Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

Group Set-Up For Printed Circuit Board Assembly, Tali F. Carmon, Oded Z. Maimon, Ezey M. Dar-El

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

The current practice in the assembly of electronic components on printed circuit boards (PCBs) is serial production. a process characterized by very long set-up times. However, with the advent of efficient on-line process information .. new production control methods are now possible. This paper proposes a different production method, called the group set-up (GSU) method, which can significantly reduce set-up times. The traditional and the GSU production methods are compared, and it is shown that the GSU always performs better than the traditional method in terms of total production flow (throughput) and labour time However, the traditional method performs better …

A Systematic Transition To Flexible Manufacturing, Sema E. Alptekin, Daniel L. Webber

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

The transition from basic automation to flexible manufacturing is an expensive and tedious procedure. It requires meticulous planning and almost clairvoyant forecasting to insure that the initial flexibility obtained is sufficient to allow growth and expansion in the future. This paper will suggest a systematic and methodological approach to achieve optimal flexibility and describe the present results of its application to an ongoing system transformation. Conclusions based on existing levels of completion are presented along with identification of critical and non critical flexibility requirements. The considerations and steps taken are summarized in a procedural format which may then be applied …

A Productivity Measurement System For Human Resources Management, Vivian C. Keenan

Theses

A Productivity Measurement System was designed to meet the needs of a company's Human Resources management. This thesis presents the design, testing, and implementation of this system.

During the design stage, the jobs and main activities were identified and the key volume indicators were established. Data was collected using time studies, work sampling techniques and historical data. Time studies and historical data were used primarily to measure the information for the activities. Work sampling techniques proved to be very effective in obtaining measurements for personal time and unavoidable delays.

The data was analyzed and time standards were set for the …

Optimal Allocation Of Water Among Industries In Dar Es Salaam City, Tanzania, J. I. Matondo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Dar es Salaam is the city with the largest number of industries in Tanzania. However, the water demand for these industries is more than the supply. Therefore, there is a water use competing problem among the industries. Dynamic programming technique has been applied to optimally allocate the available water among the industries with the objective of maximizing the net benefits. Results reveal that, industries with the highest net return per unit of water will get the first priority of being allocated water.

The Evaluation Of Efficiency Determination Of Screening Device (Pressure Screen) By Image Analysis, Rajeev Kumar Goyal

Masters Theses

The Omnicon 3600 image analyzer was used in the study of the evaluation of screening efficiency determination methods. It is very difficult to get a good over all contaminant mass balance across a pressure screen because of the factors involved such as sampling around a screen, time spent in collecting the samples, and possible size reduction of the contaminants by the pump and screen. The image analyzer gives the contaminant analysis in terms of the total number of particles, total area of all the particles, the mean particle area and a histogram of the contaminant size distribution. The histogram data …

Proposed Scheduling Methods For Printed Circuit Board Assembly, Tali Freed, Ezey M. Dar-El, Oded Z. Maimon

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

The current practice in the assembly of electronic components on printed circuit boards (PCB's) is serial production, a process characterized by very long set-up times.

However. with the advent of efficient on-line process information, new production control methods are now possible. This paper proposes two new production methods - the Grouped Set-up (GSU) method and the Sequence-Dependent Scheduling (SDS) method, which can significantly reduce set-up times.

It is shown that the GSU always performs better than the SDS method in terms of total production flow (throughput). while the SDS performs better than the GSU method in terms of work-in-process (WIP) …

Learning Curve Model For Interrupted Production, Behzad Zarkoob

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Traditionally the learning curve technique has been applied to the case of continuous production. In such cases the cost par unit declines by a constant or staged percentage due to the learning phenomenon. Although this technique has been an important management tool to predict cost and productivity, there are other factors that wil~ affect the learning curves and its forecasts. One of these factors is "forgetfulness," which is caused by program interruptions for a significant period of time. It is expected that due to the interruption a relearning process may have to take place. The objective of this report is …

A Student Performance Evaluation Method For An Intelligent Simulation-Based Tutoring System, Camille Marie Dixon

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Intelligent simulation-based tutoring systems (ISTS) present intriguing and complex environments for the training of high performance skills. These skills involve the manipulation of objects within time and space constraints.

