Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 40-41). / Early stages of product development are critical to success of the final product. Decisions made in the early stages will affect the design choices available during the entire development cycle. This thesis examines two research and development strategies. One product development strategy is to make critical decisions as early as possible to manage costs and coordinate work. Making decisions early can help controls costs. Early decisions can also limit the potential value of the product. The value of decisions made at the beginning of the development cycle when the least is known about the problem and the potential solutions are most susceptible to uncertainty. An alternate approach is to employ a parallel research and development strategy. Multiple alternative designs are pursued as if they were the final choice. Decision makers can then make more informed choices for the design of their product. This approach has higher development costs. The net benefit of the project can be higher due to increases in quality and decreases in schedule. Understanding when to apply parallel research and development strategy is an important consideration for those facing uncertainty in their product development cycle. / (cont.) A systems dynamics model was used to illustrate how the intensity and commitment to a parallel research and development strategy affects the efficiency and effectiveness of product development. The model shows that the number of alternatives and the time alternatives are developed before one alternative is chosen are both important factors for effectiveness and efficiency. The model also shows that it is important to strive for variety in the alternatives added. / by Jeanne A. Kesapradist. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 143-150). / The military is the midst of significant change, due to the DoD transformation guidance and movement to Network-Centric Warfare/Operations. Unfortunately, both the guidance given, roadmaps produced and the level of espoused support for the transformation have caused fundamental change to occur slowly and at increasing expense. The military material development process was designed around a platform-centric system and worked well, but now the information age is causing a move to network-centric systems. This fundamental shift is not aligned with the DoD development process and reform will require broad changes in both organization and policy. This paper reviews the NCW Transformation goal, the DoD transformation guidance and compares them to the Transformation Roadmaps of the Army, Navy and Air Force. These guidance documents are then compared with actual transformation changes and the associated factors effecting the change, using J. Forrester type system dynamics models. The systems dynamics analysis studies numerous transformation factors for their effects and yields recommended alternative development architecture. / (cont.) The goal of the paper is to align the DoD development process with the transformation guidance goals to result in a process which speeds prototype testing, development and fielding of new military systems, while integrating state-of-the-art business practice and theory. This resulted in the creation of several models which describe the various acquisition systems and a new model which addresses the issues found in the other models. The new model represents a reconfigured architecture for the DoD acquisitions system and a new organization to implement the transformation. / by Kevin M. Brown. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design & Management Program, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 71-72). / After Royce introduced the Waterfall model in 1970, several approaches looking to provide the software development process with a formal framework have been elaborated and tested. While some of these followed the sequential line of thought presented by Royce and Boehm, other methodologies have suggested the use of iterations since early stages of the lifecycle as a mean to introduce feedback and gain understanding. This thesis takes a look at both types of approaches in an attempt to identify their strengths and weaknesses and based on this build criteria to recommend a particular approach or approach's elements for a given a set of conditions. Literary research and interviews with experienced project managers were conducted to identify software development issues and understand how these can be better addressed by the use of development methodology. Based upon this research a system dynamics model was developed. This model was used to simulate the effects that different approaches might have on a software project under similar and different situations. Analysis of the data suggests that, under certain conditions, iterative approaches are more effective to increase productivity due to learning and therefore more likely to finish earlier. They also promote a better distribution of time diminishing developers' idle time. On the other hand, sensitivity analysis shows that sequential approaches are more stable in terms of duration and quality and therefore a less risky option when initial conditions are uncertain. / by Eduardo Málaga Chocano. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, February 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 55-57). / In this thesis, I study a number of online information communities to understand how open practices are currently used in supporting community functions. By examining how communities operate, I hope to provide individuals and corporations interested in creating such communities with a good starting point. The communities examined, some corporate and some user sponsored, share different types of information and have different intents. I analyzed the communities in terms of their openness in the following three major community functions: information collection, information evaluation, and information diffusion. The benefits and challenges of open practices are discussed and the tradeoffs involved in selecting the most appropriate practice for each major community function are presented. / by Evangelos Mamas. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 64-66). / Naval ship design and construction has been in existence for thousands of years. Over that time, many tools have been developed to aid naval architects in the quest for an optimal design, whether fast and sleek like a racing boat or big and square like an oil tanker. In any case, the basic naval architecture design principles are the same. The following thesis discusses the use of systems engineering principles, including the Pugh concept selection tool and design spiral methodology. Additionally, Chapter 3 provides an example of those principles and methods as they are applied to the hull design for a high-speed naval vehicle. The combination of system engineering principles and methods provided a rapid convergence to a feasible hull design that exemplified the methods taught in the Systems Design and Management program. Furthermore, recommendations are made for the future of naval vessel design through the use of genetic algorithms for an accurate representation of the value of "real options" as they may apply to marine vessel design. / by William L. Hagan, III. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 128-131). / EC (Engineering Change) is the natural by-product of the Engineering Design process. There are two types of EC: Revisions and Defects Correction. Revisions arise because Engineering Design is an iterative process, requiring Engineers to implement necessary Revisions to the design of a product or systems to improve performance measures. Defects on the other hand are pure design errors, and arise from the fact that the Engineering Design work is not being accomplished with Perfect Quality. These Defects must therefore be corrected in what is termed Rework. EC is the critical factor in determining Lead Time and Labor cost of an Engineering Design work. The generation of Rework - requiring EC depends on several factors including : Quality, Design Complexity, Time to Discover Rework, Time for Issues Resolution, Hiring New and less experienced staff and Over Time work. This thesis presents a Systems Dynamics Model which incorporates these factors as exogenous variables to enable the simulation of their impacts on endogenous variables such as Lead Time and Labor costs. Since these factors exhibit wide variability when the Engineering Design is accomplished In-House compared to when it is Outsourced, the model is therefore a tool that can help an OEM in the Strategic Analysis of Options for the Sourcing of Engineering Design work. A simulation example is given in which an Engineering Design with 474 Initial Designs required 400 fully experienced Engineers to accomplish in 360 Days and a quality level of 52% (the Baseline case). The OEM had only 200 fully experienced Engineers on hand. Facing a staff capacity constraint, this OEM therefore explores a number of In-House Sourcing Options (Hiring and Over Time) and a number of Outsourcing Options (Suppliers with staff capacities of 400 to 1,000, and low (40%) and high (60%) Quality levels. / (cont.) The analysis concludes that there are three factors that have major impacts on the viability of Outsourcing. First, when the volume of work to be accomplished is high, Outsourcing of engineering design is a viable option. However, as the complexity of the design increases, outsourcing of engineering design becomes increasingly less attractive. Finally, the analysis found that supplier quality is critical to successful outsourcing. Outsourcing to regions with low labor rates is attractive for labor cost reduction, but do not solve the problem of poor supplier quality with negative impact on Lead Time. / by Charles Mmaduka Ufongene. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2006. / Also issued in pages. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 113-116). / The role of information systems in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) becomes increasingly important as the need for speed of reaction and information is growing. Mergers and acquisitions may disrupt the operations of the organizations involved. Major issues include the need to integrate personnel, business processes, information systems, and diverse information technologies across the merging organizations. Executives who underestimate or disregard the costs and time associated with merging computer applications, infrastructure or IT organizations will face unpleasant surprises. However, if carefully planned and properly managed, the merger/acquisition and the resulting integration process can become an opportunity to strengthen the capabilities of the combined organization and place it in a better competitive position. The study addresses some of the most important M&A IT planning concepts that executives should know about so that technology-related problems do not delay M&A related business benefits. This study investigates factors that influence the effectiveness of IT integration in M&A. / (cont.) After studying trade journals and examining some cases, I investigated the following: 1. Determine the proper integration approach based on strategic intent of the merger or acquisition and the type of transaction 2. Determine the integration approach based on the business function support level The research is based on cases developed through archival research and field-based interviews. The case study research method allows researchers to gather holistic and meaningful characteristics of real-life events. The research includes the study of trade journals and case studies, and a literature review to understand basic problems and solutions of IT integration under the context of M&A. Then study of trade journals and cases led to the development of a set of research questions that are important to the success of IT integration. Hypotheses are proposed for those research questions based on academic literature review. This was followed by archival analysis of M&A cases to examine and refine the framework. / by Jun Zhao. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design & Management Program, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 81-83). / Significant developments have taken place in defining technology standards and identifying avenues for technological innovations to reduce the cost of manufacturing RFID tags below the $0.05 price point. The Auto-ID center at MIT has been the central coordinating body with participation from 5 universities and over 100 industry partners. The primary focus of these efforts has been in developing a standard which minimizes the logic capability of on chip circuitry and using radical innovations to reduce the cost of assembly of the RFID tags. Various disruptive innovations are underway to explore lithographic techniques which can reduce the cost of fabrication in the sub 100 nm regime wherein photolithography faces significant challenges. This research analyzes the value chain in the RFID industry and reviews potential technology strategies using the double-helix model of business dynamics and Porter's five forces framework. It also explores the current state of the art in RFID tag manufacturing and proposes the application of disruptive technologies in conjunction with innovations in assembly and packaging to enable a low cost RFID system design. Five key emerging technologies which are examined in detail are Nanoimprint Lithography, Step and Flash Imprint Lithography, Inkjet Printing, Soft lithography and Spherical Integrated Circuit Processing. These are analyzed in terms of application to RFID tag manufacturing. Current innovations in high speed and low cost assembly and packaging techniques are also examined. Fluidic Self Assembly, Vibratory Assembly, Chip on Paper techniques are reviewed in terms of application to RFID manufacturing. A systems thinking approach is also pursued to explore the drivers for wider acceptance of RFID-based / (cont.) applications in addition to just depending on cost reduction for crossing the chasm from early adopters to a wider market penetration. / Badarinath Kommandur. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 52, 2-7 (2nd group)). / Decreasing population, high crime rate, and limited economic opportunities are all symptoms of urban decline. These characteristics are, unfortunately, evident in major cities and small towns. Local municipalities in these cities and towns with the aid of state and federal government have attempted to reverse urban decline through the traditional approach of urban renewal. Their idea was to create low cost housing to attract people back to urban areas. Their approach has shown mixed results with most attempts having no effect on the deterioration. The goal of this thesis is to propose a higher system approach to answer urban decline through the application of new technology, wireless mesh networks. A wireless mesh network can provide improved security, public safety, new economic opportunities, and a bridge that crosses the digital divide. Married to the appropriate applications, a wireless mesh network creates a business model that is both favorable and sustainable. More importantly, the business model brings about the human capital necessary for urban revitalization. / by Nhan Tu Chiang. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design & Management Program, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 109-111). / Lean principles have been applied throughout the manufacturing industry with noted success although the process of integrating them into the entire enterprise has been complex and slow. Certain areas of the automotive industry, specifically product development, require a deeper study of its readiness to transition to lean. This thesis analyzes the product development enterprise at a large North American based auto manufacturer with respect to cultural and procedural inhibitors to becoming lean. The traditional lean principles and historical advancements in lean techniques are presented along with a description of the area studied. The scope of analysis focuses on three major phases in product development; the early concept phase, the middle core design phase and the launch phase. Recently, there has been difficulty in translating the lean principles into the product development environment. In this study, unique product development definitions of the lean principles are required and used to develop a framework for analysis. Inhibitors or barriers were discovered through interviews, observations, documentation and experience, each causing significant amounts of waste (muda). By understanding how these inhibitors affect the product development lean principles, the course of transitioning to lean can be illuminated. The system effects of the barriers and inhibitors are also described using system dynamics. Finally, conclusions are developed in order to guide the company in its quest to become lean in product development and throughout the entire enterprise. / by Laura A. Garza. / S.M.