Thomas Roche

An agent-based approach to knowledge management in distributed design

The collaboration process among individuals with heterogeneous skills in a distributed virtual environment represents a crucial element of the extended enterprise. In order to achieve global optima in design, there is an increasing need for design teams to establish and maintain cooperative work through effective communication, co-location, coordination and collaboration at the knowledge level. Because of the distributed nature of users and information resources involved in the design process, the need for appropriate knowledge management tools is imperative. This paper proposes an agent-based architecture to support multi-disciplinary design teams that cooperate in a distributed design environment (DDE). Using ontologies and multi-agent systems (MAS), the proposed framework aims to optimise design process operation and management by supporting the dialogue among distributed design actors.

A decision methodology to support servitisation of manufacturing

Purpose – This paper aims to present a decision support methodology named TraPSS (transition along the PSS continuum) to aid manufacturing companies planning to increase servitisation of their products. Design/methodology/approach – An action research approach was applied to the construction, validation and implementation of the methodology. Findings – TraPSS is very useful in helping decision makers regarding the transition to a new PSS business model; it is unlikely that the methodology will be used by small companies. Research limitations/implications – Although the case study permitted an in-depth evaluation of the methodology, multiple case studies across industries would contribute to the robustness and generalisability of the methodology. Practical implications – TraPSS offers the possibility to improve a companys position in the market as well as revenues by adopting a new business model. Originality/value – The paper provides a new cross-disciplinary support methodology for identifying a company...

A TRIZ Approach to Design for Environment

The purpose of the research carried out was to identify ways in which tools and methodologies from Theory of Inventive Problem-Solving (TRIZ) might be used in Design for Environment (DFE) approaches. The aim was to develop an integrated methodology for environmentally superior product design at the conceptual stage of the product design phase. The paper commences with a review of the TRIZ methodology itself, followed by a discussion of the DFE strategies. A TRIZ approach to DFE is proposed as a new methodology and the paper concludes with a case study using the new TRIZ to DFE approach.

Multi-agent support for distributed engineering design

Characterised by geographical, temporal, functional and/or semantic distribution, todays enterprise models engage multiple design teams with heterogeneous skills cooperating together in order to achieve global optima in design. The success of this distributed design organization depends on critical factors such as the efficient management of the design related information circulated in the distributed environment and the support for the necessary cooperation process among participants dispersed across the enterprise. This paper proposes a multi-agent design information management system to support the synthesis and presentation of information to distributed teams for the purposes of enhancing design, learning, creativity, communication and productivity. Autonomous software agents and information ontologies enable the proposed system facilitating interoperation among distributed resources as well as knowledge sharing, reuse and integration.

Life Cycle Cost Estimation Tool for Decision-Making in the Early Phases of the Design Process

Design is a process that involves information processing and decision-making. As cost is an important factor that must be considered in the decision-making at this phase, proper information about costs is extremely important for designers. The authors present a cost model and tool developed to help designers estimate the life cycle cost of their products and to permit them to make more cost-effective design decisions. The tool can be used in a concurrent engineering environment to provide cost estimates for different design alternatives. What-if analyses can be performed to compare costs when using different components, materials or manufacturing processes.

A Multi-agent Architecture for Distributed Design.

Due to current trends in the design field towards virtual teams that collaborate over computer networks to achieve global optima in design, there is an increasing need for design teams to establish and maintain a cooperative work through effective communication, co-location, coordination and collaboration at the knowledge level. As problems become more complex, teamwork is becoming increasingly important. This paper proposes a multi-agent architecture to support multidisciplinary design teams that cooperate in a distributed design environment. Using ontologies and multi-agent systems, the proposed framework addresses resource allocation problems and aims to optimise design process operation and management.

The development of a CAD integrated DFE Workbench software tool

Todays industry must become more proactive about the environment. New legislation (WEEE and EOLV directives) and market driven instruments such as environmental standards and Eco Labels are forcing industry to take action with regard to the environmental consequences of their activities. Noncompliance with these standards and legislation place them in a noncompetitive position on the global market place. Implementing design for the environment practices is an extremely effective strategy for the development of environmentally superior products (ESPs) The paper describes the requirements for the development of DFE tools and methodologies and introduces a new CAD integrated tool called the DFE Workbench. The paper concludes with issues and opportunities for further development of the tool.

Combining Self-Regulation and Competence-Based Guidance to Personalise the Learning Experience in Moodle

Adaptive learning systems aim to address a learners specific needs, considering factors such as prior knowledge, learning efficiency, learning goals and motivation. Especially in distance education, often directed to adult learners with full-time jobs, it is very important to provide assistance to counteract high dropout rates. This paper describes an approach on how to support adult learners through the adoption of personalisation and guidance in Moodle. The implementation grounds on the combination of two pedagogical theories, competence-based learning and Self-Regulated Learning (SRL). Three-phases were used to roughly frame the design of the SRL learning flow, where the individual phases are supported by competence-based guidance. In this way Moodle is extended from a teacher and course management to a learner-centric system. This work has been implemented and evaluated in the course of a European project that targets vocational training of heat pump installers.

Applying Pedagogical Approaches to Enhance Learning: Linking Self-Regulated and Skills-Based Learning with Support from Moodle Extensions

This paper provides an overview of the linkage of two pedagogical approaches, Skills-based Learning and Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) supported by software. In linking these approaches, adaptive skills-based learning tools based on a psycho-pedagogical competence model, were assigned to a cyclic SRL process-model. The INNOVRET project provides the underlying framework in which this new model will be tested. Software components for Moodle (the learning management system of choice) were specifically tailored to suit the needs of the projects targeted audience (i.e. heat pump installers). The entire system/model will be critically analysed in this paper.

Product Life Cycle Design Using the DFE Workbench

This paper proposes a new design framework for the development of Environmental Superior Products (ESPs) and based on this framework a new DFE methodology and tool called the DFE Workbench is presented. The DFE Workbench is a CAD integrated DFE tool developed to support the designer in the creation of ESPs. The tool has been extensively tested by multinational organisations from electronic and automotive sectors. This paper presents the testing of the latest versions of both DFE Workbench methodology and tool. Results and conclusions are drown and future work is proposed.