IEMS 2008 Program by Tracks

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Accounting/Finance:

Chair: LuAnn Bean, Florida Institute of Technology, lbean@it.fit.edu

Session 1: Monday March 10, 1:15 pm Pelican room, LuAnn Bean, session chair.

David Price and Michael Stoica
Angel Investors and the Determinants of Informal Investing
Obtaining financing for early-stage ventures is a critical step for entrepreneurial companies. “Angel” investors have long been an important source of financial support and mentoring of growing businesses in bridging the gap between individual and institutional venture capital financing. This paper presents a research proposal to identify determinants of informal investing and an individual’s propensity to invest in these early-stage companies.

Jeff Manzi and LuAnn Bean
A Self-Paced Approach to Teaching Finance
The performance of finance students that were taught using the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) is compared to students that were taught the same course using lectures and tests. Results indicate that PSI can be used effectively to supplement the arsenal of teaching approaches used in a business curriculum.

Erika Freese
Executive Compensation in Nonprofit Organizations
Employee compensation in nonprofit organizations has come under significant scrutiny by the IRS in the past couple years. Some of the most recent cases of this type are explored in this paper. Furthermore, methods of determining appropriate compensation packages for nonprofit employees are also discussed.

Erin Gullickson
Auditing System Access Controls
Auditors should evaluate system access controls as part of an information technology audit. A breach in a computer system access can be devastating for firms and their clients. To limit the opportunities for unauthorized access, controls should be put in place to optimize computer security, including rules on passwords.

LuAnn Bean and Jeff Manzi
A Model for Audit Brainstorming: The Search for Material Misstatements and Fraud
Both Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 99 and No. 109 require that auditors conduct brainstorming sessions during every audit for purposes of identifying material misstatements and fraud in company operations and financial statements. This paper explores a concurrent model for this process.

Session 1: Tuesday March 11, 8:00 am Heron Room, E. Ertugrul Karsak, session chair

Colin O. Benjamin and LaSheena Vaughn
A Framework for Selecting Business Process Mapping Software
We review commercially available business process mapping (BPM) software and provide a systematic approach to assist companies in determining the BPM software which would represent the best fit with the organization’s needs. We use scenario analysis to illustrate .the robustness of this approach.

C. Okan Özogul, E. Ertugrul Karsak and Ethem Tolga
Valuation of Advanced Manufacturing System Investments Using Real Options Approach
The traditional discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis is not suitable for evaluating advanced manufacturing system investments since it ignores the flexibility to revise the original decisions. In this paper, a real options approach is presented to overcome the limitations of conventional DCF models by incorporating option values of flexibilities to defer, to change scale, and to abandon the investment for salvage while evaluating an advanced manufacturing system investment. The proposed valuation framework is based on binomial lattices and risk-neutral analysis. An illustrative example is presented, and sensitivity analyses are conducted.

Ryrik Skomorokhov
Optimization Productivity at the Source
Main object of our research and presentation is aerospace and other industries, widely using job shop, batch and project processes. There are a lot of ways, systems and methods for increasing productivity in manufacturing. In spite of it, in practices we have bottlenecks, idling, delays in deliveries, etc., that influence productivity negatively. To achieve maximum possible productivity possible one should determine indices productivity at the source.

Hesham S. Mahgoub
Applying Value Engineering Techniques to Pavement Maintenance Procedures
This paper provides an overview of Value Engineering (VE) and its application to highway projects, with particular concern to highway quality and maintenance. It also presents a proposed methodology for the application of VE to pavement maintenance projects, which provides a management tool that will optimize the delivery of the pavement management function. The concepts and processes for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of various maintenance treatments are outlined.

Christian J. Sonnenberg and S. Ann Becker
A Case Study on the Use of Results-Oriented Design for Handheld Applications
The user interface design standard, “What You See is What You Get (WYSIWYG)”, has weaknesses when applied to today’s systems. Results-Oriented design is increasingly used to address these weaknesses. Little information exists on its use for handheld interface designs. This paper summarizes a case study on Results-Oriented design for PocketPC applications.

Robert L. Mullen
An Intelligent Expert System for Those Entering the Internet/Web Industry
This paper describes the conceptual development of an intelligent–based expert system applied to capture the knowledge of a several well-known experts who were either founders of the new technology or developers of successful businesses in the Internet/Web Industry. The list of experts includes such experts as Sir Tim Berners-Lee (developed html for the Web) and Jeff Bedos, founder of Amazon.com. By applying intelligence to the knowledge-base of these experts, common advice from the combined expertise is developed to advise others attempting to enter this fast growing industry.

Robert L. Mullen
An Intelligent Expert System for Those Who Wish to Become Billionaires
This paper describes the conceptual development of an intelligent–based expert system with the knowledge of a several well-known billionaires. The top ten billionaires, including Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, were researched on the Internet to develop a knowledge-base of advice from their collective philosophies as a guide for others who might wish to attain similar status with their work lives.

Donald Brandon, Brian Bourgeois, Ashley Morris
Hydrographic Mission Planning Prototype Combining GIS and AutoSurvey™
This paper discusses an approach to hydrographic mission planning that utilizes a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) GIS product and the AutoSurvey™ Planner (ASP). It introduces the two systems and presents how joining them to create the Hydrographic Mission Planner (HMP) eases decision making for mission planners. It also describes the benefits that exist over the older systems and approaches. Finally, this paper explains how the GIS products will be used to build custom tools that will further aid in decision making by improving analysis capabilities.

Marvin Roe, Brian Bourgeios, Ashley Morris
Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Mission Planning and Mission Monitoring Prototype
This paper discusses the functionality of the Mission Planning and Mission Monitoring (MPMM) application prototype. It presents how the application is used to assist scientists and pilots in planning ocean sampling and survey missions for underwater gliders and unmanned underwater vehicles. This paper includes explanations of how commercially available geospatial analysis development software was used to create crucial decision making tools for the mission planners.

Brian Bourgeois
Mission Planning Software Support for Underwater Vehicles
This paper discusses the development of a common mission planning system for ocean sampling with underwater vehicles. It examines the state of the art in computer tools that aid with the 4D multi-variable decision making process, and presents a plan for system development using a Geospatial Information System foundation.

Jean Gourd and Dia Ali
A Weighted Relative Contribution Algorithm for Grid-Based Analysis of Heterogeneous Geospatial Data
Given a two-dimensional grid comprised of discrete cells that superimpose some geographic region, we present an algorithm that iteratively computes the weighted contributions of heterogeneous data relevant to the region. The algorithm’s calculations are relative to each cell—thus amenable to parallelism—with the intent to provide an analysis of the complete range of data over the entire region

Paulus Wahjudi, Shahram Rahimi, Raheel Ahmad and Dia Ali
Computing-with-Word Agents for Hypothesis Generation and Assessment
We propose the creation of a Computing-with-Words Ontology Expert System for knowledge discovery, discernment and dissemination that utilizes Computing-with-Words to analyze and determine the semantics of textual information from different sources within a particular domain of interest. We couple this with an Ontology driven Expert System to define the domain of interest and to provide validation of information

Jeremy Kackley and Jean Gourd
A Flow Direction Algorithm for Geometry-Based Networks Utilizing a Prioritized DFS Method
Given a series of two-dimensional regions that compose a three-dimensional map, we generate a flow network by considering the regions as nodes and the interconnections as edges. We then present an algorithm to direct flow across the network with the intent to maximize throughput and minimize the number of hops.

Noby Nobriga, Katie Hall, and Dia Ali
Multilevel Computational Teaching Techniques Utilizing LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT
We propose to foster student interest in programming, robotics, and artificial intelligence by utilizing LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT robot building system. Techniques can be applied at varying levels of difficulty to motivate an understanding from an introductory level up to advanced problem solving.

Guanghsu A. Chang
A Case-Based Reasoning Approach to Academic Advising
Academic advising is the key to help new students make a smooth transition to the university and assist continuing students to achieve their goals. This paper presents a case-based reasoning approach for reducing faculty advising workload. The experimental results indicate that the case-based Reasoning approach has a great improvement on faculty advising quality and a significant reduction on faculty advising workload.

Arnould Diehl, B. Andrew Cudmore and Scott D. Swain
The Perceived Importance of an Internationally Diverse and Engaged Student Population
With increasing business globalization it is necessary for those engaged in the field of business education to continue to encourage internationalization of their student populations and to encourage internal programs that increase the interaction of these naturally autonomous groups (domestics vs. internationals). This paper explores the perceived importance of a diverse international student population and increasing levels of engagement with that population as possible influences on students’ perceived ability to function in a global economy. Ramifications for admissions and student life programs are discussed.

