By Tracks
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Conference Schedule
By Tracks |
Automation/Intelligent Computing:
Chair: Andrzej Gapinski, Penn State University
Session 1: Tuesday March 16, 1:15 pm Pelican room
John Heath and Adel Ali
Network Service Load Balancing: A Predictive Neural Network Approach
We propose a system using a Predictive Neural Network in a Network Service Load Balancing System. A system scheduler uses priorities queues to schedule network resource. Simple counter values are used and feed into this predictive network, where candidate neighborhoods, representing by the fired neurons, are used to make adjustments to the scheduler to free other services to execute faster. Using a neural network in this fashion would achieve better system performance that what has been previously researched.
Shahram Rahimi, Gundamaraju Chakravarthy and Garuda Rachamalla
Handling Message Dependent Deadlocks
In this paper, we propose a reliable token management mechanism to enhance the present system with a small overhead. We employ a node in the network to act as an Active Monitor, responsible for monitoring the token. The active monitor periodically scans the network for the token and if it is not found, it releases a new token after eliminating the single point failure
Adam Krzyzak and Dominik Scahafer
Nonparametric Regression Estimation By Radial Basis Function Networks and Empirical Risk Minimization
This paper discusses nonparametric regression estimation by the radial basis function networks. It establishes consistency properties of regression estimates based on normalized radial basis function networks when the network parameters are chosen by empirical minimization.
Shahram Rahimi, Kiran Kancham and Deepthi Boppidi
Implementing Distance Vector Routing Algorithm Using Message Passing Interface
The network layer in OSI-BRM seven layer model is concerned with receiving packets from the source application and transferring them to the destination computer. Packets usually have to make multiple hops to reach the destination, and network layer uses its routing algorithms to decide which output line the incoming packet should be transmitted to. Dynamic routing algorithms take into account the current network load and other factors such as congestion on a particular link to determine the best possible path. The present project deals with the implementation of a Distributed Vector Routing algorithm using Message Passing Interface (MPI). In this implementation, we assume that the network has a fixed topology.
Session 2: Tuesday March 16, 2:45 pm Pelican room, Andrzej J. Gapinski, session chair
Andrzej J. Gapinski
DesignCAD Animation: Illustration of a DC Motor
This note discusses an animation created with DesignCAD1 software, which illustrates a principle of operation of a dc motor. The animation serves a vital educational goal of explaining physical principles with the help of imagery and animation. Dc motors are used extensively in automation and manufacturing processes, which underscore the importance of the subject.
Andrzej J. Gapinski
XILINX FPGA: TIMING ISSUE
FPGA technology became an important choice within the programmable logic solutions. In the design process a designer must consider timing issues which often necessitate the modifications of the design prior to the implementation. Example of a state machine and a modified state machine of a parity checker illustrate the timing problem and its solution.
Geary Layne, Marlin Gendron and Maura Lohrenz
POS Polyline Smoothing: Reduction of Polyline Vertices
The removal of vertices is an effective way to simplify polylines. The Points of Significance (POS) polyline-smoothing algorithm is a method for user controllable removal of polyline vertices while maintaining a desired relationship to neighboring data. The neighboring data may be intrinsic or artificially created to achieve a desired result
Construction Management/Project Engineering:
Chair: Mostafa Khattab, Colorado State Univ.
Session 1: Wednesday March 17, 8:00 am Heron room
Alper Camci and Timothy Kotnour
Project Management Issues: Do We Have the Right Tools to Deal With Them?
The main goal for the project organizations is to produce series of successful projects (Kotnour, 1999). It is natural to assume that projects and projects organizations are complex systems. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate what kind of characteristics project tools should have in order to address the project management issues
James Folkestad and Gary Winek
Using Rapid Prototypes to Reduce the Time-to-Market Cycle and to Improve Schedule Efficiency within the Construction Industry
This paper looks at how Rapid Prototyping (RP) parts are being used to reduce the time-to-market cycle within the construction industry. RP refers to the physical modeling of a design using an extremely specialized and automated type of fabrication technology, which quickly produces parts from 3D computer-aided design data.
Mostafa Khattab
Information Technology and the Construction Industry
How a construction firm gathers, manages, and uses project information determines its level of success for meeting project objectives, and competing in a market and industry driven by cost and effective communication. The paper will attempt to highlight the opportunities and the challenges facing the construction industry.
Session 2: Wednesday March 17, 10:00 am Heron room
Jeanne D. Maes, Robert A. Shearer, Dennis M. Gassert and Len Scullion
Partnering Best Practices: Lessons Learned for Project Management Continuous Improvement
Introduced into the public sector in the late 1980s as a form of dispute prevention, partnering has been revitalized to meet the challenges of the new millennium. To this end, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U. S. Navy, the Associated General Contractors, facilitators, and others have been collecting partnering best practices for over a decade. This interactive presentation offers the most current best practices of a process that continues to be embraced by both the public and private sectors.
T. Roger Manley and Wade H. Shaw
Partnering: What if the Construction Industry Took it Seriously?
This paper provides a description of Partnering and describes how the authors introduced it to the second phase of a trouble-ridden, large-scale construction project. Their approach required the meeting of relevant decision makers of prime and subcontractors, as well as decision makers in a complex, hierarchical client system.
Decision Making in Management and Engineering:
Chair: Ertugrul Karsak, Galatasaray University
Session 1: Tuesday March 16, 8:00 am Heron room, E.. Ertugrul Karsak session chair
E. Ertugrul Karsak and Banu M. Karsak
Real Options Approach to Valuing Expansion Investments in Broadcasting Companies
Over the past decade, broadcasting companies have been confronted with intense competition and rapid technological change. Real options are opportunities on real assets that enable their owners to revise future investment and operating decisions according to market conditions. Expansion flexibility provides a key strategic advantage by avoiding the large financial commitment at the initial investment stage and enabling to invest in a phased manner according to the changes in market conditions. In this paper, the value of expansion flexibility is computed using sequential exchange options. A numerical illustration in broadcasting is presented to demonstrate the proposed approach.
E. Ertugrul Karsak
A Practical Common Weight MCDM Approach for Emerging Market Selection
This paper presents a practical common weight MCDM framework for emerging market selection. The proposed approach enables the evaluation of the relative efficiency of emerging markets with respect to multiple exact and ordinal outputs and a single exact input. Its robustness and discriminating power are illustrated through comparing the resulting ranking to that obtained by the cross efficiency analysis, which is a well-known DEA-based methodology. The results indicate that the proposed methodology enables further ranking of DEA-efficient emerging markets with a notable saving in computations.
Colin O. Benjamin and Elisha Archibold
Using Expert Panels to Evaluate New Technologies
We review alternative strategies available to evaluate the commercial potential of new technologies. We examine the role of expert panels and illustrate the usefulness of this approach through a case study describing the application of an expert panel in a technology commercialization study of a new biomedical technology.
Session 2: Tuesday March 16, 10:00 am Heron room
Atira Brown and Colin Benjamin
A Methodology for Vehicle Routing System (VRS) Software Vendor Selection
We develop a methodology for selecting VRS software vendors and illustrate its application via a case study in a biological waste management company. This approach follows a systematic, structured process to identify the vendor best aligned with a company’s technological and strategic needs.
Hamidreza Eskandari, Luis Rabelo and Mansooreh Mollaghasemi
Interval AHP with Inconsistent Comparison Matrices
In the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a decision maker is requested to make subjective comparisons for each pair of attributes or alternatives. In real applications, the pairwise comparisons are usually subject to judgmental errors and they are inconsistent and conflicting with each other. Therefore, the weight point estimates provided by the eigenvector method are necessarily approximate. This uncertainty associated with human judgmental errors may affect the rank order of decision alternatives. The paper describes a new approach presenting the formula to assess the variances of the global AHP weights. Such an approach could help the decision makers gain insight into how the imprecision in judgment ratios may affect their choice toward the best solution and how the best alternative(s) may be identified with certain confidence. The proposed approach is applied to the example problem introduced by Cagno et al. (2001) in the probability assessment of winning in a competitive bidding process to illustrate the concepts introduced in this paper and to prove its usefulness and practicality.
