Leveraging manufacturing process capability in integrated product development

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management; and, Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 1998.Includes bibliographical references (p. 73-74).by Charles E. Hix, Eric B. Kittleson.S.M

Analysing the effect of lean on the performance of NPD projects using system dynamics modelling

To be able to survive in today’s fast-changing market environment companies are looking for innovative ways to improve the performance of their new product development (NPD) processes. However, uncertainty and rework are among characteristics of NPD which make them difficult to manage. Implementing lean in NPD is an innovative approach to address this issue. Using system dynamics approach to model set-based concurrent engineering as a fundamental element of lean product development, this paper shows the positive effect on of adopting this strategy on the time, cost and quality of NPD projects, in comparison with the traditional point-based design

The application of lean manufacturing principles in a high mix low volume environment

Thesis (M.B.A.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management; and, (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering; in conjunction with the Leaders for Manufacturing Program at MIT, 2005.Includes bibliographical references (p. 71).This thesis studies the opportunities for the application of lean manufacturing tools in a high- mix, low-volume traditional manufacturing factory floor setting. Value stream mapping and associated analytical tools are used to explore the opportunities to streamline the flow of products on the floor with a focus on reducing inventory and improving quality. To complement the analysis, this thesis also examines the impact of improved floor employee involvement. It considers several aspects including the increased empowerment of the direct labor staff, stronger team participation, and a greater focus on solutions specifically tailored to area. Based on the results of the research, the recommendation is an increased focus on developing team skills and empowerment, specifically within the direct labor staff.by Amber N. Dudley.S.M.M.B.A

A systems approach to reducing utility billing errors

Thesis (M.B.A.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management; and, (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division; in conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT, 2013.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (p. 63-64).Many methods for analyzing the possibility of errors are practiced by organizations who are concerned about safety and error prevention. However, in situations where the error occurrence is random and difficult to track, the rate of errors at a particular instant in time is not a practical metric of hazardous conditions (or whether a system may be vulnerable to errors). Qualitative indicators (such as stress levels) that are easier to observe, but difficult to measure, may be linked to the dynamic behavior of quantitative indicators that are easier to measure using System Dynamics models. In this work, we propose a method to find an appropriate metric for error analysis, by determining the direct quantitative triggers associated with the qualitative indicators of hazardous conditions. A System Dynamics model is generated for determining the measurable quantitative indicator behaviors linked to more apparent qualitative factors for determining the health of a system. Used in concert with other system methodologies, it gives insight into triggers and policies for developing and implementing improvement processes. The context of this research is in reducing billing errors at a utility company which for confidentiality reasons we refer to as United Energy. We use several system methodologies including System Dynamics and Safety System Analysis, to assess the billing operation system and process, to develop a project management plan for the development and implementation of a tool to reduce billing errors.by Nori Ogura.S.M.M.B.A

A Simulation study of dispatching rules and rework strategies in semiconductor manufacturing

The semiconductor industry is fast paced and on the cutting edge of technology, resulting in very short life spans of semiconductor products. In order to stay competitive, manufacturers must be able to quickly adapt to produce new products, and they must achieve a high level of productivity. Two major operational components of semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs) that effect productivity are dispatching rules and rework strategies. Although prior research has been conducted independently on these two issues, the hypothesis is that the interrelationship between the dispatching rules and rework strategies has a significant effect on the productivity of the fab. Moreover, the goal is to determine which combination of widely-used dispatching rules and new and existing rework strategies results in the highest level of fab productivity. To test this hypothesis, the significance of rework is evalutated, and a four-factor experiment is conducted to determine the effect of dispatching rules, rework strategies, fab types, and rework levels on key fab performance measures. Five dispatching rules are combined with three previously studied rework strategies and the first bottleneck strategy which is developed in this study. The treatment combinations are compared based on fab performance measures including cycle time, percentage on time, work-in-process, and the XTheoretical value. Simulation models based on actual fab data are constructed to carry out the experiments. The detailed results of the experiment show that combinations of dispatching rules and rework strategies have a significant impact on fab performance measures at each rework level in both fab types. In general, two dispatching rules, rework priority and first-in-first-out, in combination with the first bottleneck rework strategy perform the best. Further analysis concludes that the rework priority dispatching rule and the first bottleneck rework strategy result in the highest level of fab performance and are most robust over alterative fab configurations

Public Health and Epidemiology Informatics: Recent Research and Trends in the United States

