Thesis (S.M. in Technology and Policy)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2013. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 76-82). / The author proposes that personalized learning can be brought to traditional and nontraditional learners through a new type of asynchronous learning platform called Guided Learning Pathways (GLP). The GLP platform allows learners to intelligently traverse a vast field of learning resources, emphasizing content only of direct relevance to the learner and presenting it in a way that matches the learner's pedagogical preference and contextual interests. GLP allows learners to advance towards individual learning goals at their own pace, with learning materials catered to each learner's interests and motivations. Learning communities would support learners moving through similar topics. This thesis describes the software system design and architecture required to support Guided Learning Pathways. The author provides detailed information on eight software applications within GLP, including specific learning benefits and features of each. These applications include content maps, learning nuggets, and nugget recommendation algorithms. A learner scenario helps readers visualize the functionality of the platform. To describe the platform's software architecture, the author provides conceptual data models, process flow models, and service group definitions. This thesis also provides a discussion on the potential social impact of GLP in two areas: higher education institutions and the broader economy. / by Cole J. Shaw. / S.M.in Technology and Policy

Thesis (M. Eng. in Logistics)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 87). / Radio frequency identification (RFID) has an enormous potential impact within the semiconductor supply chain, especially within semiconductor manufacturing. The end benefit of RFID will be in the mass serialization, and the subsequent tracking and tracing, of individual semiconductors, or what is referred to as Unit Level Traceability (ULT). Before all of the technical hurdles of ULT are overcome, however, there exists a host of other applications for RFID within semiconductor manufacturing. The identification of what can and what should be RFID-tagged and read, the analysis of how to collect this information and what to do with the data, and the implementation of some targeted opportunities will provides valuable information with regards to the technical and logistical hurdles of RFID within semiconductor manufacturing far before ULT becomes a reality. / by David Ian Cassett [and] Christopher William Chiu Hopeman. / M.Eng.in Logistics

Thesis (M. Eng. in Logistics)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 161-164). / Our research demonstrates that supply chain management techniques can improve the incremental gross profits of wind plant and storage operations by up to five times. Using Monte-Carlo simulation we create and test scenarios that achieve incremental operating profits of up to 15 percent of base case revenue, and show pre-tax profit. We show that energy storage-specifically in the form of utility-scale batteries - can become economically-viable today when using supply chain management strategies under certain scenarios. To achieve these results we have built a simulation model with three data inputs. First, we synthesized the output of a 120 MW wind plant in Maine for both summer and winter seasons. Second, we simulated New England ISO market pricing data for both the Day-Ahead and Real-Time markets in summer and winter seasons using Monte Carlo simulations. Third, using actual data from two existing battery companies, we incorporated the technical and cost specifications for two energy storage facilities. All of these data inputs feature adjustable parameters so we can test various plant configurations, market volatilities and storage capabilities, among other inputs. Using our model, we then employed supply chain management network design strategies and daily operating policies to test profitability improvements on our wind plant-plus-storage operation. For example, we ran simulations for scenarios where our storage facility is either located in Maine next to our wind plant, or located in another state. / (cont.) Also, since storage can make wind generation a predictable capacity resource, we ran simulations to test results in both the Day-Ahead and Real-Time markets. In addition we developed four (4) inventory management policies with dynamic input (charge) and output (discharge) strategies for our storage units. For each policy, we had to conceptualize the policy - while considering planning horizon, lead time, holding costs, shortage costs, market pricing and storage capabilities - and then build functionality in our model to execute those strategies in dynamic pricing and wind plant output environments. The outcomes of our simulation model include incremental gross profit, operating profit and pre-tax profit for each of 54 scenarios, as well as 11 management insights for wind plant and storage operators, storage technology manufacturers and New England ISO leadership. / by Prashant Saran and Clayton W. Siegert. / M.Eng.in Logistics

