Chiu‐Chi Wei, Ping‐Hung Liu and Chie‐Bein Chen
This study proposes a design automation system that integrates traditional segmental design processes into a solid unified system composed of need assessment, computer aided…
Abstract
This study proposes a design automation system that integrates traditional segmental design processes into a solid unified system composed of need assessment, computer aided design, computer aided engineering and rapid prototyping. The system utilizes the computer network in conjunction with the quality function deployment technique coupled with a well designed expert system to precisely transform customers’ needs into producible product specification. The product is then displayed using a three‐dimensional representation and simulated through numerical analysis using a finite element method. The resulting feasible design alternative is finally linked to the rapid prototyper to produce the sample object. The use of the system is believed to greatly reduce R&D cost and significantly shorten the product design cycle, while closely meeting the customer’s needs.
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Chiu-Chi Wei, Ming-Chun Lai, Chiou-Shuei Wei and Li-Hui Peng
– This paper aims to construct for the first time a link between the project members' assignment and personality balance.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to construct for the first time a link between the project members' assignment and personality balance.
Design/methodology/approach
This study develops a project assignment quantitative model that maximizes the team's personality balance while meeting the capability requirements.
Findings
The findings indicate that a more balanced project team that contributes to project performance can be obtained before project starts.
Research limitations/implications
This paper is limited to the exploration of Belbin's personality types. However, it offers a generic approach that can be applied to other personality categorization.
Practical implications
The paper helps practitioners form a personality balanced project team to improve the project performance by reducing the complexity of project communication and problem solving.
Originality/value
The paper develops for the first time a project assignment model that considers both capability and personality and allocates project personnel in such a way that the most suitable personnel is selected from a group of qualified capable candidates, to increase the possibility of success for the project.
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Examines the growth in the use of, and versatility of industrial robotsworldwide and looks at the current situation in Taiwan, which is reported tohave the highest annual growth…
Abstract
Examines the growth in the use of, and versatility of industrial robots worldwide and looks at the current situation in Taiwan, which is reported to have the highest annual growth rate of robots. With a shortage of manpower, Taiwan sees automation as its best alternative, particularly in the automotive industry. Discusses robot research and development in Taiwan and compares it with other countries with regard to robotic technologies. Concludes that the number of robots deployed in the country will probably increase, allowing its industries to compete globally despite its manpower shortage.
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Chiu‐Chi Wei, Yeong‐Hoang Lee and Ching‐Liang Chang
Proposes a new formulation for allocating process tolerances. The major contribution of the model is to assign tolerances with maximization of the conformance rate of the entire…
Abstract
Proposes a new formulation for allocating process tolerances. The major contribution of the model is to assign tolerances with maximization of the conformance rate of the entire process. The cumulative standard normal probability is used to estimate the scrap rate of each operation with respect to the machining accuracy of equipment, therefore, the design engineers are able to predict the failure rate before production. Results of comparison with other methods indicate that the proposed model can cost‐effectively assign tolerances.
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Nen‐Ting Huang, Chiu‐Chi Wei and Wei‐Kou Chang
To propose a model which can demonstrate the knowledge diffusion phenomenon in the community of practice.
Abstract
Purpose
To propose a model which can demonstrate the knowledge diffusion phenomenon in the community of practice.
Design/methodology/approach
An algorithm has been developed to illustrate the processes of knowledge diffusion between knowledge workers, and factor the coefficients of distance, willingness, motivation, and ability of comprehension and expression. Besides, two types of knowledge diffusion are proposed, i.e. the knowledge sharing and the knowledge discussion.
Findings
Change of knowledge worker will affect the knowledge diffusion within community of practice. The knowledge level of knowledge workers will be increased if more members join the community of practice, and vice versa. Besides, the development of knowledge workers will be constrained by the budget allocated and time available.
Research limitations/implications
The model developed is one of the few research papers that can quantify the knowledge diffusion within community of practice.
Practical implications
The development of knowledge workers can be tangibly measured and linked to the budget and time constraints, as a result, the enterprises can plan, predict and improve the knowledge management initiate.
Originality/value
Previous papers are mostly descriptive in nature, and they are too abstract to be tangibly understood. The model proposed eliminates the drawbacks and expand the research areas by using a mathematical model.
