Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

Profit Based Simulation Model For The Rail Transportation Industry, Mark Patrick Doran

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Schedules often conflict in the rail transportation industry. Operations managers assign resources and make scheduling decisions with no visibility of the revenue, cost, and profitability characteristics of the route they are manipulating. Transit speed decisions focus on ensuring trains safely reach their destination on time with little regard given to the actual service needs of the customer. Although all customers want on-time deliveries, few actually pay a premium to garner this level of preferential treatment. Operating in this type of environment results in decisions that severely erode profits.

In this dissertation, a simulation model referred to as the Rail Profit …

A Hybrid Tabu/Scatter Search Algorithm For Simulation-Based Optimization Of Multi-Objective Runway Operations Scheduling, Bulent Soykan

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

As air traffic continues to increase, air traffic flow management is becoming more challenging to effectively and efficiently utilize airport capacity without compromising safety, environmental and economic requirements. Since runways are often the primary limiting factor in airport capacity, runway operations scheduling emerge as an important problem to be solved to alleviate flight delays and air traffic congestion while reducing unnecessary fuel consumption and negative environmental impacts. However, even a moderately sized real-life runway operations scheduling problem tends to be too complex to be solved by analytical methods, where all mathematical models for this problem belong to the complexity class …

A Retrospective Study Of Amusement Ride Restraint And Containment Systems: Identifying Design Challenges For Statistically Rare Anthropometric Cases, Paula M. Stenzler

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The intent of this project was to conduct a retrospective study of amusement ride restraint and containment systems’ failures to identify the challenges associated with existing design criteria to safely accommodate statistically rare groups that fall outside amusement industry standards. Innovations in ride technology provide an opportunity for injuries to occur if restraint and containment systems cannot properly accommodate unique patron anthropometry. It is paramount to understand how anthropometric features contribute to the patron’s ability to defeat ride restraint and containment systems. A systemic perspective was used based on industry accident data to frame the problem associated with restraint and …

Complex Adaptive Behavior: Pragmatic Idealism, Mustafa Canan, Andres Sousa-Poza

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

The introduction of new concepts is a driver of organizational evolution and transformation. A newly introduced concept can introduce new meaning that is disparate to existing understanding. A new concept may also be interpreted in multiple ways, thereby introducing several disparate meanings. The disparity is resolved through adaptation. The disparity introduces complex adaptive behavior to the organization, requiring suitable changes to its management and design. The development of corresponding doctrine for new concepts, and training for the organization's constituents become indispensable. In so doing, constituents can be involved in the adaptation process through direct participation, and thereby include the cognitive …

Modeling Social, Economic, Technical & Environmental Components In An Energy System, Ange-Lionel Toba, Mamadou Seck

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

Energy system models have become the main supporting tool for energy policy. Modern challenges in energy policy require energy systems models that integrate technical, environmental and societal aspects of the energy systems. In this paper, we introduce a conceptual model for an energy system model that specifies the relationships between social, technical, environmental, and economic aspects of an energy system. This conceptual model presented in the IDEF0 language will serve as a basis for a computational energy systems model. © 2016 The Authors.

Energy Sustainability Of Turkey In The Case Of Lng, Omer Ilker Poyraz, Omer Keskin, Resit Unal

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

Energy is both vital and strategic element for a nation to sustain its fundamental activities like security, logistics, heating, etc. Countries sustain their energy demands through internal or external sources. In the case of not being able to maintain energy demands from their internal sources, they would need to import their requirements. Whenever they need to buy raw materials, they have to build terminals to process the raw material into the required form. The dependency on the imports may cause the importing country to weaken its advantage in international conflicts, unemployment, and welfare. Therefore, countries aim to mitigate dependence to …

The Effect Of Impeded Information Sharing And Transparency On Power Differentials And Organizational Dysfunction, Mustafa Canan, A. Sousa-Poza

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

The constituents of an organization have to interact with each other. The purpose of the interaction is to maintain flow of information, to exchange knowledge, to share individual situational awareness, and to give rise to an organizational shared awareness. The rate of information exchange is constrained by multiple factors and impacts the effectiveness of the communication in an organization. For instance, extensive communication may not result in informativeness all the time. Communication channels induce constraints between the interacting agents. These constraints can impede information flow. Impeding information flow will result in an accumulation of knowledge with a particular agent. Consequently, …

Development Of An Instrument To Assess Capacity For Systems Thinking, Kaitlynn M. Castelle, Raed M. Jaradat

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

With the rapid growth and integration in technology and information, the behavior and structure of complex systems presents escalating challenges. Complex systems are marked by high level of ambiguity, uncertainty, and emergence. These conditions impose challenges and difficulties for practitioners responsible to successfully manage and design complex systems. There is a fundamental need to have a cadre of individuals who are capable of dealing with increasingly complex systems and their problems. One response is Systems Thinking, which can provide a holistic thinking paradigm that opens new channels and opportunities to think differently about complex systems as a whole unit. This …

