Paul J. Componation

AN AHP FRAMEWORK FOR PRIORITIZING CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS IN QFD: AN INDUSTRIALIZED HOUSING APPLICATION

Abstract Construction of housing in the United States is highly decentralized. There is an increasing use of manufactured components and modules constructed off-site at a manufacturing facility and assembled at die building site. However, there has been little use of modern manufacturing processes and controls. In an effort to develop energy efficient, affordable industrialized housing, a total engineering design approach is needed. This study uses a concurrent engineering approach to examine the production of an essential component in industrialized housing, a manufactured exterior structural wall panel. In particular, we apply Quality Function Deployment to fully integrate the customers requirements. This paper focuses on the identification and prioritization of those customer requirements. We integrate the Analytic Hierarchy process with QFD to establish a framework for prioritizing customer requirements.

The Relationship Between Organizational Culture and Enterprise Risk Management

Abstract: This article contributes to insights regarding the role of organizational culture in the implementation of risk management across an enterprise. Enterprise risk management is a systematic approach to managing all forms of risk faced by an organization, including those in the purview of an engineering manager. The literature discusses organizational cultures importance in ERM implementation, but there is scant empirical evidence regarding this connection. This research combined a culture measurement instrument with gauges of ERM implementation. The results were correlated, and the analysis supports the hypothesis that organic cultures tend to make greater progress in their ERM programs. An engineering manager can use this article to identify potential cultural strengths and barriers prior to implementing ERM.

Simulation as a tool for continuous process improvement

Simulation offers a powerful tool to support the continuous improvement process. This paper presents a description of the tools of lean manufacturing, the steps in the continuous improvement process and two case studies where simulation was used in the continuous improvement.

An Exploration of Fisher's Framework for the Alignment of Supply Chain Strategy With Product Characteristics

Abstract: In his 1997 Harvard Business Review article, Fisher suggests that supply chain improvement efforts have not produced expected results due to misalignment of products with supply chain strategies. His framework appeals logically and researchers rapidly moved into modifications of Fishers premise. A critical missing component, however, is a quantitative analysis of the benefits of the proper classification of products and alignment with the appropriate supply chain strategies to optimize performance. Quantifiable proof of Fishers framework can strengthen the validity of the initial premise and expansions of his theory. This article presents such a quantitative analysis exploring the validity of Fishers framework for improving performance.

Utilizing cluster analysis to structure concurrent engineering teams

The problem of structuring a concurrent engineering team was studied. This research considered various mathematical clustering approaches to group product development design tasks together, and then constructed cross-functional teams based on the task clusters formed from each approach, Resultant team structures were evaluated against each other, and against a traditional discipline-centered hierarchical structure. The goal of this effort was to develop a structuring methodology for concurrent engineering teams that would allow projects to be completed faster, and with a lower risk of project failure. Team structures were developed using alternative clustering techniques and different combinations of data as inputs into the clustering techniques. Clustering approaches included single linkage, complete linkage, average linkage, the centroid method, and Wards method. Data sources were from the initial stages of product development, and included task risk levels, task precedence relationships, disciplines required, personnel available, task technical importance, task difficulty, task priority, component requirement interactions, and projected communication levels between design tasks. Additional analysis was done on the effects of multiteam assignments for critical personnel. Team structures developed using the average linkage clustering approach and a data set composed of projected communication levels between tasks and discipline requirements for each design task were found to support the development of shorter duration projects with lower risk levels.

A Preliminary Assessment of the Relationships Between Project Success, System Engineering, and Team Organization

Abstract: Demand for improved functionality in modern aerospace systems has resulted in increased project complexity. Managers are finding it even more difficult to balance cost, schedule, and performance. Often, system engineering is proposed as a means to balance these demands; however, guidance on tailoring system engineering and team organization to effectively deploy team assets is often incomplete. This paper reports on the development and testing of a methodology to assess the relationship between project success, system engineering, and team organization. The initial work is showing promise in revealing correlations. Data is currently being gathered and analyzed on additional projects, relative to the initial project requirements as well as other similar projects. It is hoped that there will be sufficient data to statistically evaluate these relationships. The longterm goal of this project is to look at statistical relationships so that a project team can effectively tailor their system engineering processes.

Identification of Effective Problem-Solving Tools to Support Continuous Process Improvement Teams

Abstract Continuous process improvement (CPI) teams function differently than other project teams. Therefore, engineers who are called on to support CPI teams may need to utilize different tool sets if they are to be effective in improving manufacturing operations. This article explores the differences between CPI teams and traditional project teams. It also reports on the initial identification of problem-solving tools that meet the needs of CPI teams, and reports preliminary findings on their usefulness and applicability. Data from our 2-year study of 16 CPI teams working in light manufacturing, logistics, and automotive assembly show that tool selection is influenced by team life span, data availability, and team member skill level. This study also found that the primary factors influencing tool effectiveness are team member training and the time required for data analysis.

The Utilization of Modeling and Simulation as a Supply Chain Management Tool for a Recapitalization Program

Abstract: Modeling and simulation (M&S) has been described as one of the key enabling technologies of the 21st century. M&S has been applied to a wide range of operational problems. Supply chain management is an important aspect of operations for some organizations, and it is not surprising that M&S is being applied increasingly to solve supply problems. This article presents a case study of using M&S as a supply chain management tool for a military recapitalization program. It details the model development process, identifies the models functionality and verification method, and demonstrates an application of an M&S tool to aid in the supply chain management of an Army aviation recapitalization program.

Systems Engineering Theory: Addressing Complexity and Uncertainty in Space System Architecting

What is the best architecture for National Security Space? Rather than looking only to military needs, this paper suggests considering maturing military technologies that can then reshape the commercial space sector to break out of the high-cost, high-complexity spiral with mass produced, low cost, high reliability busses and components. The low cost and high reliability can then become game-changing benefits for National Security Space. The prime candidate for an architecture to achieve these ends is fractionated spacecraft. A market simulation is presented which shows the power of fractionation to increase production volume and reduce cost.

Biofuel Production: Utilizing Stakeholders’ Perspectives

Abstract The use of biofuels as a replacement for fossil fuels is growing in the United States and other countries in part because of economic and environmental concerns. One of the technologies for biofuels production is fast pyrolysis; however, to increase manufacturing of fast pyrolysis units, a better understanding of stakeholders’ requirements and perspectives is needed. This is a complex decision problem. Due to the diversity of perspectives, each group of stakeholders has their own unique requirements, which in total will determine the right manufacturing approach. Previous studies either investigated optimal sizing from a single viewpoint or have combined a subset of perspectives. This study applies multiple tools to develop a more comprehensive view of stakeholders’ perspectives. Individual subject matter experts were asked to review and prioritize a set of requirements that reflected different stakeholders’ perspectives, including economic, environmental, technical, social, and legal. The perspectives were then used to analyze multiple fast pyrolysis units to determine which size was the most effective in meeting the perspectives in total. The analysis indicated that the smallest unit, able to process an average of 50 tons per day, is the best alternative when viewed from the economic, technical, social, and legal perspectives. However, when viewed from the environmental perspective, a medium-sized unit, able to process in the range of 200–500 tons per day, is the best alternative. This work provides the basis for further discussions about the individual perspectives, including the economic and environmental perspectives of biofuel production. Potential avenues for further work in assessment of stakeholders’ requirements are also noted.