Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons^™

Human Factors In The Design Of Computer Application Software, Curtis Springstead

Theses

The use of computers in business has expanded tremendously over the past two decades. This expansion has been possible due to increasing economies within the computer industry, and in spite of the lack of consideration shown for the users of such data processing systems. The popularity of computers has compelled users to expand their list of requirements from a computer system so that it includes ease of use.

This thesis attempts to bring together many widely dispersed studies and principles that can affect the ease of use of interactive computer systems. The material has been organized according to five components …

Emergency Stop Devices And The Human Factors Of Response, Robert Paul Guinter

Theses

The manual emergency stop Was recognized as an im- portant aspect of machine control very early during the history of powered mechanical systems. The purpose, of course, was to allow machinery to be quickly stepped during emergencies to minimize equipment damage and/or personal injury. Today, however, the emphasis of control is being shifted more and more toward totally automatic systems. Often, the importance of manual emergency stopping and override of these systems is lost in the zeal to perfect automatic controls. The problem that evolves is how and when to provide an efficient human-machine interface to allow a manual emergency …

A Research Study To Determine The Characteristics And Attitudes Shared By Entrepreneurs And Intrapreneurs And The Similarities And Differences Between Them, Miguel A. Vargas

Theses

The United States of America has been the mecca of many ventures for people with vision, goals and perseverance. The prosperity of our nation has been paved by individuals with great ambition, determination and insight, who have dared to take on a risk in owning a business enterprise.

This research study was conducted to determine the characteristics and attitudes of both entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs, as well as the similarities and differences between them.

For this study, a survey of entrepreneurs.was conducted through the use of questionnaires distributed to business owners located in the counties of Essex, Passaic and Hudson, in …

Applications And Evaluation Criteria For Robotic Systems, Brijan Shirish Badshah

Theses

The robot industry is one of the fastest growing industries. In almost every area of manufacturing, robots are being considered for one or more tasks, but the success of any commercial industrial undertaking has to be measured in terms of financial performance.

To help practitioners in the manufacturing area, an economic analysis and investment appraisal technique for robotic systems is developed, especially to assist managers in making the crucial decision about utilizing an industrial robot. An interactive microcomputer program is developed which performs the economic analysis for cost justification and helps managers to decide whether the implementation of a robot …

Comparison Of Several Manufacturing Techniques Used To Produce A Sterile Antibiotic Powder, Antonio Joseph Barberio

Theses

There are several manufacturing processes (crystallization, spray drying, freeze drying, and closed crystallization) that are used to produce a sterile antibiotic powder. A pharmaceutical manufacturer is faced with the problem of deciding which process is best suited for their operations. The purpose of this thesis is to propose a comparison technique that might aid in a solution to this problem. In the first step of the comparison technique, a fixed rating is assigned to a number of different categories (i.e. initial cost of equipment, product purity, etc.) for each process. The fixed ratings were established from an industrial survey, and …

The Effects Of Different Administrative Parameters On Learning In A Management Simulation, Stephen Christopher Betts

Theses

This research puts forth a set of conclusions regarding the relationship between how a full scale interactive and competative management simulation is organized and executed and how effective the experience seems to participants. One hundred sixty students who participated in management simulations in five different schools were questionaired about how effective the simulation was in teaching ten different subject areas. Their instructors and other game administators were interviewed to Find out how and why the simulation was organized and executed the way that it was in their school. The simulation used in all five samples was the Tempomatic IV. The …

The Design Of An Order Processing System, Michael Montrose

Theses

The writer of this thesis was once involved in the order processing function with the company studied and recognized that there is a need for a better method of processing customer orders that could be applicable to other companies.