Mariah McMurran, William J. Thompson, and Jose A. Sepulveda
Applying the Analytical Hierarchy Process to the Semiconductor Facility Layout Problem
We present a novel approach for selecting a semiconductor facility layout based on the Analytical Hierarchy Process [Saaty, 1995], Systematic Layout Planning [Muther and Hale, 1979], and simulation. A case study suggests the approach provides an efficient, effective method, especially when applied to a decision that must be made frequently
Chair: Dia Ali, University of Southern Mississippi
Session 1: Monday March 15, 10 am Pelican Room
Jean Gourd, Paulus Wahjudi, John Heath, Dia Ali and Maria Cobb
Light Encryption in Mobile Devices
Power and bandwidth limitations constrain the security features in lightweight wireless devices. We propose a methodology which combines encryption methods with a variation of wireless protocols. To achieve plausible guidelines, we consider limited computing power, restricted memory capacity, and device power duration.
Yufang Wang, Hong Zhou, Dia Ali, Adel Ali and Paulus Wahjudi
Eagle Agent: A Mobile Agent Component
We present our mobile agent package the Eagle agent that can be easily integrated into other applications as a component. The package is compact in size and number of classes, and provides an interface to interact with other applications. Eagle agent adopts the electronic mail model in that it can queue the agent for later transmission when destination is unavailable, and incorporate error handling with error-reporting capabilities.
Jean Gourd, John Heath, Paulus Wahjudi, Dia Ali and Maria Cobb
Smart Server: Integrating Intelligence into a Web Server
We propose the assimilation of intelligence into a web server that would improve its performance. A smart server would learn and subsequently adapt its components to optimize its response time. In addition, it would increase its security and reliability by utilizing a hierarchical security scheme.
Session 2: Monday March 15, 1:15 pm Pelican Room
Lotfi K. Gaafar and Mamdouh El Oufy
An Expert System Based Decision Support: Tool for System Improvement
This paper presents an expert system decision support tool that is designed to help system improvement teams identify the appropriate tool(s) for a given situation. The system further provides a quick and effective tutorial on the application of the identified tools. The system covers more than 50 system improvement tools.
Venkatram Kuturu amd James T. Luxhøj
Decision Support for Conditional Probability Elicitation in Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs)
Developing a Decision Support System (DSS) that evaluates system risk and the effect of new technologies in the aviation domain requires the elicitation of probabilities from subject matter experts (SMEs). Keeney and von Winterfeldt (1991) describe expert judgments as “essential in the study of any complex technical problems”. Luxhøj et. al. (1999, 2003) use Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs) in the Aviation System Risk Model (ASRM) to model and evaluate system risk in the National Airspace System (NAS).
Khaled El-Sawi
Term Weight Inclusion Using Textual Imaging
This paper describes a document representation and retrieval method based on text signatures. Further-more, the paper discusses the optimization, compression and searching of signature file in order to achieve fast retrieval with high levels of relevance
Session 3: Monday March 15, 2:45 pm Pelican Room
Khaled El-Sawi
Intelligent Business Visualization
This paper discusses some of the existing tools available today for business visualizations. In addition, the paper proposes an intelligent rule-based approach to the creation of data visualizations based on the analysis of the type of data present and emphasis points within the datasets.
Robert L. Mullen
An Expert System of Michael Dell’s Knowledge:Founder and Current CEO of Dell Computers
This paper describes the development of an expert system based on the managerial knowledge of Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell Computers, as an example of how such systems could be built. A recently published book, “Direct from Dell”, written by Michael Dell in 1999, provided the main source of information to build this model of an expert system
Judith Barlow, LuAnn Bean, Deborah Carstens, David D. Hott, Rhiannon Tudor Edwards and Ruth A. Maurer
Implementing Health Economics Policy Rules Using Job Shop Heuristics
Management of lengthy medical waiting lists are of increasing international concern. Management scientists have successfully used scheduling heuristics to manage waits at all stages of production processes. This paper explores how job shop scheduling heuristics can be used to manage medical waiting lists and implement “equitable” health economics policy rules.
Session 4: Monday March 15, 4:00 pm Pelican Room
Stephanie Edwards, Marlin Gendron and Maura Lohrenz
Heading Sensor Integration with an Electronic Moving Map System
Moving-map (MM) systems that rely solely on GPS for vehicle location and orientation exhibit anomalies on the display, such as a randomly spinning vehicle symbol or basemap, which can be distracting and confusing to operators. NRL integrated a magnetic heading sensor with a government-of-the-shelf (GOTS) MM system to correct this problem.
Shahram Rahimi, Hemanth Rama and Prathap Vellaiappan
A Multi-Agent Information Retrieval System
In this paper, we propose a cost effective agent-based information retrieval system. In our architecture, we utilize mobile agents to gain performance edge over the traditional client-server approach. Mobile agents used in our model are smart enough to select the target systems with small CPU utilization.
Nathan R. Greenhut and James T. Luxhøj
GAP Analysis of Developed Models for Aviation Technologies Decision Support System
An analytic decision framework, quantified by experts, allows numerical evaluation of individual or multiple technologies and computer assisted tools to be developed or examined. One of these tools, the GAP analysis, creates a matrix extracted from all of the models, in order to display information gleamed from the models and areas where there may be an information gap for more investigatory work.
Erol Ozan , Yesim Sireli, Paul Kauffmann
The TAMDAR System
The Tropospheric Airborne Meteorological Data Reporting (TAMDAR) system is envisioned as a new automated, on-board system that will gather meteorological data as aircraft fly in the troposphere and transmit this data to the National Weather Service. This paper reports on an element of this project that depicts the development a prototype TAMDAR decision support system, which will help decision makers determine the best strategy for system operation. Time correlated position and altitude data for TAMDAR equipped aircraft are generated and entered into the decision aiding software to build a dynamic model of the geographical distribution of the data, at any point of time, generated by a fleet of independent TAMDAR equipped aircraft. Data utility functions re integrated into the decision aiding software to generate a quantifiable value to be assigned to the TAMDAR data supplied by each flight segment. This decision support system helps decision-makers process different operational alternatives efficiently. The main objective of this paper is to describe the roles of the optimization and decision-aid features, used in TAMDAR DSS and illustrate its functionality with selected examples.
Session 5: Tuesday, March 16 8:00 am Flamingo Room
Paulus Wahjudi, Dia Ali, Adel Ali and Maria Cobb
Collaborative Virtual Environment for Hetero-geneous Access, Modeling, and Analysis of Geospatial Data
A new design of a collaborative virtual environment for geospatial data manipulation and analysis is proposed. The design allows users to carry out real-time collaborative tasks that provide a new dimension for image evaluation and understanding. Collabor-ative user interactions during analysis phase will optimize the utilization of intellectual resources.
Paulus Wahjudi, Dia Ali, and Maria Cobb
Network Traffic Shaping Using Mobile Agents
We propose a system using Mobile Agent to do traffic shaping on a closed network. The mobile agent will monitor the network and adjust the network traffic. The agents will adjust client packets trans-mission and routing. Based on current network, the agents will maintain a fair load for each client with maximum resource utilization and resolve any problem in the network traffic.
John Heath, Paulus Wahjudi, Dia Ali, and Maria Cobb
Network Security Using Mobile Agents
An agent system that provides network security from internal and external threats is presented. Internally, the agents will be responsible in the transfer of information while externally it will prevent intruders from gaining access to the network. Monitoring agents checks the overall network security, detect security loopholes and dealt accordingly.
Charles Stogner, Paulus Wahjudi, Dia Ali, and Maria Cobb
Data Security Using Encapsulating Mobile Agents
In this paper we investigate a mobile agent design for information carrier over a network that provides different security level depending on the importance of the information carried. Agents will also have a fail-safe mechanism that will dispatch a higher security level agent being sent in the event of intrusion.
Session 6: Tuesday March 16, 10:00 am Pelican Room
Silvia Lowery, John Heath, Dia Ali, Maria Cobb
Mobile Agent Flexibility for Different Database Vendor
We are proposing an application that create java object from the create table SQL statement. This object is consistent between database vendors and allows the passing of java attributes between object and mobile agents. The vendor specification is placed within an XML object residing in the Mobile Agent XML document.