As with any tutoring system, there must exist a performance measurement methodology. Within an ISTS there is a module which functions as a tutor and a module which functions as a student modeler. These fundamental modules are required to make effective individualized tutoring decisions. However, each of these modules rely on information from a performance measurement system or evaluation system.

The objective of this research was to establish a performance evaluation …

Mrp, Jit, And Opt: A Comparison On The Production Floor, Donna M. Denicole Christopher

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

In order to compete in manufacturing, industry realizes it must work more efficiently with its resources. Three manufacturing techniques have been developed to assist industry in this challenge --MRP, JIT, and OPT. This paper compares these three techniques. It concentrates on the factors that affect production after vendor materials are in-house. A brief discussion of some of the implementation difficulties a company may face during the transition to a new philosophy is also addressed. Finally, a case study of a low volume, highly technical military project is evaluated and analyzed.

Management Considerations Of Productivity Issues For Local Government, Scott M. Gilbertson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This report examines the issues needed to be addressed by a municipal manager and provides guidelines to follow when establishing a productivity measurement and improvement program. Examined in detail is the relationship of the municipality's quality of service delivery in relationship to productivity. The concerns of productivity in the public sector at the national and local levels are also identified.

Numerous difficulties are encountered when attempting to measure and improve productivity. Many of these difficulties are presented and several are discussed in detail. To overcome the identified difficulties, there are a number of techniques available, some of which are recently …

Some Reasons Why New Technologies Are Not Always Successful - Specifically Directed Toward Cim, Shuk Fong Lai

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

To keep the competitive edge, many companies constantly implement new technologies. However, the implementation of these new technologies are not always successful. Why?

Problems with implementation of new technologies can be either technical or managerial. This paper presents research limited to management problems and suggests the necessary changes. It also outlines the important factors in the decision-making process and the criteria for a successful implementation of a Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) system. Many experts believe that CIM is the ultimate solution to slow and reverse the decline of the U.S. global manufacturing market. However, some companies that have implemented CIM …

Geographic Information Systems: The Developer's Perspective, Johnn B. Henris

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Geographic information systems, which manage data describing the surface of the earth, are becoming increasingly popular. This research details the current state of the art of geographic data processing in terms of the needs of the geographic information system developer. The research focuses chiefly on the geographic data model--the basic building block of the geographic information system. The two most popular models, tessellation and vector, are studied in detail, as well as a number of hybrid data models.

In addition, geographic database management is discussed in terms of geographic data access and query processing. Finally, a pragmatic discussion of geographic …

Dynamic Performance-Based Student Model For An Intelligent Simulation Training System, Jenifer M. Sargeant

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Student modeling has been the subject of research since the mid-1970's. A student model is an evolving description of what the student knows about the subject domain. Much of the previous research has concentrated on evaluating a student in performing cognitive tasks. The Intelligent Simulation Training System (ISTS) applies the techniques of Artificial Intelligence, Intelligent Tutoring Systems and Expert Systems to simulation-based training. The ISTS Student Model is unique in that it evaluates the student in performance-based tasks. It monitors and records the student's ability to maintain relationships between objects in space and time. The scope of this research was …

Efficient Algorithms For The Fixed Charge Problem, Ahmad Abdulah Moreb

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The main thrust of this research is to develop four solution procedures for the Fixed Charge Problem. All are based on approximating the fixed charge component by strictly polygonal linear components. The first procedure uses the functions technique to approximate the fixed charge; then linear programming with the restricted-basisentry technique is used to arrive at the final solution. Although this method starts with an approximated version of the fixed charge component, it arrives at an exact value to the objective function without the need for re-evaluating the objective function. The other three solution procedures are based on approximating the fixed …

Economic Design Of Lot-By-Lot Acceptance Sampling By Attributes, Michael S. Wall

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Risk-based sampling plans have long been the accepted standards in the practice of acceptance sampling for quality control. Usually the economic consequences of a given sampling plan are assessed by experience and intuition at best. With the availability of high speed computers and well-proven statistical methods, economically-optimal sampling pl a ns can now be developed so that much of the guesswork is removed. This study first surveys these methods for deriving economically-optimal sampling plans. Then, recognizing the reluctance in government and industry to abandoning ris k-based design of sampling plans, a method is explored which poses a compromise between the …

An Overview Of Machine Vision, Juan C. Telchi

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this paper is to examine new ideas and other useful information on the most recent advances in the robotic vision field. A visual system model was introduced and the basic components of this model were explained. The principal areas in robotic vision were researched. This included two dimension and three dimension vision sensors. Industrial applications and future developments of machine vision systems were addressed. A survey was done to summarize the vision system market and the robot market share worldwide.

