Showing papers in "Engineering Management Journal in 2013"

A Review of Performance Metrics for Supply Chain Management

Abstract: :There are hundreds of metrics that can be used to measure supply chain performance. Supply chain managers often find it difficult to select appropriate measures for their particular business or product. It is important for managers to have meaningful performance information to avoid becoming lost in a sea of data. As businesses expand into different regions and partnerships become a necessity for survival, successful managers must measure the performance of the supply chain, as well as understand the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of the use of the supply chain. This study compiles and synthesizes important elements related to supply chain performance measurement. The results of this study can provide both managers and practitioners guidance for evaluating and measuring their supply chain effectively and, more importantly, efficiently.

A Quantitative Model for Information-Security Risk Management

Abstract: :Information-security risk management is becoming an increasingly important process in modern businesses. The proposed model for managing information-security risks is based on a quantitative analysis of the security risks that enable organizations to introduce optimum security solutions. The model is designed as a standard procedure to lead the organization from the initial selection of input data to the final recommendations for the selection of the appropriate solutions, which reduces a certain security risk. In analyzing the security risks, the model quantitatively evaluates the information assets, their vulnerability, and the threats to information assets. The values of the risk parameters are the basis for selecting the appropriate risk treatment and the evaluation of the various security measures that reduce security risks. Economic indicators are determined for each security measure in order to enable a comparison of the various security measures. This includes the possibility of investing...

Cyber Security Risk Management in the SCADA Critical Infrastructure Environment

Abstract: :Engineering managers are responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective operation of process control systems which monitor and control the nations critical infrastructures. These systems are subject to increasing risks based on technology vulnerabilities, cyber-threats, and system consequences. Critical infrastructure cyber-threats are expanding at a rapid rate and pose new challenges to the engineering manager's role. This paper presents a short historical view of the risks, types of systems which are involved, and additional information from which the engineering manager may use to make informed decisions on how to develop and maintain a robust process control system in regards to the cyber-threat envelope.

Followers and Generations in the Workplace

Abstract: This article documents research examining commitment levels and follower behaviors across generations. Behavioral and commitment characteristics were measured and examined for relationships across ...

Leadership that Empowers: How Strategic Planning Relates to Followership

Abstract: :This research investigates whether or not there is a relationship between leaders' strategic planning and empowerment of employees. More specifically, in this study, data were collected from an online panel of employees in organizations across the U.S. to determine whether or not their perception of their supervisors' long-term planning behavior showed a relationship to how they are empowered to be good followers or influenced to be poor followers. A Pearson correlation test found a statistically significant, positive relationship between followers' perception of leaders' long-term planning and whether or not they felt empowered toward positive follower behavior.

Managing Stress in Projects Using Coaching Leadership Tools

Abstract: :The work of engineering project managers can be perceived as demanding, challenging, difficult, and stressful. Engineering project managers have to interact with new colleagues, the project framework is unclear, the context of the project is often unknown, and they have to deal with time pressure. The purpose of this article is to study coaching and the use of several leadership tools as effective stress-coping strategies. A case study from Norway is presented based on interviews with two project managers. Results show that positive selftalk, visualization, clear goals, feedback, the ABCDE method, empowerment, and resilience are tools that project managers find valuable and effective to reduce and cope with stress.

Effects of Leadership on Engineers: A Structural Equation Model

Abstract: :The existence of a positive and significant influence of transformational leadership style on factors including job satisfaction, trust in leadership, person-organization values congruence, organizational commitment, and job performance has been well documented in several publications; however, the full set of relationships among these variables has not been sufficiently described. The goal of this article is to propose a structural equation model to comprehensively explain the relationship between leadership style and the variables linked to it. This proposal will focus on a specific professional group – engineers – who are a critical success or fail factor for their company results. In our final model, job satisfaction plays a key role as the primary link between transformational leadership and its consequences.

