An Effort Minimization Model for Effective Reliability Allocation to Support Management Decisions

Wind Industry is experiencing rapid growth with a strong demand for longer and lighter blades that can churn out more energy from wind. The longer blades lead to technological challenges in terms of design, production, transportation and installation. Various projects are initiated to improve product design, introduce newer materials, automation of design/production process and introducing new add-ons devices to improve Blade aerodynamic efficiency. However, with a limited budget to spend, the management faces the dilemma of prioritizing the project within the portfolio in order to achieve the set profit targets. This is a common day scenario which the management faces across organizations. This paper attempts to provide an Effort minimization algorithm that uses Effort function and System Allocation transfer function in order to achieve the organizational target with minimum effort at optimal reliability. The solution is explained through a specific industry example but the methodology is quite generic in nature and can be applied in management decision making scenarios across industries.