Objectives To survey advances in public health and epidemiology informatics over the past three years. Methods We conducted a review of English-language research works conducted in the domain of public health informatics (PHI), and published in MEDLINE between January 2012 and December 2014, where information and communication technology (ICT) was a primary subject, or a main component of the study methodology. Selected articles were synthesized using a thematic analysis using the Essential Services of Public Health as a typology. Results Based on themes that emerged, we organized the advances into a model where applications that support the Essential Services are, in turn, supported by a socio-technical infrastructure that relies on government policies and ethical principles. That infrastructure, in turn, depends upon education and training of the public health workforce, development that creates novel or adapts existing infrastructure, and research that evaluates the success of the infrastructure. Finally, the persistence and growth of infrastructure depends on financial sustainability. Conclusions Public health informatics is a field that is growing in breadth, depth, and complexity. Several Essential Services have benefited from informatics, notably, “Monitor Health,” “Diagnose & Investigate,” and “Evaluate.” Yet many Essential Services still have not yet benefited from advances such as maturing electronic health record systems, interoperability amongst health information systems, analytics for population health management, use of social media among consumers, and educational certification in clinical informatics. There is much work to be done to further advance the science of PHI as well as its impact on public health practice

USING SYSTEM DYNAMICS MODELLING PRINCIPLES TO RESOLVE PROBLEMS OF REWORK IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN NIGERIA

Published ArticleRework in construction projects has brought in two major challenges: cost overruns and delay. In this regards a study was conducted by considering various construction projects in the South West part of Nigeria to understand the causes of rework and the interventions to mitigate it. Survey research methodologies followed by the conceptual system dynamics (SD) modelling were used in the analysis. This study identified the sources of rework in construction projects from the design related, the client related and the contractor related issues and attempted to derive policy/strategic interventions to limit or eliminate rework on construction projects and its delivery by using conceptual SD models based on the influence of the variables on rework. The findings include that inappropriate scheduling for time pressure or delay at the planning stage, lack of adherence to the specifications, and non-availability of skilled human resource are the major causes of rework. However, rework in construction projects would be reduced or eliminated through policy interventions, such as, achieving client satisfaction with scheduling for time pressure or delay at the planning stage, adherence to specifications ensuring quality of work resulting in client satisfaction, and the availability of skilled manpower ensuring quality management

Estimating Project Performance through a System Dynamics Learning Model

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Wiley via the DOI in this recordMonitoring of the technical progression of projects is highly difficult, especially for complex projects where the current state may be obscured by the use of traditional project metrics. Late detection of technical problems leads to high resolution costs and delayed delivery of projects. To counter this, we report on the development of a updated technical metrics process designed to help ensure the on-time delivery, to both cost and schedule, of high quality products by a U.K. Systems Engineering Company. Published best practice suggests the necessity of using planned parameter profiles crafted to support technical metrics; but these have proven difficult to create due to the variance in project types and noise within individual project systems. This paper presents research findings relevant to the creation of a model to help set valid planned parameter profiles for a diverse range of system engineering products; and in establishing how to help project users get meaningful use out of these planned parameter profiles. We present a solution using a System Dynamics (SD) model capable of generating suitable planned parameter profiles. The final validated and verified model overlays the idea of a learning “S-curve” abstraction onto a rework cycle system archetype. Once applied in SD this matched the mental models of experienced engineering managers within the company, and triangulates with validated empirical data from within the literature. This has delivered three key benefits in practice: the development of a heuristic for understanding the work flow within projects, as a result of the interaction between a project learning system and defect discovery; the ability to produce morphologically accurate performance baselines for metrics; and an approach for enabling teams to generate benefit from the model via the use of problem structuring methodology.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC

A STUDY OF QUALITY REQUIREMENT CONVEYANCE FOR ASSIGNMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS

Quality requirements are not easy to define. In higher education, defining quality requirements and communicating those requirements to students may be accomplished through a variety of mechanisms. Students still may not know what it takes to get a good grade on an assignment and may have to wait for an instructor to clarify the assignment. This study was conducted because students and instructors may have different opinions as to which forms of feedforward and what technology are best to convey assignment requirements. The purpose of this study was to determine effective feedforward mechanisms as well as the technology used to convey quality requirements for assignments. A Delphi Panel was utilized to identify feedforward mechanisms as well as technology currently used. A survey was conducted to quantify waste in the assignment process via statistical testing. Minitab 19 with selected T-tests were used to determine if there is a difference between students and instructors as to what feedforward mechanisms or combinations of feedforward mechanisms are preferred to effectively convey quality requirements. The study involved Master-degree seeking students and instructors as well as university resources from teaching excellence programs from three universities. Combining the information from the Delphi Panel and the survey, a model was created that using the syllabus and instructions as mechanisms to convey quality requirements for assignments. Depending on the assignment a rubric, criteria sheet, or model/sample may be used to clarify requirements. Using the web-based learning management system allows students to access information outside of the classroom and at any time. The LMS can contain written as well as video or audio recordings of assignment information. The results of this study have led to improvements in a Project Management course at the University of Kansas