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2012. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 209-222). / This dissertation presents empirical findings related to two aspects of long-range planning: scenario planning as a planning method and cognition of planners. Long-range planning situations are encountered when designing public infrastructures (e.g. transportation systems) as well as developing strategies for corporate enterprises (e.g. firms' supply chains), due to the long implementation times and/or long lives of the invested assets. Such investments tend to have high stakes, face extreme uncertainty about the future environment they encounter, and have an open-systems nature as the implementation and operation of assets affects and is affected by the actions of many and diverse stakeholders. Three research questions pertaining to these aspects are answered in this work as three stand-alone studies. The first study (Chapter 2) examines the effects of scenario planning on long-range investment decisions made by field experts. The results of three field experiments show that experts systematically change their investment decisions and/or their confidence in them after evaluating the investments in a scenario. Field experts are also more likely to invest in flexible strategies after being exposed to multiple scenarios. The second study (Chapter 3) presents an extensive and an abridged version of the scenario creation process. Instead of seeing scenario-creation as an art, this research provides two versions of a more engineered scenario-creation process, and demonstrates their application in two separate field studies. Both versions of the process are presented with detailed instructions and rationale for performing each step. This study also provides clear definitions of the terms used in the process description and grounds them in the organizations literature. The third study (Chapter 4) explores the relationship between a manager's perceptions and beliefs about future environment, and the strategies s/he recommends. Using a prospective research design, this study first tests three hypotheses about general characteristics of managerial cognition. A closer look at different cognitive types in this data reveals unsuspected patterns in strategic thinking of managers of different types. A typology of managerial cognition is built using this inherent variation. Inductive analysis shows that managers of different cognitive types envision strikingly different types of strategies. / by Shardul Sharad Phadnis. / Ph.D.

Thesis (S.M. in Technology and Policy)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2013. / 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. Page 75 blank. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 67-74). / This thesis develops a framework for a flexible design approach to support decision-making in water supply infrastructure planning. It contrasts with a conventional, deterministic planning approach that uses past data or forecasts to anticipate future needs. This thesis surveys current approaches that attempt to consider uncertainty, including scenario planning, decision analysis, sensitivity analysis, real options, dynamic strategic planning, and adaptive management. A flexible design approach builds on current approaches and explores flexibility through infrastructure size and function. The approach intends to be applicable across various water infrastructure systems. This thesis describes real world and theoretical applications of flexible design, including climate change adaptation planning for water utilities, flexible planning for water infrastructure investments, and flexibility in urban drainage systems. The proposed flexible design approach employs probabilistic and simulation methods to anticipate a range of future circumstances and identify top-performing strategies. The engine of the framework is a time-series stochastic analysis that uses simulation in a discounted cash flow Excel model. First, it identifies key inputs and performance metrics, characterizes uncertainty distributions, and defines strategies of varying flexibility. Next, it employs Monte Carlo simulation and compares strategy performance through target curves and multiple criteria analyses. Singapore's water resources system inspires the characteristics of the model. The best-performing flexible approach introduces a cost savings of 15% over a 50-year timespan. To successfully implement a flexible design approach, leaders in the profession must guide the shift to planning methods that explicitly recognize the role of uncertainty in the planning process. While some implementation barriers present difficulties, the proposed flexible design approach enables substantial cost savings and fosters a deeper understanding of a water resources system in the face of future uncertainty. / by Melanie Kathleen Wong. / S.M.in Technology and Policy

