Dec2014 Industrial Engineer-Features

FEATURES

Ready to deliver

As a global leader in logistics, particularly in transporting packages, UPS reports that it will handle an anticipated volume of more than 585 million packages in December. But without some kind of crystal ball, how can the company know what to expect and ensure it has the resources to meet that anticipated demand? Customer and client expectations are high, especially during the holiday season, and if gifts are not delivered on time, they won't be blaming Santa Claus.
By Monica Elliott

Human factors and Ebola

Medical personnel who appear especially vulnerable are nurses and doctors who provide Ebola patient care in isolation-type intensive care units or ICUs. In such high-risk ICU settings, the first line of defense for hospital personnel is their personal protection equipment. This article looks at the challenges found in the midst of the recent health crisis.
By Jerry L. Harbour

From the past to the future

Taking time off around the end of the year? Give yourself some new ideas and perspectives this holiday season by checking out this reading list covering topics such as supply chains, project management and optimization.
Compiled by Michael Hughes

The KISS of better models

For industrial practitioners, the most important question might be how models can help them understand and execute tasks better. Although several model types are available in academic literature, mathematical models carry a great deal of weight when discussing this topic. For this reason, other types of models will not be considered here.
By Sidhartha S. Padhi and Kamil J. Mizgier

A framework for higher performance

The high-performance organization is defined as an organization that achieves financial and nonfinancial results that are exceedingly better than those of its peer group for at least five years or more. Achieving such results requires focusing in a disciplined way on what really matters to the organization.
By André A. de Waal