Showing papers on "Project engineering published in 1999"

Full scale industrial project work, a one semester course

Abstract: This paper presents the motivations, design, outcomes, and lessons learned from a long series of project-oriented courses. The project is chosen to be similar to real industry projects and with a technical content that is at the senior or master level. The students will in the course follow the project from the initial requirement specification to a product during one semester. The first half of the semester also includes a traditional distributed systems course, but the second half is solely devoted to the project. The time each student is supposed to spend on actual project work is 15 effort weeks which, since the project involves between 15 and 20 students, means that up to 7 effort years are spent on the project by final year computer science students.

Tools and techniques for evaluating control architecture

Abstract: This paper describes an independent research and development project at Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Laboratories. The project developed an approach to evaluate alternative architectures that control large-scale, networked systems whose components may or may not be independent and whose activities are distributed in time and space. We overview the approach and discuss how it can evaluate alternative architectures for control of large-scale, distributed systems and for analysis of approaches for recovery from various system failure modes.

A practical model for technology and innovation management

Abstract: The paper describes two models of technology and innovation management that are relevant to all managers, not just technology managers The first model puts innovation management into a learning organisation framework and can be used to monitor progress and manage projects It can also be used to evaluate the implementation and improvement of technology management within an organisation, and across virtual organisations and networks The second model integrates technology management into a multi-disciplinary business context and treats it and the business holistically This model is compatible with business process thinking and regards innovation as an ongoing technology and business management responsibility rather than a discrete event or project The two models are complementary but can be used independently This paper discusses their educational value and practical application

What project managers need to know

Abstract: Project management is clearly important. But on what specific knowledge and expertise does it depend? In this paper, the author reports how new research provides the first empirically based answers.

What is a super mechano system

Abstract: Super mechano-system is the grand-in-aid for COE research project sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Sciences, Sports and Culture with the aim of creating a new mechanical systems which can self-organize its structure and functions adapting to the varying environment. The system has not only hyper-redundancy with autonomous intelligence but also has the cyber mechanism and achieves efficient and high speed movement based on the fusion of control and mechanisms. This paper only describes the project.

A case study in the quantification of a change in the conditions of a highway construction operation

Abstract: Changes in the conditions under which construction operations take place disrupt projects and can have severe construction cost impacts that must be quantified. This paper presents a case study in which discrete-event simulation was used to quantify the impacts of a change in a highway construction project.

Three project-based approaches to spacecraft design education

Abstract: In order to provide a realistic, hands-on educational experience for spacecraft design students, three complimentary project-based spacecraft design activities have been developed. These design programs are similar given that each relies on simplicity, speed, and self-sufficiency. These attributes (1) allow students to understand the full technical design of a spacecraft system, (2) expose students to the full developmental life-cycle, and (3) introduce students to the challenges of managing a team in order to engineer a complete system. The programs differ in their fidelity and comprehensiveness in order to provide a spectrum of approaches from which educators may select based upon their resources. This paper discusses the educational objectives of these project-based spacecraft design programs. It also reviews the specific design guidelines and strategies for each. Finally, it presents 5 years of results from previous and ongoing projects, and it presents future educational enhancements and spacecraft missions.

Design projects in an undergraduate DSP course and laboratory

Abstract: Summary form only given. Design projects provide important vehicles for learning. During the last seven years an undergraduate DSP course has been offered as a senior technical elective to electrical and computer engineering students at Cal Poly State University. In parallel with theory and experiments, teams of two or three students propose, design and implement a DSP project and demonstrate the product. The effort and time that is required to complete a project is comparable to three or four experiments. Interested students pursue further DSP work as a senior project, which is a two quarter activity equivalent to 5 quarter units. More DSP design may be carried out under the category of individual-study. In terms of complexity, novelty, challenge and relation to real-world applications, the projects vary. Some are done minimally to satisfy the DSP course requirement at the passing level. Some are innovative, sophisticated, and worthy of industrial consideration, indicating students' facility with the hardware and programming and advanced use of computers. The paper analyzes the experience with undergraduate DSP projects, describes some examples, and draws conclusions. One conclusion is that the project is an essential component of a comprehensive learning experience in DSP. For this to materialize, the project needs to be planned according to the qualification and interest of individual teams and students. The aim of the paper is to document and summarize the Cal Poly experience, disseminating the results, and to present roadmaps for similar activities to interested colleagues elsewhere.

