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.
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