New Content

Throughout the year we will be adding new content to the Space Systems Engineering website. Specifically, you can look forward to 12 new course modules developed by various NASA-sponsored faculty, a graduate-level systems engineering course, and a case study on the International Space Station.

Modules:
1.
Design for Manufacturability | 2. Virtual Teams | 3. Make vs Buy | 4. Maintainability | 5. Logistics

| 6. Human Factors | 7. Human Factors and Ergonomics | 8. The Role of Optimization in Systems Engineering

| 9. Commercial Systems Engineering


The goal of this module is to teach the students the importance of considering the manufacture of a system (or subsystem or component) at the very start of the development effort. The ability (or inability) to build the design should be a significant factor in the design decision-making.

Credit:

Kurt Colvin, Ph.D., P.E.
College of Engineering
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

About the DFM module:

This module was developed to be delivered as a hybrid course (face to face meetings with additional content avaiable online). It is formatted to be readily loaded into the BlackBoard(tm) eLearning system. However, it is easily usable with no eLearning system. Quizzes are formated as Excel files, which can be output as tab-delimited files, which load direclty into Blackboard. This formmating will have to be modified to print quizzes direclty.

100 Points Possible: 50 for reading quizzes, 50 for HW assign.

Files included in this module:

  • 0-ReadMe.txt
  • AMELIA.SLDPRT - SoildWorks CAD model of AMELIA Project Discussed in GraduateLevelRecommendations.doc
  • Bibliography-Books.docx - Book Bibliography for this topic
  • DFM(Lec1).pptx- Powerpoint slides for Lecture 1
  • DFM(Lec2).pptx- Powerpoint slides for Lecture 2
  • GraduateLevelRecommendations.doc - possible enhancements for a graduate level course
  • HW.doc - Homework assignments for this module
  • Module_Outline.doc - Overview and organization of this module


Folder: /Reading-Quizzes/

  • 5-Reading assignments (in .pdf format)
  • 5-quizzes to verify reading was accomplished (in .xls format)
  • 4-Reference articles (in .pdf format)


Folder: /Reading-Quizzes/Additional_References/

  • 25 - Related DFM/DFA publications that were used as reference for the research on this module. (in .doc or .pdf format)


Click above image to download the DFM Module (.zip format, 50 MB).
Note: AMELIA.SLDPRT is a SolidWorks CAD file. Click here to download a free viewer for this file.


The goal of this module is to teach the students about working in teams, particularly virtual teams — from communication techniques to methods for member selection to relevant technologies to enable the virtual environment.

Credit:

Kurt Colvin, Ph.D., P.E.
College of Engineering
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

About the Virtual Teams module:

This module was developed to be delivered as a hybrid course (face to face meetings with additional content avaiable online). It is formatted to be readily loaded into the BlackBoard(tm) eLearning system. However, it is easily usable with no eLearning system. Quizzes are formated as Excel files, which can be output as tab-delimited files, which load direclty into Blackboard. This formmating will have to be modified to print quizzes direclty.

100 Points Possible: 50 for reading quizzes, 50 for HW assign.

Files included in this module:

  • 0-ReadMe.txt
  • GraduateLevelRecommendations.doc - possible enhancements for a graduate level course
  • HW-Assign-VirtualCommsTool.doc - HW assignment (same as last slide in lecture 2
  • Module02.doc - Overview and organization of this module
  • Organizations-Resources.doc - Resources for background information on this topic
  • VirtualTeams(lec1).ppt - Powerpoint slides for Lecture 1
  • VirtualTeams(lec1-Notes).ppt - Notes to accompany Powerpoint slides
  • VirtualTeams(lec2).ppt - Powerpoint slides for lecture 2
  • VirtualTeams(lec2-Notes).ppt - Notes to accompany Powerpoint slides
  • VirtualTeamScreeningTool.pdf - Screening tool used in class


Folder: /Reading-Quizzes/

  • 4-Reading assignments (in .pdf format)
  • 2-Reference articles (in .pdf format)
  • 5-quizzes to verify reading was accomplished (in .xls format)


Folder: /Reading-Quizzes/AdditionalReferencePapers/

  • 12 - Related Virtual Team articles that were used as reference for the research on this module. (in .pdf format)


Click above image to download the Virtual Teams Module (.zip format, 45 MB).


