Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Quality control Industrial productivity Industrial productivity'

A metodologia KAIZEN é divulgada pelo mundo todo e no Brasil há muitas empresas fazendo uso dela para melhorarem seus resultados. Neste trabalho o histórico e conceitos do KAIZEN são apresentados e são as bases para o levantamento amostral realizado. Este tipo de pesquisa foi utilizado para, no ambiente da indústria de autopeças no Brasil que aplicam a metodologia KAIZEN, se conhecer como os fundamentos desta metodologia estão sendo utilizados, quais os reais resultados alcançados e quais ações são encontradas que, através do KAIZEN, encaminham a estes resultados. Foi desenvolvido um questionário como instrumento de pesquisa e este foi distribuído às empresas de interesse a este trabalho. Cada questão colocada tem seus resultados apresentados em forma de distribuição de respostas para cada opção e a discussão final utiliza estas distribuições de respostas para suas fundamentações e a conclusão do trabalho.
KAIZEN Methodology is known all over the world and in Brazil it has many companies making use of it to improve their results. In this work, the description and concepts of the KAIZEN are presented and are the bases for the survey done. This type of research was developed in the environment of the auto parts industry that applies KAIZEN methodology in Brazil to know how this methodology is being used, which the real results reached and which actions are found that, through the KAIZEN, direct to these results. A questionnaire was designed as research instrument and distributed to the companies of interest to this work. Each question has its results presented in form of distribution for each option and the final discussion uses these distributions as bases to the conclusions of the work.

Orientador: Eugenio Jose Zoqui
Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Mecanica
Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-04T09:17:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Cortada_AntonioCelsoHunnicutt_M.pdf: 11709001 bytes, checksum: be6078b76bb41d2afb96574cc5ce047c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005
Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho é utilizar o Método de Análise e Solução de Problemas, MASP, como veículo de implementação de um programa de qualidade total e avaliar seu impacto em uma empresa do setor de embalagem. O método empregado é o da pesquisa-ação. Para tanto, analisa-se uma empresa, na qual o sistema de gestão da qualidade é estruturado e introduzido. Com isso, pretende-se demonstrar de forma sintética uma outra abordagem de implementação do Controle de Qualidade Total, que pode trazer benefícios para a organização desde as etapas iniciais. Para corroborar com esta idéia, além de demonstrar como o método foi empregado na empresa, três estudos de caso são apresentados detalhadamente. Posteriormente, analisam-se como os projetos de melhoria contribuíram para a institucionalização da qualidade total na organização. Concluindo, este trabalho pretende comprovar a hipótese de que o MASP pode ser utilizado para iniciar o movimento da qualidade e auxiliar na implementação do TQC
Abstract: The main goal of this study is to use the QC Story method of problem solving and analysis as a vehicle for the implementation of a total quality program and evaluate its impacts in a company from the packaging sector. The method that was used employs a research in an industry where the quality management system was structured and introduced. This work intents to briefly demonstrate the advantages that the use of this alternative approach may provide, even in its early phases. To emphasize this idea and also to demonstrate how the method was used in the industry being researched, three detailed case studies are presented. After that, it is analyzed how these improvement projects have influenced the institutionalization of the total quality control concepts in the company. At last, this study intents to verify the hypothesis that the QC Story method can be used to start the quality movement and help the TQC implementation
Mestrado
Materiais e Processos de Fabricação
Mestre em Engenharia Mecânica

A tese apresenta quadro conceitual baseado nas teorias da firma, evolucionária e posicionamento competitivo. É formado pelos construtos rotina e estratégia onde pesquisou-se a evolução da rotina de alto nível, representada pela qualidade da empresa Beta S.A., uma das maiores encarroçadoras de ônibus do mundo, com matriz no Rio Grande do Sul. O quadro é constituído pelos aspectos ostensivo e performativo, pelo individualismo metodológico interacionista e pelos elementos evolucionários: variação, seleção e retenção. O estudo caracterizou-se como uma abordagem qualitativa, com objetivo descritivo, tendo como estratégia de pesquisa estudo de caso. As técnicas de coleta foram a entrevista semiestruturada, história oral temática, técnica projetiva e pesquisa documental. Na variação, decorrentes da teoria evolucionária e do construto rotina, considerou-se para análise 42 questões divididas entre os blocos: seleção racional, cega, propagação seletiva path dependence, imitação, variação endógena, micromudança, padrões, conhecimento tácito e explícito, fatores emergentes e repertório individual. Pesquisaram-se os blocos, a partir da seleção, por meio das teorias do crescimento da firma e do posicionamento competitivo. Na retenção, consideraram-se os elementos que ampliam o escopo competitivo da rotina e que a limitam. Participaram da pesquisa 10 coordenadores, representados pelo nível operacional, 09 gerentes do nível tático e 10 diretores do nível estratégico. A análise ocorreu individualmente e após comparou-se com o nível correspondente. Ao final da análise de cada um dos blocos, formavam-se sistemas de inferência, que correspondiam as respostas simétricas, onde se caracterizavam, na sequência, os sistemas de dispersão, que correspondiam as assimetrias de concepção quanto a rotina da qualidade da Beta S.A. No nível operacional identificaram-se 34 sistemas de inferência, 42 no tático e 39 no estratégico. Em cada um dos blocos estabeleceram-se relações de causa e efeito comparados no modelo empírico da organização. Também se estruturaram, relações dos fatores limitantes e potencializadores da rotina a partir de subníveis. Evidenciou-se que a evolução da rotina, se deu pelas interações, erros e customização. Também se constatou que a evolução endógena da rotina, decorre de reconhecimento da restrição e ênfase na prevenção. Na aprendizagem da rotina, os resultados indicaram a necessidade de sistematização do conhecimento tácito em processo e maior comunicação. O estudo demonstrou simetria empírica com os conceitos teóricos de regularidade das rotinas, interpretações distintas, padrões heterogêneos e práticas de descobrimento. No aspecto performativo estruturou-se dois modelos para potencializar a rotina da qualidade da Beta S.A. Um, é a estruturação de estratégias futuras condicionadas ao estudo das variações retrospectivas, interações e aprendizagem. O outro objetiva ampliar a capacidade de absorção do comitê decisor da qualidade por meio do indivíduo e de segmentação de mercados transformando conhecimento de laço simples em duplo.
Submitted by cmquadros@ucs.br (cmquadros@ucs.br) on 2018-02-01T15:49:39Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese Oberdan Teles da Silva.pdf: 6565069 bytes, checksum: 045c897834332e3093c39996e50cc059 (MD5)
Made available in DSpace on 2018-02-01T15:49:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese Oberdan Teles da Silva.pdf: 6565069 bytes, checksum: 045c897834332e3093c39996e50cc059 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-01
Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, CAPES
The thesis presents a conceptual framework based on the theory of the firm, it is focused on organizational evolution and competitive positioning and it is based on routines and strategy constructs. The research was conducted with such theorical context and deals with high-level quality routine in the company Beta SA, one of the leading bus manufacturers of the world, headquartered in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The conceptual framework considered ostensible and performative aspects of the research, which included an interactionist methodological individualist strategy and the elements of the evolutionary, such as variation, selection and retention. The routine study is characterized as a qualitative approach, with a descriptive objective, having as a research strategy a single case study. The techniques were semi-structured interviews, using thematic oral history, projective technique and documentary analysis. From the variation constructs, arising from the routine and the evolutionary theory, 42 questions were identified from various characteristics, such as rational selection, blind selection, selective propagation, path dependence, imitation, endogenous variation, micro-change, patterns, tacit and explicit knowledge, emerging and repertoire. These characteristics were investigated from a selection perspective, using the theories of the firm and of competitive positioning. The concept of retention is dealt with the elements that extend the competitive scope of the routine and limitation in which they are restrained. Ten coordinators, from the operational level, 09 managers of the tactical level and 10 directors of the strategic level participated in the research. The analysis occurred individually and then each analysis was compared with the corresponding level. At the end of the analysis of each of the constructs, inference systems were formed to correspond to the symmetrical responses, where the dispersion systems corresponding to the asymmetries of conception and the quality routine of Beta S.A. The whole interviews procedure allowed the identification of 34 inference systems at the operational level, 42 inference systems at the tactical level and 39 inference systems at the strategic level. For each unit, a cause and effect relationship was established, by comparing them with the empirical model of the organisation. Relationships of the limiting factors and potentiates of the routine from sub-levels were also structured. The results show that the evolution of the routine is due to interactions, errors and customization. It was also established that the endogenous evolution of the routine results from the recognition of the restriction and the emphasis on prevention. In the routine learning process, the results indicated the need to systematize the tacit knowledge into internal and greater routine communication. The study demonstrated the empirical similarity with the theoretical concepts of regularity of the routines, the different interpretations, the patterns of heterogeneous operation and the discovery practices. In the performative aspect, two models were designed to enhance the quality routine of Beta S.A. The first is the structure of the future strategies conditioned to the study of retrospective variations, interactions and learning. The second was designed to increase the absorption capacity of the quality decision-making committee through the individual transforming knowledge from single to double loop.