The company studied is considered a "high tech" company, meaning that it is engaged in the design; manufacture, and sale of the latest state of the art products that employ modern computer technology. It is ironic that this company, on the leading edge in its field; is in great need of reform in the office methods used to order its products. …

An Inventory Model For The Specialty Chemical Industry, Paul Murchison

Theses

The specialty chemical industry is a unique segment of the chemical industry. This industry produces chemical intermediate products for the pharmaceutical, agricultural, cosmetics, and other chemically related industries. Most of the products that are produced are covered by patents or involve proprietary know—how. The specialty chemical products are a minor part of a total formulation but contribute unique properties to the end product. This feature of specialty chemicals gives the manufacturer unusual pricing power compared to producers of commodity chemicals. This industry has proven to be very competitive, profitable and in the forefront of the present automation revolution over the …

Technology Transfer Between Developed And Developing Countries, Tenny Oghogho Ogbomo

Theses

The problems arising from technology transfer, in general, are not new. The problems of the East-West technology transfer, for example, are based on the risk that such transfers will enhance the military capability, or at least the military potential, of the trading partner. In the case of United States trade with the Soviet Union, it can be said that any accretion in the Soviet military capacity weighs against the United States in an overall world-wide balance of power. The restrictions and/or prohibition of such transfer of technology are problems themselves.

The North-South technology transfer, in other words, the technology transfer …

Cybernetic Theory Applied In Production Control, Ding-Hsin Fang

Theses

There are many theories for the control of production. Also. there are many successful cases for each of the different theories.

Cybernetic theory is quickly evolving as a design basis for management control systems. Cybernetics is the science of self-regulation and its basic tenents are control, or the ability to direct action toward a predetermined goal, and communication, or the ability to send and receive information.

The objective of this thesis is to identify and discuss this theory applied to the management techniques of production control for a Far Eastern textile firm and to investigate the extent that the firm …

Investigation Into The Feasibility Of Burning Hazardous Waste In Utility Boilers, Reuben Steinberg

Theses

Disposal of hazardous waste is of major concern in recent years in this country. Declining availability of landfills together with more stringent State and Federal regulations has necessitated the need to consider alternative means of hazardous waste disposal. It was suggested that burning hazardous wastes in presently operating utility boilers might be beneficial to the utilities and offer a solution to this social problem.

This thesis investigates the feasibility of this alternative given the technical, economic and regulatory considerations involved and discusses the findings of adopting this technology for hazardous waste disposal.

Based on the results of this study it …

Application Of The Self-Assessment Technique To Improve The Productivity Of The Project Engineering Function : A Case Study, Roman Stetkiewych

Theses

While traditional industrial engineering methods can be successfully applied to improve productivity in the operations area, their effectiveness is limited where knowledge type work is being performed. For these types of activities, self-assessment has been proposed as a methodology to achieve increased efficiency. This thesis presents the results of applying this concept to the engineering function of a manufacturing firm.

Using a directed set of questionnaires as a focus, a self-assessment of itself was conducted by the Project Engineering Department to consider how well it thought itself to be performing and what its deficiencies were. Co-jointly the departments whose work …

Development Of New Products Involving Various Uncertainties For Success, Manuel J. Senra

Theses

The development of new products is a very important task for any company, since the survival of most of the companies depends on their ability to introduce new products on the market. This is not, by all means, an easy task; it is seen from the large number of unsuccessful new products reported.

It is been proved that out of every ten products which emerge from Research and Development(R & D), only two become successes. For reasons like the one mentioned and because larger and larger funds are allocated to R & D, it is a very important task to …

Application Of Manufacturing Resources Planning To Repetitive Manufacturing Environments, Irma L. Yuen

Theses

Most of the methodology for Manufacturing Systems has been devoted to Job Shops. Frequently the assumption has been made that, because Job Shops are the most complicated their methodology should fit Repetitive Manufacturing as well.

For years the Repetitive producers had been ignored as Production and Inventory Control Techniques were developed, implemented and refined to assist discrete Job Shops environments with Material Planning problems.

The application of modern Production and Inventory Control Techniques especially MRP II in the Repetitive Manufacturing Industries is receiving increasing attention from experts in the Production and Inventory Control field.

During the research for this Thesis …

Analysis And Application Of Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems, Mansuk Bae

Theses

It is the intent of this thesis to analysis the practical applications of Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems (AGVS) as a vital aid in the development of material handling operations within a variety of business sectors.

An evaluation of basis concepts, structural components, practical applications and benefits, and future accessments of AGVS, in terms of material handling are fully discussed. Additionally, a computerized simulation model that calculates "How many Automatic Guided Vehicles Are Needed?" under specific factory conditions and external environmental factors, is both tested and result evaluated.

