Best Project Management and Systems Engineering Practices in the Preacquisition Phase for Federal Intelligence and Defense Agencies

2008 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven R. Meier
Keyword(s):  
Systems Engineering ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Technology Readiness ◽  
Significant Cost ◽  
Intelligence Agency ◽  
Engineering Practices ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Office Personnel

The analysis of several government defense and intelligence agency large-scale acquisition programs that experienced significant cost and schedule growth shows that several critical factors need to be addressed in the preacquisition phase of the acquisition cycle. These include overzealous advocacy, technology readiness levels, life-cycle cost, schedule details, requirements maturity, acquisition and contract strategy, program office personnel tenure and experience, risk management, systems engineering, and trade studies. The results of this study–which incorporated data from industry responses, government and industry executive interviews, numerous studies, and reports–indicate that early preacquisition activities executed in a rigorous fashion can significantly reduce the risk of cost and schedule growth. In this paper, the root causes of the cost and schedule growth are discussed as well as techniques and alternatives to improve program performance.

scholarly journals Comparative Analysis of the Life-Cycle Cost of Robot Substitution: A Case of Automobile Welding Production in China

Symmetry ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 226
Author(s):  
Xuyang Zhao ◽  
Cisheng Wu ◽  
Duanyong Liu
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Systems Engineering ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Manufacturing Systems ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cost Allocation ◽  
Industrial Robot ◽  
Case Analysis ◽  
Industrial Robots ◽  
Analysis Model

Within the context of the large-scale application of industrial robots, methods of analyzing the life-cycle cost (LCC) of industrial robot production have shown considerable developments, but there remains a lack of methods that allow for the examination of robot substitution. Taking inspiration from the symmetry philosophy in manufacturing systems engineering, this article further establishes a comparative LCC analysis model to compare the LCC of the industrial robot production with traditional production at the same time. This model introduces intangible costs (covering idle loss, efficiency loss and defect loss) to supplement the actual costs and comprehensively uses various methods for cost allocation and variable estimation to conduct total cost and the cost efficiency analysis, together with hierarchical decomposition and dynamic comparison. To demonstrate the model, an investigation of a Chinese automobile manufacturer is provided to compare the LCC of welding robot production with that of manual welding production; methods of case analysis and simulation are combined, and a thorough comparison is done with related existing works to show the validity of this framework. In accordance with this study, a simple template is developed to support the decision-making analysis of the application and cost management of industrial robots. In addition, the case analysis and simulations can provide references for enterprises in emerging markets in relation to robot substitution.

scholarly journals Optimization of Power Collector System for Large-scale Offshore Wind Farm Based on Topological Redundancy Assessment

2020 ◽  
Vol 194 ◽  
pp. 03025
Author(s):  
Wei Shurong ◽  
Feng Yuyao ◽  
Liu Kunlun ◽  
Fu Yang
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Wind Farm ◽  
Wind Farms ◽  
Offshore Wind ◽  
Offshore Wind Farm ◽  
Collector System ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Cost

Because of the bad environment of wind farms in the far -reaching sea, the cost of power collector system is high. The contradiction between economy and reliability of the power collector system planning is particularly prominent. According to the particularity of the wind farm in the far-reaching sea and the demand of the power collector system on higher reliability, this paper proposes the definition of topological redundancy of the power collector system and develops a multi-objective optimization model based on the topological redundancy. Thus, the contradictory variables of economy and reliability are optimized. Taking a large-scale offshore wind farm as an example, based on the topological redundancy assessment, the topology of its power collector system is optimized from the perspective of life cycle cost. The results show that, although the initial cost of the optimal redundancy topology is slightly higher than that of the radial structure, the advantage of life cycle cost after 8 years of operations is obvious, which can meet the actual engineering requirements of the power collector system for the wind farm in the far-reaching sea.

scholarly journals Use of Factors in Development Estimates: Improving the Cost Analyst Toolkit

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (96) ◽  
pp. 40-70
Author(s):  
Matthew Markman ◽  
Jonathan Ritschel ◽  
Edward White
Keyword(s):  
Systems Engineering ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Defense Acquisition ◽  
Engineering Data ◽  
Standard Cost ◽  
Contract Type ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Time And Energy ◽  
Cost Factors ◽  
Relevant Factors

Factor Estimating is a technique commonly used by defense acquisition analysts to develop cost estimations. However, previous studies developing factors for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the life cycle are limited. This research expands the current toolkit for cost analysts by developing cost factors in previously unexplored areas. More specifically, over 400 cost reports are utilized to create new standard cost factors that are delineated by five categories: commodity type, contract type, contractor type, development type, and Service. The factors are developed for those elements that are common in a wide array of projects such as program management, systems engineering, data, or training. This new factor dataset provides cost analysts with the information necessary to appropriately identify and select the most relevant factors to use when developing future cost estimates. Through statistical analysis, the research also helps identify those elements in which more analysts’ time and energy should be allocated when developing their estimates.

scholarly journals Techno-economic analysis: Preliminary assessment of pyrolysis oil production costs and material energy balance associated with a transportable fast pyrolysis system

BioResources ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-47
Author(s):  
Phil Badger ◽  
Scott Badger ◽  
Maureen Puettmann ◽  
Philip Steele ◽  
Jerome Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Economic Analysis ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Fast Pyrolysis ◽  
Product Yield ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Pyrolysis Oil ◽  
Bio Oil ◽  
Pine Wood Chips ◽  
The Cost

A techno-economic analysis was performed for a 100 dry-ton/day (90,719 kg/day) fast pyrolysis transportable plant. Renewable Oil International® LLC provided the life cycle cost of operating a 100 dry-ton/day fast pyrolysis system using southern pine wood chips as feedstock. Since data was not available from an actual large-scale plant, the study examined data obtained from an actual 15 dry-ton/day pilot plant and from several smaller plants. These data were used to obtain base figures to aid in the development of models to generate scaled-up costs for a larger 100 dry-ton/day facility. Bio-oil represented 60% of mass of product yield. The cost for the bio-oil from fast pyrolysis was valued at $0.94/gal. Energy cost bio-oil and char was valued at $6.35/MMBTU. Costs associated with purchasing feedstocks can drastically influence the final cost of the bio-oil. The assumed cost of feedstocks was $25/wet ton or $50/dry ton. This paper is part of a larger study investigating the economic and environmental impacts for producing bio-oil / biocide wood preservatives.

The Optimization of Large Scale Heating and Cooling Network

2014 ◽  
Vol 525 ◽  
pp. 616-620 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lan Bin Liu ◽  
Ai Juan Zou ◽  
Jia Jun Liao ◽  
Ya Meng Liu
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Conventional System ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
The Cost

It is a question if large scale heating/cooling network could be applied in China economically, environmental protection and energy saving. Toward this question, this paper studied the optimization of large scale heating and cooling network. The components of the system are analyzed and modeled in detail including heating/cooling source, heating/cooling users and transmit system. And the system can be optimized through the way of Life Cycle Cost, which compared the cost of large scale heating and cooling system with conventional system. The optimization also takes efficiency and economy in to consideration.

Cost- und Monitoring-Projekt: Zwei neue forstliche Meinungsumfragen im Vergleich | The Cost- and Monitoring-Projects: A Comparison of Two New Forestry Opinion Polls

2000 ◽  
Vol 151 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Wild-Eck ◽  
Willi Zimmermann
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Forest Policy ◽  
Forest Economics ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Federal Institute ◽  
Swiss Confederation ◽  
Institute Of Technology ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Opinion Polls

Two large-scale surveys looking at attitudes towards forests, forestry and forest policy in the second half ofthe nineties have been carried out. This work was done on behalf of the Swiss Confederation by the Chair of Forest Policy and Forest Economics of the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich. Not only did the two studies use very different methods, but the results also varied greatly as far as infrastructure and basic conditions were concerned. One of the main differences between the two studies was the fact that the first dealt only with mountainous areas, whereas the second was carried out on the whole Swiss population. The results of the studies reflect these differences:each produced its own specific findings. Where the same (or similar) questions were asked, the answers highlight not only how the attitudes of those questioned differ, but also views that they hold in common. Both surveys showed positive attitudes towards forests in general, as well as a deep-seated appreciation ofthe forest as a recreational area, and a positive approach to tending. Detailed results of the two surveys will be available in the near future.

Inventory optimization considering the vehicle capacity and specifics of cash flows at rental storage sites

2020 ◽  
pp. 77-90
Author(s):  
V.D. Gerami ◽  
I.G. Shidlovskii
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Inventory Management ◽  
Sufficient Conditions ◽  
Cash Flows ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Cargo Capacity ◽  
Special Modification ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Necessary And Sufficient ◽  
Vehicle Capacity

The article presents a special modification of the EOQ formula and its application to the accounting of the cargo capacity factor for the relevant procedures for optimizing deliveries when renting storage facilities. The specified development will allow managers to take into account the following process specifics in the format of a simulated supply chain when managing inventory. First of all, it will allow considering the most important factor of cargo capacity when optimizing stocks. Moreover, this formula will make it possible to find the optimal strategy for the supply of goods if, also, it is necessary to take into account the combined effect of several factors necessary for practice, which will undoubtedly affect decision-making procedures. Here we are talking about the need for additional consideration of the following essential attributes of the simulated cash flow of the supply chain: 1) time value of money; 2) deferral of payment of the cost of the order; 3) pre-agreed allowable delays in the receipt of revenue from goods sold. Developed analysis and optimization procedures have been implemented to models of this type that are interesting and important for a business. This — inventory management systems, the format of which is related to the special concept of efficient supply. We are talking about models where the presence of the specified delays for the outgoing cash flows allows you to pay for the order and the corresponding costs of the supply chain from the corresponding revenue on the re-order interval. Accordingly, the necessary and sufficient conditions are established based on which managers will be able to identify models of the specified type. The purpose of the article is to draw the attention of managers to real opportunities to improve the efficiency of inventory management systems by taking into account these factors for a simulated supply chain.

Waste minimization program in Shuaiba Industrial Area

1999 ◽  
Vol 39 (10-11) ◽  
pp. 289-295
Author(s):  
Saleh Al-Muzaini
Keyword(s):  
Solid Waste ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Industrial Area ◽  
Waste Minimization ◽  
Regulatory Body ◽  
Eastern Sector ◽  
Western Sector ◽  
Petroleum Companies ◽  
The Cost

The Shuaiba Industrial Area (SIA) is located about 50 km south of Kuwait City. It accommodates most of the large-scale industries in Kuwait. The total area of the SIA (both eastern and western sectors) is about 22.98 million m2. Fifteen plants are located in the eastern sector and 23 in the western sector, including two petrochemical companies, three refineries, two power plants, a melamine company, an industrial gas corporation, a paper products company and, two steam electricity generating stations, in addition to several other industries. Therefore, only 30 percent of the land in the SIA's eastern sector and 70 percent of land in the SIA's western sector is available for future expansion. Presently, industries in the SIA generate approximately 204,000 t of solid waste. With future development in the industries in the SIA, the estimated quantities will reach 240,000 t. The Shuaiba Area Authority (SAA), a governmental regulatory body responsible for planning and development in the SIA, has recognized the problem of solid waste and has developed an industrial waste minimization program. This program would help to reduce the quantity of waste generated within the SIA and thereby reduce the cost of waste management. This paper presents a description of the waste minimization program and how it is to be implemented by major petroleum companies. The protocols employed in the waste minimization program are detailed.

Automated Control of the Microclimate in the Premises of Pig-Breeding Complexes

2020 ◽  
pp. 103-108
Author(s):  
Viktoriya Yu. Ukhanova
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Research Purpose ◽  
Energy Costs ◽  
Technical Equipment ◽  
Pig Farming ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Cost

In the pig breeding, a large share of the production cost is accounted for by the cost of electricity and heat. Reducing energy costs is one of the important tasks of the industry. It is important to identify and study modern technologies and equipment for pig farming due to the constant increase in electricity tariffs, significant energy costs for creating and maintaining a microclimate. (Research purpose) The research purpose is in an analysis of modern available technologies and equipment for agricultural production, including pig farming, allowing to reduce the cost of production. (Materials and methods) Authors used a method for determining the standard indicators of energy consumption of energy resources in the pig industry, based on the calculation and analytical method. The article presents an analyze of automated microclimate management systems in pig breeding complexes, taking into account the individual characteristics of farms produced by OWEN. (Results and discussion) Automated microclimate management systems can improve the productivity of pig farms; reduce the cost of electrical and thermal energy, reduce the number of diseases of animal from hypothermia, high humidity or temperature in the room, feed consumption; monitor the chemical composition of the air. The article considers three options for creating a microclimate in rooms with animals, taking into account the individual characteristics of enterprises. (Conclusions) The profitability of pig production depend on the level of technical equipment of farms, automation, and the use of energy-saving technologies and equipment. The use of innovations in agricultural production makes it possible to increase labor productivity up to three times, and savings due to reduced feed costs can reach several million rubles a year.

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