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Tolerance assignment plays a vital role in reducing the manufacturing cost, and most optimization models for assigning the tolerances tend to ignore the process capability of the…
Abstract
Tolerance assignment plays a vital role in reducing the manufacturing cost, and most optimization models for assigning the tolerances tend to ignore the process capability of the machine. Therefore, the quality loss due to nonconforming parts can be unacceptably high. Proposes a non‐linear mathematical programming model for determining the component tolerances by simultaneously formulating the component’s manufacturing cost, the machine’s process capability and scrap rate. Includes a comparison between the results obtained by the proposed model and the traditional method.
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Chiu‐Chi Wei, Ali K. Kamrani and Henry Wiebe
Develops a graphic simulation system in conjunction with a kinematicerror model to assist management in making investment decisions. UsesTaguchi‐type experimental design to…
Abstract
Develops a graphic simulation system in conjunction with a kinematic error model to assist management in making investment decisions. Uses Taguchi‐type experimental design to predict the robot process capability. Two sets of charts are created by the system to represent the repeatability and accuracy of the robot performing a given operation. These charts are, first, histograms in the x, y, and z directions and, second, scattered ellipses in the xy, yz, and xz planes. Central to the system are three characteristics: a description of the geometric error and of the kinematic error; a common function to request and display a robot moving from one position to the next; and a family of charts showing the capability of the robot implementing a given task. The results provided by the system can help management to analyse robot projects concerning robot selection and implement action in a more systematic manner.
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Chiu‐Chi Wei, Su‐Hui Chen and Yu‐Chen Lee
The purpose of this paper is to propose a mathematical model that can quantitatively and vividly measure the current capability of enterprises by evaluating their existing…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a mathematical model that can quantitatively and vividly measure the current capability of enterprises by evaluating their existing knowledge inventory.
Design/methodology/approach
Knowledge management starts from assessing the current position of enterprises, visioning future intention, and then specifying knowledge objectives and formulating knowledge strategies. Along with this process, a critical component that must be realized in order to assist management in determining knowledge objective and strategies is the assessment of existing knowledge inventory.
Findings
The paper finds that enterprises can better position themselves by deciding realistic objectives and formulating achievable strategies.
Research limitations/implications
The force that drives human history from agricultural age to industrial age, information age, and finally to the knowledge age was innovation, and the crucial element determining the level of products and services innovation lies in people. In other words, all innovations come from human resources, and knowledge enables human beings to be creative. Especially, in this global era with stiff competition, enterprises should create, manage and preserve knowledge better than their competitors in order to maintain competitive advantage, and therefore remain ever‐lasting existence.
Practical implications
Previous investigations mainly employed qualitative methods, such as questionnaire survey and in‐depth interviews, to explore knowledge management performance of enterprises.
Originality/value
The paper shows that by categorizing the knowledge inventory in terms of knowledge depth and width, enterprises would be able to formulate suitable knowledge strategies of accumulation, widening, deepening, or strengthening and specify proper learning strategies to bridge the knowledge gap to cope with the competition.
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Ching‐Liang Chang, Chiu‐Chi Wei and Yeong‐Hoang Lee
Traditional failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) determines the risk priority number by finding the multiplication of factor scores that are converted from the probability or…
Abstract
Traditional failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) determines the risk priority number by finding the multiplication of factor scores that are converted from the probability or degree of problem occurrence without considering the relative importance of factors. This study applies fuzzy theory to eliminate the conversion debate by directly evaluating the linguistic assessment of factors, and uses grey theory to obtain risk priority number by assigning relative weighting coefficient without any utility function. Results of the illustrative example show that concurrent application of fuzzy method and grey theory can solve the problems that have arisen from conventional FMEA, and can efficiently discover the potential failure modes and effects. Indicates that, as a result, the stability of product and process can be assured.
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Ching‐Liang Chang, Ping‐Hung Liu and Chiu‐Chi Wei
Conventional FMEA determines a risk priority number by multiplying the scores of three factors. However, the scores are obtained from subjective linguistic assessment, and the…
Abstract
Conventional FMEA determines a risk priority number by multiplying the scores of three factors. However, the scores are obtained from subjective linguistic assessment, and the relative importance of factors is not considered. To improve the effectiveness, this study applies the grey theory to the failure mode and effects analysis. The results show that grey theory is much easier and more unbiased than traditional FMEA, and it can enhance product reliability and process stability by discovering potential problems during the stages of the product design and process planning.