Junfeng Gu, Dia Ali, Paulus N. Wahjudi, Yi Mu
Intelligent Mobile Agent Tasks in Distributed Environments
This paper focuses in the intelligent features of mobile agent. Intelligent Mobile Agent has the abilities of detecting targets, collecting and returning data to the mobile agent server, calculating, and making decisions. The features in the design will make a distributed database system become more robust, manageable, adaptive and secure.
Arthur Wimberly, John Heath, Dia Ali, Maria Cobb
Maintaining State in an Internet Shopping Cart Using Mobile Agents
We are proposing a solution to maintain state without the use of cookies and timed sessions. This is a problem when shopping on the Internet, when long periods of inactivity and cookies turned off cause a loss of all previous work and with a high probability a loss of revenue
Chair: Luis Rabelo, University of Central Florida
Tuesday March 16, 8 am Pelican Room
Ruben Xing
Wireless Communications Boom Facing Industrial and Social Transformations
The rapid growth and adoption of wireless communications has revolutionized the traditional infrastructures of information technology (IT) and e-business. Meanwhile, it has caused profound shift on numerous social aspects and people’s life. This article will focus on three aspects: (1) The boom of wireless communications and the transformations from e-world to m-world; (2) The dramatic industrial infrastructure changes and huge business opportunities brought by wireless technology; (3) The effects of wireless communications facing management, security and ethical challenges. Consequently, the wireless boom greatly transforms our daily lives, environmental, social, and ecological issues. This brief discussion hopes to help technology, business planners and the educators to make the right adjustments for their short and long-term strategy plans.
Abdulhameed Al-Elaiwi
Systems Engineering Methodology for E-Commerce Implementation in the Middle East
E-Commerce is revolutionizing the way in which business is conducted, a revolution that is happening at an unprecedented pace. In this paper a new methodology based on sound system engineering principles and optimization techniques is developed for implementing E- Commerce in the Middle East in general and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in particular. The combination of market size and economic growth makes the region a promising place in the world for the internet product and services. Rapid advances in information technology have brought the world closer together. In spite of this rapid growth, however, corporations even in developed nations including the United States and Europe have not grasped ways and means to perform business reengineering and to inculcate the E-Commerce philosophy into the minds of their employees. The Middle East is no exception. Dissemination of information in split second via Internet has affected the world economy. It only behooves for the Middle East nations to respond to the E-Commerce challenges in a proactive fashion before it is too late.
Ayman Khattab
E-Commerce: Its Effects on the Developing Countries: A Case Study of the Egyptian Economy
In developing countries, thousands of NGOs have gone online over the past years, realizing the importance of the Internet for the exchange and distribution of information. In this pare we present a case study of the effects of e-commerce on the developing countries.
Chair: Ralph Janaro, Clarkson University
Session 1. Tuesday March 16, 1:15 pm Egret room, Kenneth R. Morrison, session chair
Kenneth R. Morrison, Charles W. White and Heather Lazare
Creating Secure Every-Exam-Different Quantitative Exams
From a desire to assess each student, assessment tools for quantitative classes were developed, and this paper describes the evolution of assessment environments that restore the edge to the Professor. The first tool was paper-based, using randomization of Excel to create an “every-exam-is-different” environment. Each exam had 3 copies printed; one for the student to take the exam, one for the answers to the exam questions given to the student when the exam was turned in, and one copy (called the archive copy) used to grade the exam. The tool is satisfactory for in-class exams. The second tool uses email and the internet. The third tool is a Microsoft WORD MailMerge application. The exam preparation time here is more than the second tool, but less than the first tool. The paper discusses the details of these approaches to honest assessment of quantitative courses where the exams are on computers using email.
Gordon W. Arbogast and Charlotte Prom
Are MBA Programs Serving Business Needs? A Pilot Study
This is a pilot study of the demand for and utilization of essential management tools and technologies by MBA graduates. A study was conducted in the city of Jacksonville to determine the major technological tools that were being used by recent MBA graduates. Those tools being used most after graduation were in the areas of operations, statistics, quantitative analysis, as well as in communications areas such as Power Point techniques. Heavy demand showed up in project management tools. A lack of integration of MBA courses is having a negative impact.
Mohammed Arif
Partial Credits and Computer Based Exams
Instructors teaching quantitative courses have faced the problem of not being able to assign partial credits. Due to this limitation some of the instructors have actually abandoned the idea of using computer for testing. This paper presents a new approach that can be used in any software platform to administer and analyze exams.
Robert L. Mullen
Can Leadership be Tested, Measured, and/or Predicted?
This paper describes the building of a theoretical model to measure and test for the characteristics of leadership. The purpose is to argue that leadership ability can be predicted. It evolved from a special issue of the Harvard Business Review published in January 2004. It is intended to stimulate further thinking on the subject of leadership which continues to be such an important topic in business journals.
Session 2. Tuesday March 16, 2:45 pm Egret room, Ralph E. Janaro, session chair
John S. Morris
Integrating Laptop Technology into a Business Curriculum
The College of Business and Economics (CBE) at the University of Idaho is committed to providing students with the knowledge and experiences needed for lifelong learning. In 1994 the CBE introduced a new junior level core curriculum known as the Integrated Business Curriculum (IBC). This program uses a cross-functional faculty teaching team to deliver a 17 credit program that focuses on business processes and decisions rather than traditional functional topics. Beginning in the fall semester of 2003, the CBE initiated a pilot program to integrate personal computing technology into our IBC curriculum. Students entering our junior level curriculum were provided a laptop computer to use for their upper division coursework. By fall semester 2004 all upper division students (juniors and seniors) will be provided a laptop computer. This paper discusses how the laptop computers are used in the curriculum as well as the challenges associated with managing and evaluating the success of this program.
Linda Morris
Interdisciplinary Product Realization
This model interdisciplinary program between the departments of engineering and business focuses on the product realization process for undergraduates. The focus of the program is to develop students’ knowledge of the product development process and to improve the communication between the developing team. Integrative courses span the four-year educational curriculum with actual project development occurring in the junior and senior years. Collaboration with industry partners aid in partial funding of projects. Faculty mentoring occurs during throughout the project where teams of business and engineering students work together to develop a marketing plan for the new product.
Girish Shambu and Gordon Meyer
Jazz Improvisation: A Metaphor for Teaching Management Systems
Jazz improvisation can be a fruitful metaphor for effective teaching, provoking us to think of teaching in different and stimulating ways. The fundamental characteristics of jazz improvisation are briefly explained and analogues in teaching identified and illustrated. Some resources for developing an improvisational repertoire are recommended
Ralph E. Janaro and Michael R. W. Bommer
Using ERP as an Integrating Tool in a Business School Curriculum
In this paper we describe the structure of the multidisciplinary majors and the integrated core courses. We then focus on the SAP content in the core courses, with particular attention to the project used in the Operations/Production Management course. It is our contention that the new curriculum, while a work in process, provides our students with a multidisciplinary background that will allow them to view a business as a system, rather than as a loosely structured set of functional areas, and better prepare them for a career in business.
Session 3. Tuesday March 16, 4:15 pm Egret room, R. Ocon, session chair
L. B. Mapa, R. Ocon and Jane Sullivan
Enhancing Organization and Employee Productivity: An Industry Experience in Leadership Training and Development
Establishing partnerships with industry and universities has been encouraged by industrialists and academics alike. One example of such a collaborative effort was undertaken by the Hadady Corporation and the METS Department of Purdue University Calumet, both located in Northwest Indiana This paper discusses the leadership training program which was developed to deliver “best practices” to enhance the productivity and growth of small to medium size companies
R. Ocon
Managing Diversity and the Law: Diversity Training Requires Training in Human Resource Laws
The global economy and employee diversity have emphasized the need for education and training in the management of diversity. This paper identifies the need for students and supervisors in industry to have an awareness and basic understanding of the pertinent human resource laws related to the management of a diverse workforce. The global economy and employee diversity have emphasized the need for education and training in the management of diversity. This paper identifies the need for students and supervisors in industry to have an awareness and basic understanding of the pertinent human resource laws related to the management of a diverse workforce.