The purpose of this analytical study is to determine the degree of application of Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy and practices in the industrial corporations in Jordan. Through detailed examination of primary and secondary empirical data from these corporations, the study examines the link between TQM and labour productivity. The population of the study consists of all Jordanian shareholding corporations listed under the industrial category in Amman Stock Exchange. In late 1998, this consisted of a total of 90 companies. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed in investigating the relationship between TQM implementation and labour productivity. Detailed survey responses from 76 participating companies were classified into two groups: high-level TQM implementation and low-level TQM implementation. About 60% of these companies were classified as companies with high-level TQM. Descriptive analysis of the survey responses plus company report data found that mean labour productivity measurements for companies with high-level TQM were significantly higher than for those with low-level TQM over the years (1993-1998). Also mean growth rates of labour productivity measurements for companies with high-level TQM were higher than for those with low-level of TQM during this period. Regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant positive relationship between TQM and labour productivity. This relationship showed a high positive slope in companies with ISO 9000 certification, and considerably lower (but still positive) slope in companies without ISO 9000 certification.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

This research explores the role, which the construct, service quality plays in an internal marketing setting. This is achieved by evaluating the perceptions and expectations of the production department with regards to the service quality provided by the maintenance department of a South African motor vehicle manufacturer. This was done using the INTSERVQUAL instrument, which was found to be a reliable instrument for measuring internal service quality within this context. A positivist approach has been adopted in conducting this research. There are two main hypotheses for this study: the first hypothesis is concerned with the relationship between the overall internal service quality and the five dimensions of service quality namely: tangibles, empathy, reliability, responsiveness and reliability. The second hypothesis focuses on the relationship between the front line staff segments of the production department and the five dimensions of internal service quality. The results of this research suggest that the perceptions and expectations of internal service customer segments plays a major role in achieving internal service quality. In addition, the importance of the INTSERVQUAL instrument in measuring internal service quality within the motor vehicle manufacturing environment is confirmed.

This study examined three broad areas which related to plant level productivity in two apparel manufacturing plants. First, external factors, specifically unemployment and seasonal cycles, were examined. Second, internal organizational factors involving the size of the organization over time and the absenteeism rate within the company were studied. Finally, after holding constant the effects of the above factors, this study examined the impact of two types of positive incentive programs on employee productivity. It was hypothesized that there would be a positive relationship between unemployment and plant productivity. Partial support was found in one plant. A relationship between productivity level and seasonal cycles was also hypothesized. Generally, season was related to productivity, although the patterns for these relationships were very plant specific. The hypothesis that there would be a negative relationship between productivity rate and absenteeism rate received support in one plant only. It was further hypothesized that there would be a negative relationship between productivity level and size of the plant over time. The results for both plants were very different; however neither were in support of the hypothesis in the predicted direction. To evaluate the impact of the two productivity improvement programs, mean differences (adjusted for covariates and autocorrelation) were compared for three time periods: before, during, and after program implementation. In the Salem plant the time periods before and during the program had significantly higher productivity rates when compared to the period after the program ended. In the Jefferson plant the productivity level was slightly higher during program implementation when compared to the time period before the program. No other significant differences were found.
M.S.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2008.
Committee Chair: Vidakovic, Branislav; Committee Co-Chair: Edwards, Paula; Committee Member: Goldsman, David; Committee Member: Griffin, Paul; Committee Member: Lee, Eva

This thesis presents a coherent, sustained and substantial contribution to the advancement of knowledge or application of knowledge or both in the field of construction management and economics. More specifically, this thesis outlines the strategic development of the built environment through lessons from international construction, quality and productivity management. The strategic role of construction in economic development is emphasized. It describes the contributions transnational construction firms made towards modern-day construction project management practices globally. It establishes the relationship between construction quality and economic development and fosters a better understanding of total quality management and quality management systems in enhancing construction industry performance. Additionally, it prescribes lessons from the manufacturing industry for construction productivity and identifies the amount of carbon emissions reduced through lean construction management practices to alleviate the generally adverse effects of the built environment on global climate change. It highlights the need for integrated management systems to enhance quality and productivity for sustainable development in the built environment. The thesis is an account of how the built environment has evolved, leveraging on lessons from international construction, quality and productivity management for improvements over the past two decades.

This research investigates the relationship between the leadership, internal quality, and customer satisfaction levels in the dealerships of a South African motor vehicle organisation. The Service Profit Chain provides the background theory to this relationship, by suggesting that various factors within the service delivery system of an organisation affect the level of customer satisfaction. From the Service Profit Chain, it is established that two of the prevalent factors affecting customer satisfaction, are leadership and internal quality. The Full Range Leadership Development Theory provides the backdrop for analysing the leadership style of each dealership by using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. The Competence Process forms the theoretical construct against which the internal quality of these dealerships is assessed using the Organisation Competence Analysis Questionnaire. Information was gathered, using these two instruments, from a sample of 85 motor vehicle dealerships within South Africa. The customer satisfaction levels at each of these dealerships, is measured by the motor vehicle organisation’s own instrument, known as the Customer Satisfaction Index. Data obtained from each instrument, for the respective dealerships, was then statistically analysed. However, due to the low reliability of the instruments used in this research, the results of this study indicate that there is no relationship between the leadership, internal quality, and customer satisfaction levels within a South African motor vehicle organisation. Therefore we can conclude that the null hypotheses can not be rejected.

This dissertation consists of four related, sole-authored chapters. It considers the microeconomic mechanisms for gains from trade in the presence of quality investments by firms. It shows within the framework of a quality-augmented heterogeneous firms model that the quality dimension matters for welfare gains from trade. It also provides novel empirical evidence on adjustment mechanisms of aggregate quality as a consequence of globalization. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first contribution to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of endogenous product quality in the determination of gains from trade. I first offer an explanation for observed industry heterogeneity in trade-induced productivity gains and show that results depend on whether or not firms have the option to invest in quality. I then take a broader view of welfare gains from trade, looking beyond productivity improvements. I find that globalization can imply a quality-variety trade-off when consumer quality preference is strong - a finding which holds under firm heterogeneity and symmetry. Nevertheless, overall gains from trade are positive. With quality being itself an important channel for gains from trade, I also investigate the detailed mechanisms by which aggregate quality changes as a consequence of globalization. This is done within the same theoretical heterogeneous firms framework as well as empirically using firm-level export data matched with firm-level quality ratings. I argue that firm heterogeneity matters for gains from trade by giving rise to an additional welfare channel in the presence of variable elasticity of demand preferences: high quality firms expand sales disproportionately in a larger market, thereby raising aggregate quality. This theoretical prediction is confirmed by the data. Furthermore, I study the mechanisms for gains from trade in a symmetric firms version of the baseline model. This allows me to isolate the role of firm heterogeneity in driving earlier results. In addition, I analyse the efficiency properties of the market equilibrium for the symmetric firms case.

The modern manufacturing marketplace is extremely complex and constantly changing. Career professionals often seek job placement, career advancement, and continuing education through professional certifications. Professional certifications in the United States (U.S.) have been evolving since 1911. In the 1950s, engineering groups established professional certifications and licenses. In the 1980s, administration of accreditation of certification programs proliferated, and by the 1990s, many government and professional organizations sought to standardize procedures for the industry. Currently, professional certifications are available for virtually every profession and issued by multitudes of organizations. Quality management (QM) encompasses an extensive combination ofprofessional abilities. Providers of professional certifications for quality management (QM) related occupations have increased as the demand for specialized employees increased. Certification can make professionals invaluable to their professions and offer substantial compensation. Return on the investment of personal development varies and requires consideration. Some non-accredited certification providers attempt to satisfy demand without conforming to consensual standards. Considering the accumulation of diverse sources professional certifications is subjective and industrial managers may consider them unnecessary, redundant of formal educations, or simply ineffective. The dispute as to how certifications arr advantageous for what industries and individuals requires continual review. This investigation attempted to identify the individual career advantages, enterprise expectations, and the range of certification programs for quality management (QM). The design of research used was a mixed-method approach to scientific inquiry. Participants from industrial professionals and certification providers participated in an online survey designed to identify certification parameters and perceptions. Survey responses were statistically analyzed using a variety of descriptive and inferential techniques. The techniques included measures of agreement, central tendency, and dispersion combined with open-ended responses to deductively and inductively formulate, analyze, and interpret a referenced conclusion. The results indicated essential parameters of professional certifications including what certifications existed, how they are implemented, acquired value ranges, perceived attributes and effectiveness, and a comparison of experienced and certified professionals.

Orientador: Ettore Bresciani Filho
Dissertação (mestrado profissional) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Mecanica
Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-04T19:16:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Barros_EdmarMatosde_M.pdf: 332422 bytes, checksum: 26f25b3e560c8890e4040946209403bf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005
Resumo: O uso das Boas Práticas de Fabricação produz melhorias nos produtos farmacêuticos quanto à conformidade com exigências legais, nacionais e internacionais, mas podem influenciar também no aumento da complexidade, criando compartimentação ou barreiras ao fluxo dos processos e, conseqüentemente, na efetividade da Manufatura Farmacêutica. A diretriz operacional baseada na função busca o melhor desempenho do departamento ou da área apresentando resultados fora do contexto organizacional ou do sistema. Por sua vez a diretriz operacional baseada nos processos leva em consideração o contexto nos quais os resultados são obtidos e desvenda as relações causais entre várias atividades, ressaltando os pontos fracos e fortes da cadeia de agregação de valor. A Indústria Farmacêutica é um exemplo de compartimentação de atividades, devido ao grande número de validações e procedimentos relacionados a estabelecer o que se faz exatamente em cada área. As Boas Práticas de Fabricação podem contribuir para criar barreiras entre funções, prejudicando a identificação do que realmente agrega valor. A questão básica do trabalho será mostrar como identificar estas barreiras ampliando o conceito de qualidade também para os processos da Manufatura Farmacêutica
Abstract: The use of Good Manufacturing Practices makes improvements in the pharmaceutical products, concerning national and international legal requirement, but it can also influence the increase of complexity, promoting compartments or barriers to the process flow and, therefore, to the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing effectiveness. The operational practice based on the functions searches the best area or department performance, presenting the results out of the organizational or system context. The operational practice based on the processes, in its turn, takes into account the context in which the results are acquired, and opens up the casual relations among several activities, outlining the weak and the strong points of the value added chain. The Pharmaceutical Industry is an example of activities in compartments due to the high number of validations and procedures establishing exactly what to do in each area. The Good Manufacturing Practices can contribute in the creation of barriers between functions, making it harder to identify what really adds value. The bottom-line of the paper will be to show how to identify these barriers, also to increase the quality concept to the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing processes
Mestrado
Gestão da Qualidade Total
Mestre em Engenharia Mecânica

Orientador: Miguel Juan Bacic
Dissertação (mestrado profissional) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Mecanica
Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-04T02:12:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Vannucci_JoaoCarlosPiedade_M.pdf: 266701 bytes, checksum: 10ee6b7ec000accb8cfc088a830a6efc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2004
Resumo: As normas ISO 9000, constituindo o guia mais adequado para estabelecer, manter e documentar um Sistema de Qualidade formalizado em empresas de países economicamente expressivos, têm sido o tema de vários estudos e artigos em revistas especializadas. Acredita-se que parte do seu sucesso se deva ao fato de o Sistema da Qualidade ser passível de certificação por um organismo independente. Tal certificação pode indicar que a firma adota um mínimo de controle em seus processos produtivos, podendo gerar bens e serviços. Porém, fica uma questão controversa: a certificação traz ganhos para as empresas certificadas? Este trabalho procura estabelecer uma ligação entre a certificação e a performance empresarial, investigando as pequenas indústrias químicas paulistas que se certificaram nas normas ISO 9000. Dados financeiros públicos de empresas certificadas e não certificadas foram usados para testar a hipótese. Os resultados aqui obtidos podem auxiliar as empresas e os estudiosos do assunto, na sua decisão sobre as vantagens ou desvantagens da certificação
Abstract: ISO 9000 procedures, the most popular indicator to establish, upkeep and document a quality system at almost any company worldwide, have been discussed in many studies and articles in related magazines. Part of its success may be due to the fact that the quality system procedure can be certified by an independent organization. ISO 9000 would show that those certified companies have a certain control over their productive process, and may offer high quality goods and services. However, there still remains a controversy: does ISO 9000 actually bring profits to those certified companies? This essay is to establish a connection between the Certificate itself and certified companies¿ results, focusing on small chemical industries in the state of São Paulo that have adopted ISO 9000 procedures. Public financial data from both certified and non-certified companies were used to verify the hypothesis. The results obtained here may help related researchers and companies, on their decision about whether or not the Certificate brings more advantages
Mestrado
Gestão da Qualidade Total
Mestre Profissional em Engenharia Mecanica

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2005.
Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xiii, 137 p.; also includes graphics (some col.). Includes bibliographical references (p. 133-137). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center

