Journal of Integrated Design and Process Science - Volume 8, issue 3

Authors: van der Merwe, Alta | Pretorius, Laurette | Cloete, Elsabe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to describe a methodology for requirements elicitation of traditional higher educational environments in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical processes of this application domain. Such an understanding might be instrumental in the strategic planning and the realizing of e-learning implementations that are both successful in achieving learning goals, and are also completely integrated into all critical processes with positive acceptance from stakeholders. The …methodology uses the basic underlying theoretical principles of requirements analysis. Through experimentation and research, the methodology was designed to accelerate the requirements engineering process and as a result reduce the initial cost of systems development. In its layout, the paper briefly considers the theoretical criteria for a requirements elicitation before proposing the methodology. Its functionality is illustrated by means of a case study discussion Show more

Keywords: requirements and specifications, e-learning, process modeling

Citation: Journal of Integrated Design & Process Science, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 1-16, 2004

Authors: Valeri, Sandro Giovanni | Rozenfeld, Henrique

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Gates are events used to help companies to decide for the continuation or suspension of a new product development (NPD) project. We discuss the evolutionary concept of quality gates and present limitations of its process. Two case studies are shown and analysed based on the bibliography review and on our experiences with gates. We propose a quality gate approach that provides flexibility for the NPD process. We propose additional features to the gate process beyond the …definition of deliverables, exit criteria, quality gate results, quality gate team and the decision making process, which has to be integrated with product portfolio decisions. The gate process is presented in detail as well the customisation rules. We conclude that this proposal presents a process-oriented approach that confers flexibility on the quality gate, solving most of problems and limitations of current gate processes. Many considerations about the application of this proposal are also presented. Show more

Keywords: new product development process, quality gates, phase review

Citation: Journal of Integrated Design & Process Science, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 17-36, 2004

Authors: Bonfim, Walace Sartori | de Lima, Edson Pinheiro | , Sérgio Eduardo Gouvêa | da Costa,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Organizations have been restructuring their business process continuously in order to be more agile and flexible toward changes within the context they are operating and competing. Concerned with the future of their business, strategists, production staff and CEOs have been in need of process-centered technologies focused on competencies and performance that can integrate management and operation strategies. This paper presents a process methodology, in construction, based on the Balanced Scorecard conceptual framework, …to integrate synchronously both management and production efforts and actions. Show more

Keywords: process methodology, management and production integration, balanced scorecard

Citation: Journal of Integrated Design & Process Science, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 37-47, 2004

Authors: Sakamoto, Akiko Hasegawa | Kumagai, Satoshi | Itoh, Kiyoshi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Manufacturing systems can be regarded as collaboration between principal and auxiliary tasks. Principal task shows activities of manufacturing, assemblage and setup operation, etc. Auxiliary task indicates activities of picking, transportation and replacement operation, etc. Auxiliary task caused by setup operation occurs frequently in manufacturing systems. Lowering the efficiency of the auxiliary task affects performance of the system. We propose Collaboration Engineering Framework for integrating principal and auxiliary tasks. This framework employs methodology …for analyzing, modeling and a simulating target system by capturing principal and auxiliary tasks comprehensively. We can evaluate and estimate the performance of manufacturing systems in terms of collaboration between principal and auxiliary tasks. As a result of considering this framework, manufacturing systems considering collaboration between principal task and auxiliary tasks can be built. Show more

Keywords: collaboration engineering, manufacturing system, principal task, auxiliary task

Citation: Journal of Integrated Design & Process Science, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 49-60, 2004

Authors: Gu, Peihua

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The manufacturing industry is one of the major driving forces for economic success for all industrialized nations. As new technologies are rapidly evolving, the world economy has been undergoing some major changes. The impact of these changes on product manufacturing industry includes more globalized competition, shorter market life cycles, more stringent environmental regulations, more educated customers and so forth. Therefore, products must meet various requirements such as shorter delivery time, customization, environment-friendly, …in addition to the traditional requirements of functionality, cost and quality. These requirements cannot be met by simply using more advanced manufacturing technologies only. Manufacturers must produce products according to design. More than 75% of the total product costs as well as all product features are determined at the design stage. Therefore, significant improvement on product quality, features, costs and other life cycle performance can be achieved by improving design. This paper reports a new design method, namely adaptable design, to address those conflict requirements. An adaptable design method has been developed, consisting of four main phases: product modelling, platform design, bus system design and design evaluation and re-design. Examples are provided to illustrate the adaptable design and interface systems. In addition, a review of recent developments in design research is provided. Future research directions and possible topics for research are also discussed for both fundamental as well as applied work in engineering design. Show more

Keywords: product design, adaptable design, flexible interfaces, mechanical buses, design theory and methodology, life cycle engineering

Citation: Journal of Integrated Design & Process Science, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 61-74, 2004

