Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

Chemical Risk In Early Design, Carlton Ashley Washburn

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to present a methodology to identify risks in the chemical product development process, including fortification of the failure mode taxonomy by including chemical failures. This work will enable comprehensive risk analysis in technology-based products that have a chemical based subsystem, such as those used in the lithography process in the semiconductor industry. This research broadened the failure mode taxonomy by identifying chemical failures from publications in the semiconductor industry. These failures were analyzed to determine the rudimentary failure modes in each case. The newly identified failure modes were added to the failure mode taxonomy. …

Dynamic Model-Based Systems Engineering Using Xml Metadata Interchange, Dustin Scott Nottage

Masters Theses

"Designing systems presents an engineer with numerous design choices based on multiple conditions and constraints. Base camp planning must take into account the number of soldiers, the permanency of the base, the location of the base, etc. To help alleviate the complexity of constructing a base camp, a model-based systems engineering approach is used. This method creates and integrates models for all of the facilities that can make a base camp, as well as interactions between facilities and required utilities for each. The goal is to have a camp design, and then solve a system of equations to solve for …

Modeling Forward Base Camps As Complex Adaptive Sociotechnical Systems, Lori Ann Miller

Masters Theses

Work for this thesis focuses on managing complexity within complex adaptive sociotechnical systems by using model based systems engineering and virtual engineering tools. The hypothesis of the work is that integrated virtual models can be used to increase the understanding of these complex adaptive sociotechnical systems, resulting in a reduction in the perceived complexity. This was tested by the use of a two factor survey given to experts of a system (the customer and members of the model design team) and to a target user-group. This group received a demonstration and had hands on experience with a preliminary model of …

Impact Of Interruptions In White Collar Working Environment, Zafar Akhil Khan

Masters Theses

"An interruption is a randomly occurring, discrete event that breaks continuity of cognitive focuses on a primary task and typically requires immediate attention and insists on action. "White collar interruptions" are those that affect knowledge workers in professional, managerial, or administrative positions. Interruptions are often a common occurrence in the white collar workplace.

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the effect of timing of an interruption on the overall performance of white collar workers. This study also analyzes the interruption sources (i.e. externally and internally generated) along with effect of different types of interruptions on both demanding and …

Dynamic Decision Making Under Uncertainty In Renewable Energy Portfolio Management And Inventory Management, Jianjun Deng

Doctoral Dissertations

"It is challenging and important for a firm to make effective decisions under uncertainties, such as random fluctuations of products prices or demands, etc. This dissertation formulates mathematic models to help decision makers in energy and retail industries make optimal timing and optimal operational decisions when facing uncertain electricity prices and demands. As for energy portfolio management, the optimal entry and dispatch strategies are investigated for an electricity generating firm to introduce a renewable power plant as an alternative method for generating electricity, with or without construction delay. In addition, the abandonment strategies of considering shutting down one of the …

Modeling Supply Chain Network Resiliency In The Aftermath Of An Extreme Event, Varun Ramachandran

Masters Theses

"Failure of infrastructure elements due to an extreme event adversely affects the supply chain networks in any urban environment. This study models the resiliency of a supply chain network by integrating geospatial data with critical supply chain elements and graph theory. This model can then be combined with an extreme event simulation to calculate resiliency. Resiliency refers to the time required for services and select economic indicators to approach pre-event levels (in this study, a return to 80% of the pre-event capacity). This research proposes an interdisciplinary approach to develop a comprehensive framework for resiliency modeling. This approach includes the …

Eustressed Or Distressed? Combining Physiology With Observation In User Studies, Avinash Wesley, Peggy Lindner, Ioannis Pavlidis

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this article the authors describe a novel way to conduct user studies via the combination of a physiological and an observational information channel. The method enables not only the quantification of arousing emotional states but also their disambiguation into positive or negative instances. The physiological channel targets sympathetic responses and has materialized as a perspiratory signal extracted from thermal imagery of the perinasal area. The observational channel has materialized via decoding of facial expressions. However, while such decoding is usually performed in the visible spectrum, the authors have developed an algorithm to carry this out in thermal imagery instead. …

Analyzing Risk And Catastrophic Accidents: Using Lopa And Human Factors To Improve Safety In Generic Projects, Siddharth B. Damle

Doctoral Dissertations

"Risk assessment and identification in the early stages of any project is critical to the success of that project from time, budget and cost prespective [sic]. Identifying unacceptable risks and making provisions to mitigate those, can reduce the uncertainty in the project and ensure its smooth completion and closure. Various techniques have been developed over time to identify and quantify risks. Inspite of all the available research on risk management tools, accidents continue to happen and projects consistently fail.

The objective of this study is to first, determine the generic risks that can be encountered by a project. A list …

Approximate Policy Iteration For Markov Control Revisited, Abhijit Gosavi

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Q-Learning is based on value iteration and remains the most popular choice for solving Markov Decision Problems (MDPs) via reinforcement learning (RL), where the goal is to bypass the transition probabilities of the MDP. Approximate policy iteration (API) is another RL technique, not as widely used as Q-Learning, based on modified policy iteration. in this paper, we present and analyze an API algorithm for discounted reward based on (i) classical temporal differences update for policy evaluation and (ii) simulation-Based mean estimation for policy improvement. Further, we analyze for convergence API algorithms based on Q-factors for (i) discounted reward and (ii) …

Preface To Part Iii: Model Based Systems Engineering, Steven Corns

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Enabling Systems And The Adaptability Of Complex Systems-Of-Systems, Charles O. Adler, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

For complex techno-social system-of-systems, the system's robustness and its ability to adapt to changing environments and circumstances over the life cycle of the systems is an important measure of system quality and effectiveness. the IEEE 15288-2004 standard describes the concept of "enabling systems" that provide non-operational services to the system-of-interest at various times in the system life cycle. This concept of enabling systems provides critical components and perspective in the architecting and analysis of systems-of-systems adaptability and capabilities over time. Enabling systems also provide a potential strong link between the technical system and larger environmental effects such as economic conditions. …

Fuzzy Assessor Using Type 1 And Type 2 Fuzzy Sets, Paulette Acheson, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper provides a fuzzy assessor that can be used to evaluate system architectures. the fuzzy assessor includes a method of assigning system architecture attribute values to the lower-level subsystems using type 1 fuzzy sets and type 2 fuzzy sets. Each architecture attribute is evaluated at the lowest subsystem level and then mathematically rolled-up to provide the system level value for each architecture attribute. Then the value for each architecture attribute is combined into an overall system architecture performance value. This provides a mathematical method of qualitatively assessing a system architecture based on key architecture attributes. the fuzzy assessor uses …

Preface To Part Ii Computational Intelligence And Machine Learning, Rosemary D. Paradis, David Enke

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

A New Hybrid Approach For Forecasting Interest Rates, David Enke, Nijat Mehdiyev

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The dynamic, non-linear, volatile and complex nature of interest rates makes it hard to predict their future movements. in order to deal with these complexities, the authors propose a two-stage neuro-hybrid forecasting model. in the initial data preprocessing stage, multiple regression analysis is implemented to determine the variables that have the strongest prediction ability. the selected variables are then provided as inputs to a Fuzzy Inference Neural Network to forecast future interest rate values. the proposed hybrid model is implemented using data from the U.S. interest rate market. © 2012 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Computational System Architecture Development Using A Holistic Modeling Approach, Renzhong Wang, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents an innovative system architecture development framework that allows the search of optimum architecture solutions within large design space by automating certain model construction, alternative generation, simulation, and assessment tasks. Such framework is facilitated by a holistic modeling approach that combines the capabilities of Object Process Methodology (OPM), Colored Petri Net (CPN) and feature model. the resultant holistic model not only can capture the structural, behavior, and dynamic aspects of a system, allowing strong analysis methods to be applied, but also can specify the architectural design space allowing generation of architecture alternatives that cover it. the proposed framework …

Application Of Model-Based Systems Engineering On A University Satellite Design Team, Dustin Nottage, Steven Corns

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

System Engineering is a foundation of the Missouri S&T's Satellite Design Team, although it is not explicitly stated at all times. However, implementation of the systems engineering process within a student design team presents unique challenges. Student design teams have a high personnel turnover, a limited time commitment due to classes, some new members have little to no experience, and a sometimes lack of motivation to participate since it is volunteered time. the largest problem on the team is getting the new members knowledgeable about the system so they can start contributing as fast as possible. the other big problem …

