Dissertations/Theses - Institute of Appropriate Technology

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Approach to reduce the manufacturing waste & improve the process cycle efficiency of a food processing industry by using lean six sigma model
(Institute of Appropriate Technology (IAT), 2014-05) Monir Hossain, Md.; Kamal Uddin, Dr. M.
This study was a case analysis of lean tools and Six Sigma methodology implementation in juice and beverage processing lines of X Food industry in Bangladesh. This work addresses the implementation of lean tools and Six Sigma methodology in the observed juice and beverage processing lines in order to evaluate present Process Cycle Efficiency (PCE), Tact time, Value Added (VD) and Non Value Added (NVD) activities and lead time and finally to develop an improved strategy to bring the improved PCE, Tact time and to reduce the lead time and NVD activities. Value Steam Map (VSM) and Pareto analysis were applied to evaluate the present and future state PCE and to find out the NVA activities. By this study the present state PCE of X mango processing line-1, X mango processing line-2, X up processing line, X energy drinks processing line, X Banana flavored juice processing line and X Litchi flavored juice processing line were found consequently as 15.28%, 12.20%, 8.32%, 8.01%, 11.32% and 10.68% that would be 34.05%, 26.91%, 19.46%, 18.84%, 25.60% and 24.45% after the implementation of lean tools and Six Sigma methodology. It is expected that after the implementation of lean tools the existing lead time of X mango processing line-1, X mango processing line-2, X up processing line, X energy drinks processing line, X Banana flavored juice processing line and X Litchi flavored juice processing line could be reduced consequently, by 55.09%, 54.64%, 57.23%, 57.44%, 55.78%, and 56.28%. By this study an economic benefit is also evaluated where it is expected that after the proper implementation of lean tools and Six Sigma methodology the total economic benefit would be 164,746,944 TK. or 2.13 million USD per year. After all the production flow was optimized by minimizing several NVD times such as bottlenecking time, waiting time, material handling time, etc. towards a lean environment establishment in management system of the studied X food industry in Bangladesh.
Impact assessment of introducing 4G technology for wireless communication in Bangladesh
(Institute of Appropriate Technology (IAT), 2014-08) Monirul Hoque, Mohammad; Sanam, Ms. Tahsina Farah
New era of wireless communication is upon us. The approaching 4G (fourth generation) mobile communication systems are projected to handle higher data rates and mobile internet for rich media collaboration allowing faster and more reliable connectivity. Bangladesh telecommunication sector already entered into the 3G mobile data wave and its immediate sequence is 4G. This study is designed for the analysis of the technological preferences for selecting the Fourth Generation (4G) wireless communication technology in Bangladesh. An empirical analysis and relevant ranking is performed using Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) model rather than finding the causal relationship among the variables. A Technology Assessment (TA) on Fourth Generation (4G) telecommunication technology is presented here in terms of its appropriateness in Bangladesh considering quality, cost effectiveness, social value, environmental and economic impact. With the study of technology assessment tools and techniques, it is presented that experts and general users preferred Fourth Generation (4G) wireless communication technology as the most appropriate technology for wireless communication technology in Bangladesh among existing and upcoming technologies. Thesis subsequently relates with the study of Cost Benefit and Scenario Based Analysis that 4G network is cost effective andits power consumption reduction in wireless communication network being environmental sustainable and friendly. Based on that result from the evaluation we determine that 4G can satisfy the upcoming multi-dimensional data and internet demand, making 4G as appropriate for wireless communication in Bangladesh.
Strategic planning for enrichment of offshore software development centres in Bangladesh
(Institute of Appropriate Technology (IAT), 2015-06) Abu Nahee Ibna Zahid, Md.; Kamal Uddin, Dr. M.
Software companies around the world have accepted offshore development strategy for last two decades. Many global players like, Samsung, Vizrt, Cefalo, etc. have established their development centers in Bangladesh in recent times for facilitating outsourcing activities. The objective of this research was to get a practical view on sustainable growth of offshore software development centers in Bangladesh. This research gives a guide line about major constraints of software development industry as well as how to overcome these to make ICT industry sustainable in the global market. In this research, quantitative and qualitative data were obtained by arranging face to face interviews from management personnel of offshore development center and the authority and opinion leader of the industry. SWOT analysis was done to understand the position of the industry in Bangladesh. Collected data were analyzed using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a decision making tool. According to SWOT analysis it was found, Bangladesh has good chance to promote business in offshore software development centers. Two main constraints were found, lack of adequate resources and lack of professional association. In addition, to resolve the constraints mainly three possible solutions were addressed, need proper industry attachment with academic institutes, need to set up IT parks with necessary facilities and need effective associations among the organizations. Government has already taken initiative to set up IT parks by establishing Bangladesh High Tech Park Authority, BHTPA. Moreover, Government should take initiative to update our education. In addition industry attachment will help to develop professionalism. Findings of the research work match with the ICT policies taken by Bangladesh Government. However respective authorities must be very dynamic to be successful. By quick implementation of Government steps, it is possible to increase offshore development centers.
