... ADVANCED SYSTEM ENGINEERING Presented to: Prof. Mahdi Yaqub TABLE OF CONTENT 1. Abstract 2. Introduction 3. Methodology • What is System Dynamics? • Stella Simulation Model 4. Background to the Problem 5. Nurse Scheduling Problem using LINDO 6. Data Analysis 7. Recommendations 8. Methodology limitation 9. Conclusion 10. Appendix & References ABSTRACT Purpose - To research on the possible operational problems that may lead to excessive patients’ waiting time. “Priority Operating” changes with time as a patient waits for service and resource gives due consideration to hierarchy present in the skill and selects next available patient for treatment. A patient’s experience in waiting time will radically influence his/her perceptions on quality of the service and to minimizing the cost of carrying excess capacity. Our project aimed at improving the patient experience in the critical care by looking into the problem of excessive wait times in the Critical care and we will identified variations in the critical care and how it is staffed and managed. Although these variations have the potential to sabotage efforts to reduce surgical wait times within the hospital, they also present significant opportunities for change and improvement. Method- This report describes how system dynamics using Stella model...
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...Systems Thinking and Tools Darthula Diane Goetz MOL504A Systems Thinking and the Learning Organization Dr. Roger Martin Warner Pacific College August 31, 2012 System Thinking and Linear Thinking Systems Thinking is a process of viewing the entire entity and the paths or connections that allow each part of the entity or process connecting to the whole to be followed and analyzed as each decision affects the whole scheme of the social system/process or organization. This process of thought and understanding is different from the traditional process in that it no longer focuses on the individual piece or person, but the dynamics of the entire organization as the individual piece or person interacts and travels through the system. A system can be anything or any process. As stated by Donella Meadows in Thinking in Systems “words and sentences must, by necessity, come only one at a time in a linear, logical order. Systems happen all at once.” (Meadows, 2008, p. 5). The system being studied may be human or non-human. The concept of System Thinking is not the what is being studied but the how that something interacts with all the various other whats within the entire system. System thinking will frequently allow the individual studying any situation or process to come up with entirely different conclusions than when the same situation or process is studied using the traditional analysis of linear thinking which focuses on tracing a direct path to cause and effect...
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...Systems Thinking-Getting the Big Picture When we try to assemble the jigsaw pieces of organisational world, one important tool comes to rescue called Systems Thinking. In Simple terms, it is a way to view systems from a broader perspective and understand the micro structures, patterns and cycles rather than focussing on specific events in the system. This unique approach to problems is interwoven with system dynamics which was founded in 1956 by MIT professor Jay Forrester. To ingrain the concepts of systems thinking, understanding “Systems” is a pre-requisite which can’t be ignored. A system is a web of interrelated and interdependent components that complete the complex whole. Our body has various systems like circulatory, respiratory etc.The sales department in an organisation is another example. Every system has some common characteristics: * A purpose within a larger system. * Specific arrangement of system’s parts so that the overall system works perfectly. * System should trigger a change on feedback. * System should maintain stability by adjusting based on feedback. Coming back to systems thinking, its application on most difficult types of problems have been found quite effective where apparent solutions have failed and a need to raise the level of thinking has been found. Its use can be associated at individual as well as in organisations where complexities exist at every next step before reaching a solution. To make the understanding on this...
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...What is the bullwhip effect? The bullwhip effect is an observed phenomenon in supply chains and points out the magnification of demand fluctuations, especially when demand increases and decreases. The main reason for this phenomenon is a lack of demand information in the supply chains. FORRESTER was the first who mentioned the bullwhip effect in the literature.1 He studied the behaviour of dynamic systems in industrial organisations, by analysing different parameters like stock sizes, production rates and time delays and demonstrated the effects on these parameters, whenever modifications are applied. The outcome of his analysis was, that in a simple production- and distribution system, a small interruption or fluctuation in demand at the retail stage can cause a significantly stronger fluctuation in the whole system.2 These fluctuations have first been considered to be unavoidable and beyond the control of the respective companies. Forrester cleared up that misunderstanding on the basis of a four level dynamic system, showing the organisational structure of a production- and distribution system: Illustration: Bullwhip Effect3 1 2 Forrester, J. (1972), 21ff. Forrester, J. (1972), 22. 3 http://sinaslogisticsblog.blogspot.co.at/2010/04/bullwhip-effect.html (13.01.2015) 1 Matthias Spleit (0966118) There are four main operational factors that stimulate the bullwhip effect:4 1. fixed costs in production, ordering, or shipping, which encourage order batching 2. shortage...
