This thesis is the summation of two publications with the motivation to move reliability analysis earlier in the design process. Current analyses aim to improve reliability after components have been selected. Moving specific analyses earlier in the design process reduces the cost to the designer. These early design analyses provide...
Monte Carlo simulation is used to quantify and characterize uncertainty in a variety of applications such as financial/engineering economic analysis, and project management. The dependence or correlation between the random variables modeled can also be simulated to add more accuracy to simulations. However, there exists a difference between how correlation...
Lean manufacturing, or more generally continuous improvement (CI), has been the methodology behind significant improvements in quality, work in process inventory reductions, lead time reduction and cost reduction while conversely being associated with failed implementations and occasionally with unpopular work practices. This research focused on promoting understanding of CI methodology...
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2.1. Team Effectiveness Model (adapted from Cohen and Bailey, 1997) ................... 41
3.1
Training is a key business process used to increase the skills and knowledge of employees in an effort to improve overall performance. Evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of training processes is necessary to ensure time, money, and resources are used to provide the most benefit possible. This investigation is...
As the number of students and faculty involved in online learning in recent decades has increased, we recognize that there is a limited understanding of how learners react, interact, behave, and are served by the various components in the information delivery processes. When learning online without an instructor present in...
Change initiatives have a 70 percent failure rate, but effective change is necessary if a company is to remain competitive. Current organizational change research around lean process improvement links unsatisfactory implementation results to organizational behaviors, but does not assess how individual cognitive characteristics affect successful lean implementation. Although a range...
Improving the understanding the relations of sustainability behaviors in manufacturing systems and actively engaging with manufacturers (especially SMEs) in sustainability efforts is key to the long-term success of U.S. industry and the natural environment. This study addresses this urgent need by establishing a systemic approach for the design of costing...
In high volume automated discrete item batch production systems, the batches or lots are typically fixed quantity (i.e., size), with setups incurred between the different production lots. Processing times for the fixed-size lots are relatively constant when the workstation is operating however, random workstation disruptions cause variability in the lot...
Natural fibers are gaining popularity as reinforcement materials for thermoset resins over the last two decades. Natural fibers are inexpensive, abundant, renewable and environmentally friendly. Kenaf fibers are one of the natural fibers that can potentially be used for reinforcing unsaturated polyester (UPE). As a polymer matrix, UPE enjoys a...
Continuous Improvement (CI) is an integral part of hospital administration. This study examined the relationship between five CI variables against six hospital criterion measures of, wait times to prepare a room, patient costs per day, waiting time for lab results, reportable errors, patient satisfaction, and employee satisfaction. The research was...