IIE Solutions articles from June 2002

IIE Solutions archives from June 2002

Love those loathsome deadlines. (Editor's Desk).(Editorial)
June 1, 2002... There's nothing like having a 500-pound weight dangling above your head to make you move. That pretty much sums up the relationship between writers and deadlines. Faced with a seemingly unsolvable problem (say, feeling so bereft of...

Letters.
June 1, 2002... TOC NOTHING NEW The April article by Luke Cheng ("Line Balancing vs. TOC") made for interesting reading, and its message -- avoid suboptimization -- is certainly worthwhile. Unfortunately, it also illustrates that recent IE grads (and even...

Engineer heads U.N. climate panel. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Rajandra K. Pachauri, Ph.D. was voted to chair the United Nations mental Panel on Climate Change, the most authoritative body on global warming and its causes. He will head the group for six years. Pachauri, who holds doctorates in...

Levi retreats from manufacturing. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... In April, Levi Strauss & Co. named six U.S. manufacturing plants that will shut down this year as part of its shift away from manufacturing. In January, the company had announced it would focus more on being a marketing and product-driven...

Alma mater honors Bolivia president. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Jorge F. Quiroga Ramirez, president of the Republic of Bolivia and a 1981 industrial engineering graduate, was honored at Texas A&M University in April with the receipt of the school's Outstanding International Alumnus Award. The...

Federal academic funding is up. (Fast Stat).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... U.S. federal agencies committed a new high of $19.9 billion for academic science and engineering activities in fiscal year 2000. This represents an increase of $1 .8 billion (10 percent) over 1999 levels. More than 85 percent of federal support...

The high cost of lost knowledge. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Global chemical company executives are well aware of their manufacturing, engineering, and R&D challenges. Now they can add the cost of lost knowledge to the worries that keep them up at night. But is there justification for investing in...

Engineers make the best policies. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Engineers are well known for their problem-solving proclivities. Politicians are often criticized for the way they solve problems, especially when those problems require a working knowledge of technology and science. According to John Sununu,...

Patriotic contraption honors Goldberg. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... A tribute to the heroes of Sept. 11 captured the 14th annual national Rube Goldberg Machine Contest in April. The student engineering team representing the University of Texas at Austin received top honors for their wacky contraption. A...

David Zimmerman. (Newsmakers).
June 1, 2002... David Zimmerman, adjunct professor of industrial engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, became a member of the American Medical Directors Association Foundation's board of directors. Zimmerman directs the Center for Health Systems...

Zulma Toro-Ramos. (Newsmakers).
June 1, 2002... The University of New Haven named Zulma Toro-Ramos dean of the school of engineering. Toro-Ramos, an industrial engineer and specialist in ergonomics, headed the University of Puerto Rico prior to her new assignment. She earned her Ph.D. in...

Jorge Arredondo. (Newsmakers).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Mexico's communications and transport minister selected Jorge Arredondo as president of the Federal Telecommunications Commission. Arredondo, an industrial engineer and consultant, previously held positions with Ericsson and Axtel. The Federal...

Pascale Carayon. (Newsmakers).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... The new Wisconsin Patient Safety Institute installed Pascale Carayon on its board of directors. The institute fosters partnerships between organizations, develops recommendations for change, and promotes patient safety awareness. Carayon...

OSHA announces ergo guidelines plan. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... In April, slightly more than a year after President Bush repealed national ergonomics rules, OSHA released a second plan. Under the new scheme, businesses would be encouraged -- not required -- to make workplace changes to reduce...

Electrical and Electronic Directive. (Business Briefs).(recycling in industry)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... If ratified by European member states, the Waste from Electrical and Electronic Directive will require manufacturers to take machines back for free and recycle 65 percent of their average weight.

Intel Corp. (Business Briefs).(facilities)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
June 1, 2002... Intel Corp. will resume construction on its $2 billion manufacturing facility in County Kildare, Ireland. When completed in the first half of 2004, the plant will begin producing advanced semiconductor components on 300mm wafers and initially...

The original PUMA (programmable universal machine for assembly) robot will find a home in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. (Business Briefs).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... The original PUMA (programmable universal machine for assembly) robot will find a home in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. Donated by General Motors Controls, Robotics, and Welding, the robot joins a...