Brandon Miller, Jonas Dewitte, B. Andrew Cudmore and Scott D. Swain
Youth Athletes’ Attitudes Toward Performance Enhancing Drugs
The goal of this study was to examine young athlete’s attitudes towards performance enhancing drugs and methods of doping. Focusing on health concerns (minor vs. possible death) and levels of embarrassment (minor media coverage vs. major media coverage and return of career award), we found that embarrassment plays a key role, whereas health concerns surprisingly did not factor as a significant influence. This provides some guidance for positioning of media messages focused on discouraging our young athletes from taking this route to stardom.

Diala T. Gammoh, Ahmad Elshennawy and Alfred Ducharme
Performance Analysis of a New Online Delivery System at the University of Central Florida
The College of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Central Florida (UCF) has been a leader in distance learning for the last twenty five years. As part of its continuous improvement efforts, a study was conducted by the Center for Online and Virtual Education (COVE) at UCF to assess the performance of a new online delivery system. Data were gathered using an online questionnaire, and analyzed to statistically assess the performance of the new system.

Session 2. Tuesday March 11, 1:15 pm Heron room, Chair: Ralph Janaro

Girish Shambu and Gordon Meyer
Toward a Historically-Informed Framework for Teaching Operations Management
We propose a rationale for the development of a pedagogy for operations management (OM) framed in terms of the history of operations practices. The framework identifies three distinct OM traditions — craft production, mass production, and contemporary — and captures some key interrelationships between them. We also identify five key dimensions of OM practice: job/work unit specialization, batch size, quality control, product/process design, and supplier relationships. The three OM traditions are contrasted on each of the five dimensions of OM practice.

Edwin R. Bellman and Teje Sult
Illustrating Lean Using Lab Exercises
In the paper/presentation we will discuss several methods of integrating real world experiences into the classroom. At the beginning of the class, students are given a product to build. The planning for this product is as poorly designed as possible. After spending an entire class to create a finished product, which should have taken one third of the time, the students are confused and frustrated. They are extremely interested in improving the process, and easily understand the reasons supply chain management is important. Then we allow the students to start making changes to the process to improve the supply chain. These exercises allow students the opportunity to apply theories learned from the book to real issues faced in the work place. The students gain hands-on experience dealing with issues they will face again after they graduate.

Samir Y. Khoury, Leslie R. Pagliari and Mark Angolia
Simulating Inventory Tracking and Order Entry Functions in Logistics and Distribution Courses
Logistics and distribution programs face a variety of challenges. One of these challenges is finding the funds to purchase software that allows students to work with actual inventory that can be tracked and purchase orders that can be entered, pulled, and shipped to customers. Having an environment that closely resembles the actual work environment will help prepare students for careers in logistics and distribution. Since many logistics and distribution degree programs do not have the funds for such systems, they need to find ways of simulating this environment. A faculty member is collaborating with other faculty members at a public university in North Carolina to develop a simulated warehousing environment that utilizes Microsoft Access to track inventory and process purchase orders. Since Microsoft Access is available on most campuses, it creates a cheap but effective solution. This paper will explore the benefits and actual application of Microsoft Access in a logistics and distribution degree program, and outlines some of the databases that come free with Microsoft Access.

Mark Smith
I/T Infrastructure for a Data-driven Website
This paper explores the role of technology in teaching project management concepts. Its focus is on the technology infrastructure to support a data-driven website, and the use of project management software to schedule and track the solution. The goal was to learn about project management by implementing a real project.

Session 3. Tuesday March 11, 3:15 pm Heron room, Chair: Ralph Janaro

Hassan M. Hassan, Fahad Al-Mohaia, Saleh M. Al-Saleem and Moshira M. Ali
On Optimal Selection of Software Learning Packages Using Artificial Neural Networks' Modeling (Educational Simulation Approach)
This paper addresses an interdisciplinary solution for one of the problems associated with computerized educational disciplines. Addressed problem basically concerned with realistic computer-based educational simulations (e-Sims). More specifically, it searches for optimal software learning package(s) applied for teaching of specified curriculum(s) in classroom(s).

Zhao Zhang, Jinwen Zhu, and Virendra Varma
A Primer for Electronics Educators for Moving From Analog to Digital Communications: A Teaching Strategy
This paper addresses a teaching strategy to help students develop fundamental skills in the area of electronic communications, ranging from analog to digital communications. As the whole world switches from analog to digital communications, engineering and technology educators have an added responsibility to do the same. This paper provides one Case Study that will make the switch easier and smoother. By discussing analog and digital connections in the relevant context, educators can make the complex and complicated modern communication systems easier to comprehend, and enable students to build a solid foundation for the future.

Ralph E. Janaro
Revamping Education to Meet Global Challenges
Many community leaders, politicians, and others have decried companies that seek workers offshore, but have not offered much in the way of solutions. It is our belief that in order to keep more of these higher-skilled jobs at home we need to develop a talented workforce with expertise in areas where demand is outpacing supply, and to become more innovative and technologically sophisticated. In order to accomplish these, we need to fix the shortcomings in our education system. This paper examines these shortcomings and proposes solutions, beginning at the K-12 level.

Carolyn J. Fausnaugh, Mary Helen McCay, Annie Becker and Erin Gullickson
Identifying the Processes of Entrepreneurial Universities: A Literature Review
The pace of technology transfer activities has accelerated in the last twenty years. What are the factors contributing to the success of those universities with excellent technology transfer achievements? By what benchmarks are technology transfer achievements measured? Does performance on these measures differ between public and private universities?

Session 1: Tuesday March 11, 3:15 pm Flamingo room, Colin Benjamin, session chair

Kareem Benjamin, Gordon Moore and Colin O. Benjamin
A Qualitative Model for Risk Assessment in New Business Ventures
We review the several techniques used to assess the risks associated with new business ventures and develop a qualitative model for risk assessment. We illustrate the application of this framework in facilitating the risk-return tradeoff required to guide investment decision-making in the evaluation of a new real estate business venture.

Colin Benjamin, Jamila Hewitt, Kelvin Savage, Forrest Thompson, and Doris Ballard-Ferguson
Evaluating Non-Profit Business Ventures Using Social Return on Investment (SROI)
We review the techniques used to evaluate new business ventures and examine the use of the Social Return on Investment (SROI) in evaluating non-profit investments. We develop a framework to facilitate SROI calculations and illustrate its application in the evaluation of a non-profit business venture in the healthcare sector.

Colin Benjamin, Kelvin Savage and Charity Grissom
A Framework for Risk Management on New Global Business Ventures
We integrate UNIDO’s methodology for preparing feasibility studies with Boehm’s spiral-modeling approach for software development to provide a robust, replicable framework for assessing risks in new global business ventures. We illustrate the application of this framework to facilitate risk identification and mitigation in a new business venture in the Caribbean.

Session 1: Monday March 10, 3:15 pm Pelican room, Dr. Mohammad T. Khasawneh, chair

Kumar Sudarsanam, Bhawana Bhopte, and Mohammad T. Khasawneh
Preventing WMSDs Among Medical Sonographers Using Digital Human Modeling
Since Sonographers experience discomfort while performing exams, NIOSH recommended using height adjustable scanning beds. Therefore, this paper studies the efficacy of NIOSH recommended measure to prevent WMSDs among sonographers using digital human modeling. The results indicated that adjustable beds provided better scanning posture, thereby validating the efficacy of NIOSH’s recommendations.

Michael J. Eberhart and Mohammad T. Khasawneh
The Effects of a Visual Distraction During a Visual Inspection Task
While performing visual inspection one must sustain focused attention for quick and accurate performance. This paper studies the effect of distraction in a simulated inspection task. While accuracy increased with increased distraction, search time was not affected, thereby confirming that central nervous system arousal increases human performance during simple tasks.

Benjamin Osafo-Yeboah, Ritson Delpish, and Xiaochun Jiang
Investigation of Operator Behavior Using Haptic Controlled Backhoe Simulator
Research in haptic feedback and control has received a lot of attention in recent years because haptic provides force feedback that allows users to have the sensation of ‘feel’. This study is an attempt to investigate the actions and behavior of human operators as they manipulate a backhoe simulator in a virtual environment using the phantom haptic device.