This module is an introduction to the make vs. buy decision. Should a system developer (organization, company) outsource part or all of its work to outside contractors?  While the initial thought might be the decision is strictly cost-based, many other factors are important to consider.

Credit:

Kurt Colvin, Ph.D., P.E.
College of Engineering
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

About the Make vs Buy module:

This module was developed to be delivered as a hybrid course (face to face meetings with additional content avaiable online). It is formatted to be readily loaded into the BlackBoard(tm) eLearning system. However, it is easily usable with no eLearning system. Quizzes are formated as Excel files, which can be output as tab-delimited files, which load direclty into Blackboard. This formmating will have to be improved to print quizzes direclty.

Files included in this module:

  • GraduateLevelRecommendations.doc - recommendatons for a grad course
  • HW-Assign-MakeVsBuyHW(SLOAC).doc - homework assignment
  • HW-Assign-MakeVsBuyHW(solution).doc - possible response for HW assignment
  • MakeVsBuy(Lec1).ppt - Lecture 1 slides
  • MakeVsBuy(Lec1-Notes).doc - lecture 1 slide notes
  • MakeVsBuy(Lec2).ppt - Lecture 2 slides
  • Module01.doc - Outline of module
  • ModelTFord(Quiz).xls - Quiz for to verify watching related video
  • Organizations-Resources.doc - List of resources for module
  • TheWorldIsFlatSummary(Lec1).doc - Class handout to assist with the inclass discussion of "The World is Flat."
  • TheWorldIsFlat(Quiz).xls - Quiz to verity watching related video


Folder: Reading-Quizzes

  • 8-Reading assignments (in .pdf format)
  • 5-quizzes to verify reading was accomplished (in .xls format)


Click above image to download the Make vs Buy Module (.zip format, 17.9 MB).
Videos: The World is Flat and Ford Model T


This module introduces the importance of maintainability as an engineering discipline within systems engineering.  Key maintainability concepts and measures are discussed, such as preventive maintenance vs. corrective maintenance, mean-time-between-maintenance, and maintenance time.

Credit:

Mingzhou Jin, Ph.D.
Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Mississippi State University

About the Maintainability module:

This module was developed to be delivered as a face to face meeting. It is formatted to be readily loaded into the BlackBoard(tm) eLearning system. However, it is easily usable with no eLearning system.

Files included in this module:

  • Recommendations for a Graduate.docx - recommendations for a grad course
  • HW.doc / HW.pdf - homework assignment
  • answer.docx / answer.pdf - solutions for HW assignment
  • Maintainability_Module_V1.0.pptx - Lecture slides
  • Reference List.docx - List of readings and references for module


Folder: Reading Material

  • Reading assignments (in .pdf format)


Click above image to download the Maintainability Module (.zip format, 20.3 MB).


This module introduces the importance of logistics support as an engineering discipline within systems engineering that should be addressed throughout the system life cycle.  Key logistics concepts and measures are discussed, such as integrated logistics support, supply chain management, logistics support analysis, and supportability test and evaluation.

Credit:

Mingzhou Jin, Ph.D.
Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Mississippi State University

About the Maintainability module:

This module was developed to be delivered as a face to face meeting. It is formatted to be readily loaded into the BlackBoard(tm) eLearning system. However, it is easily usable with no eLearning system.

Files included in this module:

  • 0-ReadMe-logistics.txt
  • Recommendations for a Graduate.docx - recommendations for a grad course
  • HW.doc / HW.pdf - homework assignment
  • answer.docx / answer.pdf - solutions for HW assignment
  • Logistics_Module_V1.0.pptx - Lecture slides
  • Reference List.docx - List of readings and references for module


Folder: Reading Material

  • Reading assignments (in .pdf format)


Click above image to download the Logistics Module (.zip format, 43.2 MB).


This module introduces the importance of human factors engineering as an engineering discipline within systems engineering. Key human factors concepts are discussed, such as user capabilities, human error, usability evaluation, and human factors design. The module also introduces the application of human factors concepts towards the improvement of human-centered systems in space systems.

