Browsing by Subject "Engineering management"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Applying the DMAIC method for developing a PVDF matrix composite for integrated structural load sensing
    (2014-08) Haghiashtiani, Ghazaleh
    This thesis introduces a new carbon fiber reinforced composite structure that uses polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) as the matrix material instead of the polymers that are typically used. The piezoelectric properties of PVDF enable the proposed composite material to act both as the structure and as an integrated sensor for in situ structural health monitoring. In this study, the fabrication process, the polarization process, and the mechanical and piezoelectric characterization of the composite structure are discussed. In addition, the DMAIC method was applied to the polarization process in order to identify the factors affecting the degree of polarization. As part of the improve phase, a 23 factorial design of experiment (DOE) was performed to investigate the optimal conditions of the identified factors for the polarization process. Lastly, the future market potential of the proposed composite structure is explored by applying strategic market analysis tools including SWOT analysis, Ansoff's matrix, and technology S-curve.
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    Exploring effective ways to implement strategic lean innovation management
    (2012-07) Peek, Brian Joseph
    This thesis analyzes and discusses how to implement strategic lean innovation management (SLIM) to an organization from the perspective of cultural change, business strategies, and management tools and practices. Lean concepts focus on the reduction and identification of waste, variability, and cost while adding value to the customer. Literature has shown that applying lean enterprise management strategies to an organization may lead to reduced effectiveness of some innovation efforts, especially if “value” is not defined appropriately. The ability to be lean while remaining innovative is important for companies to stay competitive. Little is known about how lean enterprise management and innovation management can be effectively applied together to an organization. The combination and implementation of these management strategies to an organization were analyzed and proposed at three levels: cultural transformation, business strategies, and business tools and practices. At the cultural level, three critical phases were identified and analyzed to provide solutions and ideas in achieving SLIM. At the business strategy level, product platform and innovation pipeline were identified as two strategies to achieve SLIM. At the tools and practices level, the value stream mapping tool and new product design process were improved by tradeoff analysis and combining concepts and advantages from both lean and innovation management philosophies. The findings and proposed ideas provide a guidance for organizations to effectively utilize the core concepts and benefits found in lean and innovation management.
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    Social Returns on Investment (SROI): a proposed modified method for nonprofit organizations (NPO’s)
    (2010-08) Acharya, Nikhil S.
    Literature has suggested that the common practice ignores measuring or considering the social impacts associated with the return on investment in different programs. The generic trend and emphasis laid on calculating and using just the Economic Return on Investment (EROI) was challenged in this study and the importance of measuring Social Return on Investment (SROI) was identified. “Although a number of guidelines and reporting standards have been advanced since early 1990’s, no framework has yet been articulated for quantifying the value of a company’s impact on people and a community’s environment” (Lingane & Olsen, 2004). This study aims to apply engineering management skills in organization with a focus on social returns on investments. This paper took into consideration three main factors that affect the existence of an organization: stakeholders, investment by the stakeholders, and returns to stakeholders. The purpose of the study was to develop a model to measure the social returns on investments by NPO programs. The current research followed a new approach. The modified tool was used to calculate the SROI for three social service community programs conducted by Community Action Duluth (CAD), a nonprofit organization in Duluth, Minnesota. The results from Program 2 showed the SROI of 267%, compared to the EROI of 258% using the proposed method. The SROI value is higher and should be considered a more reasonable indicator of the program success. Thus, it can be stated that EROI values may not always be a true indicator of all the NPO program outcomes and returns. The current research findings support and claim that, SROI methodology is an equally and especially in case of NPOs, a better indicator of the returns on investments. The results imply that, care should be taken while assigning a dollar value to the outcomes created and in making conclusions about returns on investment, to prevent any false and artificial claims of outcomes which may not be caused because of the program. Lastly, recommendations and future work are discussed.
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    Valuing investments in technology under uncertainty:a real options approach.
    (2012-05) Khamesra, Utkarsh N.
    This thesis highlights the importance of real options valuation for evaluating the true value of projects that are subject to uncertainty in the future. This is in contrast to the traditional evaluation strategies, such as discounted cash flow analysis, internal rate of return analysis, cost benefit analysis, Monte Carlo simulation based probabilistic models, scenario based analyses etc., that have been used in the past to value projects that are drawn years in advance. These traditional methods were many times ineffective in capturing the complete risk and the flexibility of the decision making process. The true value of technology investments that are subject to future uncertainty can only be evaluated effectively by incorporating decision flexibility during valuation. The research throws light on the recent developments in the Real Options analysis field and compares and contrasts different methods, techniques and insights that have been proposed by leading researchers in the field. The thesis aims at ways by which engineering managers can effectively evaluate project risks and gained value using a real options approach. The real option method is demonstrated using a case study on the acquisition of Numonyx by Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) in May 2010. Under assumptions it has been shown that by incorporating managerial flexibility in the valuation provides a better estimate compared to traditional discounted cash flow techniques.