SYSTEMS ENGINEERING PROJECT ABSTRACTS,
FALL SEMESTER, 2000.

[ Project 1 ] : A Survey of the Usage of VHDL for the Synthesis of Digital Hardware
[ Project 2 ] : What is a System of Systems?
[ Project 3 ] : GIS Data Modeling to Support Risk Management and Resource Allocation
[ Project 4 ] : A Systems Engineering Approach to Post-Secondary School Career Planning
[ Project 5 ] : Control System of a Power Generating Plant
[ Project 6 ] : A systems approach to the design and development of a Space Shuttle Extra-Vehicular Mobility Unit.
[ Project 7 ] : Online Bidding Systems
[ Project 8 ] : Integration of an Automated Highway System
[ Project 9 ] : Cellular Network Operators' Migration to 3rd Generation Technology
[ Project 10 ] : Information Systems in a Petroleum Refinery
[ Project 11 ] : Software Systems for Networked Appliances - Smart Systems
[ Project 12 ] : Realtime Supply Chain Management Systems
[ Project 13 ] : A study of Traffic Data to Identify Chances of Air Travel Delays due to Nature
[ Project 14 ] : Modelling of a B2B Marketplace
[ Project 15 ] : Systems Approach to E-Commerce Information Architecture (B2C Concerns)
[ Project 16 ] : Systems Engineering Approach to the Semiconductory Industry


PROJECT 1

Title : A Survey of the Usage of VHDL for the Synthesis of Digital Hardware
Author: John Ward

Abstract : This paper describes the use of the very high speed integrated circuit hardware description language (VHDL) for the synthesis of large-scale digital designs. The paper defines what VHDL is, and how it can be used. Both the benefits and the pitfalls of using the language are explored. In addition to a description of the language, the paper also introduces the reader to a systematic process for the development of VHDL-based digital designs. The steps in the design process include design entry, simulation, synthesis and physical device targeting.


PROJECT 2

Title : What is a System of Systems?
Author: Scott Selberg

Abstract : What is a system of systems??


PROJECT 3

Title : GIS Data Modeling to Support Risk Management and Resource Allocation
Authors: Mike Casey and Brian Poskaitis

Abstract : The U.S. Coast Guard's Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Program is charged to protect the public, the environment, and U.S. economic interests through the prevention and mitigation of maritime incidents. A limited number of resources are available to be committed to activities aimed at preventing incidents from occurring. To effectively manage and allocate these resources, the Coast Guard has incorporated risk-based decision-making strategies into their latest business plan.

The activities the Coast Guard engages in for incident management are both spatially and temporarily distributed. To anticipate where and when available resources should be deployed, models capable of estimating risk prone areas and events are required. Geographic Information Systems (GISs) have evolved recently to provide advanced data modeling capabilities for leveraging spatial and temporal data for these types of problems. This project will employ GIS object models to represent risk associated with a particular segment of a mission area, thus allowing for the identification and mitigation of risks through educated resource allocation. Simulation and decision analysis techniques will be applied to the GIS object model for the effective management of maritime safety activities based on available resources and risk.


PROJECT 4

Title : A Systems Engineering Approach to Post-Secondary School Career Planning
Authors: Tim Gowen and Erica Sanders

Abstract : In this project we will apply a systems engineering approach to technology in secondary schools designed to provide methods, processes, information and guidance to students for their post-graduation career planning.

Primary inputs to the system would be information originating from the high-school students. Secondary inputs would come from career-related institutions such as colleges/universities, business/industry, and military services.

Primary outputs would be career information for the student based on their inputs. Secondary outputs would include statistical data concerning the students and their post-graduation goals. The school, local government, community, business/industry, colleges/universities, and military services would be users of this statistical information.


PROJECT 5

Title : Control System of a Power Generating Plant
Authors: Liqun Xu and Patricia Pena

Abstract : The distributed control system (DCS) is critical for operating a Power Generating Plant. The input of this system would be various information resources from both inside and outside the organization. For example, the power supply requirement from customer; change in power demand during peak and off-peak periods of daily and seasonal pattern; fuel supply information from fuel storage equipment; environmental information including weather and temperature, etc. A well-designed DCS would ensure the power plant to operate safely and efficiently under various situations, such as automatically adjust power generating volume according to changes in demand, automatically shut down the facilities whenever any emergency happens, minimize the fuel cost, maintenance cost and human factor cost.