Installation of two new 14000 hp, 4160 V motors on high-speed pulp refiners

Abstract: This paper discusses the development and implementation of an engineering project to replace two 20-year-old, 12000-horsepower synchronous motors driving high-speed primary refiners. The background issues leading to the project are presented. Development of the engineering scope led to including foundation modifications, mechanical drive improvements, new vacuum switchgear, modern motor protection, automated excitation controls and new instrumentation. Power engineering design included unique solutions to the constraints imposed by a retrofit installation. Detailed planning and close teamwork led to successful project implementation during a planned mill shutdown. This resulted in improved reliability, providing the paper mill with mechanical, operational and maintenance benefits.

WISE Investments: collaborators and outcomes of a successful teacher-training project

Abstract: This presentation serves to highlight a recent project within the Women in Applied Science and Engineering (WISE) Program at Arizona State University (USA), WISE Investments. Originally an Eisenhower-funded pilot program, WISE Investments (WI) is now a three-year project funded by the National Science Foundation. The paper focuses on the collaborative nature of the pilot project, and provides some of the outcomes of the project.

Project based learning objectives and experiences in electronic education: a memory controller design experiment

Abstract: We motivate and present a project based learning concept for digital electronic design. The concept is derived from our university's new vision of engineering education with emphasis on learning rather than teaching. We show the design of a project, and reveal through students' comments how peer evaluation may increase learning. Other skills necessary for engineers are also deployed in this project. Finally, we provide an example of design efficiency variation as given in these projects.

Project management standardization and its impacts on project effectiveness

Abstract: Summary form only given as follows. Despite a decade or more of work on standardized project management, SPM, we barely know the results of such essentially costly efforts. Presumably, SPM should lead to higher operational effectiveness expressed in terms of more successful fulfillment of project cost, schedule, customer satisfaction, and quality goals. But does SPM lead to higher operational effectiveness? That is exactly the question that senior managers accustomed to the return on investment parlance ask. That is also a question that this research study addresses. On the basis of the survey of 235 project participants, this study provides evidence that standardized project management is a strategy that enhances projects' effectiveness.

Investigation of the brewing process: an introduction to reverse process engineering and design in the Freshman Clinic at Rowan University

Abstract: Freshman engineering students at Rowan University are introduced to engineering design through a series of hands-on engineering and design projects. These incrementally progressive design experiences in the first semester lead the students to a single, in-depth, reverse engineering project in the second semester. This paper describes our effort to introduce reverse engineering and design of a process into the course. The focal point is a laboratory project in which students investigate a process for the production of beer. After a brief introduction to the brewing process and a comparative technical evaluation of commercially available beers, the students set out in teams to perform a hands-on, reverse-engineering investigation of the fermentation process. Next, each team works on the design and construction of a brewing process. The teams implement their processes, and present their designs and results to the other groups. Finally, each group performs a comparison and evaluation of the designs. The brewing process is used to introduce freshman students to engineering fundamentals related to material balances and stoichiometry, fluid flow, heat and mass transfer and biochemical reactions. Through this project, several educational objectives are met: to develop creative and critical thinking, to introduce design principles, to provide hands on experience, to develop teamwork and communication skills, and to stimulate enthusiasm for engineering.

Novel design and information technology applications for civil and structural engineering

Abstract: The papers in this volume include the following topics: Conceptual Design Novel Design Techniques Detailed Design Virtual Reality Applications Information Technology, Systems and Management Construction and Project Engineering Applications Geotechnical and Groundwater Applications Water and Public Health Applications and Traffic Engineering Applications.

Specification method to optimize power generation

Abstract: The efficiency of power generation is dependent upon the equipment selected during project engineering and is generally a multivariable function of several parameters. Therefore, conventional methods to optimize the efficiency of power generation are applied after project engineering has completed the selection and specification of all necessary equipment. The disadvantage of conventional methods is that no optimization method can be applied to the process of specification and selection itself. Conventional methods optimize equipment, which will already have been specified and selected. To eliminate this disadvantage a method is presented to optimize the power generation before project engineering has selected any specific equipment. The method is applicable to unknown equipment and to unspecified parameters of the power generation. The presented method is an algorithmic procedure to optimize the specification of the rated point for single or multiple input parameters of any equipment design in power generation.

A LCA approach to EMS in practice. The Copenhagen Metro case study

Abstract: The Copenhagen Metro is expected to start operation in the year 2001. Building a fast, high frequency, automated metro in the capital of Denmark, means reducing air pollution and local noise due to transport. Ecobilan Italy, for its experience and skill in the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, was appointed by the main contractor of the project, Ansaldo trasporti, to implement an environment management system (EMS). Besides the traditional EMS, Ecobilan developed an innovative approach, basing the EMS on an a-priori life cycle assessment and including major elements from the design for environment methodology. As soon as the design phase, all relevant elements and sub-elements of the life cycle of a metro system have been assessed. All the stages of the life cycle have been taken into account, from the extraction of raw materials to end of life aspects, including transportation, construction and maintenance phases. The paper underlines the relationship between the project partners. The constructive co-operation has led to the setting up of a real team geared toward the implementation of an environment-friendly project.