Technological imperatives of telecom regulation in Bangladesh
(Institute of Appropriate Technology (IAT), 2015-08) Roy, Vishwajit; Kamal Uddin, Dr. M.
In Bangladesh prior to 1989, Telecom sector was controlled by a single state owned enterprise (SOE), Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board. Total number of telephone (land telephone) subscribers was 0.48 million. The country was suffering from “telephone crisis” due to poor telecom penetration. Subsequently various reforms were introduced to improve the performance of the Telecom sector by approving policies and enacting laws, rules and regulations. Major items of the reforms were participation of different international private enterprises and introduction of mobile phone technology. Notable achievements have been made during the last 24 years (1990 to 2014).In 2014 total number of telephone subscribers was 110.32 million (22983 percent increased) of which mobile subscribers was 109 million and land line subscribers was 1.32 million. The Teledensity and Internet density were 78% and 24% respectively. Various interrelated technological parameters of the telecom sector have been studied by the present research; the outcomes are presented below. The importance of Frequency Spectrum (limited natural resource) for planning and development of Telecom Sector has been highlighted. The regulatory measures taken by Bangladesh Government/BTRC since 1998, have been discussed. Different technological components (segments) of telecom sector and their interactions have been discussed for optimum development of the Sector. The present status of telecom network neutrality (technology neutral network) was studied and it was found satisfactory. Suggestions for appropriate regulatory measures for future consideration made by telecom experts have been presented. The study recommended that state ownership of Spectrum resource should be ensured in the Constitution of Bangladesh like other natural resources (e.g. coal, oil, natural gas). So that the allocation of Spectrum are made on transparent basis. A Telecom Master Plan need to be prepared for systematic development of all the segments of the Telecom Sector. An empirical study should be undertaken to assess the impacts of development of Telecommunication on different sectors of socio-economic development (e.g. agriculture, rural development, health, education, disaster management etc.).
Formulation of investment strategies for sustainable development of energy & power sector of Bangladesh
(Institute of Appropriate Technology (IAT), 2015-09) Shahan Shams Alam; Kamal Uddin, Dr. M.
Appropriate investment strategies have to be evolved for maintaining sustainable supply of energy and power to ensure economic development. Energy and Power Sector investment in Five Year Plans, Master Plans and their allocations in Revised Annul Development Programs (RADPs) of Bangladesh have been studied from 1991 to 2010. It has been observed that energy and power are considered as two separate sub-sectors in investment plans, while allocation and distribution of investment among different segments of energy (e.g. exploration & production, transportation & distribution) and power (e.g. generation, transmission & distribution) supply chains are adhoc and inconsistent. As a result, development of energy and power supply chains was affected and did not take place in a synchronized and balanced manner. Finally, it could not reach the development needs. Lack of appropriate institution(s) for energy and power sector planning has been identified as the major impediment for adhoc investment decisions. In order to rationalize the energy and power sector investment strategy, it is suggested that instead of existing practices of sub-sectoral planning (e.g. gas, power etc.), an Integrated Energy and Power Sector Master Plan consisting of all primary energy resources and power should be prepared by an independent institute to ensure synchronized and balanced development of different segments of energy and power supply chain.
Conversion of municipal solid waste (MSW) into safe land filling material
(Institute of Appropriate Technology (IAT), 2015-12) Rasel Kabir, Mohammad; Kamal Uddin, Dr. M.
Generation of municipal solid waste is ominously increasing due to the rapid growth of population coupled with the increasing scale of economic activity, i.e. urbanization, industrialization, and improved living standards. Urban local bodies across the world are struggling with the tenacious problems of municipal waste management, particularly in disposal of waste. This research aims to induce an effective and simple technique for treating organic wastes as part of its waste management system with a view to minimizing the negative environmental impacts resulting from land filling. For sampling, fresh municipal solid waste was collected from twenty different sites of Dhaka City and the organic part of collected solid waste was separated and treated with soil, lime, and cement at different proportions. In this manner four samples were developed and separately preserved in open containers. Later, a series of laboratory tests was conducted to study the physical characteristics, prospective chemical reactions and the risks factors of the treated samples at field condition. More than 60 specimens were tested at predetermined intervals at Environmental Microbiology Laboratory of ICDDR’B, Soil Resource Development Institute of Ministry of Agriculture, and Department of Soil, Environment & Water of the University of Dhaka. The experiment results depicted that over time moisture content rates in each samples dropped to almost one third in an average in ambient conditions. The Hydraulic Conductivity rate of four developed samples ranged from 8.44×10-3 cm/s to 13.74×10-3 cm/s for a density of 0.625 gm/cm3 to 0.716 gm/cm3. Moreover, the number of colony forming units of Total Coliforms bacteria in per gram declined dramatically and were found almost zero at the end of the research. Throughout the study all samples were found very mild alkali (average pH value 7.15), which is suitable for land filling. Treatment costs of per m3 of waste were estimated in Taka for each developed samples. After technical evaluation and analysis of prospective treatment costs, the Sample comprised 77% of organic waste, 4% of lime and 19% of gravellier soil has been evolved as an appropriate technique of converting municipal solid waste into safe land filling material. A waste management system was proposed in context of the Dhaka city for the establishment of the developed technique by the city corporations. At the same time, a layout plan was also designed to accommodate the developed technique with existing landfill process.
