Title: A risk mitigation approach for concurrent engineering projects

Authors: Berman Kayis, Ammar Ahmed, Sataporn Amornsawadwatana

Addresses: School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. ' School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. ' School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

Abstract: Generally, risks are encountered and generate negative outcomes in concurrent engineering (CE) projects including project delays, cost overruns and unacceptable quality. These outcomes can be avoided by establishing a systematic risk management process. In this research, a risk management approach used is outlined, according to Australia and New Zealand risk management standard (AS/NZS 4360: 1999). An IDEF3 model is used to represent the CE project architecture as a process model. A risk assessment and mitigation model is developed to identify, assess and evaluate risks in concurrent engineering projects to suggest a mitigation strategy. Five heuristic rules are implemented in three simulated scenarios and genetic algorithm is bound to generate the most cost-effective solutions. The risk mitigation model developed in this research is aimed to be used as a decision support tool for project managers to select the best mitigation strategy based on the available mitigation budget and objectives of the project.

Keywords: concurrent engineering; simultaneous engineering; project management; uncertainty; risk management; risk mitigation; Australia; New Zealand; IDEF3; simulation; genetic algorithms; mitigation strategy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAM.2008.019320

International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management, 2008 Vol.9 No.1/2, pp.178 - 196

Published online: 07 Jul 2008 *

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