Deploying a Recall Mitigation Framework for Systems Engineering

Abstract

This article proposes a novel safety framework for complex systems, called Recall Mitigation Framework, that assists engineering teams in identifying recall risk factors during the systems engineering process. Current frameworks do not address recalls for complex systems. A modified ISO 42010:2011 for identifying multiple stakeholders of complex systems is also proposed, as the current architecture is tailored for systems with only one stakeholder. Existing system engineering tools such as Failure Mode and Effects Analysis are incorporated to identify risks factors. To measure recall propensity of each recall factor, a new formula, called Recall Index (pRI), was also developed and applied in this research. Four activity phases are included within the framework: Stakeholder Identification, Data Acquisition, Statistical Safety Analysis, and Risk Review. Both the Recall Mitigation Framework and pRI are validated through a case study involving the engineering of a new vehicle model in the automotive industry. Use of the framework provided better insights to the engineering team by employing statistical methods to identify three predictive factors that influence vehicle recalls: fuel economy, warranty coverage, and crashworthiness. Managers in other industries can utilize this framework early in the systems engineering lifecycle to identify potential risk factors and prevent a costly recall campaign.

Keywords:

• Architecture Framework
• Complex Systems
• ISO standards
• Managing Systems
• Recalls
• System of Systems

EMJ Focus Areas:

• Systems Engineering; Innovation & New Product Development; Decision Making & Risk Management

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Md Shahnoor Amin

Md Shahnoor Amin has 12 years of electrical engineering, entrepreneurship, and program management experience within automotive and technology industries. He worked as a Systems Engineer at Ford Motor Company and was a co-founder at June Energy. He earned his B.S. degree in electrical engineering from Kettering University and M.Eng. in Energy Systems Engineering from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Currently, he is a PhD candidate in Systems Engineering at The George Washington University.

Timothy Blackburn

Timothy D. Blackburn is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from UNC-Charlotte and also holds an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill. He received a PhD in systems engineering from The George Washington University (GWU). He is a licensed professional engineer and holds a Black Belt in Six Sigma. Currently, he is a professorial lecturer in Engineering Management and Systems Engineering (EMSE) at GWU and is the North America Lead for Technical Learning and Capability at Pfizer.

Andreas Garstenauer

Andreas Garstenauer received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Masters of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and a MBA, all from Old Dominion University. He received a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from The George Washington University (GWU). He is a Licensed Professional Engineer, Certified Quality Engineer, and Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence. Currently, he is a Professorial Lecturer in Engineering Management and Systems Engineering (EMSE) at GWU and the Director of Manufacturing Engineering at a large multinational company.