Authors: Cao, Guozhong | Tan, Runhua | Zhang, Ruihong

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Function is the kernel and essence of products. Conceptual design confirms the principle solution that contains the required function. Based on the study of Effects in TRIZ, this paper establishes that the realization of function depends on physical, chemical and geometrical Effects, such that the Effects should be classified by function. From the viewpoint of function, the concepts of Connect Effects and Control Effects are delineated and the model for Effects chains is set up. An …example is given to explain the application process of the Effects chains that can obtain the principle solution in conceptual design. Show more

Keywords: TRIZ, function, connect effects, control effects, effects chains

Citation: Journal of Integrated Design & Process Science, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 75-82, 2004

Authors: Salman, Nael | Doğru, Ali

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Component-oriented software development is a new trend and is becoming very popular these days. In addition to requiring a different development approach, the new orientation also requires a different metrics approach. A set of metrics for Component Oriented Software Engineering was first introduced in previous research. These metrics set were used to measure the quality of component-oriented software designs. The impact of these metrics on design effort is investigated in this paper. A statistical model is …developed based on nine projects that carried out component-oriented software development. Design effort is expressed as a function of a subset of the complexity metrics. Show more

Keywords: component-oriented, software development, complexity metrics

Citation: Journal of Integrated Design & Process Science, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 83-88, 2004

Authors: Zhang, Heming | Fan, Wenhui | Wu, Cheng

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In this paper, the concurrent design approach and collaborative environment for complex product development are firstly analysed from the viewpoint of authors. The process reengineering and optimisation for complex product development is discussed. Furthermore, the architecture and technologies of distributed multidisciplinary collaboration environments for complex product development are studied. An industrial application case undertaken by the authors during the research period is also given.

Keywords: concurrent engineering, collaborative design, complex product development

Citation: Journal of Integrated Design & Process Science, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 89-97, 2004

Authors: Dai, Liming | Luo, Longfu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The present study develops a new genetic algorithm, Gene Controlling Genetic Algorithm (GCGA) for optimization design. In performing engineering design optimization, this genetic algorithm intends to maximize the utilization of the existing information such as practical design knowledge, existing relationships of design parameters and engineering experience. With GCGA, design optimization process becomes much efficient. Application of GCGA in optimizing an electric locomotive transformer design is provided in this study. Detailed procedures of …optimization with GCGA are presented. In comparing with the traditional genetic algorithm such as EPGA, as indicated in the study, GCGA provides a global convergent solution with higher stability and faster speed. It is demonstrated that GCGA is an algorithm specifically suitable for optimizing complex designs in engineering practice. Show more

Keywords: gene control, genetic algorithm (GA), engineering optimization, electric locomotive transformer

Citation: Journal of Integrated Design & Process Science, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 99-112, 2004

Authors: Al-Mudhaf, Ali | Esat, I.I.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A new neural network approach for matrix computations is presented. The idea is to construct a feed-forward neural network (FNN) and then train it by matching a desired set of patterns. The solution of the problem is the converged weight of the FNN. Accordingly, unlike the conventional FNN research that concentrates on external properties (mappings) of the networks, this study concentrates on the internal properties (weights) of the network. The present network is linear and its …weights are usually strongly constrained; hence, a complicated overlapped network needs to be constructed. It should be noticed, however, that the present approach depends highly on the training algorithm of the FNN. Unfortunately, the available training methods such as the, the original Back-propagation (BP) algorithm, encounter many deficiencies when applied to matrix algebra problems, including slow convergence due to improper choice of learning rates (LR). Thus, this study focused on the development of new efficient and accurate FNN training methods. One improvement suggested to alleviate the problem of LR choice is the use of a line search with steepest descent method, namely, bracketing with golden section method. This provides an optimal LR as training progresses. Another improvement proposed in this study is the use of conjugate gradient (CG) methods to speed up the training process of the neural network. The computational feasibility of these methods is assessed on two matrix problems; namely, the LU-decomposition of both band and square ill-conditioned unsymmetric matrices and the inversion of square ill-conditioned unsymmetric matrices. In this paper, only the first one is reported. Show more

Keywords: neural networks, matrix manipulation

Citation: Journal of Integrated Design & Process Science, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 113-122, 2004

Authors: Giacobbe, F.W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: An experimental research study involving an unconventional method of producing a stream of inert gases from common hydrocarbon fuel sources has been described. Design and processing science elements from several different scientific, engineering, and technical disciplines were a significant part of this interdisciplinary experimental research study. At the time of this study's completion, experimental results indicated that the described process and methods of operation were capable of producing good quality streams of inert …gas mixtures at lower costs than the known cryogenic or membrane systems that are capable of producing inert Nitrogen gas streams from air. Show more

Keywords: inert gas, production, process, design, system, hydrocarbon, fuel, engine

Citation: Journal of Integrated Design & Process Science, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 123-141, 2004