Session 2: Monday March 10, 4:45 pm Pelican room, Dr. Mohammad T. Khasawneh, chair

Xiaochun Jiang, BaaSheba Rice, Gerald Watson, and Eui Park
A Multivariate Statistical Approach to Analyze Nursing Errors
Nursing errors are one of the problems healthcare industry faces. This research aims to investigate the relationship between some key factors that contribute to various nursing errors. Data from a voluntary medication error reporting system at a local hospital were collected and analyzed. A multiway frequency analysis was applied. Results revealed certain associations among those variables.

Ronald P. Krahe
Updated Application of Audio Feedback
This paper presents an audio feedback scheme for field technicians under high-stress conditions. It provides subliminal cues about rapid changes in system variables and conditions. This design is part of a modern SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system. It replaces the unintended and unforeseen audio feedback of the former electro-mechanical pen and chart recorders.

Koray Benson, Benjamin Osafo-Yeboah, Xiaochun Jiang
Comparing the Intelligibility of Bone-Conducted Speech Using Different Test Materials
Speech intelligibility is the degree to which a speaker's intended message is accurately interpreted by a listener. The goal of this research is to compare the intelligibility of bone conducted speech using two different speech intelligibility testing materials (the Callsign Acquisition Test, CAT and the North Western University Test Number 6, NU-6) and compare the results to previous studies

Deborah S. Carstens, Ph.D., PMP and Stephanie M. Rockfield
Changing the Human Dimension in Information Security
Concerns and threats regarding human and social factors in organizational security are increasing at an exponential rate and shifting the information security paradigm. With the abundance of confidential information that organizations must protect and the presence of fraud, this research investigates individual preferences when using passwords for authentication.

Ashley Hall, Andrew Peralta and Anna Sargsyan
Microsoft Windows versus Macintosh: Learnability and Memorability Testing
A usability study was conducted to identify learnability and memorability of two different operating systems. The study performed testing of six participants, three males and three females, all undergraduate students at Florida Institute of Technology. The two systems that were tested were Microsoft Windows and Macintosh. Experimenters observed subjects throughout the entire testing process documenting any comments and observations. The post-survey was then completed and a debriefing session allowed experimenters to gather additional information. The findings and recommendations of this study are discussed.

Scott Ososky, David Schuster, Joseph R. Keebler
Ergonomic Analysis of a Hair Salon
Cosmetology involves a number of diverse tasks which have been implicated in cumulative trauma disorders and other workplace injuries. This case study presents an analysis of injury risk and prevalence in a salon. Individual, occupational, and organizational factors are considered, and potential areas where risk can be reduced are presented.

Katherine Sachs, Chris Lambert, andYang Chen
Google Earth: A Usability Study
A usability study was conducted to identify general usability weaknesses and recommendations for the improvement of the freeware version of Google Earth. The usability study tested participants on the task of findings the directions, businesses, and addresses.

M.J. Lantis
New Ergonomics and the ADA
Two of the fastest growing categories of work-related injuries in the modern office environment are carpal tunnel syndrome and neck/spinal damage. Both of these can be greatly reduced by a few simple methods and procedures related to the human/computer interface. This paper will examine proven methods for reducing these injuries with simple ergonomics enhanced by recent research. Special emphasis will be given to current ADA requirements.

Session 1: Tuesday March 11, 8:00 am Egret room, Alexandra Schonning, session chair

Jesse Parkhurst, Michael Fergusson, Alexandra Schönning, Simeon Ochi
Design and Manufacturing of an Acoustic Panels Test Frame
The University of North Florida in collaboration with the Goodrich Corporation have designed a test frame to be used in investigating the mechanical properties of acoustic panels. The strain and deflection will be measured while a vacuum load is applied. Design and manufacturing details of the frame are presented.

Wei Zhan, John Crenshaw, Tim Hurst and Jacob Schulz
Addressing the Engineering Needs of the Nuclear Power Industry
The demand for electricity in the United States is increasing. Nuclear power plants have better capacity, price, and environment impact than other types of power plants. In the last few years, the nuclear power industry has been revitalized. There is an urgent need to find new engineers to support the needs of the nuclear power industry. This paper discusses this issue and proposes some actions that can be taken quickly by educational institutes and industry to effectively address the engineering needs of the nuclear power industry.

C. Brown-LaVeist, S. K. Hargrove, and J. Doswell
Developing an Information Strategy for Civil Aviation Competitiveness: The Joint Technical Data Integration Project at Morgan State University
This project describes one approach to share and deliver aircraft information using information technology that may benefit aviation repair and maintenance. The objective of the Joint Technical Data Integration (JTDI) project at Morgan State University is to demonstrate specific Department of Defense advances in aviation maintenance and aircraft availability in ways that would benefit the civil aviation community. This project will describe a research strategy to configure an information and system architecture to assist the civil aviation industry through a collaborative project of academia, industry, and government.

Mario Marin, Federica Robinson, Jose Sepulveda, Luis Rabelo
Developing a Database that Executes Comprehensive, Comparative Analyses among Undergraduate Industrial Engineering Programs Nationwide
Institutions are continuously altering their curriculum to adapt to changes in academia and industry requirements. To incorporate these changes, a database was created encompassing an institution's undergraduate Industrial Engineering program capacity and its curriculum. This simplifies editing and updating tasks and returns comprehensive, comparative analyses based on user-defined criteria.

Ahmad Rahal
A Multi-Criteria Decision Making Prioritization Process in Faculty Applicants Selection
Under the prevailing faculty recruiting system, the selection of faculty candidates from a pool of applicants is based on the subjective evaluation and judgment of the applicant's CV by members of the hiring committee. This recruitment method is very subjective, lacks consistency, does not follow a methodological judging process, and may not lead to the intended goal of selecting the most qualified candidate(s). An evaluation and assessment decision model was developed to streamline the candidate (s) selection process, and simplify the assessment, evaluation and prioritization of the list of faculty applicants.

James A. Ejiwale
The Implementation of Research Clusters at Jackson State University
There is increased demand on scientists and technologists to scan the globe beyond their comfort zones of pursuing individual research projects by exploring new organizational models to synergize skills and disciplines among their colleagues. This presentation will address the potential impact of the implementation of Research clusters at Jackson State University

Aiman Kuzmar
Engineering Technology Faculty Members Need Industrial Experience
Engineering technology (ET) focuses on the practical side of engineering. ET programs teach students hands-on-engineering as opposed to theoretical engineering which is the focus of engineering programs. On one hand, engineering programs in general don’t require faculty to have industrial experience. It is a different story when it comes to ET. ET educators should have a minimum level of industrial experience based on the nature of the ET field.

Session 1: Monday March 10, 9:45 am Egret room, Sandra Furterer, session chair

Ali Ahmad and Isabelina Nahmens
Assessing Six Sigma Project Improvements - A Statistical Perspective
This paper discusses comparison techniques including t-tests, Bayes estimation, and Monte Carlo analysis. Then, guidelines to facilitate the comparison of process performance before and after, under different circumstances are identified. The adoption of methodologies outlined in this paper in companies executing Six Sigma projects under those circumstances will enable them to compare their before and after metrics regardless of their type of measures and data availability.

Guanghsu A. Chang
Applying Lean Index to Tennessee Tool Manufacturing Company
Lean Index (LI) is a very important measurement of lean capability. In this paper, we will attempt to develop an assessment methodology for analyzing of the leanness of tool manufacturing operations. Using this methodology, a factory model was identified and a set of assessment factors, or “Lean Metrics,” was developed. On the basis of our results, Lean Index can provide an indicative improvement of lean manufacturing capability.

Sandy Furterer
Six Sigma Project Selection, A Multi-Criteria Tool to Link Projects to Strategy
Six Sigma programs can provide significant benefits to an organization to help reduce variation, better meet your customers’ needs, and improve business processes. However, where does an organization begin? One of the critical areas that help define the potential for success of a Six Sigma effort is in selecting Six Sigma projects that are aligned with strategic initiatives. This presentation provides a multi-criteria project selection approach that can help the project champions, Green Belts and Black Belts select projects that support the organization’s strategy, by first aligning the project selection criteria with the strategic initiatives. The Quality Function Deployment tool and the series of matrices embedded in the method are used to link the strategic initiatives to the multiple selection criteria. This approach helps to ensure that the Six Sigma projects are aligned with the organization’s strategy, and that the process improvements that are implemented ultimately support the organization’s strategy.