Lack of freedom is unhealthy to workers. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Limiting the ability of workers to make choices and failing to support them may 'be putting their health at risk. A lack of freedom to organize work and a lack of support from colleagues were identified as important causes of worker fatigue...

Engineering politico. (Uncommon IE).(political role of industrial engineer Rick Callender)(Brief Article)(Interview)
June 1, 2002... Engineering and politics are not such strange bedfellows. Just ask industrial engineering-trained Rick Callender. He is the local government affairs manager for Santa Clara Valley Water District -- which is government-speak for lobbyist --...

Marcus Peacock. (Newsmakers).(U.S. Office of Management and Budget)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... The U.S. Office of Management and Budget appointed Marcus Peacock associate director for natural resources, energy, and science. Peacock received his bachelor's degree in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Southern...

Karl Chang. (Newsmakers).(Baynet Optics)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Karl Chang will help lead Baynet Optics' financial and mass production strategies as chief financial officer and chief operations officer. Chang, with more than 20 years' experience in the industry, completed his MS. in industrial engineering...

Raymond Brace. (Newsmakers).(Hershey Foods Corp.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Hershey Foods Corp. promoted Raymond Brace to vice president of operations and technology. Joining the senior management team in this role, Brace will oversee manufacturing, logistics, engineering, quality, and research and development. He...

Charlie Boswell. (Newsmakers).(Tindall Corp.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Tindall Corp. named IIE member Charlie Boswell sales engineer of its prestress division. Boswell received his B.S. in industrial engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. His new responsibilities include sales for the bridge and...

Take charge of change management. (Book of the Month).(Successfully Managing Change in Organizations: A User's Guide)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Successfully Managing Change in Organizations: A User's Guide is designed for managers who have been given the unenviable task of bringing change to their organization and making it stick. Author Stephen J. Thomas describes key elements of...

Examining technological change. (Site to See).(Center for the Study of Technology and Science)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... The mission of the non-profit Center for the Study of Technology and Science is to examine the interaction of technological change and society. The think tank organization strives to clarify advances in technologies while pointing out their...

Engineering exam price increases next year at the 2003 National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying Annual Conference. (Education Briefs).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... The cost of becoming a licensed engineer will rise when the Committee on Examinations for Professional Engineers determines engineering exam price increases next year at the 2003 National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying...

U.S. Bureau of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics. (Education Briefs).(grant awarded)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Jionghua (Judy) Jin, assistant professor of systems and industrial engineering at the University of Arizona, won a $50,000 research grant by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics. She will develop a model and...

Women in Engineering Programs and Advocates Network. (Education Briefs).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Women in Engineering Programs and Advocates Network will develop new support programs for students and schools under the GE Fund's Faculty for the Future initiative. The 10-year, S20 million initiative was designed to increase the number of...

Georgia Tech's Industrial and Systems Engineering ranked No. 1 in U.S. (Education Briefs).
June 1, 2002... For the 12th year running, Georgia Tech's Industrial and Systems Engineering ranked No. 1 in U.S. News & World Report's list of the best graduate programs.

Cleaner microchip making. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... University of Arizona engineers are developing environmentally friendly processes for making microchips. These processes soon will find their way to fabrication plants, where they will be used to build faster, smaller, and more sophisticated...

Clyde R. Hosein. (Newsmakers).(Advanced Interconnect Technologies Inc.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Clyde R. Hosein joined Advanced Interconnect Technologies Inc. as senior vice president of finance and administration as well as chief financial officer. Hosein brings more than 20 years' experience in financial management to the position. He...

Patti Brennan. (Newsmakers).(National Academies of Science; Institute of Medicine)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... The National Academies of Science elected Patti Brennan to the Institute of Medicine. Brennan is a professor in the industrial engineering department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she graduated with both her doctoral and...

Beri-Tzion Karsh. (Newsmakers).(Human Factors and Ergonomics Society)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society chose Beri-Tzion Karsh to fill a two-year appointment as chair of the medical systems and rehab technical group. The group conducts human factors research on medical systems and rehabilitation problems....

Way Kuo. (Newsmakers).(college of engineering hall of fame)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Kansas State University inducted IIE member Way Kuo into the college of engineering hail of fame in recognition of his professional accomplishments and commitment to public service. Kuo, executive associate dean and associate vice chancellor of...

