Showing papers on "Project engineering published in 2003"
TL;DR: In this paper, a survey was conducted to collect management perceptions of the key performance indicators currently utilized in the construction industry and a literature search was used to generate the initial set of perceived key performance metrics.
Abstract: There is a great need in the construction industry for identifying a set of common indicators to be used by construction executive and project managers in measuring construction performance at the project level. The focus of this research was to collect management perceptions of the key performance indicators currently utilized in the construction industry. Both quantitative performance indicators and qualitative performance indicators are represented. A literature search was used to generate the initial set of perceived key performance indicators, which were administered to the construction industry via a survey. A statistical analysis of the collected survey responses provided information for the identification of a common set of perceived Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by construction sector, management level, and experience level. Correlations were performed for both the quantitative and qualitative indicators to determine which type of indicator is used most extensively. Basic statistical analyses...
342 citations
TL;DR: The value-based approach to software development integrates value considerations into current and emerging software engineering principles and practices, while developing an overall framework in which these techniques compatibly reinforce each other.
Abstract: The information technology field's accelerating rate of change makes feedback control essential for organizations to sense, evaluate, and adapt to changing value propositions in their competitive marketplace. Although traditional project feedback control mechanisms can manage the development efficiency of stable projects in well-established value situations, they do little to address the project's actual value, and can lead to wasteful misuse of an organization's scarce resources. The value-based approach to software development integrates value considerations into current and emerging software engineering principles and practices, while developing an overall framework in which these techniques compatibly reinforce each other.
198 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the impact of the use of project management processes on design phase cost performance was analyzed to quantify the potential savings to be obtained by application of each process and regression lines for the meeting and reporting frequency variables against design costs were calculated.
Abstract: Over 270 engineering design projects are analyzed to assess the impact of the use of project management processes on design phase cost performance. Frequency of design team meetings and frequency of reporting of design phase progress were found to reduce design phase costs. Project manager training and the use of a project management based organizational structure were found not to create statistically significant lower design costs. Calculation of regression lines for the meeting and reporting frequency variables against design costs is shown to be a method to quantify the potential savings to be obtained by application of each process.
50 citations
TL;DR: An interdisciplinary design project that was introduced into the electrical engineering curriculum as an example of project-based education is presented and the current state and an overview of future improvements based on student feedback are highlighted.
Abstract: In this paper, the authors present an interdisciplinary design project that was introduced into the electrical engineering curriculum as an example of project-based education. Within the project, students design and implement an autonomous rail system intended for people transportation from system specifications down to a fully working system including hardware and software. The educational assets and drawbacks are discussed as well as the practical issues of setting up a large educational project. The current state of the project and an overview of future improvements based on student feedback are highlighted as well.
37 citations
TL;DR: The CubeSat Project at the University of Hawaii as discussed by the authors is the most ambitious project ever undertaken by a multidisciplinary group of engineering students in the university's history, which involves the design, manufacture, and operation of a cube-shaped satellite having a mass no greater than 1 kg and a maximum volume of 1000 cm/sup 3/
Abstract: Undergraduate engineering students at the University of Hawaii are currently working on the most ambitious project ever undertaken by a multidisciplinary group of engineering students in the university's history: designing and constructing a small satellite that will be launched into low-earth orbit. Over 70 undergraduates and nine faculty advisors are participating in the CubeSat Project, which involves the design, manufacture, and operation of a cube-shaped satellite having a mass no greater than 1 kg and a maximum volume of 1000 cm/sup 3/ . This paper describes the multidisciplinary nature of the project, its relevance to ABET criteria, the integration of undergraduate research opportunities, and the outreach efforts to high school students.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the age and experience profile of project engineering professionals employed by both owners and contractors and concluded that the era of downsizing appears to be at an end, and the high proportion of engineering professionals nearing retirement suggests that the transfer of knowledge from more to less experienced employees is an area of critical importance.