Systematization of Recurrent New Product Development Management Problems

Abstract: :One of the ways to improve the New Product Development (NPD) process is to eliminate the problems that arise over years of practice. This article describes the systematization of recurrent NPD management problems. The main NPD problems were found to be recurrent; hence, the systematization resulting from this study allows for the identification of NPD areas requiring special attention from both practitioners and researchers. This identification enables researchers to define new areas of academic research, and practitioners to focus on specific improvement projects. Eight case studies were conducted, in which 124 NPD personnel were interviewed, involving the diagnosis of the NPD process and the identification and selection of NPD improvement projects. The diagnostic method applied was the Current Reality Tree (CRT), which is a cognitive method for identifying undesirable effects (problems) in a process. Text mining techniques were then applied to identify similarities among these CRTs. Lastly, NPD...

Driving Change from the Middle: An Exploration of the Complementary Roles and Leadership Behaviors of Clinical Nurse Leaders and Engineers in Healthcare Process Improvement

Abstract: :The healthcare system presents challenges and opportunities for those looking to drive process improvement. Engineering managers can improve the probability of successfully implementing initiatives by partnering with a clinical nurse leader (CNL), since a key CNL role is designing and implementing changes to improve patient outcomes. Similar to project managers and engineers, CNLs drive change from the middle of the organization by successfully balancing the needs of upper management with frontline demands. Case studies of change efforts in healthcare are used to illustrate behaviors required of successful middle leaders to both lead and serve as “courageous followers” when improving healthcare outcomes.

Fuzzy Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing

Abstract: :Activity-Based Costing (ABC) method is a well-known costing/accounting system. It is an alternative to traditional accounting systems in which business overheads are allocated in proportion to activity's direct costs. Kaplan and Anderson proposed the second generation of the ABC system, called “time-driven activity-based costing” (TDABC), which seeks to resolve some of its drawbacks. The TDABC approach is mainly based on the time drivers spent on cost pools; however, TDABC poses some difficulties in calculations of the assigned costs. Unavailability of accurate and reliable time drivers, variety of time drivers, difficulties of collecting and updating data through calculation procedure, and huge volume of data are some examples of the difficulties. In this article, via utilizing the triangular fuzzy number (TFN), a novel mechanism for the TDABC system is proposed. We employ fuzzy logic to estimate inputs required for TDABC, namely, the required time to perform each activity and practical capacity...

Variations in Risk Management Models: A Comparative Study of the Space Shuttle Challenger Disasters

Abstract: Managers seeking to assess risk within complex systems face enormous challenges. They must identify a seemingly endless number of risks and develop contingency plans accordingly. This study explore...

Career Planning and Progression for Engineering Management Graduates: An Exploratory Study

Abstract: :When faced with the decision of selecting an advanced degree, many engineers opt for management related studies rather than further specialization in a technical field. This article attempts to highlight the reasons behind such choices, and explores the role that a Master's degree in Engineering Management (MEM) plays in career planning and progression. A survey of 58 MEM graduates, who completed their studies at a prominent university in Lebanon between 1992 and 2009, reveals that the majority of the respondents follow a linear career path, rapidly paving the way towards managerial positions. For most of the respondents, earning a graduate degree in engineering management played a primary role in, or at least contributed to, making this shift. The article concludes with a diagram sketching the possible career paths for MEM graduates. By showing the number of years spent at different career stages, the diagram serves as a career-planning tool for MEM graduates, engineers, managers, and researchers.

A Quantitative Decision Model Towards Maximizing Organizational Sustainability

Abstract: In today's rapidly changing global world, the sustainability of an organization depends not only upon its financial performance, but also upon its environmental and social performance. It is suggested that policy makers, and corporate and engineering managers integrate economic, environmental and social objectives i.e., the triple bottom line (TBL) into their overall strategic plan and consider these objectives in their decision making. Investment planning and capital budgeting decisions play a critical role in aligning an organization with its economic, environmental and social strategic objectives. This research introduces a new decision making tool that integrates both financial and non-financial performance measures into the process of investment planning and capital budgeting via the TBL. It makes use of stakeholder theory for group decision making, analytic network process (ANP) as a decision support tool and stochastic linear programming to create an optimal investment portfolio. This new tool evaluates and prioritizes a set of projects and creates a long-term balanced investment portfolio based upon the perspectives and priorities of the stakeholder groups and decision makers. It can assist decision makers with developing and making proactive decisions which support the strategy of their organization with respect to economic, environmental and social issues, ensuring the sustainability of their organization in the future. To create a sustainability culture both in academia and business environment, and to encourage communities for sustainable development, a real life application of the developed tool is provided through coordination with Sustainable Pittsburgh and Cranberry Township business leaders.