The author concludes that the use of AGVS as a method for material …

The Accident Prevention Responsibilities Of Management, Kenneth A. Hogue

Theses

The principles of industrial safety described in this paper are discussed from the viewpoint of the industrial supervisor. Maintaining a safe work environment is considered to be a prime responsibility of line supervisors. Accident prevention is viewed as avoidance of unsafe acts and conditions. Guidelines are suggested which enable the the supervisor to impart a safety consciousness on the worker. The Occupational Safety and Health Act and its practical implications are discussed from the standpoint of reporting, correction of unsafe conditions, and penalties. Recommendations are made in the areas of training, communication, and employee motivation.

Standardization, Certification Its Impact On Electronic Systems Manufacturing, Lawrence M. Johmann

Theses

This thesis is a result of an in-depth study of the standardization and certification process in various countries throughout the world. The study was undertaken due to the general lack of readily available information on the subject and problems the author encountered while involved in standardization and certification activities at his previous place of employment.

The thesis discusses product and process standardization and certification and its impact on electronic systems manufacturers. First, the need for standardization and certification is established and its history is reviewed, then the various types and classifications are addressed. Subsequently, standardization in the United States, in …

The Impact Of Microcomputers On Engineering And Technical Management Functions, Salvatore Savino

Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of managers as to the effect of computers on management functions.

Manager perceptions were determined by using a ratio scale of value ranging between 0 and 100. Findings are based on questionnaire responses of 121 top, middle, and lower managers in 120 firms in the United States.

Several hypotheses were examined in the study relative to (1) perceived computer impact on management levels, (2) perceived computer impact on the traditional functions of management, (3) perceived computer impact on levels and functions of management (interaction).

Support was provided for hypothesis of …

Effect Of Federal Income Tax Regulations On Small Business Decision Making, Leon V. Stanisz

Theses

A comparison of small business organizations was performed in order to see how each is directly or indirectly effected by Federal income tax regulations. Each small business form was examined thoroughly in order to objectively assess organizational advantages and disadvantages and how they are effected by different tax requirements and regulations.

Business expenditures were analyzed to see how and where they could be utilized to the fullest. The thesis tried to examine as thoroughly as possible the cost and the value of these "fringe benefits" both to the company and to the individuals.

The results conclude that any type of …

Managing The Transition Of An Army Program From Engineering Development Into Production, Thomas Joseph Thomas

Theses

An overview of the entire Army Research, Development, and Acquisition process is presented. The research, development, test and evaluation phases are detailed. Special emphasis is placed on the Army Producibility Engineering and Planning Program. Examples of the different elements of our Army Production program are described. Finally, the focal point during the transition, the Milestone III and the events surrounding it, are discussed.

Putting The Lid On Spares : A New Estimating Concept, George Zahodnick

Theses

Government standards and regulations, such as the CASB and FAR can be used as a guide by Contractors in preparation for negotiating orders for spare parts. More recently, in response to bad publicity involving spares, Contractors and Government officials have shown a trend toward greater micromanagement in the military acquisition process.

Spares proposal preparation, which was already often time consuming relative to dollars proposed for parts, has become an extremely serious subject often requiring additional levels of internal review and comprehensive supporting documentation. As a result, a considerable amount of new business expenditures can be associated with preparing proposals for …

Keeping Up With Technological Change, Karlis V. Kopans

Theses

Advances in technology over the past fifty (50) years have changed virtually everything that touches our lives today to some degree. However, in the last five years or so, these innovations have been combined into products and systems which have visibly begun to change society as we have known it in the past.

Only in recent years, have the affects of technological change or innovation on society begun to be examined. While a fair amount of literature has been published to date on specific areas of technological change, few publications have been produced which provide a general overview of the …

A Comparison Of Training Available To Entry Level Naval And Merchant Marine Engineroom Personnel, Paul J. Bugelski

Theses

Similarities between occupations or industrial environments are often overshadowed by differences between goals, services, or products. From the time that shipboard steam propulsion became a practicality the Naval and merchant marine services have experienced this phenomena. For various reasons, the two sectors have ignored similarities between their respective occupational sub-groups, e.g. engineroom crews, and the training which facilitates each group's performance.

