Performance Assessment in Complex Engineering Projects Using a System-of-Systems Framework

A technique that has been used successfully in both naval procurements and concept studies used to inform future naval planning is a form of functional analysis using a structured model built up from various layers. These layers can be used to represent different views of a programme. The upper layers can represent the customer requirement and preferences the lower the engineering solutions. The intermediate layers can be used to represent the functional breakdown and performance achieved by the engineering sub systems. Such an approach has been implemented in a general purpose modelling toolset known as BAEFASIP. This software allows appropriate model structures and operators to be constructed in each layer together with the appropriate linkages between layers. Extensive calculation and output facilities allow both the comparison of multiple solutions and the generation of an optimum Pareto front of solutions against multiple conflicting objectives. Engineering limitations and practicalities are accounted for by tailoring the data layer linkage mechanisms, imposing data value constraints and using powerful rule enforcement facilities to control potential option combinations. The approach and toolset have been successfully used to support two Naval procurement programmes in the UK, a patrol vessel and a complex frigate. More recently they have been used to facilitate studies on the optimisation of alternative ship equipment fits against a range of operational requirements and possible future fleet mixes.

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Professional Skills Assessment

International Journal of Quality Assurance in Engineering and Technology Education ◽

10.4018/ijqaete.2015010104 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 33-60 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Sadan Kulturel-Konak ◽

Abdullah Konak ◽

Gul Okudan Kremer ◽

Ivan E. Esparagozza

Keyword(s):

Global Economy ◽

Academic Programs ◽

Assessment Model ◽

Project Teams ◽

Professional Skills ◽

Traditional Assessment ◽

New Graduates ◽

Engineering And Technology ◽

Complex Engineering ◽

Engineering Projects

Today's global economy demands that new graduates excel in not only technical knowledge but also professional skills. In fact, the lack of professional skills in project teams has been identified among the most important factors contributing to the high failure rate of complex engineering projects. As a response, academic programs have incorporated professional skills in their curricula. However, there are challenges in the assessment of learning outcomes related to professional skills. This paper presents a novel assessment framework based on the Model of Domain Learning, to assess students' development in professional skills across different disciplines. The proposed assessment model can be tailored to various learning objectives and student levels to facilitate integration of the assessment of professional skills into an overall program assessment plan. An empirical study, which assesses the teamwork communication skills, is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed framework and its advantages as compared to other traditional assessment rubrics in engineering and technology education.

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Architectural Modeling for Managing Risks in Forming an Alliance

Journal of Industrial Integration and Management ◽

10.1142/s2424862219500064 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 04 (03) ◽

pp. 1950006 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Matthew Cook ◽

John P. T. Mo

Keyword(s):

Distribution Networks ◽

Business Environment ◽

Operating Conditions ◽

Financial Risks ◽

Supply And Distribution ◽

Complex Engineering ◽

The Individual ◽

Project Lifecycle ◽

Engineering Projects

Many large and highly complex engineering projects present enormous technical and financial risks to organizations. This is especially true in the defence industry where budgets can potentially run into billions and the project lifecycle may extend over many years. In frequent cases, such projects are too much for a single organization to undertake. One option that is becoming ubiquitous across contemporary defence projects is to spread the risk by forming an alliance between several organizations. Unfortunately, forming an alliance between potentially competing organizations brings its own set of challenges and risks. The operating conditions of the business environment are characterized by frequent changes in products, services, processes, organizations, markets, supply and distribution networks. The partners need to work together as an entity to achieve a goal but the relationships within the alliance are often disrupted by the established practices, culture and motivation of the individual companies. This paper starts by examining how risks can essentially multiply when an alliance is formed and what potential impacts these risks have on project success. A novel 3PE method for modeling the structure of an alliance with the three elements being product, people, process, and their interactions is proposed within an alliance environment. This methodology is then used to calculate the increase in interactions between the 3Ps with the introduction of more organizations to the alliance. By examining each of the elements and their interactions, risks are identified, and the key drivers are exposed. Finally, a case study is presented that illustrates how the architectural model can be used to estimate the probability of failure of the alliance.

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