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...Service Request SR-rm-022, Part 1 Clarence D. Spence BSA / 375 May 12, 2015 Charles Bocage Service Request SR-rm-022, Part 1 Riordan Manufacturing’s COO Hugh McCauley would like to merge the accessible selection of tools in use into a single integrated application. The business would also like to take advantage of the more advanced state-of-the art information systems technology that readily exists within the company’s human resources department. The information gathering techniques and the planned design methods that will be utilized will be outlined. The business requirements for the improvement of an HR system to maintain the intention of this request will also be defined. Significant points that will assist in making sure that the information required for this project is collected effectively will be identified and a thorough project plan will be produced. This plan will make available a list of all day to day tasks, resources, and a schedule coupled with a financial plan required to complete the project. Information Gathering Techniques and Design Method Developing a plan is important to Riordans success, it is very crucial to gather information from numerous sources to make sure the designed plan performs its intended application. Initiating the information gathering process will begin with an essential meeting with key management personnel, the end user and most important the IT staff to discuss the project. This business meeting will consist of a question...
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...Agile Processes – This is method of managing software development which allows rapid and flexible response to change. It is based on iterative and incremental development. It makes adaptive planning evolutionary development possible. It was introduced in 2001 Our highest priority is to satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software. Our main objective is to satisfy our customers through distribution of our software at highest standard. Welcome changing requirements, even late in development. Agile processes harness change for the customer's competitive advantage. Even If the changes are made on late stage in the development of the project It is better introduce them resulting in the satisfaction of costumer. Deliver working software frequently, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference to the shorter timescale. Deliver software so it is shown that the progress is made and that there is a certain pace Business people and developers must work together daily throughout the project. People working on software as well as people that focus on business part of the project must work daily throughout the project. Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done. Motivated staff is more likely fisnish on time as they would focus on the job But they need resources to produce an output. The most efficient and...
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...venture is worth pursuing. He is focusing on an untapped market—a new kind of restaurant menu service built on the Apple iPad platform. Members of the team are excited and have been furiously working o the project while retaining their full-time jobs. They have developed a prototype of the technology and business offering, pitched the idea to several clients and generated significant interest. The case, as you will notice as you read, is set at the end of 100 days, when Hutcherson must decide on the next steps. Address separately each of the following directional questions in sufficient detail with associated analysis/rationale. It may help to go through the additional reading material (Fang & Neufeld, Journal of Management Information Systems (JMIS) 2009; Hamilton et al., Sloan Management Review (SMR) 2010; and Shane & Venkatraman, Academy of Management Review 2000 – on my G:\2014 Spring 433\Harvard Case folder) PLUS Http://www.marketingteacher. com/lesson-store/lesson-pricing.html site (for pricing strategies) in answering the questions. 1. Discuss the key enablers that have allowed Binnj to engage in this “science experiment”. When working in a virtual team what tools would one rely on and what problems are likely to be experienced? a. The key enablers of Binnj in the “science experiment” are: i. Clay Hutcherson, founder and CEO of Binnj ii. Nancy Philip, CFO and COO of Binnj iii. Scott Corscadden, CIO of Binnj iv. James...
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...SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT: 1. Introduction Computers are becoming a key element in our daily lives. Slowly and surely they are taking over many of the functions that effect our lives critically. They are now controlling all forms of monetary transactions, manufacturing, transportation, communication, defence systems, process control systems, and so on. In the near future, they will be found in our homes, controlling all forms of appliances. Left to themselves, they are harmless pieces of hardware. Load the right kind of software, they can take you to the moon, both literally and figuratively. It is the software that gives life to them.When they are going to play such a crucial role, one small flaw either in the hardware or the software can lead to catastrophic consequences. The sad part is, while there are well defined processes based on theoretical foundations to ensure the reliability of the hardware, same thing can not be said about software. There is no theory for software devlopment as yet. But at the same time, it is mandatory that software always behaves in a predictable manner, even in unforeseen circumstances. Hence there is a need to control its development through a well defined and systematic process. The old fashioned 'code & test' approach will not do any more. It may be good enough for 'toy' problems, but in real life, software is expected to solve enormously complex problems. Some of the aspects of real life software projects are: Team effort: Any large...
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...The current scenario in the IT industry of India and the tremendous growth registered in recent years has generated much optimism about the future of the Indian Information technology industry. Analysts are upbeat about the huge potential of growth in the Information Technology industry in India. Exports - The IT industry accounts for a major share in the exports from India. This is expected to grow further in coming years. The information technology industry is one of the major sources of foreign currency or India FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) - High inflow of FDI in the IT sector is expected to continue in coming years. The inflow of huge volumes of FDI in the IT industry of India has not only boosted the industry but the entire Indian economy in recent years. IT sector is contributing about 8 per cent of the GDP. We crossed $ 100 billion mark. We are looking to cross 300 billion of IT and ITeS exports by 2020. Enterprise software market in India projected to grow 13% in 2012. According to Gartner, Inc. India’s enterprise software market is forecast to maintain its strong performance, with an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.6 per cent from 2009 to 2016 – the third highest growth rate in the world. In 2012, India will be the fourth largest enterprise software market in Asia/Pacific. The country is forecast to account for 11 per cent of the region’s total revenue of $29.33 billion USD for Asia/Pacific this year, the equivalent to 1.15 per cent of the...
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...an application for the function or department. In addition to significant development backlog delays, this process resulted in applications taking years to develop, and often not being fully accepted by the application users. (JAD) is a process used in the prototyping life cycle area of the Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) to collect business requirements while developing new information systems for a company. "The JAD process also includes approaches for enhancing user participation, expediting development, and improving the quality of specifications." It consists of a workshop where “knowledge workers and IT specialists meet, sometimes for several days, to define and review the business requirements for the system.” The attendees include high level management officials who will ensure the product provides the needed reports and information at the end. This acts as “a management process which allows Corporate Information Services (IS) departments to work more effectively with users in a shorter time frame.” Through JAD workshops the knowledge workers and IT specialists are able to resolve any difficulties or differences between the two parties regarding the new information system. The workshop follows a detailed agenda in order to guarantee that all uncertainties between parties are covered and to help prevent any miscommunications. Miscommunications can carry far more serious repercussions if not addressed until later on in the...
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...Service Request SR-rm-022 SCI/275 Corey Stilts Dakotah R. Conlon Hugh McCauley, Riordan Manufacturing COO, wishes to merge the current assortment of tools in procedure into a solitary assimilated application. The company desires to take advantage of the further sophisticated state-of-the art information systems technology that by this time exists in the human resources department. In this text, the data- collecting methods and the intended project approaches that are to be exercised will be clarified. The business conditions for the improvement of a Human Resource system to preserve the goal of this request will also be outlined. Key aspects that will help make certain that the statistics required for this development is collected efficiently and will be acknowledged and a thorough development plan will be produced. This design will make obtainable an inventory of all routine jobs, capitals, and a agenda and fiscal blueprint essential to finalize the project. While cultivating a plan of this background it is vital to collect data from numerous sources to warrant the development proficiently accomplishes its desired chore. To commence the figure collecting procedure, I will become acquainted with key management personnel, the IT personnel, and operators to exchange my ideas concerning the plan. Within this discussion, I will be permitted to question and provide solutions to questions as well as request comments and recognize concerns and ideas. By producing this exposed dialog...