Orientador: Paulo Roberto de Aguiar
Banca: Eduardo Carlos Bianchi
Banca: Rosemar Batista da Silva
Resumo: A necessidade de reduções de custos aliada ao aumento de qualidade das peças produzidas requer a implementação de sistemas inteligentes em ambientes industriais. O controle dos danos causados no processo de retificação é de interesse direto da indústria dependente desse processo. O objetivo deste trabalho é a proposição de modelos fuzzy empregados na detecção da queima de peças de aço SAE 1020 no processo de retificação plana. Foram realizados doze testes para diferentes condições de usinagem. Para cada teste foram coletados dados referentes a potência elétrica e emissão acústica (sinal puro). Os níveis de queima das peças foram analisados visualmente e com o auxílio computacional. A partir dos sinais de emissão acústica, potência de corte e parâmetros utilizando esses dois sinais, regras linguísticas foram estabelecidas para as diversas situações de queima (leve, média, severa) com a aplicação da lógica nebulosa utilizando-se o Toolbox do MATLAB. Quatro modelos práticos de sistema fuzzy foram desenvolvidos. O primeiro modelo com duas entradas apenas resultam num processo de simples análise. O segundo modelo possui a entrada adicional da estatística do desvio do valor médio (MVD), associando uma nova informação e precisão. Esse modelo é baseado em um sistema de inferência de três entradas, combinados dois a dois. O terceiro modelo, com 64 regras, baseia-se nas mesmas três entradas utilizadas no segundo modelo, combinadas três a três. Esses dois modelos diferem entre si pela base de regras desenvolvidas. O quarto modelo difere do terceiro devido ao número de regras e a entrada adicional baseada na potência de corte, do desvio padrão da mesma e do sinal RMS de emissão acústica. Apresentando respostas válidas, os quatro modelos desenvolvidos mostraram eficiência, precisão, confiabilidade e... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: The need of costs reduction and quality increase of the produced pieces requires the implementation of intelligent systems in industrial environments. The control of damages caused during the grinding process is interesting to the industry that depends on such process. This work uses fuzzy logic as tool to classify and estimate burn levels in the grinding process in order to help controlling such process. Twelve tests were performed for different grinding conditions. For each test, data were concerning electrical power and acoustic emission (raw signal). The levels of burning parts were analyzed visually and with computer assistance. Based on acoustic emission signals, cutting power, and statistics using these two signals, liguistic rules were established for the various burn situations (slight, intermediate, sever) by applying fuzzy logic using the MATLAB toolbox. Four practical fuzzy system models were developed. This first model with two inputs resulted only in a simple analysis process. The second model has an additional MVD statistic input, associating information and precision. This model is base d on an inference system of three inputs, combined two by two. The third model with 64 rules is based on the same three inputs used in the second model, differ by the rule base developed. The forth model is different from the third one due to the number of rules, the additional input based on the cutting power, the standard deviation and the acoustic emission RMS signal. The four developed models presented valid responses, proving effective, accurate, reliable and easy to use for the determination of ground workpiece burn. In this analysis... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)
Mestre

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:28:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-12-20Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:16:08Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 euzebio_csg_me_bauru.pdf: 3031848 bytes, checksum: 6b7741a092864eabaa133ffdbcd4eed8 (MD5)
A necessidade de reduções de custos aliada ao aumento de qualidade das peças produzidas requer a implementação de sistemas inteligentes em ambientes industriais. O controle dos danos causados no processo de retificação é de interesse direto da indústria dependente desse processo. O objetivo deste trabalho é a proposição de modelos fuzzy empregados na detecção da queima de peças de aço SAE 1020 no processo de retificação plana. Foram realizados doze testes para diferentes condições de usinagem. Para cada teste foram coletados dados referentes a potência elétrica e emissão acústica (sinal puro). Os níveis de queima das peças foram analisados visualmente e com o auxílio computacional. A partir dos sinais de emissão acústica, potência de corte e parâmetros utilizando esses dois sinais, regras linguísticas foram estabelecidas para as diversas situações de queima (leve, média, severa) com a aplicação da lógica nebulosa utilizando-se o Toolbox do MATLAB. Quatro modelos práticos de sistema fuzzy foram desenvolvidos. O primeiro modelo com duas entradas apenas resultam num processo de simples análise. O segundo modelo possui a entrada adicional da estatística do desvio do valor médio (MVD), associando uma nova informação e precisão. Esse modelo é baseado em um sistema de inferência de três entradas, combinados dois a dois. O terceiro modelo, com 64 regras, baseia-se nas mesmas três entradas utilizadas no segundo modelo, combinadas três a três. Esses dois modelos diferem entre si pela base de regras desenvolvidas. O quarto modelo difere do terceiro devido ao número de regras e a entrada adicional baseada na potência de corte, do desvio padrão da mesma e do sinal RMS de emissão acústica. Apresentando respostas válidas, os quatro modelos desenvolvidos mostraram eficiência, precisão, confiabilidade e...
The need of costs reduction and quality increase of the produced pieces requires the implementation of intelligent systems in industrial environments. The control of damages caused during the grinding process is interesting to the industry that depends on such process. This work uses fuzzy logic as tool to classify and estimate burn levels in the grinding process in order to help controlling such process. Twelve tests were performed for different grinding conditions. For each test, data were concerning electrical power and acoustic emission (raw signal). The levels of burning parts were analyzed visually and with computer assistance. Based on acoustic emission signals, cutting power, and statistics using these two signals, liguistic rules were established for the various burn situations (slight, intermediate, sever) by applying fuzzy logic using the MATLAB toolbox. Four practical fuzzy system models were developed. This first model with two inputs resulted only in a simple analysis process. The second model has an additional MVD statistic input, associating information and precision. This model is base d on an inference system of three inputs, combined two by two. The third model with 64 rules is based on the same three inputs used in the second model, differ by the rule base developed. The forth model is different from the third one due to the number of rules, the additional input based on the cutting power, the standard deviation and the acoustic emission RMS signal. The four developed models presented valid responses, proving effective, accurate, reliable and easy to use for the determination of ground workpiece burn. In this analysis... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

En el Perú el sector agroindustrial está dominado por las Mypes con un 99% del total de empresas; en especial, las Mypes agroindustriales de mango son un sector potencial de gran impacto, pues cuentan con una ventaja competitiva a nivel mundial, inician la etapa de cosecha cuando los principales competidores dejan de comercializar el fruto. Sin embargo, el departamento de mayor dependencia económica de este fruto es Ancash y la provincia de Casma la de mayor relevancia, pues es netamente productora de mango. Un problema a nivel productividad de Áncash es la marcada diferencia de 8,2 tn/ha con el primer productor a nivel mundial, México, por lo cual con la finalidad de analizar esta problemática se siguió la siguiente estructura. La investigación inicia con la revisión de diversos artículos de autores competentes en el tema, a partir de los cuales se forma la base científica que sustenta el proyecto. En el mismo, se define el marco teórico, en el cual se recopila información de los temas relacionados al proyecto de investigación, como Mypes, gestión por procesos, planeamiento y control de la producción, buenas prácticas, entre otros. En el segundo capítulo de diagnóstico, se realizó un análisis de las Mypes productoras de mango en Casma y se evidenció diversos problemas de gestión de recursos y de procesos, de los cuales resaltaron cuatro procesos importantes: Gestión de la calidad, Gestión de Planeamiento y Control de la Producción, Gestión de Costos y Gestión Logística. Ante estas problemáticas, se plantea un modelo general que incluye los cuatro procesos, pero en este proyecto de investigación nos enfocaremos en Gestión de Planeamiento y Control de la Producción, para lo cual también se realiza un análisis de hallazgos. Finalmente, en relación con el diagnóstico realizado, se plantea un modelo de Gestión de Planeamiento y Control de la Producción, el cual a permitirá mejorar la productividad en el sector manguero mediante la aplicación Gestión por Procesos y de Buenas Prácticas Agrícolas. Finalmente, el modelo es validado por expertos en los temas antes mencionados, con la finalidad de evaluar la viabilidad del proyecto y corroborar el impacto que se desea alanzar.
In Peru, the agro-industrial sector is dominated by Mypes with 99% of all companies; especially, the agro-industrial Mypes of mango are a potential sector of great impact, since they have a competitive advantage worldwide, they start the harvest stage when the main competitors stop marketing the fruit. However, the department of greater economic dependence on this fruit is Ancash and the province of Casma the most relevant, as it is clearly a mango producer. A problem at the Ancash productivity level is the marked difference of 8.2 tn / ha with the first producer in the world, Mexico, so the following structure was followed in order to analyze this problem. The research begins with the review of various articles by competent authors on the subject, from which the scientific basis for the project is formed. In it, the theoretical framework is defined, in which information is collected on topics related to the research project, such as Mypes, process management, production planning and control, good practices, among others. In the second diagnostic chapter, an analysis of the mango-producing Mypes in Casma was carried out and various problems of resource and process management were revealed, of which four important processes were highlighted: Quality management, Planning and Control Management of Production, Cost Management and Logistics Management. Faced with these problems, a general model is proposed that includes the four processes, but in this research project we will focus on Production Planning and Control Management, for which an analysis of findings is also carried out. Finally, in relation to the diagnosis made, a Production Planning and Control Management model is proposed, which will allow improving productivity in the hose sector through the application of Process Management and Good Agricultural Practices. Finally, the model is validated by experts in the aforementioned topics, in order to evaluate the viability of the project and corroborate the impact that it is desired to achieve.
Tesis

Submitted by Maria Beatriz Vieira (mbeatriz.vieira@gmail.com) on 2017-05-02T14:59:28Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) dissertacao_leticia_ramon_de_medeiros.pdf: 618363 bytes, checksum: 1e8461b2fe16c7cf15ff24ccb2fd1ba0 (MD5)
Approved for entry into archive by Aline Batista (alinehb.ufpel@gmail.com) on 2017-05-02T17:48:29Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) dissertacao_leticia_ramon_de_medeiros.pdf: 618363 bytes, checksum: 1e8461b2fe16c7cf15ff24ccb2fd1ba0 (MD5)
Approved for entry into archive by Aline Batista (alinehb.ufpel@gmail.com) on 2017-05-02T17:50:45Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) dissertacao_leticia_ramon_de_medeiros.pdf: 618363 bytes, checksum: 1e8461b2fe16c7cf15ff24ccb2fd1ba0 (MD5)
Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-02T17:50:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) dissertacao_leticia_ramon_de_medeiros.pdf: 618363 bytes, checksum: 1e8461b2fe16c7cf15ff24ccb2fd1ba0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-16
Sem bolsa
A utilização de híbridos apresenta-se como alternativa para o aumento da produtividade média de arroz irrigado no país. Contudo, o custo de produção das sementes ainda é superior ao das cultivares convencionais, devido à tecnologia que envolve a produção de sementes híbridas e suas especificidades. Devido ao efeito da plasticidade que os híbridos apresentam, tem-se estudado sobre a possibilidade de redução da densidade de semeadura para densidades ainda mais inferiores, sem afetar a produtividade e qualidade de grãos. O objetivo com este trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da redução da densidade de semeadura na produtividade e qualidade de grãos em dois híbridos de arroz irrigado. Os experimentos foram conduzidos nos municípios de Capão do Leão e Capivari do Sul, no Rio Grande do Sul. Os tratamentos foram compostos pelos híbridos BRS CIRAD 302 e H4 CL, nas densidades de semeadura de 10, 20, 30 e 40 kg ha-1, com três repetições. Entre as variáveis analisadas estão produtividade, componentes de rendimento do arroz, características agronômicas, qualidade industrial e comercial de grãos de arroz. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste F a 5% de probabilidade. Quando F foi significativo, para os fatores híbridos e densidade de semeadura, utilizou-se o teste de Tukey a 5% para o fator qualitativo e regressão polinomial para o fator quantitativo. Como conclusão determinou-se que a partir da densidade de semeadura de 20 kg ha-1, não há efeito da densidade de semeadura sobre a produtividade dos dois híbridos de arroz irrigado. A qualidade industrial de grãos dos híbridos não é influenciada pela variação na densidade de semeadura e a redução na densidade de semeadura para até 10 kg ha-1 não prejudica a qualidade comercial dos grãos dos híbridos de arroz irrigado.
The use of hybrid presents itself as an alternative to the increase in average productivity of irrigated rice in the country. However, the cost of seed production is still higher than the conventional cultivars, due to technology involving the production of hybrid seeds and their specificities. Due to the effect of plasticity that hybrids have, has studied the possibility of reducing the seeding rate to further lower densities without affecting the productivity and quality of grain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of reducing the seeding rate on yield and quality of grain in two hybrid rice. The experiments were conducted in the municipalities of Capão do Leão and Capivari do Sul, in Rio Grande do Sul. The treatments were composed by hybrid BRS CIRAD 302 and H4 CL, in sowing densities 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg ha-1 with three replications. Among the variables are productivity, rice yield components, agronomic characteristics, industrial and commercial quality of rice grains. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and F test at 5% probability. When F was significant for hybrids factors and plant density, we used the 5% Tukey test for the qualitative factor and polynomial regression for the quantitative factor. In conclusion it was determined that from the seeding rate of 20 kg ha-1, there is no effect of seeding rate on yield of both hybrids of rice. The grain quality of the hybrid is not influenced by variation in plant density and reducing the seeding rate up to 10 kg ha-1 did not affect the commercial quality of the grains of rice hybrids.

Byggbranschen står inför en återkommande produktivitets- och kvalitetsproblematik. Plattformar är en central del i det industriella byggandet som är ett strategiskt utvecklingsområde som strukturerar tekniska lösningar, processer och produktionsmetoder inom ett företag. Effekterna är bland annat effektivare arbetsmetoder, skalfördelar och en förutsägbarhet i processerna som mångt och mycket i teorin skulle kunna avhjälpa delar av den rådande produktivitets- och kvalitetsproblematiken i branschen. Dock går det att ifrågasätta om plattformar lyckats nå sin fulla teoretiska potential och genomslagskraft i branschen.Syftet med detta examensarbete är att skapa bättre förståelse av varför branschen inte får ut mer effekt av plattformar i byggproduktionen. Detta genom att i kontexten av byggföretaget NCC:s byggproduktion beskriva och förklara användandet av attityder och verktygen kopplat till NCC:s tekniska bostadsplattformar.En litteraturstudie har utförts och företagsintern dokumentation har använts för att kartlägga befintliga erfarenheter och kunskaper inom det industriella byggandet och NCC:s tekniska plattform. För att nå kunskap och erfarenheter om produktionens plattformsanvändande, har åtta plats- och projektchefer intervjuats tillsammans med en bakgrunds- och referensintervju av en specialist och chef inom projektering- och installationsstyrning.NCC:s tekniska bostadsplattform kan i teorin definieras som en teknikplattform. Plattformen försöker möta kunders krav när kunden kommer in någonstans i projekteringen (ETO), även om kunders krav kan komma att utvecklas och förändras med tiden. Plattformen är i stort projekteringsledd och består till stor del av projekteringsanvisningar på komponentnivå med ett något begränsat fokus på standardiserade produktionsmetoder. Dock uttrycker majoriteten av de intervjuade projekt- och platscheferna ett behov av standardiserade arbetsberedningar. Intervjuer och teori tyder på vikten av att involvera och skapa en delaktighet och ägandeskap i dessa processer och standarder.    Användandet i produktionen beror till stor del på i vilken omfattning projekteringen har skett utifrån plattformen. Utan att veta den exakta implementeringsgraden, uttrycks ett förändrat och minskat användande av plattformen. Två vanligt uttryckta förklaringsmodeller som förklarar varför styrningen mot plattformen har minskat är att det inte längre är ett krav att arbeta utifrån plattformen och att plattformen inte har utvecklats tillräckligt mot den upplevda förändrade beställarrollen. Analysen visar att i teorin betyder det att det finns en dålig koppling mellan process- och teknikplattformen, då ett föråldrat kund- och marknadsfokus riskerar att göra det svårare för plattformen att säljas in hos kunder, implementeras och utvecklas. Att ha en systematisk erfarenhetsåterföring från byggprojekten till plattformen som skapar en kontinuerlig innovations- och kunskapsackumulation är minst lika viktigt som att ha ett aktuellt utbyte mellan process- och teknikplattformen. Produktionspersonalens inställning till plattformen beror även på hur väl erafenhetsåterföringen fungerar.  Denna studie visar att användandet, verktyg och attityder är nära sammanflätade och beroende av varandra. Plattformen är ett viktigt verktyg som skapar uppskattade effekter i produktionen, som i allmänhet skapat grundläggande positiv attityd och acceptans till plattformen hos samtliga projekt- och platschefer. Dock exemplifierar samtliga respondenter en historisk men även rådande problematik hos vissa tveksamma lösningar och beskrivningar inom plattformen. Om plattformen inte är uppdaterad ändras attityderna snabbt och historiska fel ekar länge i produktionen. Negativa attityder går att koppla till utvecklingen, kommunikationen eller utbildningen inom plattformen, vilka alla är nära sammankopplade med erfarenhetsåterföring, involveringen av produktionspersonal, och kopplingen mellan teknik- och processplattformen.Det krävs fortsatt forskning för att förklara hur produktionen ska använda plattformar på ett effektivt sätt. Stort fokus ligger på projekteringen men inte på ett produktionsanvändande. Istället behövs ett mer tvärvetenskapligt angreppsätt som lämnar mer plats för det mänskliga samspelet i produktionen och hur plattformar bör användas i produktionen.
The construction industry is facing a recurring productivity and quality problem. Platforms are a central part of industrial housebuilding, which is a strategic development area that structures technical solutions, processes and production methods within a company. The effects include more efficient working methods, economies of scale and a predictability in the processes that in many ways could in theory remedy parts of the prevailing productivity and quality problems in the industry. However, it is possible to question whether platforms have succeeded in reaching their full theoretical potential and impact in the industry. The purpose of this thesis is to create a better understanding of why the industry does not get more effect from platforms in construction production. This is done by describing and explaining the use of, attitudes and tools connected to NCC's technical housing platforms in the context of the construction company NCC. A literature study has been carried out and NCC's in-house documentation has been used to map the existing experiences and knowledge within the industrial housebuilding and NCC's technical platform. To gain knowledge and experience about the platform use in production, interviews have been a major tool. The sample of respondents include eight site- and project managers as well as a reference interview by a specialist and manager in design and installation management. NCC's technical housing platform can in theory be defined as a technical platform. The platform tries to meet the client requirements when the client enters the house-building design process (ETO), even though client’s requirements may develop and change over time. The platform is largely design-led and largely consists of design instructions at the component level with type solutions and has a somewhat limited focus on standardized production methods. However, most of the interviewed project and site managers demand a need for standardized work planning that, together with the theory, show the importance of involving and creating participation and ownership in these processes and standards. The use in production largely depends on the extent to which the design has taken place based on the platform. Without knowing the exact degree of implementation, a changed and reduced use of the platform is expressed. Two commonly expressed explanatory models that explain why the use of the platform has decreased is that it is no longer a requirement to work with the platform, and that the platform has not developed sufficiently in relation to the perceived changed customer role. The analysis shows that in theory this means that there is a poor connection between the process platform and technical platform, as an outdated customer and market focus risks making it more difficult for the platform to be sold to customers, implemented and developed. From a platform development point of view and based on the production staff's attitude to the platform, it is equally important to have a systematic feedback of experience from the projects to the platform that creates a continuous accumulation of innovation and knowledge. This study shows that usage, tools and attitudes are closely intertwined and interdependent. The platform is an important tool that creates appreciated effects in production that have generally created a positive attitude and acceptance of the platform by all project and site managers. However, all respondents exemplify a historical but also prevailing problem with some doubtful solutions and descriptions within the platform. If the platform is not updated, attitudes change quickly, and historical errors resonate in production for a long time. These factors can be linked to the development, communication or training within the platform, all of which are closely linked to experience feedback, the involvement of production staff, and the link between the technology and process platform. Further research is required to explain how production should use platforms effectively. Great focus is on the design process but not on a production use. Instead, a more interdisciplinary approach is needed that leaves more room for human interaction in production and how platforms should be used in production.

Resultat & analys är sekretessbelagt. 

The purpose of this thesis is to develop a model that is going to be used when wanting to cost-effectively improve the productivity of material supply to assembly with consideration to improve ergonomics and quality of semi-finished products. For this approach a case company’s material supply and assembly station have been studied. By utilising interviews, observations, time measurements and the company’s archival records relevant data have been gathered to review the company’s current materials supply method and assembly station in order to compare it with new possible materials supply methods. A cost break down structure was made in order to identify the different cost drivers for the different materials supply methods. This facilitated the time measurements since they pointed out which operations/activities that should be studied. There were two main types of materials supply methods used in the comparisons, which were line stocking and materials kitting. Line stocking was the first alternative since it was their current material supply method. In materials kitting, the new material supply method, there was two sub types examined, kit carriers and kits in pallets. The conclusion was that that the kit carriers made it possible to improve the labour productivity of one assembly station and at the same time being cost-effective. The kit carriers did also improve the ergonomics for the assembler, but on the contrary worsened the ergonomics for the material handlers. It was also perceived by the assemblers and materials handlers that the quality of the materials was improved when using the kit carriers.
Syftet med det här examensarbetet är att utveckla en modell som kommer att användas när man kostnadseffektivt vill förbättra produktiviteten av materialförsörjningen till montering med hänsyn till att förbättra ergonomin och kvaliteten på halvfabrikats produkter. För denna uppgift har ett fallföretags materialförsörjning och en monteringsstation blivit studerade. Genom att använda intervjuer, observationer, tidmätningar och företagsdokument så har relevant data samlats in for att undersöka företagets nuvarande materialförsörjningsmetod och monteringsstation för att kunna jämföra de mot nya möjliga materialförsörjningsmetoder. Ett kostnadsstrukturträd gjordes för att kunna identifiera de kostnadsdrivare för de olika materialförsörjningsmetoderna. Detta underlättade tidmätningarna eftersom de pekade ut vilka operationer/aktiviteter som borde bli studerade. Det var två huvudsakliga materialförsörjningsmetoder som användes i jämförelserna, vilka var linje lagring och kittning av material. Linje lagring var det första alternativet eftersom det var deras nuvarande materialförsörjningsmetod. I kittningen av material, som var det nya alternativet, så var det två subtyper undersökta, kitvagnar och kit i pall. Slutsatsen var att kitvagnarna gjorde det möjligt att förbättra arbetsproduktiviteten i en monteringsstation samtidigt som den var kostnadseffektiv. Kitvagnarna förbättrade även ergonomin för montören men däremot försämrade den ergonomin för materialhanterarna. Det upplevdes också av montörerna och materialhanterarna att kvalitén av materialen förbättrades när kitvagnarna användes.

Interrogés sur leurs modes d'accès au marché, la plupart des artisans et chefs de petites entreprises du bâtiment attribuent au "bouche-à-oreille" l'essentiel de leur activité. Alors que de fortes incertitudes pèsent sur la qualité des prestations, les intermédiaires et les prescripteurs permettent de réduire les coûts de transaction. Renom et relations de proximité constituent ainsi le premier dispositif de confiance des entrepreneurs du bâtiment. L'encastrement social des marchés du bâtiment n'est plus à démontrer. En revanche, la question des mécanismes sous-jacents à la création et au rendement du capital social reste à approfondir. Nous adoptons dans cette thèse une approche structurale élargie combinée à l'analyse stratégique pour mettre en évidence le rôle du contexte socio-technique dans le rendement de l'encastrement structural des entrepreneurs du bâtiment. Notre objectif est de montrer que les entrepreneurs n'ont pas. Les mêmes intérêts en matière de stratégie relationnelle selon les caractéristiques techniques de leur activité et selon leur position dans le procès de production. Les entrepreneurs adoptent des stratégies à la fois offensives et défensives. Le compromis dépend des sources de pouvoir auxquelles ils ont accès. C'est pourquoi le rendement des réseaux relationnels varie en fonction des caractéristiques des entreprises. Nos analyses nous conduisent à distinguer trois principales catégories d'entrepreneurs : les entrepreneurs relais, les entrepreneurs experts et les entrepreneurs dépendants. Que ce soit en termes de profitabilité ou de productivité, le rendement de leur capital social s'explique par des mécanismes sociaux différents.

by Lam Ka-chi, Ricky and Wong Suet-yee, Sheri.
Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 138-140).
ABSTRACT --- p.iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iv
LIST OF FIGURES --- p.vii
LIST OF TABLES --- p.x
PREFACE --- p.xi
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS --- p.xii
Chapter
Chapter I. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1
Global Trend Towards Quality Improvement --- p.2
Quality Improvement in Hong Kong --- p.5
Chapter II. --- OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH --- p.11
General Objective --- p.11
Ultimate Objective --- p.11
Minor Objectives --- p.11
Chapter III. --- METHODOLOGY --- p.13
Primary Research - Questionnaire --- p.13
Design of the Questionnaire --- p.13
Content of the Questionnaire --- p.15
Respondents of the Questionnaire --- p.16
Primary Research - Interview --- p.18
Secondary Research - Library Research --- p.19
Chapter IV. --- LITERATURE REVIEW --- p.20
Quality --- p.20
Quality Productivity --- p.22
Quality and Cost --- p.22
Productivity and Cost --- p.24
"Quality, Productivity and Cost" --- p.25
Customers Satisfaction --- p.25
Profitability --- p.25
Quality: A Long-term Strategic Planning --- p.28
Summing Up --- p.30
Chapter V. --- DEFINITION --- p.33
Some Operational Terms --- p.33
Quality --- p.33
Productivity --- p.33
Company Performance --- p.34
Quality Performance --- p.35
Financial Performance --- p.35
Gurus in Quality Management --- p.35
Edward Deming --- p.35
Joseph Juran --- p.39
Philip Crosby --- p.42
Armand V. Feigenbaum --- p.46
Kaoru Ishikawa --- p.47
Genichi Taguchi --- p.48
Quality Improvement Techniques --- p.49
Zero Defects --- p.49
Quality Control Circle --- p.49
Statistical Process Control (SPC) --- p.49
Quality Control 7 Tools --- p.51
Taguchi Method --- p.51
Fool-proof (Poke Yoke) --- p.53
Quality Function Deployment --- p.54
International Standard Organization --- p.54
Productivity Improvement Techniques --- p.56
Work measurement --- p.56
Layouts --- p.56
Computer-integrated Manufacturing (CIM) --- p.56
Material Requirements Planning (MRP) --- p.57
Manufacturing Resources Planning (MRPII) --- p.57
Just in Time (JIT) --- p.57
Competitive Benchmarking --- p.58
Self-directed Work Teams --- p.58
Theory of Constraints --- p.58
Chapter VI. --- HIGHLIGHT OF FINDINGS --- p.60
Company Demographics --- p.60
Company Size --- p.60
Employees Turnover Rate --- p.60
Company Sales Last Year --- p.61
Number of Years Established --- p.61
Overseas Branch or Subsidiary --- p.63
Other Company Information --- p.65
Company Performance --- p.69
Customers Perception:Company Performance --- p.69
Quality Performance --- p.73
Financial Performance --- p.75
Quality Improvement Techniques --- p.76
Formal Approach to Quality Improvement --- p.76
Separate Quality Department --- p.76
Application of Quality Improvement Techniques --- p.81
Quality Improvement -ISO 9000 --- p.92
Quality Improvement - Understand & Specify Customer Requirements --- p.99
Productivity Improvement Techniques --- p.105
Formal Approach to Productivity Improvement --- p.105
Productivity Improvement Techniques --- p.105
Chapter VII. --- ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION --- p.117
Factor Analysis --- p.117
Kaiser-Meyer-olkin Measure --- p.117
Steps of Factor Analysis --- p.118
VARIMAX Rotation --- p.118
Interpretation of Factors --- p.118
Factor 1 --- p.118
Factor 2 --- p.121
Factor 3 --- p.121
Factor 4 --- p.122
Factor 5 --- p.122
Factor 6 --- p.123
Regression --- p.123
Total Quality Cost --- p.123
Items Defective and Rework Cost --- p.126
Returns and Warranty Cost --- p.126
Internal Waste and Training Costs --- p.126
Quality Performance --- p.127
Financial Performance --- p.127
Employee Turnover Rate --- p.127
Employees' Satisfaction --- p.128
Chapter VIII. --- CONCLUSION --- p.129
APPENDIX --- p.131
BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.138

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Technology: Quality, Durban University of Technology, 2011
The manufacturing sector, considered to be an important industry in any country, is often plagued with a significant degree of competition due to global marketing. In order to cope with this challenge, organisations attempt to improve their manufacturing operations by using different tools and techniques to reduce costs while remaining profitable. This study investigated the existing lean production system of an automotive manufacturing organisation in Durban. The objective of the study was to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current lean manufacturing process in an attempt to improve quality and productivity. An empirical study was conducted, using a survey questionnaire with an assessment score ranking to gather and evaluate employees’ responses pertaining to lean application in the production environment. The quantitative method of research was adopted. The results of the study showed evidence of misalignment and inconsistencies for lean adoption in the organisation. There were significant relationships established between departments and job positions. The analysis demonstrated that operators within production showed the highest sentiment of disagreement for certain lean principles. The validity of the operators’ responses was significant as operators are the frontline of all processes and were in the best position to rank the extent of lean adoption. Several important findings on the implications of lean activities that affect manufacturing performance were revealed. The study concluded that a significant gap exists between the actual adoption of lean principles on the shop floor to those that are documented. It is recommended that organisations develop structured follow up procedures in order to have more control of the production system and thus ensure sustainability. Future research should focus at incorporating better and more efficient lean assessment tools to identify gaps in the production system and to replicate this study to track other South African organisations that claim to manufacture lean.

The dissertation has three main chapters on product quality innovation. First, we compare innovation effort and social welfare between monopoly, duopoly, and the social planner in a dynamic model with quality dependent on a continuous know-how stock. The technology frontier--the largest reachable know-how socks--does not always positively depend on competitiveness, i.e. a duopoly may technologically surpass the social planner. However, social welfare is always positively tied to competitiveness. Second, with a general equilibrium model, we derive a relative price function expressing productivity and quality effects, and develop a method for inferring relative quality changes. An application to services versus goods of the US from 1946-2006 provides evidence on aggregate quality changes and suggests us to incorporate quality variations when explaining relative prices. Third, we build a two-product model where productivity changes lead to reallocations of labor between quantity production and quality innovation. The correlation between relative productivity and relative quality is negative for low-range substitutability and positive for medium-range substitutability between two products. Looking at services versus goods of the US, the correlation is negative and productivity-driven quality can play a significant role in general quality development.

There is a great need for qualified MBL and MBA graduates in South Africa to support and maintain the current growth rate that the economy is experiencing. Diligent effort is required to ensure that the locally acquired MBA/MBL qualifications remain on par with international qualifications. As an initial step to ensure high standards, the Council for Higher Education (CHE) did accreditation evaluations and only 18 MBA courses are now accredited. Admission criteria for the MBA/MBL is one of the minimum standards being assessed as part of the accreditation process conducted by the CHE.
Department of Industrial & Organisational Psychology
M.B.L.

M. Comm.
The aim of this study is to present a practical solution to companies for creating a mechanism whereby the conversion of organisational goals to concrete action items becomes reality. "Over the years we have seen many senior executives that believe that they have a well-developed well-understood and articulated vision that most employees buy into, but without understanding or providing an adequate mechanism with which to actually accomplish the goals" (Best, 1998: 5-9). The references made to the concepts of quality and productivity will refer to the following two definitions respectively: Quality of Organisation "As is the case so often in South Africa, it is quite possible to produce a quality product with a very ineffective and inefficient business process: the penalty that customers pay is getting a quality product which is totally overpriced in order to subsidise the inefficiencies of the business process" (Scholtz, 1998: 33-39). Productivity "The orientation of any new measures will be less concerned with the volume of output (such as the number of orders processed) and more concerned with the value-adding content of work (whether orders are processed correctly the first time and without delay)" (Hope and Hope, 1997: 191-192). Tom Peters supports the view taken on these two definitions in his book Thriving on Chaos (1987:23). Tom Peters is of the opinion that adding value will result from superior quality of products and in exceptional service and responsiveness to customers. Through experience gained in the banking, education, retail and chemical sectors, the problem of dealing with inefficient processes and not having a single accurate, timely and comprehensive source of reference information for decision-making, has been encountered on numerous occasions.