Ryan Underdown
Consignment Containers for Consumable Goods: A Strategy for Lean Manufacturing
This paper will describe the benefits of using consumable goods on consignment as a strategy of facilitating lean manufacturing initiatives. During the last two years, Ace Hardware’s Commercial and Industrial Supply (CIS) division has worked with local manufacturers to facilitate lean by providing consumable goods in on-site storage containers. The storage containers hold consumable inventory such as welding rods, grinding wheels, lubricants, and energy drinks that customers use on a daily basis. Rather than ordering these items in large quantities and storing them in company owned warehouses, companies rely on Ace Hardware CIS to provide their consumables on their work site under a consignment agreement. Ace Hardware CIS examines customer buying history to create an inventory of on-site goods that customers can use as they need it. The result of this strategy for customers has been a dramatic reduction of purchase orders and related purchasing costs. Real customer examples and data will be discussed.

J. S. Sutterfield and Dominique D. Drake
The Six-Sigma Revolution: An Analysis of Theory and Practice
Six-sigma is a discipline that has revolutionized many corporations. It has literally transformed them from a state of loss to one of profitability. It can be used to improve any process, and is particularly useful for improving any production system, whether one used for tangible products or services. Although the Japanese are ordinarily credited with having originated and advanced the quality movement, the roots of the quality movement, and consequently the roots of the six-sigma discipline actually originated in the United States. If the history of six-sigma is not well understood, neither is the rather subtle theory behind it. In this paper we develop the historical roots of the quality revolution, show how it developed into six-sigma, develop the theory behind six-sigma, and analyze the uses of some six-sigma tools used in an effective, coherent six-sigma program.

Sandra Furterer
Lean Six Sigma Program Success Factors in a Retail Application
Retail has begun to embrace Lean Six Sigma principles and tools to help reduce costs and enhance internal and external customers’ experience. This presentation describes the top ten factors that have contributed to the success of a large retailer’s global Continuous Improvement strategy, including: 1) Champion engagement; 2) financial validation of savings; 3) project selection based on key business priorities; 4) excellent training; 5) networking and knowledge sharing of lessons learned; 6) careful selection of Green Belt and Black Belt candidates focusing on key business areas; 7) good project management with clear project charters, well-defined scope, goals and milestones; 8) excellent mentoring by experienced mentors; 9) communication of the Lean Six Sigma continuous improvement message to the organization, celebrating and recognizing success; and 10) clear certification criteria for Green Belts and Black Belts. This presentation will also describe the proposed improvements to the infrastructure of the continuous improvement program to further enhance the success of the program to more broadly impact the business.

Emad Abualsauod, Haitham Bahaitham, Mayuresh Joshi, Narasimha Nagaiah and Ahmad K. Elshennawy
Application of Six Sigma Methodology in Inventory Tracking Process at Florida Department of Children and Families
This paper studies in details the current laptops inventory tracking process in District 7 of Florida’s Department of Children and Families through applying the six sigma DMAIC methodology. Projected benefits, in addition to improving the current performance of the process, is the potential implementation of the developed system to include other state owned properties.

Adriana Rodriguez and Sandra Furterer
Six Sigma Scorecard (SSS): A Valid Methodology to Align Strategy, and Performance Improvements to Satisfy Customers
The alignment among strategy, performance, and the customer is considered the key element to bring value to any organization. A case study/action research provided the opportunity to validate the “SSS” methodology and describes their three merging places: prioritization/selection of projects, complement business opportunities/strategic priorities and relate six sigma /BSC measures.

John Wang and James Yao
The Rise and Fall of Commerce One Inc.: Lessons Learned
Today, Commerce One no longer exists. The short but undulating history of e-commerce witnessed the company’s rising and falling, from its position as an industry leader to another file in bankruptcy court. “How come?” One may wonder. This paper will examine the internal and external events that took place around Commerce One, exploring the industry backdrop, the key events in the company’s history, the challenges that ultimately overcame it, above all allowing us to draw lessons from its tragedy and be wiser in the future.

James Yao and John Wang
Data Warehousing Development and Design Methodologies
This paper presents some of the currently discussed development and design methodologies in data warehousing, such as the multidimensional data modeling vs. relational ER data modeling, top-down vs. bottom-up design model, and data partitioning and parallel processing.

Isaac Gang, Alan Spurgeon, Sagarika Nanda, Kevin Roper and Dia Ali
National Emergency Relief Distributed Database for Disaster Victims
Getting services to disaster victims was a major issue immediately following Hurricane Katrina. We propose a secure distributed emergency relief database to catalog the needs of disaster victims along with the resources that are and become available during emergency relief efforts. The database benefits from its multilevel design, providing county and city, state, and federal resource access.

Jerry W. Koehler and Thomas W. Philippe
Implementing Innovative Performance Improvement Practices: Effects of Workplace Deception
Successfully implementing innovative performance improvement practices in the United States has been a difficult journey. Significant resistance to quality initiatives have been reported by researchers and practitioners alike. They have attempted to identify causes of resistance, such as the Lack of top management commitment. This article hypothesis posits the primary cause for the lack of success in American companies is due to cultures that are embedded with workplaces deception. And the first priority for companies in the United States is to develops culture that remove the presence of workplace deception,

Ewa Rudnicka
Business Ethics Awards Around the Globe
Awards for business ethics are presented by statewide, national and international associations/organizations. Additionally, they could be given to not only corporations, but also individuals. Among others, such awards are the U.S.-based Business Ethics Awards, which are presented by The CRO: Corporate Responsibility Officers Magazine, the Australian-based Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards, and Colorado Ethics in Business Alliance. This paper reviews different types of ethics awards and their criteria.

Carolyn J. Fausnaugh, Mary Helen McCay, Annie Becker and Erin Gullickson
Examining a University Research Contract Through the Lens of Corporate Entrepreneurship Theory
The academic field of entrepreneurship first investigated and created models of the multiple facets and processes by which entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial team founded new ventures. Later the field incorporated corporate venturing. In this paper we compare and contrast the case of a university research contract to models of corporate venturing.

Session 2: Monday March 10, 3:15 pm Flamingo room, Dr. Eui Park session chair.

Richard W. Monroe and Leslie R. Pagliari
Success Factors for Change Management: The Roles of Leadership and Knowledge
Change is difficult to manage and successes are not as abundant as failures. This paper explores success factors for change efforts and develops a linkage between the group of success factors, change management and knowledge management. Change management leadership needs to incorporate explicit knowledge about these success factors.

P. deMattos, E. Park, S. Udoka, Y. Seong, and X. Jiang
Training and Job Satisfaction to Improve Nursing Retention
Nurses with a BS Degree in Nursing (BSN) have taken on a big role in the face of the imminent nursing shortage in the nation. This study is to find out how the BSN nursing group is adjusting to the transition from student to the work world; it analyzes job satisfaction and performance for the first year as predictors of retention.

Mark Antonison, Anthony Morris and Sampson Gholston
Work Motivation and Work Engagement: Measures of Employee Well-Being in a Healthy Workplace
Employee well-being is defined in terms of the degree to which a person is fully functioning at work. Work engagement is proposed to be a valid and useful measure of work motivation and well-being. Attributes of work motivation and work engagement are compared. Practical implications for engineering management are discussed.

Denneil Brando, Susan Stephens and B. Andrew Cudmore
Transformational versus Transactional Management Style: How They Relate to Gender
This study examined employee’s acceptance of a manager based on their management style and gender. Management style was manipulated through a transformational (emotional and coaching) or transactional (economic and commanding) style. Gender of both the manager and the employees were also examined. Surprisingly, gender played no role in influencing employee attitudes toward the manager; however a transformational style was viewed as the most acceptable. Guidance for managers is offered.

Lixiang Jiang, Zhongping Zhai and Chin-sheng Chen
An Optimal Approach to Organizational Structure Design
This paper aims at a study of the organizational theories with which companies organize their resources to best conduct their business activities. It proposes a quantitative approach to the organization problem and presents a prescriptive model for design of optimal organizational structure. The proposed approach considers resource structure, work structure, and their mapping concurrently. In addition to mapping each elemental business activity to direct labor, the primary decision is to the organization of direct labor into an optimal hierarchy of managerial structure. We focus on identifying variables and parameters which affect the decision process, in attempt to lay an analytical foundation for optimal organizational structure design.

Nabeel Yousef and Tarig Ali
Minimizing Line of Duty Deaths (LODD) For Firefighters through Proposing a Tracking System to Track Fire Fighters at Fire Scenes
The real-time tracking of firefighters is a important part of firefighters safely at fire scenes. This article presents the conceptual design of a prototype system for tracking firefighters at fire scenes. The system is based on the triangulation technique where we have a transmitter and two receivers to accurately detect the position of a firefighter in at a fire scene.

