers opt for management related studies rather than further specialization in a technical field. This article attempts to highlight the reasons behind such choices, and explores the role that a Masters degree in Engineering Management (MEM) plays in career planning and progression. A survey of 58 MEM graduates, who completed their studies at a prominent university in Lebanon between 1992 and 2009, reveals that the majority of the respondents follow a linear career path, rapidly paving the way towards managerial positions. For most of the respondents, earning a graduate degree in engineering management played a primary role in, or at least contributed to, making this shift. The article concludes with a diagram sketching the possible career paths for MEM graduates. By showing the number of years spent at different career stages, the diagram serves as a career-planning tool for MEM graduates, engineers, managers, and researchers.

Conceptualization of the Contractor’s Project Management Group Dynamics in Claims Initiation and Documentation Evolution

AbstractThe contemporary process for construction claims and disputes administration normally involves several stages, including event notification, claim particulars, engineer determination, adjud...

Classification and Analysis of Notice Requirements for Construction Contract Administration

AbstractRequirements involving notices are widely spread throughout the conditions of every project’s construction contract. Project participants very often encounter a variety of events and occurr...

Models for the Administration of Structured Construction Contract Notices

AbstractAn important aspect of the conditions of a construction contract relates to notices—that is, the obligation of a party to notify the other party (and/or the engineer), in conjunction with t...