Technology assessment by applying fuzzy hierarchical process for priority ranking of different power generation methods in Bangladesh
(Institute of Appropriate Technology (IAT), 2016-01) Golam Baharul, A. K. M.; Kamal Uddin, Dr. M.
The objective of this study was to construct a practical approach based on Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (Fuzzy AHP) for Priority ranking of different Power Generation Methods in the perspective of Bangladesh. In this thesis five alternatives, five main attributes/criteria and ten sub-attributes/criteria are considered. These alternatives, attributes and sub-attributes, synthesize from experts‟ knowledge and judgments. Choosing the suitable alternatives of Power Generation Methods is a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem. In this study, it is tried to tap the real-life modeling potential of fuzzy logic and conjugate it with the commonly used powerful AHP modeling method. Fuzzy AHP has chosen to calculate the relative global weights of each alternative in order to reduce vagueness and ambiguity of information and ranking. It shows that the proposed Fuzzy AHP model for priority ranking of different power generation method can be a useful and effective technology assessment tool for future energy generation mix planning.
Strategy formulation for successful adoption of 4G technology by telecommunication operators in Bangladesh
(Institute of Appropriate Technology (IAT), 2016-05) Fahim Mahmud; Kamal Uddin, Dr. M.
Fourth generation of wireless technology i.e. 4G technology is the latest wireless network technology. With a lot of interactive features and better performance, 4G seems to be more promising than existing 2G and 3G technologies. Upon analyzing current deployment of 4G Technology, it is found that commercial usage of this technology is growing very fast around the world. This is evident that Bangladesh needs to join 4G Technology run to cope up with the world-wide technological advancement spree. Launching of 4G technology will create a major impact in the market and economy of Bangladesh. Proper planning is required for management of this new technology while launching. For all operators, a concrete adoption strategy is very important. This study aims to identify the critical factors, formulating a strategic plan and development of a model for successful adoption of 4G technology by telecommunication operators in Bangladesh. In addition, this study also analyzes the present scenario of existing telecommunication technologies in Bangladesh and appropriateness of introducing 4G technology here. Study is conducted by the milestones of research model development, data collection, analysis and decision making. Primary data is collected from a survey conducted among 40 experts selected from the telecommunication domain of Bangladesh. Closed-ended and open-ended questions are used. Secondary data are collected from papers, journals, related studies, documents, books, internet, newspaper review etc. For statistical analysis and decision making, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used. AHP analysis tools and Microsoft Spreadsheet are used for calculation. In this research it is found that, telecom consumers are not completely satisfied with the existing 2G and 3G technology available in Bangladesh. Summary of experts’ opinion also indicates that customers will appreciate introduction of 4G technology and Bangladesh need to launch 4G technology within in less than 4 years. Final outcome of this research work depicts that Technology is the most critical factor for successful adoption of 4G technology by telecom operators in Bangladesh. Other critical sub-factors are identified as Network coverage and quality, Technological up-gradation, Product, packages and pricing, Advertising and branding. Though operators in Bangladesh are still focused on Voice business but according to the research outcome, core strategy for operators to successfully adopt 4G technology is formulated as “focus in Data service”. Research outcome indicates that operators must ensure 4G network coverage throughout the country maintaining proper quality as quickly as possible upon launching. Technological up-gradation must be done by operators with proper care. Infrastructure development for 4G technology and up-gradation of existing 2G and 3G equipment to 4G enabled equipment should be completed quickly and smoothly. Pricing of 4G technology needs to be more attractive than existing 2G and 3G pricing. A balanced pricing should be set considering customers’ expectation and affordability and operators’ return of investment and profitability. Operators must inform their customers about the benefits and new features of this new technology through proper advertising. Considering the competition, each individual operator needs to become a true 4G-branded operator through appropriate branding. Operators also need to ensure that 4G technology can be used with as less negative impact as possible. Telecom sites must be installed in planned manner. Operators need to consider impact of radiation generated from telecom equipment while adopting 4G technology. Based on the results obtained through the research, a strategic plan is formulated for successful adoption of 4G technology by telecom operators in Bangladesh. A model for this adoption is also developed, named as “4G Technology Adoption Model”. Some suggestions are also made to the government. The thesis outcome is also aligned with national policies and vision. Finally it can be said that introducing 4G technology will be a major step towards “Digital Bangladesh”, which is a major goal of “Vision 2021” articulated by Government of Bangladesh. Not only operators but all concerned organizations and authorities in telecommunication domain of Bangladesh may review this thesis paper for successful adoption of 4G technology.
Approach to reduce the manufacturing waste and improve the process cycle efficiency of a footwear industry by using lean six sigma model
(Institute of Appropriate Technology (IAT), 2016-07) Abu Sayid Mia, Md.; Kamal Uddin, Dr. M.
This study was a case analysis of lean tools and six sigma methodology implementation in shoe production lines of “X” footwear industry in Bangladesh. This work addresses the implementation of lean tools and six sigma methodology in the observed shoe production lines in order to evaluate present Process Cycle Efficiency (PCE), Takt time, Value Added (VD) and Non Value Added (NVD) activities, lead time, comparison of footwear industries various parameters in different countries and finally to develop an improved strategy to bring the improved PCE, Takt time and to reduce the lead time and NVD activities. Value Stream Map (VSM) and Pareto analysis were applied to evaluate the present and future state PCE and to find out the NVD activities. By this study the present state PCE of Derby, Casual, Court, Oxford, Boot and Moccasin shoe production lines were found consequently as 11.32%, 15.28%, 8.32%, 8.01%, 10.68% and 12.20% that could be 25.60%, 34.05%, 19.46%, 18.84%, 24.45% and 26.91% after the implementation of lean tools and SS methodologies within present production system. It is expected that after the implementation of lean tools the existing lead time of Derby, Casual, Court, Oxford, Boot and Moccasin shoe production lines could be reduced consequently by 55.78%, 55.09%, 57.23%, 57.44%, 56.28% and 54.64%. By this study an economic benefit is also evaluated where it is expected that after the proper implementation of lean tools and six sigma methodologies the total economic benefit would be 1206224160 Tk. or 1.2 billion USD per year. After all the production flow was optimized by minimizing several NVD times such as bottlenecking time, waiting time, materials handling time, etc. towards a lean environment establishment in management system of the studied “X” footwear industry in Bangladesh.
Integration of ICT with low cost automation for upgrading SMEs in Bangladesh
(Department of Institute of Appropriate Technology, (IAT) BUET, 2017-12-13) Nesar Uddin Ahamed; Farid Ahmad
The technology gap is the difference between nations and communities in their abilities to access, diffuse and use scientific and technical knowledge. It is one of the main causes of the rapidly expanding socio-economic gap between rich and poor nations, constitutes a major challenge for developing countries in their efforts to achieve the targeted development goals. Assessment and integration of appropriate technology is the key factor to achieve a development goal. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is the World’s fastest growing economic activity; the sector has turned the globe into an increasingly interconnected network of individuals, firms, governments communicating and interacting with each other through a variety of channels and providing economic opportunities transcending borders, languages and cultures. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh have introduced ICT in their business in a very limited manner. Presently ICT is used by SMEs in a standalone and unplanned manner, which means SMEs are using Information Technology (IT) or its services not using the ICT. SMEs has to include ICT in daily business operation management to modernize the operation management and upgrade the overall SME environment in this competitive world. SMEs act as the most cost-effective and worthwhile means of providing employment and injecting dynamism into industrial growth, both for poverty alleviation and contributing to GDP. This study modernizes industrial value chains using ICT and help small businesses better connect to larger enterprises and become fully integrated, offering them a better position in the globalized business environments, as a supporting role for government initiatives to develop this sector. Integration of ICT emphasize to interact electronically and seamlessly, avoiding or significantly reducing paper-based, manual data processing in SMEs. The study has resulted a simplified business processes, common data communication standards, better return on ICT investments, and efficiency gains. ICT has opened new channels for service delivery in the areas of goods and services, manufacturing industries competence, competitiveness, processes and jobs over the world. This study has been conducted to analyze various issues, prospects and challenges of upgrading this particular sector using ICT and finds the ways out to address the challenges with the help of ICT.
