Delft Systems Approach (eBook)

Hans P.M. Veeke, Jaap A. Ottjes and Gabriël Lodewijks all work for the Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands.

Preface 7
Contents 9
Introduction 13
1.1 The Purpose of this Book 13
1.2 Theory and Practice 14
1.3 Conceptual Approach 17
1.4 The Structure of this Book 19
References 20
Systems Concepts 21
2.1 System 21
2.2 Subsystems and Aspectsystems 25
2.3 State, Process and Behaviour 29
2.4 Goal, Function and Task 33
2.5 System and Environment 37
2.6 Some Other Definitions 39
References 40
Case: The Flight Department 41
3.1 Case History 41
3.2 Problem Description 42
3.3 Problem Analysis 43
3.4 Complications Due to Bad Weather 50
3.5 Radar Complications 56
3.6 Dispersion of Variables and the Required Number of Radar Test Cars 60
3.7 Results in Practice 67
References 69
Models for the Structuring of Processes 71
4.1 Process Types 71
4.2 Determination of Subsystems 72
4.3 System Control 74
4.4 Supporting Processes 87
4.5 The Steady-state Model: Combining the Models into One Model 89
4.6 Testing a Works Process Planning Department Against Reality 93
4.7 Nurses Effect 94
4.8 Case: The Health Insurance Company 98
4.9 Some Applications in Practice 102
References 104
Conceptual Model for the Analysis of Industrial Systems 107
5.1 Introduction 107
5.2 Other Conceptual Models 108
5.3 Common Characteristics of the Conceptual Models 110
5.4 The “PROPER” Model of Industrial Systems 113
5.5 The “PROPER” Model and Logistic Practice 115
References 118
Behaviour of a Function: The Process 119
6.1 Introduction 119
6.2 Behaviour 120
6.3 The State and Input of an Industrial Function 121
6.4 The Behaviour of an Industrial System 123
6.5 Basic Concepts of Process Descriptions 131
6.6 Case: Simulation of the Flight Department 143
6.7 Conclusions 145
References 146
The Case of the Ship Engine Factory 147
7.1 The Models as a Diagnostic Aid 147
7.2 Description of the Existing Situation 148
7.3 Solution: Analysis Based Upon the PROPER Model 151
7.4 Solution: Analysis Based Upon the Steady-state Model 153
Policy and Performance 159
8.1 What is Policy? 159
8.2 Does an Industrial System Need Policy? 163
8.3 Considerations When Choosing the Ways and Means 165
8.4 The Concepts of Productivity, Efficiency and Performance 169
8.5 Application of the Concepts 175
References 180
Model for the Innovation Process 181
9.1 Setting Up the Model for the Innovation Process 181
9.2 The Nature of the Model for Innovation Processes 188
9.3 Policy Evaluation 189
References 191
The Design Process with the Conceptual Models 193
10.1 Introduction 193
10.2 The Design Process 194
10.3 Function Design 197
10.4 Process Design 201
10.5 Simulation as a Supporting Tool for the Design of Industrial Systems 207
References 207
Case: The Automated Container Terminal 209
11.1 Introduction 209
11.2 The Project Program 210
11.3 Functional Requirements 213
11.4 Application of the PROPER Model 215
11.5 Behaviour Descriptions for Productivity Definitions 223
11.6 Conclusions 231
References 232
Index 233