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2011. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 248-253). / Platforming has become an important means of cost-sharing among industrial products. However, recent research has shown that many firms face systemic downward pressure on commonality, with the result that many platforms realize less commonality than intended. This research was chartered to evaluate the costing of commonality benefits, the associated returns from commonality investments, and the potential impact of divergence on commonality benefits. This dissertation used a tiered approach to the research questions. A statistical study of commonality returns was conducted, finding evidence for a potential link between divergence and cost growth. Broad practice surveys of 16 firms revealed cost allocation practices and internal funding strategies as potential determinants of the commonality-cost relationships. Three detailed case studies were conducted to trace benefit trajectories through platformed products in the presence of commonality changes. We find support for the hypothesis that divergence has cost consequences, notably reducing inventory benefits, creating higher quality expenses and requiring additional manufacturing coordination. Additionally, we show that lead variants bearing platform costs achieved weaker investment returns and re-captured few benefits from later variants. We find also find evidence to refute the notion that representation at design reviews ensures downstream benefits are represented. Several management practices for making commonality decisions are identified. We propose a framework for commonality cost decisions, which explicitly captures the impact of individual variant decisions on the platform's cost structure. We identify a commonality cycle, a progression of commonality strategies seen by firms, driven by growing benefit analogies among platforms enabling larger investments, premature investment evaluation, and unrealized returns on commonality investments. / by Bruce G. Cameron. / Ph.D.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 147-151). / The research contained in this thesis explores design attributes of the enterprise performance measurement system required for the transformation to the lean enterprise and its management. Arguments are made from the literature that successful deployment of the lean practices, across three different stages of the evolution of lean thinking, requires a supporting performance measurement system. The increase in scope of lean practices at each stage of the evolution increases the complexity in achieving synchronization across the enterprise subsystems. The research presents various attributes of the performance measurement system required at each stage and further derives the three key attributes for the design of the lean enterprise performance measurement system. These three attributes are: enterprise level stakeholder value measures, the causal relationships across performance measures at each level, and Uniform and consistent set of performance measures. A detailed case study of an aerospace and defense business of a multi-industry corporation which has embarked on a journey towards creating a lean enterprise is presented. / (cont.) It highlights several challenges in the transformation from the perspective of performance measurement. The key challenges identified are: First, disconnect between the performance measurement for the lean practices and regular business practices hinder the adoption of lean practices. This disconnect exists due to the existence of both legacy performance measures and the new measures. Second, lack of understanding of the cause-effect relationship between performance measures across different enterprise levels poses difficulty evaluating the impact of lean related efforts. Third, use of non-uniform performance measures across various enterprise subsystems leads to non-lean behavior. The theory underlying performance measurement is reviewed including the widely-accepted performance measurement frameworks suggested for the design of enterprise performance measurement system. Analysis of these frameworks reveals that none of the existing frameworks completely capture the desired attributes for the lean enterprise performance measurement system. / (cont.) To design the lean enterprise performance measurement system, this research suggests a conceptual design that explicates the use of various tools and techniques to address the critical attributes. To identify stakeholder value measures this design demonstrates the use of stakeholder value analysis. Use of system dynamics modeling and structural equation modeling is suggested to establish, validate and evolve the cause-effect relationships between performance measures. And, to maintain the uniform set of measures the creation of measures dictionary is explained. Further, research is needed to empirically validate the model as a means for successful transformation and management of the lean enterprise. / by Vikram Mahidhar. / S.M.

Thesis (M. Eng. in Logistics)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2003. / "June 2003." / Includes bibliographical references (p. 51). / The effects of the bill of material on outsourced manufacturing environment are studied by gathering information on costs to implement a new bill of materials (BOM) transfer process, the potential gains to maintaining a complete bill of material versus the partial or complete embedding of data, and surveying the high-tech electronics manufacturing industry's practice in communicating the bill to their partners. This thesis deals with a telecommunications products company fictitiously named Telcom and its contract manufacturing partners. While much of the cost involved is the price of implementing an Information Technology system to handle manufacturing collaboration, the heart of the issue is the management of the BOM data. Thus, the inclusion of the often undocumented cost or benefits of migration and ongoing coordination and support would further complicate the decision to implement. Furthermore, downstream efforts in supporting this process change and the manufacturer's interests in providing quality and timely service to their partners implies a need to transmit the fully detailed or "exploded" BOM. In some cases, the company's engineers were reluctant to express support for the exploded BOM due to the expected significant workload increase, the perceived added cost in maintaining extra part numbers, and the low expectation of returns for the endeavor. When approached by the prospect to receive standardized formatting but a partially embedded BOM however, the manufacturers expressed concerns regarding lead time elongation and quality degradation. The results on the comparison of the expected costs and benefits of implementation suggest a need for a delivery of a consistently formatted and complete bill of material. / by Timothy Tingyaw Hwu. / M.Eng.in Logistics