Shahram Amiri
Information and Telecommunication Technology: Blueprint for Social-Economic Growth in Developing Nations
This paper explores the interplay of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and social-economic growth in developed and developing nations. Digital literacy, ICT infrastructure and creation of local content are crucial foundation that must be attained before the dream of global availability of knowledge, improved quality of life, commerce, education and health can come to fruition.

Al Petrosky, Edward Hernandez, Kaylene Williams and Robert Page
The Reality of Abstraction: Taking an Evolutionary Step in Aesthetic Marketing
This paper reviews the major trends in aesthetic marketing research and finds a wealth of contributions to basic theory and connectivity with other social sciences, but also indicates a consequent dearth in practical applications and synthesis with the major disciplinary areas of marketing. It concludes by proposing potential applications of aesthetic marketing theory to a couple standard analytical tools in new product management, namely Rogers’ model of product characteristics influencing the diffusion of innovations, as well as Robertson’s model of innovator categories.

Chair: Kaylene Williams, California State University, Stanislaus, kwilliams@csustan.edu

Session 1: Monday March 10, 9:45 am Flamingo, Kaylene Williams, Session Chair

Kaylene C. Williams, Al Petrosky, Edward H. Hernandez and Robert Page
In's and Out's of Product Placement
Product placement has become an increasingly popular way of reaching potential customers who are able to zap past commercials. The purpose of this paper is to examine product placement in terms of definition, use, purposes of product placement, specific media vehicles, variables that impact the effectiveness of product placements, the downside of using product placements, and the ethics of product placements.

Michael Stoica, Darryl W. Miller and Dan Ardelea
An Investigation of Gender Role Portrayals in Television Advertising
This study investigates gender role portrayals in television advertising in Romania. Results revealed both progressive and traditional gender role portrayals for both women and men reflecting a society and economy in a state of transition to a free market economy. The study also involves a test of Hofstede index, comparing role portrayals in commercials in Japan Sweden and Romania. The results are consistent with the implications of the Hofstede index.

Gordon W. Arbogast
Dedicated Account Teams: Worth the Cost?
This research provides valuable insight relative to customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction is one of the highest priorities of any organization. The purpose of this research is to explore the value of additional cost measures that can be initiated in order to target specific customer segments. Specifically, is the additional cost incurred by a company to secure good customer satisfaction data warranted?

Session 2: Tuesday March 11, 8:00 am Flamingo,
Banu Karsak and Elgiz Yılmaz
New Marketıng PR Trend: Customer as a Busıness Partner in Corporate Innovatıon Strategıes
The role of customers’ advices as innovation consultants offer valuable experiences to executives in providing data and strategies to enhance a corporation’s creativity. This study aims to provide a quantitative and qualitative survey about how consumers evaluate this new concept of customer based marketing public relations (MPR) trend with Turkish innovation cases selected according “The most Successful Turkish Brands in 2006”.

Scott D. Swain, B. Andrew Cudmore, Ronaldo Menezes, and Zeeshan-ul-hassan Usmani
Retail Technology and Consumer Preference Interdependence
Emerging technologies (e.g., RFID) allow for real-time tracking of objectsand have found many applications in workflow and inventory management. However, the potential of these technologies to complement more traditional marketing mix tools is relatively unexplored. Drawing on social learning and swarm intelligence theory, we develop an agent-based simulation in which consumers are provided with access to aggregate promotion response data. We find that retailer transparency facilitates consumer preference interdependence processes and can improve promotion management.

Scott D. Swain, Jonathan D. Hibbard, Richard C. Hanna, and B. Andrew Cudmore
A Signal Detection Approach for Assessing Response Biases in Consumer Confusion
Abstract: Surveys are frequently used in trademark litigation to help determine the likelihood of consumer confusion regarding the source of market offerings. A review of current practice suggests that while considerable attention is paid to potential biases introduced by survey procedures, no existing approaches deal with response style biases. This problematic due to surveyors’ reliance on yes/no question formats. We demonstrate the usefulness of signal detection methodology for explicitly modeling response bias, thereby yielding more accurate estimates of consumer confusion.

Athmar Al-Salem
Possibilities of Reverse Franchising
Franchising is a viable alternative for both large and small companies to enter a foreign market. Franchising, strikes a balance between adapting the marketing mix to local conditions, and maintaining a high level of international standardization. Fast food franchising has been popular concept in research, and studies. Companies are interested in how a company can expand and becomes a franchise in a short time with least cost, and maximum profits. All brands are coming from the developed countries to the Far East and the Middle East, such as McDonald's, Pizza Hut, KFC, Wimpy, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts, and a lot more. However, only a fraction of these studies have been concerned with the unexplored concepts of reverse franchising from the third world countries to developed countries outside there region, such as Europe, Australia, and the US.

Session 1: Monday March 10, 3:15 pm Egret room, J.S. Sutterfield, session chair

.J. S. Sutterfield, Sade L. Chaney and Tiffani R.Davis
The Use of Taguchi Methods to Analyze Nozzle Designs for Maximum Water Jet Stability
It has been discovered that proper design of a nozzle can promote water jet stability for longer distances, and that a quantity called a shape factor can be used to describe the capacity of a nozzle to maintain water stream stability over longer distances. This is particularly important in the field of fire fighting because improved water jet stability increases the capacity of fire fighters to bring a fire under control. In this paper we demonstrate the versatility of Taguchi experimental methods by using them to analyze shape factors for several nozzle types to select that one nozzle design from several others which can best be used to produce nozzles with the greatest water stream stability for fire sighting.

Mesut Yavuz
Multi-Level Production Smoothing Problem with Workload Smoothing Goal
This paper is concerned with a production smoothing problem arising in just-in-time manufacturing systems. Two widely studied goals in production smoothing address the consumption of parts and workloads of machines. This paper contributes to the literature by presenting a new optimization model that addresses both goals at four production levels. The paper shows how to adapt three different heuristics from the existing literature and proposes a new approach to obtain approximate solutions to this new problem. Performances of the methods are compared through an extensive computational study, and the proposed approach is found effective in solving the problem within practical computation time.

Sompoap Talabgaew
Optimal Time Based Maintenance and Cost Minimization for Mechanical Equipment
This paper developed the mathematical model to optimize preventive maintenance time based on cost minimization. Most industries questioned whether equipment should be replaced upon specific time or not if it was still running. However, if the equipment was run longer than the preventive maintenance plan, the cost of condition based monitoring would increase. The trade-off between cost of maintenance and cost of condition based monitoring were mathematically developed.

James P. Gilbert
Goal Planning and Engineered Flow Mapping to Improve Safety and Traffic Flow at K-12 Academy
This research uses goal planning, site mapping, and engineering flow initiatives for a private K-12 academy to improve an automobile traffic flow plan protecting students at all times while smoothing congestion an all streets during the school dismissal periods. Despite the constraints the project was completed successfully leading to improved traffic flow with enhanced safety for the children.

Gregory C. Lasker and Douglas L. McWilliams
Physical Plant Challenges in a Not-for-Profit Hospital in an Undeveloped Country
A physical plant refers to the entire infrastructure-building, grounds, and roadways- necessary to support a given facility such as a school, hospital, or governmental agency. The building and grounds infrastructure includes all mechanical and electrical systems, light, water, and sewage. A facilities manager usually has the major oversight to prevent service disruptions caused by conditions such as utility problems, equipment maintenance, and other situations. The efficient and effective management of a physical plant can be very demanding, regardless of the type of organization. The challenge is multiplied tenfold if the organization is a not-for-profit organization with limited funds and unskilled manpower. In this paper, we discuss the challenges confronting a facilities manager of a not-for-profit hospital in an undeveloped country.

James A. Ejiwale
The Impact of Virtual Work on Productivity
The American workforce is redefining how and where they do their jobs. In today's market place, dynamics such as global enterprises, new technologies and a competitive job market mean companies are increasingly turning to a virtual workforce to get the job done. This presentation looks at the impact of virtual workforce on productivity.

Ralph E. Janaro
Moving From Captive Offshoring to Offshore Outsourcing
During the last decade many firms made the move offshore via captive offshoring. Today, we are witnessing a move away from captive offshoring and towards offshore outsourcing. This paper discusses the relative merits of both types of outsourcing models and then identifies and discusses the current trend towards offshore outsourcing.

Session 1: Monday March 10, 9:45 am Pelican room, Steve Allen, session chair

Stephen Allen
A Look at Closing the Loop in an Undergraduate Project Management Class
An undergraduate project management curriculum has been designed and coordinated around a typical project lifecycle phases—conception; selection; planning, scheduling, monitoring, reporting, and controlling; and finally evaluation and termination. A project design element is included as a curriculum layover component. The projects are assessed at the end of the semester by an external review team of professional project management practitioners.

