Evaluating the Systems Engineering Problem Management Process for Industrial Manufacturing Problems

Abstract

Problems are ever‐present in nearly all engineered systems. A Systems Engineering Problem Management Process (SEPMP) has been proposed, and this research presents empirical evidence to support its validity. In order to evaluate the SEPMP, which uses a risk management style matrix to monitor problem timeliness and impact, it is necessary to determine the importance of communicating these components of the SEPMP model. A correlation and regression analysis is employed using existing empirical problem data and an analysis including communication of impact and timeliness components as independent variables. The dependent variable is the effectiveness of problem management, modeled as a measurement of the problem timeliness, implemented process improvements, training completed, and process delay as a result of the problem. Communication of timeliness and communication of impact are demonstrated to be significantly predictive of effective problem management. Finally, a plan for continued research is presented, including suggested future analyses to include additional empirical research and case studies of the implementation of a comprehensive problem management process, all of which may encourage acceptance of the SEPMP as a standard systems engineering tool.

Model of non-conforming product feature as a tool for selecting product groups with the greatest impact on quality in production processes

“…The technical category concerns problems related to production technology, planning is related to tasks not completed on time, cost problems define problems higher than planned costs, or deficiencies in the budget, safety and the environment group problems directly affecting health and life, and indirectly also costs and delays, software are all the problems that affect the process, but are outside the production system and often beyond the company's control [6], [7], [8]. In addition to the above five problem categories, Dennis A. Perry distinguishes the categories of quality, legality and employee commitment, and notes that during his research, some environmental problems were more closely related to technical problems than safety [9]. At the same time, his research on 314 problems in a manufacturing enterprise shows that most problems fall into at least two categories.…”

“…At the same time, his research on 314 problems in a manufacturing enterprise shows that most problems fall into at least two categories. The most broad categories are cost and planning [9]. In other words, each problem had an impact on costs and the work schedule.…”