Thesis: S.M. in Engineering and Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, System Design and Management Program, 2013. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (pages 50-52). / Today's industry, government, and critical infrastructure are dependent on software systems. In their absence, our modern world would come to a stop. Given our dependence, the mounting cyber threat is of critical concern. In the majority of our systems, passwords are the keys to the system. Unfortunately, there has been little innovation and vulnerabilities keep mounting. Even with established and well known defenses, no authority has emerged to establish policies or laws that guarantee their implementation. The response has been more complex passwords. This is not working. This thesis presents the state of the practice in password systems and introduces work in Negative Authentication and its implementations. / by Alvaro Madero. / S.M. in Engineering and Management

Thesis (S.M. in Engineering and Management)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2012. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 73-75). / Managing a network platform business can be a complex preposition for the platform owner due to various intricacies that are associated with these platforms. These platforms have distinct users each having its own exclusive needs and requirements. Also, success of one side is closely interlinked to the success of the other side. This research attempts to implode various aspects of network platforms, helps to develop the understanding of the core concepts and develops key strategies for success of such platforms. The thesis of this research is to show that strategies involved in managing successful network platforms are different from those involved in managing legacy products and only those companies that are able to understand these key differences are able to successfully create a vibrant ecosystem around the platform. The motivation of doing this research is dynamics of this business where many companies have able to generate enormous value in a very short span of time while others have vanished in oblivion. Also, lack of comprehensive research in this area, vis-a-vis research in conventional product based business strategies also provided a big impetus to carry on this research. The outcome of this research is a holistic framework, in the form of key questions and their answers, which companies can use to evolve an attractive network platform while fulfilling the needs and requirement of various stakeholders. This research also provides a practical implementation of the strategies developed on real companies in form of case studies and illustrates the steps they can take to be successful in network platform business. / by Saujanya Shrivastava. / S.M.in Engineering and Management

Thesis (Nav. E.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering; and, (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 88-90). / The Non-Intrusive Load Monitor (NILM) is a system that monitors, records and processes voltage and current measurements to establish the operating characteristics of individual loads on a load center from a single aggregate measurement. The NILM can also be used to actively monitor degradation or diagnose specific system failures. Current NILM research conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Laboratory for Electromagnetic and Electronic Systems (LEES) is exploring the application and expansion of NILM technology for the use of monitoring a myriad of electromechanical loads. This thesis presents a fundamental guide to understanding NILM operation using laboratory bench testing and demonstrates its potential to detect an array of electric machine failures before they become catastrophic. The NILM's ability to the monitor the current spectrum of electric machines can be used to immediately diagnose multiple common system casualties and detect unusual system operation. Clean current spectrum regions can be exploited by selecting induction machine design characteristics that result in eccentric modulation frequencies occurring in areas free of supply frequency harmonics. Current spectrum analysis was used to demonstrate the NILM's potential to monitor multiple machines from an aggregate source and discuss intersystem impedances. It can be shown that multiple machines with slightly varied physical characteristics, such as induction motor rotor slots, coupled with using clean current spectral regions support automated diagnostic system development. Measurements and experimentation were conducted in the LEES laboratory and the Industrial Support Center electric shop, Boston. / by Ashley E. Fuller. / S.M. / Nav.E.

Thesis: S.M. in Engineering and Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, System Design and Management Program, 2015. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (pages 69-74). / Historically, Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) involved visually or acoustically observing a structure and if damage was detected, remedial action was undertaken to repair or replace it. For example, as early as 6,500 BC, potters were known to listen for audible sounds during the cooling of their ceramics, signifying structural failure. In 1864 the UK parliament legislated for dam monitoring after a dam failure lead to the deaths of 254 people. The Golden Gate and Bay Bridges in San Francisco were monitored by Dean S. Carder in 1937 to determine "the probabilities of damage due to resonance" during an earthquake. Given the technological limitations of the last century, the predominant focus of SHM has been on identifying and understanding the global modal properties of a structure. However, the promise of SHM is the detection of any damage to infrastructure at the earliest possible moment from an array of sensors and actuators. To achieve this goal, not only global but local facets of the structure must be monitored. If this promise is realized, it will be possible to design bridges closer to their tolerances, to extend their operational lives, and to switch servicing to more cost-effective condition based maintenance. Such changes will reduce construction and maintenance costs while still providing the same level of service. This thesis will explore the wireless sensor node tradespace with the specific intent of delving into the areas limiting large scale, high density, localized coverage of structural health monitoring of bridges. / by George Clernon. / S.M. in Engineering and Management

