Olivia Wright

Completed various rotations with customer sites across the U.S working to optimize the internal teams' material management, conducting multiple analyses across current reportings for data discrepancies.

The objective of this project was to analyze an intensive load operation at a local manufacturing company in Flint, MI. As the company advances, they requested the team of undergraduate students to look into potential solutions to both resolve the ergonomic issues related to a moving the lift-assist, as well as assume a flexible floor plan since the line/operation will be expanding from nine (9) different parts to seventeen (17). An ergonomic study was completed and the team considered various different assessments such as the ART Tool, 3DSSPP, and Liberty Mutual Manual Materials Handling Equations. After analyzing the line, interviewing operators, recording cycle times, and obtaining process videos, the team was able to analyze the current setup. From the information, it could be determined that the current process shows an elevated risk of injury for the majority of men or women. The risk score is driven due to the large forces required to push/pull the components from the dunnage racks to the workstation. However, by replacing the current lift assist with one that has some powered horizontal motion the forces could be minimized, reducing the pain of operators, and allowing for more axle components to be added to the operation. The team lastly reached out to various approved vendors to compare various solutions and quotations on order to propose final suggestions to the client.

The Business Consulting Project, or senior capstone course, is designed for the Management majors at Kettering University to combine students’ practical knowledge and hands-on experience with organizations in need of marketing or financial assessment or redirection. The school term revolved around a single consulting project working with WKUF, the student radio station that operates out of Kettering University’s campus center building. Working with the principals of the organization, the team of students was responsible for establishing an understanding of the issues as well as related, relevant factors associated with improving the organization’s performance. Upon meeting with the clients from WKUF, the Kettering Team clarified three (3) key areas for improvement within the organization surrounding awareness, recruitment, and retention. Other goals include utilizing the business’s resources to the fullest extent while adjusting the required responsibilities for the lack of manpower the organization currently has. Combining knowledge acquired from their co-op experience and undergraduate classes, the Kettering Team was able to prepare a finalized business/marketing proposal to foster the revitalization and longevity of WKUF.