Dynamic Allocation Of Responsibility Between Operators With Different Models Of System Information Using Computer-Mediated Communication, Michele Terranova

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

This research focused on the effectiveness of two operator teams for dynamic control of a process simulation. The responsibility for system optimization and failure detection was shared by the operators through computer-mediated communication. System information was displayed to both operators by one of three mental models of the systems: an alphanumeric/separable representation, a graphic/integral system representation, or both representations. The following team-display configurations were used: primary operator with graphic display, support operator with alphanumeric (GRAL); primary operator with alphanumeric display, support operator with graphic (ALGR); both operators with alphanumeric displays (BOAL); both operators with graphic displays (BOGR); and both operators …

Removal Of Eucalyptus Vessel Segments Using Centrifugal Cleaners, Amnuay Ponpued

Masters Theses

Two commercial feedforward centrifugal cleaners were used in the study of vessel segment removal from bleached eucalyptus pulp. The reduction of vessel elements yielded a reduction of vessel pick tendency and other problems caused by vessel elements which limit the use of eucalyptus pulp in paper stock furnishes. The operating conditions of the centrifugal cleaners were evaluated for their effect on separation efficiency. Pulp loss with rejects was reduced by multiple stage separation. The Vandercook Proof Press was used to compare the picking of cleaned, original pulp and two higher-vessel-content pulps. Regression analysis and ANOVA showed significant effects of feed …

Robotization For Assembling Small Parts, Frank J. Valese

Theses

The thrust of this paper is directed toward establishing a roboticized small parts assembly line where none currently exist. Technical and pragmatic requisites were established and reviewed prior to installing the proposed robotic workcell. Although the specific model chosen for discussion is the locksmithing industry, the procedures followed, the design tools utilized, and the methods of job-costing employed apply equally to other small parts industries.

Basic industrywide considerations reviewed for each robotization effort included:

1. Choosing the proper application for robotization
2. Obtaining management support and labor input to insure the success of the project
3. Deciding on the economic and production goals …

Current Trends In Facilities Planning, Chaochou Yang

Theses

In the past year the costs of computing and computer graphics have come down dramatically. At the same time, the computer graphic system has become easier to use, As a result, computer support has become more costeffective than before.

In this thesis, the writer describes types of systems first, then looks at computer usage. He first defines the technologies of DSS, CAD and MIS, then takes a detailed, step-by-step look at facilities planning and the various ways in which computers are used for support. Well-conceived planning is an important prerequisite to effective computer use. The remainder of the thesis expands …

Improving Maintenance Effectiveness, Stephen J. Thierry

Masters Theses

A methodology is advanced for measuring the productivity of industrial maintenance operations. A work sampling study and a production to maintenance interface survey are conducted to identify the current level of maintenance effectiveness at a food processing plant. Variables affecting maintenance effectiveness are postulated from site observations of the plant maintenance operation. A total of nine changes are proposed; three are implemented as part of this study and six remaining changes are proposed for the future. All recommendations are targeted at increasing the overall effectiveness of the maintenance operation under study.

Reflections On Solid Modeling In Cad/Cam System, Yuh-Hwa Chyr

Theses

In this thesis, we will first study the mathematical fundamental for geometric modeling. It includes modeling space, representation scheme, and various characteristics for solid modeling. Then we discuss how a solid modeling system is integrated into an overall CAD/CAm system. What functions it performs, and what fuctions must be performed with other parts of the CAD/CAM systems. And how data can be transfered between solid modeling system and other CAD/CAM system.