A Proposal To Use Real Time Pricing To Manage The Electrical Grid As A Step Toward Distributed Control, David Haynes, Steven Corns

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

An alternative method of managing the electrical grid is presented. Rather than using a centralized control paradigm to balance generation against the load, a distributed approach is proposed. It is believed that this design improves the robustness of the grid by using an architecture that allows for the automatic formation of local micro grids. the self-organization of these micro-grids makes it possible to identify participants in an ad hoc fashion after a storm for purposes of disaster recovery. the micro-grid can automatically grow to encompass all participants and join with other grids to encompass the entire region. © 2012 Published …

Understanding System Of Systems Development Using An Agent-Based Wave Model, Paulette Acheson, Louis Pape, Cihan H. Dagli, Nil Kilicay-Ergin, John Columbi, Khaled Haris

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

System of Systems (SoS) development is a complex process that depends on the cooperation of various independent Systems [1]. SoS acquisition and development differs from that typical for a single System; it has been shown to follow a wave paradigm known as the Wave Model [2]. Agent based models (ABMs) consist of a set of abstracted entities referred to as agents, and a framework using simplified rules for simulating agent decisions and interactions. Agents have their own goals and are capable of perceiving changes in the environment. Systemic (global) behavior emerges from the decisions and interactions of the agents. This …

A Fuzzy Inference Model For Predicting Irregular Human Behaviour During Stressful Missions, Sina Khanmohammadi, Cihan Hayreddin Dagli, Farnaz Zamani Esfahlani

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper a hybrid fuzzy inference and transfer function modeling is used to predict the irregular human behavior during hard and stressful tasks such as dangerous military missions. a set of affecting factors such as missioner's experience, fatigue, sunshine intensity, hungriness, thirstiness, psychological characteristics, affright, etc. may be taken to account. in this regard a dynamic system model is used to predict the convolution of the timed effects of different factors on irregular behavior of personnel during the mission. This approach of predicting irregular behavior or erroneous decision making of staff have serious usages in aerospace, military, social and …

Decreasing Time To Market For A Medical Device: New Methods For The Product Development Process, Kelly Marie Davis

Doctoral Dissertations

"Through an example, led at a leading medical device company, this dissertation will demonstrate that by applying certain lean principals and tools to the development of a medical device, shortened development times can be obtained. The two papers presented in the dissertation will fill a gap in current literature. Literature presents lean techniques and applications used in many different industries. But, due to the uniqueness of the medical device industry, these general techniques are not ideal. New methods will be used and validated at a medical device company, Covidien. Instead of trying to implement many general lean principals to their …

Two Essays On The Domain Translation From Financial Options To Real Options, Hongyan Chen

Doctoral Dissertations

"Real options (ROs) extend the financial option pricing theory to the valuation of real asset investment and managerial flexibility under uncertainty. However, differences between financial and non-financial markets, and the complex real world environment of applications, build obstacles for the domain translation from financial options to ROs.

This dissertation is motivated by the challenges of domain translation and developed in two essays. The first essay studies the incentive function of ROs (named the RO incentive). The essay develops an option-game framework to model the RO incentive, examines the change of investment behavior caused by the RO incentive, and values the …

Modelling Interruptions Of Human-In-The Loop Tasks, Muhammet Servet Gulum

Doctoral Dissertations

"Interruptions are a part of our everyday experience and are increasingly becoming a part of our work. Systems are typically not designed with consideration of the effects of interrupting a user during a task sequence. Research is being done in the field of interruptions and its effects. There have been various claims about the effects of interruptions on human task performance. It has been shown that interruptions may not only increase the time to perform a task but also decrease the performance. It has also been analyzed that the effect of interruptions depends on many parameters including task complexity, point …

A Comparison Analysis Of Defensive Routines And Theories-In-Use Of Engineering And Non-Engineering Managers, Tyria Riley

Doctoral Dissertations

"Engineering managers are managers who have an understanding of both the technical and business world in organizations. Many lead teams of their peers who are purely technical individuals. However, the success of an engineering manager depends on being able to function in both worlds when necessary. There is a stigma that engineers experience challenges in areas such as communication, conflict resolution, and leadership. Due to these challenges, defensive routines are likely to exist. Defensive routines are behaviors that are common in many managers and may hinder the success of an organization. This research uses a case study approach to measure …