Abstract: The age and experience profile of project engineering professionals employed by both owners and contractors has recently become a concern due to downsizing, retirements, and lack of hiring during the 1990s. Data were gathered from U.S. Census panels and from 27 owner firms and 23 contractor firms within the Construction Industry Institute to investigate the extent of this issue. In particular, the study examined changes in industry staffing levels, projected industry staffing levels, the current age and experience profile of project engineering staffs, current and projected hiring practices, and retention levels. The results of the data analyses indicate that, while substantial downsizing occurred among project engineering professionals during the early 1990s, the era of downsizing appears to be at an end. However, the high proportion of engineering professionals nearing retirement suggests that the transfer of knowledge from more to less experienced employees is an area of critical importance for both owners and contractors. Data showing demographic breakdowns using these analyses will be given, conclusions drawn, and policy implications outlined.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a four-year relationship between Datex-Ohmeda, Vanderbilt University [the senior design course and VaNTH (Vanderbilt University; Northwestern University; the University of Texas at Austin; and Health, Science and Technology at Harvard/MIT) Engineering Research Center (www.vanth.org) programs], and the cooperative (co-op) and summer internship programs with Marquette University and University of Wisconsin.
Abstract: Most senior design courses involve lectures covering the various aspects of the typical product development cycle followed by the selection of a design project from one of several areas of biomedical engineering (BME). This article summarizes a four-year relationship between Datex-Ohmeda, Vanderbilt University [the senior design course and VaNTH (Vanderbilt University; Northwestern University; the University of Texas at Austin; and Health, Science and Technology at Harvard/MIT) Engineering Research Center (www.vanth.org) programs], and the cooperative (co-op) and summer internship programs with Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin. The involvement of industry in the senior design curriculum has been beneficial to students, the university, and industry. Datex-Ohmeda has successfully accomplished its goals in working closely with the universities. The company has provided a guest lecturer, projects for the seniors to work on, equipment, and input to the curriculum via the Biomedical Engineering Industrial Board and the VaNTH Engineering Research Council. Datex-Ohmeda has gained input on research projects and the opportunity to look at potential employees.
10 citations
TL;DR: The Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) as discussed by the authors has been automating its power system operations and corporate business procedures for some time, and an OPPD Automation Plan was initiated to coordinate and integrate systems on a corporate-wide basis.
Abstract: The Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) has been automating its power system operations and corporate business procedures for some time. OPPD is a medium-sized electric utility of approximately 2400 employees, 302000 electric customers, and a 2000 MW system peak load. Traditionally, departments have automated their own systems, creating islands of information. Therefore, a need to integrate systems to make information available at the corporate level required consideration. In 2000, an OPPD Automation Plan was initiated to coordinate and integrate systems on a corporate-wide basis. As a result of this plan, initiatives were recommended for a new energy management system (EMS), automatic meter reading, mobile computing, distribution automation (DA), and substation automation (SA). In June 2000, a consultant was hired to assist in developing a substation automation plan and to assist in implementing the Utility Communications Architecture (UCA) in the plan for a pilot project. This article addresses this pilot project, including its objectives, overview, issues, and evaluation.
9 citations
7 citations
6 citations
20 Jul 2003
TL;DR: In this article, a framework has been developed to help students realize goals they propose for their final group project, which helps them to work effectively within a team environment and present their projects utilizing different media outlets, such as writing technical reports, developing web pages for final group projects, and making oral presentations.
Abstract: Final group projects are an integral part of the graduate mechatronics course, "Introduction to Mechatronics", in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech. Students are able to develop both practical and theoretical understanding of mechatronics while working on their final group projects. They also develop interpersonal and communication skills necessary to work in a multi-disciplinary field. To assist students, a framework has been developed to help them realize goals they propose for their final group project. It helps them to work effectively within a team environment and present their projects utilizing different media outlets, such as writing technical reports, developing web pages for their final group projects, and making oral presentations. This framework includes lecture topics covered in class, project requirements, grading methods, material resources, and support from graduate teaching assistants, electronic, and machine shop. In this paper, the framework and example projects demonstrating its effectiveness will be presented.
