Showing papers on "Project engineering published in 1993"

Using PERT as an approximation of fuzzy project-network analysis

Abstract: The use of the project evaluation and review technique (PERT) as an approximation of fuzzy project network analysis (FPNA) when the activity times are represented by normalized triangular fuzzy numbers is discussed. Thirty-two networks in various combinations of activity width, activity symmetry, and path completion time disparity were analyzed using both FPNA and PERT. The differences in the expected project completion time, identification of critical activities, amount of activity slack, and the possibility of meeting certain project completion times are investigated. Results indicate that PERT performs well when approximating the expected project completion time, but is prone to large errors when identifying the critical activity set, approximating the amount of activity slack, and estimating the possibility of meeting certain project completion times. >

A project-oriented power electronics laboratory

Abstract: This paper presents a power electronics educational laboratory suitable for undergraduate and graduate students. The pedagogical approach taken is one where the students revisit previously studied material placed in a practical context. This approach supports the prerequisite lecture material and allows study of some practical issues which are best handled in a laboratory setting. The course format makes the students gradually more responsible for the design of control circuitry which permits nominal operation of generic power converters. The laboratory experience culminates in a project where the student analyzes, designs, simulates and demonstrates a power electronics related topic. >

Code division testbed, CODIT

Abstract: The basic requirement on a third generation mobile system is to support universal high quality voice service as well as a wide range of data services, including data file transfer and high bit-rate services. The Code Division Testbed (CODIT) project is a research project within the European RACE programme that has the objective to explore the potential of CDMA for a future third generation mobile system like FPLMTS or UMTS. The main activities of the project are: To establish an advanced system concept based on CDMA including advanced radio technologies (radio interface, radio transceivers, etc.) and advanced radio subsystem architecture (micro and picocells, macro diversity, fast and soft handover, frequency management, radio network planning, etc.). To design and build a system demonstrator (testbed) comprising test mobile stations, radio base stations and a radio network controller. To validate the system concept in laboratory and field test, as well as with simulations. The results will be used to improve the concept and to compare with other radio access techniques. The project duration was from February 1992 to December 1994. During 1992 the basis for the system concept was established. The design and manufacture of the testbed were to take place during 1993 and lab and field tests to be performed 1994.

Photovoltaic-powered water pumping-design, and implementation: case studies in Wyoming

Abstract: A photovoltaic-powered water pumping project comprising of several rural electric cooperatives and their customers is described in detail. A number of remote water pumping installations in the state of Wyoming, USA, are currently operating as a result of this project. The design, installation and performance monitoring of these systems are discussed. In general, it can be stated that PV-powered water pumping in this state has been a cost-effective alternative to distribution line extension or other conventional means of water pumping. Customer satisfaction, in terms of functional adequacy and low maintenance requirements of these systems, is high. The benefit for the electric utilities concerned, are cost savings and better customer relations. >

Computational Science Education Project

Abstract: The Computational Science Education Project (CSEP) was initiated in September 1991 by the Office of Scientific Computing at the Department of Energy. The goal of CSEP is to develop a syllabus and associated materials for teaching computational science at the beginning graduate or advanced undergraduate level. CSEP intends to introduce students from diverse disciplines in the pure and applied sciences to high-performance computing. The interdisciplinary nature of the project is intended to contribute to national technological competitiveness skills to operate effectively in high-performance computing environments. CSEP materials are in electronic format, for use in the classroom and computer laboratory. >

Advanced TDMA mobile access (ATDMA)

Abstract: The Advanced Mobile Access (ATDMA) project is part of the European RACE Program for R&D in Advanced Communications technologies in Europe and is considering the application of advanced TDMA techniques for the design of the Radio access system for UMTS (the European implementation of FPLMTS). The project started in April 1992 and was to run until the end of 1994. During the final year the project's system concept, based on the use of an adaptive air interface, was to be evaluated using a realtime testbed and an extensive system simulation tool. This paper introduces the project, its main objectives and baseline assumptions and presents a selection of achievements to date.

