ASCI 530 Assgnment 2.4

Weeding Out a Solution, Assignment 2.4

Scenario summary: In an effort to shave costs by using off the shelf hardware while designing a crop dusting Unmanned Arial System (UAS)  both the Guidance Team and Payload Team have exceeded their assigned weight allotments.  The team’s initial discussions with the Systems Engineer clearly indicate neither group is willing to compromise.  

In this scenario the Systems Engineer, using his/her knowledge of the project and technical challenges must act in a decisive role (Terwilliger, Burgess, and Hernandez, 2014), mediating if needed, between engineering groups who are unwilling to compromise.  As the Systems Engineer one of my initial actions would be to pull all of the design groups together.  The meeting would be purposed as a team building effort (Lipman, 2014) to ensure all hands are aware of the issue and my evaluation of it.  I would reinforce that we work for the customer, with and not against each other and this is a team effort.  Specifically I would point out:

1.    Both teams failed to meet design specifications, this is not a discussion point or blame issue, just a statement of fact. 

2.    A compromise or redesign in one form or another will likely be needed and it will be achieved in the manner that makes the most sense from an engineering, safety and financial standpoint.

3. Compromise or redesign is not considered a failure.

4.    The overachiever in this scenario will be the team that solves the problem, not the team that walks away without compromise.  I would challenge them to be creative and resourceful.

From there we need to move forward and ascertain answers to specific questions.  Some but not all of the questions include (in no particular order):

         

1.    Were our initial design goals realistic or were they flawed?  I would not spend much time on this, just use it as stating point because at this stage that discussion won’t solve the problem.

2.    What is the cost of a custom design, either in whole or in part?  If the cost is acceptable to management or the customer the whole issue becomes moot.

Some areas to explore:

1.    Is there a lighter, more efficient power plant available or can we modify the existing power plant to reach the desired fuel consumption rate thereby reducing required fuel capacity thus regaining payload capacity?

2.    Are our fuel reserve requirements excessive?  What is the rationale?

3.    Can the airframe be modified to be more fuel-efficient?

4.    Are there other areas of design that can be modified, including parts substitution to achieve the same goal?

Ultimately I must answer 2 questions:

1.   What is the most economical (from both a component cost and production perspective) solution that meets the customer’s requirement while still meeting safety and performance requirements? 

2.   If we truly cannot meet the customer’s requirements what is the best compromise solution in terms of safety, performance and profit margin?

Throughout the process management must be kept in the loop as they will make margin decisions that may affect engineering’s options and of course, as the liaison with the customer, marketing must be kept informed.  When the project is completed I would generate an after action report detailing lessons learned (Koenig, 2012) for internal use.

References

Koenig, M.  (2012, May).  What is KM?  Knowledge management explained.  KM World.  Retrieved from http://www.kmworld.com/Articles/Editorial/What-Is-.../What-is-KM-Knowledge-Management-Explained-82405.aspx

Lipman, V.  (2014, August).  Simple steps for strong team building.  Forbes.  Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/victorlipman/2014/08/27/simple-steps-for-strong-team-building/

Terwilliger, B., Burgess, S., & Hernandez, D. (2013).  ASCI 530 Unmanned systems.  Module #2.  Global systems design concepts, requirements, and specifications overview.  Daytona Beach, FL: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Worldwide, College of Aeronautics.