IIE Solutions articles from October 2002

IIE Solutions archives from October 2002

My ever-evolving pastime. (Editor's desk).(IIE Solutions)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
October 1, 2002... I love movies, Old and new, independent and big budget. If it weren't for this pressing need to have my own experiences, I could spend days on end watching them. I grew up singing songs from '70s musicals such as Grease and The Wiz and...

Letters.
October 1, 2002... BACK TO BASICS I read with interest Kevin McManus' column in the August 2002 magazine ("Assume Nothing"). I, too, have many years of experience and came across a similar situation in which I was working on an inventory inaccuracy problem...

Nanocrystal explosion: tiny crystals could be the silver bullet for long-lasting parts. (News).(Purdue University research)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... Researchers at Purdue University have made a surprising discovery that could open up numerous applications for metal "nanocrystals," or tiny crystals that are often harder, stronger, and more wear resistant than the same materials in bulk form....

One young engineer at a time: online mentoring program encourages women students.(www.mentornet.net)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... MentorNet, an electronic mentoring network for women students in engineering and science, is recruiting mentors for the current academic year. The one-on-one program pairs students with professionals working in industry or government. ...

Next-generation engine controllers: used in new transmission systems, they will be more reliable and offer better performance.(Auburn University)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... Engineers in Auburn University's Center for Advanced Vehicular Electronics are working on the next generation of microelectronic vehicle controllers for use in a leading-edge transmission and engine control system. "We have moved from the...

Lean beyond kaizen: eight steps for planning the process. (Book of the Month).(Value Stream Management)(Audiovisual Review)
October 1, 2002... In Value Stream Management, authors Don Tapping, Tom Luyster, and Tom Shuker stress the importance of reaching beyond single-point kaizens to ensure a sustainable lean implementation process. They present an eight-step process for planning lean...

Got gas?(HowStuffWorks.com)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... A gallon of gasoline contains about 31,000 calories. If a person could drink gasoline, he or she could ride a bicycle about 912 miles on a gallon. Although people can't drink gasoline, they can drink vegetable oil, which contains nearly the...

Excellence abroad. (Uncommon IE).(Europe)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... Most industrial engineers concerned with quality awards are working hard to receive one of the prestigious distinctions, But one quality specialist approaches the concept from another perspective: Melissa Rancourt helps others achieve...

Learning to be better. (News).(neural networks in paper manufacturing)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... Computer models known as neural networks are helping improve productivity and quality in paper manufacturing, according to Seppo Karrila, Ph.D., of the Institute of Paper Science and Technology. And the networks are even learning to be better....

Create the future, win big. (News).
October 1, 2002... An engineering design competition to identify arid recognize outstanding innovation and applications in product design will see one big winner walk away with a $20,000 prize. Sponsored by Emhart Technologies and NASA Tech Briefs, the Create...

The world's 100 biggest corporate R&D spenders doled out $215 billion for research and development in 2001. (Business Briefs).(research and development)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... The world's 100 biggest corporate R&D spenders doled out $215 billion for research and development in 2001, according to a survey by IEEE Spectrum. On average, the top 100 spent 5.25 percent more on R&D last year than in 2000.

APL Logistics will establish an operation in Chile. (Business Briefs).(Latin America expansion)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... * Supply chain management provider APL Logistics will establish an operation in Chile. It is the company's third expansion into Latin America this year.

Daifuku is the world's third largest material handling logistics company. (Business Briefs).(changing name to SK Daifuku)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... * Eskay Corp., a subsidiary of Daifuku Co. Ltd., will change its name to SK Daifuku. Daifuku is the world's third largest material handling logistics company. Since its inception in 1990, Eskay has served as the North American arm of Daifukus...

FKI Logistics has signed a contract to provide Singapore's Changi Airport with a complete automated baggage handling system. (Business Briefs).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... * FKI Logistics has signed a contract to provide Singapore's Changi Airport with a complete automated baggage handling system. The contract, worth approximately $77 million, is the largest signed by FKI's baggage handling team since its...

OpenTable Inc. (Newsmakers).(appointed Joel Brown)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... * OpenTable Inc. appointed Joel Brown senior vice president of operations. Brown brings 20 years of technology management experience to his new position with the company. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor's degree in...

Neustar Inc. (Newsmakers).(appointed Michael Lach)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... * Neustar Inc. announced that Michael Lach joined the company as chief operating officer. Lach has 15 years experience in senior management in operations, engineering, information technology, and customer service. He earned his bachelor's...

Unica Corp. (Newsmakers).(appointed Richard M. Darer)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... * Unica Corp. named Richard M. Darer vice president and chief financial officer. Darer manages business and financial relationships in his new role. He attended Northeastern University to acquire his M.S. in industrial engineering and Harvard...

The Mony Group Inc. (Newsmakers).(elected David M. Thomas to board of directors)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... * The Mony Group Inc. elected David M. Thomas to its board of directors. He obtained his B.S. in industrial engineering and his M.S. in engineering from the University of Florida. Thomas serves as chairman and chief executive officer of IMS...

Putting state-of-art chips into production. (News).(new IBM semiconductor industry opening)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... New York Gov. George Pataki. joined IBM President and CEO Sam Palmisano in East Fishkill, N.Y., in July to announce the opening of a new IBM 300-millimeter semiconductor facility. The facility, touted to be the most advanced of its kind,...

Chip superpower. (News).(on China)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... With its chip production expected to increase by 42 percent annually, China has the potential to become a global semiconductor powerhouse by 2010. But according to McKinsey Quarterly, that semiconductor segment may achieve world-class status by...

Universities selected as NASA institutes. (News).
October 1, 2002... NASA's Office of Aerospace Technology, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Defense Research and Engineering Office, is establishing seven University Research Engineering and Technology Institutes, each in an area of long-term strategic...

Rochester Institute of Technology. (Education briefs).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... A dozen students from Universidad Catolica in Caracas, Venezuela, traveled to Rochester, N.Y., this summer to participate in an inaugural three-week manufacturing course at the Rochester Institute of Technology. They received instruction on...

Texas A&M University took a step forward with groundbreaking for the new Jack E. Brown Engineering Building in July. (Education Briefs).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... * Engineering at Texas A&M University took a step forward with groundbreaking for the new Jack E. Brown Engineering Building in July. The facility, scheduled for completion in 2004, will expand the engineering school's teaching and research...

The Institution of Engineers of Ireland has signed a partnership agreement for RedVector.com. (Education briefs).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... * The Institution of Engineers of Ireland has signed a partnership agreement for RedVector.com to provide online continuing education for professionals in the engineering, architectural, interior design, construction, landscape architecture,...

Graduate Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship. (Newsmakers).(Brian Lewis)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... Brian Lewis recieved the Graduate Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship, which entitles him to $10,000 in scholarship funds annually and $1 500 to attend the Annual Transportation Research Board Meeting. A five-year member of IIE,...

Optiant Inc. (Newsmakers).(Corey Billington)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... Optiant Inc. added Corey Billington, vice president of supply chain services at Hewlett-Packard, to its board of advisors. Billington earned his B.S. in engineering management at Claremont McKenna College and his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in...

Global Power Equipment Group Inc. (Newsmakers).(Jerry E. Ryan )
October 1, 2002... Jerry E. Ryan joined Global Power Equipment Group Inc.'s board of directors. Ryan, who has considerable experience in the heat recovery business, also serves on the boards of both Lone Star Technologies and AAON Inc. Ryan received his...

The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. (Newsmakers).(Dean Athanassiades)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society elected Dean Athanassiades to its nominating committee. Athanassiades, a nine-year member of IIE, works as a manager in the professional services operation at Philips Medical Systems. He...

Six pack or beer gut? (Test Yourself).
October 1, 2002... Is your company lean and muscular -- everyone understanding what the marketplace values and working harmoniously to position it as a leader -- or does it include layers of overfed managers who are more worried about controlling purses,...

Research and all that rubbish. (Site to See).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... JunkScience.com claims to present 'all the junk that's fit to debunk" at http://www.junkscience.com. Created by FoxNews.com columnist Steven Milloy, the site includes many of his recent articles, including an examination of Ground Zero...

Calendar.
October 1, 2002... OCTOBER October 17-18 * Pull Thinking course, Norcross, Ga. October 21-22 Management Skills for Warehouse Supervisors seminar, Cleveland: (630) 990-0001; wercoffice@werc.org; http://www.werc.org October 23-25 ...

What are the odds? (Performance Improvement).
October 1, 2002... It happens at least twice a year. The weekly lottery approaches the $50 million mark, and workplace discussions begin to focus on what it will take to hit the jackpot. People band together to sweeten the pot, and I invariably end up being asked...

The curse of superior intellect. (Management).
October 1, 2002... We live in the age of the knowledge worker. Before the postindustrial era, people with superior Intellect were not generally found in the rank-and-file work force. They were found at universities, in think tanks, and in staff positions at large...

The ABCs of 4PLs. (Logistics).
October 1, 2002... Fill in the blank: _____-party logistics. If your response was third, give yourself an "A" because you're familiar with a popular form of supply chain management. If your response was third and fourth, go to the head of the class...

Movies on demand: efficiency combines with new technology in Netflix's DVD rental service.
October 1, 2002... Space-age transports, computer-driven gadgets, and evolutionary science permeate moviemakers' portrayals of the future. Despite variations in theme -- from George Lucas' 1977 epic Star Wars to the recent Steven Spielberg hit Minority Report --...

The frugal ergonomist: the most creative fixes are often the simplest.
October 1, 2002... DRIVING AN OPTIMIZED GRIP The common screwdriver hasn't changed much in recent years. But some plastic tubing and strong tape turn a common screwdriver into... The torque generated by a screwdriver with a rounded hexagonal handle...

The office that lean built: applying cellular thinking to administrative work.
October 1, 2002... For the past two decades, companies have focused on cleaning up their manufacturing operations -- reorganizing the factory to produce better goods more quickly and at lower cost. Manufacturing cells, which place in proximity the people and...

Party patter primer: explaining what an IE does without boring people to tears.
October 1, 2002... There you are, standing at the cheese-and-cracker tray during a cocktail party, when someone asks, "What do you do?" "I'm an industrial engineer," you reply. "An industrial engineer?" and a blank smile is all you get in response. ...

Parallel machine scheduling. (Research Reports).
October 1, 2002... Motivated by a Japanese electronics manufacturer's need to improve the scheduling of its printed wiring board manufacturing line, Lian Yu, Heloisa M. Shih, Michele Pfund, W. Matthew Carlyle, and John E. Fowler studied the scheduling of the...

Sublot sizing. (Research Reports).
October 1, 2002... Lot splitting is a technique for accelerating the flow of work by splitting job lots into sublots. As a result, several operational performance measures can be improved, such as make span and flow time. These measures are associated with...

Paying for customer service. (Research Reports).
October 1, 2002... Customer service requirements -- in terms of product availability or fill rate -- and the willingness of customers to pay for such service in a supply chain can vary quite dramatically. The effective management of supply chains with...

Inventory control info. (Research Reports).
October 1, 2002... In making decisions about replenishing raw materials in the warehouse, it is normal to use information about the current level of inventory of raw materials. It would also be useful to have up-to-date information about the number of unfilled...

Encouraging the profession. (Focus on IIE).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... Industrial engineering prospers in Iowa. Thanks to the combined efforts of Iowa IIE chapters, all IEs in the state celebrated Industrial Engineering Month in September. To accomplish this designation, representatives from several Iowa...

Dallas is golden. (Focus on IIE).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... IIE's Dallas Chapter marks its 50th anniversary this year and will honor the accomplishment with a celebration. Chapter President Russ Aikman said the celebration is tentatively slated for Nov. 19, and organizers would like to hear from past...

Flying high. (Profile of a Winner).(Robert Carey)
October 1, 2002... An airline that plays your marimba music recordings on every flight may not be the typical industrial engineer's dream -- unless the industrial engineer is named Robert Carey. Carey hopes one day to combine his flight and percussion passions...

Stay in touch. (Focus).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... IIE distributes an increasing number or member benefits electronically. To guarantee that you receive important technical, professional, and benefit information, be sure your member record contains you current e-mail address. If you are not...

Roy's contributions honored by award. (Focus).(Robert H. Roy)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... The Baltimore Chapter of IIE created a new award in memory of a distinguished contributor to the profession of industrial engineering. The Robert H. Roy Medal recognizes graduates at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute who excel in both academics...

Improving management relationships: In other publications. (Focus).
October 1, 2002... Industrial Management, the official publication of IIE's Society for Engineering and Management Systems, helps readers implement change in companies and profiles what leading executives do to improve profits, products, and processes. Feature...

Membership campaign begins. (Focus).(Institute of Industrial Engineers)
October 1, 2002... October marks the beginning of IIE's six-month campaign to attract new members through chapters. Chapters will recruit as many new members as possible to earn awards and recognition. The percentage increase in membership between Oct. 1 and...

Make a contribution. (Focus).
October 1, 2002... The abstract submission deadline for presentations at IIE's Industrial Engineering Research Conference and Industrial Engineering Solutions Conference (better known as the IIE Annual Conference) are rapidly approaching. The deadline for...

Newest addition.(Cathy Gallegos and Nathaniel Elliah Gallegos, IIE Solutions)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... IIE Accounting Clerk Cathy Gallegos and her husband Art welcomed their first child a healthy baby boy, Aug 22. Nathaniel Elliah Gallegos arrived weighing exactly 8 pounds and measuring 19 inches. Gallegos has been on the IIE staff for three...

Fresh faces at headquarters. (Focus).(Institute of Industrial Engineers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... New talents abound at IIE headquarters as several key professionals joined the staff this summer to help promote the profession and improve the organization. Dave Barzler came to HE as marketing director. His duties include developing an...

Seminar sold out.(Institute of Industrial Engineers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... Instructor Larry Aft'led a full classroom through a comprehensive review of Six Sigma concepts during IIE's first fall seminar of the year. Because of the high demand, a second session for Six Sigma Green Belt Training has been scheduled for...

Partnering across continents. (Focus).(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers and Institute of Industrial Engineers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... IIE and the South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, an organization dedicated to professional development in industrial engineering and allied disciplines in the South African economy, announced an official partnership in September at...

Leading the way. (Focus).
October 1, 2002... IIE's Board of Trustees met in August to receive updates on financial news, headquarters activities, and membership. Hot topics included annual conference registration fees, new membership initiatives, and marketing strategies to promote the...

Listen to this. (Focus).(Marc Resnick, Institute of Industrial Engineers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... Was that an industrial engineering professor on the radio? An August broadcast of public radio's Future Tense program featured Marc Resnick, IIE's senior vice president of chapter operations and networking. Resnick, director of the...

Shs selects keynotes. (Focus).
October 1, 2002... The Society for Health Systems Management Engineering Forum, to be held in San Diego Feb. 7-8, 2008, announced the selection of keynote presenters. Drawing on his diverse background in medicine and manufacturing. John Long a partner with Lean...

Theft is unethical: break that news to employees to reduce petty pilfering. (Punchline).(human resource management)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... You can count on all of the employees being honest some of the time, but you can't count on some of the employees being honest all of the time. So suggests a study of worker ethics that finds nearly any worker will steal from an employer...

The story you are reading is not very interesting: but it may be useful. (Punchline).(bad news first than the good)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... It turns out the poet was wrong: It is not better to have loved and lost. In fact, the reverse would be a truer statement. Perhaps that's not what the operations researchers were driving at, but they have confirmed that people's reactions...