Maximizing The Benefits Of Canadian Forces Equipment Overhaul Programs Using Multi Objective Optimization^†

† This paper was among the finalists in The Canadian Operational Research Society’s 1983 prize competition for Practical Application of Operational Research. The project team was comprised of Lt.-Col. F. Hlohovs'lfy and Maj. G. Bingham of the Department of National Defence and C. Lemieux, G. Gillespie, K. Mitchell, Y. LeConre, L. Murray, M. Soye, P. Sinnott, and J. Bunker of Woods Gordon.

Abstract

This paper describes a project that was done to maximize the benefits achieved from overhauling Canadian Forces equipment. The impact of the decisions is substantial, both on resource utilization and on the military readiness of the forces. The use of the latest techniqiies of multi-objective decision-making led to more effective use of resources and to agreement among decision-makers on resource utilization. The project dealt successfully with these two key problems of public-sector decision-making.

Résumé

Ce document décrit un projet qui avait pour but l’amélioration des procedures de maintenance dans les Forces Armées Canadiennes. L’impact dés decisions est important, autant sur l’utilisation des ressources que sur l’état de la mobilisation des forces. La mise en marche des plus récentes techniques multicritères d’aide à la décision a conduit à une utilisation efficace des ressources et à un accord des gestionnaires sur cette utilisation. Le projet a donc réussi à solutionner ces deux grands problèmes de décision du secteur public.

Notes

† This paper was among the finalists in The Canadian Operational Research Society’s 1983 prize competition for Practical Application of Operational Research. The project team was comprised of Lt.-Col. F. Hlohovs'lfy and Maj. G. Bingham of the Department of National Defence and C. Lemieux, G. Gillespie, K. Mitchell, Y. LeConre, L. Murray, M. Soye, P. Sinnott, and J. Bunker of Woods Gordon.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

K.H. Mitchell

KEN MITCHELL is president of the Canadian branch of Micro Analytics, Ltd, a software firm. Prior to this position he was a senior manager in the consulting firm Woods Gordon. He is currently a member of coRS and has been active in executive functions both in Toronto and on the national level. He received his MSC from Sussex University, England.

Major Bingham

GMAJOR G.T. BINGHAM graduated from the Royal Military College in 1968 with a chemical engineering degree. In 1975 he attended a long Mechanical Engineering Advanced course at the School of Electrical Mechanical Engineering in Borden, Hampshire, U.K. During his tours of duty with the Canadian Armed Forces, he has spent nine of his eighteen years of active service in various posts overseas, including a tour with the United Nations Emergency Forces in Egypt. Major Bingham is now employed at 202 Workshop Depot, Montreal, which is the only fourth line repair and overhaul resources for Canadian Land Forces. He is in charge of the Management Services Division, which includes Management Information Services, Audit, and Industrial Engineering. The Management Information Services Group does the scheduling for a $30 million per year repair and overhaul program as well as supplies ADP Services for a 600 man workshop. The Audit Group and Industrial Engineering Group provide internal audit and organization and method studies respectively. Major Bingham was the officer primary in charge for the Woods Gordon Facilities and Resources Study which prioritized and allocated work to 202 Workshop Depot and developed a five- to ten-year plan which affected workshop loading, internal and external training, as well as staffing of this unique organization.