PROJECT 6

Title : A systems approach to the design and development of a Space Shuttle Extra-Vehicular Mobility Unit.
Authors: Ryan Lee and Nicole Wright
Abstract : This project will examine approaches taken to develop and integrate the various systems (mechanical, thermal, life support, etc) from both a business and scientific standpoint. The basic architecture of the Space Suit industry will be examined as well as the various developmental processes.


PROJECT 7

Title : Online Bidding Systems
Authors: Guruprasad Pundoor and Narender Bhogadi

Abstract : Online auctions are getting popular day by day. Various startups are now working on online bidding or internet auctions. Internet auctions can deliver benefits to buyers when used in the proper way. Most Net auctions are "sell-side" business models, administered by the seller, with multiple buyers bidding. Online bidding companies should take care of factors such as reserve price for the commodity, scheduling of bidding in addition to the e-commerce management. This makes the system quite complex. Our aim is to understand and analyze the various systems engineering concepts that work at achieving these functionalities in successful online bidding companies such as ebay, priceline etc.


PROJECT 8

Title : Integration of an Automated Highway System
Author: Karl Gutekunst

Abstract : This profile will discuss the interfaces that an automated highway system must include (vehicles, traffic signals, various roadways, emergency situations, weather, etc). In addition the ineraction between automated and non automated players must be considered in the design.


PROJECT 9

Title : Cellular Network Operators' Migration to 3rd Generation Technology
Authors : Fredrick Ketang'enyi and Jason Burke

Abstract : As the notion of the "Wireless Web" beats our eardrums into oblivion, and more and more people are subscribing to cellular services, it is becoming clear to the mobile communications industry that the current wireless infrastructure is incapable of handling the bandwidth and advanced data service demands of the future. Also, in our growing world economy, there is a need to move towards total "global roaming" capability. The worldwide 3G initiative hopes to solve these issues.

In this profile, we will develop a generic model of a cellular network operating company's migration to 3G in the United States. We will demonstrate the magnitude and complexity of this soon-to-be-prominent system domain.


PROJECT 10

Title : Information Systems in a Petroleum Refinery
Author: Abhinav Joshi and Vijay Krishnamurthy

Abstract : Information Systems are useful in streamlining Business processes, minimizing costs, and increasing an organizations competitive edge. This paper focuses on the Systems Approach for the information flow across a Petroleum Refinery. During the Refining Operations the company needs access to various information sources such as Materials,Finance,Production Planning and Human Resource.The design for any information system will need to have a clear understanding of the requirements. This is achieved through a systems approach to the Petroleum Refinery operations.


PROJECT 11

Title : Software Systems for Networked Applinces - Smart Systems
Authors : Nitin Anand and Sachin Sinha

Abstract : In a networked appliances scenario we have various devices and appliances connected to each other, sharing information and providing varied functionalities to the users. We shall be looking at software systems that will be used in networked appliances from systems enginering perspective. The topics that we will be interested in and would be considering in our project are:


PROJECT 12

Title : Realtime Supply Chain Management Systems
Authors : Mahendra Ramani and Chetan Deogade

Abstract : Fierce competition in today's global markets, the introduction of products with short life cycles and the heightened expectations of customers force companies to better design, plan, operate and manage the existing Supply Chain and Logistic Networks.

There is no substitute for real-time information, and nowhere within a company is it more apparent than in the ability to forecast, plan and collaborate with suppliers and customers. In order to maintain competitive advantage, companies must be able to provide customers with access to the right products, for the right price, at the right time and at the right cost. A company can help achieve this goal by restructuring its supply chain, the cycle of buy-make-move-store-sell.

Real Time Supply Chains represent the largest application of business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce in history. It involves more than just buying and selling items over the Internet. It is about connecting customers and suppliers with information rather than inventory, synchronizing their activities in order to reduce costs and improve asset utilization.