Djehane Hosni
Japan’s Higher Education
This paper offers an assessment of the future of higher education system in Japan. The study provides a statistical analysis of Japan’s tertiary outcomes in comparison to the US. Issues addressed will include university structure, internationalization, graduate education, research and development, and the status of female education. The results of this investigation will be tied to the current demographic and economic conditions as well as to the institutional forces of the Japanese society. The implications of these findings will be evaluated in relation to the emergence of the high growth economy of China.
Chair: Dan Vellenga, California State University, Stanislaus
No papers
Global Applications in Manufacturing and Services:
Chair: Aysar Sussan, University of Central Florida
Monday March 15, 1:15 pm Egret room
Dexter C. Hulse
Changing the Public's Attitude about Manufacturing: The Product Development Initiative
This presentation describes how to change the negative attitudes many people have about the manufacturing sector. It includes concepts such as The Theory of Reasoned Action, Modeling Theory, and Classical Conditioning. Concepts, coupled with learning styles, using pre- and post-tests, and initiating, developmental, and culminating activities make the program workable.
Young H. Park
A Study of R&D Investment Strategy – With a Discussion on Modern Korean Industry
This paper first presents the history of modern industry in Korea for the past 40 years. It then analyzes the strong and weak points of Korean industries. Based on that, it discusses possible directions and solutions for future Korean industries. It presents a framework for processing a structured approach to R&D investments, and then presents nine steps to operate R&D investment efficiently. It discusses fundamental questions for effective R&D investment in business, and also discusses nine critical success factors for R&D investments in industry.
Aysar Philip Sussan
The Impact of Dynamic or Static Dimensions in Strategy Development
The international reach of business created new areas of uncertainty and problems that for the most part had been left unanswered by much of the existing research. This paper attempts to identify existing models that provide a generalized explanation of international business, and developing a new model that could be considered to address the broader business problems.
Chair: Deborah Carstens, Florida Institute of Technology
Session 1: Monday March 15, 4:15 pm Flamingo room
Ingrid Johnson, Reguillio Zorg and Michael Opar
Crutch Modification for Comfort and Functionality
Using crutches is an unpleasant experience. The objective of this ergonomic innovation was to decrease the amount of underarm discomfort by employing more shock-absorption to a standard pair of crutches. In redefining this pair of crutches, primary customer needs such as durability, transportability, adjustability, and affordability were accommodated.
Les Keffel
Where Does the “Rubber Meet the Road?” A Multidisciplinary Approach to Teaching Ergonomics
A multidisciplinary approach to teaching ergonomics is presented which creates interest, develops an ergonomics imagination, and fosters an unrestricted venue for personal debates on the value of learning ergonomics within the technical university environment.
Session 2: Wednesday March 17, 10 am Pelican room
Kumara Retnasami, Deborah S. Carstens, Judith Barlow, and Walter Lawrence
Human Factors in Medical Informatics
The primary goal of the research is to incorporate human factors design concepts into the development of a database to enable the proper assessment of suvey data. The survey data was collected as part of an effort to enhance patient safety through analyzing past and potential human errors affiliated with different medical equiptment and systems.
Jonathan Lazar, Julie Ratner, Julie A. Jacko, and Andrew Sears
User Involvement in the Web Development Process: Methods and Cost-Justification
This paper reviews the methods for user involvement, and describes how population definition and task pre-definition influence the methods used for user involvement through the Task-Time-Population (TTP) Model of User Involvement. Survey data was collected, relating to the methods for user involvement in 149 web development projects. The challenge of cost-justifying user involvement in web development projects is discussed, and suggestions are made for quantifying the value of user involvement.
Alan Jay Spurgeon and Adel Ali
Developing Smart Rooms to Monitor the Elderly
In this paper we would propose to create a smart room that could help monitor the elderly who live alone. Many times accidents occur in the home when no one is around to help. The telephone may be out of reach of someone who has fallen. Similarly, a stroke or heart attack could leave someone vulnerable. The ability of the smart room to locate and follow the occupant of a room, recognize when an emergency situation has taken place, and then contact the needed help, is possible with current technology. To implement this smart room, a single wide-angle lens and two pan-tilt-zoom cameras will be required along with necessary microphones and speakers. Using the Pfinder software developed by Christopher Wren, et al, at MIT to track a human as they enter and travel around a room and the stereo pan-tilt cameras to locate and create a history of motion using a three dimensional array of records that store needed information, we can determine when the occupant of a room has entered an area not normally used. Tracking the head of the subject using three dimensions will yield whether he or she has fallen as opposed to just tracking in two dimensions where falling in a highly used area would not reveal a problem. Furthermore, creation of such a smart room is economically feasible and would still maintain privacy for the user.
Chair: Steve Montes, Simpler Consulting, Inc.
Wednesday March 17, 8:00 am Pelican room, Christopher Geiger, session chair
Katherine Meza, Cori Lamia, Christopher Geiger and Lesia L. Crumpton-Young
Use of SWOT Analysis and Process Evaluation Tools
This research concentrates on continually improving the operational strategies and cost effectiveness of current operational strategies through using new ideas, tools and/or process methodologies as gleamed from implementing a detailed SWOT Analysis. These strategies will enhance the services provided to customers while minimizing delays and maximizing safety considerations. Specifically, this research will investigate the effectiveness of using the SWOT analysis as a tool to facilitate detailed process analysis and assessment. In addition, we will examine procedures and tools with the goal of identification of critical opportunities for productivity and process enhancement.
P.E. Doherty
Engineer-to-Order (ETO) Manufacturing – Two Case Studies
This paper provides details of how two ETO manufacturers use an “Engineering Process Master” approach to define all variations in a “one-off” unit of production facility. Details of their web-based engineered technology platforms, how they automatically create 3D digital prototypes and the potential for this emerging ERP philosophy are discussed in detail.
John E. Ettlie and Victor J. Perotti
Adoption of Collaborative Engineering Technologies and New Product Development
Lack of interoperability of computer design systems in the automotive and other manufacturing industries has contributed to persistent problems including higher costs, lower quality and longer development times. These challenges are exacerbated when development teams are separated by distance and time. New collaborative software systems, often web-enabled, have held out the promise of addressing some of the core problems in the design process. We surveyed 72 automotive engineering managers directly involved in the new product development process and found that adoption of new virtual team support systems is significantly related to improved new product profitability, superior commercialization and improvement generally in the new product development process.
Steve Montes and Nael Aly
Lean Operations vs. Six Sigma
Many organizations in a wide range of industries are finding themselves confused, and therefore, sometimes misdirected as to the road to take towards World Class Operational Excellence. Many choose either Six-Sigma or Lean Operations as their strategy. Unfortunately, some organizations find themselves mystified as to whether they had selected the right strategy. This paper will discuss the relationship between these two strategies and explain their linkage to each other in the journey toward World Class Operational Excellence.
Management Information Systems:
Chair: John Wang, Montclair State University
Session 1: Monday March 15, 2:45 pm Egret room
William Rapp
Leveraging IT As A Core Competency To Enter New Businesses: The UPS Case
In his book Information Technology Strategies Professor William Rapp outlines three firm categories for using IT for competitive advantage. Specifically level three strategists use IT strategically to add value and reduce costs long-term by creating barriers that make emulation difficult but in ways that actually alter their industries' competitive dynamics too. This paper explores an extension of this categorization whereby level 3 strategists have developed IT's strategic use into a core competency that helps them to effectively enter new businesses. For example Merck has used IT to become the world's largest on-line pharmacy through its Medco affiliate; 7-Eleven Japan has used IT to enter retail banking; Charles Schwab offers life insurance and home mortgages on-line; Toyota is now a mobile telecommunications service and information provider; and UPS uses IT extensively to provides a full range of logistical support services. The paper terms these activities as 3+ (three-plus) IT strategies and explores this development particularly for UPS and the evolution of its logistical support services, its fastest growing business group. The paper concludes UPS has developed the strategic use of IT into a core competency that has helped its logistical services achieve success. In addition, it is seen that similar to other 3+ strategists UPS has aided its traditional businesses by these new activities through economies of scale, scope and learning. Just as 7-Eleven's retail banking has increased its traditional convenience store traffic and spread its fixed IT costs over more activities, so UPS logistical services have expanded its traditional package business while spreading its IT costs to more users.