Thesis: S.M. in Engineering and Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, System Design and Management Program, 2014. / Page 113 blank. Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (pages 60-65). / This investigation studies how critical is the effect of considering uncertainty to a dynamic model because of Jensen's Inequality. This is done using as an example the supply chain of a refinery, which illustrates that the difference between probable and expected results can be significant, arguing that the distributions and probabilities can be dramatically different from the expected-planned value. Moreover, this research discusses that, from the perspective of the dynamics of the system, the mode of behavior can vary considerably as well, leading managers to dissimilar situations and contexts that will inevitably produce different decisions or strategies. Supply chain management is a critical aspect of any business. The energy industry is a particularly relevant example of a global supply chain, representing a crucial challenge the management of complexity and relevance for the overall performance of the business. The complexity of managing the supply chain of an energy company is produced by the physical size, diversity of operations and products and dynamics of the system, among many others causes. On top of the intrinsic complexity of the business itself, the manager of a supply chain should also consider the complexity of the models and methodologies used to make decisions about it. These models and methodologies are diverse and they serve different purposes under certain assumptions. This study also discusses the complexity faced by supply chain managers, presenting a compilation of bibliographic research about different considerations and approaches. Managers often employ models and analytics to simplify the complexity and produce intuition by different means in order to form their decisions and strategies. The analysis of the effects of uncertainty on the results and behavior of a dynamic simulation model is done by stochastically simulating an already-developed -plug & play- dynamic model of a refinery. This approach permits the exploration of different configurations, considering different definitions of uncertainty, analyzing and comparing their particular results. / by Juan Esteban Montero. / S.M. in Engineering and Management

Thesis: S.M. in Engineering and Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, System Design and Management Program, 2014. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (pages 113-122). / Entrepreneurship is a distinctively individual concept. The individual entrepreneur works on his or her own to create a new business. Employees on the other hand function within the boundaries of the company. Employees that behave entrepreneurially collectively create the phenomenon of corporate entrepreneurship. In this thesis, we study the most common and overarching traits, characteristics and attributes of individual entrepreneurs. We analyze the most commonly prevalent traits and analyze how companies can be structured to foster strong sustainable corporate entrepreneurial ecosystems. The research also evaluates different corporate entrepreneurial models, types and frameworks through analyzing existing processes for creating corporate entrepreneurship and new business development. We explore concepts such as corporate venturing, corporate new business development, intrapreneurship, joint venturing, alliances, entrepreneurial human resource management, entrepreneurial organizational designs and business model innovation strategies. Specific companies that exemplified specific corporate entrepreneurship processes were analyzed such as DuPont 3M, IBM and Degussa AG. The concept of corporate entrepreneurship is instrumental in creating growth for companies but also could be a source of risk, where the example of Samsung Motors describes some of the negative impacts of corporate diversification. The research considers sustainable approaches for successfully implementing corporate entrepreneurship and new business develop and focus is given on the human interactions between the employee and the company. / by Mohammad H. Al-Tayyar. / S.M. in Engineering and Management

Thesis: S.M. in Engineering and Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, System Design and Management Program, 2014. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (pages 92-94). / Managing multiple ideas, candidate initiatives and in-flight projects across diverse business units is a large challenge for major organizations. Overseeing global demand for projects as well as resource needs, risks, issues, compliance and value measurement requires an enterprise-class solution. Accompanying this solution are need-to-know executional dashboards that effectively serves a diverse range of stakeholders and purview roll-ups. This thesis intends to identify several processes, enablers and key success factors that effectively usher in project development efforts through their gates and phases. The arguments presented conclude that managing a pipeline of ideas, candidates, and projects-in-flight can be successfully aided by applying new techniques in Project Portfolio Management (PPM). Configuring such solutions can leverage methods that harness project prioritization, execution and monitoring. To gain maximum effectiveness, the formal and less formal influences that shepherd initiatives must not stifle bottom-up creativity, user innovation, intrapreneurship, developer agility or change management. Newer commercial offerings of PPM solutions improve upon the frameworks that simplify portfolio governance and empower enterprise innovation. / by Cameron Fisher. / S.M. in Engineering and Management

