Industrial Engineering Commons^™

Improvement Of Solar Salt Works Performance, J Katima

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Coal, asphalt, black oil paint, naphthol green b and alkali blue 6b were testedfor improvement Of solar energy utilisation in solar salt manufacture. It was found that the use of alkali blue 6b dye dissolved in raw seawater improves efficiency by 3.6 percent. Both modifications could increase solar salt works with a coal coated surface than one employing raw seawater dyed with alkali blue 6b.

A Check Parameter Method For Use In Designing Relays, H Kadete

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Low quality magnetic steel available locally has been successfully used as core material for a relay. New design principles as well as construction procedure used in development of a prototype are presented. Then the new approach is assessed and found to deliver acceptable accuracy.

Critical Evaluation Of The Effects Of Changes Made To Roughing Filters Of Mpira-Balaka Plant On Its Treatment And Operational Performance, C Zulu

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Mpira Balaka, a full scale rural water supply project was constructed in Ntcheu, Malawi, in 1988 utilising Slow Sand Filtration (SSF) as the main treatment process and roughing filtration as the pretreatment method,following the promo- tion of this technology by various international institutions. During the rainy seasons, the treatment plant for Mpira Balaka failed to cope with the high raw water turbidity, resulting into very short filter run times and hence also to unavoidable distribution Of very turbid water to the rural communi- ties as a result Of by-passing the filters. Of the fifty or so existing rural projects in …

Development Of A Systematic Approach To The Implementation Of A Computer Integrated Manufacturing (Cim) For Small To Medium Sized Companies, G. Steven Trimmer

Masters Theses

CIM technology is rapidly becoming an essential part of businesses of all types and sizes. The impact on the culture of the enterprise is possibly of even greater complexity. Most existing implementations have been done by large businesses large teams of specialized talent.

The unique scope of this work is to simplify the implementation of CIM for small companies. The basic research derived from the WMU/IBM CIM Management Center, a fully functioning CIM facility that provides hands on experience to students and regional businesses.

The cultural references concerning CIM are derived from reading and personal experiences with industry while setting …

A Robust Aggregation Approach To Simplification Of Manufacturing Flow Line Models, Paul Savory

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

One of the more difficult tasks facing a modeler in developing a simulation model of a discrete part manufacturing system is deciding at what level of abstraction to represent the resources of the system. For example, questions about plant capacity can be modeled with a simple model, whereas questions regarding the efficiency of different part scheduling rules can only be answered with a more detailed model. In developing a simulation model, most of the actual features of the system under study must be ignored and an abstraction must be developed. If done correctly, this idealization provides a useful approximation of …

A Robust Aggregation Approach To Simplification Of Manufacturing Flow Line Models, Paul Savory

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Presentations

One of the more difficult tasks facing a modeler in developing a simulation model of a discrete part manufacturing system is deciding at what level of abstraction to represent the resources of the system. For example, questions about plant capacity can be modeled with a simple model, whereas questions regarding the efficiency of different part scheduling rules can only be answered with a more detailed model. In developing a simulation model, most of the actual features of the system under study must be ignored and an abstraction must be developed. If done correctly, this idealization provides a useful approximation of …

Development Of An Intelligent Geometry Measurement Procedure For Coordinate Measuring Machines, Tae-Sung Kim

Theses

A Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) is a highly accurate electronic scale for the automatic measurement of 2 and 3 dimensional geometries. In a typical operation the CMM measures a set of user defined points, and then utilizes some internal logic to ascertain whether the inspected part meets the specifications. CMMs have received widespread acceptance among the manufacturing community, and in many instances are required as per supplier contract. Applications of CMMs vary from the measurement of simple 2D parts to complex 3D spatial frames (as for example in their use to measure the integrity of automobile frames). The primary objective …

Set-Up Saving Schemes For Printed Circuit Boards Assembly, Oded Z. Maimon, Ezey M. Dar-El, Tali F. Carmon

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Focusing on a basic printed circuit board (PCB) assembly line configuration characterized by very long set-up times, we examine two scheduling methods that can significantly reduce the set-up. Both methods -the Grouped Set-Up (GSU) method that has been recently introduced in the literature and the Sequence Dependent Scheduling (SDS) method, which has not been studied in this context -are based on component commonality among PCB types. Using the typical traditional scheduling method as a benchmark, the GSU and the SDS methods are compared in terms of three performance measures: line throughput, average work-in-process (WIP) inventory level, and implementation complexity. Guidelines …

An Evaluation Of The Implementation Of Total Quality Management In A Service Organization, Charles Stanford Stevens

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This research consists of a formative evaluation designed to identify the steps necessary to revitalize a formerly successful Total Quality Management (TQM) process at a U.S. Navy engineering and logistics support organization. The research also developed a methodology to account for the fact that the investigator is a well-informed insider who served as one of the principle change agents for the TQM implementation.

The research is based on the researcher's observation that the major cause for the waning implementation was due to senior management and leadership issues and the organization-wide processes with which they interface. The investigation consisted of an …

Integration Of Simulation Modeling And Computer Aided Production Management In Computer Integrated Enterprise, Emine Persentili, Sema E. Alptekin

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Designing efficient and integrated manufacturing systems is the first step in attaining computer integrated enterprises (CIE). Integration of planning and implementation phases of manufacturing is essential for taking full advantage of the CIE. In order to design reliable and efficient manufacturing systems, the designers must consider the impacts of planning decisions made by computer aided production management (CAPM) modules on implementations held in manufacturing cells. This paper focuses on two issues. The first issue is importance and necessity of integrating CAPM modules with manufacturing cells. The second issue includes major features of the object-oriented approach and their relevance to our …

A Dynamic Part Assignment Procedure In Machine Cell Formation, Hamid Seifoddini, Manocher Djassemi

Industrial Technology and Packaging

A major contributing factor to the under utilization of machines in cellular manufacturing is the development of long queues in front of some machines in machine cells. This paper presents a procedure which identifies such machines and redistributes their loads to alternative machines whenever feasible.

An Investigation Of Integrated Product Development Teams Of The F-22 Program, Gary F. Wagner, Randall L. White

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated Integrated Product Development (IPD) at the F-22 System Program Office (SPO). A literature review revealed the key IPD characteristics of organizational structure, communication, intense up-front planning, training, integrated management tools, and lessons learned. The research method was twenty-two personal interviews of SPO subjects selected from four IPD teams, the front office, and functional support divisions. Key findings included an emphasis on up-front planning to establish an organizational and contractual structure which empowered workers to develop their products. Also, constant communication with all other functions and teams was stressed while training was primarily done while transitioning to IPD. …

Schedule Estimating Relationships For The Engineering And Manufacturing Development Of Bomber, Transport, Tanker And Surveillance Aircraft Systems, D. Scott Boyd, Brian D. Mundt

Theses and Dissertations

This study developed parametric schedule estimating relationships (SERs) for the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase for nontactical aircraft systems. The potential value of this nontraditional approach to estimating schedule duration has been established by previous applications to tactical aircraft, air-launched munitions, and office buildings. Prior research suggested acquisition strategy parameters to be significant schedule drivers. For this study, data on EMD milestone dates and potential schedule drivers were collected on 56 bomber, transport, tanker, and surveillance aircraft systems. Several SERs were developed for these systems using linear regression analysis. The EMD phase was divided into subphases based on significant …

Research And Development Project Selection Tools: Probing Wright Laboratory's Project Selection Methods And Decision Criteria Using The Lateral Airfoil Concept, James E. Barger

Theses and Dissertations

This research accomplished three major tasks. First it examined familiarity and usage rates for fifteen published R&D project selection methods in the context of a larger general issue, the Air Force's ability to develop and exploit technology. Wright Laboratory served as the focus for the research effort and displayed a greater tendency to use formal methods in 1993 than was shown in prior research. The laboratory's overall preference for simpler models like Checklist, Scoring, and Sorting led to a recommendation that authors familiar with the other techniques communicate them in engineering and management vernacular. Secondly, the study introduced a technological …

Pollution Prevention Incentives For Major Weapon System Programs, Donna C. Heinz, Dudley C. Wireman

Theses and Dissertations

This research was undertaken to identify positive incentives that would motivate both government personnel and contractors to incorporate pollution prevention into the early design phases of weapon system acquisitions. The adoption and implementation of such incentives would allow the Air Force to reach pollution prevention objectives more efficiently. A literature search revealed little information on the pollution prevention program in the military. In contrast much information was found concerning military cleanup activities. As a result, in-depth personal interviewing was used to measure pollution prevention awareness in Aeronautical Systems Center program offices. Interviews, analysis, and comparisons were made between three groups …

Repair Process Improvement At The Ogden Air Logistics Center, Landing Gear Division: A Case Study In The Application Of The Theory Of Constraints, David A. Maddox, Susan L. Martz