03 Dec 2003
TL;DR: The National Institute of Standards and Technology metrology development for the semiconductor industry and its supporting infrastructure is a broad set of programs directed at many of the critical metrology needs as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The National Institute of Standards and Technology metrology development for the semiconductor industry and its supporting infrastructure is a broad set of programs directed at many of the critical metrology needs. This paper will give examples of specific projects addressing needs in lithography, critical dimension metrology, gate dielectric characterization, interconnect materials evaluation, wafer surface inspection, mass flow controller calibration, and manufacturing support. The paper will emphasize the role collaboration with industry plays in project selection, project success, and transfer to industry.
03 Nov 2003
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe how North American and European installation methods and equipment certified to IEC based standards were blended on a large capital project to achieve enhanced safety while at the same time seeing significant capital and installation cost reductions.
Abstract: The paper describes how North American and European installation methods and equipment certified to North American and European based standards were blended on a large capital project to achieve enhanced safety while at the same time seeing significant capital and installation cost reductions. The Zone area classification system was used. This enabled the use of equipment certified to either Zone or Division hazardous location standards. Working with the local regulatory authority, traditional mindsets were challenged to enable the use of practices proven in various installation codes, with the fundamental principle of achieving equal or better safety compared to the existing code. The major areas that are discussed are: re-certifying Division type equipment to IEC standards; using European installation concepts for North American certified cables; challenging specific Canadian Electrical Code rules; and costs savings over traditional approaches are quantified.
TL;DR: In this paper, a 1/8th scale replica of a 12 Ib. Civil war Napoleon in a field mount was used to train students in a materials and manufacturing lab at Texas A&M University.
Abstract: Prior to 2001 the materials and manufacturing laboratories in mechanical engineering at Texas A&M University were independent initiatives. Recently, these courses have been combined into one entity. It was proposed that if these two courses integrated fully under one project, that the students would better understand the place of materials and manufacturing in design. The proposed project was a 1/8th scale replica of a 12 Ib. Civil war Napoleon in a field mount. Existing labs were modified so that each topic contributed to the production of the cannon. Assessment of the lab was performed using three student surveys and two open ended qualitative essays graded using analytic rubrics. Survey results indicate that the students are highly enthused by the new class and feel they have improved in the required subjects. Analysis of the essays shows that the students in cannon class have a better understanding of the role and application of materials selection and manufacturing in design.
DOI•
28 May 2003
TL;DR: In this article, the Resource Center for Raza Planning and the Landscape Architecture Program, both of the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of New Mexico, worked with the community, public agencies and the project engineering consultants to develop a sustainable solution that fulfills the needs and aspirations of the community and meets the engineering performance specifications for land drainage and flood control.
Abstract: Isleta Boulevard runs north and south through the South Valley, a semi-rural community adjacent to, and southwest of, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A. As a part of a road improvement program planned for the Boulevard, the Bernalillo County Public Works Department and the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA) have given particular attention to storm water management. The drainage plan focuses on water detention strategies, with surge ponds along the roadway, as well as a fourteen acre detention site. Residents of South Valley took great interest in how both the road and the drainage system were to be designed and built, and voiced the concern that a sustainable model for the road development should enhance economic activities, historic character, neighborhood values and quality of life along the corridor and in the neighborhoods. In response to an initial proposal developed by the civil engineering consulting firm doing the road improvement project for the County, residents were adamant that they did not want detention or surge pond sites to become 'big holes' in their community landscape. In order to address these issues the County engaged the Resource Center for Raza Planning and the Landscape Architecture Program, both of the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of New Mexico. The research and design team worked with the community, public agencies and the project engineering consultants to develop a sustainable solution that fulfills the needs and aspirations of the community, meets the engineering performance specifications for land drainage and flood control and provides an environmentally responsible alternative to urban water management. The result is a design that makes land drainage infrastructure a rich landscape and a neighborhood amenity, and the project is now in the preliminary stages of construction. Transactions on Ecology and the Environment vol 64, © 2003 WIT Press, www.witpress.com, ISSN 1743-3541
TL;DR: Hands-on projects have been incorporated into the freshmen engineering courses as discussed by the authors to provide the freshmen students with hands-on experiences early in the freshmen year as well as applying math and science fundamentals to engineering problems.
