Eldon Caldwell is full professor / Cathedraticus and researcher at the Industrial Engineering Department of the Engineering School at University of Costa Rica, Central America. Also, he serves as Vice-Chair of IEEE IAS Society Costa Rica, Distinguished Visitor of IEEE Computer Society and member of the IEOM Society Academy of Fellows, USA and the IEOM Society Global Council, USA.
Professor Caldwell earned his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering with a major in Lean Operations Engineering and AI at Autonomous University of Central America (CR). Moreover he earned a Doctorate (Sc.Dr.) in Informatics in Robotics and Automation at the University of Alicante, Spain and, recently he earned a Ph.D. in Education at the Dr. Ed. Program at University of Costa Rica.
Dr. Caldwell is “ISO 9000 Lead Auditor”, UK; “Lean Systems Certified Specialist”, MAPV-University of Nevada, USA; “Quality Statistical Analyst Specialist”, Veracruzana University, Mexico and “ASQ-Lean Six Sigma Black Belt” Certified Trainer. Dr. Caldwell has been recognized by the IEOM Society USA with the “Outstanding Service Award” for his career of over 30 years as an educator, researcher and promoter of development of engineering. Dr. Caldwell earned his B.Sc. and Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering at University of Costa Rica and he earned a Master’s degree in Service Marketing, as well in Financial Analysis at Interamerican University of Costa Rica (UIPR Costa Rica); M.Sc. Health Management Systems at UNED, Costa Rica and a specialization in Operations Management at Veracruzana University Mexico.
He is the author of many scientific articles and two books: “Marketing of Social Products & Services”, UCR Pub. and “Lean Manufacturing: Fundamentals and techniques for cycle time reduction”, Kaikaku Ins. Press, USA.
Finally, Dr. Caldwell served as Director of Industrial Engineering Department at School of Engineering at University of Costa Rica, General Manager at Bandag Inc. Costa Rica and General Manager at Lean Systems Intl., USA. He has 30 years of experience as advisor and consultant at Interamerican Bank for Development, WHO, UN, World Wide Bank, Coca-Cola, Ministry of Health, Costa Rica, Honduras, Panamá, Costa Rican Institute for Electricity, RTC- Perú, Young Electrical Signs, Nevada, USA, AirCare Inc., Reno, Nevada, Plan International-Honduras, Costa Rica Popular and Community Development Bank and many others. In addition, Dr. Caldwell currently serves as Director of Central America Robotics and Industry 4.0 Challenge Contest (RobotiFEST) and General Manager at Kaikaku Institute Latin America.
Email: eldon.caldwell@ucr.ac.cr
DVP term expires December 2022
Presentations
Caldwell-t Algorithm Validation: Alternative proposal to the solution of Gupta for the sequencing of activities in processes of slender development of software with Critical Chain approach
The Gupta algorithm was proposed back in 1972 to reduce cycle times, with very good performance results and it has been successfully used as a sequencing solution in critical activities in lean software develop processes. An alternative to this algorithm is presented with validation evidence on this document, using heuristic rules when equal selecting factors occurs. The algorithm, named Caldwell-T, can be used to solve, effectively, the possible clashes of activity that can occur in shared resources, as opposed to the traditional methodology, which encourages multitasking. The Caldwell-t Algorithm obtained 78% performance effectiveness over Gupta proposal using a simulation model with Industry data. This improvement gives a big impact in software development projects, when it is applied to critical chains and feeding buffers and signal calculations.
However, the new algorithm may yield less effective results compared with Gupta algorithm for certain random configurations of expected times of execution of activities, in approximately 20% of the cases, which allows us to deduce that it is better to analyze the configuration of the multi-project environment with both algorithms, instead of putting them to compete. The results of this research is highly valuable because the Gupta Algorithm is powerful compare with GA solutions and other IA approaches.
Designing a Cyber-physical Robotic Platform for a Speech-Language Therapy
This research is centered on social robotics and is motivated on the understanding of human-robot interaction for the improvement of the quality of life, especially in the field of the familiar daily life and employability of those who typically suffer exclusion. More specifically, this research presents the development of a new archetype based system framework that, in this case, allows for the evidence about how humanoid technology and the use of virtualization can be integrated for speech-language therapeutic purposes.
We present the proposal of the archetype based system using a “kansei engineering” approach which defines the orientation of the requirements engineering design. In addition, we present a qualitative validation from the point of view of a speech-language therapeutic expert and the experience of a male and female patient.
We conclude that cyber-physical smart systems, when robots and applications for mobile devices are integrated, must be based on critical variables of evaluation of the therapeutic impact and not only on technical functionalities related with hardware and software. The theoretical framework is essential and a multi-disciplinary approach with health professionals specialized in specific therapy is absolutely necessary. Also, this is an innovative way to assist speech-language therapeutic professionals taking into account that robotics applications in virtual worlds interconnected with the “physical world” under a cyber-physical concept are not frequently used.
From Lean Systems to Lean Enterprise 4.0: Integration of cyberphysical technology platforms for operational excellence
For over 30 years “Lean Thinking” has been promoted in different organizations as a way of responding to economic demands and impact on operational excellence with meritorious results. However, the advent of the cyberphysical technological revolution questions the traditional modeling of what is now known as “Lean Enterprise 4.0”. It is urgent to find answers to the theoretical principles that must be changed in the “Lean Thinking” and using a grounded theory based design with hermeneutical analysis and theoretical saturation in different lean companies located in Latin America, propose an architecture integration technology platform that allows the implementation of Industry 4.0 projects with a more effective “lean” approach. This conference develops the technological foundations of this proposal in a practical way for the participants based on an analytical map to assess the impact on operational excellence of any 4.0 technology application initiative. Thank you very much for your support.
Good Practices on the use of information technology, sensors and interconnectivity in e-business applications in times of the COVID 19 pandemic
This lecture presents the trends in the good use of information technology, sensors and interconnectivity in e-business applications to maintain or increase competitiveness in the current pandemic era of COVID 19. In particular, the practices that can be given to organizations are developed. the possibility of implementing business continuity strategies, increasing the quality of service and exploring new markets as a way of surviving in critical moments of social isolation and temporary closure of operations.