A Systemic Approach to Exploring an Essential Patent Linking Standard and Patent Maps: Application of Generative Topographic Mapping (GTM)

Abstract: :As the intense competition for the international standardization of technology has increased, many companies are concentrating their capabilities on securing essential patents that claim one or more inventions required to practice a given industry standard; however, despite the importance of developing essential patents, the approaches to exploring promising essential patent: have some limitations in terms of methodology and data. As a remedy, this article proposes a method that derives an essential patent through Generative Topographic Mapping (GTM)-based standard and patent maps. The suggested approach involves a systematic process that identifies vacuums on a standard map in a specific technology field and enables analysts to find candidate for promising essential patents instead of relying on the experts. By applying the proposed methodology, this research discovered the vacuums in an industrial standard document about fuel cell technology as well as the candidates of essential patents in thi...

Factors that Influence the Propensity to Patent

Abstract: :This article provides a decision framework on the practice of engineering management regarding protection of product and process innovation through patents. It studies the influence that the innovation effort of a company and degree of codification of the innovations has on the propensity to patent. Additionally, we analyze how the sector that the company is engaged in and the type of innovation affect these relationships. The conclusions indicate that both the innovation effort of a company and the degree of codification of the innovations have a positive influence on this propensity, and that this influence is greater in some sectors of activity and also is greater for product and radical innovations.

Local Embeddedness and Knowledge Management Strategies for Project-Based Multi-National Firms

Abstract: :Multinational, project-based organizations are faced with competing challenges of adapting to a local marketplace and integrating various offices globally. Case studies with 14 multinational real estate development, general contracting, and engineering firms revealed types of knowledge required for international operations, knowledge management strategies, and the level of embeddedness within the local project area. Eighty-nine interviews were recorded, transcribed, and imported into qualitative coding software. Analysis of the data built propositions regarding different levels of local project embeddedness and the relationship between embeddedness and knowledge management strategies. The findings indicate that firms with a low level of local embeddedness have more formal knowledge management platforms to share local knowledge, whereas firms with a high level of embeddedness, which require the most local knowledge, lack formal knowledge management strategies to share their knowledge across projects.

Risk Identification Biases and Their Impact to Space System Development Project Performance

Abstract: :Risk identification during the design and development phases of complex systems is commonly implemented, but often fails to result in the identification of events and circumstances that truly challenge project performance. Inefficiencies in cost and schedule estimation are usually held accountable for cost and schedule overruns, but the true root cause is often the realization of programmatic and technical risks. This research explores risk identification trends and biases pervasive during space system development that limit the awareness of such risks. The findings and results provide insight into how future engineering and risk managers can potentially avoid these shortfalls.

Developing a Policies and Procedures Manual for a Consumer Lending Department: A Design for Six Sigma Case Study

Abstract: :This case study describes how a financial institution successfully used the Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodology to create a policies and procedures manual to eliminate compliance gaps and improve the lending process for its bankers and customers The Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, and Verify approach was used to define the process, identify and evaluate critical user needs against defined metrics, and develop design attributes/features used in the manual's development The acceptance of the manual by the bankers demonstrates the effectiveness of DFSS in establishing a value-enabling element for the banking process that fully addresses the needs of its users

Mapping Experience in Organizations: A Learning Process for Strategic Technology Planning

Abstract: :Today's fast-paced, dynamic environments mean that for organizations to keep “ahead of the game”, engineering managers need to maximize current opportunities and avoid repeating past mistakes. This article describes the development study of a collaborative strategic management tool – the Experience Scan – to capture past experience and apply learning from this to present and future situations. Experience Scan workshops were held in a number of different technology organizations, developing and refining the tool until its format stabilized. From participants' feedback, the workshop-based tool was judged to be a useful and efficient mechanism for communication and knowledge management, contributing to organizational learning.

A Comparative Analysis of Defensive Routines in Engineering Managers versus Non-Engineering Managers

Abstract: :Engineering managers are managers who have an understanding of both the technical and business aspects of organizations; however, the success of an engineering manager depends on being knowledgeable in both the business and technical functions of an organization. Many lead teams of their peers which are purely technical. There is a perception that engineers lack the people skills that are needed to be effective communicators, conflict resolvers, and leaders. Defensive routines are actions implemented as a result of being in an embarrassing or threatening situation. The goal of this research is to determine if defensive routines are more prevalent in engineering managers or non-engineering managers. The analysis was performed through a case study approach using a pre-determined situation. The results show that defensive routines are not more common in engineering managers than in non-engineering managers.

A Technology Refreshment Methodology—Maintaining System's Relative Performance Quasi-Constant Over Time

Abstract: :Systems integrators are becoming aware of the need and opportunity to support their customers throughout the entire operational lives of their systems. The complexity of many systems, the criticality of their missions, and their huge costs, together with their long and often extended operational lives, dictate the need to maintain them in relative terms in the same performance levels as when they were commissioned, bridging the capabilities gap that otherwise develops once the system enters into operation. This article presents a technology refreshment methodology that can be applied to support systems throughout their operational lives, maintaining in relative terms their operational capabilities constant within the limits of the existing technical and financial constraints. Several actual examples of the application of the methodology to military surface ships and submarines are shown to illustrate its application and potential.

Managing Fuel Coal Supply Chains With Multiple Objectives and Multimode Transportation

Abstract: :Power companies require sophisticated tools to manage fuel-coal supply chains which include multiple suppliers, coal contracts, and multimode transportation routes. In this article, a multi-objective model which is integrated with multi-attribute decision-making for the selection of suppliers, transportation routes, and coal orders is developed. The model simultaneously optimizes multiple objectives such as minimizing purchase costs, transportation costs, and ash output, and it also presents a decision framework on the selection of suppliers, transportation routes, and coal products that will achieve these objectives. The network and capacity constraints of suppliers and transportation routes are included in the model. The study utilizes multi-objective linear programming and well-known decision rules such as minimax, maximin, and compromise programming, and Analytic Hierarchy Process is employed to determine preferred solutions. The methodology for the solution is illustrated via a case study an...

Movement is Life: Organizations, Management, and Leadership

Abstract: (2013). Movement is Life: Organizations, Management, and Leadership. Engineering Management Journal: Vol. 25, Leadership, pp. 3-4.

Modeling Rare Events: Using a Fixed/Variable Rate Model for an Arctic Oil Spill Rate Example

Abstract: :Occurrence rates for rare events must often be estimated with limited data of unknown and changing applicability; thus, many risk models rely on average measures of risk even though more accurate possibilities may exist. A generalized approach is presented for selecting the best model of the rare event risk and for matching how the results are presented to decision-making needs. The process is illustrated using a case study of estimating oil spill rates from undersea pipelines that serve production platforms on the Outer Continental Shelf areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Existing models use average oil spill rates from these undersea pipelines, but many of these spills occur at a platform; thus, a new approach using a fixed/variable rate framework is suggested. We review the literature on modeling of Outer Continental Shelf oil spill rates, analyze historical oil spills for the estimated rates for both models, and contrast the results (that can differ by up to a factor of 2) for Arctic applications. ...

An Application of Analytics in Green Electricity Markets With Cap-and-Trade Programs

Abstract: :New cap-and-trade (CT) programs (e.g., Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative) to mitigate climate change have created the need for decision support in investment, bidding, and oversight in electricity markets. This need is critical for practicing engineering managers in restructured electricity markets operating under market-based competition. In this research we develop a bi-level game-theoretic model to obtain optimal bidding strategies for power generating companies in restructured markets under a CT program. We demonstrate the applicability of our model on data from Northern Illinois electricity market and discuss managerial implications. Detailed sensitivity analyses show how CT programs can impact electricity and allowance prices.