Why Are All The Softies In Europe? A Discussion Of The Lack Of Penetration Of Soft Or In The Us, Andrew J. Collins, Patrick T. Hester

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

Soft Operations Research (OR) methods are used for a variety of real-world problems due to their focus on qualitative or interpretative problem formulation and analysis. Analysts use Soft Systems Methodology for problem structuring, drama theory for understanding conflicts, and morphological analysis for decision support. These techniques have an advantage over their quantitative counterparts because they can be used to tame wicked problems. So why is the use of soft OR not widespread in the US? In this paper, we discuss the systems and forces in place that limit soft OR within the US' higher education system and, by extension, the …

Systemic Analysis Of Complex System Governance For Acquisition, Charles B. Keating, Joseph M. Bradley, Polinpapilinho F. Katina

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

The purpose of this paper is to explore Complex System Governance (CSG) issues related to systemic analysis of acquisition systems. CSG is an emerging field focused on the design, execution, and evolution of the functions necessary to provide continued system performance (stability) in the midst of incessant turbulence and increasing complexity. Integral to this field is the necessity to engage systems to address behavior or performance that is inconsistent with that which is desired. Systemic analysis for CSG serves to examine a system to discover fundamental system issues (e.g. acquisition). Arguably, system acquisition has an unremarkable record of success, ranging …

Cyber-Physical Systems: Complex System Governance As An Integrating Construct, Polinpapilinho F. Katina, Charles B. Keating, Adrian V. Gheorghe

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper examines contributions of Complex System Governance (CSG) as an integrating construct for the emerging fields of critical cyber-physical systems (CPS). CPS is concerned with physical entities that are controlled by computational elements. The field is relatively new, emerging, and also somewhat fragmented in development. There are multiple agencies, entities, and activities being undertaken to address a nexus of emerging issues (e.g., cybersecurity) in critical infrastructures. However, the development of critical CPS, as a field, albeit with good intentions and efforts, appears to be largely ‘self-organizing.’ In response, we suggest CSG as an organizing construct capable of provided a …

Complex System Governance For Acquisition, Joseph Bradley, Polinpapilinho Katina, Charles Keating

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

As acquisition processes have become more complex, they appear to no longer be governable by traditional approaches. Missed budgets, delayed deliveries, and expensive canceled systems appear to becoming more prevalent. Numerous investigations have been conducted attempting to elicit the factors that prevented success. Those systems that succeed in terms of usability, budget, and delivery schedule are the rarity and often become case studies themselves as we try to extract the characteristics that differentiate success from failure. A different viewpoint is to look at the acquisition system from the perspective of Complex Systems Governance (CSG). Recent developments in the field of …

Heuristic And Exact Algorithms For The Two-Machine Just In Time Job Shop Scheduling Problem, Mohammed Al Salem, Leonardo Bedoya-Valencia, Ghaith Rabadi

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

The problem addressed in this paper is the two-machine job shop scheduling problem when the objective is to minimize the total earliness and tardiness from a common due date (CDD) for a set of jobs when their weights equal 1 (unweighted problem). This objective became very significant after the introduction of the Just in Time manufacturing approach. A procedure to determine whether the CDD is restricted or unrestricted is developed and a semirestricted CDD is defined. Algorithms are introduced to find the optimal solution when the CDD is unrestricted and semirestricted. When the CDD is restricted, which is a much …

Towards A Systems Theory-Based Curriculum For Complex Systems Governance, Polinpapilinho Katina, Joseph M. Bradley

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

The purpose of this paper is to explore challenges associated with the development of a curriculum for an emerging field of Complex System Governance (CSG) that could be used for instruction and teaching leaders, managers, and students interested in increasing their knowledge, skills, and abilities about CSG. CSG has been suggested as a means to (1) expose deep system issues impacting performance, (2) introduce practitioners to new thinking, technologies, tools, and methods to address these issues, and (3) institutionalize capabilities to continuously advance governance. As with all new approaches, a curriculum in an emerging field is an essential element for …

Period Batch Control - A Production Planning System Applied To Virtual Manufacturing Cells, Z. Tesic, B. Stevanaov, V. Jovanovic, M. Tomic, C. Kafol

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Period Batch Control (PBC) system has been known for its implementation with the classical group technology (GT) cells, and it has been known for its simplicity. The main production planning decisions concern the choice of the period length and the stage number and contents. Also, in order to better integrate the production planning with the application of GT cells at the shop floor, the concept of virtual manufacturing cells has been applied. Since virtual cells configurations are changing periodically, a model for implementing the PBC system into virtual manufacturing cells environment is developed. The model enables alignment of the PBC …

