Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons^™

Running With The Pack: Jit & Automation For Small Manufacturers, Thomas E. Phillips, John R. Ledgerwood

Publications

While both just in time (JIT) concepts and automation programs have been widely implemented and highly successful in large manufacturing companies, many smaller manufacturing companies have wondered whether it would be economically feasible to utilize these same techniques and derive these same benefits. When JIT is adopted by small manufacturers, it provides them with advantages over traditional manufacturing systems, such as lower cost, quality improvements, higher productivity, and less working capital tied up in inventory. Small US manufacturers must understand the basic principles and philosophy of JIT and update their production equipment if they are to be competitive in today's …

Using Statistics In Industry - Quality Improvement Through Total Process Control, Edward Sweeney, Gordon Betteley, Neville Mettrick, David Wilson

Books/Book chapters

No abstract provided.

A Feasibility Study Of A Private Entity Competing With Fbos For Airline Ground Handling Contracts, Carlos A. Vergas

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This thesis investigates whether a private entity can compete with fixed base operators (FBOs) for airline ground handling contracts. Separating the research method into five phases, the author first conducts a need analysis. Then, the author dissects the structure of existing ground handling contracts. Thirdly, the average service charges presently in place are tabulated. Fourthly, a financial analysis is performed including the calculation of the break-even point at a profit. Finally, a model of ground handling operation is simulated using an existing air carrier’s ground handling contract.

Demonstration Of Improved Software Support Labor Estimation For Air Force Operational Flight Programs Through Functional Orientation, Ronald R. Warner Jr., Darrel L. Wright

Theses and Dissertations

This study demonstrated two approaches to improve current software support effort estimation models for aircraft software. Both approaches involved a functional orientation not used by existing models. The first approach demonstrated how to orient a model to reflect the block change cycle modification process and how to represent support effort changes over time in order to improve effort estimation accuracy. Current software models do not reflect the support environment or the temporal characteristics of aircraft software support. The second approach demonstrated how to calibrate a model by properly selecting source data in order to increase accuracy. Support calibration is not …

An Evaluation Of The Implementation Of Total Quality Management In A Service Organization, Charles Stanford Stevens

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This research consists of a formative evaluation designed to identify the steps necessary to revitalize a formerly successful Total Quality Management (TQM) process at a U.S. Navy engineering and logistics support organization. The research also developed a methodology to account for the fact that the investigator is a well-informed insider who served as one of the principle change agents for the TQM implementation.

The research is based on the researcher's observation that the major cause for the waning implementation was due to senior management and leadership issues and the organization-wide processes with which they interface. The investigation consisted of an …

Diffusion Of Total Quality Management: An Organizational Self-Production Perspective, Baizhong Zhao

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

American industries are in the process of a quality revolution. Most companies are busy implementing Total Quality Management (TQM) programs. However, the experience of both Japanese and American companies indicates that successful TQM implementation depends on an understanding of implementation processes, which itself relies on an understanding of organizational self-organizing, for it is through this process that TQM gets diffused and becomes a core component of an organization's culture. Self-organizing is a so-called process-oriented approach, based on theory from cybernetics (Ashby, 1962; Steier & Smith, 1985; von Foerster, 1960), dissipative structure theory (Prigogine & Stengers, 1984), and chaos theory (Gleick, …

Controlling Hazards Associated With Confined Spaces, Srinivas S. Varahabhotla

Theses

Work in Confined Spaces poses special health and safety problems. To avoid the serious consequences which may follow poorly planned or poorly supervised confined space work, a comprehensive program of recognition, evaluation and control of potential dangers must be developed.

The work force should be aware of the extreme dangers associated with confined space and of the procedures and equipment used to overcome these dangers effectively and safely.

The purpose of this thesis is to present the hazardous conditions in a confined space and different means of overcoming these dangers which are not readily apparent. It shows how confined spaces …

The Use Of Expert Systems In Demand Forecasting, Edward Sweeney

Books/Book chapters

No abstract provided.