An industry-sponsored capstone design course

Abstract: The authors describe a year-long senior mechanical engineering design course that is run in cooperation with industry. Financial support from an industrial sponsor, along with regular contact between the industry representative and the student groups, presents a real-world setting for the course. Students must learn to work together to order from outside vendors, stay within a budget, and prepare for presentations. The Engineering Design Project gives about-to-graduate engineering students an experience which is, in an academic environment, as close as possible to the realities of how project engineering is practiced in an industrial or government organization. Because the class size is small, all students are able to at least vicariously share in the wide range of experience that any development of a new device must encounter. >

An integrated project planning environment

Abstract: The life-cycle of complex engineering products involves many disciplines, each of which is responsible for a stage, or phase, in the design-to-production process. Concurrent engineering principles are capable of bringing together the traditionally disparate groups involved. However, in order to facilitate the essential sharing of product and process information, there is a need to provide a common environment capable of supporting the various requirements of designers, production workers and managers while ensuring that communication and appropriate support is maintained. This paper describes model-based planning research in the construction industry. At the heart of the system are a central generic computer model of a certain type of construction and a knowledge-based system able to apply engineering knowledge in the constraint satisfaction process, leading to a planned sequence of construction activities. The environment comprises the central representation and reasoning mechanism, a symbolic computer-aided design facility, and a commercial project planning and management system. The paper details our experiences in developing and applying the environment in the planning of ‘real-life’ construction projects.

Overview of the activities of the project cost 231 "Evolution of land mobile radio (including personal) communications"

Abstract: The paper starts with a brief and general presentation of COST, focusing, among others, on the more common methods for cooperation used in COST Projects. It then goes on with the particulars of the Project COST 231. The Project was set up in April 1989, to support both the cell planning of the GSM system (the pan-European digital mobile communications system) and more advanced studies carried out in the field of mobile and personal communications. The work covers propagation aspects (eg indoor, outdoor, traditional cells and down to pico-cells in 2D or 3D) as well as system aspects (eg modulation and access techniques ranging from traditional TDMA approaches to DS or FH CDMA schemes).

A methodology for project control through risk analysis: the case of a pipeline project

Abstract: Projects exposed to uncertainties can be effectively controlled with the application of risk analysis during the planning stages. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), can be used to analyze risks associated with such projects. The results from risk analysis along with activity analysis are combined to develop a logical contingency allowance for the project through the application of probability theory. Effective control of the project is possible by limiting the changes within the allowance for each work package and the utilization of contingency through proper appropriation. This methodology has been applied to a pipeline laying project in India. The example application demonstrates the effectiveness of the methodology for project control. >

A new paradigm for pre-engineering education: Design and technology education K-12

Abstract: The new paradigm of design and technology education is described. Through this paradigm, schools would help shift students from passive to active roles of learning, engage students in the joy of sharing what they learn with others, use students as valued resources capable of helping others, support critical thinking and creative practice by students and teachers, engage students in design as intentional change and improvement, and develop students who are technologically capable and responsible. Particular attention is given to Project UPDATE (Upgrading Practice through Design and Technology/Engineering Education), which is committed to design and develop curriculum materials and guidelines for generating, sharing, and assessing integrated S/M/T (science, mathematics and technology) activities suitable for and interesting to all children K-8. >

Integration of computer systems for California aqueduct power plant systems

Abstract: The California State Water Project is one of the largest water and power systems in the world and includes over 130 hydroelectric units. An overview of the planning and implementation of the control and communication systems replacement for the entire project is provided. New control system features are described, including a multi-agency control center, off-site backup control center, four area control systems, ten major pumping/generating plant control systems, and a 400 mile long fiber optical communication system. >

Cultural complexity and the improved performance of large international projects

Abstract: Two popular models are used to describe the main organizational culture types, with specific reference to functional and project organizations. Some important characteristics of national cultures are then examined, based on published research. Two examples of well known major projects are taken to explore the possible (or known) impact of these two dimensions-organizational and national culture on the success of a project. In conclusion, the paper stresses the importance of achieving a 'total' culture fit, within and between, the contracting organizations. Some ideas on the ways in which this 'fit' might be engineered are presented. >

A tutorial software design for selected undergraduate electrical engineering courses

Abstract: A pilot project for the development of versatile workstation based tutorial software to assist engineering students in visualizing and understanding important fundamental engineering concepts has led to the creation of an interactive, reasonably portable application program. the current tutorial structure provides several operations for style and level of interaction. The author reports the development and early evaluation of this tutorial software for use in digital logic design and digital signal processing. Using lessons learned from the development of this system and from first evaluations of it, the development of a more comprehensive tutorial system for introductory engineering courses and engineering mathematics is discussed. >

Project finance for alternative energy

Abstract: This paper is intended to provide general advice to sponsors of renewable energy projects who expect to raise project-based financing from commercial banks to fund the development of their projects. It sets out, for the benefit of such sponsors, how bankers typically approach the analysis of these undertakings and in particular the risk areas on which they concentrate. By doing so it should assist sponsors to maximise their prospects of raising bank finance.

SITCOM: integrated system of multifunctional communication for motor disabled people, development project

Abstract: This project will allow people with severe incapacitation to join in the working market, and to enable them to carry out computer-controlled activities, such as chain-work productions, store keeping organization, administrative activities, etc. The present report describes the viability study of the project as well as the developments of the software and hardware. >

The symbiotic roles of the professor, the technician, and the student in undergraduate engineering design education

Abstract: As one mechanism to attempt to teach the concept and procedures of engineering design, Widener University has a year-long Senior Design Project as a capstone to the design components within the course-oriented laboratory activities in general. These laboratories and senior design activities require the structural teamwork of the supervising faculty member, the students, and the technician. It is noted that such design-oriented activities as the proper method of keeping a laboratory notebook, effective sketching, the reading of prints and specifications, the understanding of fabrication techniques, the basic capabilities of machine tools, and the procedures of purchasing supplies and components should be presented to students before they are allowed to face the real manufacturing world as engineers. At Widener University, an attempt is made to accomplish these goals by the organized and appropriate utilization of the engineering technician in the design education loop. >

A Dutch-US microelectronic collaboration

Abstract: The interaction between a European educational institution, i.e., the Electrical Engineering Department of the Hogeschool Enschede (HE), in the Netherlands and the Microelectronic Engineering Department of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in the US is described. Six students from the Netherlands have come to the US to complete a thesis for graduation from Hogeschool Enschede. One student conducted a six-month project on the design, simulation, fabrication, and testing of CMOS circuits. These institutions are described, together with the student's project. >

Conference report on assessment and evaluation of science, engineering, and mathematics curricula

Abstract: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology organized a workshop on assessment and evaluation of curriculum reform efforts in science, engineering, and mathematics. The workshop was held on 26-27 March 1993 in Washington DC. Both technical/teaching and assessment/evaluator personnel from several colleges where innovative curriculum initiatives were in progress attended. Assessment/evaluation efforts at represented institutions were in various forms and stages at the time of the workshop. This meeting provided an opportunity for persons to share philosophies, methodologies, rationales, and results of local assessment efforts with colleagues. While the workshop produced no answers, common themes and issues did emerge. >

Restructuring the teaching of digital logic design: A progress report

Abstract: A project to significantly restructure the way the design of digital logic circuits is taught in the Electrical Engineering School at Purdue University is underway. The chief motivation is to take advantage of recent advances in computer and communications technology to enhance the teaching and learning of engineering. Areas of activity have included the use of computers in the classroom to facilitate teaching and learning, creation of homework problems and other learning activities which make use of logic system simulation software, and development of an electronic knowledge-base for digital logic design. >

Expert system for project management

Abstract: With the globalisation of business, the implementation of turnkey projects is becoming increasingly complex. Inputs from different and diverse sources, coordination and synchronizing of delivery schedules, and cost-reduction targets call for powerful, effective and intelligent tools. Without such tools, an unexpected situation can put the project manager under stress which can consequently lead to wrong decisions. Therefore, there is a necessity today for online systems that can diagnose the causes of problems, help the project management to arrive at quick and proper decisions as well as identify ways to take corrective actions. The important parameters for online implementation of such a diagnostic system are the accuracy and speed of the diagnosis. The concepts used to realise these parameters have a strong influence on the selection of the most suitable tool for a given application. Current concepts such as establish-refine and hypothesis-test are explained. Furthermore, the representation of the knowledge in data files along with an appropriate illustration are also presented. >