Credit:

Lesley Strawderman, Ph.D.
Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Mississippi State University

About the Human Factors module:

This module was developed to be delivered as a face to face meeting. It is formatted to be readily loaded into the BlackBoard(tm) eLearning system. However, it is easily usable with no eLearning system.

Files included in this module:

  • 0-ReadMe-human-factors.txt
  • Recommendations for a Graduate.docx - recommendations for a grad course.
  • HW.doc / HW.pdf - homework assignment
  • HumanFactors_Module_V1.0.pptx - Lecture slides
  • Reference List.docx - List of readings and references for module


Click above image to download the Human Factors Module (.zip format, 2.6 MB).


This topic is addressed in three coordinated modules. Key concepts include: Perspectives on Systems Engineering and Human-Systems Integration; Human Factors and Ergonomics of the Human As Complex System; Cognitive Work Design and Supervisory Control Systems. Materials also include teaching these concepts through Lego supplements.

Credit:

Barrett S. Caldwell, PhD
Associate Professor, Industrial Engineering / Aeronautics & Astronautics
Purdue University
Director, Indiana Space Grant Consortium

About the Human Factors and Ergonomics module:

This set of 3 modules was developed to be delivered as a face to face meeting. It is formatted to be readily loaded into the BlackBoard(tm) eLearning system. However, it is easily usable with no eLearning system.

Files included in this module:

  • 0-ReadMe-HFE.docx


Folders included in this module:

  • Homework - 3 files
  • Lego Supplements - 3 files
  • Readings/References - 22 files
  • Teaching Modules - 6 files
    • 0-ReadMe-HFE.docx
    • Homework - 3 files
    • Lego Supplements - 3 files
    • Readings/References - 22 files
    • Teaching Modules - 6 files


    • Click above image to download the Human Factors and Ergonomics Module (.zip format, 15.1 MB)


  • This topic is addressed in three coordinated modules: 1) Classical Optimization (ClassOp); 2) Trending, Genetic Algorithms and Monte Carlo Methods (TGA&MC); and 3) Heuristics. Each module was designed to stand alone (as are sections of the second module), although the underlying theme of seeking one of multiple possible solutions (designs) in n-dimensional space will receive less emphasis. An overview of classical optimization methods for single variable and multi-variable design optimization is presented to provide foundational ideas. The second module presents three different situations in which multiple possible designs are compared, derived, or simulated. The final module examines the application of heuristics for decision-making in early concept development. A variety of examples are included throughout, along with links and references for more study in the notes sections of the slides.

    Credit:

    Suzanne Weaver Smith, PhD, P.E.
    Donald and Gertrude Lester Professor of Mechanical Engineering
    University of Kentucky
    Director, NASA Kentucky Space Grant Consortium
    and
    Jamey D. Jacob, PhD, P.E.
    Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
    Oklahoma State University

    About the Optimization modules:

    This set of 3 modules was developed to be delivered as a face-to-face  
    meeting. It was not formatted for loading into the BlackBoard(tm)  
    eLearning system but could be given its electronic format.

    Files included for these modules:

    •    Teaching Modules - 6 files (1 each ppt; 1 each pdf of notes pages format)
    •    Homework Assignments - 3 files
    •    Homework Solutions - 2 files
    •    Readings/References - 2 files


    Click above image to download the Optimization Module (.zip format, 23.6 MB).

    The goal of this module is to teach the students about systems engineering practices from the commercial industry perspective. The materials draw comparisons between commercial and government systems engineering, particularly as applied to aircraft systems. The module also contrasts approaches within commercial systems engineering using Boeing and Toyota as examples.

    Credit:

    Kurt Colvin, Ph.D., P.E.
    College of Engineering
    Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

    About the DFM module:

    This module was developed to be delivered as a hybrid course (face-to-face meetings with additional content available online). It is formatted to be readily loaded into the BlackBoard (tm) eLearning system. However, it is easily usable with no eLearning system. Quizzes are formatted to be administered on-line or in printed form. There are 3 quizzes related to the lectures and 3 quizzes related to the readings. In addition to numerous related readings and references on this topic, a podcast is included as well.


    Click above image to download the Optimization Module (.zip format, 110 MB).


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