Community Service

Recent Community Projects

Pathways into Homelessness, King County, WA (2006-2007) Most homelessness research focuses on interventions for and causes of homelessness, rather than on homelessness prevention. The goal of this project is to evaluate strategies for homelessness prevention. Using American Community Survey (ACS) data, an agent-based Monte Carlo simulation was developed that generates households, assigns risk factors, and then predicts household income and the ability of a household to afford housing based on those risk factors. (This work was partly funded by the United Way of King County.)

Brier Elementary School, Brier WA (Spring Quarter 2005) The focus of this project was to reduce student waiting times in lunch lines and assist in the implementation of a new point-of-sale (POS) system. This project used discrete-event simulation modelling and statistical analysis to make recommendations for server allocation, sequencing, and lunch period scheduling.

Pearson Elementary School, Keyport, WA (Spring Quarter 2004) This project used facility design techniques and mathematical programming to develop a classroom arrangement and student seat assignment that improve student and teacher movement while minimizing student personality conflicts.

What specific skills can IEs bring to community service?
IEs are systems engineers with skills that can be applied almost any type of system. Through community service projects, Industrial Engineers can expand their domain knowledge while providing valuable expertise to local and regional communities.

An Industrial Engineer can use analytical tools (such as discrete-event simulation, mathematical programming, and statistics) on a variety of systems and problems, in the following areas:

Facilities Design (including layout and site selection)
System Analysis and Design (including Pareto charts)
Performance Measurement
Inventory Management and Control
Scheduling
Distribution and Storage/Warehousing Methods
Work Design (including motion study and workstation design)
Ergonomics and Safety
Quality Control

What types of organizations can benefit from IE expertise?
Any organization with a system that blends people and technology to achieve particular goals. Such organizations include:

Schools (particularly K-12)
Government Agencies
Nonprofit Organizations (including humanitarian relief organizations)

How can organizations get involved?
Are you a non-profit organization that blends people and technology to achieve particular goals? We can help!! We have the expertise and resources to apply computer-based analytical tools, including discrete-event simulation, mathematical programming, and statistics to build database, spreadsheet, and Internet-based solutions.

How does this process work?
You present an idea for a project, and we then develop a proposal from your idea. I recruit student teams and specifically assign them to your project. For non-profit organizations, this work is strictly pro bono, as its value lies in providing students unique opportunities to apply their skills in the real world while being of service to the community. Project durations usually range between 3 and 9 months. If this sounds interesting, call Benita Beamon at (206) 543-2308 or e-mail (anti-spam) benita at u.washington.edu to discuss potential projects.