Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

The Effects Of Degraded Indoor Air Quality On Employees Working In High Rise Office Buildings, Richard Patrick Luongo

Theses

An examination of the effects of poor indoor air quality on workers in high rise office buildings was conducted. These effects are manifested physiologically, psychologically and economically and originate from sources inside and outside the building, as well as from the building's ventilation system. These sources include combustion products, microorganisms, volatile organic chemicals, cigarette smoke and miscellaneous chemicals. Lower productivity and higher absenteeism are the initial results of these effects. If the situation becomes chronic, an erosion of trust between employer and employee can occur which may eventually serve as the basis for litigation, such as worker's compensation claims and …

Management Of Construction Jobsite Productivity : A Self Assessment Approach, Nicos Poliviou Nicolaou

Theses

A critical component of construction project management is the improvement of jobsite productivity. This paper proposes a procedure for use by project managers to assess jobsite productivity performance. The methodology provides a framework which when applied will identify specific aspects of the jobsite where potential productivity improvement is possible. A major feature is its systematic approach which will direct the project manager to the specific resources which when better managed will lead to lower construction costs.

A Research Analysis : Differences Between Contemporary Corporate Management And Entrepreneurial Management, Kevin A. Gugliotta

Theses

A research analysis was conducted to distinguish the differences between contemporary corporate management and entrepreneurial management. A major difference is in the attitude, perception, and priority of the senior management and the organizational mission. Other distinguishing differences are related to individual and organizational leadership, organizational hierarchy and structure, decision-making authority, and compensation systems for employees.

Implementation Of A Robotic Workcell, John J. Rogers

Theses

This thesis is intended to provide the reader with some insight into the implementation of robotics technology into an organization. A seven step approach to implementing robotics into an organization was used. The seven steps consist of the following:

1) Initial familiarization with the technology.

2) Plant survey to identify potential applications.

3) Selection of the application.

4) Selection of the robot.

5) Detailed economic analysis.

6) Planning and engineering the installation.

7) Installation.

These steps were applied in an actual organization, the IBM Corp. Real-life processes and operations were utilized in proceeding with the seven step approach. Included in …

The Strategic Planning Dilemma In American Manufacturing, James Andrew Kiray

Theses

The decline of American manufacturing competitiveness is a highly publicized and controversial issue. This publicity has led to a panacea of solutions being offered to this problem. As a result, many conflicting viewpoints have emerged, which have aided in making any solution to this problem extremely difficult. Top executives have been inundated with recommendations for change, causing confusion at all levels of management.

In an effort to define the underlying problems existing within the American strategic planning process, this author has selected current literature which supports his own views, and has expended upon these views.

Once these underlying problems are …

Development Of A Knowledge-Based System For Human Error Analysis, Bang-Chiang Sung

Theses

Human Factors is one of several essential issues in a discussion of system productivity. Its consideration must be included in the design, development, operation, and maintenance of any human-machine system. In order to maximize the system productivity, humans must perform with their maximum possible efficiency. To achieve this, all human-related activities must be evaluated to determine their possible causes of errors and the consequences. Then, if unable to completely remove, the causes of human errors must be minimized.

This thesis integrates a knowledge of expert system into an analysis of human errors. Its objective is to develop a knowledge-based system …

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 …

Micro Cad/Cam System Selection And Implementation, Christian Georg Haas

Theses

The rapid growth of the computer market in the last four decades causes difficulties in evaluating the various systems and configurations of this complex market.

This thesis focuses on graphics capable microcomputers in the computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) field. The thesis emphasizes the technical possibilities such a system offers in terms of hardware, software and applications. Each hardware and software component is detailed to give a new-comer the opportunity to update him or herself in this high technology field. Technical information, as well as installation and implementation are described. Also, provided are lists of several …

A Model For The Determination Of Market Based Pricing Of Telecommunication Products, Katherine J. Sullivan

Theses

The deregulation of AT&T, has impacted telecommunication product pricing in the U.S. market. Previously, pricing had been based on cost plus mark-up, as stipulated by regulatory commissions. Now, pricing decisions require consideration of the competitive impact, consumer demand for the product, corporate pricing objectives and marketing strategies. This paper proposes a pricing process that is relevant for this new environment which enables the product manager to price properly.

The method proposed utilizes microeconomic theory and takes into account the product test price, unit cost, opportunity cost, nonprice factor cost and consumer demand. Incorporating a number of different pricing strategies, it …

Utilization Of The Theory Of Constraints Approach For Improving A Manufacturing Enterprise Profitability : A Case Study, Yaron Chaut

Theses

The past two decades have been a difficult period for the U.S. as it lost its dominant position in one manufacturing industry after another to Japan. The American worker was initially blamed for this phenomenon - he was too expensive, was less productive, and produced lower quality products then the Japanese worker. The opening of factories in the U.S. managed by Japanese with American workers proved this claim to be wrong, as their products were competitive and often even better then the original Japanese products. It also indicated that the Japanese production planning and control methods are the primary reason …

A Methodology For Evaluating Prospective Investments In Flexible Automation, Werner A. Eikenbusch

Theses

The flexible automation of production systems (FA) provides the technology necessary for competitive success. However, the use of traditional budgeting methods has proved unsatisfactory when evaluating this type of investment, primarily because of the inadequate consideration being given to the resultant strategic benefits.

A methodology considered suitable for evaluating FA investments is proposed together with an illustrative application. To determine its industrial usefulness, manufacturing managers of North American and West German companies were surveyed both via interviews and via questionnaires. Their response confirms the merit of the procedure, despite the differences in competitive foci found between the American and the …

The State And Future Of Televised Professional Training Systems, Robert Michael Brady

Theses

This paper investigates the topic of televised professional training -- that is training and educating managers and technical professionals via live or videotaped television broadcasts. The investigation begins with a description of how some typical educational networks operate; it then goes on to analyze in a strictly theoretical sense, some of the advantages and disadvantages that such a system would have compared with the traditional methods of offering continuing education; it then discusses the results of two specially prepared surveys -- one addressed to the administrator/manager, and one addressed to the student. These areas are then united in a final …

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 …

Evaluation Of Word Processing Cost Effectiveness, Nicholas E. Tedesco

Theses

The objective of this thesis is to examine the use of word processing technology to determine if its implementation is a cost effective investment. This will be accomplished by comparing the cost of a typewritten page before and after the implementation or upgrade of word processing equipment. The degree of utilization and the impact of utilization on standard costs will also be examined.

Significant difficulty was encountered attempting to locate and compile statistical information on word processing. Therefore, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to the 100 largest public and 100 largest private companies headquartered in New Jersey, requesting information …

Application Of Robots In Developing Countries, Badi Uddin

Theses

The increasing versatility of robots has led to their use in a widening range of applications. The robot population is growing at a remarkable pace. The increase in the use of robots in industry has changed the standards of productivity and quality. During past years, as labor costs has risen, safety and environmental regulations have been changed to provide more benefits to workers and capabilities of robots became more sophisticated. Therefore, robots became a valuable piece of production equipment.

Now, robots are able to perform all kinds of hazardous and heavy duty jobs which are harmful to human life or …

A Prognostication Of Just-In-Time Efficacy In American Manufacturing, Mark L. Kahan

Theses

"Just-in-time" is a Japanese philosophy of business management which has as its ideal the complete elimination of waste in the process of adding value to a product. Some experts have contended that its basis is not cultural, but technical, and is thus applicable to American manufacturing concerns. After an initial exploration of economics and productivity concepts, and of U.S. logistics, inventory, and purchasing practices, the matter of Just-in-time will be addressed, both theoretically and in terms of Japanese business and labor relationships and culture. Then, based upon a case study consisting of observations made at a traditional American manufacturer, this …

Management Controls And Modeling With Personal Computers (Pcs) For Material Procurement Within The Department Of Defense (Dod), Stefano Coppola

Theses

As an inevitable fallout of the microcomputer explosion, micro-to-mainframe links have been praised as an effective means of satisfying microcomputer users who insist for more processing power and less dependence on mainframe data processing. Personal Computers used to emulate terminals offer local storage capabilities as well as financial analysis and graphics.

Using a Personal Computer, Lotus 123, and a simulated PC-Link, a management control system was designed to satisfy the Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 7000.2 for material procurement.

The resulting model provides both the Government and the contractor's management control system with a reliable, timely, and auditable system that …

Process Hazard Review For Drug Development, Rudolph R. Schwarz

Theses

The development of drugs has become increasingly complex, requiring the use of a wide variety of pharmaceutical actives and isolated intermediates, a majority of which are not always completely characterized with respect to their hazard potential. This can present a source of potential exposure to those who handle these substances during initial drug development, manufacturing of the drug active and ultimately the finished pharamaceutical product. It is, therefore, essential that safety and health information be documented and communicated during the entire drug development process.

