The purpose of this thesis is to develop a model for assessing cost effectiveness of applying lean tools. The model consists of eight phases: it starts by understanding customers' requirements using Voice of Customer (VOC) and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) tools. In phase 2, the current state of plant is assessed using lean profile charts based on Balanced Scorecard (BSC) measures. In phase 3 and phase 4, identification of critical problem(s) and generating of improvement suggestion(s) are performed. Phase 5 provide evaluation of the cost effectiveness of implementing the suggested lean methods based on life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) and phase 6 prefers the right alternative based on multiple criteria decision making (MCDM). In phase 7 the selected alternative is supposed to be implemented and finally the user should monitor and control the process to make sure that the improvement is going as planned. The model was verified successfully using a case study methodology at one Swedish sawmill called Södra Timber in Ramkvilla, one part of Södra group. Results obtained from the study showed that the production and human resources perspectives are the most critical problem areas that need to be improved. They got the lowest scores in the lean profile, 63% and 68%, respectively. Using value stream mapping (VSM) it was found that the non value added (NVA) ratios for the core and side products are 87.4% and 90.4%, respectively. Using the model, three improvement alternatives were suggested and evaluated using LCCA and MCDM. Consequently, implementing 5S got the highest score, second came redesigning the facility layout. However, it was estimated that 4.7 % of NVA for the side product would be reduced by redesigning the facility layout. The recommendations were suggested for the company to improve their performance. The novelty of the thesis is based on the fact that it addresses two main issues related to lean manufacturing: firstly, suggesting lean techniques based on assessment of lean profile that is based on BSC and QFD, and secondly assessing the cost effectiveness of the suggested lean methods based on LCCA and MCDM. This thesis provides a generalized model that enables the decision-maker to know and measure, holistically, the company performance with respect to customer requirements. This will enable the company to analyze the critical problems, suggest solutions, evaluate them and make a cost effective decision. Thus, the company can improve its competitiveness.

Pavements encompass a significant component of the total civil infrastructure investment. In Ontario, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is responsible for the maintenance and construction of approximately 39,000 lane-kilometres of highway. In 2004, the province estimated the value of the total highway system at $39 billion dollars. Thus, managing this asset is an important factor to ensure a high level of service to the traveling public. One of the most important indicators of level of service for a road network is safety. Each year, thousands of motorists across North America are involved in motor vehicle collisions, which result in property damage, congestion, delays, injuries and fatalities. The MTO estimated that in 2002, vehicle collisions in Ontario cost nearly $11 billion. Despite the importance of highway safety, it is usually not considered explicitly in the pavement management framework or maintenance analysis. A number of agencies across North America collect skid data to assess the level of safety at both the project and network level (Li et al, 2004). However, a number of transportation agencies still do not collect friction data as part of their regular pavement data collection programs. This is related to both liability concerns and lack of knowledge for how this data can be effectively used to improve safety. The transportation industry generally relies on information such as collision rates, black-spot locations and radius of curvature to evaluate the level of safety of an alignment (Lamm et al., 1999). These are important factors, but the use of complementary skid data in an organized proactive manner would also be beneficial. In preparation for a considered Long Term Area Maintenance Contract, a project was initiated by the MTO to collect network level friction data across three regions in the Province of Ontario. This project represents the first time friction data was collected at the network level in Ontario. In 2006, approximately 1,800 km of the MTO highway network was surveyed as a part of this study. This research utilized the network level skid data along with collision data to examine the relationships and model the impacts of skid resistance on the level of safety. Despite the value of collecting network level skid data, many Canadian transportation agencies still do not collect network level skid data due to the costs and potential liability associated with the collected data. The safety of highway networks are usually assessed using various levels of service indicators such as Wet-to-Dry accident ratio (W/D), surface friction (SN), or the collision rate (CR). This research focused on developing a framework for assessing the level of safety of a highway network in terms of the risk of collision based on pavement surface friction. The developed safety framework can be used by transportation agencies (federal, state, provincial, municipal, etc.) or the private sector to evaluate the safety of their highway networks and to determine the risk or probability of a collision occurring given the level of friction along the pavement section of interest. As a part of the analysis, a number of factors such as Region, Season of the Year, Environmental Conditions, Road Surface Condition, Collision Severity, Visibility and Roadway Location were all investigated. Statistical analysis and modeling were performed to developed relationships which could relate the total number of collisions or the collision rate (CR) to the level of available pavement friction on a highway section. These models were developed using over 1,200 collisions and skid test results from two Regions in the Province of Ontario. Another component of this study examined the Wet-to-Dry accident ratio and compared it to the Skid Number. A number of Transportation Agencies rely on the Wet-to-Dry accident ratio to identify potential locations with poor skid resistance. The results of the comparison further demonstrated the need and importance of collecting network level skid data. Another component of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of various preservation treatments used within the Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) study. In addition, modeling was performed which examined the historical friction trends over time within various environment zones across North America to investigate skid resistance deterioration trends. The results of the analysis demonstrated that commonly used preservation treatments can increase skid resistance and improve safety. The cost effectiveness of implementing preservation and maintenance to increase the level of safety of a highway using Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) was evaluated. A Decision Making Framework was developed which included the formulation of a Decision Matrix that can be used to assist in selecting a preservation treatment for a given condition. The results of this analysis demonstrate the savings generated by reducing the number of collisions as a result of increasing skid resistance. The results of this research study have demonstrated the importance of network level friction testing and the impact of skid resistance on the level of safety of a highway. A review of the literature did not reveal any protocol or procedures for sampling or minimum test interval requirements for network level skid testing using a locked-wheel tester. Network level friction testing can be characterized as expensive and time-consuming due to the complexity of the test. As a result, any reduction in the required number of test points is a benefit to the transportation agency, private sector (consultants and contractors) and most importantly, the public. An analysis approach was developed and tested that can be used to minimize the number of required test locations along a highway segment using common statistical techniques.

Green manure crops are critical to maintaining soil fertility in organic cropping systems. However, little research has been conducted to address their contribution to weed control. Indianhead black lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus), AC Green Fix chickling vetch (Lathyrus sativus L.), and Trapper field pea (Pisum sativum L.) are legumes developed for use as annual green manure crops in the Northern Great Plains. Currently, no plant population density recommendations exist for these three species when grown as green manure crops under weedy conditions. The objective of this research was to determine the yield-density response of these three species under weedy and weedy-free conditions and to develop plant population density recommendations for use as annual green manure crops. Each species was grown at five plant population densities (10, 24, 64, 160, and 400 plants m-2) with weedy and weed-free treatments. Wild oat (Avena fatua L.) and wild mustard (Brassica kaber (D.C.) L.C. Wheeler) were planted in weedy treatments to supplement the natural weed community. Biomass samples and soil moisture measurements were taken at early bud and full bloom to simulate when these crops would be terminated. Biomass samples from the early bud stage were analysed for total nitrogen content. Green manure biomass production for all species was lower under weedy conditions. Weed biomass in weedy treatments decreased with increasing green manure plant population density for all species. Trapper field pea was the most competitive crop while Indianhead black lentil was the least competitive. Although total plot biomass differed among species and green manure crop density, changes in soil moisture levels were not greatly affected. No significant difference in total nitrogen concentration was found among green manure species. Differences in total nitrogen accumulation occurred because of differences in biomass production. Marginal cost analysis based on green manure seed costs and their nitrogen contribution to the value of subsequent wheat crop yield were used to determine optimum plant population densities. Under weedy conditions field pea and black lentil should be planted at densities of 49-78 and 223-300 plants m-2, respectively. Under weed-free conditions plant population densities for field pea and black lentil could be reduced to 45-60 and 184-223 plants m-2, respectively. No profitable plant population density was determined for chickling vetch when assuming a lower nitrogen contribution under both weedy and weed-free conditions. However, when assuming a higher nitrogen contribution, a profitable plant population density for chickling vetch of 24 plants m-2 was determined under weedy conditions and 32 plants m-2 under weed-free conditions.

The main purpose of this thesis is to develop a new model which helps the decision maker to rationalize outsourcing decisions based on Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis and select the appropriate supplier. The model developed consists of four main phases, as well as a pre-evaluating step, which investigate the organization needs and circumstances. Phase I is an evaluation and calculation phase, it assess whether outsourcing is the right policy to be adopted as a competitive advantage from two perspectives; the strategic evaluation of the outsourcing decision, and the cost savings through the life time of the outsourcing process using LCC. Phase II is supplier's selection; it aims to select the preferred supplier using Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM), as well as identifies performance measures to monitor supplier performance. Phase III is maintain and monitor phase, it aims to keep the process and the supplier under continuous revision and assessment. Phase IV is review phase, it aims to identify if a specified monitored parameter is out of control or at critical levels, and identify the causes. This model contribute in covering the lack in the literature by considering LCC in the outsourcing decision making, as well as providing a structured model that concern about the whole process starting by understanding the organizations need and ends by monitoring and review the outsourcing process. The model was validated at one Swedish company, i.e. Kalmar Industries in Ljungby assembly unit, in particular, within the maintenance department. The results of the model validation shows that using LCCA, and risk benefits associated, the preferred alternative is to outsource all the maintenance activities related to ventilation system, these activates involve maintenance personnel, spare parts, and third party to monitor and report the process to authorities. Furthermore, based on LCCA and other suggested criteria and using MCDM, ABB Supplier got the lowest score in MCDM i.e. 36.70% (the lowest LCC along with fulfillment of the qualitative criteria). The main result is that; it is possible to employ LCCA in the maintenance outsourcing process to achieve a strategic model valid for decisions taking over the life length of the process. Consequently, the main recommendation for the case company is to outsource these activities and to transfer it to ABB service supplier.

Energy is increasingly becoming more important in today&rsquo / s world. Ascending of energy consumption due to development of technology and dense population of earth causes greenhouse effect. One of the most valuable energy sources is hydro energy. Because of limited energy sources and excessive energy usage, cost of energy is rising. There are many ways to generate electricity. Among the electricity generation units, hydroelectric power plants are very important, since they are renewable energy sources and they have no fuel cost. Electricity is one of the most expensive input in production. Every hydro energy potential should be considered when making investment on this hydro energy potential. To decide whether a hydroelectric power plant investment is feasible or not, project cost and amount of electricity generation of the investment should be precisely estimated. This study is about cost estimation of hydroelectric power plant projects. Many design parameters and complexity of construction affect the cost of hydroelectric power plant projects. In this thesis fifty four hydroelectric power plant projects are analyzed. The data set is analyzed by using regression analysis and artificial neural network tools. As a result, two cost estimation models have been developed to determine the hydroelectric power plant project cost in early stage of the project.

<p>The main purpose of this thesis is to develop a new model which helps the decision maker to rationalize outsourcing decisions based on Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis and select the appropriate supplier. The model developed consists of four main phases, as well as a pre-evaluating step, which investigate the organization needs and circumstances. Phase I is an evaluation and calculation phase, it assess whether outsourcing is the right policy to be adopted as a competitive advantage from two perspectives; the strategic evaluation of the outsourcing decision, and the cost savings through the life time of the outsourcing process using LCC. Phase II is supplier's selection; it aims to select the preferred supplier using Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM), as well as identifies performance measures to monitor supplier performance. Phase III is maintain and monitor phase, it aims to keep the process and the supplier under continuous revision and assessment. Phase IV is review phase, it aims to identify if a specified monitored parameter is out of control or at critical levels, and identify the causes. This model contribute in covering the lack in the literature by considering LCC in the outsourcing decision making, as well as providing a structured model that concern about the whole process starting by understanding the organizations need and ends by monitoring and review the outsourcing process.</p><p>The model was validated at one Swedish company, i.e. Kalmar Industries in Ljungby assembly unit, in particular, within the maintenance department. The results of the model validation shows that using LCCA, and risk benefits associated, the preferred alternative is to outsource all the maintenance activities related to ventilation system, these activates involve maintenance personnel, spare parts, and third party to monitor and report the process to authorities. Furthermore, based on LCCA and other suggested criteria and using MCDM, ABB Supplier got the lowest score in MCDM i.e. 36.70% (the lowest LCC along with fulfillment of the qualitative criteria).</p><p>The main result is that; it is possible to employ LCCA in the maintenance outsourcing process to achieve a strategic model valid for decisions taking over the life length of the process. Consequently, the main recommendation for the case company is to outsource these activities and to transfer it to ABB service supplier.</p>

<p>The purpose of this thesis is to develop a model for assessing cost effectiveness of applying lean tools. The</p><p>model consists of eight phases: it starts by understanding customers' requirements using Voice of Customer</p><p>(VOC) and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) tools. In phase 2, the current state of plant is assessed</p><p>using lean profile charts based on Balanced Scorecard (BSC) measures. In phase 3 and phase 4,</p><p>identification of critical problem(s) and generating of improvement suggestion(s) are performed. Phase 5</p><p>provide evaluation of the cost effectiveness of implementing the suggested lean methods based on life cycle</p><p>cost analysis (LCCA) and phase 6 prefers the right alternative based on multiple criteria decision making</p><p>(MCDM). In phase 7 the selected alternative is supposed to be implemented and finally the user should</p><p>monitor and control the process to make sure that the improvement is going as planned. The model was</p><p>verified successfully using a case study methodology at one Swedish sawmill called Södra Timber in</p><p>Ramkvilla, one part of Södra group. Results obtained from the study showed that the production and human</p><p>resources perspectives are the most critical problem areas that need to be improved. They got the lowest</p><p>scores in the lean profile, 63% and 68%, respectively. Using value stream mapping (VSM) it was found that</p><p>the non value added (NVA) ratios for the core and side products are 87.4% and 90.4%, respectively. Using</p><p>the model, three improvement alternatives were suggested and evaluated using LCCA and MCDM.</p><p>Consequently, implementing 5S got the highest score, second came redesigning the facility layout.</p><p>However, it was estimated that 4.7 % of NVA for the side product would be reduced by redesigning the</p><p>facility layout. The recommendations were suggested for the company to improve their performance. The</p><p>novelty of the thesis is based on the fact that it addresses two main issues related to lean manufacturing:</p><p>firstly, suggesting lean techniques based on assessment of lean profile that is based on BSC and QFD, and</p><p>secondly assessing the cost effectiveness of the suggested lean methods based on LCCA and MCDM. This</p><p>thesis provides a generalized model that enables the decision-maker to know and measure, holistically, the</p><p>company performance with respect to customer requirements. This will enable the company to analyze the</p><p>critical problems, suggest solutions, evaluate them and make a cost effective decision. Thus, the company</p><p>can improve its competitiveness.</p>

Pavements encompass a significant component of the total civil infrastructure investment. In Ontario, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is responsible for the maintenance and construction of approximately 39,000 lane-kilometres of highway. In 2004, the province estimated the value of the total highway system at $39 billion dollars. Thus, managing this asset is an important factor to ensure a high level of service to the traveling public. One of the most important indicators of level of service for a road network is safety. Each year, thousands of motorists across North America are involved in motor vehicle collisions, which result in property damage, congestion, delays, injuries and fatalities. The MTO estimated that in 2002, vehicle collisions in Ontario cost nearly $11 billion. Despite the importance of highway safety, it is usually not considered explicitly in the pavement management framework or maintenance analysis. A number of agencies across North America collect skid data to assess the level of safety at both the project and network level (Li et al, 2004). However, a number of transportation agencies still do not collect friction data as part of their regular pavement data collection programs. This is related to both liability concerns and lack of knowledge for how this data can be effectively used to improve safety. The transportation industry generally relies on information such as collision rates, black-spot locations and radius of curvature to evaluate the level of safety of an alignment (Lamm et al., 1999). These are important factors, but the use of complementary skid data in an organized proactive manner would also be beneficial. In preparation for a considered Long Term Area Maintenance Contract, a project was initiated by the MTO to collect network level friction data across three regions in the Province of Ontario. This project represents the first time friction data was collected at the network level in Ontario. In 2006, approximately 1,800 km of the MTO highway network was surveyed as a part of this study. This research utilized the network level skid data along with collision data to examine the relationships and model the impacts of skid resistance on the level of safety. Despite the value of collecting network level skid data, many Canadian transportation agencies still do not collect network level skid data due to the costs and potential liability associated with the collected data. The safety of highway networks are usually assessed using various levels of service indicators such as Wet-to-Dry accident ratio (W/D), surface friction (SN), or the collision rate (CR). This research focused on developing a framework for assessing the level of safety of a highway network in terms of the risk of collision based on pavement surface friction. The developed safety framework can be used by transportation agencies (federal, state, provincial, municipal, etc.) or the private sector to evaluate the safety of their highway networks and to determine the risk or probability of a collision occurring given the level of friction along the pavement section of interest. As a part of the analysis, a number of factors such as Region, Season of the Year, Environmental Conditions, Road Surface Condition, Collision Severity, Visibility and Roadway Location were all investigated. Statistical analysis and modeling were performed to developed relationships which could relate the total number of collisions or the collision rate (CR) to the level of available pavement friction on a highway section. These models were developed using over 1,200 collisions and skid test results from two Regions in the Province of Ontario. Another component of this study examined the Wet-to-Dry accident ratio and compared it to the Skid Number. A number of Transportation Agencies rely on the Wet-to-Dry accident ratio to identify potential locations with poor skid resistance. The results of the comparison further demonstrated the need and importance of collecting network level skid data. Another component of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of various preservation treatments used within the Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) study. In addition, modeling was performed which examined the historical friction trends over time within various environment zones across North America to investigate skid resistance deterioration trends. The results of the analysis demonstrated that commonly used preservation treatments can increase skid resistance and improve safety. The cost effectiveness of implementing preservation and maintenance to increase the level of safety of a highway using Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) was evaluated. A Decision Making Framework was developed which included the formulation of a Decision Matrix that can be used to assist in selecting a preservation treatment for a given condition. The results of this analysis demonstrate the savings generated by reducing the number of collisions as a result of increasing skid resistance. The results of this research study have demonstrated the importance of network level friction testing and the impact of skid resistance on the level of safety of a highway. A review of the literature did not reveal any protocol or procedures for sampling or minimum test interval requirements for network level skid testing using a locked-wheel tester. Network level friction testing can be characterized as expensive and time-consuming due to the complexity of the test. As a result, any reduction in the required number of test points is a benefit to the transportation agency, private sector (consultants and contractors) and most importantly, the public. An analysis approach was developed and tested that can be used to minimize the number of required test locations along a highway segment using common statistical techniques.

This study was an investigation into the cost-effectiveness of using re-usable instrumentation in laparoscopic surgery. The model used for the study was the laparoscopic cholecystectomy which is the commonest laparoscopic procedure performed by the general surgeons. The study was done at KZNGOV Hospital in Kwazulu Natal, one of the largest tertiary hospitals in the province. The research done was both qualitative and quantitative. An exploratory study was conducted initially by drawing up the case study, and then quantitative and qualitative research was conducted to evaluate the use of re-usable instrumentation in laparoscopic surgery. In order to conduct a more focused design, the three most commonly used laparoscopic instruments were evaluated. These were the trocars (sizes 11.0mm and 5.0mm), the endoshears / scissors and the clip applicators. The study aimed to assess whether the use of the re-usable instruments was more cost-effective, whether their use in minimal access surgery was feasible, and whether the use of re-usable instrumentation compromised patient well-being. Information for the case study was obtained from the hospital notes of the patients who had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy at KZNGOV Hospital, and from interviews with experienced surgeons. The study found that the re-usable instrumentation used at KZNGOV Hospital had no adverse effects on the patients. The Department of Surgery and the theatre committee at this hospital have chosen an excellent and cost-effective protocol for laparoscopic surgery, and the choice of instrumentation cannot be faulted. Analysis of the results showed a large cost saving obtained by using the re-usable laparoscopic instrumentation, with no adverse patient outcomes. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2003.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. / This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. As such, it is in the public domain, and under the provisions of Title 17, United States Code, Section 105, it may not be copyrighted. / MBA Professional Report / In an effort to align sources with requirements, the Department of Defense has implemented initiatives that mirror industry's strategic sourcing practices. These initiatives include Consolidated Purchasing, Commodity Councils and Regionalization. This project will examine a successful Commodity Council (CC), a failed CC, and one in the early stages of development. We will seek characteristics common to both successful and unsuccessful councils, as well as characteristics that differentiate the outcomes. We will include a brief history of strategic sourcing as a long-term supply-chain management solution in the private sector, the impetus behind AF implementation of strategic sourcing through CCs; associated transactions costs, and finally, the resource management practices necessary to move beyond theory to practical application. The results are illustrated in a case study which will provide a template for successful implementation.