35. Improving Activity Diagramming with UML 2.0

This paper identifies four problems with UML activity diagramming that have implications for teaching and practice. Solutions to each of the four problems are provided. The proposed solutions are borrowed from existing modeling paradigms, specifically structured systems analysis and design methods (SSAD). We did not see the need to reinvent solutions when adequate remedies exist. The proposed solutions help to improve the syntax, semantics, and consistency of activity diagramming in UML

Technology investment Impact on Regional Productivity: Empirical Evidence of S-Curve Characteristics

Regression analysis is used to investigate the impact of tech investment on U.S. regional productivity from 1990 to 2016. Using four S-Curve characteristics, we explain tech investment’s negative impact on regional productivity in the early investment stage. This is followed by rapidly increasing tech investment and significant regional productivity impact further along the S-Curve. As regional productivity approaches the top of the curve, tech investment results in diminishing returns. This signals the need to jump the S-Curve in search of new technological innovation to resuscitate tech investment and productivity gains. The S-Curve analysis indicates tech investment’s impact is contextual and depends on the position on the SCurve. This understanding of tech investment’s impact on regional productivity at various points on the curve has implications for regional and global development

MRP or JIT - The transformation from industrial to post-industrial enterprise systems

Many U.S. manufacturers are experiencing a fundamental transformation. The traditional industrial mindset is now obsolete. The accelerated changes in technology and world market require a new post-industrial paradigm. Using MRP and JIT as examples, this paper discusses some important changes from an industrial to a post-industrial enterprise. system. The implications of theses changes to Chinese manufacturing firms are also discussed

Enterprise modeling for CIM information systems architectures: An object-oriented approach

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) information systems have become extremely important to the global competitiveness of most manufacturing firms. And although much has been written about CIM development and implementation many problems still plague practitioners. For example, lack of integration, islands of automation, sub-optimization of resources, and the inability to migrate to future technology are a few types of problems. Further, few methodologies have been developed that systematically address these issues. In this paper, we outline an Object-Oriented approach to modeling manufacturing enterprises. The approach offers a procedure and techniques for defining CIM information systems architectures which could serve as blueprints for CIM development and implementation in manufacturing enterprises.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/31672/1/0000608.pd

modeling for CIM information systems architecture definition: An information engineering case study

Many fundamental problems exist in the development and implementation of computer-integrated manufacturing information systems: for example, lack of integration, islands of automation, sub-optimization of resources, inability to migrate to future technology. Moreover, few methodologies have been developed for dealing with these issues. In this paper we outline an information engineering approach to plan, design and implement this class information systems, which addresses many of the fundamental problems.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/30321/1/0000723.pd