System Assessment

It will be graded for completeness, creativity, and writing style (correct grammar, etc.).Use examples to make your points. Additional references can be used in addition to the assigned texts (highly encouraged).

This exam requires you to use all the material you covered during class (e.g., AHP, 7 tools, causal loops, etc.). The more concepts used correctly, the better the grade.

When answering identify key points and how do you apply them to the posed questions. Put some thought into your answer. There are no wrong answers to these question; however, there can be poorly written answers.

There is a lot of freedom in this problem set. The choices are yours to make. It follows the premise that I stated in class: have a solid analytical approach to the problem – let people challenge your assumptions but not your approach. I am looking for a demonstration that you understand the material.

Aubmit as a Word document (single spaced, Calibri, 12 point)

Causal Loop tool: http://vensim.com/vensim-personal-learning-edition/



Problem 1

The automobile means various things to different people. In many respects it depends upon where people are relative to the car as a system/subsystem. With that thought in mind, describe the automobile in terms of Hitchins 5 layer model. Don’t parrot the model back to me. Think about the car in context.



Problem 2

Assume that you are in need of a new car.

1. Write a prime directive for the new car.

2. What are the key requirements for the car? How do they relate to the prime directive? Which are the most important?

3. Lay out a QFD matrix for the car (use of Excel is ok). Are there any conflicts between the requirements and the solutions?

4. Layout an analytic hierarchy for the car. Which car would you choose?

5. Compare the results of the QFD to the AHP. For this type of decision which approach is best?



Problem 3

You are to select a new car from 3 alternatives and based on 4 criteria. You pick the alternatives and the criteria. You are expected to use the Pugh Matrix.



Problem 4

The government has mandated that, by 2020, all passenger automobiles should be able to achieve 35 mpg. Most automobile manufacturers advertise vehicles that meet or exceed this threshold today. Put yourself in the role of Chief Systems Engineer for the Dort Corporation, a maker of fine automobiles. There are several viable approaches to building such a car. Your task is to identify these choices and rank the alternatives with the goal of recommending a concept approach. Questions that need to be answered are how did you analyze your choices and select from among them (e.g., what impact do different propulsion systems have on the goal), what performance measures were used, and what is your preferred solution?





Two to three paragraphs write up for each problem, and I have attached a word document to include perspectives from different engineers (Hitchins, Parnell, Fabrycky..etc).