Project ACCESS: Advanced computational curriculum for engineering and science students

Abstract: An upper division, computational laboratory-based course in scientific computing is being developed. The project includes three important components: (1) a case-study method in which topics are taught with an example from the "real" world of science and engineering; (2) the various case-studies are developed by an interdisciplinary team of faculty in order to emphasize all parts of scientific computation: basic science, analytic methods, numerical methods, and visualization; and (3) the students develop solutions on a variety of computational platforms including personal computers, RISC (reduced instruction set computer) workstations, and supercomputers. A case-study description is presented. >

Teaching chemical engineering students to stand up to a computer design

Abstract: A chemical engineering design course is described. This course is innovative in two respects: (1) the use of a state-of-the-art computer system which enables students to use ASPEN at individual RISC (reduced instruction set computer) workstations and (2) the incorporation of design heuristics with which to formulate and evaluate computer designs. The integration of computer design with engineering heruistics serves as a means of checks and balances to enhance engineering judgment. This approach was used with three sets of projects: conceptual design of new processes, textbook case studies; and computer design for existing plants. >

Designing report writing modules for engineering courses

Abstract: The author describes ways in which faculty in technical disciplines can integrate instruction in the development of communication skills into their classrooms without becoming experts in the discipline. The project discussed involves the preparation of report writing modules in about fifteen different engineering courses with the cooperation of the engineering faculty in those courses. The procedure for designing a report writing module addresses the following skills required for effective report writing: determine the report writing situation; specify the purpose of the report; identify the readers for the report; establish a required outline for the report; explain the specifications for each item on the outline; specify the format of the report; prepare a checklist for the report; provide a specimen report or two; and specify additional criteria you deem appropriate. >

Quality assessment: Instrumenting the independent process variables during teaching and learning

Abstract: This report is based heavily on the 1993 Strategic Plan and assessment implementation guidelines of the Synthesis Coalition. Every funded project leader in the Coalition was invited to submit a brief statement-of-work indicating the assessment method of choice and the manner in which the method will be applied: e.g., the curriculum, the students to be observed, when and where in the evolution of a student's curriculum experience they will be observed; what are the expected outcomes of the assessment; how will outcomes be fed back into the curriculum; why is that specific methodology right for this project, etc. Supplemental assessment awards will be made on a merit basis. Merit is determined by a peer review process, akin to that used for external project implementation proposal review. >

A computer vision course for undergraduates - an object-oriented approach

Abstract: The computer vision courses at Ball State University has been reconstructed so that it provides the basis for a semester-long project - a project analyzed, designed, and programmed using an object-oriented (O-O) approach. One of the original goals of the course remains intact, namely, to instruct the students in the basic principles of computer vision. However, those principles are now more tightly focused so that they relate very directly to the semester-long project. An added goal is to teach O-O analysis, design, and programming at a relatively in-depth level to the students and to do this within the framework of computer vision. Another goal is to enable the students to gain some degree of expertise in an O-O language. >

Teaching engineering project management: A case study - The USAF Test Pilot School

Abstract: The authors describe a program designed to provide hands-on project management experience as part of a rigourous academic curriculum. This is the USAF Test Pilot School "Graduate Exercise". It is specifically designed to prepare the students for project management responsibilities, enhancing their ability to apply engineering methods to complex problems. >

A sphenomorphic model for the management of the complex environment of a concurrent engineering programme

Abstract: Introduces a new model of the innovation management process as it applies to the complex environment of a concurrent engineering programme. By looking in detail at the process, the question "Can innovation be managed?" is addressed. Current ideas on managing complexity and chaotic systems are used to develop a recursive model which, from its wedge-like shape (with a narrowing area of emphasis from project start to deadline), is termed a "sphenomorph". A hierarchical collection of sphenomorphs from many mini-projects combine to form the complete innovation process. Each sphenomorph comprises four distinct stages (diversity, decimation, development, dedication), each requiring a different management style for success. The need for adaptive managers, capable of dealing with all four stages of the innovation process, is considered, and methods are reviewed whereby such management characteristics may be identified and encouraged through appropriate training and development. >