Khalid Alzebdeh, Hamdi Bashir and Abdullah Al-Abri
Investigation on Current Practices in Project Management in Sultanate of Oman
Through a distributed survey, we capture the current practices of people involved in project management in Sultanate of Oman. Findings of this study will provide managers and decision makers with correlation between success/failure of projects and tools used and practices adopted during the coursework of the projects.

Sandra Archer, Robert L. Armacost and Julia Pet-Armacost
Recent Literature in Stochastic Resource Constrained Scheduling
This article outlines recent advances in the field for both predictive scheduling (developing the best schedule before work begins that will be most robust to uncertainty) and reactive heuristics (rescheduling procedures a project manager can take in real-time as uncertainty occurs) for the Stochastic Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (SRCPSP).

Hesham S. Mahgoub
Development of a Construction Management System for Highway Projects Using Time-Location Diagram
This paper shows how carefully designed Construction Management System (CMS) can be used as a tool in the planning, scheduling and control phases that must precede the development of a realistic construction procedure. The focus is on a return to basics and emphasis is placed on planning by time location diagram to produce quality construction on time and on budget.

Kakuro Amasaka
Science TQM, A New Quality Management Principle: The Quality Management Strategy of Toyota
“Science TQM", a new quality management principle, is proposed. It consists of “TDS, TPS, TMS, TIS and TJS”, and aims at an integrated form of a next-generation management strategy. This paper contributes systematically and organically to solving quality management problems utilizing “Science SQC”, and verifies its effectiveness within Toyota and others.

Michael Bell
Execution: The Link Between The ISO 9000 Certification Process And Quality Management System Outcomes
Although consumers perceive firms with ISO 9000 certification as providing higher quality products, some organizations do not experience positive results. A survey conducted to analyze implementation and performance after certification characterizes the best pathway through the implementation process to superior business results.

R. Radharaman and Angela P. Ansuj
Development of a Quality System for Customer Satisfaction in a Financial Institution
In this paper, the factors that influence the functioning of financial institutions to properly satisfy the requirements of the customers for their diversified financial needs are highlighted and analyzed. One of the key issues of the customers is to minimize the waiting time in the queue before they are served by the tellers. A multi-server system was analyzed to illustrate the importance of minimizing the waiting time in the queue. Once the arrival and service patterns are known, simulations were carried out to determine the average time spent by the customers in the system and in the queue.

Angela P. Ansuj, Cassandra Rodrigues dos Santos and R. Radharaman
Product and Process Improvement in Electronic Manufacturing
In this paper, the concurrent engineering design concepts, the tools that are used to achieve the concept of design for manufacturability, quality standards (ISO-9000), and quality function deployment (QFD) are applied for product and process improvement in an electronic manufacturing industry. The results indicated significant improvement in product/process quality reducing the repair and rework from 40% to less than 10%.

Alicia Combs, Mihaela Petrova-Bolli, Eric Tucker and Dana Johnston
Applying Six Sigma to Service Organizations: A Case for the Florida Department of Children and Families
This project used the Six Sigma methodology to evaluate the current Tier 3 Review Process for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and to propose recommendations for improvements and provide control mechanisms to be implemented over the next six months. The project was accomplished by a team that included UCF students, DCF program managers, and three mentors well versed in the Six Sigma methodology. The substance of this article is to provide an overview of the significant events in relationship to applying the Six Sigma process to this service organization.

Hamdi A. Bashir, Khalid Alzebdeh and Maki K. Rashid
Survey Results on Knowledge, Perceptions and Attitudes of Consumers Towards ISO 9000 Quality Management Standards
A large number of studies have been carried out to investigate issues related to the implementation of the ISO 9000 standards for organizations operating in different countries. However, only a small amount of research has dealt with the issue of discovering knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of consumers towards ISO 9000. This paper reports on a study investigating the issue in Sultanate of Oman. So far, more than 500 hundreds respondents are randomly selected from different parts of the Sultanate.

Yogeeta Desai, Eui Park and Policarpo deMattos
Process Improvements in the Emergency Department at Moses Cone Hospital
A significant amount of hospital income is contributed by the Emergency Department (ED). However, ED throughput can be adversely affected by non-value added factors such as “bed holding” and “eloping.” This study focuses on investigating these factors to improve the working of the ED for enhanced revenue stream.

Session 1: Tuesday March 11, 8:00 am Pelican room, Kevin O'Neill, session chair.

Purushothaman Damodaran, Siddharth Mestry and Murali Krishnamurthi
Genetic Algorithms to Minimize Makespan of a Capacitated Batch Processing Machine
A genetic algorithm to minimize the makespan of a testing chamber at an electronics manufacturing facility is presented. Jobs are grouped into batches and processed simultaneously. The batch size and the number of jobs in the batch cannot exceed chamber capacity. Experiments conducted demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Neila El .Asli and Thien-My Dao
A Hybrid Approach Based on SVM and Genetic Algorithms (GA) for Estimation of Early Component Design Stages Manufacturing Cost
In this work, a hybrid approach based on the genetic Support Vector Machines (SVM) and genetic algorithms is developed. The SVM are learning machines that can perform binary classification (pattern recognition) and real valued function approximation (regression estimation) tasks.

Khaled S. El-Kilany
Integration Definition Approach for Developing a Genetic Algorithm Model for Group Technology
The paper presents the complete structure of the developed integration definition for function modeling (IDEF0) and clearly shows that it is well suited for describing the different activities involved in the building the group technology model.

Khaled El-Kilany and Ahmed El-Nasher
Statistical Analysis and Design of Experiments for an Intrabay AMHS Simulation Model Output Data
Simulation experiments of automated material handling systems (AMHS) under different configurations, and modes of delivery are usually conducted to evaluate the performance of these alternatives. However, the importance of appropriate statistical analysis of these experiment results is often overlooked. This paper presents a detailed statistical analysis and design of experiments for an intrabay AMHS simulation model output data that is used to identify the significance of the different factors affecting the performance of the intrabay AMHS and the interaction among these factors.

Thien-My Dao, Barthelemy H.Ateme-Nguema, and Victor Songmene
The New Approach Based on RSM and Ants Colony System for Multiobjective Optimization Problem: A Case Study
In this paper, a hybrid approach combined the RSM and an extension of the ACS in continuous fields is proposed for solution of the continuous MOO problem. The RSM modelling is used to determine the objective functions and the ACS is then applied to search the (optimum) solution.. The applications of the proposed approach proved that the hybrid approach requires less time to obtain the optimum solution and, also, the quality of the solutions is better comparatively to other techniques developed in this domain.

Hassan M. Hassan and Saleh M. Al-Saleem
On Learning Performance Analogy Between Some Psycho-Learning Experimental Work and Ant Colony System Optimization
Simulation results of Thorndike's Psycho-Learning Experimental Work using artificial neural network (ANN) modeling are presented. Moreover learning performance of related to Thorndike's work is analogously compared with ant colony systems Ant Colony System (ACS) performance. Respectively the first model, presents Thorndike's cat behavioral learning that to get out from a cage for obtaining food. The second ACS model used for solving traveling salesman problem (TSP) optimum by brining food from different food sources to store (in cycles) at ants' nest. Conclusively, both types of natural bio-systems (suggested Thorndike and ACS models) investigated relations between adaptive behavior reinforcement learning and combinatorial optimization problem .

Maryam Mohammadipour, John E. Boylan
Intermittent Demand Forecasting Using Integer Autoregressive Moving Average Models
Accurate demand forecasting is an important aspect of supply chain management. This research addresses the problem of forecasting for items with intermittent demand. A class of models called integer autoregressive moving average (INARMA) processes has been proposed for modelling and forecasting intermittent demand. A modified conditional least squares estimation method has been suggested for the case where estimates are only updated when a demand is occurred. Finally, results on forecasting an INARMA(p,q) process over a lead time are presented.

Michael E. Opar
Need Specific Manual Development for a Complex Task
Solid modeling using powerful software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD Inventor and Pro-E is common practice for virtually all fields of engineering. First time users can find the interface and modeling protocols to be somewhat intimidating and confusing, though with practice, soon learn to express ideas creatively. As part of the Industrial Engineering curriculum, students developed a user manual for true naïve users to learn and design a CO2 dragster using SolidWorks. The resultant manual was used by 12 and 13 year old middle school students with no prior exposure to 3D computer modeling in a summer engineering camp to successfully design cars which were built using rapid prototype equipment and raced in less than 12 hours from the students’ first contact with SolidWorks.

