Manufacturing Commons^™

A Framework For Sustainable Material Selection For Multi-Generational Components, Ryan T. Bradley

Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The early stages of a product’s design are a critical time for decisions that impact the entire life-cycle cost. Product designers have mastered the first generation; however, they currently do not have the ability to know the impact of their decisions on the multi-generational view. This thesis aims at closing the gap between total life-cycle information and the traditional design process in order to harbor sustainable value creation among all stakeholders involved. A framework is presented that uses a combination of a life-cycle costing methodology and an evolutionary algorithm in order to achieve a sustainability assessment for a true multi-generational …

Theory Of Constraints Project Management In A Manufacturing Environment, Shihching Kraft

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The following thesis covers the concepts of Theory of Constraints (TOC) Project Management. Introduced by Eliyahu M. Goldratt in I 984, TOC is a management philosophy that focuses on the use of critical chain project management to prioritize everyday tasks in a company. In TOC Project Management, there is always at least one resource constraint that limits the speed at which projects are completed. TOC management philosophy also recognizes that most projects in the manufacturing industry face unknown schedule delays that could cause projects to be completed late or over the planned budget. During project plan creation, plans are developed …

Do Middle Managers Contribute To Their Organisation's Strategy?, Tony Kealy

Conference Papers

This paper presents an empirical study on the contribution made by middle managers to the development of strategy in an organisation. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews with four managers in randomly-chosen companies. Two of the participant managers held senior management positions while the other two held middle manager positions. The data was analysed using a qualitative approach. Previous studies in this field were found to be wide and varied. An early study by Mintzberg (1978) found that strategy mainly forms from emergent influences at middle and lower levels of the organisation, as well as from deliberate influences emanating …

Lunalight - Bringing Light To The Expanding World, Gabriela M. Igel, Daniel J. Patrick, Kimberley M. Smith

Materials Engineering

The LunaLight, a solar rechargeable light and cell phone charger, addresses the lack of access to electricity faced by 1.4 billion of the world’s population (International Finance Corporation). The LunaTech team has developed a product that is bright, simple, compact, versatile and competitive with existing products. Through a partnership with the non-profit organization One Million Lights, LunaTech has improved a previous team’s design to address user feedback, concerns of durability, and manufacturability.

The LunaLight design includes a 5 component plastic housing held together by 4 screws, a surface mounted PCB, a lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery, one high-brightness LED, a solar panel, …

Location-Allocation Optimization Of Supply Chain Distribution Networks: A Case Study, Mark Nicholas Helberg

Theses and Dissertations

The location of distribution centers is an important strategic decision in supply chain design, particularly as it relates to service quality, productivity, and profitability of the firm. There has been extensive research performed on distribution location models which require the use of complex algorithms and assumptions that make use of these models difficult in practice for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that have limited capital and resources. Studies have also failed to capture and quantify potential business results of using more sophisticated methods. In this study, a deterministic and static location-allocation model is designed using a prototype software tool. The …

Design, Construction, And Evaluation Of An Automated Chicken Coop Door, Kyle Inks

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This senior project takes a look into the design, construction, and evaluation of an automated chicken coop door. The idea and need for such a door came from my mother Jan Inks. The parameters for the project include, low production cost, easy installation on existing coops, sleek design, automatically open at a set time in the morning, and automatically close at a set time in the evening.

Factors Impacting Technology Transfer: The Maquiladora Industry In Yucatan, Mexico, Ana Maria Canto, Carlos Blanco, Pilar Pazos

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

Technology transfer and knowledge transfer are the building blocks for innovation, efficiency and increased competitiveness. The topic of technology transfer in the context of multinational companies has been the focus of technology management researchers for well over two decades. Developing countries housing twin plans have been exposed to technology transfer from very diverse countries with different approaches to the technology transfer process and different levels of success. This cultural and national diversity adds an additional level of complexity to the technology transfer domain that has been largely unexplored. This paper will explore critical factors that had an impact in successful …

Management Theories In Manufacturing, James Nathan Webster

Graduate Research Papers

The principles and ideology of management have been around for thousands of years. "Before industrialization, organizations were primarily the household, the tribe, the church, the military, and government" (Wren, 1987, p. 13). It was very rare for people to gather and organize outside of these structures prior to the industrial revolution. As mankind and civilization have progressed, the power of organizations has shifted throughout time. In the time of Confucius, government positions were of the utmost respect, and Confucius taught that positions of power "should go to men of proven merit and ability" (Wren, 1987, p. 14). The ancient Egyptians …

