Browsing by Author "Wainwright, Charles"
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Item Open Access Developing a Framework for Improving the Quality of Cost Estimates(Cranfield University, 2008-03) Lavdas, Evaggelos; Roy, Rajkumar; Wainwright, CharlesCost estimating is a knowledge intensive task, involving a high degree of subjectivity. Consequently, many of the current cost estimating (CE) processes lack formalisation, often resulting in the branding of cost estimating as a “part art, part science” discipline. This thesis is concerned with understanding the factors that influence the quality of the cost estimating process. The aim is to develop a framework that will improve the perceived quality of cost estimates, by minimising the subjectivity involved the current CE process. A literature review examines the shortcomings of the current CE processes. It was identified that there is a lack of methodologies for eliciting CE knowledge, as well as mixed views across authors regarding the CE knowledge requirements. In addition, the review identifies that the current methods for assessing the quality of cost estimates are unstructured and highly subjective. By adopting a case study approach, the current CE processes across a number of organisations were captured, resulting in the identification of their weaknesses. A detailed study was carried out regarding the knowledge associated with the cost estimation of complex mechanical hardware products. This led to the development of a Knowledge Elicitation (KEL) methodology, tailored to the needs of cost estimators. Through the use of a survey study, it was identified that the quality of a cost estimate is dependent on the fulfilment of a number of inherent characteristics. It was demonstrated that there was some variation in the relative contribution of each characteristic influencing the overall quality of the estimating process. These findings were implemented in a prototype software tool, which cost estimators could use to assess and quantify the quality of their estimates. A framework was developed based on the merge of the prototype tool and the KEL methodology. The framework’s purpose is to aid cost estimators in acquiring all the necessary knowledge for developing cost estimates of good quality. Novice cost estimators will find the application of the framework particularly beneficial, since they lack the experience and knowledge in a particular domain. In conclusion, it was demonstrated through the case studies that the use of the proposed framework provides novice cost estimators with a formalised process for developing cost estimates of quality similar to the one of experts. The framework was applied on case studies within the aerospace and automotive industry, and their results were validated by experts within the collaborating organisations. As a result of this study’s findings, key areas for future research were identified. The adoption of this approach by cost practitioners could provide increased credibility to their work and a higher level of confidence in their cost estimates.Item Open Access The evaluation of methods for the prospective patient safety hazard analysis of ward-based oxygen therapy(Cranfield University, 2009) Durand, Marcus L.; Fuller, Graham; Wainwright, CharlesWhen even seemingly benign and routine processes fail in healthcare, people sometimes die. The profound effect on the patient’s families and the healthcare staff involved is clear (Vincent and Coulter, 2002), while further consequences are felt by the institution involved, both financially and by damage to reputation. The trend in healthcare for learning through experience of adverse events is no longer a viable philosophy (Department of Health,Sir Ian Carruthers OBE and Pauline Philip, 2006). In order to make progress towards preventative learning, three Prospective Hazard Analysis (PHA) methods used in other industries were evaluated for use in the area of ward based healthcare. Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP) were compared to each other in terms of ease of use, information they provide and the manner in which it is presented. Their results were also compared to baseline data produced through empirical research. Oxygen Therapy was used in this research as an example of a common ward based therapy. The resulting analysis listed 186 hazards almost all of which could lead to death, especially if combined. FTA and FMEA provided better system coverage than HAZOP and identified more hazards than were contained in the initial hazard identification method common to both techniques. FMEA and HAZOP needed some modification before use, with HAZOP requiring the most extensive adjustment. FTA has a very useful graphical presentation and was the only method capable of displaying causal linkage, but required that hazards be translated into events for analysis. It was concluded that formal Prospective Hazard Analysis (PHA) was applicable to this area of healthcare and presented added value through a combination of detailed information on possible hazards and accurate risk assessment based on a combination of expert opinion and empirical data. This provides a mechanism for evidence based identification of hazard barriers and safeguards as well as a method for formal communication of results at any stage of an analysis. It may further provide a very valuable vehicle for documented learning through prospective analysis incorporating feedback from previous experience and adverse incidents. The clear definition of systems and processes that form part of these methods provides a valuable opportunity for learning and the enduring capture and dissemination of tacit knowledge that can be continually updated and used for the formulation of strategies for safety and quality improvement.Item Open Access An Investigation into the application of Lean Methodology in the UK Hospital Sector(Cranfield University, 2009-11) Mistry, Manoj; Wainwright, CharlesLean principles have been used in manufacturing organisations globally for many years. Lean principles are increasingly being successfully applied with respect to the delivery of healthcare services on a global scale. Lean begins with eliminating waste, ensuring all