Dana Johnson

• Professor Emerita Engineering Management & Adjunct Professor Mechanical Engineering at Michigan Technological University

The increasing importance of lignocellulosic biomass based energy production has led to an urgent need to conduct a reliable resource supply assessment. This study analyses and estimates the availability of agricultural residue biomass in Beijing, where biomass energy resources are relatively rich and is mainly distributed in the suburbs. The major...

Purpose Pressure from competition; inflexible third-party reimbursements; greater demand from government, regulatory and certifying agencies; discerning patients; and the quest of healthcare entities for greater profitably place demands and high expectations for service quality impacting overall patient experience. Extending a prior multivariate, s...

Forest biomass is an important resource for producing bioenergy and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The State of Michigan in the United States (U.S.) is one region recognized for its high potential of supplying forest biomass; however, the long-term availability of timber harvests and the associated harvest residues from this area has not...

This research explores the effect of waiting time on patient satisfaction in the context of rural healthcare clinics, with data from a three-year time period. Patient satisfaction was measured by overall quality of care, likelihood of recommending the care provider, and likelihood of recommending the practice. The authors' analysis shows that waiti...

Purpose This research models the impact of patient perceptions of care quality on overall patient satisfaction in a rural healthcare organization over a three-year time period. The purpose of this paper is to determine if the factors that influence perceptions of service quality change over time and if the change affects overall patient satisfactio...

Ample research exists in the area of instructor-led facilitation, which is typically conducted by those trained in pedagogical approaches and as such their primary profession may be that of faculty, instructor, or professional trainer. Prior research on student-led pedagogy has focused on tutoring, problem-solving teams, and similar activities. Thi...

This study analyzed patient satisfaction surveys to determine which process attributes affect overall patient satisfaction. The authors conclude that the strongest impact is the care provider's interaction with the patient. Healthcare providers/practitioners value business analytics as a means to focus and redirect their continuous improvement effo...

Purpose – Healthcare facilities are entering an era of increased oversight and heightened expectations concerning both reduced costs and measureable quality. The US Affordable Care Act requires healthcare organizations to collect certain metrics, including patient assessments of quality, in order to monitor and improve the quality of healthcare. Th...

High dependence on imported oil has increased U.S. strategic vulnerability and prompted more research in the area of renewable energy production. Ethanol production from renewable woody biomass, which could be a substitute for gasoline, has seen increased interest. This study analysed energy use and greenhouse gas emission impacts on the forest bio...

Universities face increased pressures to reduce and contain costs while simultaneously offering high-quality, non-core value-added services to their students, faculty and staff. The purpose of the study was to empirically assess whether and how various dimensions of the outsourcing process for non-core operations in higher education impact performa...

An extension of prior research addresses the need to understand patient perceptions of service quality and its impact on patient satisfaction in a rural healthcare organization. Results indicate that there are significant differences over the three-year time period. Patient centered outcomes research focused on the qualitative attributes impacting...

Engaging students in the learning process is important for knowledge retention. PowerPoint and lecture are becoming obsolete. Student facilitated learning was applied in an undergraduate project management course with great success. Students were more involved in the class, participated at a much greater rate, and experienced higher exam averages.

SEM informs healthcare practitioners of a rural hospital with 800 employees in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the qualitative attributes of service quality that predict overall patient satisfaction. Results show strong relationships between administrative process quality to mediating variables associated with nurse and practitioner (doctors, nurse p...

Patient satisfaction surveys are now mandated under the Affordable Care Act. Metrics on patient satisfaction can guide improvements in process and service quality if properly analyzed. This study examines patient satisfaction data from a hospital healthcare clinic and suggests in-depth analytics to yield insight into patient perceptions of quality.

Research on benchmarking has been extensive. It has not addressed the issue of how benchmarking impacts the capabilities or performance of firms. Benchmarking efforts may lead to either failure preventing or success producing capabilities. As firm capabilities evolve over time, it is critical to understand when benchmarking discoveries and eventual...

Healthcare facilities in the U.S. are entering an era of increased oversight and heightened expectations concerning both reduced costs and measurable quality. This research examines customer satisfaction data from a community owned non-profit medical center in the Midwest and demonstrates how patient perceptions of quality can inform policy decisio...

Biofuel production from renewable biomass has experienced increased interest in order to reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil and reduce carbon emissions. Concerns regarding cost efficiency and environmental problems result in significant challenges that hinder the increased biofuel production from renewable biomass. This paper describes the deve...

A critical factor affecting the profitability of producing biofuel is optimally locating a forest biomass-to-biofuel facility. Spatial dispersion of forest biomass results in significant transportation cost of bulky, forest biomass feedstock. Multiple studies document different approaches to address theissues associated with biofuel facility siting...

The biofuels industry is dependent on the least expensive source of feedstock. An inexpensive source is woody forest residue. There are several issues associated with removal of woody forest residue beyond the obvious sustainable forest management practices. This paper describes the framework for developing a woody forest residue supply chain.

This study uses multivariate statistical methods to explore the beliefs of upper Midwestern U.S. residents about global climate change, and possible consumer responses to determine their willingness to pay more for cellulosic ethanol from multiple feedstocks. A mail survey was sent to residents of Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin to determine bas...

To reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil and to reduce carbon emissions, renewable biofuel production from biomass has seen emerging interest. This study focused on life cycle greenhouse gas emission impacts of forest biomass supply chain for ethanol production. The life cycle stages considered include biomass harvesting/forwarding, and transporta...

In this paper we introduced an integrative network-based approach to modelling co-dependent infrastructure systems and simulating them within the general purpose framework of situational simulations. We introduced and discussed the underlying mathematical model of the simulation, and also discussed typical information that will drive it – specifica...

The increase in online distance learning has led to the creation of courses using a hybrid approach consisting of a blend of online learning modules and face-to-face instruction. To validate that student learning outcomes are being achieved, exams and other assignments results should be compared. Four chapters from an undergraduate project manageme...

The use of ethanol has gained popularity as a result of the growing desire to reduce dependency on foreign oil and concerns about potential climate change. Cellulosic ethanol from woody biomass may be less costly than other forms of ethanol. The feedstock supply chain for processing timber used in biomass-based ethanol has traditionally followed a...

One of the critical elements for promoting ethanol production from woody biomass is defining the optimal ethanol plant location. The woody biomass feedstock and transportation costs are geographically dependent. A Geographic Information System (GIS) based approach was applied to identify potential pulpwood-to-biofuel facility locations. The approac...

We assessed options for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation in the US Great Lakes States, a region heavily dependent on coal-fired power plants. A proposed 600 MW power plant in northern Lower Michigan, USA provided context for our evaluation. Options to offset fossil CO2 emissions by 20% included biomass fuel substituti...

The technique of concept mapping was used in the design and development of two new courses in Service Systems Engineering. Service System Engineering spans across multiple disciplines within engineering, sciences, and business so the concept mapping was a particularly useful activity. Concept mapping identified purposeful overlaps, eliminated signi...

Environmental sustainability is affecting every aspect of consumers and the products they purchase. This is a key driver to how companies operate more sustainably to provide products and services to their customers. Further, climate change as a key variable in decisions regarding sustainability, will affect future choices. A study was undertaken to...

Quality experts believe that, 'measuring customer satisfaction at an educational establishment might be regarded by educators as one of the greatest challenges of the quality movement' (Cloutier Richards, 1994, p. 117). This challenge is only one of several that surround quality improvement efforts in higher education. This paper focuses on identif...

Greenhouse gas reduction occurs as a result of substitution of woody biomass for coal. Coal is the worst amongst all the fossil fuels in terms of greenhouse gas emission per unit of electricity generated. Recent concerns related to the environmental impact of greenhouse gases from using fossil based feedstock, like coal, for the generation of power...

This case study of an integrative approach to experiential learning in a graduate level operations and quality management course allowed for achieving high‐order learning based on Bloom's Taxonomy by integrating research and applied learning techniques. Students were able to achieve the highest level of cognitive learning, evaluation, by using a co...

Introduction to Service Systems Engineering" is the first course in the newly developed Service Systems Engineering (SSE) curriculum at Michigan Tech. The first course in any engineering curriculum will set the stage for continuing interest in a given curriculum. In this course, the primary focus is on providing students with a strong foundation an...

Water scarcity is threatening social and economic growth in rural areas of developing countries. There are potential markets for water purification technologies in these regions. The main focus of this article is to evaluate the social, economic and political feasibilities of providing water purification technologies to rural areas of developing co...

Recent concerns related to the environmental impact and uncertain future supply of fossil fuels have led to an increased interest in alternative fuels. The objective of the research discussed here was to determine the business attractiveness of utilizing lignocellulosic biomass resources, primarily woody biomass, to produce ethanol in the United St...

The U.S. economy has gradually changed from one based in agriculture, to one focused on manufacturing, to one now that relies heavily on the service sector. The service sector, including governmental agencies, retail stores, the entertainment business, public utilities, and providers of similar services, now makes up more than 80% of the total U.S....

School of Business and Economics, dana@mtu.edu, 906-487-2803; (2) School of Business and Economics, gagraman@mtu.edu, 906-487-2663; (3) College of Engineering, ljbohman@mtu.edu, 906-487-2005; (4) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, mattila@mtu.edu, 906-487-2523; (5) Department of Computer Science, nilufer@mtu.edu, 906-487-1641; (6) D...

Abstract This paper introduces an integrated framework and a formal methodology,for systematically dealing with multi-way dependencies between infrastructures, and for modeling the combined effects of concurrent failures on all infrastructures in an urban socio-technical system. The research addresses the need to design systems that will be resilie...

Purpose The primary purpose of the research was to determine whether automotive manufacturers integrate multiple manufacturing initiatives and whether performance measures were impacted directly by these initiatives. Design/methodology/approach A mail survey questionnaire was used to gather data about the attitudinal attributes associated with imp...

As the world faces increasing threats to the long-term health of the environment, society, and economy, sustainability has emerged and now is gathering the attention of undergraduate and graduate education across many campuses in the U.S. Colleges and universities are beginning to incorporate the concept of sustainability in new curricula. Research...