John Wang, Qiyang Chen and Zu-Hsu Lee
An Overview of Knowledge Discovery in Databases and Data Mining in the Banking Industry
Today, corporations of all kinds are accumulating massive amount of data. The collection of this data has been facilitated through advancements within the information technology environments. In the age of information, only a small percentage of the data collected is utilized for tactical and strategic business purposes. For example, Citibank collects information on 3% of all the retail transactions in the United States. Even more information is available but is not collected. Of that which is collected, only a small percentage is used for tactical or strategic business purposes. There is simply too much to be examined by traditional methods. Thereby creating the need for data mining solutions.
Session 2: Monday March 15 4:15 pm Egret room
Matthew Boe and Adel Ali
Dynamic Positioning Using Geographic Information Systems
Geographic Information Systems are systems of computer software, computer hardware, data, and personnel used to help manipulate, analyze, and present information that is tied to a spatial location. Graphical Positioning Systems are used to determine location and time. Dynamic Positioning Systems will use a combination of GIS and GPS to determine best route under various circumstances including but not limited to weather, construction, accidents, and bottle necked traffic.
Chadia Moghrabi, Tang-Ho Lê and Jean Roy
A Case Study for the Design of a Digital Library
This paper presents the variety of issues that had to be considered during the requirement specification, the design, the architecture and implementation of a multimedia digital library for the Arts-Netlantic project. Essentially, four main aspects were considered: the equipment, the operating system on the server, the programming language for dynamic web services and the database management system
John Patton
Computerized Project Management Information Systems
the purpose of the paper is aimed at defining the managerial uses and potential benefits from creating an automated environment for achieving integration of both organizational elements and data processes that would optimize the overall Project Portfolio Management (PPM) process.
Management and Organizational Behavior:
Chair: Ed Hernandez, California State University
Session 1, Monday March 15, 10 am Egret room, Randall Harris, session chair
Warren Beatty and John Lew Cox
Whether From Herzberg, Hawthorne or Horace Mann, the Basics Work
This paper chronicles the results of pre-tests, specific training, and post-tests of groups of German MBA students taking the GMAT. Differences in "before training" and "after training" results were statistically significant. Results are tied into a number of management/education theories, and suggestions are given for improving the next training offering.
Michael Stoica
Mobile Commerce Adoption. Predictors and Consequences
Mobile commerce adoption represents a complex process that involves the organizational structure of the firm, its business strategy, organizational culture, and the environment in which the business operates. The new technology (the change) will impact the environment, will alter, modify or even revolutionize the business strategy, and in time, will change the firms structure and its organizational culture. The adoption of the m-commerce by businesses, especially small and medium-sized businesses, is dependent upon their business strategy and organizational culture, as well as the business environment. Several hypotheses are formulated. They will help understand the mobile commerce applications adoption process. The research and implications of this model are discussed.
Cynthia F. Cohen, Stanley J. Birkin, Murray E. Cohen, Monica J. Garfield and Harold W. Webb
Conflict During Organizational Change: Acquisition of a Software Development Firm
This qualitative study focused on conflict during an acquisition. We interviewed software developers, testers, and managers of a recently acquired organization. Their responses revealed profound changes in organizational culture. Nonetheless, conflict was well managed resulting from effective communications, financial rewards, security, respect, few changes in power or influence and good managers.
Randall D. Harris
Organizational Task Environments: An Evaluation of Construct Validity
This article addresses the question of the validity of the organizational task environment (OTE) construct. A review of published studies evaluating the validity of the OTE construct are reviewed. Further empirical evidence regarding the validity of the OTE construct is presented. The conclusion to be drawn from previous studies as well as the evidence presented in this paper is that the OTE construct is not a valid construct. The implications of this conclusion for the organizational theory and strategic management disciplines are discussed.
Session 2 Tuesday March 16, 8 am Egret room,
Thomas W. Philippe and Jerry W. Koehler
The Effects of Perceived Organizational Hypocrisy on Individual Employees
A review of Total Quality Management and Six Sigma literature indicates that North American organizations have experienced significant problems implementing TQM and have experienced less resistance implementing Six Sigma. The purpose of this paper is to examine why North American organizations have struggled to fully embrace the core concepts and principles of TQM and eagerly accept the core concepts and principles of Six Sigma. This paper identifies the key dimensions of success and failure relevant to both TQM and Six Sigma, including management commitment, metrics, integration, organizational structures and rewards.
Luis Gomez-Mejia
HR Practices for Innovative Firms: The Case of the High Technology Industry
My presentation will deal with how human resource systems in high technology organizations interface with the environmental, organizational (including culture) and individual factors that characterize these firms. Based on my own research and the literature my presentation will discuss key areas within the domain of human resources that are pivotal to effective management of innovation, given the overall context noted above. Specifically I intend to focus on staffing, appraisal, compensation and rewards, training and development, teams,communication/discipline, and diversity. In terms of the latter issue I will discuss how international forces shape the practice of human resources in the high technology industry, given the rapid globalization of high technology firms in terms of accessing talent and relying on knowledge workers from different parts of the world.
Michael A Bell
A Regression Analysis of Factors that Enhance Utility of Organizational Performance Measures
This study attempts to prioritize key factors that enhance the utility of organizational performance measures. A survey conducted of mid-level supervisors rated the effectiveness and importance of several factors. Factor ratings compared to the supervisor's perception of organization's performance resulted in a significant correlation with their office's effectiveness.
Hema A. Krishnan and Sarah Krotchen
Representation of Women in Top Management Teams and Implications for Organizational Performance
Our study extends the upper echelons framework to the important issue of gender diversity in top management teams (TMT), a topic which has received little attention in management. We study the direct impact of representation of women in TMTs on organizational performance, and the moderating effects of environmental characteristics on the TMT women - performance linkage. The environmental characteristics studied include munificence, dynamism, and complexity.
Session 3 Tuesday March 16, 10 am Egret room, Timothy Kiessling, session chair
Timothy Kiessling and Marina Dabic
Foreign Entry Modes Revisited From an Ethics Perspective: An Exploratory Case of the Transitional Economy
This research explores through a questionnaire of four hundred Croatian businessmen and 92 Croatian business students, the ethical concerns and type of personnel that MNCs should be aware in transitional economies. This research cautions strategy scholars in focusing entirely upon lowering initial transaction costs in foreign entry mode without considering the possible long term implications of employee behavior.
Marjorie Adams and Frank Turner
The Competitive and Ethical Ramifications of Health Care: Profit versus Non-Profit
Probably the most contentious issues affecting the 2003 Maryland legislative session revolved around the possible conversion of CareFirst Blue Cross/Blue Shield from a nonprofit to a for-profit company. The Governor, elected officials, the administrator in the health arena, providers, and advocates are increasingly concerned about the growing population of uninsured and under-insured and the rising cost of existing plans and their impact on an aging population. This paper addresses the issues of whether conversion to a for-profit company will stabilize the current delivery system or lead to the further deterioration of the existing system; the fair market value for conversion from a nonprofit to a for-profit company; and some of the ethical questions concerning company executives receiving millions of dollars by converting to a for-profit company.
Ewa Rudnicka
A Review of Instruments for Measuring Moral Reasoning/Values
Many business and engineering problems are ethical in nature. This article provides a review of instruments for measuring moral reasoning/values appropriate for college level /adult subjects. The three primary instruments are: Moral Judgment Interview (MJI), Defining Issues Test (DIT), and Moral Judgment Test (MJT) while other instruments are discussed briefly.
Chair: Alan Khade, California State University, Stanislaus
no papers
Chair: Kaylene Williams, California State University, Stanislaus
Monday March 15, 10 am Flamingo, Kaylene Williams, Session Chair
Kaylene C. Williams
Successful Sponsorship and Event Marketing
Sponsorship and event marketing can be important ingredients in a marketing program and are excellent ways to enhance brand loyalty. Corporations have experienced success in creating and promoting their own events, particularly when these events are based on solid communication and financial objectives as well as overall marketing strategy. That is, successful sponsorship and event marketing must be well planned and implemented, and have something to say and contribute to the target market(s) addressed. Also, "any event that is successful must have an element of fun. The human element is what is critical to the success of any event" (Roach, 1995, 68). The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance on how to successfully sponsor a marketing event. As such, the paper consists of the definition, purpose, use, examples, and advantages/disadvantages of sponsorship and event marketing as well as tips for improving its use.
Kaylene C. Williams
Improving the Use of Comparative Advertising
Comparative advertising can be an effective way for new brands to break into markets and for established or tired brands to reposition and regain lost market share. Over one-third of advertising is comparative in nature, while approximately one-quarter of advertising directly identifies or names the competitive brand. (Freeman, 1987) Given that comparative advertising is so prevalent, the focal point of this paper is how to improve the use of comparative advertising. The topics in this paper include: definition and use of comparative advertising, why advertisers use comparative ads, history and background of comparative ads, how comparative advertising functions, and guidelines for the improved use of comparative ads.
Al Petrosky, Edward Hernandez and Robert Page
Consumer Promotional Participation on the WWW: A Content-Analysis of EBay Messages
The egalitarian nature of the internet has created a burgeoning market exemplified by a new consumer promotional voice. This research studies web-based communications by consumers: promotional descriptions on eBay. These descriptions were content-analyzed for market-oriented elements and message idiosyncrasies, and compared across seller and product categories. Prescriptions for message design, facilitation by website hosts, and future research are offered.
Production and Operations Management:
Chair: Pam Miller, Northwestern State University
Session 1: Monday March 15, 10 am Heron room
Daniel Fonseca and Sidhartha Shishoo
Product Line And Ordering Quantity Optimization Through Genetic Algorithms
Product line composition has clear financial implications that can hamper the profitability of an organization. Equally important is the ordering strategy that would determine the quantity of each product type and the timing of each order for replenishing the stocks of items in the product line. This paper describes a genetic algorithm model that simultaneously optimizes the product line composition and the ordering quantity so to maximize total profits.
Xiaoming Li and John J. Kanet
On Adjacent Job Precedence
We provide a theorem for 1½½SwjTj for deciding pair-wise job precedence given that two jobs are to appear adjacent within a given time interval in a schedule. We show how the theorem could be usefully applied in a branch and bound algorithm and comment on further research.
Pamela A. Miller and Peter Kelle
What Factors do Practitioners Really Consider in Contract Size, Lot Size and Shipment Size Decisions?
What factors do purchasers and suppliers really consider in decisions on contract length, lot size and shipment frequency? We conducted informal interviews with purchasing professionals and supplier representatives to answer this question and compare the responses of the two groups. We relate the responses also to quantitative modeling results.
Session 2: Monday March 15, 1:15 pm Heron room
J. S. Sutterfield, Kofi Kennedy Swanson & Justin M. Simmons
Analytical Hierarchy Process In Project Management Software Selection
A very large class of problems in management and administration are known multi-attribute decision problems. Such problems involve decisions that must take into account large numbers of variables and objectives that cannot always be directly quantified. These problems are rendered even more unwieldly to handle by the fact that the variables and objectives are often in conflict. One very popular approach to handling this class of problem is called Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). AHP affords a technique for structuring this class of problem so that it can be given a quasi-quantitative structure that permits handling any number of variables and objectives, quantitative and non-quantitative, compatible and conflicting. One practical problem of the multi-attribute type is the selection of project management software. In this paper there is developed an approach to the use of AHP in the selection of project management software.
Ken Platts, John Mills and Kimhua Tan
The Use of Visualisation in the Development and Implementation of Operations Strategy
This paper discusses the use of visualisation in the process of developing and implementing operations strategy. It is based on extensive case based research in a range of companies in the manufacturing sector. The paper discusses the requirements at different stages of the strategy process and describes a visualisation technique for each stage.
Session 3: Monday March 15, 2:45 pm Heron room
Aleem Uddin, Chin-Sheng Chen, Joe Chow, and Khokiat. Kengskool
Heuristic Approach to Minimize the Total Weighted Tardiness in a Two Machine Flow Shop with the Constraints of Due Date and Dependent Setup Time
Scheduling in a manufacturing system is necessary to maintain efficiency, productivity and quality of production. Meeting due dates and avoiding penalties is usually one of the most common objectives for scheduling. The purpose of this study is to minimize the total weighted tardiness in a two machine flow shop with the constraints of due date and dependent setup time.
Mesut Yavuz and Suleyman Tufekci
Some Lower Bounds on the Mixed Model Level Scheduling Problems
In order to meet the customer demands for a variety of products in an efficient way, many companies use mixed-model production systems running under the Just-in-Time philosophy. Such systems require demand be stable and production sequence be leveled, i.e. appearances of products in the schedule are dispersed over the horizon as uniformly as possible. The problem of finding such schedules is called the level scheduling problem. The level scheduling problem was originally defined for mixed-model assembly lines and has been studied in two different versions, namely the single-level and multi-level problems. The single-level problem aims to minimize the deviation from the level schedule only in end products level, while the multi-level problem aims to minimize the same deviation measured at different levels such as products, sub-assemblies, components and raw materials. We re-formulate the problem such that it is applicable in a wide range of manufacturing environments, where products are manufactured in batches, in contrast to the ideal one-piece-flow of the assembly lines.
Ahmad Rahal
Analysis and Optimization of Queuing Systems in the Pizza Delivery Fast Food Industry
Using data collected during peak time (Fridays’ 5:00 to 8:00 pm) from a national Pizza chain store as it currently exist, the objectives of this study is to improve customer service and satisfaction by determining the optimum number of phone lines needed for a standard pizza delivery store that would guarantee a call loss rate (busy signal to received calls) of less than one percent, model the queues associated with this business model , study the waiting time of the ready-to-deliver pizzas waiting to be delivered, optimize the number of drivers to be scheduled during the peak time to minimize the delivery time to improving customer satisfaction, and to minimize the delivery staff idle time to minimizing cost.
Chair: Gamal Weheba, Wichita State University
Session 1: Monday March 15, 4:15 pm Heron room
Archana Magadi, Ahmad K. Elshennawy and Frank W. Voehl
Six Sigma Policy Deployment: The Missing Link
This paper provides a framework for the implem-entation of Policy Deployment along with Six Sigma in order to dramatically improve high customer satisfaction in Higher Educational Systems.
Ana M. Ferreras, Lesia L. Crumpton-Young and Ahmad K. Elshennawy
An Integrated Framework for Optimizing Business Outcomes and Process Constraint Variables to Ensure Overall Company Success
Profit, Productivity, Efficiency, Ergonomics, Quality, and Employee Morale are all factors that significantly affect company success. Therefore it is vital to company success and survival that a wholistic approach which encompasses considering all of these variables in decision making is used by persons in top management. A single or limited view of only considering one of these variables (i.e. profit) when making decisions has proven detrimental to the survival and success of various companies. While, savvy persons in top management are aware of the consequences of considering single factors when executing decision making, this is still frequently done because of the complexity associated with considering multiple factors in decision making. Fast and efficient methods for integrating multiple factors of profit, productivity, quality, ergonomics, efficiency, and employee morale into decision making are greatly needed in today’s rapidly changing corporate environment. This research presents a simplified approach for integrating these factors into decision making at the top level of management within companies.
Amin A. Elmallah
A Preliminary Assessment of the Impact of the New AACSB Accreditation Standards on Business Program Quality Improvement
Based on the recent successful experience in achieving AACSB Accreditation, this preliminary analysis will attempt to assess how the new standards may result in the improvement of the quality of business programs. This research will also attempt to present recommendations to schools and programs seeking AACSB accreditation.
Session 2: Tuesday March 16, 10 am Pelican room
Gamal Weheba and Said Khalidi
Guidelines for Implementing Multivariate Quality Control Charts
Shewhart control charts have been used to monitor stationary and uncorrelated quality characteristics. Advancements in manufacturing technology and increased complexity of products and systems raise the need to monitor correlated characteristics. Various charting alternatives have been proposed in the literature. This paper provides guidelines for implementing multivariate control charts.
Sethuraman Ganesan, Kysor Warren and Gamal Weheba
Application of Resampling in Estimating X-R Control Chart Limits
Resampling techniques are gaining acceptance due to their simplicity and generality. A major advantage of these distribution free techniques is that they do not require large sample sizes. This paper represents an application of resampling in estimating control limits for the
Gamal S. Weheba and Tamer A. Mohamed
Economic Design of Control Charts: A Review of Recent Developments
The economic design of control charts is aimed at minimizing the long-term cost of operating a process. Typically, a cost function is developed in terms of pertinent cost and process parameters then, optimized to determine the sample size (n), the sampling interval (h), and the width coefficient (k). Over the last decade, a number of developments have been reported in the modeling approach. Research efforts have addressed different process models, failure mechanisms, and cost elements. While some authors utilized formal optimization techniques, others recommended heuristics in solving the resulting models. This paper, represents a review of related publications from 1992 to 2003 and proposes new directions for future development.
Session 3: Wednesday March 17, 8 am Flamingo room
Soltani, E., R.B. Van der Meer and T.M. Williams
Performance Management: An Organizational Messiah or Pariah? A TQM Perspective
Using a survey, we provide information about the current state of performance management (appraisal) from a sample of UK-based EFQM-affiliated organisations. We particularly focus on several critical issues of performance management in the context of TQM including: the effectiveness of TQM programmes; the rationale for performance management; degree of internal consistency between TQM assumptions and performance management systems; and the relationship among performance management, effectiveness of TQM programmes, employee satisfaction, and overall organisation performance.
Subburaman Ananthanarayanan and Sampson Gholston
Quality Improvements to a Manufacturing Process Using Nontraditional Design of Experiments
This research is a case study involving the reduction scrap for an injection molding process. A customer had required the use of designed experiments to reduce the percentage of scrap for an injection molding process. The main problem was that the process was not in statistical control, thus traditional designed experiments could not be applied. Traditional design of experiments methods were modified and were used to aid in determining the best setting for the process and used to help initiate change. Before the use of these techniques the organization was resistant to change. The process was improved, which resulted in improved customer satisfaction. After the process settings were optimized using design of experiments, control charts were used to manage the process and promote continuous improvement.
Id Jithavech and Gamal Weheba
Performance Characterization of the Stereolithography Process
In this paper we characterize the performance of a Stereolithography Apparatus available at the Rapid Prototyping Laboratory at Wichita State University. The research utilizes a specially designed benchmark model, and statistically designed experiments to obtain reliable estimates of the resulting dimensional accuracy and geometric errors. Regression functions are derived to assess performance in future applications.
Hazim El-Baz
High-Commitment HR Management Systems and TQM in Small Manufacturing Companies
The quality of the Human Resource Management system influences the successful implementation of the Total Quality Management System in an organization. High-commitment HR systems adapt to different environs. Small manufacturing concerns have distinct operational needs. This paper defines the characteristics of such organizations and how they influence High-commitment HR systems.
Chair: Kevin O’Neill, Plattsburgh State University
Session 1: Tuesday March 16, 1:15 pm Heron room
Erim Kardes and James T. Luxhøj
An Object Oriented Stochastic Approach for Risk Modeling of Advanced Aviation Safety Technology Products
Object-Oriented Bayesian Networks (OOBNs) are extensions to the conventional Bayesian Network (BN) methodology that provide an expressive power by allowing a node in the network to represent an aggregate data type. OOBNs express the knowledge regarding a domain in a structured way, leading to more realistic probabilistic models. Like classical BNs, they represent a stochastic modeling language, where the random variables symbolize the domain attributes. The probabilistic dependencies among the variables are modeled using directed acyclic graphs. Preliminary modeling results suggest that OOBNs offer significant promise for advanced risk assessments of new technology products.
Yesim Sireli, Erol Ozan and Paul Kauffmann
A New Product Planning and Forecasting Model for the Avionics Market in the United States
This research develops a generalized product planning and forecasting model to be used in product development projects in avionics industry. The proposed model is based on a specific application that focuses on cockpit weather information systems (CWIS), a new group of aviation products. CWIS are information systems located in the aircraft cockpit providing weather information to the pilot via data link communication with the ground. This product group demonstrates typical characteristics of the avionics industry, hence constitutes a rich application area for developing and testing a decision model. To achieve the specific requirements of the industry, a number of aggregate diffusion models are examined
Supreeya Miller
Visualization of Turbulent Flows
This paper begins with a review of some of the different approaches to computational modeling of turbulent flows. By considering the time and length scales of turbulent flows a statistical description and general form of eddy structures is theorized using local mean velocity gradients. This method is used in creating a simple model that computes low order statistics using only local quantities.
Session 2: Tuesday March 16, 2:45 pm Heron room
M.J. Miller
Simulation on Parallel Architectures
This paper begins with a review of some of the different approaches to system simulation and parallel programming techniques. The focus will be on challenges met by using parallel architectures and parallel programming techniques to meet simulation model requirements for computation and visualization. Results from research efforts on developing parallel simulation and visualization models will be presented.
Kevin O’Neill and Lee Frost-Kumpf
The Sustainability of Synthetic Policy Decision Groups
One major issue in group decision-making concerns the duration of a group as an effectively functioning entity. Many factors provide possible explanations for differences in the expected life span of a group versus its actual life span. We lack adequate knowledge about the dynamics and duration of “synthetic groups,” that is, groups who would not otherwise form nor operate, unless and until they are brought together by external authorities and/or events, such as a crisis, to serve a specific purpose or address a particular issue.
Alicia L. Wilson and Robert L. Armacost
Classification and Evaluation of Simulation Models in Higher Education Administration
This paper proposes a method of classifying and evaluating simulation models used in higher education administration. Issues in classification and evaluation are discussed and the proposed method is applied to recent computer simulation models in higher education decision-making including simulation games and models found in the literature.
David Kohler
A New Way of Sequencing Elevators
We discuss inefficiencies of multi-car elevator systems, then present and discuss a way by which elevators can be sequenced so as to reduce the time that passengers spend waiting for and traveling in them.
Session 3: Tuesday March 16, 4:15 pm Heron room
José Sepúlveda, Luis Rabelo and Oscar Martínez
CUMBIA – The Center for Unified Modeling of Business and Industrial Artifacts
We present the architecture of the University of Central Florida’s Center for Unified Modeling of Business and Industrial Artifacts (CUMBIA). CUMBIA is a centralized repository of tools and techniques (“artifacts”) focusing on best engineering, business, and computer science practices for efforts dealing with enterprise engineering. The Center’s focuses in small- and medium-size enterprises, loosely defined as organizations with a relatively small number of employees and very limited (if any) R&D budget. Such organizations are our nation’s backbone of the commercial and industrial activity and CUMBIA will help them compete, survive, and flourish in the current business environment.
Ibrahim Al Kattan
Decision Analysis on Alternative Production Planning and Scheduling for Industrial Case Using Simulation
The objective of this study is to use the simulation technique to help the decision maker to have all details about resource analyze and make decision. Simulation is conducted on industrial case problem with 31 jobs carried out through12 different workstations to further analyze the production-planning scheduling problem. ARENA simulation software version 5.0 is used to model this problem and observe the results for performance measures like work-in-process, WIP, queue length and machine utilization. The model is built based on one of the heuristic method used to obtain several solutions close to optimum. The statistics of the results of the processing times of all 31 parts were noted and also the machine or resource utilization and queue length of all 12 workstations were recorded. The results were analyzed and based on the reading of their utilizations and queue lengths it was found that some resources are excessively used, which may lead to slow throughput and also unprecedented machine break down.
Sampson Gholston and Alisha D. Youngblood
Improved Elicitation of Utility Functions for Multiple Criteria Decision Models
This paper highlights the development of a decision model that incorporates the approximation of utility functions using a minimum amount of data from the decision maker and ranks the criteria so that the difficulties inherent in weighting can be avoided
Session 4: Weduesday March 17, 8 am Egret room
Kevin A. Vaughan, Adel Ali, Clifford Burgess, and Dia Ali
Programming with Stochastic Petri nets: Simple Model-to-Code Conversion in a Game Design Setting
In this paper we will discuss the intricacies of Stochastic Petri net models and how they can be utilized for this purpose. Since a game setting provides an adequate abode for complex models, we have used this avenue to implement and describe various models presented in this paper. Once we have presented the details of each model, we will then discuss how easily they can be converted into actual code.
