Description:

Simulation can facilitate companies in understanding the impact of numerous supply chain concepts and technologies on their business processes. It also assists them to optimally design and plan the implementation of such systems in their own businesses so as to realise continuous sustainable improvement. Simulation models also act as decision support and learning tools throughout the design phase, which is critical to continuous business process improvement. The ultimate goal of this proposed research project is to develop a portfolio of simulation models that will enable companies to optimally design and manage their own supply chains in a manner that will add value to their organisation and supply chain partners. It is envisaged that the proposed research will facilitate the modeling of real time supply chains that can be used to test new concepts regarding supply chain integration, ultimately resulting in improvements to their businesses overall customer service offerings.

The Centre for Design Innovation at IT Sligo has successfully secured research funding under the Institutes of Technology Ireland Strand 1 programme. This funding will be used to recruit a researcher that will work on developing flexible simulation models for identifying optimum parameters for reducing inventory buffers, lead-time gaps, associated resource allocation etc. The selected researcher will conduct experimentation and validation of varying simulated SCM strategies utilising information flows from real live industrial environments and will be expected to spend significant periods of time on site with case companies whilst participating in this research project. Successful candidate will register for a MEng/MSc degree at the Institute of Technology, Sligo and will receive a fellowship of €16,000 per annum in addition to payment of tuition fees.

Researcher Profile:

The researcher selected for this position will have a background in Industrial, Mechanical or Manufacturing engineering. Applicants from a business or management background and have an interest in business process modelling will also be considered. Key skills for the graduate include:

• 2.1 Honours Degree from appropriate discipline. Industry experience of working in the in field would be a distinct advantage.
• Knowledge of simulation tools and process modelling techniques and methodologies would be advantageous.
• Skills in experimental design, data acquisition and numerical analysis of complex problems.
• Understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Previous experience of research methods and techniques is an advantage but not essential as guidance will be provided.
• Strong knowledge of data management and analysis tools such as MS Excel, MS Access, or SPSS would be a distinct advantage.
• Excellent oral, written and analytical skills are essential.

The appointee should have a proven capability to undertake project work. The researcher will be well motivated with good organizational skills and be capable of working independently under the direction of their supervisor. They should be decisive and thorough in their approach to researching and developing solutions to presented problems.

Contact:

Dr. David Tormey
Centre for Design Innovation
ITSBIC, Institute of Technology, Sligo
Ballinode, Sligo
+353-71-91-55496/dtormey@itsligo.ie
www.designinnovation.ie

The Centre for Design Innovation has obtained funding under a successful collaborative PRTLI4 that involved the Institute of Technology Sligo and 7 other Higher Education Institute partners. This funding has been made available to the Centre to expand our research activities by allowing the Centre to recruit a PhD student that will study the role of design within the innovation process.Design is a creative process that adds or creates value by putting the needs and desires of the consumer at the heart of innovation. The design process helps to anticipate and understand real human needs as well as social and technological changes and then develops products, services and experiences that address these. Used effectively design plays a strategic role in helping companies to enhance their brand and to shape and deliver innovation strategies and cultures.

‘Fifteen years ago companies competed on price, now it’s quality, tomorrow it’s design’.
Professor Bob Hayes, Harvard Business School

The duties of the recruited PhD student will include:

* Develop case studies that demonstrate the role of design from an economic, social and policy perspective.
* Facilitate in the evaluation of the Centre’s Innovation by Design programme, which includes a number of multi-sectoral companies within the Northwest region as well as developing case studies from the programme.
* Conduct data analysis on existing and future macro datasets with respect to industry attitudes and role of design within business performance.
* Develop design methodologies that can be validated through demonstrating impact on innovation processes.
* Disseminate research findings and outcomes through targeted conferences and journal publications.
* Actively participate in all relevant research activities and seminars of the Institute and collaborate closely with other project partners.
* Any other activity supporting the Centre for Design Innovation as may be determined by the research manager.

Successful applicant will be a registered postgraduate student of the Institute of Technology, Sligo and will receive a stipend of €16,000 per annum plus fees. There maybe an opportunity to supplement stipend income with related project work associated with the Centre for Design Innovation.

Requirements:

* 2.1 Honours degree or masters degree form a design, business, sociological or anthropological background. Experience of working within any of these disciplines would be a significant advantage.
* Strong interest in design and understanding the contribution it can afford both within an economic and social context.
* Understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Previous experience of research methods and techniques is an advantage but not essential as guidance will be provided.
* Excellent oral, written and analytical skills are essential.
* Strong knowledge of data management and analysis tools such as MS Excel, MS Access, or SPSS would be a distinct advantage.
* Successful candidate will be expected to be highly self-motivated, highly organised, willing to work flexible hours, and show initiative.

Interested applicants are invited to submit resume by closing date 30/04/08. For further information please contact:

Dr. David Tormey
Centre for Design Innovation
ITSBIC, Institute of Technology, Sligo
Ballinode
Sligo
+353 71 9155496
+353 86 6025159
david@designinnovation.ie

When I was a design manager, I always preached you could never go too far, only not far enough. By providing a range of concepts from close-in to further afield, you had a better chance of stretching your client to a more “radical” solution.

The nonobject Book is every designer’s dream. No clients. No customers. No limitations.

The principal objective of the book is to stimulate thought: What is an object? Why do we desire what we desire? Why has “functionality” been defined in such a historically narrow way? What is beauty? Nonobject is an attempt to free the imagination by disengaging it form the constraints of utility, economy and technology.

The site is worth a visit to see the preview of Tarati, a phone concept that highlights the magical empty space between telephone connections by removing keys and making dialing a function of passing your finger through the interface.

The title of the post comes from a Populuxe film from the 1950′s. My how far we have come …