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the nature and extent of success that resulted from the implementation of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) in a depot repair environment. The actions taken to implement TOC were determined. Performance measures which defined success were identified and data were collected and summarized to demonstrate performance before and after implementation of TOC concepts. Improvements in flowdays and work-in-process (WIP) were determined to be attributable to the TOC effort. In addition, the unique characteristics of probabalistic repair and supply system variability were noted as those characteristics that posed the greatest challenges to implementing TOC in a remanufacturing environment. …

A Comparison Of The Disaster™ Scheduling Software With A Simultaneous Scheduling Algorithm For Minimizing Maximum Tardiness In Job Shops, Barak J. Carlson, Christopher A. Lettiere

Theses and Dissertations

The Theory of Constraints (TOC) is the foundation for a computerized scheduling system called DISASTER. Although this system has proven successful in many manufacturing settings, it has potential limitations due to the sequential heuristic process by which it schedules constraints. The objective of this thesis was to determine the extent to which these limitations impact the due date performance of schedules created by DISASTER. This objective was addressed by developing an algorithm to simultaneously schedule multiple constraints in a job shop environment and provide the optimal schedule for minimized maximum tardiness. This algorithm was used to obtain solutions for a …

Benchmark Production Scheduling Problems For Job Shops With Interactive Constraints, Stewart W. James, Bruno A. Mediate Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

United States Air Force (USAF) depots have expressed interest in utilizing DISASTER production scheduling software to schedule their maintenance operations. DISASTER attempts to increase system throughput by building effective schedules for system, constraint resources. However, when a system contains multiple, interactive constraints, DISASTER builds the constraint schedules one at a time. Since each successive schedule must adhere to timing restrictions imposed by previous constraint schedules, the quality of the schedules produced by DISASTER is dependent upon the sequence in which the constraints are scheduled. This thesis first developed a set of benchmark problems which provide a diversity of scheduling scenarios. …

An Investigation Of Integrated Product Development Implementation Issues: A Case Study Of Bosma Machine And Tool Corp, F. Paul Khuri, Howard M. Plevyak Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated Integrated Product Development (IPD) implementation issues. Research emphasis focused on teams used in IPD, particularly self-directed work teams (SDWTs). The areas addressed in the study were: Work Environment, Team Organization, Training and Education, Group Dynamics and Communication, Motivation, Rewards and Incentives, Measurements, and Contracts. Data was collected using interviews and presented as a case study. The most significant findings on work environment were that the organization's leadership should commit to the teaming idea and sell it to the organization's members. Teams should be organized by choosing members carefully and defining all roles. Personnel should be trained in …

Scheduling A Medium-Sized Manufacturing Shop: A Simulation Study, Daniel J. Mcfeely

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the application of simple-to-use, low cost scheduling methods to the operating environment of a medium-sized manufacturing shop. Computer simulation was used to evaluate eighteen different scheduling algorithms, each the result of the combination of a loading and a sequencing rule; due date setting was not considered since due dates are exogenously set. The loading rules investigated were Minimum Machine Required, Lowest Average WIP, and Lowest Average Aggregate Priority Level. The sequencing rules investigated were Priority, EDD, FIS, SPT, Slack, and Slack Ratio. The scheduling algorithms were evaluated against performance measures of mean tardiness, mean flowtime, mean percentage …

A Computer-Based Strategy To Facilitate Organizational Learning Process, Charles B. Keating

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This research investigated the development of Organizational Learning Process (OLP) through the application of a computer-based strategy in an organizational setting. OLP is developed from the organizational learning literature as an integration of similar concepts of organizational processes of inquiry essential to organizational learning. These concepts included: organizational dialectic (Argyris and Schon 1978), surfacing and testing mental models (Senge 1990a,1990b), and interpretation process (Daft and Weick 1984). A qualitative research methodology was developed within a participatory action research framework (Whyte 1989). A six phase research project, designed as a computer-based strategy to generate OLP, was applied in an organizational setting. …

A Multivariate Quality Control Approach For Automated Manufacturing Systems, Hisham Naim Ashur

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

In today's competitive manufacturing environment, effective and practical statistical quality control approaches are essential. A successful process control approach needs to provide on line real time monitoring of quality related characteristics.

No longer acceptable is an approach that analyzes quality related data only after the product is produced. A statistical process control approach that monitors the process during production and that reports trouble spots before bad products are made is necessary in an automated manufacturing environment.

An automated manufacturing environment is characterized by high volume production runs and short production cycles. Traditional statistical process control approaches are not capable of …

Optimum Design For Spring With Orthogonal Design Method, Han Fu - Jie

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Orthogonal design method is a sort of direct optimum method, by which the op- timal result may be obtained through simple computation and analysis. This method has gained increasingly extensive interest in scientific research, engineering design, end production management as well. The orthogonal table is the basic instrument for carrying out optimum design with orthogonal design method. It is a mathernatical table established On the basis Of the idea of isostatic distribution. As various levels may appear in any column, it makes a partial experiment contain levels of all factors furthermore. RII combina- tions of any two columns may appear …

Development And Testing Of Locally Produced Natural Rubber (Nr) And Pvc Blends, B Mutagahywa

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The mechanical properties of natural rubber - poly(vinyl chloride) blends have been studied. Tensile and tear strengths of the vulcanizates has been shown to increase with increasing proportions of PVC up to about 20 pphr. Abrasion loss and hardness decreases slightly with increasing concentration of PVC. Increased loading Of carbon black lowers the tensile and tear strength while increasing the abrasion loss and hardness values. This may be explained by the fact that PVC exists as a discontinuous rigid phase in the polymer compound. At normal loading of black (37 pphr) PVC improves processability and acts in the same way …

Antecedents, Moderators And Outcomes Of Organizational Commitment, Beatus Kundi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This study examined: (I) the impact of the BtruCturaI of tenure, job integration and organizational support on organizational (2) the mediating roles of the cultural values for performance and collectivity, and the intra—individual factorg of organizational identification and the norm of reciprocity Ln the relationahip between the structural factore and organization coamitment; and, (3) the relationghip between organizational cormitment and the ouecome variablen Of abøeneeeigm, turnover and The Bhow that job and Of the for performance a gignificant facilitator of the effecte Of the etructuraL factors on commitment; and organization identification and the norm of rec are important linkø in …

A Probabilistic Model And A Software Tool For Avcs Longitudinal Collision/Safety Analysis, H.-S. Jacob Tsao, Randolph Hall

Faculty Publications

This paper develops a probabilistic model and a software tool for analyzing longitudinal collision/safety between two automated vehicles. The input parameters are the length of the gap between the two vehicles, the common speed prior to the failure, the reaction delay of the following vehicle and a bivariate pint distribution of the deceleration rates of the two vehicles. The output includes the probability of a collision and also the probability distribution of the relative speed at collision time.We will use this model to compare the safety consequences associated with the platooning and "free-agent" vehicle-following rules. We will also demonstrate that …

Simulation Model For Predicting The Impact Of Progressive Diseases In The U.S. Population By Tracking, Biju Suseelan

Masters Theses

Computer Aided Simulation is the process of designing a mathematical-logical model of a real system and experimenting with this model on a computer. Simulation encompasses a model building process as well as the design and implementation of an appropriate experiment involving that model. A simulation experiment involves observing the dynamic behavior of a model by moving from state to state in accordance with well-defined operating rules designed into the model. This research contains the development of a novel approach for the HIV transmission dynamics by using computer simulation to track the HIV positive individuals in a population and to determine …

A Sociotechnical Approach To The Study Of Semiautonomous Work Group Communication In Technical Organizations, Elizabeth B. Varnes

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The sociotechnical aspects of group communication in semiautonomous technical work teams were investigated to understand how team members define "effective" group communication and what impact technical tools have on the group communication process. A team of workers with various technical backgrounds was selected for study. The study involved videotaped group sessions, a group training educational briefing and individual group member questionnaires. The results indicate that group members believed sharing information among group members was critical to successful communication and that certain technical tools could be effective during group meetings. The findings are congruent with the general theory that group communication …

Measures For Estimating The Need For Flexibility In A Manufacturing Facility, Raghu Chilukuri

Theses

Manufacturing technology is in the midst of on-going developments stemming from rapid improvements in machine tools, computers and robots. These developments present engineers with greater challenges and opportunities in designing more complex and productive systems. The concept of flexibility was defined by authors like Jaikumar, Son & Park, and Buzacott. The various challenges can be partly over come by building flexibility into the various systems. Various operational or raw measures are described as they help managers to understand the kind and extent of flexibility embedded in their production process and allow them to make informal judgement on new equipment.

Various …

Simulation Study For The Effect Of Dependencies In Queueing Systems, Yitao Bai

Theses

Few theoretical results have been obtained in the literature for the effects of dependencies between random variables on the performance of queueing systems. This thesis aims at investigating this issue via simulation. Several dependencies are studied in detail, including dependencies between interarrival times, between interarrival time and service time, between service times and dependencies between different stages in networks of queues. We define several classes of dependent random variables and study their correlation coefficients, then we apply them to single and multiple station service systems. Comparisons with the independent case, for which the explicit form solution are available, are made …