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case1055787080.pdf (7.56 MB)
ETD Abstract Container
Abstract Header
Conceptual design by individuals and groups in mechanical engineering
Author Info
Robie, Bruce Harshaw
Permalink:
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1055787080
Abstract Details
Year and Degree
1991, Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, Mechanical Engineering.
Abstract
The conceptual design skills of sixty-five members of a senior mechanical engineering design class were investigated. The ability of individuals to generate concepts was studied, as was the performance of sixteen sub-groups in both concept generation and concept selection. Individual performance evaluation was based on the number of concepts generated. Group performance was based on the independent evaluation of the faculty member teaching the class. Results were analyzed using factors that identified previous knowledge of design, motivation and personality types. Group operation as determined by questionnaire was also used to analyze group performance. Standardization of the individual performance results based on the number of distinct concepts identified by the sample removed most of the variation due to different tests used. The cumulative percent of concepts generated was logarithmically related to the percent of the subjects identifying those concepts. The cumulative percent of concepts generated was linearly related to the percent of different subjects identifying concepts. This suggests that most concepts were uncommon and that most subjects identified uncommon concepts. A small, significant percentage increase in concepts was found between two different tes t portions where the median number of concepts generated increased from three to six significant factors in individual performance included previous industrial design experience and MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) perception type. Intuitive types seem better able to form multiple abstractions of the problem and make connections between those abstractions and previous experience. Training should focus on developing this skill in all individuals. Consensus was positively related to group performance in concept generation along with measures of the group's personality based on LSI (Learning Style Inventory) and the MBTI. Regression equations using these factors described about sixty percent of the variation in the data. Individual leadership and subgroup decision making were inversely related to performance. The concept selection study found that some differences within groups could improve performance while other differences were related to diminished performance. Engineering education should train individuals to function well in groups and the MBTI can be used to construct groups with personality differences.
Committee
Thomas Kicher (Advisor)
Pages
317 p.
Keywords
Conceptual design mechanical engineering
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Citations
Robie, B. H. (1991).
Conceptual design by individuals and groups in mechanical engineering
[Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1055787080
APA Style (7th edition)
Robie, Bruce.
Conceptual design by individuals and groups in mechanical engineering.
1991. Case Western Reserve University, Doctoral dissertation.
OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center
, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1055787080.
MLA Style (8th edition)
Robie, Bruce. "Conceptual design by individuals and groups in mechanical engineering." Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University, 1991. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1055787080
Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)
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Document number:
case1055787080
Download Count:
586
Copyright Info
© 1991, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies and OhioLINK.