Session 3: Tuesday March 11, 1:15 pm Pelican room, Dr. Ha Van Vo, session chair.

Ha Van Vo, Barry Tuvel and R. Radharaman
Modeling and Simulation of Total Ankle Replacement
The purpose of this study is to propose a new method for implantation of an ankle joint endoprosthesis. Key to this novel methodology is the customization and sizing of the implant using patient-specific geometry that is obtained using a combination of computerized tomography and finite element modeling.

Mutlaq Almutairi
Model Analysis of Human Femur: Dynamic Analysis for Intact and Osteoporortic Femur
This paper studies ways of extracting information in vitro from Intact and Osteoporotic human femur to characterize osteoporosis. An accurate diagnosis would depend on accurate measurement and calculation of the appropriate parameters (i.e., geometric and material properties). Furthermore, we had examined the influence of the foregoing bone disease on the vibrational parameter. Part of this study has involved dynamics testing of a composite femur. The objectives of the experimental analysis is to construct models as a baseline to provide quantitative measures of the state of osteoporosis.

Jonathan B. Ksor, Ha Van Vo and R. Radharaman
Determining the Most Effective Midsole Material Thickness in Preventing Calcaneal Fractures
The objective of this research is to use a patient specific study to determine the optimal midsole thickness of polyurethane for shoes to reduce the probability of having a calcaneal fracture when facing a sudden fall from a height of approximately six feet. The authors applied the energy governing equations to calculate the energy absorbed from the midsole material and Solidworks software to model the midsole and analyze the stress and displacement to determine the optimal midsole thickness of a six feet 200lb white male. Results showed that the midsole thickness of about 30mm provided the most energy absorption. Thus the optimal midsole thickness of polyurethane for this individual patient that falls suddenly from a height of six feet is in the range of 20mm-30mm.

Imshaan Somani, Ha Van Vo and R. Radharaman
A Novel Method to Investigate the Possible Locations of Human Body Injuries During a Vertical Fall
The objective of this study is to use Finite Element Methods (FEM) software Solidworks to simulate injuries sustained during a vertical fall from different heights. Adjustable geometries were used and could be customized to any body position desired especially for simulating different scenarios involving accidental injury cases. The model has the flexibility to assign mass and material properties for different segmental bones based on person’s specific biomechanical structures and anthropometrical data. The simulations were carried out for four different falling heights 10ft, 20 ft, 25 ft, and 40 ft. The results revealed comminuted type fractures at the falling heights of 20ft and above.

A. Gapinski
Partial Discharge (PD): PSPICE Simulation
Partial discharge that may occur in electrical systems has been investigated in the past to provide better understanding of the phenomenon. The understanding of the discharge process is critically important especially in hazardous environment of chemical plants, oil and gas, and mining industries. The purpose of the article is to discuss partial discharge and its simulations.

Marlin L. Gendron and Maura C. Lohrenz
A 2-D Clustering Algorithm to Aid Mine-Warfare Analysts in Determining Navigable Lanes over Cluttered Seafloors
The Naval Research Laboratory has developed an automated algorithm to cluster mine-like echoes quickly and consistently. Numerous tests have been performed during mine warfare missions, and the Naval Oceanographic Office has concluded that results generated by this clustering algorithm are equivalent or superior to manual clustering methods.

Maura C. Lohrenz and Marlin L. Gendron
A 3D Clustering Algorithm to Model Clutter in Electronic Geospatial Displays
Cluttered electronic displays present challenges for users performing visual search tasks. The authors developed a clutter model using an algorithm that clusters displayed pixels in three dimensions (geospatial location and color). Global and local versions of the model are compared with subjective evaluations of clutter and target search trials, respectively.

Kevin O’Neill
Brain Drain in Transitioning Economies: A Systems Perspective
One of the critical challenges facing those governing transitioning economies is encouraging those with the talents, skills, abilities, and knowledge bases to enhance development of the kinds of organizations and institutions that enable a successful economic transition to remain in the country. This paper presents a system dynamics model of the primary brain drain interrelationships and investigates potential policy levers for encouraging brain circulation, rather than brain drain.

Daebeom Kim, Eui Park and Celestine Ntuen
An AGV Dispatching and Dwelling Algorithm with Look-ahead Procedure for a Tandem AGV System
Automated Guided Vehicle(AGV) systems have been widely used in manufacturing systems for material handling. This research proposes the vehicle dispatching and dwelling algorithm using the look-ahead information in the AGV system where a tandem configuration is applied. The proposed algorithem considers the dwelling of vechile, instead of loading the relevant part, according to the look-ahead information even if there is a move request for a part and loading space in AGV. Through a simulation, the performance of the proposed algorithm is compared against that of the existing rules.

Gamal Weheba and Vikram Minhas
Ruggedness Evaluation of Open-Hole Tensile Test Procedure
This paper represents a study aimed at evaluating the ruggedness of the open-hole tensile test procedure used to characterize the mechanical properties of composite materials. A Plackett-Burman design with 12 runs was initially utilized to identify factors that affect the peak load carried out by a composite laminate. Levels of the factors were controlled within the ranges specified by the ASTM D5766 test standard. The results indicated that the average peak load was sensitive to changes in test speed and width of the specimen. The study concluded with recommended ranges of operation for these two factors to assure consistent test results.

Gamal S. Weheba, Akale M. Tola and Abu S. Masud
Economics of Quality Improvement in Manufacturing Processes
In this paper, we propose a new model for the cost of quality, which captures the value of continuous process improvement in achieving economic manufacturing. The model is developed to incorporate two cost functions. One estimates the cost of maintaining existing levels of performance (status quo), while the other estimates the cost of achieving improved levels. A case application of the proposed model is presented with numerical analysis to illustrate its performance.

Faissal A. Moslehy and Sal Gerace
Digital Photoelasticity Image Processing
Photoelasticity is an “optical” experimental method of stress analysis. The method provides “colorful” whole field information of the stress (magnitude and direction) at every point. Manual interpretation of the resulting fringe information can be inaccurate and tedious. This paper introduces an “elegant” digital image analysis technique for capturing and processing the resulting photoelastic data. The paper describes the necessary preprocessing techniques, development of the isochromatic analysis tools, as well as development of the composite isoclinic generation routines. A test case is presented and discussed in detail to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the developed technique.

Session 2: Wednesday March 12, 9:45 am Heron room, Dr. R. Radharamanan, chair

Tamer A. Mohamed, Yasmine AbdelFattah and Mohamed Gadallah
Airline Industry Service Quality Improvement
This paper utilizes SERVQUAL methodology to perform a gap analysis of airline service quality performance against customer service quality needs in the state of Qatar. Outcome of this study could help the airline companies to close the gap, achieve better customer satisfaction, and improve service quality. 350 airline service users were surveyed and their perceptions and expectations were studied to define areas of improvement in carrying out the provided services.

Angela P. Ansuj and R. Radharaman
Statistical Methods for Improving Product Quality in a Process Industry
In this paper, factorial design experiments and Taguchi methods have been used to monitor the quality of the incoming raw material, product quality during processing, and the final product quality of a process industry. The data collected and results obtained are presented and discussed. The analysis made on the experimental results provided information to improve the quality of the product in a process industry in all three phases with cost effectiveness.

Ashraf H. Galal and Tamer Adel Mohamed
Dimensions of Service Quality For TV Satellite Channel Programs-A Framework For Quality Improvement
No doubt that we are living nowadays in the era of TV satellite channels. Mass media has been transformed from just a medium to an enormous service industry that needs to be monitored, controlled, and improved. This paper seeks to explore and develop a deeper understanding of the service quality dimensions of satellite channel programs. These include Attractiveness; Clarity; Diversity of Contents; Freedom; Transparency; Balance; Convenience for values and traditions; Accuracy; Responsibility and Accountability; Respect; Usefulness; and Persuasiveness.

Amarpreet Singh Kohli, Suraj M. Alexander and Mahesh C Gupta
A Dynamic Simulation Study to Assess the Impact of Collaboration on the
Performance of a Supply Chain Subject to a Variety of Demand Environments
It has been well established that collaboration among members of supply chain yields lower inventory levels and increased profits across the supply chain. This research attempts to define the demand environments under which collaboration would be particularly beneficial. In this regard, a System Dynamics Model of a three echelon automotive parts supply chain is constructed and its performance is analyzed under various demand scenarios. The results indicate that supply chains faced with variable demand environments that are predictable offer the best potential for positive outcomes from collaboration.

