Using program evaluation and review technique (PERT) for evaluating the assembly span of civil aircraft engine maintenance plant: a case study

Authors: Hsiu-Kuei Kuo; William Jen; Jen-Chih Liou; Jong-Sheng Lin; Jing-Yuan Huang

Journal:Chiao Da Management Review. Dec. 2005, 25(1): 149-177.

Keywords:PERT; Engine Maintenance; MRO; Activity-Based Costing (ABC)

Abstract:
There are several characteristics of civil aircraft engine MRO business. These include considerable variations in work scope, high uncertainty of activity time, requiring specific equipments and technologists, having time limit to complete, and conformity to the aviation safety regulation. Consequently, the planning and controlling processes of the assembly activities are similar to the spirit of project management. This study uses Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) for identifying the critical path activities and estimating the span of engine assembly. Besides, this study applies the fares of work centers analyzed by Activity-Based Costing (ABC) to calculating the assembly costs. And the effects of different work scope on the critical path are also discussed. Finally, in order to shorten the assembly span, this study proposes three crashing strategy:(1) assembling the engine by spare modules; (2) purchasing more critical equipments; and (3) crashing on critical activities. We hope that this study can help engine maintenance plants to evaluate their assembly span and probability.