Bruce Feiring
A Stochastic Programming Approach to Stock Selection
In order to deal with the uncertainty of models a stochastic optimization technique, chance-constrained programming, developed by Charnes and Cooper, is employed to modify the classical model of Markowitz so that it is more realistic. Chance-constrained programming does not require that a constraint should always hold but only be satisfied with a given probability. In this presentation, the Markowitz model is initially modified with the chance-constrained programming technique by determining the randomness that exists in the average rates of return of stocks. This modification requires the assumtion of the normal distribution of return rates to find an estimator of the variance of the portfolio. Then the modified model is run for four satisfaction levels: 99, 95, 90, and 85%, together with the classical one, at different required rates of return.
Irin Portnaya
Importance of Programming Skills in Modeling and Simulation
As Modeling & Simulation gains popularity, simulation techniques mature and more simulation packages become available. The skills, recognized as necessary for a successful simulation study, do not include programming. This paper discusses how a simulation analyst can implement basic knowledge of computer programming to give the simulation project its edge.
Ghanem Elshahry and Ibrahim Al Kattan
Improvement of Helpdesk Performance Using Simulation Tools: Case Study at AUS
In this paper American University of Sharjah (AUS), Information Technology (IT) helpdesk performance will be studied, analyzed, simulated and improve its performance using simulation tools. AUS-IT helpdesk receives calls related to three IT sections, (Support, Management Information System, (MIS), and Network).
Session 5: Wednuesday March 17 10 am Egret room
José Sepúlveda, Luis Rabelo and Ann Dalrymple
The Virtual Range Project’s Toxicity Model
The Virtual Range project’s goal is to determine the population at risk and the expected casualties (Ec) as a result of toxic gas dispersion when faced with disaster within 120 seconds of an orbiter’s liftoff is presented. The system will help local authorities to estimate the population at risk in order to plan for areas to evacuate, and/or for the resources required to provide aid and comfort and mitigate damages in case of a disaster.
Luis Rabelo, José Sepúlveda, Serge Sala-Diakanda, Fred Gruber and Deepak Ethling Hernandez
Issues with the Columbia Reconstruction Database
Records of the different pieces of the Shuttle Columbia’s debris found are being enhanced in this project. An original database consisting of 88,273 pieces with records related to the geographical location (where the piece was found), pictures, and 3D diagrams is being clean-up and updated with other information derived from engineering records and aerospace knowledge.
Mutlaq Almutairi and Faissal A. Moslehy
Creation of Solid Model of an Osteoporotic Human Femur
This paper presents an improvement assessment of Osteoporosis fracture risk, creation of a suitable finite element (FE) model and solid model of cadaveric human femur. The FE models are usually derived from the solid model. Computer Tomography (CT) Scans or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) comprise the input data for a diversity of medical software that will construct a solid model of the Osteoporotic femur.
Chair: Renee Butler, University of Central Florida
Session 1: Monday March 15, 1:15 pm Flamingo room
Kenneth R. Morrison, Michael Sanders and Helen Deibel
Supply Chain Management Solutions for Larger Problems
Last year at this conference, we presented analytical solutions using Excel Solver and ARENA for the pure 4-tier problem where all material goes through each intermediate point. The four tiers were suppliers, assemblers, distribution centers, and customers. The paper included extension to the two-product case. However, some problems permit tier-skipping formulations, where distribution points are bypassed (i.e., assemblers straight to customers). The earlier paper presented the SCM problem as a transshipment problem, solved using the Excel Solver. However, the Excel Solver transshipment solution only permits less than 200 cells in the transshipment solution. When this problem was introduced to Kettering University students, they preferred to solve it using Management Scientist instead of the Excel Solver. This paper expands in four dimensions. First, the formulation includes the case of tier-skipping. Second, the formulation includes formulations and solutions using LINDO, LINGO, Management Scientist, and a Spreadsheet solution using a network approach from Cliff Ragsdale books in addition to the Excel Solver solution. Third, sensitivity analysis to determine the economic benefit for each distribution point is presented for each formulation. Fourth, animation of solutions from 2 perspectives, namely ARENA and Macromedia Flash animation movies are presented, giving the user an opportunity to view the solutions graphically.
Kenneth R. Morrison and Mandi Wheaton
An Interactive Animation Movie Demonstrating Factory Physics Concepts
This paper presents the results of an effort that started innocently enough - to demonstrate the Factory Physics concepts of throughput and cycle time as a function of Work-in-Process from chapter 7 of the Hopp-Spearman book for a four-station system. The outcome turned out to be an interactive movie that is played using the Macromedia Flash player that can run for 20 seconds on any computer. The four operations are welding a Body-in-White, spraying the paint, adding the other body parts, and adding doors, tires, etc. The interesting part of the movie is the interactive element that permits the user to select the values for four parameters. The four parameters are: Vehicle type (car, pickup truck, or minivan), Color (Red, White, Blue, Green, or fixed color pattern), value for Work-in-Process (from one to eight), and Process (Best case or Worst case). (Attempts to add the Practical Worst Case as a choice of process was thwarted by software limitations.) The formulation uses Macromedia Flash MX 2004 software, and permits the user to select values for the four parameters, run the movie, and continue this process until he/she grasps the concepts. The paper describes design of the movie in terms of layers, frames, objects, instances of objects, and interactions. Later developments will expand the movie demonstration to web site content using Macromedia Dreamweaver and Fireworks.
Nabeel Yousef, Ahmad Rahal, and Renee J. Butler
Using System Dynamics as an Educational Tool in Explaining the Supply Chain
In this paper, we demonstrate an extension of the Beer Game to expose students to system dynamics and experience supply chain decisions. The model exemplifies the bullwhip effect and the contributing factors. The model shows the backlog for the supplier, the wholesaler, and the retailer so that the student can play the role of the distributor. The expected outcomes for the students are to analyze the bullwhip effect and write a report on the contributing factors.
Session 2: Monday March 15, 2:45 pm Flamingo room
Nabeel Yousef, Ahmad Rahal, and Luis Rabelo
Study of the Inventory Oscillation Through the Supply Chain Using System Dynamics
The lack of coordination between the different groups of the supply chain, and the impact of their misinformed decisions on the whole chain, are the root causes to the tremendous inefficiencies and demand spikes known as the Bullwhip effect. This paper involves modeling the supply chain, and studying the inventory oscillation at several levels throughout the supply chain to determine the relevance and impact of the different factors and parameters causing this inventory oscillation and the actions required to dampen this oscillatory behavior of the system.
Ertunga ¨Ozelkan
Group-Buying: Volume-Discounted and Combinatorial Cases
Group-buying is a business process which brings individuals or businesses together to increase their buying power. This paper provides a mathematical programming model for group-buying in a business-to-business (B2B) framework for volume discounted and combinatorial reverse auctions. A numerical experiment is presented and further managerial insights are derived.
Pei-Chun Lai and Tom Baum
Labour Supply Chain in the Hotel Sector: The Role of Agencies
This paper, building on an on-going research, discusses the role of agencies in the hotel sector as labour suppliers and/or as partners within the labour supply chain. In analysing the supply chain in hospitality, the authors take the housekeeping department as an example, since this unit is normally the biggest department in a hotel, in terms of daily head count employed. In consequence, reflections on how to maintain this supply relationship between two actors, hotels and employment agencies, will also be introduced.
Session 3: Tuesday March 16, 4:15 pm Pelican room
Renee J. Butler, Jane C. Ammons, and Joel Sokol
How to Plan the Supply Chain for New Products
We develop a method to design a supply chain network for new products. The network is designed to be flexible to grow with the product and protect
against large initial investment in case of an unsuccessful product. From the case study, we derive insights on the cost drivers and trade-offs.
Mariah McMurran and Renee J. Butler
Optimizing Agility in a Semiconductor Supply Chain
We present a problem statement and research methodology that will lead to a quantitative model of supply chain agility and its cost, resulting in the
ability to determine which factors are significant to improving agility and to find an optimal tradeoff between the objectives of maximizing agility and
minimizing cost.
Alexis N. Sommers
Demand Uncertainty Effects Upon the Bottom-Tier Supplier
Instability of demand and consequent difficulty in meeting JIT requirements tends to create marginality in small suppliers at the bottom of an OEM supply chain.
This, and constraints on cash and labor, severely challenge a supplier's management. Strategies to cope with this instability are described in the context of theory of
constraints and lean thinking.