Manning and training problems, related to the evolution of automated shipboard propulsion plants, have been shared by the U.S. Navy and commercial ship operators. Recent events such as the British Falkland Islands crisis and the implementation of the U.S. …

A Maintenance Program Guide For The Non-Technical Building Manager, Luis M. Tavares

Theses

For the most part, the title of Building Manager is conferred upon an individual who is given the responsibility of services support for a facility. However, this title many times is carried by men/women who are responsible not only for the upkeep of the general building, janitorial, and food services but also for the safekeeping of the building equipment, such as mechanical and electrical machinery. At times, these individuals may be involved with general service responsibilities and tend to lose sight of maintenance needs.

In order for the Building Manager to implement maintenance successfully, he/she must understand the close cooperative …

A Global Resource Allocation Model For An Electrical Utility, Pantelis G. Tinios

Theses

The management of the electric utility company, as the management of any other company, has to make important decisions which will have a direct impact on the company's future operations.

In this study, a global model was devised which enables the management to make more intelligent decisions related to the company's planning process.

The company's goals and subgoals are formulated, in a systematic way, into the mathematical model along with operational and financial constraints. Productivity growth, steady labor force, fuel availability, cash flow requirements, share rating, and coverage were some of the goals to be achieved. The goal programming technique …

Japanese Management Techniques And Its Transition To Taiwan, Shih-Tung Shu

Theses

Japan's success, as measured by a vertically increasing balance-of-payments surplus, has created serious issues between Japan and other industrial democracies. It has created fears about the economic superpower status of Japan. On the other hand, because of this very success in coping with worldwide economic problems and in sustaining its export drive, Japan's unique style of managenemt has attracted a great deal of attention. As the Japanese have begun to demonstrate on ability to transfer their management style to the U. S. and other western countries, Japanese management and its transferability continue to be a subject of special interest in …

Prefeasibility Study Of Flexible Manufacturing System, Patrice Gerault

Theses

Most major companies over the world are or intend to go into Flexible Manufacturing System. But, FMS is not as easy to implement as most cf the other equipments. It affects the whole company and careful studies must be done before parchasing it.

After a description of this new system, this paper reviews the effects introduced by FMS and the alements of savings or surcosts in comparison to conventional systems ; but no numerical evaluations are stated.

This paper gives a frame to any company which wants to undertake a prefeasibility study.

Integrating Cad/Cam Into Engineering And Manufacturing Organizations : A Management Perspective, Gerardo A. Navia

Theses

The potential productivity improvements possible with CAD/CAM systems will require all Engineering and Manufacturing Enterprises to acquire this technology in order to stay competitive. Experience to date has shown that integration of these computer-based systems into the on-going operations is difficult and will not yield the anticipated benefits unless this is done properly.

This thesis examines the integration problem and how it is being dealt with by reviewing the literature and through personal contacts with both CAD/CAM vendors and users. It was concluded that for successful adoption and integration, Managers need a strong background in both the technical and managerial …

Human Factors In Quality Assurance, Min C. Tzou

Theses

This thesis is concerned with the impact of human factors elements upon the efficiency and quality of output in a manufacturing environment. The subject was aproached through the current literature as it appeared in periodicals and papers. There were very few texts on the subject of human factors discipline, specially in the application of behavioral principles, which this thesis was mostly base on.

The first chapter of this thesis discusses the increasing role people play in product quality, and the changing attitudes of today's work force. The next six chapters are broken down into three parts. Chapter II and III …

Industrial And Commercial Energy Management, Frank L. Peraino

Theses

This thesis deals with energy and its management in the industrial and commercial segments of our society. It provides an insight into the development and evolution of the energy manager, as well as a projection of his role in the next decade. Through an analysis of energy sources, the utilization of energy in the industrial and commercial markets, and the development of energy conservation attitudes and technologies, this thesis provides an appreciation of the factors that have molded yesterday's energy coordinator into today's energy manager. By projecting this analysis, a snapshot of the characteristics and duties of tomorrow's energy manager …