work adds value, whilst serving the customer’s / purchaser’s needs. Determining the ‘value added’ and ‘non value’ added steps in every process, is the key tenet of Lean Thinking. For lean principles to be effective, an organisation’s culture that is receptive to its concepts and methodologies is vital. Demonstrated commitment to lean must begin at the very apex of an organisation, and key personnel should be involved in helping to redesign and reshape key processes, with a view to improving flow, whilst at the same time reducing waste. Whilst healthcare differs in many ways from manufacturing, a number of similarities do exist: staff members are dependent on multiple and often complex processes in order to complete their duties, whilst at the same time provide value to the customer or patient. Examples within this Thesis, illustrate Lean principles when applied to a healthcare setting, can have a dramatic effect on cost, productivity, financial performance, and most importantly the timely delivery of services to patients.Item Open Access The knowledge management requirements for the transfer of a stroke patient(Cranfield University, 2009-09) Ellingham, Brett; Wainwright, CharlesHealth care is characterised by complexity, in terms of structure and number of individuals, teams & autonomous local organisations involved in the delivery of care. An obvious requirement in maintaining continuity for the patient is knowledge transferred between these groups. An example of this is the transfer of a stroke patient from one setting for their acute care to another for their rehabilitation. Objectives of the research were within the context of a stroke patient transfer, to determine the knowledge management needs of the receiving community hospital team, provision of knowledge from the acute hospital team, shortcomings emanating from the current state and solutions for future better ways of working. Research took the form of an exploratory case study involving semi-structured interviews with clinicians involved in specialist stroke care. Findings showed that Knowledge Management is one of a number of management issues facing stroke care for the organisations studied, though currently not the most pressing. Operational, rather than clinical knowledge showed most scope for improvement. Current practises rely heavily on knowledge transfer by people, which was deemed appropriate in most cases. The research provides an insight into knowledge management within health care at an operational level, specifically applied to stroke and patient transfers; examples of which could provide insight for other specific events in a patient’s journey. Practically, conclusions could be used to guide ongoing improvement to process development for the acute and community hospital teams studied, as well as provide lessons for the opening of further community hospital stroke units.Item Open Access Patient knowledge and its role in the management of coronary heart disease(Cranfield University, 2010) Anwar, Yasmin; Wainwright, CharlesThis study examines the role that patient knowledge plays in helping patients to manage a chronic condition such as coronary heart disease (CHD). It asks two questions: firstly, what sources do CHD patients use when seeking knowledge about their condition, and what are their reasons for doing so? Secondly, do patients, in the course of managing their CHD, generate knowledge about the condition and its treatment? The study is based on a qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with 34 patients with diagnosed CHD. It uses the grounded theory method. The study makes a contribution to knowledge in a number of areas. Firstly, it shows that the patients interviewed obtain health information from a wide variety of sources, but prefer knowledge derived through personal interaction; their knowledge-seeking appears to be influenced by the quality of their relationship with their GP. Secondly, it shows that these patients seek three distinct types of knowledge from different sources: expert knowledge from GPs and consultants; personalised practical knowledge from nurse specialists and cardiac trainers; ‘folk’ or common sense knowledge from close friends, family and other patients. Thirdly, it identifies two examples of patient-generated knowledge that could help improve CHD management – firstly, the understanding that underpins patients’ self-generated home-made health records; secondly, the patient embodied understanding that their health knowledge does not determine their health behaviours where the benefits of such knowledge are deferred. Fourthly, the study develops a theoretical model to explain how individual patient observations and practices can be converted into potentially valuable organisational knowledge. Finally, four areas are identified where health benefits may be obtained through improving current knowledge management interventions aimed at CHD patients: by using technology to assist patient involvement; by personalising cardiac rehabilitation; through the reconfiguration of long-term clinical pathways; and through better co-ordination of treatment across primary and secondary care, and across clinical specialities. As this is a qualitative study, the findings are theses, grounded in the words and actions of the patients studied. However, the new light shed on aspects of patient knowledge and the associated theoretical developments can help guide future study and encourage a re-evaluation of the effectiveness of knowledge management interventions aimed at chronic disease patients.Item Open Access A process to aid information systems integration(Cranfield University, 1997-10) Reynolds , K. A.; Wainwright, CharlesThe work reported in this thesis is the culmination of a collaborative venture between Matra BAe Dynamics and the CIM Institute at Cranfield University. Initially the thesis examines the philosophy of the engineering doctorate, before describing the collaborating organisation's history and the background to the decision to formulate a structured process to aid information systems integration, including an appraisal of the perspective prior to the research. Following an extensive literature search of information systems and its integration, the findings from a survey of information systems in manufacturing organisations are described. These illustrate the need for a holistic modelling approach to aid information systems integration, the limitations of capital investment appraisal methods and the need to evaluate individual and multiple IS projects according to business objectives. The thesis then extends to the development of a process framework constituting three modules Audit, Assessment and Suggestion which provide a novel holistic approach to the problem of information systems integration. Following a review of modelling techniques, queuing models were selected to review the present engineering process through the creation of a theoretical model to benchmark performance of the information systems. Whilst linear goal programming models were utilised within the assessment module to optimise the multi-variable criteria involved in the selection of information system portfolios. The creation of financial scenarios based on corporate accounts and market limitations considered the implications of an information systems portfolio in conjunction with traditional investment appraisal methods to provide a comprehensive assessment of individual and multiple projects. The techniques used in this research were validated throughout and hence shown to exhibit criterion validity, whilst an industrial case study was undertaken to substantiate construct validity. Finally, recommendations for future work are presented and proposals for future developments outlined.Item Open Access A Process to Aid Investment In Manufacturing Technology Within Aerospace(Cranfield University, 2000) Argument, Lisa Jane; Wainwright, CharlesThe work presented in this thesis is a culmination of a collaborative venture between Matra BAe Dynamics and The Department of Enterprise Integration at Cranfield University. Initially the thesis examines the Engineering Doctorate philosophy, before describing the collaborator's history and the background to the decision to formulate a structured process to aid investment in manufacturing technology. The findings of an extensive literature review are described accompanied by the results of two supporting industrial studies initiated to complement the theoretical work. The literature review and studies revealed a concern about the degree of planning conducted prior to the adoption of manufacturing technology and how insufficient planning can have a negative impact on the implementation of the chosen investment. Further investigation highlighted an awarenesso f this being the problem within industry, yet it also revealed a lack of time and resources to take corrective action. The thesis then extends to the development of a process model constructed using the findings from the literature review and the industrial studies. The process model presents a structured process for investing in manufacturing technology consisting of a series of activities designed to guide managers through the planning and implementation stages of an investment. A third stage is proposed consisting of activities designed to encourage planning for future investments using the results from past investments as guides. Following a review of possible techniques for developing a process aid from the process model, HTML was selected and, based on a series of established requirements, a process aid was constructed. An industrial case study was undertaken to validate the process model and prove that the process is robust. Finally, recommendations for future work are presented and proposals for future developments are outlined.Item Open Access Strategic organisational risk management. An investigation of UK risk management practices(Cranfield University, 2004-09) Robertson, Paul S; Wainwright, CharlesStrategic risk management within the UK is a professional field fraught with terminological debate, a lack of academic research and a need for illustrative tools in order to improve management systems. Treating risk as a social construct, this research approached strategic organisational risk management with the aim of examining interactions currently underway within industrial practice in the UK. A thorough literature review has exposed the insufficiency of research within general risk management areas and, more specifically, the lack of research relating to strategic organisational risk management. To solve this, over 90 qualitative, in-depth interviews were conducted, amassing one of the most comprehensive collections of research material pertaining to UK risk management practice available to date. This research has enhanced the current understanding of UK risk management practice within a number of distinct areas. Firstly the terminological debate has been addressed and its vagaries to some extent dismissed. Risk managers should use this terminological resolution to bring together similar professions rather than distance them through misuse of terms. Through the interviews it has become clear that industrial events such as the Turnbull report and the events of September 11th 2001 have had very little effect upon actual risk management practices and priorities. Additionally the continuing importance of understanding context in the conduct of risk management has been emphasised. This stage of the process cannot be stressed enough. Context defines what we know, what we are capable of and the extent of the problem. Without it, all risk management processes are predestined to failure through a lack of understanding, and poor definition, of reality. A new unified model of Strategic Organisational Risk Management (STORM) has been generated which, for the first time, begins to show the levels of interactions and complexity which risk managers face at the organisational level. The STORM model further illustrates the key elements which support and divide organisational risk management practice. Identifying the deficiencies in current knowledge of strategic risk management practices, this research project has generated a tool supporting risk managers in understanding the complexities of their own organisations' risk management processes and practices. Moreover, it has created a significant starting point for future research.