Failure Analysis

 

Failure analysis requires a broad system based approach in the first instance with targeted specialist expertise applied in the second.

The broader systems approach is supported and informed by:

  • Melbourne University; Units in Physics, Chemistry, Bio-Chemistry, Maths
  • La Trobe University; Statistics
  • Monash University; Units in Computer Science, Data Communications, Software Development and Systems Analysis and Design.
  • University of Virginia, Virginia U.S.A. Course on Risk Assessment and Management held by the Centre for Risk Management for Engineering Systems.
  • Australian Corrosion Association, Certificate in Corrosion Technology
  • Director, Ideation Asia Pacific Pty Ltd. 1996 - 2002 This company formed in partnership with Ideation International, a private, U.S.-based company founded in 1992 and headquartered in Southfield, Michigan. Ideation provides a structured methodology for resolving complex engineering problems. IT principal focus was the introduction of TRIZ, The Russian Theory of the Solution of Inventive Problems to Australia.
  • Teaching, Monash University, within a Course on Information Systems Analysis & Design at both the undergraduate and post-graduate level.

Targeted Specialist experience is supported and informed by:

  • Ability to design and construct computer hardware. 1985 - 1986 (before consumer computer products were readily available). This later developed into a small business completing circuit board level repairs to the VIC 20, Commodore 64, BBC Micro and Microbee Computers.
  • Police Breathalysers - 1990 'Alcotest'. (1 of 3 person engineering team) Reverse engineered (under licence) the hardware and software and rewrote the code to meet Police and Legislative guidelines within both Australia and Canada.
  • Electronic Hardware Development, 1991, Voice Dialler/Alarm (1 of 3 person engineering team) This involved taking over the design and construction of a project started by the Research and Development arm of IEI Australia (makers of the VESDA Smoke Alarm).
  • Director, Software Relations Pty Ltd. 1990 - 2001 Provided computer network problem solving services for other consultants and EDP departments within organisations. Developed numerous software projects as team leader or sole developer. The projects ranged from Rostering Systems, Alarm Monitoring Systems, Real Time Process Monitoring Systems (NSW State Rail Project) and paging systems.
  • Publications: "Cleanliness and Reliability of Printed Circuit Boards - A Historical Review of Ionic Cleanliness Standards" - 2001 IPC Review.

            

 

Mr Cousins is a NAFI Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator