scholarly journals Integrating human factors aspects into performance optimization models of a serial assembly system

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Sobhani
Keyword(s):  
Markov Chain ◽  
Performance Optimization ◽  
Employee Health ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Optimization Models ◽  
Assembly System ◽  
Health State ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Analytical Phase

This dissertation investigates the effects of human factors (HF) of the working environment on the performance of an operation system. Poor HF design of the workplace interrupts the balance of the working environment and reduces employees' overall work performance creating a substantial economic burden on organizations. This thesis focuses on integrating HF aspects into performance optimization models of the serial system. For this reason, a modeling framework has been developed for hierarchical consideration of HF consequences at the individual, workstation and system levels. The developed framework provides a road map for the three analytical phases of this PhD research. In the first analytical phase, a two-state Markov chain is developed to quantify the connection between Work-related Ill Health (WIH) risk factors (ergonomic conditions in the workplace) and employee health-state in a probabilistic way. Subsequently, an optimization model is developed to minimize the total cost of the assembly system with regard to employee health-related productivity loss. Numerical results indicate that there is between 0.5% and 8% difference in the optimal cost of the system with and without including HF effects. In the second analytical phase, a three health-state Markov chain models the connection between HF aspects of the workplace and the employees' work-related productivity and quality variations. Results show between 0.02% and 32% increase for the optimal total cost when both employee productivity and quality losses due to poor HF design of the workplace are integrated into the optimization model. In the third analytical phase, the uncertainty involved in customer demand is considered by developing a two-regime switching model, using a pentanomial lattice. The developed modeling approach investigates the effects of both work-related employee performance variation and demand behavior on the optimal cost of the serial assembly system. Results show that a prediction of the demand distribution throughout the product life cycle is necessary to reduce the over/under cost estimation of the system, due to the stochastic behavior of the demand. This research opens a new window for considering HF intervention not only as occupational health and safety but also as operation improvement method leading to design safer and more efficient systems.

scholarly journals Integrating human factors aspects into performance optimization models of a serial assembly system

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Sobhani
Keyword(s):  
Markov Chain ◽  
Performance Optimization ◽  
Employee Health ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Optimization Models ◽  
Assembly System ◽  
Health State ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Analytical Phase

This dissertation investigates the effects of human factors (HF) of the working environment on the performance of an operation system. Poor HF design of the workplace interrupts the balance of the working environment and reduces employees' overall work performance creating a substantial economic burden on organizations. This thesis focuses on integrating HF aspects into performance optimization models of the serial system. For this reason, a modeling framework has been developed for hierarchical consideration of HF consequences at the individual, workstation and system levels. The developed framework provides a road map for the three analytical phases of this PhD research. In the first analytical phase, a two-state Markov chain is developed to quantify the connection between Work-related Ill Health (WIH) risk factors (ergonomic conditions in the workplace) and employee health-state in a probabilistic way. Subsequently, an optimization model is developed to minimize the total cost of the assembly system with regard to employee health-related productivity loss. Numerical results indicate that there is between 0.5% and 8% difference in the optimal cost of the system with and without including HF effects. In the second analytical phase, a three health-state Markov chain models the connection between HF aspects of the workplace and the employees' work-related productivity and quality variations. Results show between 0.02% and 32% increase for the optimal total cost when both employee productivity and quality losses due to poor HF design of the workplace are integrated into the optimization model. In the third analytical phase, the uncertainty involved in customer demand is considered by developing a two-regime switching model, using a pentanomial lattice. The developed modeling approach investigates the effects of both work-related employee performance variation and demand behavior on the optimal cost of the serial assembly system. Results show that a prediction of the demand distribution throughout the product life cycle is necessary to reduce the over/under cost estimation of the system, due to the stochastic behavior of the demand. This research opens a new window for considering HF intervention not only as occupational health and safety but also as operation improvement method leading to design safer and more efficient systems.

Een slechte start en dan?