Perspectives On Quality Coordination And Assurance In Global Supply Chains, Ling Li, John N. Warfield

Information Technology & Decision Sciences Faculty Publications

The 2007 recall of Berko Electric Toe-Space Heaters made in the US, the recall of backpack blowers made in Japan, the recalls of toys and pet food produced in China have exposed the potential of global supply chain disruptions. This product recall storm leads to the issue of quality assurance in global supply chain management. Product recalls indicate that manufacturing companies are particularly vulnerable to ensure quality when they source via a global supply chain with poor visibility. Obviously, a supply chain cannot afford this kind of sourcing and supply structure that threatens the supply-chain integrity. This special issue on …

The Applications And Limitations Of Printable Batteries, Matthew Delmanowski

Graphic Communication

This study focuses on the potential applications for printed batteries and how they could affect the printing industry. It also analyzes the main problems associated with manufacturing this technology and what needs to be done to overcome these issues. To find the answers to these questions, two methods of research were used. The first was through the elite and specialized interviewing of Dr. Scott Williams of Rochester Institute of Technology and Professor Nancy Cullins from Cal Poly. The second form of research was a common, yet useful, method called secondary research. This entailed looking at recent written research papers about …

The Future Of The Irish Manufacturing Industry In Relation To Global Competitiveness, Joceley Martins Wilson

Theses

This study is an examination of the challenges faced by the manufacturing sector in Ireland. As the speed of globalization intensifies, new demands are constantly being levied on the manufacturing sector. In order to maintain this very important sector in Ireland, the manufacturing industry must promote constant innovation, automation and specialization, specifically in niche areas where there is a requirement for specific specialized skills, and where the labor cost is not a prohibitive or fundamental issue.

Innovation has been a key success factor for the manufactures to date, and will continue to be an ai'ea of focus as competitive forces …

Lean Six Sigma As A Source Of Competitive Advantage, Alessandro Giorgio Cavallini

Theses and Dissertations

Anecdotal data affirms that companies applying Lean Six Sigma in their operations not only deliver higher quality products and services, but also obtain superior financial results. The goal of this research was to empirically verify anecdotal data. The study proposed to analyze a group of publicly traded manufacturing companies with the intent of verifying if a correlation exists between companies being lean and the attainment of superior returns on investments. The researcher performed a series of statistical tests comparing key Financial Performance Indicators (FPI) extracted from annual reports (10-K) from a large pool of companies. The outcome of this study …

Leanness And Agility In Job Shops: A Framework For A Survey Instrument Developed Using The Delphi Method, Zaki Kuruppalil

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Manufacturers are facing new challenges as competition has become global. Manufacturing companies arc looking for strategies which would help them gain an edge over their competitors. In the United States, lean manufacturing and agile manufacturing have been gaining importance among industries. Agile manufacturing was developed when the United States Department of Defense (DOD) requested Iacocca Institute at Lehigh University to develop a manufacturing framework that could give US companies an edge over their worldwide competitors whereas lean manufacturing has its roots tied to the Toyota Production System (TPS). This raises the questions: what is the clear difference between the two …

An Evaluation Of American Companies That Outsource Manufacturing To China: Decision-Making And Performance, Michael Kenyon Favreau

Theses and Dissertations

The topic of outsourcing ranks at the top of business issues for a wide variety of companies (Wery, 2004; Ezrati, 2004). The majority of American companies believe that offshore-related matters rank as the most strategic decisions that management is expected to make in the next 12 months (Wery, 2004). “Outsourcing in China can help many companies save money, but it can be very frustrating if not done right" (Ting, 2004). The perceived benefits of outsourcing production to China are tremendously enticing, but a lack of understanding of the total costs involved lures many companies into outsourcing when it is not …

A Qualitative Study Of Selected Quality Knowledge And Practices In Guangdong Province, China, Tyler R. Thomas

Theses and Dissertations

The manufacturing industry has become very competitive in today's global market environment. Many US companies are faced with the choice of keeping their manufacturing domestic or looking to low cost off-shore countries to take advantage of the labor costs differences. To gain an understanding of the state of manufacturing in China, a major focus in the manufacturing world today, this thesis was undertaken. This thesis presents the findings of research conducted in Guangdong Province, China in June - July, 2005. This research addressed customer focus, leadership and general manufacturing and quality knowledge and practices of small, medium and large sized …