M.Ing.
The purpose of this research investigation is to develop and simulate a current manufacturing production line, for a company by the name of Aerosud, using a 3- dimensional software tool called Delmia Quest ®. The company in question is a mechanical and aeronautical manufacturing organisation that supplies components to both the civil and military sectors to a variety of global points. The aim of this investigation was to develop a simulation model that, initially, mapped the actual workings of the real production line with the use of actual time data recorded through measurement. Secondly, various observations were made to discover how much work-in-progress (WIP) remains idle during the manufacturing procedure and how much productivity is reached after a standard production week of forty-five hours. Hence, the aim of the simulation model is to improve those two factors by increasing the productivity of the entire production line and reduce the amount of WIP idle to a minimum. To achieve this, the author created a baseline model for both the throughput time and the WIP at each cell of production. The results of these curves were obtained using actual statistical time data obtained during the observation period. These results were then plotted onto individual axis to visually identify the outputs. Next, the author analysed the baseline model, within the 3D virtual world of the software, to witness where possible errors exist in terms of throughput time and the amount of WIP idle at various stations of production. It was clearly identified that the cell with the most production problems, was assembly. The author thus identified possible methods of reducing these problems and simulated those actions. The results showed various improvements in the amount of throughput time gained as well as a significant reduction to the amount of WIP idle at that particular cell. The simulations were thus mapped onto the same axis as the baseline model, in terms of throughput time and WIP respectively. This provides visual identification to the outcome of such simulations so that the reader can identify clarity in the results. A basic comparison of each simulation was described with reference to the baseline curve in order to clarify what the results had shown. Finally, the investigation was concluded highlighting that the baseline model created was a good start to analysing the company’s production line; however, as further research, it was recommended that various types of improvements can still be made to this model in order to improve its realism when compared to the real production line.

Chang Yir Lirng.
Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 97-102).
Abstract also in Chinese.
ABSTRACT --- p.ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT --- p.iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.v
LIST OF TABLES --- p.ix
LIST OF FIGURES --- p.xi
CHAPTER
Chapter I. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1
Chapter II. --- LITERATURE REVIEW --- p.6
Chapter II. 1 --- Definition of Terms --- p.6
Chapter II. 1.1 --- Definition of Quality --- p.6
Chapter II. 1.2 --- Definition of Total Quality Management --- p.8
Chapter II.2 --- Long-term Quality Strategic Planning --- p.8
Chapter II.3 --- Quality Management in China --- p.9
Chapter II.4 --- Quality and Financial Performance --- p.11
Chapter II.5 --- "Comparison of Quality Management Approaches of Deming, Juran, and Crosby" --- p.13
Chapter II.5.1 --- Edward Deming's Approach --- p.13
Chapter II.5.2 --- Joseph Juran's Approach --- p.14
Chapter II.5.3 --- Philip Crosby's Approach --- p.15
Chapter II.5.4 --- Comparison of Quality Management Approaches --- p.16
Chapter II.6 --- Evaluation of Quality Management Frameworks --- p.18
Chapter II.6.1 --- International Quality Standards --- p.18
Chapter II.6.2 --- The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award --- p.20
Chapter III. --- "RESEARCH QUESTION, CONCEPTUAL CONSTRUCT AND RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS"
Chapter III. 1 --- Research Question --- p.21
Chapter III.2 --- Research Hypothesis --- p.22
Chapter IV. --- RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Chapter IV.1 --- Research Design --- p.25
Chapter IV.2 --- Conceptual Constructs --- p.26
Chapter VI.3 --- Questionnaire Design --- p.28
Chapter IV.3.1 --- Identification and Selection of Measurement Items in the Questionnaire --- p.28
Chapter IV.3.2 --- Independent Variables --- p.28
Chapter IV.3.3 --- Dependent Variables --- p.30
Chapter IV.3.4 --- Measurement Method --- p.31
Chapter VI.3.4 --- Translation --- p.32
Chapter VI.4 --- Construction of measurement items for constructs of Quality Management --- p.33
Chapter VI.5 --- Data Collection --- p.39
Chapter V. --- HIGHLIGHT OF FINDINGS
Chapter V.1 --- Respondent Characteristics --- p.41
Chapter V.2 --- Company Demographics --- p.44
Chapter V.2.1 --- Company Size --- p.44
Chapter V.2.2 --- Employees Turnover Rate --- p.45
Chapter V.2.3 --- Company Sales Last Year --- p.45
Chapter V.2.4 --- Number of Years Established --- p.46
Chapter V.2.5 --- Employees Involved in Quality Improvement Activities --- p.46
Chapter V.2.6 --- Other Company Information --- p.46
Chapter V.2.7 --- Customer Perception of Company Performance --- p.49
Chapter V.3 --- Quality Performance --- p.51
Chapter V.3.1 --- Percent of Items Defective --- p.52
Chapter V.3.2 --- Internal Waste and Scrap(%) --- p.52
Chapter V.3.3 --- Returns and warranty --- p.52
Chapter V.3.4 --- Rework costs --- p.53
Chapter V.3.5 --- Training and development expenditures --- p.53
Chapter V.4 --- Financial Performance --- p.54
Chapter V.4.1 --- Last year's net profit --- p.54
Chapter V.4.2 --- Last year's return on assets(ROA) --- p.55
Chapter V.4.3 --- Past three years' return on assets(ROA) --- p.55
Chapter V.4.4 --- Past three years' sales growth/decline --- p.55
Chapter V.5 --- Quality Improvement Techniques --- p.56
Chapter V.5.1 --- Formal Approach to Quality Improvement --- p.56
Chapter V.5.2 --- Separate Quality Department --- p.58
Chapter V.5.3 --- ISO 9000 Certification --- p.58
Chapter V.5.4 --- Application of Quality Improvement Techniques --- p.60
Chapter V.5.5 --- Quality Improvement - Understand and Specify Customer Requirements --- p.64
Chapter V.6 --- Productivity Improvement Techniques --- p.66
Application Of Productivity Improvement Techniques --- p.71
Chapter VI. --- STATISTICAL ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Chapter VI.1 --- Analysis of Construct Reliability --- p.73
Chapter VI.2 --- Analysis of Validity --- p.73
Chapter VI.2.1 --- Content Validity --- p.73
Chapter VI.2.2 --- Construct Validity --- p.74
Chapter VI.3 --- The Regression Model --- p.75
Chapter VI.4 --- Quality Performance --- p.76
Chapter VI.4.1 --- Items defective --- p.79
Chapter VI.4.2 --- Waste and damage as % of sales --- p.80
Chapter VI.4.3 --- Returns and warranty --- p.80
Chapter VI.4.4 --- Inspection cost --- p.81
Chapter VI.4.5 --- Rework --- p.82
Chapter VI.5 --- Operating Performance --- p.83
Net profit as % of sales --- p.83
Chapter VI.6 --- Financial Performance --- p.87
Chapter VI.6.1 --- Last year's net profit as % of asset --- p.90
Chapter VI.6.2 --- Sales growth in last year --- p.91
Chapter VI.6.3 --- Sales growth in past three years --- p.91
Chapter VII. --- CONCLUSION --- p.93
Chapter VII.l --- Conclusion --- p.96
Chapter VII.2 --- Limitation --- p.96
BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.97
APPENDIX --- p.103

M.Com. (Business Management)
The question of quality in the workplace is considered within a framework where structural and process variables, leadership, personal filters and behavioural patterns are addressed. Viewpoints regarding quality of work by Rosow, Piskurich, Bennet, Fulmer, Callahan and Drucker, amongst others, were examined. Problems associated with the feasibility of measuring quality is briefly analysed in the light of viewpoints of writers such as Tuttle and Romanowski...