Manufacturing Automation Protocol Implementation Guide, Richard H. Infantino

Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to provide a starting point for individuals seeking information on the Manufacturing Automation Protocol (MAP) Specification. This thesis is designed to be as comprehensive as possible, yet, still basic enough to be understood by an individual who may not be familiar with computers and networks, and how they function. The intent is to progress gradually from basic networking concepts and characteristics, to defining network requirements, and finally to network design and installation. At the conclusion of the paper is an Organized Method Approach to MAP network design and installation that could serve as a …

Simulation And Off-Line Programming Of Robotic Workcells, Krishnaprasad V. Kamisetty

Theses

A typical, complex robotic workcell, namely NJIT's Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) cell has been designed, modelled and simulated to bridge the gap between design and its implementation. McDonnell Douglas' (McAuto) PLACE, BUILD, COMMAND and ADJUST have been used to simulate entire cycle of the NJIT's FMS cell. Various aspects such as "Cycle Time Analysis", robot reachability of various positions in the cell and "Collision Detection" have also been studied and analyzed.

The ease of effecting any modifications to the existing workcell design has been demonstrated. The NJIT's FMS cell consists of the GE P-50 robot, the IBM 7535 robot, the …

Management Of Construction Jobsite Productivity : A Self Assessment Approach, Nicos Poliviou Nicolaou

Theses

A critical component of construction project management is the improvement of jobsite productivity. This paper proposes a procedure for use by project managers to assess jobsite productivity performance. The methodology provides a framework which when applied will identify specific aspects of the jobsite where potential productivity improvement is possible. A major feature is its systematic approach which will direct the project manager to the specific resources which when better managed will lead to lower construction costs.

Feasibiltiy, Planning, And Justification Of Fms : A Case Study, Joo Hwan Kim

Theses

FMS production technology, because of its ability to adjust to changes in product demands and produce at competitive costs even on small runs and at above quality levels, has caused its adoption by the major automobile manufacturers. These attributes are of particular interest to Korean automobile manufacturers who due to a small home market need to manufacture in relative small quantities and to export.

This paper considers how such a technology can be implemented. It discusses the key factors to be considered such as strategy, selection and design of the appropriate hardware and software, required organizational changes, and its economic …

The Effects Of Degraded Indoor Air Quality On Employees Working In High Rise Office Buildings, Richard Patrick Luongo

Theses

An examination of the effects of poor indoor air quality on workers in high rise office buildings was conducted. These effects are manifested physiologically, psychologically and economically and originate from sources inside and outside the building, as well as from the building's ventilation system. These sources include combustion products, microorganisms, volatile organic chemicals, cigarette smoke and miscellaneous chemicals. Lower productivity and higher absenteeism are the initial results of these effects. If the situation becomes chronic, an erosion of trust between employer and employee can occur which may eventually serve as the basis for litigation, such as worker's compensation claims and …

A Research Analysis : Differences Between Contemporary Corporate Management And Entrepreneurial Management, Kevin A. Gugliotta

Theses

A research analysis was conducted to distinguish the differences between contemporary corporate management and entrepreneurial management. A major difference is in the attitude, perception, and priority of the senior management and the organizational mission. Other distinguishing differences are related to individual and organizational leadership, organizational hierarchy and structure, decision-making authority, and compensation systems for employees.

Implementation Of A Robotic Workcell, John J. Rogers

Theses

This thesis is intended to provide the reader with some insight into the implementation of robotics technology into an organization. A seven step approach to implementing robotics into an organization was used. The seven steps consist of the following:

1) Initial familiarization with the technology.

2) Plant survey to identify potential applications.

3) Selection of the application.

4) Selection of the robot.

5) Detailed economic analysis.

6) Planning and engineering the installation.

7) Installation.