A shot in the arm for combination vaccine pricing. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Four infant vaccines. One injection. How much will the industry charge? How much is a parent willing to pay? How much will government and insurance cover? Such issues are becoming real, says a University of Illinois researcher who has developed...

Battling poverty in Nicaragua. (News).(Enrique Bolanos)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Nicaraguan President Enrique Bolanos said his new administration will battle poverty and corruption as well as improve health and education in his Central American nation. Bolanos, a 73-year-old industrial engineer, was on a working visit...

Don't act your age. (Performance Improvement).(technology application)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... I can remember my first job out of college almost as if it were yesterday. Unfortunately, it's not. I am now one of the oldest people in my company, even though I have been an industrial engineer for only 21 years. I think back and remember how...

Getting your hands on it. (Ergonomics).(industrial design)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... One of my fondest memories of a lesson learned takes me back to when I was seven years old. My classmates and I were studying fractions and decided the subject was too difficult to enjoy. We speculated that if one of us were to be sick the...

The scorpion and the frog. (Management).(psychology of work)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Once upon a time there was a scorpion that spied an abundance of food across a stream it could not cross. (because scorpions cannot swim). The scorpion saw a frog swimming nearby and called out, "Frog, let me ride on your back and swim...

Time is not money: assumptions based on cost allocation can hinder financial performance.(Statistical Data Included)
June 1, 2002... A friend told me something that made absolutely no sense to me. He said that if Bill Gates reached down to pick up a $100 bill, he would lose money. What? His reasoning began by citing Gates' total worth, which I immediately thought was a...

Envisioning sights unseen: Devadas Pillai draws from his diverse past to create the future.(production design)
June 1, 2002... Simulation, as a tool, allows engineers to experiment with future scenarios before committing to one path and the costs consumed by real-world testing and implementation. One man takes the forward-looking aspect of simulation even further....

Scheduling a cure: the pharmaceuticals industry presents unique challenges.(production management)
June 1, 2002... In the beginning, there was the cure, and the cure was in the hands of the chemists. But eventually the process of getting the cure to the people who needed it became too much for the chemists, so they brought in the strategists, the...

Forecasting with stager charts: In spite of our need for accurate forecasts, our forecasts are typically wrong.(Statistical Data Included)
June 1, 2002... An important ingredient of operations management -- indeed, a requirement of efficient operations -- is a good forecast. Consequently, over the years a huge number of forecasting techniques have been developed. However, in spite of these...

Calendar.(industrial engineering conferences)
June 1, 2002... June June 10-12 International Forum on Design for Manufacture and Assembly. Newport, R.I.; (401) 783-5840; info@dfma.com; http://www.dfma.oom June 10-12 MESA International Conference and Exposition, Boston; (603) 717-6733;...

Award winner towers above the crowd. (Focuson IIE).(Joseph Hartman)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... It's not just his 6-foot-6-inch profile that makes Joseph Hartman stand out in a crowd. Hartman was honored with one of IIE's prestigious accolades when he accepted an Outstanding Young IE Award in May. "It is truly an honor to be...

Automakers lead ergonomic initiatives. (Focus on IIE).(ergonomic workbench design at Honda)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... At an unassuming motorcycle factory in Marysville, Ohio, big changes were taking place. A team of more than 12 people at the Honda facility created a simple system of two shafts and an air brake that dramatically improved quality, decreased...

Detroit chapter selects service award recipient. (Focus on IIE).(Institute of Industrial Engineers honors S.K. Kachhal)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... The Detroit Chapter of IIE presented S.K. Kachhal, Ph.D., with its Distinguished Service Award. The award goes each year to a chapter member who has demonstrated exceptional service to IIE, to the Detroit chapter, and to the industrial...

Enhancing the profession. (Focus on IIE).(Institute of Industrial Engineers donates books)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... One of IIE's missions is to provide leadership in developing industrial engineering education. In keeping with this goal, IIE donated books previously housed in the headquarters library to the industrial engineering department at the University...

Rebuilding a vision in Ohio. (Focus on IIE).(Institute of Industrial Engineers Chapter 1)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... In less than two years, senior Chapter 1 in Columbus, Ohio, transformed from a chapter on high alert to a stable organization earning a gold award in the 2001 newsletter competition. The chapter used resources from headquarters to...

