A computer-based system for modelling component dependencies and identifying component modules is presented. A variation of the Dependency Structure Matrix (DSM) representation was used to model component dependencies. The system utilises a two-stage approach towards facilitating the identification of a hierarchical modular structure. The first stage calculates a value for a clustering criterio...

The objective of this article is to develop an empirically based framework for formulating and selecting a product launch strategy. Managers usually face Fuzzy decision scenarios. Traditional decision-making methods fail to satisfy a manager’s need in this regard. Thus, a hierarchical fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (Fuzzy MCDM) method for evaluating a new product launch strategy is propos...

We present an institution for UML state machines without hierarchical states. The interaction with UML class diagrams is handled via institutions for guards and actions, which provide dynamic components of states (such as valuations of attributes) but abstract away from details of class diagrams. We also study a notion of interleaving product, which captures the interaction of several state mac...

We present concepts of data-sparse tensor approximations to the functions and operators arising in many-particle models of quantum chemistry. Our approach is based on the systematic use of structured tensor-product representations where the low-dimensional components are represented in hierarchical or wavelet based matrix formats. The modern methods of tensor-product approximation in higher dim...

Quality and price was a major discriminator in the 1980’s. Now Time to market dictates. Global Competitiveness in manufacturing is characterized by an increasing rate of change of product specification. Complex and dynamic value chains and product and service delivery mechanisms match it. This paper presents a framework, which combines different lifecycles in a hierarchical structure to support...

In the paper, frameworks for electronic shopping of composite (modular) products are described: (a) multicriteria selection (product is considered as a whole system, it is a traditional approach), (b) combinatorial synthesis (composition) of the product from its components, (c) aggregation of the product from several selected products/prototypes. The following product model is examined: (i) gen...

The design of manufacturing planning and control systems is a strategic decision for manufacturing firms. In this paper we analyze the interrelationships among the choices of planning and control approaches at different hierarchical levels, including sales and operations planning (chase; level), master scheduling (make-to-order; assemble-to-order; make-to-stock), material planning (time-phased;...

Manufacturing is a challenging real-world domain for studying hierarchical MDP-based optimization algorithms. We have recently obtained very promising results using a hierarchical reinforcement learning based optimization algorithm for a 12-machine transfer line. Transfer lines model factory processes in automobile and many other product assembly plants. Unlike domains such as elevator scheduli...

An information model is presented that supports sharing of design definition data between the designs of completely configured variants within a product family. Design data sharing is supported across many levels of a design’s product structure hierarchy: A change in one subassembly component does not force the whole subassembly to be duplicated. This is achieved for completely configured model...

Abstract Purpose of this paper: The objectives of this paper are two folds: (1) utilizing hierarchical fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach to evaluate the most suitable RFID-based systems decision, and (2) to highlight key risks and benefits of radio frequency identification technology in healthcare industry. Design/methodology/approach: R...