These steps were applied in an actual organization, the IBM Corp. Real-life processes and operations were utilized in proceeding with the seven step approach. Included in …

The Strategic Planning Dilemma In American Manufacturing, James Andrew Kiray

Theses

The decline of American manufacturing competitiveness is a highly publicized and controversial issue. This publicity has led to a panacea of solutions being offered to this problem. As a result, many conflicting viewpoints have emerged, which have aided in making any solution to this problem extremely difficult. Top executives have been inundated with recommendations for change, causing confusion at all levels of management.

In an effort to define the underlying problems existing within the American strategic planning process, this author has selected current literature which supports his own views, and has expended upon these views.

Once these underlying problems are …

Development Of A Knowledge-Based System For Human Error Analysis, Bang-Chiang Sung

Theses

Human Factors is one of several essential issues in a discussion of system productivity. Its consideration must be included in the design, development, operation, and maintenance of any human-machine system. In order to maximize the system productivity, humans must perform with their maximum possible efficiency. To achieve this, all human-related activities must be evaluated to determine their possible causes of errors and the consequences. Then, if unable to completely remove, the causes of human errors must be minimized.

This thesis integrates a knowledge of expert system into an analysis of human errors. Its objective is to develop a knowledge-based system …

Some Stray Thoughts On Project Planing, B S Chetty

IIMB Management Review

No abstract provided.

A Model For The Determination Of Market Based Pricing Of Telecommunication Products, Katherine J. Sullivan

Theses

The deregulation of AT&T, has impacted telecommunication product pricing in the U.S. market. Previously, pricing had been based on cost plus mark-up, as stipulated by regulatory commissions. Now, pricing decisions require consideration of the competitive impact, consumer demand for the product, corporate pricing objectives and marketing strategies. This paper proposes a pricing process that is relevant for this new environment which enables the product manager to price properly.

The method proposed utilizes microeconomic theory and takes into account the product test price, unit cost, opportunity cost, nonprice factor cost and consumer demand. Incorporating a number of different pricing strategies, it …

Utilization Of The Theory Of Constraints Approach For Improving A Manufacturing Enterprise Profitability : A Case Study, Yaron Chaut

Theses

The past two decades have been a difficult period for the U.S. as it lost its dominant position in one manufacturing industry after another to Japan. The American worker was initially blamed for this phenomenon - he was too expensive, was less productive, and produced lower quality products then the Japanese worker. The opening of factories in the U.S. managed by Japanese with American workers proved this claim to be wrong, as their products were competitive and often even better then the original Japanese products. It also indicated that the Japanese production planning and control methods are the primary reason …

A Methodology For Evaluating Prospective Investments In Flexible Automation, Werner A. Eikenbusch

Theses

The flexible automation of production systems (FA) provides the technology necessary for competitive success. However, the use of traditional budgeting methods has proved unsatisfactory when evaluating this type of investment, primarily because of the inadequate consideration being given to the resultant strategic benefits.

A methodology considered suitable for evaluating FA investments is proposed together with an illustrative application. To determine its industrial usefulness, manufacturing managers of North American and West German companies were surveyed both via interviews and via questionnaires. Their response confirms the merit of the procedure, despite the differences in competitive foci found between the American and the …

Micro Cad/Cam System Selection And Implementation, Christian Georg Haas

Theses

The rapid growth of the computer market in the last four decades causes difficulties in evaluating the various systems and configurations of this complex market.

This thesis focuses on graphics capable microcomputers in the computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) field. The thesis emphasizes the technical possibilities such a system offers in terms of hardware, software and applications. Each hardware and software component is detailed to give a new-comer the opportunity to update him or herself in this high technology field. Technical information, as well as installation and implementation are described. Also, provided are lists of several …

The State And Future Of Televised Professional Training Systems, Robert Michael Brady

Theses

This paper investigates the topic of televised professional training -- that is training and educating managers and technical professionals via live or videotaped television broadcasts. The investigation begins with a description of how some typical educational networks operate; it then goes on to analyze in a strictly theoretical sense, some of the advantages and disadvantages that such a system would have compared with the traditional methods of offering continuing education; it then discusses the results of two specially prepared surveys -- one addressed to the administrator/manager, and one addressed to the student. These areas are then united in a final …

Corvette Specs And Technologies Zr-1 Automobile, Kentucky Library Research Collections

Research Collections

Reports from Corvette management in Michigan noting the changes and upgrades in the 1988-1989 Corvettes, LRT and ZR1 with motor, body and technical upgrades. Also there is a breakdown of thefts for the Corvette noting the difference after the Pass-Key function was added. Bowling Green, Kentucky plant's training, job performance and community activities are also noted for 1988-89.

Evaluation Of Word Processing Cost Effectiveness, Nicholas E. Tedesco

Theses

The objective of this thesis is to examine the use of word processing technology to determine if its implementation is a cost effective investment. This will be accomplished by comparing the cost of a typewritten page before and after the implementation or upgrade of word processing equipment. The degree of utilization and the impact of utilization on standard costs will also be examined.

Significant difficulty was encountered attempting to locate and compile statistical information on word processing. Therefore, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to the 100 largest public and 100 largest private companies headquartered in New Jersey, requesting information …

Application Of Robots In Developing Countries, Badi Uddin

Theses

The increasing versatility of robots has led to their use in a widening range of applications. The robot population is growing at a remarkable pace. The increase in the use of robots in industry has changed the standards of productivity and quality. During past years, as labor costs has risen, safety and environmental regulations have been changed to provide more benefits to workers and capabilities of robots became more sophisticated. Therefore, robots became a valuable piece of production equipment.

Now, robots are able to perform all kinds of hazardous and heavy duty jobs which are harmful to human life or …

A Prognostication Of Just-In-Time Efficacy In American Manufacturing, Mark L. Kahan

Theses

"Just-in-time" is a Japanese philosophy of business management which has as its ideal the complete elimination of waste in the process of adding value to a product. Some experts have contended that its basis is not cultural, but technical, and is thus applicable to American manufacturing concerns. After an initial exploration of economics and productivity concepts, and of U.S. logistics, inventory, and purchasing practices, the matter of Just-in-time will be addressed, both theoretically and in terms of Japanese business and labor relationships and culture. Then, based upon a case study consisting of observations made at a traditional American manufacturer, this …

Recruitment Of Engineers In A Small Company, Robert Cohen

Theses

With most recruitment techniques written for large companies, recruitment of engineers in a small company may be a large problem. A detailed analysis of the engineering employer and employee is constructed making note of large and small company differences. A survey was taken and the results are presented in support of the authors opinions. A generic recruitment technique is also presented, followed by modifications or other considerations to that technique. This should increase the available applicant pool and optimize quality levels of the engineering candidates for the small company.

Just-In-Time In The United States : Culture And Competitive Manufacturing, Wolfram Pabst Von Ohain

Theses

Richard Schonberger, 'the' Guru of Just-in-Time' in the United States, wrote in the preface of his 1986 book World Class Manufacturing:

"...Japanese success is rot mature-based. Its basis is a quite different set of concepts, principles, policies, and techniques for managing and operating a manufacturing enterprise. All of it is easy to understand, not hand to accept (once known), eminently teachable and learnable, and not so difficult to apply.

If Just-in-Time is such 'a piece of cake' one would expect that most American companies would practice Just-in-Time. As commonly known, most American companies do not follow the philosophy of Just-in-Time. …

Management Controls And Modeling With Personal Computers (Pcs) For Material Procurement Within The Department Of Defense (Dod), Stefano Coppola

Theses

As an inevitable fallout of the microcomputer explosion, micro-to-mainframe links have been praised as an effective means of satisfying microcomputer users who insist for more processing power and less dependence on mainframe data processing. Personal Computers used to emulate terminals offer local storage capabilities as well as financial analysis and graphics.

Using a Personal Computer, Lotus 123, and a simulated PC-Link, a management control system was designed to satisfy the Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 7000.2 for material procurement.

The resulting model provides both the Government and the contractor's management control system with a reliable, timely, and auditable system that …