Laboratory automation: a case study [cement plant]

Abstract: Operational experience of a cement plant laboratory automation project is reviewed. Included is an analysis of the background, project rationalisation and justification, and project design and installation. Tangible impacts on personnel requirements and raw mix uniformity are quantified. Innovations and project details are also discussed.

Application of AHP and MAU in the selection of rural Alaskan airports at which to test remote video for information gathering

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to establish the feasibility of employing remote video technology in the collection of runway and weather condition information at rural airports in Interior Alaska. An additional goal was to use decision support techniques to identify the best-qualified airports, among twenty-three, at which to conduct a one-year test of the benefits of remote video in this setting. The study commenced on 1 June 1998 and ended on 21 June 1998.

MORN: multimedia object relation network: a knowledge system to support research projects

Abstract: This paper examines a knowledge base applied as an information infrastructure of the research project on "Technology and Rural Development: Assessing Technology Needs of Southeastern Anatolia Project in Turkey" whose present members are located in different parts of Istanbul and whose prospective members are residing in different parts of Turkey.

Economic, Social and Environmental Issues

Abstract: This chapter presents some useful decision making tools involved in project engineering. The chapter introduces the notion that design is not a science, but a discipline, where there is no easily refutable conjecture. Engineers propose, managers dispose. This little aphorism sums up the process of decision making in the planning of engineering projects. In the context of making economic decisions, project managers are faced with the unenviable task of choosing to support the projects that are more likely to yield better returns on investment, than those that are rejected. The chapter reviews some simple economic evaluations of project investment opportunities. A fault tree is a network representing causal relations for a system or component. Fault tree analysis (FTA) uses backward-chaining logic based on successive posing of questions of the form: “What prior event could have led to failure event X?” This chapter explains the structure of a fault tree, advantages and disadvantages of fault trees, and some guidelines for construction of fault trees. Event tree analysis (ETA) makes use of forward-chaining logic by asking questions such as “What happens if this component fails in some particular failure mode?” or, in general, what consequences follow from a postulated initiating event. Thus, ETA is closely related to potential failure modes and effects analysis (PFMEA), a quality management tool used by many manufacturers to improve their products. ETA is often applied to chains of events hypothesized to describe accidents having severe or catastrophic consequences..

Implementation of nonlinear inferential sensors

Abstract: In industrial applications of inferential sensing, the most popular technology deployed is neural network technology. However, the industry needs more than one modeling option for building inferential sensors. Statistical tools such as partial least squares (PLS) must be provided to the user as options. Use of fuzzy functions and a hybrid of PLS and neural network are also becoming popular because of the robustness in predictions. First principle models are also used where data is not reliable. Successful implementation of an inferential sensor project requires a range of choices in modeling tools and good project engineering. This paper focuses on empirical model based inferential sensor and the implementation steps to accomplish a successful inferential sensing project.

Design technology research and education for deep-submicron systems of the next century

Abstract: Deep-submicron technology combined with the tremendous growth of global networking leads to SoC and requires a rethinking of communication architectures and disciplinary design methodologies. This creates the need for SoC engineers to be able to bridge the gap between system level concepts and their implementation in heterogeneous silicon architectures. The concept of a design center is introduced where academic staff and students team-up around visionary information technology design projects. Building actual software-hardware prototype demonstrators is undertaken as a means to create new methodologies that give rise to new CAE tools, libraries, teaching material and training courses available over the network. A design center is the ideal environment for educating the SoC engineer. In such schools emphasis is on broad education in the basics of computing, communications and components. Design practice (including non-technical skills) are learned by team-based integrated projects in product design.

Open control architecture for discrete manufacturing automation

Abstract: This paper presents results of the European ESPRIT project 8823 DCC (discrete cell control), aimed to define the reference architecture of a cell controller, describing the required communication and information infrastructure, applications and engineering support. Based on this architecture, an engineering methodology and a set of supporting tools (called DCC-Core) have been developed and validated on two industrial target cells: a welding cell for ship components, and a production cell for printed circuit boards. ROBOTIKER as part of the DCC participated in the welding cell for ship components is described in derail. Two DCC-Core applications have been developed during the DCC project, the scheduling and the monitoring applications. With the DCC-Core system, engineers are able to easily and quickly develop their own cell controller, using the core applications based on the integrating infrastructure API.

Information Systems And Organisational Change: the use of ‘Project Engineering’ in a Hospital Emergency Service

Abstract: This paper presents important observations and lessons learned from being involved as system analysts in the reorganisation and the development of information systems for an emergency service in a French hospital.