Systems Approach: Concept Proposal to Develop Saudi Arabia Low-Complexity-Defense-Spare-Parts Manufacturing Industries, Utilizing Technology Transfer and Business Incubator

Date of Award

2018

Degree Name

M.S. in Management Science

Department

Department of Engineering Management, Systems and Technology

Advisor/Chair

Advisor: Sandy Furterer

Abstract

The overall goal of this project is to adopt and build on three of the Saudi vision 2030 "thriving economy" theme third-level objectives that include (1) Localize military industry, (2) Nurture and support the innovation and entrepreneurship culture, and (3) Grow Small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) contribution to the economy. One of the very important initiatives of the adopted thriving economy theme to the area of concentration is planning to grow the economy by manufacturing half of the defense needs within the Kingdom, with the intention to offset the economy, keep more resources in Saudi Arabia and to create more job opportunities for its citizens.The main research question explores: How can a conceptual model provide value to Saudi military spare parts manufacturing and contribute to the Saudi 2030 Vision? The research process includes creating a conceptual model intended to assist with the fit of low-complexity defense spare parts manufacturing industries, utilizing technology transfer and a business incubator. The model will include (1) adopt a Systems Approach to better understand the nature and the scope of the problem statement (2) Develop a conceptual model that can provide value to the military manufacturing industry. The value provided can be measured by two dimensions: valuable products and growth to the military manufacturing industry. (3) Fit the Saudi military spare parts manufacturing to the developed conceptual model along with the alignment of the adopted Saudi Vision 2030 at the Saudi manufacturing industry level. (4) Validate the conceptual model framework.This conceptual framework will address the need to develop a flexible model that contributes to the current and future challenges as there is a lack of an adequate model to guide Saudi government on how to develop the SMEs defense manufacturing industries in order to become aligned with their country's vision 2030.In summary, the developed model called "Seven Systems for Business Development - 7SBD" conceptual model that could be utilized to define at a high level the system-of-interest. The study has been able to achieve its main aim and objectives. The developed model has been identified per the participants that performed the model validation as being useful and essential especially with respect to promoting growth and development of the military spare parts industry within Saudi Arabia in line with the 2030 Vision.The methodological approach introduces a thorough assessment of the structured procedure and representation framework. All the analysis was performed in order to find answers to the research question. The analysis of the qualitative data in this research was anchored on the qualitative open-end questions. The validation review considers whether the concept model is justifiable in providing valuable products and practical growth to military spare parts manufacturing industry as well as the alignment of the concept with the research methodological strategy. The data analyzed has offered deeper insight into model creation especially with respect to achieving growth and development in the military spare parts manufacturing industry of Saudi Arabia. The study concludes that the 7SBD conceptual model can be adopted for purposes to ensuring that Saudi Arabia military spare parts manufacturing grow and develop as per the Vision 2030, since it can proceed into the next phase of system development. Hence, the proposed model is indeed a good foundation for promoting and growing such industries.

Keywords

Systems Science, Technology, Systematic, Systems Design, Management, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Vision 2030, Systems Engineering, Systems Modelling, Conceptual Model, Capability Development, Technology Transfer, Business Incubators, Manufacturing, Technology Capabilities

Rights Statement

Copyright © 2018, author

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS