PhD, EngD, MPhil and MSc by research theses (SIMS)

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Open Access
Application of MOKA informal knowledge models for building knowledge based engineering systems in aircraft wind tunnel test models
(2004-09) Lam, Diem Huynh; Fan, Ip-Shing
Knowledge based engineering (KBE) applications are softwares that rely on some well defined engineering rules, relationships and logics for performing generative engineering tasks. A generative function is a function that is responsible for performing and obtaining generative tasks and solutions based on the given rules, relationships and logics. Presently, it is considered that there is a lack of visibility, transparency, traceability and accountability when KBE applications are used. The present research programme aims to overcome this problem by developing and integrating the knowledge model with the design automation model of KBE applications. Thus, the inner working and design of the generative function with its engineering rules and relationships defined for the KBE application may be readily seen and understood by viewing the knowledge models. Consequently, this means a degree of visibility, traceability and accountability is achieved when KBE applications are used to perform generative engineering designs. The knowledge model has been developed in accordance with the European MOKA’s methodology and takes the form of an informal knowledge model (ICARE forms). The knowledge model (ICARE forms) serves the purpose of defining how products/assemblies/parts should be designed, processed and manufactured within a set of prescribed illustrations, constraints, activities, rules and entities. The CATIA (Knowledgeware) KBE application is used by the present study and the design automation model residing on the KBE application has been developed using the Knowledgeware programming language, VBScript, macros and CAA IDL API, which allow a series of modelling and design tasks to be automated. The research programme is validated by means of a case study involving an aircraft wing model supplied by industrial collaboration partners. The present study shows that KBE technology may be used to produce substantial commercial benefits in terms of time, cost and speed. The study believes that the MOKA’s methodology and ICARE forms may be used to capture knowledge for KBE applications but there is a limit on how well, easy and complete the ICARE forms can be used to depict the engineering rules and relationships that have been defined for the generative design function of KBE applications. Parts of the work presented in this study have been demonstrated to the industrial collaborators and included in a consortium confidential DTI’s research project grant report (DTI’s ref. no. CHAD/002/00008) [1] on the use of KBE systems.
Open Access
The best practice for virtual conference / discussion in high technology area
(2002-09) Ling, Daniel; Roy, Rajkumar; Taratoukhine, V.
This thesis presents analysis of virtual conference. It describes the virtual AS-IS process model, the user groups and the features that are concerned with virtual conferencing. An analysis of asynchronous Vs synchronous conferencing for a high technology business environment is presented. The identified best practise for virtual conference in high technology area and the resulting best practice checklist for virtual conference management and development are determined.
Open Access
Defining a modular approach for mapping and documenting of Manufacturing Engineering process.
(1999-09) Cowdry, Henry; Roy, Rajkumar
Traditionally, enterprise and functional process understanding were not considered a priority in the Aerospace industry. The build of an aircraft was carried out sequentially. Now, due to increased competitive and customer pressure, time to market has been reduced. Work must be carried out concurrently to satisfy these new competitive forces. In recent years there has been a focus on Business Process Reengineering (BPR). The solution is to have a clear idea of sequence and clear toplevel process defined. Therefore it is imperative to have a clear framework to capture the process. The research demonstrates the development of a methodology to capture process within a major aircraft manufacturer. The research starts by looking at the present practices across the whole organisation. Examination of the present working practices within the organisation facilitated an objective analysis of three modelling techniques within different working groups. This fragmentation was addressed through the presentation of a generic framework. Condition of Supply processes was modelled as a demonstration to the organisations’ practitioners. Through consultation with practitioners from the working groups framework benefits were realised; • Understanding of mapping organisational processes • Generic technique for capturing working processes • Continuation of framework • Future opportunities. Conclusions highlight that the proposed framework is adaptable and easy to use, addressing user requirements; top management and operational level staff. Furthermore maps generated utilising the framework provides capability of drilling down, detailing lower level processes.