Abdul Razak Ibrahim, Bayram Yildirim and Alex Grabriel
Procurement Flexibility in the Manufacturing Sector: Issues of Supply Chain in Malaysia
This paper examined the theoretical concepts of procurement flexibility. The scale was based on five supplier-manufacturer procurement dimensions of information exchange, supplier integration, product and component delivery, logistics and organizational structure. Furthermore, each of these dimensions was divided into three flexibility elements of range, uniformity and mobility. The results indicate that there is still much theory formulation and research to be conducted on the procurement flexibility management scales. The results also revealed that Malaysian manufacturers have a limited experience with the flexibility issue and in some cases do not have even a procurement strategy.

Soroosh Saghiri
Time Postponement: Modified Models to Improve Delivery Lead Time
To overcome the long delivery lead time, which time postponement strategy usually confronts, this paper introduces modified postponement models that postpone forecasting, finishing and shipment. Modified postponement models indicate considerable improvement in terms of Buyer waiting time and the customer order mismatch, comparing to full postponement and no-postponement models.

Praveen Janjirala and Suraj M. Alexander
Improving the Logistics of Milk Collection and Transport
As a part of a homeland security project an electronic tracking system has been developed to secure the collection and transport of milk from farms to processors. In order to make this system financially attractive to stakeholders we utilize the capabilities of the system to allow for optimized logistics control. Optimized scheduling and logistics will result in lower fuel expenses and less wait time at the processor. This paper illustrates our attempt to define an optimal route schedule using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). This schedule is being developed using real data provided by Slayback Milk Transport, of Owenton, Kentucky, a milk hauling company. The routing algorithm in GIS is able to adjust the routes based on weather and traffic conditions. Rerouting haulers is also feasible in case the scheduled route has to be changed, for e.g. if a farm is disapproved by the milk processor or if there is power failure at a farm.

Shalini Jajpuria and Suraj M. Alexander
Evaluating the Security Vulnerabilities in Milk Collection and Transport
An assessment of the current approach to milk collection and transport with manual monitoring and the proposed approach of milk collection and transport with electronic monitoring are assessed with hierarchical task analysis and a software system referred to as “CARVER + Shock”, developed by the Food and Drug Administration / Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FDA/CFSAN). This target prioritization tool is adapted from the military version “CARVER” that assesses the criticality, accessibility, vulnerability etc. of any part of the system. The additional term “shock” is used to cover the health, economic, and psychological impact of an attack on the food industry. We expect this effort to define areas that still need attention in the context of security and help us define standards for secure transport of milk from the farm to the processor.

John J. Burbridge, Jr. and Coleman Rich
Supply Chain Management: Past, Present, and Future
The authors first look at the reasons for the sudden surge of interest in supply chain management. The importance of the high interest rates of the late 1970s and early 1980s along with the role of information technology are explored. The current state-of-the-art of supply chain management is then discussed. Has this integrated approach delivered on the early promise of the concept? What has worked and what still must be achieved? After addressing the present, the factors that will impact supply chain management in the future will be addressed. The impact of globalization will be then discussed.

Colin Benjamin and Ron Cutwright
Managing Risks in Global Supply Chains
We review the risks associated with supply chains in today’s increasing global business environment. We develop a risk classification scheme to provide a framework for risk management in global supply chains and illustrate the application of this framework in the design of a supply chain for a new consumer product.

Spence Tower and Rob Grennier
We Need Air: Why Are Our Own Employees Smothering Our Lean Supply-Chain Initiatives?
This paper outlines efforts by a Fortune 500 company to understand NOT its suppliers’, but its own employees’ resistance to needed lean efforts. Why does this occur? To answer, we clarify a theory-based model of individual motivation and use it to explain many obstacles within a supply-chain’s move toward lean.

Session 1: Tuesday March 11, 1:15 pm Flamingo room, Tiki Suarez session chair.

Joycelyn Finley-Hervey, Tiki L. Suarez-Brown and Forrest Thompson
Exploration of Factors Affecting Online Social Networking Services
The driving communication tools among millienials have been MySpace and Facebook. With these new mediums, individuals who utilize these social online services are faced with opportunities and challenges. This paper seeks to assess students’ perceptions and explore factors that affect the utilization of social networking. The paper concludes with implications for utilizing the social networking tools more effectively.

Kendra Lee, Lashaveria Keeton, Carsolina Walton and Tiki L. Suarez-Brown
Resource Utilization: A Study on How to Implement a Communication System
The advancement of technology has brought about many changes, yet organizations continue to seek increased solutions in an effort to close communication gaps. Our paper determines various business needs for communication between administration, faculty, students and staff found within the School of Business and Industry at Florida A&M University. Furthermore, our paper investigates efficient systems to employ underutilized resources for inclusiveness purposes. Lastly, recommendations are explored for future implementation.

Rasoul Saneifard, Clifford Oluoch and Jose Guerrero
Intergrated Wireless Vehicle Alarm Monitor Via Telephone Network
This paper describes the design, functionality, features, and assembly of a wireless integration of a standard electronic vehicle security alarm with the telephone network. It is anticipated that this design concept will contribute toward better security for vehicles or any other appropriate applications. In this endeavor, all aspects of the car alarm system were simulated, modified, and subsequently prototyped by senior students utilizing their knowledge of electronics and engineering in a control systems course, and resulted in an efficient, cost-effective, and possibly marketable product.

Judith Barlow, Joseph Bagdonas, LuAnn Bean, and Deborah Carstens
Student Satisfaction with Classroom and On-line Meeting Technologies
Adobe Connect®, software designed to support generic online meetings, was used in both traditional and online business classes. Student satisfaction using Connect was higher among undergraduates, but graduate students were more likely to plan on more online classes. Examples of software strengths and weaknesses based on student experiences are analyzed.

Hiral A. Shah and Devang P. Mehta
Teaching Online through Blackboard and eCollege
There is an emerging trend in teaching online courses. This presentation will focus on teaching online courses through Blackboard and e-College. It will compare and contrast different features offered by these two products for distance education and recommend possible tools that can be used to make the online learning environment more effective.

Timothy Weilbaker, Hiral A. Shah and Tracy Tillman
Study Patterns of Students in Online Classes
The focus of this study was to explore how graduate students approach their studies in internet-based courses. Factors analyzed included: course access patterns, time spent completing course work, student’s professional background, academic experience, and course performance. Strong relationships exist among several factors, suggesting practices that lead to best performance.

Xiaoli Huan
Flash Video Technology Supported Teaching
In this paper, the various technologies used in distance learning are overviewed. A low cost and effective method which employs flash video technology to support teaching and improve student learning outcomes is introduced. The technology enables teachers to rapidly create powerful and engaging simulations, scenario-based training, and robust quizzes without computer programming knowledge or multimedia skills.

Eugene Grant
Infusing Service Learning Projects into Technical Collegiate Programs
How can we provide students with positive learning experiences, overcome operational budget cuts and loss of lab space? To address these questions, the Industrial & Engineering Technology division infused service learning projects into our curriculum programs. This paper includes the model we created, implementation strategies and pitfalls to avoid.

D. J. Fonseca, M.E. Elam, T. Brumback and C.M. Greene
Development of a Web-Based Manufacturing Education Tool
This paper discusses the development of a web-based educational tool designed to promote manufacturing engineering education among underrepresented high school students. The tool is a component of a comprehensive manufacturing curriculum development initiative created as a response to the impressive growth of the manufacturing sector of the Southeast of the United Sates. Such a growth in the manufacturing activity of the region has stressed the need for a large workforce professionally educated in manufacturing principles and technology.

Samir Y. Khoury
Demonstration of a Curriculum Vitae Generation Database
One of the most widely used documents in academia is the curriculum vitae (CV). It is used by search committees to determine a potential faculty member’s credentials. It is also used by others to evaluate a faculty member’s experiences and contributions to the faculty member’s chosen field. Unfortunately, it must be kept up-to-date. While text editing programs such as Microsoft Word are often used to create a CV, other applications can be used to create and manage a CV with less dragging and dropping, which helps to eliminate formatting nightmares. One of these applications is Microsoft Access. By using Microsoft Access to create a CV, a faculty member can generate other types of documents such as a standard résumé or just a list of all the publications rank by a particular order. Since Microsoft Access is a database management system, it provides many more data management features text editors don’t provide. An example of a CV generation database was developed by a faculty member at a public university in North Carolina. This presentation will demonstrate the easy to use features of this database that allows a faculty member to produce an up-to-date CV or a résumé with a single click of the mouse.