scholarly journals A model to design effective Production Improvement Programs

Author(s):  
T Bautista ◽  
E M López Ortega ◽  
J Zubieta ◽  
S Macías

The objective of this paper is to present a model to design effective Production Improvement Programs (PIP) in order to contribute in the solution of the problematic situations generally faced by the Mexican manufacturing micro, small and mediumsized enterprises (M‐SME). In this proposal, we imply that facilitating their development is a natural way to improve their performance, especially in terms of productive efficiency. The study picked up empirical evidence from the Processes Reengineering Workshop (PRW), one of the leading services of the National Committee of Productivity and Technological Innovation (NCPTI) which is considered a Mexican successful case. We show through a comparative analysis that it is possible to have better programs when they follow a continuous improvement process involving the owner of the firm and workforce participation. Furthermore, we suggest a series of methods for planning, structuring and improvement according to the imitative, tacit and qualitative M‐SME specific competence.

Author(s):  
Anabela C. Alves ◽  
Francisco Moreira ◽  
Celina P. Leão ◽  
Sandra Fernandes

Abstract Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an active student-centered learning methodology. Several schools (of varying degrees of education) have implemented, in different ways, PBL, having as common strands that the student learns in teams, and being challenged in the context of a case-scenario. In Portugal, a PBL methodology has been implemented, in the first year of an Industrial Engineering and Management (IEM) program, for more than 15 years. This represents a total number above 700 students of IEM enrolled in PBL during the reported timeframe. A continuous improvement process of the PBL activities was relentlessly pursued during such period. Grounded on end-of-term on-line PBL process satisfaction questionnaires, as well as on results of each PBL edition final workshops, this paper studies and reports on a number of such achievements and shortcomings. Thus, this paper presents the analysis of the results of ten academic years of PBL evaluation process, grounded on the compiled results obtained from 2009/10 to 2019/20. Also, a synthesis of the effective findings (either positive or negative), systematically pointed out by the students, will be presented. Altogether, the PBL implementation in the IEM program has been very positive for students and teachers and worth for others to follow.


Author(s):  
J.F. Young

Abstract In this paper, we will discuss how to incorporate several of the QS-9000 quality system requirements into an existing ISO 9000 quality system. This expansion of the existing quality system will be cost effective and ensure that the continuous improvement program will meet its goals. The QS-9000 quality system was developed in 1994 by the "Big Three" automotive and truck producers in Detroit, Michigan. This document, originated in the United States, is based upon the International Standard: ISO 9001-94. It is mandatory that any supplier of goods and/or services to either Chrysler, Ford or General Motors must have their quality system registered to the QS-9000 standard. We believe that there can be benefits to non-automotive organizations if they will incorporate some of the QS-9000 clauses into their current ISO 9000 quality systems. We will discuss actual cases in the following areas: purchasing, safety, process control, training, business management and continuous improvement. We will show how these examples of quality system enhancement are both effective and efficient ways of driving cost reduction and process improvement programs. Cost of quality initiatives can be better managed.


1999 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Bloor

As health services face increasing pressure to meet the expectations of different stakeholders,they must continuously improve and learn from their experience. Many fail in attempts at continuous improvement programs because managers have not understood the complexity of making changes in organisations with multiple subcultures and interests. This article examines the related concepts of organisational culture, organisational learning and total quality management and shows how a synthesis of this knowledge can assist in develop ingcontinuous organisational learning and improvement.


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