The demand for engineers to support the service sector is growing, and academic programs are needed to prepare students for these careers. This need was recognized at Michigan Tech and led to a dynamic effort by faculty members from different disciplines to develop a curriculum for Service Systems Engineering that integrates business, engineering,...

This case study will provide details on how the operating room inventory management process was improved prior to implementing the ERP Operating Room Management (ORM) module of MEDITECH software at a small rural hospital. The methodologies included reviewing/observing existing processes, interviewing personnel, and reviewing documentation associate...

Demand for undergraduates, emphasizing service industry engineering, sciences, and management, greatly exceeds the supply. Current trends in the service sector account for more than 80% of the GDP and more than 85% of the workforce. Michigan Tech is launching a new undergraduate degree offering in 2007. Service Systems Engineering (SSE) will be cou...

Access to a sufficient quantity of high quality water is important for improving health and economic livelihood of people residing in developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to identify some of the technical, economic, and social barriers to implementing drinking water technologies in these countries. The intent is to provide guidance to...

Purpose – The complexity of problem solving requires use of quality tools to assist in the organization and analysis of information and data surrounding the concern. A proposed classification scheme for problem-solving tools allows the user to identify the correct tool at the proper time in the problem-solving process. This may assist the problem s...

Purpose The primary purpose was to learn about different variables of an integrated strategy associated with choosing to supply through business‐to‐business (B2B) intermediaries and apply the variables to a series of cases. Design/methodology/approach A literature review served as a basis to develop an integrated model. A combination of primary an...

Internships and cooperative educational opportunities serve as a tool to apply concepts learned in the classroom to on-the-job experiences provided by companies. When universities are "geographically challenged" and do not have an abundance of local or regional companies for hands-on experiential learning avenues, an alternative is to use computer-...

A key aspect of lean manufacturing practices is the implementation of an integrative total productive maintenance (TPM) system. Manufacturers and others implementing lean practices need to understand the importance of employee involvement and support of an integrative TPM approach. The paper seeks to discuss the summary of findings in a union envir...

This teaching case shows how a partnership used a consultant to help resolve certain accounting issues associated with its dissolution. Focusing on accounting theory, partnership accounting and contracts, this case can help develop critical thinking skills and can be used in several accounting courses (including advanced financial accounting and ac...

Environmental certification is a costly proposal if it is merely added to a company's existing practices to appease consumer sentiment. In the forest products industry, this add-on approach to sustainability has not produced financially successful companies. If sustainability goals are integrated into the core business values, however, they can gen...

Companies pursuing certification to quality standards must apply change methodologies to institutionalize the requirements into the business. Existing change models, such as Burke-Litwin, can serve as the foundation for identifying underlying, predictive variables impacting response variables of a quality management system including quality and del...

In 1994, the automotive industry took the lead in the development of industry-specific standards to introduce QS-9000 (Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors 1998). the study presented in this article addresses the impact of organizational variables on both operational and business performance measurement of automotive suppliers completing QS-9000. A s...

This article offers an approach to equipment justification that incorporates today’s strategic and environmental considerations. This approach will improve the quality of equipment justification decisions, and can contribute to improvements in plant effectiveness. We begin by describing and critiquing traditional equipment justification methods, an...

Major original equipment manufacturers (OEM) in the international automotive industry require their first-tier suppliers to obtain QS-9000 registration. One of the requirements included in the registration criteria is to have a process in place to evaluate all suppliers or subcontractors. Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI) Automotive Systems Group, a majo...

Work groups are essential to the successful implementation of any change efforts. The implementation of a Lean Production System (LPS) is highly dependent on the work group structure. Failure to properly lay the foundation for this new organizational structure will prevent the successful implementation of LPS. Buy-in for this methodology by managem...

Although many suppliers in the automotive industry have obtained quality system requirements, QS-9000 registration/certification, there does not appear to be a direct link to all operational performance outcomes. As companies improve their quality performance as measured by parts per million, other areas such as delivery performance are experiencin...

Pursuit of multiple certifications can end in confusion and wasted resources that leads companies to doubt the wisdom of seeking multiple initiatives. A comparative analysis of industry-specific and international standards can provide the foundation for an integrated management system. This paper focuses on the integration of three certification in...

Incl. bibl. The purpose of this paper is to drawn parallels between planning elements applied to manufacturing/production settings and link them to an institution for higher education. As educational institutions begin to receive pressure to be more financially accountable, from government funding entities, alumni contituents, and industry donors,...

Mounting pressures from industrial consumers to meet their constantly changing demands for products has impacted the ever-shortened life cycle in the e-business environment. As more e-businesses go online with the support from venture capitalists wanting a return on their investment in short order, can the traditional business/management model supp...

Radical innovation of engineering and science curricula are necessary to address the rapidly changing needs of employers. IBM has coined the term "Service Sciences, Engineering, and Management" to promote cross- disciplinary collaboration within companies and specifically at academic institutions of higher education (IBM- SSME, 2007). Because of an...

Thesis (Ed.D)--University of Kansas, 1960. Microfilm.

Typescript. Thesis (Ph. D.)--Wayne State University, 1999. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 319-335).