Analyses Of Alternative Energy Deployments, Mathew Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations

"Energy use around the world is rising drastically. Fossil fuels, including liquid fuels, natural gas, and coal, are expected to supply 80% of the world's energy need in 2035. As a result, the world's energy-related carbon dioxide emission is expected to increase from 30.2 billion metric tons in 2008 to 43.2 billion metric tons in 2035. Significant steps are necessary to reduce the dependence on fossil fuel and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable and alternative energy technologies can assist in reducing the use of fossil fuels and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, most of the renewable energy technologies …

The Pricing Of Multiple Exercisable American-Style Real Options, Yu Meng

Doctoral Dissertations

"Real options embedded in a project provide management with the flexibility to alter initial investment decisions, thus making them a practical tool for project planning and budgeting. Additional values are contributed to the underlying project due to the flexibilities that are provided by real options. This dissertation presents two models for pricing multiple exercisable American real options, one that employs the binomial tree method and the other one that employs the finite difference method. Different examples of multiple exercisable real options are discussed to demonstrate the two pricing models. Interactions between options and reality constraints are also considered. These two …

Search-Based System Architecture Development Using A Holistic Modeling Approach, Renzhong Wang

Doctoral Dissertations

"This dissertation presents an innovative approach to system architecting where search algorithms are used to explore design trade space for good architecture alternatives. Such an approach is achieved by integrating certain model construction, alternative generation, simulation, and assessment processes into a coherent and automated framework. This framework is facilitated by a holistic modeling approach that combines the capabilities of Object Process Methodology (OPM), Colored Petri Net (CPN), and feature model. The resultant holistic model can not only capture the structural, behavioral, and dynamic aspects of a system, allowing simulation and strong analysis methods to be applied, it can also specify …

Real-Time Supply Chain Predictive Metrics, William Scott Hunter

Doctoral Dissertations

"Supply chains drive the production world. Virtually all products use a supply chain to produce them and they can determine the success of companies using them. The ability to manage supply chains is currently a mix of relationship management and science, combining personal and company relationships with data analysis.

The increased dependency on supply chains has increased the need to develop and use predictive real-time metrics to manage supply chain risk, measure suppliers and drive performance. Current metrics used are reactive and stagnant in nature. Real-time metrics will allow supply chain professionals to better manage risk. Current management techniques include …

Optimization Of Process Planning For Focused Ion Beam Machine In Nano-Manufacturing, Sushrut Shekhar Naik

Masters Theses

"The current revolution witnessed by nanotechnology is facing several challenges such as manufacturing of nano sized devices economically on a large scale. Focused ion beam (FIB) technology is one of the widely used approaches for nano-manufacturing due to its versatile nature. It provides accurate machining and process repeatability and has a range of applications. Major challenges for the current FIB process are the tradeoffs between quality, the processing time, and the long planning time. This research provides a pathway to eliminate the current problems facing nanotechnology. Using MATLAB and the Helios 600 FIB/SEM instrument available, modeling and analyses are carried …

Logistics Modeling And Project Management Practices For Contingency Basing, Amanda Jo Gealy

Masters Theses

"Contingency basing is a critical factor in mission success but requires significant logistical and commander support. Designing and constructing a camp that is safe, secure, and self-sustaining can be a difficult task for a Contingency Basing engineering manager. The infrastructure for basic needs such as electricity, fuel, water, food, and waste management is critical and needs to be flexible.

This research focuses on assisting the Contingency Basing engineering manager in designing and constructing a feasible base camp using project management and modeling tools. Measuring scalability and resiliency with in the contingency base was studied as well. The methodology concentrates on …

Agent-Based Model Of Aerial Ad-Hoc Network Market Potential, Christopher B. Watkins, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Mobile Ad hoc NETworks (MANETs) have seen significant growth as a research topic in recent years. as opposed to a traditional network with a fixed node infrastructure, the nodes in a MANET are free to move and arbitrarily organize themselves while maintaining wireless communication with each other. the major benefit of MANETs is the lack of reliance on a fixed network infrastructure. the challenge is to dynamically route traffic through a set of mobile network nodes. MANETs represent a novel solution for providing internet access in aircraft. Currently, each aircraft maintains its own gateway to the internet using expensive satellite …