The need for application of process hazard review techniques to the development of new drug materials …

Recruitment Of Engineers In A Small Company, Robert Cohen

Theses

With most recruitment techniques written for large companies, recruitment of engineers in a small company may be a large problem. A detailed analysis of the engineering employer and employee is constructed making note of large and small company differences. A survey was taken and the results are presented in support of the authors opinions. A generic recruitment technique is also presented, followed by modifications or other considerations to that technique. This should increase the available applicant pool and optimize quality levels of the engineering candidates for the small company.

Developing A Portable Data Terminal Computer System For Field Service Personnel, Frank De Bellis

Theses

This thesis is intended to provide the reader with a background in the development of modern day portable data terminals / computer systems. In order to accomplish this, some background will be provided to familiarize the reader with the evolution of computer systems. This will enable the reader to become familiar with the fast pace at which these computer systems have developed within only the last several years.

This thesis will include a description of the design, development, and implementation of these computer systems. The thesis will include a description of the way the many pieces of such a sophisticated …

Office Automation, Nanda Kishore Krishnaiah

Theses

This thesis gives an overview of the technology available to management for implementing office automation. It explores the methodology for creating an integrated automated office. It discusses methods for linking automated offices through the concept of networking and it addresses the major behavioral aspects associated with the implementation of automation in the office. The most significant part of this thesis is that the conceptual design model is illustrated by the application to an actual case study. The author was involved as a team member in an automation project with the Center for Information Age Technology, at New Jersey Institute of …

High Tech Transition And The Organization, Chetan H. Shah

Theses

The future outlook of any corporation depends upon the resourcefulness of those who manage the planning and operating functions of the business. Time and accuracy are two critical criteria in effective managerial reports for decision making. The electronic computer is a welcome addition into the industry. While its applications to payroll, accounting, sales, and inventory have been extensive, computing has nevertheless been criticized. This study concentrates on determining the impact computing has had on the managers and especially on the people working in the organization from clerks to the top level management.

While an investigation of the existing literature was …

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 …

Just-In-Time In The United States : Culture And Competitive Manufacturing, Wolfram Pabst Von Ohain

Theses

Richard Schonberger, 'the' Guru of Just-in-Time' in the United States, wrote in the preface of his 1986 book World Class Manufacturing:

"...Japanese success is rot mature-based. Its basis is a quite different set of concepts, principles, policies, and techniques for managing and operating a manufacturing enterprise. All of it is easy to understand, not hand to accept (once known), eminently teachable and learnable, and not so difficult to apply.

If Just-in-Time is such 'a piece of cake' one would expect that most American companies would practice Just-in-Time. As commonly known, most American companies do not follow the philosophy of Just-in-Time. …

Mrp Ii As A Tool For Inventory Management : Application, Implementation, And Its Alternatives, Yi-Hsin Chiu

Theses

MRP II has been used universally as a tool for production planning in various manufacturing systems. Its foundation of success is based on an accurate inventory management. Due to the rational pricing of computer hardware and software, the selection of an appropriate off-the-shelf MRP II package has become an important topic. Moreover, implementation of a commercial MRP II package significantly affects its capability of handling an assigned task. The scope of this thesis is to discuss how to successfully implement MRP II through a design and development of a proper inventory data base in order to expand its application. The …

Automated Manufacturing Technology As A Factor In Production Planning And Control, Henry Steven Nicholas

Theses

The field of automated manufacturing technology is examined. The physical hardware is described, including transfer systems, feeder systems, placing devices, automated work stations, sensors, and actuators. The interrelation of the hardware elements is described and various applications are identified. The role of the control system and its interaction with the hardware is examined. The data communications network required for the control system is considered. Various types of computers, computer network structures, and process control strategies are examined.

The use of automated manufacturing technology requires a new approach to production planning and control. The traditional approach is described and several problem …

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, …

Biorhythms And Industrial Injuries, James Vincent Detitta

Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not a relationship exists between the time of an industrial injury and a specific position on the biorhythm scale known as a critical day.

Ninety-six employees who worked at the E. I. du Pont de Nemours Plant in Parlin, New Jersey served as a test group during 1980. In order to determine if a relationship did exist, the subjects' biorhythmic cycles for 1980 were charted and then their injury performance was monitored during that year to see if the injury date corresponded with a critical day. An additional test was …

An Inventory Model For The Specialty Chemical Industry, Paul Murchison

Theses

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

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

Theses

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