Open Access
Design of and development a diamond fly-cutting system
(2005) Jarrett, James; Shore, Paul
This thesis presents a conceptual design, for a single point diamond fly-cutting system. This design is based on the performance of an existing, diamond facing lathe. The design requirements for a precision machine tool have been considered, and a deterministic design philosophy has been adopted. The error motions within the diamond facing lathe are considered as effects, generated by defined causes. These causes include geometric, kinematic and dynamic sources. Diamond turning and flycutting processes have been compared and consideration has been given to the process influences, including variations in; diamond tool geometries, cutting forces, rotational error motions and the process characteristics required for an optimal surface finish. A single point diamond facing lathe has been refurbished and the dynamic error motions of this machine tool have been analysed, using different techniques. The stiffness properties have also been investigated, which indicate how the performance of the machine tool has been affected over time and during the refurbishment process. The dynamic error motions have been used to generate a set of technical specifications, governing the design of the fly-cutting system. A design concept has been presented and optimised. This includes a fly-cutting head, with a quick release tool holder based on a kinematically located side locking clamp. A design concept for a dynamic workpiece holder has also been presented, which monitors the error motions of the machine tool and orientates the workpiece accordingly. A three pair flexure system has been simulated to orientate the workpiece. Consideration has been given to mounting the workpiece, feedback transducers and the design of the control system. This thesis has provided the initial steps in the design of a single point diamond flycutting system. A further stage of development work is required to complete a detailed design.
Open Access
The development of a sustainability tool
(2005-09) Sasaki, S; Dewberry, Emma
This study examines the potential for ICI Paints, a paint and coating manufacturer, to move their products towards greater sustainability. A brief review of the tools and techniques currently in use to encourage sustainable outputs is given. A new tool is proposed and developed that combines the principles from The Natural Step (TNS) and the streamlined life-cycle analysis concept. Using a matrix to contain TNS’s four system conditions, which measure sustainability in four scientific principles, against five lifecycle stages, a ‘snapshot’ of the sustainability profile of paint can be efficiently determined. Study methods included semi-structured interviews with ICI Paints employees representing different stages of the paint life-cycle. Significantly, despite being a leader in paint innovation and a Dow Jones Sustainability member, ICI Paints had performed very little life-cycle work in the past few decades. The development ofthe snapshot tool was made up ofthree areas: setting the context by understanding ICI Paints sustainability needs; meeting the sustainability needs through the development ofthe snapshot tool; finding where and how the snapshot tool could be useful to ICI Paints. By extracting common themes from interviews and secondary data, the main finding which over-arched all three objectives was the tool’s potential in communicating sustainable messages to generalist and specialist audiences. Other themes included the usefulness of the tool in sustainability focused risk management strategies. Future work includes reviewing and testing the snapshot tool in workshops.
Open Access
Development of an objective evaluation framework with subjective impact
(1999-09) Taylor, J. P.; Roy, Rajkumar
Multimedia technologies are finding new and advanced uses within the modern organisation. From a strategic perspective, these organisations realise techhology contributes to enhance productivity and operational success. However, to embrace technology without recourse to those who ultimately utilise such facilities, could effectively jeopardize the up-take of new improved working practices. Sir Paul Condon: Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis has been noted within MetView (1999) for the following statements: • “Technology is playing an ever increasing role in modern policing methods and has been responsible for many of our current successes” • "Good and innovative policing, and good and innovative technology cannot be separated”. To continue this success there is a need within a modern policing organisation to develop an objective framework for evaluating multimedia technologies. This framework will give recognition to subjective user issues that are necessary to contribute towards the partnership that exists between innovative policing and innovative technology. This research presents a framework that achieves specific business requirements outlined by a technology aware department within a police organisation. Three research objectives were completed. These objectives are: - Provide a business process for evaluating multimedia technologies in a way that is repeatable and unbiased - Provide a sound foundation that accounts for the typical user of multimedia technologies - Aid towards increased user satisfaction and confidence. Conclusions detail the objective evaluation framework with subjective impact, reference to a business process and considerations for a modern policing organisation on a way forward
Open Access
The effect of ultrasonic sludge pre-treatment on anaerobic digestion
(1998-09-11) Scott, Joanna Ruth; Quarmby, Joanne
As sewage sludge dumping at sea is banned from 31st December 1998, water companies are having to find alternative outlets for large volumes of sludge. This project looks at a method of improving the conventional sludge treatment process of anaerobic sludge digestion, by pre-treating sludge with ultrasound. Ultrasound produces cavitation, which breaks up sludge solids, making it easier for bacteria to utilise them. In theory, this leads to a greater reduction in volatile solids and an increase in the volume of methane produced. Sludge was thickened in a drum thickener and passed through a Nearfield Acoustical Processor (NAP-3606-HP-TC) ultrasound generator. Two different intensities were used, 5 amps and 16 amps. Sludge was then placed into the respective holding tanks of three 100 litre (1) capacity pilot scale digesters. Sludge treated at 5 amps was supplied to the first digester, sludge treated at 16 amps was supplied to the second digester, and the third digester received unsonicated sludge. Batch digestion tests, soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) tests and capillary suction time (CST) tests were also carried out. No major differences in gas production or volatile solids reduction were found between the three pilot scale digesters, possibly because the effects of sonication were negated during the sludge storage stage, due to shearing by the mixing device. However, the batch tests, soluble COD tests and CST tests carried out all showed that sonication had a marked effect. The CST tests showed that sonication made sludge harder to dewater, before and after subsequent digestion. Future work should include a more detailed investigation into the effects of sonication on sludge dewaterability. This is because a pre-treatment process that produces a sludge that cannot be dewatered may not be economically viable, despite any advantages of the pre-treatment process.
Open Access
ERP system upgrade: an analysis of the costs, benefits and requirements
(2002-09) Shaw, C.; Greenough, Richard
This project looks at the feasibility of the high performance vehicle manufacturer, Ray Mallock Limited (RML), upgrading their current version of their Frontstep produced Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system from version 4 to the latest version 6. The project outlines a cost benefit analysis of the upgrade so RML can see the value of the new features of the system and weigh these up with the costs that would be incurred. The project then goes on to look at the risks that RML would face if they chose to upgrade or not to upgrade the ERP system and the timescales of the upgrade process. Finally, some suggestions are made to ensure that RML can take full advantage of their current system while being in a position to upgrade effectively in the future. After considerable analysis, this report suggests that an upgrade at this point in time for RML is not a viable option due to the high cost and high risk of the project. In addition, this project suggests that that an ERP system needs management and development on an ongoing basis to ensure that a company is in a strong position to take advantage of new versions without having to incur high risks and even higher costs. The ongoing costs of an ERP system are significant and often misjudged by many companies during the implementation phase, especially if they want to stay on the support contracts as they become tied to an upgrade path dictated by the supplier. Companies must also ensure that they are in a position to take advantage of the upgrades and do not lose skills within the business to manage a change of this nature and they have the business and IT infrastructure in place to support the upgrade.
Open Access
Experimental and finite element draping simulation for non-crimp and twill fabrics
(2002-09) Creech, G; Pickett, A. K.
For low cost and high volume composite manufacture, Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) techniques such as Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) are of increasing industrial interest. These techniques involve draping of fabric reinforcement layers into a mould for subsequent resin transfer. For composite materials to compete with metals in low cost, high volume manufacture, valid simulation of this fabric draping is necessary to ascertain if a fabric can be draped without forming defects. Additional permeability and mechanical analysis is reliant upon accuracy in this initial simulation stage. Therefore, this study experimentally and numerically investigates the deformation mechanisms of a woven 2/2 twill fabric and Non-Crimp Fabric (NCF) with the aim of validating a draping simulation code. PAMFORM™ is used as the basis for this work. A material model included in the code is investigated for the 2/2 twill, while a new NCF material representation is proposed to account for additional through thickness stitching constraints. Draping trials over a double hemisphere mould are conducted for final validation of material data calibrated through an extensive testing programme. Both bias extension and picture frame tests are conducted to characterise the shear behaviour of each material
Open Access
Generic proposals to increase productivity using discrete-event simulation for Ford Motor Company
(2006-09) Marsden, Ryan; Benny, Tjahjono
The research project was carried out in conjunction with Ford Motor Company and Cranfield University. This research project has demonstrated partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master Degree of Science. The project uses discrete simulation techniques to carry out experimentation with an aim of developing generic solutions to increase productivity and output of manufacturing transfer lines within the Ford group. In this highly competitive era for manufacturing where the profit margins tighten each year, Ford and other automotive companies are striving to ensure they produce products that are not only desirable to the consumer but also profitable. Every year senior management at Ford expect an increase in output for each line. This means that investigations must be carried out using simulation to formulate generic ideas and proposals to optimise and increase the output of a number of machining lines. Increasing manufacturing outputs reduces the unit cost per part; therefore there is an increase on the profit margin for each unit sold. Based on the experimental data collected from the research project, three manufacturing lines have been optimised to maximise their productivity. The solutions were then developed into business cases which were produced in line with Ford’s strict investment criteria and as a result each of the three lines should have its annual output increased by more than 5%, with a pay back period of under a year for the required capital investment. A generic solution was found which can potentially optimise any manufacturing line in the Ford Motor Company, providing large increases in annual output to Ford’s manufacturing lines. These solutions will help Ford to maximise its profit contribution per unit sold, securing its place as a leading global automotive manufacturer.