Thesis (S.M. in System Design and Management)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2010. / This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections. / Cataloged from student submitted PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 109-111). / This thesis proposes a framework for architectural analysis of a system at the Macro and Micro levels. The framework consists of two phases -- Formulation and Analysis. Formulation is made up of three steps -- Identifying the System Boundary, Identifying the Object-Process System levels using the Object-Process Methodology (OPM) and then creating the Dependency Matrix using a Design Structure Matrix (DSM). Analysis is composed of two steps -- Macro-Level and Micro-Level Analysis. Macro-Level analysis identifies the system modules and their interdependencies based on the OPM and DSM clustering analysis and Visibility-Dependency Signature Analysis. The Micro-Level analysis identifies the central components in the system based on the connectivity metrics of Indegree centrality, Outdegeree centrality, Visibility and Dependency. The conclusions are drawn based on simultaneously interpreting the results derived from the Macro-Level and Micro-Level Analysis. Macro-Analysis is vital in terms of comprehending system scalability and functionality. The modules and their interactions influence the scalability of the system while the absence of certain modules within a system might indicate missing system functionality. Micro-Analysis classifies the components in the system based on connectivity and can be used to guide redesign/design efforts. Understanding how the redesign of a particular node will affect the entire system helps in planning and implementation. On the other hand, design Modification/enhancement of nodes with low connectivity can be achieved without affecting the performance or architecture of the entire system. Identifying the highly central nodes also helps the system architect understand whether the system has enough redundancy built in to withstand the failure of the central nodes. Potential system bottlenecks can also be identified by using the micro-level analysis. The proposed framework is applied to two industry leading Smart Grid Meter Data Management Systems. Meter Data Management Systems are the central repository of meter data in the Smart Grid Information Technology Layer. Exponential growth is expected in managing electrical meter data and technology firms are very interested in finding ways to leverage the Smart Information Technology market. The thesis compares the two Meter Data Management System architectures, and proposes a generic Meter Data Management System by combining the strengths of the two architectures while identifying areas of collaboration between firms to leverage this generic architecture. / S.M.in System Design and Management

Thesis (S.M. in System Design and Management)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, System Design and Management Program, 2010. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 90-92). / The emergence of the BRIC economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China as a formidable economic powerhouse is turning into a reality. The center of the world's economic gravity is slowly shifting towards these emerging economies. As per research performed by Goldman Sacs' the BRIC economies could become the four most dominant economies by 2050. As per their study China and India would become the dominant supplier of manufactured goods and services while Brazil and Russia would dominate in supply of raw materials. The BRIC economy today makes up about 25% of the land mass and has 40% of the world's population. As multinationals scramble to tap into these growing emerging markets, they have begun to acknowledge that supply chain management is an essential ingredient of a successful business strategy. Success stories of Wal-Mart, Dell and Toyota have brought in the realization that to compete and win in the market place a winning supply chain strategy is a must. This has resulted in corporations trying to benchmark their supply chain strategies against this best in class strategies. However, this kind of comparison does not always work since there are a multitude of differences between companies, industries and countries. The existing practice of developing products and services for the developed economy and then tailoring these products for other economies around the world will not suffice anymore. Companies must now learn how to develop products for countries like India, sometimes from scratch and then tailor them for other geographies. To compete in this space of rapid economic growth firms need to analyze, design and optimize their product portfolio for emerging markets. To develop these "no frills" products for emerging economies, the supply chain designed for developed countries isn't adequate to meet the unique challenges of an emerging economy with its underdeveloped infrastructure, technology and human capital resources. To be competitive corporations should re-evaluate their supply chain strategies to customize it for emerging market conditions and in many cases build it from scratch. This thesis examines the unique characteristics of supply chain by studying successful supply chain strategies employed by Indian firms and proposes frameworks and strategies to help companies innovate in their supply chain design. This thesis develops a generic framework to design effective supply chains for emerging economies by looking at five key elements or "Five Pillars" of supply chain. The five key elements were thoroughly evaluated to understand the key challenges in each pillar and develop effective "Customized Practices" in the context of an emerging economy. The five pillars which were evaluated were Demand and Supply Planning, Sourcing and Procurement, Operations, Transportation, Warehousing and distribution. The framework takes a holistic approach by aligning business strategies with operating principles to develop the customized practices. The framework was then validated by performing a deep dive analysis of the successful supply chain case of the Tata Nano small car. Analyzing the Tata Nano supply chain through the lens of this framework provided key insights into the supply chain challenges faced by firms operating in an emerging economy and the unique customized practices used by these firms to operate efficiently. Use of this framework will bring awareness of the supply chain challenges in emerging economies and the customized practices firms use to help guide organizations in designing and operating their supply chains. / by Vijan Bhaumik. / S.M.in System Design and Management

Thesis (S.M. in System Design and Management)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, System Design and Management Program, 2010. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 95-97). / A mixed methods, action-research study was conducted to assess the efficacy and usefulness of Facilitated Systems Thinking as an intervention for system design in complex, multi-stakeholder systems, especially where the stakeholders themselves design the system. This research is contextualized within and provides a case study on the Starbuck's Coffee Company's efforts to collaborate with stakeholders throughout food packaging value chain to create a system for recycling hot (poly-coated paper) and cold (plastic) take-away beverage cups. Comparative interview results indicate an increase in interviewee awareness of others in the value chain, increase in discussion of prototyping and pilots, and increase in their awareness of their own responsibilities and leverage points within the system. Preliminary results from the most recent intervention are nine stakeholder-designed pilot tests. This study supplements a larger investigation of the emerging system to recycle take-away cups. Results from this study, as well as suggestions for investigation design changes will contribute to and be incorporated in the larger study. / by Ellen G. Czaika. / S.M.in System Design and Management