Decoupled approach to Multidisciplinary system analysis and Design under epistemic uncertainty
(Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, 2018-07-02) Kibria, Md. Gulam; Zaman, Dr. AKM Kais Bin
An efficient probabilistic approach is developed for uncertainty propagation in multidisciplinary system analysis under epistemic uncertainty. A decoupled approach is used in this thesis to un-nest the multidisciplinary system analysis from the probabilistic analysis to achieve better computational efficiency. This study proposes a moment matching based approach to estimate the first four moments of the coupling variables (variables that couple two or more sub-systems/ disciplines). The estimated first four moments are used as the uncertainty descriptors of the coupling variables. The probability density functions of the coupling variables are determined using the estimated first four moments. The proposed moment matching approach uses Taylor series expansion, tensor product quadrature, and univariate dimension reduction methods to estimate the moments of the coupling variables. Once the uncertainty in the coupling variables is quantified, the system level uncertainty propagation analysis is similar to single discipline problems which is available in the literature. The proposed methods are equally applicable to both sampling and analytical approximation-based reliability analysis methods. The proposed approach does not require any repeated sampling by Monte Carlo simulation, and yet can generate results similar to a sampling-based approach by Monte Carlo simulation; thus relieves us of the time consuming computationally prohibitive nature of Monte Carlo simulation. A mathematical problem and a real-life engineering problem are used to illustrate the proposed methods. The accuracy of the proposed decoupled approach is also verified by Monte Carlo simulation.
Machine learning based approach for subcellular localization of proteins using generic feature set
(Institute of Information and Communication Technology, 2018-08-14) Upama, Paramita Basak; Akhter, Dr. Shahin
Protein subcellular localization is defined as predicting the functioning location of a given protein inside the cell. It is considered an important step towards protein function prediction and drug design. The task of protein subcellular localization from primary protein sequences is crucial for understanding genome regulation and functions. Support vector machine (SVM) based learning methods are shown to be effective for predicting protein subcellular and subnuclear localizations. Extraction of informative features cooperating with SVM plays an important role in designing an accurate system for predicting protein subnuclear localization. Proteins are large, complex molecules that are required for the structure, function, and regulation of a body’s tissues and organs. Subcellular localization of proteins within a cell of the body is a mean of achieving functional diversity of protein. The process determines the access of protein’s interacting partners and enables the integration of proteins into functional biological networks. To gain access to appropriate molecular interaction partners, protein must be at the right place at the right moment. Therefore, the process of protein subcellular localization is crucial for protein synthesis and drug discovery for a broad range of medical conditions and diseases. The current study described here introduces a novel machine learning approach in Bioinformatics for classifying 361 protein sequences found inside a cell. The sequences were in string (text) format, and a set of characteristics were extracted out of them. The feature set includes 8 physicochemical properties of the protein found in 6 target locations of a cell. A support vector machine (SVM) based model has been developed to learn these properties of proteins and test the model on an independent dataset, considering the well-known application of SVM in this field. The algorithm developed during this work selects an optimal range of parameters of SVM and adopts feature selection for obtaining the best performance of the algorithm. The proposed algorithm achieved an average accuracy of 90% in classifying proteins on the target locations. It shows better performance compared to several similar algorithms presented in the literature. The technique proposed here can further be extended for protein sequences found in any part of the body.
Formulation of a process to improve PCE & reduce waste of a lead acid battery industry by using lean six sigma model.
(Institute of Appropriate Technology ( IAT) , BUET, 2019-02-13) Ariful Islam, Md.; Mamun, Dr. Mohammad Arif Hasan
This study is a case analysis of lean tools and Six Sigma methodology implementation in N70 Battery & NS60L Battery processing lines of Rangs Power Battery industry in Bangladesh. This work addresses the implementation of lean tools and Six Sigma methodology in the observed N70 Battery & NS60L Battery processing lines in order to evaluate present Process Cycle Efficiency (PCE), Takt time, Value Added (VD) and Non Value Added (NVD) activities and lead time and finally to develop an improved strategy to bring the improved PCE, Takt time and to reduce the lead time and NVD activities. Value Stream Map (VSM) and Pareto analysis are applied to evaluate the present and future state PCE and to find out the NVD activities. By this study the present state PCE of N70 Battery processing line-1 and NS60L processing line-2 are found consequently as 20.18% and 13.74% that would be 29.62% and 25.24% after the implementation of lean tools and Six Sigma methodology. It would be expected that after the proper implementation of lean tools the existing lead time of N70 Battery processing line-1 and NS60L Battery processing line-2 could be reduced consequently, by 31.85%, and 45.57%. By this study an economic benefit is also evaluated where it would be expected that after the proper implementation of lean tools and Six Sigma methodology the total economic benefit would be 69,418,080 TK. or 8,35,255.44 USD per year. After all the production flow to be optimized by minimizing several NVD times such as bottlenecking time, waiting time, material handling time, etc. towards a lean environment establishment in management system of the studied “Rangs Power Battery” industry in Bangladesh.