Our profile hopes to cover various aspects of such Real Time Supply Chain Management Systems, including:

  1. The state of- the -art planning models and practical tools for designing such a Supply Chain.
  2. Forces shaping such Real Time Networked Supply Chain Management Systems.
  3. Methods of integrating e-business solutions within an existing Supply Chain to make it real time.
  4. Integrating existing Supply Chain components like ERP /SAP into co-ordinated systems.
  5. Case studies that illustrate the benefits of real time networked supply chain systems with facts and figures of companies like Cisco, Federal Express and Wal-Mart.
  6. Security and Legal issues which validate the use of such networks.

We are also hoping to provide a vision for these systems by including emerging standards for Wireless connectivity such as BLUETOOTH, which hold the future for tomorrow's Real Time Supply Chain Management Systems.


PROJECT 13

Title : A study of Traffic Data to Identify Chances of Air Travel Delays due to Nature
Author: Swati Ghosh

Abstract : In this project we will analyze traffic data collected from different centers of the Airport Communication System to identify delays and congestion to optimize the overall through put on an air travel network system. The focus of analysis here is the public safety to get warnings like lightening, thunderstorms and other natural issues. Traffic Data consists of flight scheduling data and weather information data.


PROJECT 14

Title : Modelling of a B2B Marketplace
Authors : Vandana and Ketan Babaria

Abstract : Businesses have been communicating with other Businesses since the beginning of time. What has changed is the technology that carries the communication. Technology and the Internet have fundamentally changed how businesses interact. Companies are using technology to exchange goods, services, and information in new, more efficient ways. In certain circumstances, companies are using this technology to complete existing processes more efficiently, while in other situations, it is forcing entire industries to restructure. This migration from traditional to electronic exchange of Information between businesses is what is called B2B e-commerce.

Main attractions to businesses interested in B2B e-commerce are the reduced purchasing costs, increased market efficiency, greater market intelligence and decreased inventory levels. The overriding attraction that runs throughout online B2B is that it can make companies much more efficient. Increased efficiencies means reduced costs, which is a goal that interests every company, thus making the potential B2B e-commerce industry enormous. Technology vendors and end users alike are moving at breakneck speed to capitalize on the B2B opportunity. Businesses need to find the right model of B2B e-commerce to capitalize on the promised benefits.

This project "Modeling of a B2B Marketplace" will outline various B2B modeling techniques presently used in B2B marketplace and explain their applications with respect to various industries.


PROJECT 15

Title : Systems Approach to E-Commerce Information Architecture (B2C Concerns)
Authors: Jitin Sahni and Rohit Agarwal

Abstract : The success of any E-Business vendor is determined in exactly the same way as a traditional venture, by number of unit sales. Given the ease by which consumers can move from one virtual shop to another, the goal of the E-Business vendor is to design a virtual shopping environment that is customer friendly. Another crucial area of Business to Consumer E-Business is the ease by which prospective consumers can navigate around the virtual shop to locate items of interest.

Business-to-consumer (B2C) electronic commerce enterprises are information-driven entities that have some of the most extreme information technology solution requirements found in the commercial business world. From the moment B2C e-commerce Web sites go online, they must provide the functionality, capacity, and continuous availability required for the potentially millions of users accessing Web site content. But are the millions of e-commerce site users necessarily also site customers? Obviously not-site users can be anyone from casual visitors, to advertising click-through, to targeted prospects, to actual customers The increased information processing requirements of the information-rich Web e-commerce environment place special requirements on the information architecture of a B2C e-commerce enterprise. The analysis of these requirements and their corresponding solution form the bases of our profile.


PROJECT 16

Title : Systems Engineering Approach to Semicontuctor Industry
Authors: Akhil Singhal and Vikas Malla

Abstract : Web browser is a piece of software that is the client in all the Client/Server or any two-tier or three tier technologies. Our aim is to not only bring out the system requirements for our own Web Browser but to suggest the advantages of our browser over the famous Netscape or Internet Explorer Browsers. We will be looking at the following topics in our project:

  1. Fully compliant standards support;
  2. Software architecture in terms of size, rendering speed, flexibility and modularity;
  3. Parsing, rendering page and laying out capabilities;
  4. Ability to create a totally customized browser client.


Developed in September 2000 by Mark Austin
Copyright © 1999, Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland