Friday, 7 October 2016

9.4 - Blog- Case Analysis Effectiveness

Case Analysis Effectiveness
The case analysis is an important tool, which is necessary for a good research. Good research starts with clear thesis or topic. The thesis statement should be as clear and specific as possible. Likewise, for ASCI 530, it is important to identify specific thesis or topic that is related to UAS design, operations or regulations. More importantly, can the deployment of UAV improve current operations and practices?
My case analysis is ‘Site Survey & Maintenance of Communication Tower using UAV’ in Malaysia. To begin with, it is necessary to ask and analyse the following:
  • ·         The potential growth of telecommunication industry in Malaysia.
  • ·         The technologies currently used for communication coverage and number of communication towers required to fulfill demands in the country.
  • ·         Site survey and maintenance methods currently practiced by the industry.
  • ·         Can UAV improve current practices in terms of productivity and cost saving.
  • ·         The UAV rules and regulations stipulated by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) Malaysia.
  • ·         UAV platforms suitable for the purpose.
  • ·         UAV payloads suitable for the purpose.
  • ·         Comparison between COTS (Commercial-off-the shelf) and custom made UAV.
  • ·         The importance of Human factors in UAV operations.
  • ·         How to mitigation UAV incidents and accidents.

The analysis reveals that the telecommunication industry in Malaysia is growing at a steady pace in view of the economy and population growth. In turn, it drives the usage of mobile phone and also the demand of communication towers as to provide sufficient coverage to the country.
Before building a tower, it is necessary to do a site survey to find out any obstructions within 2 km radius at 200 ft – 300 ft above ground level. Any objects along line-of-sight would block the signals and compromise the transmissions. The practice by current industry is to use crane to lift the surveyor to the aforementioned height so that the photos of panorama views can be taken. Likewise for the tower inspection, the crane is also used to lift the maintenance crew to inspect tower structures, wiring and antenna discs.
By deploying UAV with camera, the tasks such as site survey and tower inspections can be easily accomplished. Quad-rotor UAV is recommended for such application in view of its hovering property and ease of operation. It takes about 10 minutes to fly the UAV to 200 ft and take some snapshots or video of panorama view at the location with ease. On the other hand, it takes longer duration to perform tower inspections. If the defects are found, maintenance crews are mobilized to carry out the repairs in-situ as soon as possible.
In Malaysia, private pilot license (PPL) holder is needed to fly the UAV heavier than 20 kg. To save cost, it is mandatory to limit the weight of UAV under 20 kg so that the PPL holder is not required for the operation. Instead, site surveyor can be trained to fly the UAV after proper training.  The training includes knowledge of UAV platform, aerodynamics, air legislation, human factors, observing flight environment requirements and the importance of following pre-flight checklist. From the cost comparison done earlier, cost saving of 62% is achievable.

The study of proper case analysis is important for both academic projects and career advancement. Many companies adopt and implement cost saving measures by freezing recruitment and increase productivity through innovations. Successful case analysis requires in- depth study of a subject; and at the same time, offer different perspectives and views to a topic. Such a skill is an intangible asset and added advantage to a company. 

1 comment:

  1. Excellent blog and writeup for this task Jin!
    Prof Houston

    ReplyDelete