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...Information Systems Development Where are we now? www.port.ac.uk The System Development Process development The system process involves solving a series of problems, and slowly resolving them to form a systems solution. The process must result in formalised and precise statements that can be turned into a working system… …but what is a System? www.port.ac.uk Typical Systems Systems we are familiar with: The Solar System Our Digestive Systems The Public Transport System A Central Heating System …AND Computer Systems www.port.ac.uk Systems we are interested in… We are only concerned with man made systems which have a purpose. Solar systems, digestive systems, systems of rivers and hills do not qualify. www.port.ac.uk Interrelationships between Systems of the The elements system have a relationship to one another, they work together in some way. If you remove the train service from the Public Transport System, it puts pressure on the bus service – it affects it. www.port.ac.uk Why is a Systems Life Cycle needed? During the software crisis of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s: Systems were delivered years late… They were over-budget… They were unreliable… …Difficult to maintain… …Did not do what was required. www.port.ac.uk www.port.ac.uk 1960-1970s COBOL Monolithic Specifications Redundant – information repeated several times Ambiguous – Could be interpreted differently Unmaintainable systems www.port.ac.uk 1980’s First...
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...Replacing PeopleSoft Using the Agile Methodology Development January 8th, 2015 IT Project Manager Group F’s College of Technology Mid-West, USA 12345 College President Group F’s College of Technology Mid-West, USA 12345 Dear College President: Per the goals of the IT department our project: Replacing PeopleSoft using the agile methodology, is designed to replace the current software at our college. By doing this we will create a more time and cost efficient software program at our college that will be used throughout all our campuses. The new software will be maintained and updated internally which in turn will result in a reduction of expenses. We are hoping to start and complete this process within a year. Throughout the year our internal staff will gain the knowledge necessary to maintain and update the new software. They will also use the agile methodology to ensure that this process is done successfully. We also understand that this will cause complications at times with our means of communication between stakeholders and employees. Liaisons will be in place to communicate updates and other information to our stakeholders and employees in the case of complications. We are requesting your approval to start this project by the end of January 2015 once you have reviewed this project report. You will see in our report that requests for finances will be minimal as we own all of the hardware. We plan on using most of the existing hardware, if not all of it...
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...EM 900 /Engineering Management March 22, 2014 QUESTIONS: 1. What is innovation management? Innovation management is the regulation of managing processes in innovation. According to Richard Feynman innovation is all about discovery. Innovation management is the process of capturing and managing organizational innovation. Today many companies have organization-wide innovation management programs. This is due to increased recognition that innovation is essential for motivating business growth and maintaining competitive advantage. Competency: Every institute/organization has its own history and set of capabilities, which determine its innovation competency. And innovation has build a powerful framework based on competence and obligation that will help organization to become a world-class innovator Strategy: As manager knows, resource allocation is critical to strategy and therefore needs to be an integral part of aligning innovation to strategic objectives. Management: Any top company in this world should arrange resources cleverly and needs to manage innovation efficiently; this should be the primary objective of a organization. 2. Why is entrepreneurship training considered important for engineers? In the article it states clearly why it is so significant for engineers to understand entrepreneurship training. Engineers need to be entrepreneurial in order to understand and contribute in the framework of market and business pressures. For engineers...
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...most sophisticated, state-of-the art information systems technology that already exists in the human resources department (Riordan Manufacturing, 2006). In the development phase, it is important for one to gather information from various sources to ensure the project efficiently performs its preferred job. To begin the information-gathering process, one will need to meet with the key management personnel, IT staff, and users to talk about what tasks are involved. Through this collaboration, the developers will be allowed to ask questions, as well as invite comments, ideas and acknowledge concerns. This collaboration will help to brainstorm and to comprehend better what the corporation needs to do to improve the overall process. Another method that will be used to gather information for this project is conducting interviews. By interviewing selected individuals, it would help to figure out what works best for the company and what can be done to improve the human resources department in the future. After all the information is collected, documented, and studied, then the design phase can begin. The design method that would be used for Riordan Manufacturing would involve the use of Joint Application Development (JAD). Joint application design (JAD) is a process used in the prototyping life cycle area of the Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) to collect business requirements while developing new information systems for the company. "The JAD process also includes...
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