Open Access
Improvements in the materials supply chain for a motor sport supplier using quality management techniques.
(2000-09-08) Robinson, Frances Margaret; Rogerson, J. H.; Nixon, J. H.
Ray Mallock Ltd is a medium sized business operating in one of the fastest developing, expensive, international industries, motor sport. A tremendous amount is spent every year on research and developing cars to go faster because the company’s reputation stands upon their cars winning. Motor sport is primarily located in the south of England with many small specialist suppliers developing around the various teams. The suppliers to the motor sport industry are often under considerable pressure to respond instantaneously to the needs of each team. With such a wide range of skills and types of suppliers the supply chain becomes very complex and awkward for a company the size of RML to manage as it requires a lot of resources. Therefore the overall project aim was to look at the approach RML took toward their supply chain and resolve the major problems that were encountered by the Materials Department. The Materials Department consists of Purchasing, Inspection and Stores. These departments are closely linked and incorporate quality. A number of quality tools were used to gather data and information regarding the department including interviews, , ) internal literature review, observation, flow process mapping, gap analysis and data [ collection. This highlighted a common problem to medium sized companies, informality. i Procedures were not in place so improvements were limited, a wealth of experience lay with employees regarding suppliers but this needed to be gathered and methods for ; \ selecting, appraising and measuring performance formulated. Communication externally needed improvement, with the high variability and randomness of orders placed with suppliers they needed to be made more aware of how projects are progressing to help them plan. There is extra emphasis placed upon critical components for car builds which is the reason why a supplier development scheme was adapted for use by RML. The project concludes that proper procedures, supplier appraisal and selection schemes, performance measurement and future supplier development, if used properly and wholeheartedly the tools ought to aid the department. The Materials Department can improve after the initial implementation by developing the tools and make real steps towards making better informed decisions about suppliers, managing supplier relationships, continuous improvements and contributing to the bottom line of RML.
Open Access
Interface and pathways: exploring perceptions of sustainability to inform communication strategies
(2003-09) Lilley, Debra; Dewberry, Emma
The initial aim of this project was to investigate architects and designers perceptions of biopolymers and renewable materials in order to inform and develop Interface’s marketing strategy for Pathways, a PLA based product. The initial research was carried out to investigate the factors involved within the development of renewable materials, how the drive towards renewable materials has been addressed internally (Interface) and externally (wider industry) and how renewable materials are communicated within the design community. The issues, drivers and benefits associated with PLA were also investigated. The background research identified several perceived issues regarding PLA, biopolymers and renewable materials. These assumptions were guiding Interface in how they communicated Pathways to their customers. Testing these assumptions and perceptions with Interface customers, therefore, was an essential step in identifying where the perceived issues were justified and where potential gaps between perceived issues and actual perceptions existed. In addition it was important to gain an understanding of how Interface could bridge these gaps and use customer’s perceptions to develop a marketing strategy for Pathways. An investigative style of research was undertaken to capture qualitative ‘perceptions’ of the target group. Face to face interviews were carried out with five respondents from four architecture and design practices based in London, with three distinct aims in mind. To gain an understanding of the decision making process, the drivers to consider biopolymers and the benefits offered to the client. The product level information gathered related to Pathways in a direct sense, however the findings also held wider implications for Interface at a company strategy level. In a sense the investigation of Pathways served as a portal to wider issues raised by architects and designers regarding the effectiveness and suitability of Interface’s sustainability communication.
Open Access
The introduction of sustainability into competitive design network (CDN)
(2002-09) Lambert, Joanna Louise; Evans, Stephen
Competitive Design Network International (CDN) a design consultancy based in Barcelona, Spain is considering the move towards making their business processes more sustainable. This concept was initiated with the encouragement of Cranfield University, by the realisation of Antoni Flores the CEO, and Menno Marien the head of the Innovation department. This study was conducted to discover firstly if and why CDN would want to introduce sustainability, how it could be effectively brought into their practices and what action CDN would need to take. At the close of the project CDN had decided that sustainability would be an important aspect for their business particularly for competitively and market differentiation. CDN being an innovative, adaptable and influential business, it was identified that they are in an advantageous position to do this. Through continuous researcher involvement in the company, a process of education and discussion was initiated. The observations from involvement in the Flores Valles furniture project will be presented, among other implementation issues. The reactions from CDN to the internal seminars carried out will be described and conclusions will be drawn out for other design consultancies.
Open Access
An investigation into product structure management using product data management systems
(1998-09) Ollerton, Patrick; Gao, James X.
With the increased use of Computer aided Design (CAD), Computer aided Manufacturing (CAM) and Computer aided Engineering (CAE), many engineering and manufacturing companies are experiencing problems with managing their product related data or information. Product Data Management (PDM) systems are tools that catalogue and manage all types of product data / information. PDM systems also offer Product Structure / Bill of Material management functions that are used for defining and analysing product configurations. In order to maximise the benefit of PDM systems, methods of creating generic Product Structure / BoM’s need to be developed and evaluated. The possibility and effects of extending Product Structure / BoM access to departments other then design is investigated in the research. Combined with these factors is the need for transfer of data from PDM systems to manufacturing software such as Computer aided Process Planning (CAPP) and Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP). The research also contains an investigation into the potential effects of emerging technologies such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), object - oriented database management systems (OODMS) and the internet. Finally, the project includes two industrial case studies focusing on Matra BAE Dynamics Ltd and Rolls - Royce Aerospace and a market research survey.
Open Access
Making construction projects more sustainable through materials choice
(2002-09) Holliday, Martin; Dewberry, Emma
Globally, the construction industry is responsible for the use of vast quantities of natural resources. These resources are often procured on the basis of their economic value, the cheaper the material, the more likely it is to be chosen to construct with. It is widely recognised that there are limits to the amount of raw resources available on Earth and that those that remain must be subject to careful management. It is becoming increasingly important for companies to show greater awareness of the growing issues of sustainability- concerning social, environmental and economic equities. One way of doing this is to incorporate 'sustainable' thinking into the early design phase of projects where opportunities exist for many environmental and social impacts to be addressed and minimised. The aim of this project was to provide designers, engineers and architects with a materials selection tool to enable them to facilitate more enlightened design. Through more informed choice of materials, the projects and programmes of construction can be made less unsustainable and result in working to preserve the amount of natural resources available whilst simultaneously promoting social equity and economic viability. The project aimed to address how a material selection tool could be utilised in real life construction projects. This aim was realised through working with MWH (Montgomery Watson Harza), a global engineering and environmental consultancy firm, who provided an ideal opportunity for the tool to be developed and used in a pilot study. The research looked at current environmental methods of selecting materials for building/construction purposes and sought to develop them into a more sustainable materials selection tool called the Materials Matrix (M2). The M2 was developed for use by engineers, designers and architects within MWH and their operations in connection with the particular construction programme Trident West Agreement'. The findings of this research suggest that there is a case and perceived need for a tool of this type that actually provides company employees with a choice of construction materials based on factors other than cost. Secondly there is a major lack of information regarding specific materials' social and environmental properties, particularly in relation to the information made available by material suppliers. However it is clear that the Materials Matrix has potential to provide a broader context of information for designers and engineers to achieve more sustainable solutions.
Open Access
Optimisation and effects of coagulant type, pH and ozonation on clarification for automatic coagulation control
(1998-09-11) Marshall, N. I.; Parsons, Simon
Four phases of studies were carried out at Burham Water Supply Works in Kent. Firstly jar testing was used to compare and evaluate the performance of five coagulants. The coagulants tested were Polyaluminium Chlorides (PAC) from two suppliers, Aluminium Sulphate (Alum), Polyaluminium Silicate Sulphate (Pass 100) and Alba 18. Jar tests were carried out with coagulant alone and with non-ionic (LT20), weakly cationic (LT22s), and anionic (LT25) polymers. Secondly tests were also carried out at ambient and lower pH’s, at various pre-ozone concentrations. Jar tests indicated PAC with LT20 polymer at a pre-ozone dose of 1.5 mg/1 at pH 7.4 produced the highest water quality. Alum with LT20 was next, giving good and consistent settled water qualities. Pass 100 was circumspect and dependent upon the jar test procedure, but at optimum doses gave water qualities comparable to that of PAC. Alba 18 consistently produced poor settled water qualities. For the third phase, PAC supplied by Industrial Alum Limited (INDA) and Water Treatment Solutions (WTS), Pass 100 and Alum were selected and tested on the clarifier. Alum and PAC (WTS) were tested at pH 7.5, pH 7.3 and ambient pH at pre-ozone concentrations 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/1 with various coagulant and polymer combinations. Pass 100 and PAC (INDA) were tested as describes but at a pre-ozone concentration of 1.5 mg/1. At optimum doses PAC (INDA) was found to perform best at a pre-ozone concentration of 1.5 mg/1 at pH 7.5. PAC (WTS) was next, with similar results. Alum produced good and consistent water qualities. Pass 100 was affected by polymer addition and was out-performed by PAC and Alum coagulants. The parameters taken into account were settled turbidity, residual aluminium, and removal of TOC, chlorophyll, phaeophytin, iron, manganese, and colour. If PAC with acid dosing can be shown to work full scale annually it would be economic to do so and to dose acid to achieve a pH of 7.5 when required. Phase four involved the evaluation of an automatic coagulant control system that would automatically optimise the coagulant, acid and polyelectrolyte doses added to the water. This was evaluated using jar tests with PAC and Alum coagulants. The AC250 system indicated the potential to improve the quality of treated water whilst minimising the coagulant dose. In this case PAC would provide further coagulant savings, with consequent sludge savings.
Open Access
Predictive grinding process optimisation and monitoring
(2005-09-09) Leeson, David Christopher; Jin, T.; Stephenson, David J.
Grinding is one of the oldest and most important metal removal processes, and is capable of high dimensional and surface finish tolerances. It is a complex and expensive process; industry has much to gain by increasing production rates to reduce cost. The major limitation to higher production rates is the risk of thermal damage of the workpiece. This is now being challenged by developments in “High Efficiency Deep Grinding” which has been proven to produce low grinding temperatures at extremely high material removal rates. In order to take advantage of these developments, whilst maintaining the integrity of the workpiece, it is necessary for production engineers to have tools available to them that allow the selection of optimal process parameters and monitor grinding conditions to sustain this optimum. A review of current research efforts in predictive and reactionary methods of optimising grinding process highlight a number of failings. This study leads to the development of a new system that employs analytical and empirically derived indicators of thermal damage to enable an operator to select optimal but safe grinding conditions. The system also provides a monitoring function that can warn of the onset of thermal damage and make recommendations to the machine operator. A demonstration of the systems possible benefits in an industrial context is presented. Validation via simulation is also performed. Predicted finished workpiece temperatures are compared against measurements taken using embedded thermocouple and the PVD coating melt depth method. The ability of the system to predict bum is also tested across a range of grinding conditions. The possibility of using the system as part of an adaptive controller is also reviewed and directions for further work are identified.
Open Access
Review and improve the manufacturing engineering new product introduction process -AIRBUS UK
(2005-09-07) Shaw, Stephen; Vitanov, Valentin
This research has developed an organisational improvement methodology for the Manufacturing Engineering (ME) New Product Introduction (NPI) process at Airbus UK. The methodology is focused on improving the management of Concurrent Engineering (CE) and team/stakeholder effectiveness through improved involvement, communication, and coordination. In the context of Airbus UK’s ME NPI process the objectives were: to examine the current process, including the monitors and controls, deployed by the ME development team to design, implement and support NPI; to map/model the ME NPI process and hence, conduct a comparative analysis with best industrial practice; and to evaluate the pragmatic options open to ME and recommend appropriate business improvements/solutions. The research showed that effective CE teams provide the main vehicle for improving product development performance, by increasing integration through improved involvement, communication, and coordination. A literature study of ‘best practices’ identified the major causes of ‘waste’ within NPI as, poor communication and poor programme management. The research also showed that process modelling not only achieves a better understanding of the processes but also serves as a tool to contribute towards the assessment of CE teams using process based analysis. It was also found that process modelling improves process management within NPI. Process modelling and analysis is applied to the ME NPI process in order that a structured and pragmatic improvement methodology can be developed. The presentation of the CE organisational improvement methodology developed by this research provides Airbus UK with a less prescriptive approach to improving their business within the ME function and area of NPI. The application of the methodology is, unfortunately, outside the time limitations of this research. However, it is widely purported by ME NPI process stakeholders, and literature, that the most significant improvements to the current process can be realised through the improvement of ‘softer’ organisational issues.

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