Critical success factors of technology transfer: an investigation into the health sector of Bangladesh
(Institute of Appropriate Technology (IAT), BUET, 2019-03-16) Ahsan Uddin Murad, Md.; Ahmad, Mr. Farid
The present thesis intends to find out the critical success factors, which exert defining role in the successful technology transfer from the technology-rich nations to the developing nation, being focused on the health sector of Bangladesh, which is increasingly playing pivotal role in raising the standard of living and physical nourishment, as well as the level of economy. The role of technology in this regard is well-founded, due to its reliability and economic value. Data was collected by questionnaire & conducting interviews at various levels of employees of different tertiary level hospitals, technology suppliers, policymakers and practitioners concerned with the heath sector of Bangladesh. Using a mixed methodology the study finds that very medium and low-level complexity instruments technologies has been transferred to the health sector of Bangladesh. The study also revealed that so far no technology owners has transferred whole package of technology to the their recipients in the sector. The study pointed out that due to very high technology gap, owners’ willingness to transfer technology plays the pivotal role in the effectiveness of the technology transfer. The study also shows that recipient’s Involvement in the transfer process, Effective Communication between technology senders and receivers, policy support, Internal readiness, Training, Bangladeshi Organizational culture, adequate testing are most critical success factors of effective technology transfer to the health sector of Bangladesh.
Assessment of brick kiln technologies of Bangladesh
(Institute of Appropriate Technology (IAT), BUET, 2019-03-30) Shayemur Rahman, Shahed Mohammad Kazi; Mamun, Dr. Mohammad Arif Hasan
Brick manufacturing is the fastest-growing industrial sector in Bangladesh. With about 7,000 operating kilns, brick-making sector is contributing about 1 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and generating employment for about 1 million people. Despite the importance of the brick sector, about 90 percent of kilns use outdated, energy-intensive technologies that are highly polluting. New technologies such as Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK), Hybrid Hoffman Kiln (HHK) and Tunnel Kiln (TK) are substantially cleaner than Fixed Chimney Kiln (FCK) and consume less energy and emit lower levels of pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs). However, the use of these technologies in Bangladesh is still in the preliminary stage of implementation, their financial viability (compared with that of the FCK) still needs to be demonstrated. The objective of this research was to get a priority ranking of different brick kiln technology by Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) which would give a specific result for thinking about installation of new technologies in Bangladesh perspective. For analytic hierarchy process (AHP) analysis, a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) model, we have considered five main attributes/criteria: Product Quality (PQ), Fuel Efficiency (FE), Environmental Effect (EF), Labour Intensity (LI), Investment (I) and four alternatives: Improved Zigzag Kiln (IZigzag) Technology, Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK) Technology, Hybrid Hoffman Kiln (HHK) Technology, Tunnel Kiln (TK) Technology. For Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), Cost and Benefit are determined for four alternatives: Improved Zigzag Kiln (IZigzag) Technology, Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK) Technology, Hybrid Hoffman Kiln (HHK) Technology and Tunnel Kiln (TK) Technology. Based on the result which is found from the Technology Assessment evaluation and Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), it would be determined that which brick kiln technology should be given highest preference in the perspective of Bangladesh.
Appraisal of detailed area plan and development of a revised conceptual plan for Dhaka city
(Institute of Appropriate Technology, (IAT), BUET, 2019-03-30) Sarnav Talukder; Mamun, Dr. Mohammad Arif Hasan
Dhaka the capital and largest city of Bangladesh is one of the fastest-growing megacities of the world which is suffering from traffic congestions, waterlogging, housing shortage, pollution, waste management, utility services, inadequate recreational facilities, and many other problems. To mitigate these problems RAJUK launched many development projects from its inception. But none of these are successful. Rajuk’s one of the recent initiatives was the Detailed Area Plan (DAP), the lowest tier in the three-level planning process of Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan-DMDP (1995-2015). It was basically a local level plan which is supposed to illustrate details of the proposed Landuse zoning, infrastructure and utility services including the 3-D vision of each segment of the local sector. The stages of DAP preparation included geo-referencing of mauza maps, different types of surveys, consultation with stakeholders, draft plan preparation, public hearing, and final plan preparation. But after all these initiatives DAP is accused as a failure, because of the wrong time frame and vague deliverables. The objectives of this research were to assess DAP 2010 to evaluate the physical development planning method of DAP for DMDP to find its shortcomings and to propose a pragmatic DAP approach which is contextual and implementable. A functional and implementable sample concept DAP for BUET has been presented that shows essential parts of a DAP. During the study, it was found that socio-economic survey, physical feature survey, topographic survey and land use survey were done during the period of 2005-2006. DAP is supposed to be launched almost simultaneously with the structure plan. But in this case, DAP was launched in 2010 with many deviations that had already happened in DMDP 1995-2015. Delayed launching itself was a great failure. This idea of initiating DAP was good. There were a lot of limitations found after evaluating the DAP report and database. Therefore, the study tried to figure out some idea for the development of a functional and implementable DAP for Dhaka City. After reviewing the international concepts of DAP, a guideline for doable was prepared and a checklist is developed for the evaluation of DAP. On the basis of the checklist, DAP by RAJUK was assessed. Then an application Model is developed on a case study area which was Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Polashi, Dhaka area to provide an idea about DAP. The model gives an idea of up to what extent a DAP should be worked out to make it a success. This model may be followed to make DAP for other areas of Dhaka city or any other urban areas of Bangladesh. It is important and necessary to launch DAP at an appropriate time. On the other hand DAP is basically an urban design initiative which should describe all sort of detail information regarding infrastructure, utility, road, street furnishing, streetscape, landscape etc. related detail description i.e. location of water network, drainage, parking, lighting, open spaces etc. up to 3-D built-environment of user level. This study would help prepare future DAP and implement at an appropriate time frame with responsive urban design details. The appropriate urban design of Dhaka will result in a livable city.
