Tools as a balancer of Innovation, Safety and Efficiency in highly competitive organizations (TISE)

Purpose and goal

The purpose of the planning project was to visit the aero engine unit at Rolls-Royce plc to discuss the possibility for bringing together a multidisciplinary study. This study would focus on how innovative tools can support engineering safety, efficiency and innovation in the context of the Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) safety standards launched during the last few years in domains such as aerospace, automotive and railways. The project leader visited Rolls-Royce plc in January-February and discussed a proposal with project management and software experts.

Results and expected effects

The primary result was an elicitation of the possibilities for the proposed study and the qualification possibilities at Rolls Royce. It was assumed that this would make a large difference towards bringing about a finished project application to the ´VINNMER Academy Outgoing´ call. The results and effects were beyond expectations. The participating experts were very positive to the proposed contents and approach of the project. They even suggested a larger scope for the project, and agreed to contact and involve offices in other countries and other divisions in the company.

Approach and implementation

Four work meetings were to be held, with 2-3 days between each for application writing. If there was a need for discussing issues further at KTH before the final scope of the project was set a shorter visit to Rolls-Royce plc could occur two weeks after the last of the initial work meetings. The last meeting was too close to the deadline, but to be onsite for an extended period of time simplified coordination. When onsite the discussions were very rewarding, but a) the meetings should have been planned for earlier (already in December) and b) effort concentrated to one meeting.