Correlation Of Numerical Ability And Quality Technician Best Performers In Manufacturing Quality Control Applications, Charles Wesley Shelton

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The occupation of Quality Technician has many duties requiring numerical operations. Business and industry place considerable emphasis on numerical ability when evaluating the performance of a Quality Technician. In this study, the numerical ability and performance classification of Quality Technicians were analyzed using a correlation analysis. lll A single case study was used to investigate this relationship. A modified Delphi Method was used to determine characteristics of a Quality Technician. Quality Technicians were evaluated by their direct supervisor and completed a standardized numerical ability test. The evaluations by the supervisor were used to classify each technician based on their performance. …

Rfid Technology Use In Assembly And Disassembly Processes, Gordana Ostojić, Milovan Lazarević, Vukica Jovanović, Stevan Stankovski, Ilija Ćosić

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Modern production conditions demand the application of the concept of distributed production. Today companies are specialized for partial technology processes. Hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of collaborative processes depend on workers’ interaction and communication in product assembly and disassembly phases. RFID technologies can be really helpful in identifying objects in terms of sustainable development, regarding disassembly, recycling and reuse. In this paper we presented VCDE system architecture and the realization method of RFID technology as well as the data acquisition using RFID technology during the product lifecycle from the design process, production, assembly, usage, and an special example is given regard- …

Using Rfid Technology In Collaborative Design Of The Assembly Systems, Stevan Stankovski, Gordana Ostojić, Vukica Jovanović, Branislav Stevanov

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Modern production conditions require the application of the concept of distributing production. This approach means coordinative production in a number of small and middle size companies. Multiplex products, consisting of a number of parts, components, and modules are assembled in one function unit in one company, but they may not be manufactured in one place. Huge factory and production complex, which existed in our country, comprised all phases of product lifecycle, from the development of a concept solution to the assembly. Technology of product manufacturing, resource logistics, quality control, product testing and verification of product function characteristics all represented activities …

Manufacturing Companies And The Information Age In The U.S., Marcos Reynero

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research paper is to analyze the relationship between the amount of indirect labor and value added in manufacturing companies. Companies are moving manufacturing sites overseas in order to reduce cost. The cost of direct labor in countries like China is relatively lower in comparison to the cost of labor in the U.S. Edward Hill, professor at Cleveland State University's College of Urban Affairs, states that an hour of a manufacturing plant in the U.S. costs $150 versus $1 in China (Scherer, 2005). Companies are making strategic decisions based on reducing cost in order to improve profits. …

A Case Study On Implementation Of Quality Function Deployment Into The Design Process Of A Small Job Shop, Benjamin A. Thomson

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The majority of research involving Quality Function Deployment (QFD) was focused on large consumer based companies and not small job shop business-to-business companies. This case study involved the implementation of QFD into the design process at Reynolds & Co., a small job shop in Terre Haute, IN. The specific objectives of the research were to find the QFD concepts that apply to the improvement of Reynolds & Co.'s (small job shop) design process. The next objective was to reduce the average design time associated with Reynolds & Co.'s design process. The final objective of this case study was to reduce …

The Evidence For A Nascent Biotechnology Cluster In Cork, John W. Hobbs

Theses

Over the past 30 years, encouraged by Ireland’s low rate of corporation tax (currently 12.5 %), and active promotion of FDI by the IDA, foreign owned pharmaceutical plants have set up and multiplied in the Cork area. To Ireland’s advantages of a low tax rate, an English speaking population, a pro-business environment and membership of EU, Cork offered the added attractions of a deepwater port and large natural harbour, good freight connections, an international airport, an educated workforce and excellent sporting and leisure facilities for sailing, golf, etc. (Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson and Schering Plough have …

New Product Launch Decisions Under Competition And Uncertainty: A Real Options And Game-Theoretic Approach To New Product Development, James O. Ostler

Theses and Dissertations

New product development is central to many firms' future success. Not only as a means to continue to maintain their piece of the market, but product development can also be a strategic means for a company to diversify, and/or alter focus to adapt to changing market conditions.

Most of the research in new product development has been on how to do it cheaper and faster than the next guy. However, early commercialization does not guarantee a position of strength in the market. Failures of EMI in CT scanners and Xerox in personal computers illustrate that being first to market does …

Why Toyota And Honda Topped The 2002 J.D. Power Quality Study, Susan Lightle, Kenneth Yale Rosenzweig, John Talbott

Accounting Faculty Publications

Toyota again topped the annual J. D. Power and Associates quality study released in late May of 2002. Toyota scored the highest mark ever with l 07 defects per l 00 vehicles, while Honda came in second with 113 defects. The study was based on responses of approximately 65,000 new car owners queried during their first 90-days of ownership.

These results do not surprise us, as we have been fortunate to make numerous sojourns to the Toyota plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, and observe the manufacturing processes. These trips were normally facilitated by a former Japanese student of ours, Minako Yanke, …

Object-Oriented Modeling And Fauly Detection Of A Powder Feeder For A Laser Metal Deposition System, Robert G. Landers, Michael Gene Hilgers, Frank W. Liou, Bruce M. Mcmillin

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

One of the most critical components of a laser metal deposition system is the powder feeder unit. Techniques are required to efficiently design and analyze these systems and to ensure fault tolerance during the operation. In this paper, a model of the powder feeder unit, based on object- oriented abstractions of it components, is developed. This model is modular in that specific components can be efficiently updated or replaced with components that perform a similar function. In addition, the model can be used for simulation allowing for efficient design and analysis. Assurance of the correctness of the powder feeder system …

Object-Oriented Modeling And Fault Detection Of A Powder Feeder For A Laser Metal Deposition System, Robert G. Landers, Michael Gene Hilgers, Frank W. Liou, Bruce M. Mcmillin

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

One of the most critical components of a laser metal deposition system is the powder feeder unit. Techniques are required to efficiently design and analyze these systems and to ensure fault tolerance during the operation. In this paper, a model of the powder feeder unit, based on object-oriented abstractions of it components, is developed. This model is modular in that specific components can be efficiently updated or replaced with components that perform a similar function. In addition, the model can be used for simulation allowing for efficient design and analysis. Assurance of the correctness of the powder feeder system is …

A Comparative Study On Projected And Actual Manufacturing Times To Identify The Source Of Customer Delinquency, Zaki Kuruppalil

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was an investigation of the projected lead time and the actual lead time for a part manufactured at Tri-Industries Inc., Terre Haute, Indiana. The research was focused on a single part produced in Tri-Industries. The problem was that there is a difference in the projected lead time and the actual lead time of the part under investigation. The actual lead time was longer than projected lead time, which resulted in the company being delinquent in customer delivery. This investigation was conducted to find out the source for customer delinquency for a single part in Tri-Industries. The conclusion was …

A Leadership Model And Supervisory Skills Perceived By Production Employees, Supervisors, And Managers As Important To The Improvement Of Employee Performance In Manufacturing, Douglas R. Hotek

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this research was to provide to industry and education a better understanding of what makes a supervisor a good supervisor of today's educated and technically skilled work force. Manufacturing firms that depend on advanced technologies and employee-technology relationships have made an impact on the role of supervision. The modern supervisor has a new role in managing production operations. The role has changed from that of directing and controlling employees to that of effectively leading the improvement of employee performance. This study builds upon previous research in an effort to further identify and authenticate a leadership model with …

The Mechtech Program: An Education And Training Model For The Next Century, Robert Forrant

New England Journal of Public Policy

The small-firm metalworking industry is routinely characterized by cutthroat competition and fierce privacy. Yet, since the late 1980s, the members of the western Massachusetts chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association have participated in an education, training, and technology diffusion network characterized by a high degree of interfirm cooperation. Hundreds of workers and managers have take part in group training sessions and seminars. The reconstruction of the skill base is central to the MechTech apprenticeship program through which apprentices spend four years in participating firms, exiting the program as licensed machinists, tool and die makers, or moldmakers. In an …

Degree Of Manufacturer Readiness For Skill-Based Pay Programs, Michael R. Willett

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to determine the degree of readiness of manufacturing companies in Black Hawk County, Iowa, to adopt a skill-based pay plan. Readiness, or change orientation, will be determined by comparing current characteristics of companies in this sample to those characteristics of American companies that have already implemented successful skill-based pay plans.

Top Gear Manufacturing, B Mahadevan

IIMB Management Review

No abstract provided.