Abstract: Hands-on projects have been incorporated into the freshmen engineering courses. The topics of the projects were selected to correspond to the material being presented in the math, science, and engineering courses. The major goals were to provide the freshmen students with hands-on experiences early in the freshmen year as well as applying math and science fundamentals to engineering problems. Even though not all of the projects were entirely successful in accomplishing the desired outcome, some of the projects required too much time or did not effectively illustrate the concept intended; the response of the students was encouraging. Changes being considered for the upcoming year include incorporating a material balance project, and including additional writing opportunities for the students.
TL;DR: The fountain concept development, prototyping, design, and fountain building process allows students to experience the iterative nature of design while they developed an intuitive basis for learning and remembering fluids fundamentals.
Abstract: Neophyte engineering students have difficulty conceptualizing fluid concepts, and have little understanding of the design process The fountain concept development, prototyping, design, and fountain building process allows students to experience the iterative nature of design while they developed an intuitive basis for learning and remembering fluids fundamentals The students were divided into teams and given a budget of $20/team The final report included concept development, fountain features, design approach, materials list, budget, engineering drawings, and design calculations The students gave the project a very positive review, resulting in the civil engineering (CE) and engineering technology (ET) introductory fluids classes using the project during the spring semester 2003
15 Dec 2003
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlight the advantages or simulation tools to understand application-engineering issues in energy efficiency project development by taking the case of a glass processing facility and demonstrate that the success of the project largely depended on the application engineering aspects showing the cruciality of the approach undertaken.
Abstract: This paper highlights the advantages or simulation tools to understand application-engineering issues in energy efficiency project development by taking the case of a glass processing facility. Simulation of the proposed case was carried out to ascertain whether the acceleration and deceleration time of the blower and the thermal and mechanical stresses in the system were within the permissible limits. Simulation helped in taking into account the potential problems. In the system possibly arising due to the stress generated and thus helped in developing a proper solution. It also indicated that the success of the project largely depended on the application engineering aspects showing the cruciality of the approach undertaken.
01 Jan 2003
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper pointed out that, besides the mechanism limitation from the stage of establishment, examination and operation of urban planning, the difGculties of implementing comprehensive planning also lie in the lack of sectional cooperation, as well as policy and economic guarantee.
Abstract: From the practice of Shenzhen, this paper points out that, besides the mechanism limitation from the stage of establishment, examination and operation of urban planning,the difGculties of implementing comprehensive planning also lie in the lack of sectional cooperation,as well as policy and economic guarantee. So paying attention to the conducting function,short-term construction planning,key project engineering,and implementation policy would contribute to those problems.
TL;DR: A model for a software engineering project course that has proven successful as the capstone of the authors' required sequence of software courses in their computer science major is presented and could be adopted and used effectively in computing and other disciplines.
Abstract: We present a model for a software engineering project course that has proven successful as the capstone of our required sequence of software courses in our computer science major. It differs from many similar courses because all teams work on the same project, defined by the instructor (not projects for "real" customers). The course's project centers on weekly "studio presentations" during which student teams present preliminary results and receive immediate feedback. This model allows us to efficiently offer a project course for over a hundred students. The nature of the project itself supports other course goals. We believe that our project course model could be adopted and used effectively in computing and other disciplines.
12 Oct 2003
TL;DR: An outline of the demonstration project of Comprehensive Transportation Information Platform, the most essential part of ITS implementation of Beijing, is given.
Abstract: This paper gives an outline of the demonstration project. The background, objectives, user services, system functions and stage achievements are presented. Comprehensive Transportation Information Platform is the most essential part of ITS implementation of Beijing. Although only elementary frame will be set up at the end of 2004, long-term plan is very important. After the demonstration project accomplished, it should provide useful experience for the implementation of CTIP in other cities.