Pilot Programs For Veterans Transition To Engineering Fields, Vukica M. Jovanovic, Anthony W. Dean, Carol L. Considine, Karina Arcaute, Petros Katsioloudis, Mileta Tomovic, Thomas B. Stout, Connor Schwalm, Jennifer G. Michaeli, Yuzhong Shen

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Veterans, through their active service, frequently receive training in highly skilled technical areas. However, they may lack a theoretical background in underlying engineering principles. They also need additional support with the transition from a highly structured military environment to an environment with more ambiguous time constraints and different sorts of responsibilities. Moreover they are facing challenges which are specific for their student population. Therefore, enabling multiple mechanisms which would support them and provide them necessary guidance are especially important at universities with large veteran populations such as at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Hence, there is a need for …

The Role Of 'Metasystem' In Engineering A System Of Systems, Polinpapilinho F. Katina, Charles B. Keating, Joseph M. Bradley

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

Fundamentally, a system of systems is characterized by operational independence, managerial independence, evolutionary development, emergent behavior, and geographical distribution. However, value-wise, a system of systems should provide greater capability beyond that which individual systems can provide. Enabling this greater capability has to be purposely designed for and managed. In this paper, we argue that this is the primary role of the metasystem structure and its execution. A metasystem is a governing structure that provides coordination and integration of multiple systems, brought together to achieve overarching missions and functions beyond those of the constituent systems. This paper articulates the differences between …

An Efficient Solution To The Mixed Shop Scheduling Problem Using A Modified Genetic Algorithm, V. Nguyen, H. P. Bao

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

The mixed job shop scheduling problem is one in which some jobs have fixed machine orders and other jobs may be processed in arbitrary orders. In past literature, optimal solutions have been proposed based on adaptations of classical solutions such as by Johnson, Thompson and Giffler among many others, by pseudopolynomial algorithms, by simulation, and by Genetic Algorithms (GA). GA based solutions have been proposed for flexible Job shops. This paper proposes a GA algorithm for the mixed job shop scheduling problem. The paper starts with an analysis of the characteristics of the so-called mixed shop problem. Based on those …

Applications Of Digital Manufacturing In Manufacturing Process Support, Vukica Jovanovic, Mihael Debevec, Niko Herakovic, Alok Verma, Mileta Tomovic

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

In this study, the authors developed three new approaches and models for improvements related to manufacturing processes. The main focus was on planning in a digital environment before the actual manufacturing process is carried out. The first approach is digital manufacturing, which gives affords the opportunity for performing an entire manufacturing process in a virtual environment. In this way, engineers virtually define, plan, create, monitor, and control all production processes. The planning phase can be done simultaneously, while other manufacturing processes are already in place. In this way, processes can continue with no interruption. Various product lifecycle management tools have …

The Reconfigurable Machinery Efficient Workspace Analysis Based On The Twist Angles, Ana M. Djuric, Vukica Jovanovic, Mirjana Filipovic, Ljubinko Kevac

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

A novel methodology for the calculation, visualisation and analysis of the Reconfigurable Machinery Efficient Workspace (RMEW), based on the twist angles, is presented in this paper. The machinery's kinematic parameters are used for calculating the workspace, while the efficient workspace is associated with the machinery's path and includes the end-effector position and orientation. To analyse and visualise many different machinery efficient workspaces at the same time, the calculation is based on the previously developed and validated complex reconfigurable machinery's kinematic structure named n-DOF Global Kinematic Model (n-GKM). An industrial robot is used as an example to demonstrate …

An Approach For The Development Of Complex Systems Archetypes, Walter Lee Akers

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to explore the principles and concepts of systems theory in pursuit of a collection of complex systems archetypes that can be used for system exploration and diagnostics. The study begins with an examination of the archetypes and classification systems that already exist in the domain of systems theory. This review includes a critique of their purpose, structure, and general applicability. The research then develops and employs a new approach to grounded theory, using a visual coding model to explore the origins, relationships, and meanings of the principles of systems theory. The goal of the …

Examining The Relationship Between Leadership Decision Making Styles And Personality Type Within The Department Of Defense, Antoine Lamont Prince Sr.

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Leadership is perhaps the single most important function within the Department of Defense. While the old cliché “everyone is a leader regardless of position” may hold moral meaning, personnel in leadership positions are key. Under the umbrella of leadership is decision making. What leadership is to an organization, decision making is to leadership. Yet, despite this knowledge, unsound decisions are readily conducted. There are various theories as to why this holds true, one of which is personality type. Research however, shows that there is a limited amount of relevant knowledge to determine if there is in fact a …

Meta-Raps Hybridization With Machine Learning Algorithms, Fatemah Al-Duoli

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation focuses on advancing the Metaheuristic for Randomized Priority Search algorithm, known as Meta-RaPS, by integrating it with machine learning algorithms. Introducing a new metaheuristic algorithm starts with demonstrating its performance. This is accomplished by using the new algorithm to solve various combinatorial optimization problems in their basic form. The next stage focuses on advancing the new algorithm by strengthening its relatively weaker characteristics. In the third traditional stage, the algorithms are exercised in solving more complex optimization problems. In the case of effective algorithms, the second and third stages can occur in parallel as researchers are eager to …

Systems Theory-Based Construct For Identifying Metasystem Pathologies For Complex System Governance, Polinpapilinho F. Katina

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to develop a systems theory-based construct for metasystem pathologies identification in support of the problem formulation phase of systems-based methodologies using an inductive research design. Problem formulation has been identified as one of the most critical stages in complex system development since it influences later stages in complex system understanding. In modern society where the operating landscape is characteristically ambiguous, mired by complexity, emergence. interdependence, and uncertainty, the concept of problem formulation is used to ensure right issues affecting complex systems surface and addressed to meet expected system performance and viability. In this research, …

A Framework To Simplify The Choice Of Alternative Analysis And Selection Methods, James Paul Lewis Holzgrefe

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation contributes a framework for analysts and engineering managers to investigate and choose alternative analysis and selection methods based upon their problem and its context. It began as an investigation into the alternative analysis and selection methods used in military planning. The existing military methods were inconsistent, violated the decision science body of knowledge, and provided no guidance to the practitioner on matching methods to problems. These challenges made it necessary to conduct this investigation.

This research used a three-phase mixed methods approach. The first phase applied the general inductive method to the decision making body of knowledge to …

Considerations For Introducing And Practicing Wellness In Harp Pedagogy And Performance, Alexandra Haile Calvert

Music Theses & Dissertations

Movement, breath, and intense focus are crucial to the playing of any musical instrument. In addition, these are important areas in many wellness methods. Many harpists are prone to injury from playing, moving their harps, sitting with poor posture, and not warming up the body before playing. By considering and incorporating the wellness practices of ergonomics, Alexander Technique, yoga, meditation, and constructing a conducive learning and practicing environment, the risk of injury may be lowered for harpists. The purpose of this study is to research and present various methods in which harpists can prevent injury. This study will assess the …

A Common Knowledge Engineering Framework For Data Assimilation, Correlation, And Extrapolation (Dace), Edward P. Weaver

EMSE Doctoral Projects

The Common Knowledge Engineering Framework for Data Assimilation, Correlation, and Extrapolation (DACE) project is focused on providing a software centric general framework for advanced processing and analysis of data. This translates to researchers, scientists, engineers, and system architects not having to program a new application but rather to define the system configuration, process, and processing that is needed to perform a specific functionality. This makes the limitation of the application the end users ability to fully define the functional requirements and setup the framework accordingly.

This doctoral project will provide the details to the system definition, standards, metrics, schedule, and …

Key Factors Driving Personnel Downsizing In Multinational Military Organizations, Ilksen Gorkem

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Although downsizing has long been a topic of research in traditional organizations, there are very few studies of this phenomenon in military contexts. As a result, we have little understanding of the key factors that drive personnel downsizing in military settings. This study contributes to our understanding of key factors that drive personnel downsizing in military organizations and whether those factors may differ across NATO nations' cultural clusters. The theoretical framework for this study was built from studies in non-military contexts and adapted to fit the military environment.

This research relies on historical data from one of the largest multinational …

An Analysis Of The Relationship Between Military Leaders' Operational Adaptability And Knowledge Transfer, Vahap Kavaker

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A variety of research underlines the increasing need for adaptable leaders in the military and enhancing operational adaptability is accepted as one of the crucial factors for achieving success in future military operations. In general terms, operational adaptability is the ability to successfully respond to unforeseen changing situations during military operations. However, this study reveals that operational adaptability is not clearly conceptualized and supporting factors are not investigated in detail in the literature. Among possible factors, knowledge transfer is claimed to be an important practice that increases personal performance and effectiveness.

This research conceptualized operational adaptability and investigated the relationship …

Command And Control In The Information Age: A Case Study Of A Representative Air Power Command And Control Node, Marvin Leo Simpson Jr.

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

As operations command structures change, it is important to be able to explore and understand their fundamental nature; researchers should unearth the gestalt nature of the operational node. The organizational structure and the infrastructure can significantly affect overall command and control (C2) performance. Thus, it is necessary to develop understanding of effectiveness of the technical network and the people using the system as a whole.

The purpose of this research is to conduct an analysis of a representative Air Power Operational C2 node, create and use a repeatable method, and present the results as a case study to elicit fundamental …