Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 134-137). / This research is comprised of a detailed study of attribute management processes at a North American Automotive OEM (NA OEM) that has just introduced a new product development system intended to drastically reduce product cycle time and expedite product time to market. In specifics, the product development processes and organization that manage the delivery of a vehicle system design that meets or exceeds customer expectations for noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) are studied. Systems engineering principles, methods and tools are applied to the current processes to assess if process lead time, resources and product quality improvement can be realized. The systems engineering Design Structure Matrix (DSM) method for product development process modeling is applied to the current process used to manage the highly cross functional vehicle attribute known as second order NVH. Second Order NVH represents a vehicle system attribute that is owned by a single subsystem, yet controlled by design parameters owned by many other subsystems. The DSM method enables the NA OEM PD organization to understand the current process of managing this highly cross functional attribute and serves as a powerful tool for process restructuring. Process data is collected such that the DSM process model can be input into a simulation program which predicts stochastic process lead time for the current process and tests the impact of process restructuring ideas. This research also studies the methods and tools used at NA OEM to facilitate vehicle attribute trade-off, decomposition and cascade to the subsystem and component level. Then, a systems engineering approach is suggested to improve the attribute engineering knowledge base which could enable improved attribute trade-off, decomposition and cascade. / by Michelle Lorraine Sacka. / S.M.

Thesis: S.M. in Engineering and Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2016. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (pages 37-39). / The past couple of years, we have observed the rise of the Digital Wallet, a potentially game changing technology application in the financial industry. Digital Wallets allow consumers to pay for purchases through digital devices, and the technology has created a battle among payment networks, banks and technology firms. In this paper, we analyse how the Digital Wallet is impacting the technology space, including the level of disruptiveness and future potential. We have two hypotheses regarding Digital Wallets: H1: The Digital Wallet is disrupting the credit card network. H2. The Digital Wallet is disrupting the physical plastic card. / by Vaibhav Naik. / S.M. in Engineering and Management

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design & Management Program, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 101-104). / An integrative methodology for architecture development in a product development environment is described. The methodology combines the use of the design structure matrix technique with constraint-based modeling to create a process that satisfies the following requirements: 1. Provide a means for modeling the system that provides the capability to gain feedback on proposed decisions. This promotes rapidly system learning. 2. Provide a definition of the linkage between product requirements and design parameters. 3. Provide documentation that makes the architecture explicit and enables others to have access to the architectural knowledge. 4. Increase confidence in the proposed system so that product design can proceed with a minimum of risk. The application of the methodology in the context of the development of the xerographic module architecture for color printing system is described. The project was a clean sheet design using a new color architecture and implementing seven new technologies. A significant result is that once the architecture was accepted and placed under change control, the architecture has not changed in four years. Traditionally, similar projects have had to make significant changes as the design matured. Based on the case study, there is anecdotal evidence to support the hypothesis that the methodology can be successfully used to develop complex systems. It is shown that the methodology is closely aligned to the product development process. During the pre-concept and concept phases, the models were used to develop the system architecture. During the detailed design phase, the models can be used to maintain the integrity of the architecture as the design and technologies mature. Finally, in order for the methodology to be successfully applied it must have the full support of program management and the design and technology organizations. / by Michael J. Martin. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 115-116). / Central to optimizing a wastewater system's operations is the collection of alarm and operational data from various remote locations throughout a municipality, hence the basic need for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA). The process of providing SCADA systems to municipal clients, from conception to implementation, is typically a cumbersome process involving a wide variety of stakeholders. Municipalities have historically been slow to change, often being among the last in adopting new processes and technologies. Municipal SCADA systems usually are deployed without considering how they will specifically create value for municipality end-users and without defining metrics to gauge their effectiveness. Lean enterprise principals suggest a focus on the value stream can reduce waste and improve the value municipality end-users derive from SCADA systems. The author performs a lean analysis of the process of implementing SCADA within a municipal wastewater operation. The municipality's current systems integrator-centric model for SCADA delivery is examined. An alternate lean vision is proposed for the integrator's operations and their relationship with the municipality. This vision reduces SCADA implementation time and costs while improving the effectiveness of the SCADA solution. / by Stanley J. Prutz. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, February 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 60-61). / To be competitive and successful within the automotive industry the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have to bring new products with features fast to market. The OEMs need to reduce the Product Development cycle time. Prototype builds are common in automotive product development. Reducing the number of prototype builds and the related builds issues is very important. This research examines one automotive company's product development process. Issues pertaining to electrical system typically top the list of build issues. The electrical issues for different vehicle programs were studied. Interviews were conducted with key stake holders of the electrical distribution systems to understand the issues. Finally, based on the study's analysis and results, effective corrective actions are identified and recommendations for their incorporation are made. / by John Chacko. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2009. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 119-128). / The objective of this thesis is to understand the unique features of Professional Services Firms and the challenges associated with effective knowledge management in these firms. A framework is developed to analyze innovations in this industry, based on: type and process of innovation, readiness of the firm for the innovation, alignment criteria, and the effect of the marketplace. Many firms are attempting to implement a Web 2.0-based knowledge management tool to institutionalize the knowledge of their employees. Cognizant is one of the very few who, at this writing, have rolled out a firm-wide Web 2.0-based tool. This innovation is analyzed through the framework, and recommendations are made for Cognizant and other firms in the industry seeking to harness the elusive-yet critical-tacit knowledge carried by employees, for competitive advantage. / by Shridhar Waman Kulkarni. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M. in Engineering and Management)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2009. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 100-102). / The S&P 500 represents a diverse pool of securities in addition to Large Caps. A range of audiences are interested in the S&P 500 forecasts including investors, speculators, economists, government and researchers. The primary objective is to attempt to provide an accurate 3 month and 12 month forecast using the recent credit crisis data, specifically during the time range of 10/2008 - 09/2009. Several methods were used for prediction fit including: Linear Regression, Time Series Models: Autoregressive Integrated Moving Averages (ARIMA), Double Exponential Smoothing, Neural Networks, GARCH, and Bootstrapping Simulations. The criteria to evaluate forecasts were the following metrics for the evaluation range: Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Absolute Error (MAE), Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Schwartz Bayesian criterion (SBC). But most importantly, the primary forecasting measure includes MAE and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), which uses the forecasted value and the actual S&P 500 level as input parameters. S&P 500 empirical results indicate that the Hybrid Linear Regression outperformed all other models for 3 month forecasts with the explanatory variables: GDP, credit default rates, and VIX volatility conditioned on credit crisis data ranges, but performed poorly during speculation periods such as the Tech Bubble. The Average of Averages Bootstrapping Simulation had the most consistent historical forecasts forl2 month levels, and by using log returns from the Great Depression, Tech Bubble, and Oil Crisis the simulation indicates an expected value -2%, valid up to 12 months. / (cont.) ARIMA and Double Exponential smoothing models underperformed in comparison. ARIMA model does not adjust well in the "beginning" of a downward/upward pattern, and should be used when a clear trend is shown. However, the Double Exponential Smoothing is a good model if a steep incline/decline is expected. ARMAX + ARCH/EGARCH performed below average and is best used for volatility forecasts instead of mean returns. Lastly, Neural Network residual models indicate mixed results, but on average outperformed traditional time series models (ARIMA/Double Exponential Smoothing). Additional research includes forecasting the S&P 500 with other nontraditional time series methods such as VARFIMA (vector autoregressive fractionally integrated moving averages) and ARFIMA models. Other Neural Network techniques include Higher Order Neural Networks (HONN), Psi Sigma network (PSN), and a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) for additional forecasting comparisons. / by Eric Glenn Chan. / S.M.in Engineering and Management

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 116-118). / The partitioning of a system can and will dictate the creative space for a designer or engineer. This thesis will analyze how using a new automotive architecture known as a Front End Module (FEM) can affect a limited specific subset of stakeholders. Through the use of interviews of subject matter experts, literature research and the use of System Design Management tools, an in depth analysis will be done on the FEM and how it affects the craftsmanship, damageability and assembly attributes. It will be shown how the craftsmanship attribute can be improved through the strategic use of FEM's to allow for a feed-forward system where build data are incorporated into upcoming FEM builds. Even with this advantage, the FEM architecture will not negatively impact the damageability attribute or assembly attribute if the proper design cues and strategies are followed. The FEM will also be intensely analyzed using the tools from the MIT SDM program where it will be evaluated as an architecture itself through the specific and targeted intent and beneficiary breakdown. The analysis will also include an Object/Process Mapping analysis where it will be proposed that the true customer of the automotive front end is not the individual that purchased the vehicle but rather the visual society as a whole. Finally, a managerial approach will be taken for the analysis of the inherent and inevitable supplier relationship that is required with using this FEM architecture. Interviews were conducted with two suppliers of OEM's and their common road blocks will be analyzed such as lack of holistic thinking or failure to understand the role of the system integrator. Proposed next steps will be laid out to address these barriers in order to open the communication channels between the supply base and the Original Equipment Manufacturers. / by Vincent R. Mahé. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 70-72). / The purpose of this thesis to evaluate the opportunity for service provider entry and of the airborne internet, to analyze the disruptive impact technology used by AirCell and AeroSat has had on the development of an airborne internet, and to identify various stake holders and their value propitiation. The airborne internet has the potential to change the way we fly and spend time when sitting in the plane. In the last fifty years, there has not been much technological advancement in the air traffic control system. Airplane operation still depends on current ground control and radar systems that are very expensive and very difficult to scale. These technologies are also heavily dependant on humans. There have been many technological advancements out side of the aviation industry. Establishing an airborne internet is a tremendous opportunity for everyone. With the help of an airborne Internet, each plane can transmit its identity, location, and also direct video footage that will help Homeland security fight against terrorism. The airborne internet has the ability to connect airplanes not just via a computer on the ground (or via satellite) but directly with each other, relaying information from other planes in an Internet-like fashion. The airborne internet is strongly supported by the Pentagon, FAA and NASA. The U.S. Air Force and FAA are working on defining the architecture of an airborne network and hope to begin actively developing and testing the network itself between 2008 and 2012. According to the FAA, in 2005 there were 10 million flights carrying a total of 660 million passengers in the United States. For the FAA there are a number of merits to working with an airborne internet service provider to continue tests and validate the technical and economic feasibility of an airborne internet. / (cont.) First, there appears to be a substantial market -- in the range of $1b -- for services that require internet connectivity on the air for the commercial airline, air cargo, business jet, and general aviation sector. Second, current alternatives such as satellite solutions and existing air-to-ground solutions fail to meet all the needs of the mass market. Satellite solutions provided by companies such as Inmarsat, Iridium, and Globalstar are priced at a premium and carry an expensive cost structure from the maintenance and investment in orbiting satellites. Airborne Internet service can be offered through three different technologies first, a satellite solution offered by Boeing; second, air-to-ground systems provided by companies such as AirCell; and third, a network of airplane ground -to - air system like AeroSat, all of which are compatible with the planned FAA architecture. Boeing's model is prohibitively expensive; a business model for an airborne internet solution based on a South West Airlines type low cost approach may make an airbome internet more feasible The model would rely on low service fees to promote greater consumer usage, high capacity utilization of ground stations to promote margins, low aircraft equipment costs to help cash flows, and risk/reward sharing with airlines to promote aircraft operator adoption. Assuming that a service provider relied on revenue from non-FAA related services, it could still generate ample margins to support other general FAA applications behind the scenes. The FAA can demonstrate overall support for an airborne internet vision, help attract key players to the ecosystem needed to implement the system, promote usage, and drive required airline ROI. The FAA could also drive the implementation of industry standards required to eventually ensure globally consistent services. / (cont.) However, even with these clear benefits, there are a few key risks that need to be considered and further evaluated. First, this analysis evaluated the economic feasibility of an airborne internet. It does not take into consideration testing or validating the potential network performance from AeroSat's innovative mesh approach in an actual pilot test. Second, more extensive demonstrations will be required to further validate performance and the related cost for the supporting infrastructure. Some key economics like the number of antennae required on aircraft as the network grows should be explored in greater detail after initial simulations. Finally, uncertainty over potential developments of spectrum-free solutions, evolutes of ultra-wideband with potentially disruptive cost structures, could slow the market from adopting a spectrum-based solution. Although this is unlikely given the FAA's current stance on the use of UWB, the issue is worth further research and conversations with the FAA. Accordingly, continued testing, development, and analysis to test feasibility and clarify the key unknowns is recommended. There are a few areas that deserve special attention. First, the target customer composition required to drive the business model should be finalized. The reliability and performance of the mesh-approach is partly dependent on the density of airtraffic in relation to the location of installed ground stations. Second, spectrum requirement issues, including the cost of acquisition and regulatory compliance, need clarification as they strongly impact the business model. Third, the potential magnitude and variability of assumed revenue sources, as well as the timing of cash collections across key customer segments, should be explored. / (cont.) Both of these impact the assumed free-cash-flows generated by the potential business model. Finally the potential terms of airline risk/reward sharing contracts required to equip aircraft with different quantities and types of antennae, need further exploration. Air carriers seem to be moving away from models where they absorb all of the equipment/certification costs - the economic feasiblity of a potential service provider depend on the service provider's ability to offer airlines this service at a reasonably good rate. / by Anand Bhadouria. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2009. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 77-79). / This thesis considers the case of Ubiquisys Ltd., a femtocell company, and the ability for its products to provide added services to users in the home. The findings include recommendations for software applications, application delivery, timing, and pricing. The actions that should be taken as a result of this study include a few things in both application architecture as well as long-term strategy. First, the femtocell needs to allow communication between the smartphone, the home network, and other smart devices. Secondly, the femtocell has no self-contained interface to the user, and thus will require platform specific applications sold through the smartphone OS or handset vendor. Lastly, Ubiquisys needs to decide on a strategy, including both place and timing, for rolling out services. Femtocell applications require femtocells, which in the next few years will only reach an installed base several orders of magnitude smaller than the smartphone. It is recommended that mobile advertising based free applications should be provided initially while slowly phasing in paid applications in 2011 and 2012. Through application of system architecture analysis and Design Structure Matrices (DSM) to the current and emerging architectures, this paper provides a template for analyzing ecosystems for home cloud services and content delivery. This is achieved through an in depth analysis of two current product architectures. Information drawn from analysis of these systems is then used to make conclusions and recommendations about how a femtocell can provide the greatest value in the home. / by Kelly Yedinak. / S.M.