Solid modeling has created a new era in CAD/CAM. A solid model is an unambiguous, three-dimensional, geometric representation of a design. The more design information a model can represent, …

Capacity Planning In A Discrete Item Manufacturing Environment, Ali M. Alsebaiee

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Capacity planning is a medium-to-long- term production planning tool that enables management to better understand how the demand of its customers have and will affect the available capacity planning. For a successful production and planning control system, management needs to consider the availability of not only the materials and component, but also the required manufacturing capacity. Several capacity planning techniques that deal with capacity planning in a discrete item manufacturing (job shop environment) are discussed in this report. These are Resource Requirement Planning, Rough Cut Capacity Planning, Capacity Requirement Planning, Operation Sequence, Input Output, and Simulation. A computerized capacity planning …

Continuous Statistical Distribution Curve Fitting And Analysis Tool, Gerald Robie

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This paper reports on the implementation and utilization of a micro-computer based simulation modeling verification and validation tool. The interactive software tool, written in BASIC, computes and displays the frequency distribution of a given set of input data, computes appropriate parameters for a continuous statistical distribution which the user selects as likely to represent the population from which the input data sample was obtained, performs several goodness-of-fit analyses on the resultant distribution and provides sensitivity analysis capability on the input data, distribution type selection and distribution parameters.

The Creation Of An Expert System For Teaching Piano Lessons, Carol Chew

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Combining the arts with science and technology has had many beneficial results. Computers and music have been connected for many years. Computers have been used in music composition, electronic keyboards, music publishing and digital sound processing. Artificial intelligence has been used in creating expert systems for training people in various fields. An attempt will be made to tie together expert systems for training with current computerized music technology.

This research report proposes that an expert system be developed to teach piano lessons. The fields of music and artificial intelligence will be drawn upon in developing this expert system structure. While …

The Use Of A Portable Microcomputer As A Data Collection Tool To Support Integrated Simulation Support Environments: A Concept, James E. Wilkinson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Advances in simulation methodology, and the computer support systems to implement these methodologies, have led to the development of integrated simulation support environments. These environments, or collection of software tools, seek to aid the analyst in developing models, data management and analysis, and data presentation.

While an integrated simulation environment provides a more organized structure for managing and performing simulation projects, and provides a database management structure for storing, manipulating, and analyzing data, they do not address the actual process of going out and obtaining the data. As a result, many of the common problems associated with poor problem and …

Production Of Blanking Circles And Dies - An Appropriate Method, V Bhandari

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

A large important blanking die for production of multiwick stoves oil tanks was damaged beyond repair during normal maintenance. A replacement die could not be made available immediately. Initially an alternative blank production system based upon the adaptation of the inhouse and locally available tools was set up. Subsequently a temporary low cost and a permanent replacement blanking die was designed, developed and manufactured out of pad welding of mild steel plate. Recommendations have been drawn in light of the experiences gained in the deployment of these appropriate methods.

Distributive Mixing Performance Of Rubber Internal Mixers, B Mutagahywa

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Results of experiments to study the distributive mixing performance of Internal mixers are reported in this paper. Distributive mixing was assessed by monitoring the uniformity of sulphur distribution throughout rubber mixes subjected to a range of rotor revolutions. The results indicate that distributive mixing in a well controlled Internal mixer is rapid and unlikely to be a source of mix variability.

Electric Power Transmission & Purchases : Report Of A Study By The Joint Standing Committee On Utilities, 112th Maine Legislature, Maine. Legislature. Joint Standing Committee On Utilities

Maine Collection

Electric Power Transmission & Purchases : Report Of a Study By the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities, 112th Maine Legislature

Maine Legislature. Joint Standing Committee on Utilities.

Augusta, Maine (December 2, 1986).

Contents: Introduction / Issues & Recommendations / Review of 1986 Legislation / Maine's Electric Power Picture / Technical Analysis of Transmission & Wheeling / Economic Implications of Transmission & Wheeling /. Legals Analysis of Transmission & Wheeling / Proposed Legislation / Appendices / Tables & Figures

Sensitivity Analysis Of Linear Goal Programming On Priority Level Reordering, Fu-Chia Hor

Theses

The purpose of this research is to study on the sensitivity analysis of priority level reordering of a goal programming model. Two approaches are presented in this study to handle this priority level reordering analysis. The first one is an algorithm to generate the solution of a similar problem with different priority level ordering of the original one utilizing the final solution tableau of the original problem. In doing so, calculation steps and time are saved tremendously.

The second approach is based on the fact that some goal programming problem of different priority level ordering has the same solution as …