Thesis (M. Eng. in Logistics)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2012. / Vita. Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 104-106). / Heavy industries operate equipment having a long life to generate revenue or perform a mission. These industries must invest in the specialized service parts needed to maintain their equipment, because unlike in other industries such as automotive, there is often no aftermarket supplier. If parts are not on the shelf when needed, equipment sits idle while replacements are manufactured. Stock levels are often set to achieve an off-the-shelf fill rate goal using commercial inventory optimization tools, while supply chain performance is instead measured against a speed of service metric such as order fulfillment lead time, the time from order placement to customer receipt. When some parts are more important than others, and shipping delays are accounted for, there is ostensibly little correlation between these two metrics and setting stock levels devolves into an inefficient and expensive guessing game. This thesis resolves the disconnect between stock levels and service metrics performance by linking an existing discrete-event simulation of warehouse operations to a new Monte Carlo demand categorization and metrics simulation, predicting tomorrow's supply chain performance from today's logistics data. The insights gained here through evaluating an industry representative dataset apply generally to supply chains for aftermarket service parts. The simulation predicts that the stocking policy recommended by a simple strategy for inventory segmentation for consumable parts will not achieve the desired service metrics. An internal review board that meets monthly, and a quarterly customer acquisition policy, each degrade performance by imposing a periodic review policy on stock levels developed assuming a continuous review policy. This thesis compares the simple strategy to a sophisticated strategy for inventory segmentation, using simulation to demonstrate that with the latter, metrics can be achieved in one year, inventory investment lowered 20%, and buys for parts in low annual usage categories automated. / by Randolph L. Bradley. / M.Eng.in Logistics

Thesis (M. Eng. in Logistics)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2013. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 69). / For fresh produce, the product freshness is a key value to end consumers. Retailers try to maximize product freshness at retail stores while maintaining high product availability. Fresh produce that is close to the end of its life cycle will either be scrapped or be sold at a much lower price. With an increasing demand volatility and complication of supply chain network, obsolescence cost from these spoilages has been increasing recently. Our research focuses on the study of multi-echelon inventory optimization for fresh produce. We investigated the impacts of an additional fulfillment center in a supply chain to justify an improvement in product freshness. We analyzed three relevant factors: transit time, inventory dwell time and safety time, which affect the time products spend in a supply chain from the suppliers to the retail stores. Our objective was to create a predictive model that could determine whether product freshness could be improved when those products are shipped through a supply chain network with an additional fulfillment center. While a fulfillment center increases the total transit time by adding more "touches" of the inventory, it can provide benefits by reducing demand variability through the risk pooling effect. When an fulfillment center aggregates demand from several grocery distribution centers, it pools the demand volatility across various locations, thus reducing the demand volatility and the safety stock. Our model demonstrated that, with a fulfillment center, six product categories (Berries, Watermelons, Cherries, Mixed melons, Stone fruit, and Strawberries) had a decrease in the safety time that is more than the increase in total transit time, resulting in the improved product freshness at retail stores. Further, we defined a term "Enhance Coefficient of Variation (ECV)" to quantify the demand volatility. Finally, we determined a set of minimum ECV ratios in order to make an fulfillment center benefits the product freshness under different replenishment frequencies. Retailers can use this ECV ratio as an indicator to make channeling decisions. / by Saran Limvorasak and Zhiheng Xu. / M.Eng.in Logistics