Convergence at Mt. Rushmore. (Focus on IIE).(Institute of Industrial Engineers student conference)
June 1, 2002... More than 180 students converged on Rapid City, S.D., to represent 11 schools at the IIE student conference for regions 8 and 11. The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology hosted the gathering of students. The mission of the planning...

A hypnotic experience. (Focus on IIE).(Institute of Industrial Engineers conference)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Region 9 held its annual conference at the University of Oklahoma Feb. 28 to March 2. More than 130 students and professors from seven schools attended the regional gathering designed to facilitate networking among industrial engineering...

Scholarship winners announced. (Focus on IIE).(Institute of Industrial Engineers)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... IIE announced its 2002-03 scholarship and fellowship awards. The recipients are: A.O. Putnam Memorial Scholarship Christina Grisso - West Virginia University Christina Strunk - Kansas State University Christine Lamine -...

Information explosion in New Jersey. (Focus on IIE).(Institute of Industrial Engineers student conference)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... New Jersey Institute of Technology hosted the Region 1, 2, and 5 student conference with a theme of "Industrial Engineering and Information Technology: Utilizing the Information Explosion Through IE." The goal of the April gathering was to...

Western schools get career insight. (Focus on IIE).(Institute of Industrial Engineers student conference)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Region 10, in the western United States, held its annual student conference at the University of Southern Colorado in March. The mission was to increase awareness of career opportunities in industrial engineering. Conference coordinators...

Zaken leaves IIE. (Focus on IIE).(Institute of International Education)(Lisa Zaken)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Five executive directors, 21 presidents, and 17 national conferences later, the door closed behind former IIE Director of Member Recruitment and Product Promotion Lisa Zaken for the last time April 12. Zaken left IIE to accept a position as...

Building blocks for leaders. (Focus on IIE).(Tennessee Technological University)(student conference)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Tennessee Technological University made use of building blocks, milk crates, and golf balls to create a learning experience for all participants during the Region 7 student conference. The conference, held in Cookeville, Tenn., Feb 28 to...

Logistical insight. (Marketplace).(Logistics and Execution Systems: A Guide to Understanding and Procuring LES )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... The 165-page Logistics and Execution Systems: A Guide to Understanding and Procuring LES introduces the components of logistics and supply chain execution systems. Included is information about systems of warehouse management, transportation...

Moving along. (Marketplace).(Megastar Systems cart)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... The Megastar Systems cart is an efficient way to move materials stored in the MegaLift Vertical Lift Module. It works in a variety of supply chain automation applications that require moving parts or tools to manufacturing or assembly...

Pallet pusher. (Marketplace).(FKI Logistex palletizer)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Manufacturing and distribution operations can manage and palletize large volumes of quick-turning SKUs with FKI Logistex's automated palletizing solution. The system combines a gantry robotic palletizer by Alvey Systems with a multi-position...

Fleet optimization. (Marketplace).(GeoCom TMS Inc. Amaze Version 2.0 software)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
June 1, 2002... Geocom TMS has released an update to its A.Maze fleet optimization software. Version 2.0 of the distributed component-based application is designed for constraint-based fleet optimization and dynamic dispatch. Solutions can be scaled to any...

Adjustable computer cart. (Marketplace).(Ergotron HD Series Cart)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... The HD Series Cart from Ergotron provides an adjustable home for flat-panel monitor computers or laptop computers. With 15 inches of vertical adjustment, the cart can be adapted to users who are sitting or standing. The screen can be positioned...

Customizable forklift. (Marketplace).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
June 1, 2002... Mitsubishi has introduced a series of 3,000- to 6,000-pound capacity electric cushion tire trucks that promise performance and affordability. The FBC15KFBC3OK forklifts can be tailored to customer needs with a variety of optional features. Some...

Managing the automotive supply chain. (Marketplace).(SupplyWeb from Brain North America Inc.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... SupplyWeb is an ERP-independent, Web-based supply chain management, procurement, and supplier rating software solution from Brain North America. Directed at improving relationships and efficiencies between automotive manufacturers and their...

Data with a view. (Marketplace).(AIM Inform from Invensys Process Systems)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... AIM Inform allows personnel across an enterprise to identify and correct quality, cost, equipment, and performance problems. Users can configure and access data views from a wide variety of real-time, historical, reduction, and message sources...

Better mice. (Marketplace).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Never mind about building a better mousetrap. ITAC Systems has created a better mouse. The Mouse-Trak family of trackball mice is designed to provide a more productive alternative to wrist- and elbow-powered mice. They are said to reduce...

Statistical control. (Marketplace).(Synergy 2000 from Zontec Inc.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... The latest version of Zontec's Synergy 2000, a statistical process control program, contains more than 20 new features and program enhancements. Designed for enterprise-wide quality management, the software includes facilities for real-time...

Maximum potential. (Marketplace).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... The Aspen Engineering Suite is a software solution that uses technical innovations to improve performance for companies that design and operate manufacturing facilities. The products in the suite optimize plant assets through collaborative...

Give a little whistle the boot. (Punchline).(automobile engine noise reduction research)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Ohio State University engineers are helping automakers deliver a quieter ride by reducing whistle noise in engines. The auto industry has been facing the whistle issue for years due to the large number of branched pipes found in cars'...

Power of positive thinking. (Punchline).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Based on research findings published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, perhaps treating the physical ailments of injured workers isn't enough. Maybe they need a pep talk, too. The study on which the research was based examined...

Everyone hates a winner. (Punchline).(study subjects destroy money belonging to others)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Research by economists in the United Kingdom offers surprising information about how much people dislike a winner. Andrew Oswald of the University of Warwick and Daniel Zizzo of Oxford designed an experiment played with real cash. Subjects...

Steven Thompson.
June 1, 2002... Let IIE's popular Productivity Series help you put company productivity on the fast track. This fall, join us for ten outstanding educational opportunities -- many of them newly enhanced in response to participant suggestions. You'll find...

Six Sigma Green Belt training.
June 1, 2002... September 11 -- 13, 2002 Atlanta (Norcross), GA Learn how to lead improvement efforts using Six Sigma methods for increasing productivity and enhancing quality. As a Six Sigma Green Belt, you will be equipped to support and champion...

Material flow analysis for manufacturers.
June 1, 2002... September 17 - 18, 2002 Atlanta (Norcross), GA Instructor: Dr. Shahrukh A. Irani Inspired by the successes of automotive assembly plants, many types of manufacturers seek to achieve flow manufacturing. Managers who implement flow...

Cellular manufacturing as a foundation for lean manufacturing.
June 1, 2002... September 19, 2002 Atlanta (Norcross), GA Instructor: Dr. Shahrukh A. Irani Is your company one of the thousands of custom-manufacturing facilities that produces a large range of components, serves a large customer base, and copes...

P.E. exam review for idustrial engineers. (Updated).
June 1, 2002... September 21 - 24, 2002 Atlanta [Norcross], GA Instructor: William J. Kennedy, Ph.D., P.E. Improve your odds of passing the most important test of your career with this popular review course! Licensure for professional...

Six Sigma Black Belt training.
June 1, 2002... September 30 - October 4, October 28 - November 1, December 2-6, 2002 Atlanta (Norcross), GA Instructor: Larry Aft, RE. Your Six Sigma Black Belt training provides the necessary knowledge and technical background for your...

An introduction to simulation modeling.
June 1, 2002... October 10 - 11, 2002 Atlanta (Norcross), GA Instructor: Rainer Dronzek Are you considering using simulation to improve your operations but aren't sure where to begin? Confused by simulation software vendor claims and not sure...

Work measurement: create effective operations.
June 1, 2002... October 15 - 16, 2002 Atlanta (Norcross), Georgia Instructors: Larry Aft, P.E. and Steven Thompson Return to the roots of managing business processes, and learn the importance of using work standards. With the advent of new...

Pull Thinking[TM].
June 1, 2002... October 17 - 18, 2002 Atlanta (Norcross), GA Instructors: Ken Meyer and Jeff Lebow, P.E. "A prime mover... must cause motion by being attractive rather than propulsive." Aristotle 350 BC The simple truth is still that...

Fundamentals of industrial engineering.
June 1, 2002... November 6-8, 2002 Atlanta (Norcross), GA Instructor: Robert Moo Young If your job requires improving quality, performance, and design--all functions of an industrial engineer--this seminar will help you build a foundation for...

Value management methodology & application.
June 1, 2002... November 13- 15, 2002 Atlanta [Norcross], GA Instructor: James A. Rains, Jr., CVS If your organization is interested in growth and profit improvement, this workshop delivers the information you need to get started. The value...