Development of an effective technology transfer mechanism for the textile and apparel sector of Bangladesh by innovative capacity analysis
(Institute of Appropriate Technology (IAT), BUET, 2019-04-06) Maeen Md. Khairul Akter; Ahmad, Dr. Farid
Textile and apparel sector is the major industrial sector of Bangladesh and the economy is highly dependent on the development of this sector. The sector needs to develop its technological fundamentals and embrace continuous innovation for sustainable development in the future. But unfortunately, in spite of being the major industrial sector of the country it is still running with a combination of low, medium and high technologies haphazardly and there is no study what so ever in terms of its innovativeness and technological development. The objective of this research was to analyze the current practice of the industries, find out the gaps and develop an effective technology transfer mechanism. As the indigenous capability of the industries and institutes to create new technology is very poor in this country, the development of technological fundamentals of industries highly depends on the transferred technologies. Hence, the need of an effective technology transfer mechanism is indispensable. The method used in this research is a qualitative approach with quantitative analysis of the survey data. The methodology includes survey in the industries with appropriate questionnaire and data analysis on the industrial innovative capacity and the current technology transfer practices of the industries. Rationale study of the technology transfer mechanisms from the literature was done to create the theoretical foundation of the study. The outcome of this research creates a new concept of technology transfer mechanism and opens a wide scope for cross-fertilization of knowledge in technology management in the textile and apparel sector of Bangladesh. The major implications of this research is identified as a reliable guideline for industries to assess their individual innovative capacity and develop their technological fundamentals by adopting the new concepts of technology transfer mechanism. This research also can be used as a background document in institutes to design Technology Transfer Office (TTO) dedicated for the textile and apparel sector of Bangladesh.
Feasibility assessment of implementing GSM or DCS frequency band for 3G wireless network in Bangladesh
(Institute of Appropriate Technology, BUET., 2019-04-24) Maruf Hossain, Md.; Mamun, Dr. Mohammad Arif Hasan
The usages and demand of wireless technologies has been increased incredibly in urban, suburban as well in rural area. To fulfill the user demand and for the self-interest, many service provider companies had been established in Bangladesh with different techniques as, Mobile communication system, WiMAX system and small area Wi-Fi services. Especially mobile wireless communication system has become crowded to fulfill the user demands over the nation. As a result radio frequency plans also getting a challenging factor to cover the whole national area by the updated wireless technologies. To facilitate the users in rural area by the updated 3G and 4G mobile technologies, it is needed to choose an appropriate frequency band to alleviate the existing coverage problem of mobile signals. The aim of this thesis work is to find out a suitable frequency band for 3G mobile communication system in Bangladesh. Three available frequency bands 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz are selected as the alternatives to complete the analysis of finding suitable target frequency band for 3G system. For this study Analytic Hierarchy Process is applied as a Multi-criteria Decision Making Method (MCDM) which is a technology assessment tool. The assessment has been conducted by considering the quality of signal, operation cost, coverage area, signal penetration, environmental values, economic impacts as criteria and sub-criteria for the target of this thesis work. A number of telecommunication researchers from different universities and professionals of renowned telecommunication industries have been selected and taken their interview to avail expert opinion for the assessment works. Most of those researchers and professionals expressed their opinion as lower band 900 MHz would be a better choice for mobile operators to facilitate more 3G coverage area with less integration and maintenance cost. Based on the thesis result it can be ascertained that lower frequency band 900 MHz can be an appropriate additional choice for high speed 3G mobile communication system in Bangladesh to enhance the coverage area especially in suburban and rural areas. So from the outcomes of this work, mobile operators may be guided to choose an appropriate frequency band for their existing 3G network as lower band spectrum has been proposed to improve the signal penetration as well for more coverage area.
Formulation of relevance tree scenario generation for successful implimentation of hi-tech and sofwtare technology park in Bangladesh
(Institute of Appropriate Technology, BUET, 2019-09-29) Paul, Norottom; Mamun, Dr. Mohammad Arif Hasan
Hi-Tech or Software Technology parks are being developed in many countries to create an efficient work environment for knowledge based industrial development. Major aim of these technology parks are to attract foreign companies to set up operations and to transfer the indigenous technological capability for the development of the local industries. The aim of this thesis work is to find out factors that influence technology park development and a suitable strategic framework for successful implementation of Hi-Tech (HTP) or Software Technology Park (STP) in Bangladesh. A review of the existing technology parks in different countries such as India, Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, USA etc. and ongoing and finished technology park projects in Bangladesh is carried out through site visit and Internet. However, different parks have different features in respect of development priorities, management, operations and marketing strategies. Knowledge based industry mainly related to information technology and R&D have been considered as top priority sector for Bangladesh. For this study Analytic Hierarchy Process is applied as a Multi-criteria Decision-Making Method (MCDM) which is a technology assessment tool. The assessment has been conducted by considering infrastructure, strategic & business support & governance as criteria. Under these criteria basic facility, digital facility, social facility, research & strategic facility, industrial chain & innovation facility, capacity development, policy support, operational modality and park management as sub criteria. SWOT analysis and IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software also used for identifying the key variables. Again, relevance tree technique is used to represent tasks, approaches, criteria, sub criteria and variables as per the importance identified. Based on the relevance tree scenario it is found that, quality infrastructure carries slightly higher importance than other criteria but research and strategic facility within the technology park carries more importance than any other criteria. At the end operational modality-based process is suggested for HTP or STP development.
Assessment of contamination status and potential health risk of heavy metals in soil and vegetables of Savar Tannery adjacent area
(Institute of Appropriate Technology, BUET., 2020-08-19) Al Mizan.; Mamun, Dr. Mohammad Arif Hasan
Monitoring of heavy metal concentration in soil of newly shifted tannery industry in Savar tannery village and the accumulation of heavy metals in vegetables grown on tannery area and its nearby area is crucial for public health. Because, the toxic heavy metals present in soil and vegetables may pose potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to human health. For quantifying and assessing the risks, six heavy metals (e.g., Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cd) concentration were determined by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer of 45 soil and 27 vegetable samples collected from four different zones of the tannery and its nearby area. The analyzed results revealed that Cr was in highest concentration in soil and found to be 3222 mg/kg (mean value of four zone) which is 32 fold greater than the maximum permissible limit set by WHO/FAO and 10 times more than EU/UK safe limit. Amount of Pb, Cu, and Ni in the studied soil was far below the all standard limit. The heavy metal Zn was in slightly to moderately higher than the EU and Chinese standard as well as control and background concentration and met India standards and the WHO/FAO concentration. The mean concentration of Cd was 1.97 mg/kg and the greatest concentration was found in zone 3 (5.11mg/kg) which is far beyond the acceptable value set by China, EU and WHO limit. The statistical analysis such as contamination factor, enrichment factor, degree of contamination, pollution load index, geoaccumulation index, marked the area as moderately to very highly contaminated and enriched with heavy metals, thus leading to significant pollution of soil. The ecological risk factor, risk index, non-carcinogenic risk and cancer risk for soil contaminated with heavy metals posed moderate to very high ecological risks and some of the zone with value of hazard index greater unity showed high potential non cancer risks. In addition, analyzed total target cancer risks exceeded the acceptable range (1×10-6-1×10-4) by all of the zones for soil and posed more risks to child population than adult. The main exposure pathway of heavy metal in soil to human was oral ingestion (97.83-99.90%). Concentration of heavy metals in consumable vegetables collected in this study was alarming, especially Cr, Pb, Zn and Cd and was found to cross the boundary limit set by WHO/FAO, Chinese national standards and EU/UK limits. The calculated mean hazard index for vegetable samples in four zones was 8.71, showing elevated level of potential non-carcinogenic risks to the human, when the target cancer risks by Cr and Cd are far beyond the acceptable value 1×10-4, indicating serious cancer causing probability of human by consumption of these vegetables. From the calculated results, it can be concluded that soils and vegetables particularly in the tannery area are enriched with high amount of heavy metals which are well above the maximum permissible limit suggested by international organizations. Therefore, there is a critical need to remedy the soil of contaminated zones by applying proper techniques. After a vigorous feasibility study of different developed and practiced technology of soil remediation, phytoremediation has been selected for its cost, simplicity, environmental aspects and public acceptance to remedy the heavy metals from the contaminated soil of Hemayetpur, Savar tannery area and its adjacent area. Policy have been suggested to prevent the soil pollution caused by tannery effluent which is suitable, logical and adjustable to this modern era in this study. Finally, individual awareness should be raised to stop cultivating and eating of vegetable in the study area.