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Henk-Jan Dirven ◽  
Wouter van der Torre ◽  
Seth van den Bossche
Keyword(s):  
Analysis Data ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Work Situation ◽  
Financial Situation ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Self Employment ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Employment Quality

A bad start and what then? The work situation of self-employed entrepreneurs with negative and positive start motives This article assesses the extent to which the quality of labor varies between solo self-employed who set up a business for negative reasons and those who started for positive reasons. A negative reason is, for example, not being able to find a suitable job as an employee; an example of a positive reason is wanting to be self-employed from the very beginning. Quality of labor is measured according to the person's financial situation, security of employment, quality of the working environment and work satisfaction. In the analysis, data are used from the Self-employment Survey conducted by Statistics Netherlands and TNO. Compared to self-employed persons with a positive motivation, those who were negatively motivated show lower performance in terms of their business's financial situation, income position, work-related mental fatigue (burn-out), self-perceived health status, concern about the business's future and the level of satisfaction. However, in absolute terms, the vast majority appear to be satisfied with their work situation, enthusiastic and not intending to quit self-employment.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of work Related Musculo Skeletal Disorders (wrmsd’s) Among Doctors - A Cross Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Biju Azariah ◽  
◽  
Geethu Babu ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related

Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) have not only shown to impact the physical and pschycological comfort of the employee but also deteriorate the prospects of any production or service sector. The prevalence of WRMSDs, though studied extensively in various sectors, has been understudied in health sector, especially among doctors. This study which evaluated the prevalence and risk factors of these disorders among fifty cancer treating Radiation Oncologist at a Tertiary Care Cancer Centre in India had exposed out an alarming 68% prevalence of these disorders in the study population, with neck pain being the commonest site of these Muscloskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Several factors which could impact the development of MSDs were analysed. This higher incidence of MSDs is presumed to be because of extreme physical and mental stress of working in a high volume cancer care centre, persistent unhealthy postures during work, inadequate micropauses between works and uncomfortable working atmosphere. Adequate physician patient ratio, restricting the patient load, providing good physician friendly working environment and adequate mandatory breaks might significantly reduce the incidence of these disorders and can prevent the sagging of health care delivery.

scholarly journals Determining the musculoskeletal disorders as the most common work-related injuries, especially in the crafts using the OCRA evaluation method

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gh Halvani ◽  
H Fallah ◽  
R Jafari Nodoushan ◽  
A Haji hosseini ◽  
H Fallah zadeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Evaluation Method ◽  
The Body ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Demographic Questionnaire ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Ergonomic Risk Factors

Introduction: The condition of work in handloom weaving industries cause musculoskeletal (MSDS) disorders which are the most prevailing professional problem among weavers. The aim of this research was to determine ergonomic risk factors in the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. Method: The present study was done through descriptive cross-section method to assess the risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the weavers. Our data collection tools were: demographic questionnaire, job Nordic questionnaire and body map prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders to decide the rate of symptoms. Then, we took film from handloom weavers while wearing to know the condition of their bodies. After reviewing the films, the posture marks was assigned to each duty using the Ergo Intelligence software. At the end, data were analyzed via one-way ANOVA and T-test using SPSS ver.20. Results: The results showed that the most frequent incidence of pain in different organs of the body during last year belonged to neck and shoulder. The average OCRA was 3.65.This indicated that most of the handloom weavers (64.4%) are at high risk. Conclusion: According to the re According to the results of OCRA indices, weavers are at high risk for musculoskeletal injuries, indicating their poor working environment and working conditions, indicating the need for corrective actions.

Occupational physical risk factors and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among the traditional lacquerware toy makers of South India

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Pradeep Kumar Hanumegowda ◽  
Sakthivel Gnanasekaran ◽  
Shankar Subramaniam ◽  
Adarsh Honnappa
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Andhra Pradesh ◽  
South India ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Occupational Risk Factors ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Occupational Risks ◽  
Study Results

BACKGROUND: The majority of handicraft workers in India falls under the informal sector, which plays a prominent role in the employment generation. Artisans in handicraft sectors encounter various hazards and risks causing occupational diseases. OBJECTIVE: The key objective of the study is to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and occupational risk factors among the artisans involved in making traditional lacquerware toys in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, South India. METHODS: The subjects considered in this study are 177 artisans who work in mechanized lathes at Channapatna of Karnataka and Etikoppaka of Andhra Pradesh, South India. The information regarding the reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) symptoms from 7 days to 12 months are collected through modified Standardized Nordic Questionnaire and by direct observations. Moreover, the intervention of WMSD in their day-to-day life and the overall comfort of their body are also determined. The questionnaire survey is conducted through face-to-face interviews and by direct field study. RESULTS: From the statistical analysis, it is found that about 76.83%of the study population (77.4%male and 74.28%female) has self-reported WMSDs. The prevalence of WMSD is most common in the age group of 30–40 years. Physical factors like workplace adaptability, stress at work, body postures, health status, body mass index, active and enough breaks during work and body condition at the end of work have a significant association with WMSD. CONCLUSION: In this study, many of the work-related and lifestyle/health-related factors show a significant association with WMSD in artisans. The sub-standard working environment and the nature of work expose artisans to many occupational risks in their day-to-day life. To mitigate the occupational risks and musculoskeletal disorders, the workspace needs to be resigned ergonomically.

Work-Groups Conflict at PetroTech-Italy, S.R.L.

2013 ◽  
pp. 272-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo Camillo ◽  
Loredana Di Pietro ◽  
Francesca Di Virgilio ◽  
Massimo Franco
Keyword(s):  
Work Groups ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Economic Downturn ◽  
Working Relationships ◽  
Global Context ◽  
Going Concern ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Multicultural Workforce

Field experts take numerous approaches to modeling how culture influences groups in dealing with interpersonal conflict and its dynamics. Researchers investigate cultural traits that may predict a range of cultural conflict behaviors. In addition, anecdotal evidence shows that researchers continue to take up a constructivist approach of identifying the centrality of cultural influence that causes work related conflicts. This study attempts to determine the different types and levels of conflicts within a multicultural workforce by considering various factors such as ethnicity and geographic and lingual diversities within the global context. The scope is to find possible solutions to reduce and/or eliminate group related and, to a certain extent, individual conflicts within the work place, which have become a matter of concern for any international organization. The findings reveal systematic conflicts between and within work-groups and suggest that regardless of type, relationship, and process, conflicts are detrimental to the operation and total outcome. Those conflicts have a negative impact on performance in the production, especially when they escalate. Displays of interpersonal hostility (yelling, name-calling, throwing things at people and making derogatory inferences about others’ own cultures) prevent productive work in all groups, which are inefficient and do not seem motivated to complete their tasks. Increased bickering and hostile behaviour inhibits talking about and working on the immediate task. To a certain extent, the situation could be described as a “toxic working environment.” A key finding reveals through interviews and participative and non-intrusive observations demonstrated that members of these work-groups are psychologically distressed when there are frequent arguments about interpersonal issues. Consequently, the intrinsic problems which escalate over a five year period, together with extrinsic economic problems due to the global economic downturn, cause the company to have high cost of labor and material. With less than expected sales and, operational destruction due to distress about going concern, PTI is put to challenge. Hence, PTI faces a serious test in solving the existing group conflicts. Failure to improve the working relationships could jeopardize the strategic going concern of the company.

The Information Construction of Wind Farm Based on SIS System

2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-66
Author(s):  
Yao Wan-Ye ◽  
Yin Shi
Keyword(s):  
Performance Optimization ◽  
Wind Farm ◽  
Wind Farms ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Stable Operation ◽  
Group Management ◽  
Remote Monitoring System ◽  
Scada System ◽  
Power Group ◽  
Information Construction

In the wind farms, fans are widely distribution with large amount and they are away from the monitoring center, working environment is poor. In order to ensure the safe and stable operation of the wind farms, the wind power operation requirements need to be satisfied, own better function performance and stability of remote monitoring system to improve the management efficiency. In view of this, the power group increasing highly requirements on wind farm group management,but at present, the single SCADA system which the fan manufacturers offered has failed to meet the requirements. On the basis, this article designs the wind farm supervisory information system (SIS), and realizes wind farm cluster control, data analysis, performance optimization and fault warning.

The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain of Dental Workers Employed in Slovenia

2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (9) ◽  
pp. 461-469
Author(s):  
Darija Šćepanović ◽  
Tina Klavs ◽  
Ivan Verdenik ◽  
Čedomir Oblak
Keyword(s):  
Working Environment ◽  
Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Lower Back ◽  
Data Collection Instrument ◽  
Prevalence Of Pain ◽  
General Dentists ◽  
The Right ◽  
Dental Assistants ◽  
Dental Work

Work-related musculoskeletal (MS) disorders are considered one of the most frequent occupational diseases among dental workers. Dental work consists of static, demanding tasks that involve repeated gripping of small-sized instruments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MS pain, the areas of pain, and the risk factors for MS pain in dental workers. A self-administrated questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument for dental workers who voluntarily responded to the invitation. To determine the prevalence and severity location of MS pain, the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was administered among 87 dental workers, with a total of 79.8%, who reported at least one MS complaint. MS pain occurred in 82.6% of general dentists, 75.0% of dental specialists, 66.7% of dental assistants, and 33.3% of dental technicians. Pain most frequently occurred in the neck (60.7%), upper back (52.4%), right shoulder (44.0%), lower back (41.7%), hips/buttocks (29.8%), and the right wrist (23.8%). The prevalence of pain among dental workers could be reduced by ergonomic working environment, regular breaks, maintenance of health, and performing specific exercises designed to dental workers.

scholarly journals Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Health of the Surgeon

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (06) ◽  
pp. 424-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew T. Schlussel ◽  
Justin A. Maykel
Keyword(s):  
Operating Room ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Modifiable Risk Factors ◽  
Spinal Stability ◽  
Minimally Invasive Procedures ◽  
Invasive Procedures ◽  
Musculoskeletal Health ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Work Related Injury

AbstractSurgeons face hazardous working conditions due to ergonomic deficiencies found throughout the operating room. More than 80% of surgeons have succumbed to a work-related injury or illness as a consequence of sustaining awkward or static positions throughout lengthy operations over a career. While the focus of the procedure is directed to the patient, there is little concurrent regard for proper posture or spinal stability. Even when symptoms of discomfort are experienced, they are often ignored. This results in decreased production and may ultimately threaten surgical careers. Surgeons are often unaware of recommendations or guidelines designed to improve their comfort while operating. Furthermore, there is a significant lack of any formal ergonomic education, especially for minimally invasive procedures. Several modifiable risk factors can be adjusted in the operating room to provide a safer working environment. In addition, strengthening, stability, and exercise programs directed by a trained therapist may be employed to improve the surgeon's musculoskeletal health.

OPTIMAL DESIGN OF BINARY WEIGHTED k-OUT-OF-n SYSTEMS

2008 ◽  
Vol 15 (05) ◽  
pp. 425-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
WEI LI ◽  
MING J. ZUO ◽  
YI DING
Keyword(s):  
Optimal Design ◽  
System Reliability ◽  
System Size ◽  
Optimization Models ◽  
Total System ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Total Utility ◽  
Need To Evaluate ◽  
Expected Total Cost ◽  
Binary Weighted

In this paper, we consider the optimal design of the binary weighted k-out-of-n system. The binary weighted k-out-of-n: G system works if and only if the total utility of all working components is at least k. In the design process, we need to evaluate system reliability repetitively. The universal generating function (UGF) approach is used for this purpose when the system size is small or moderate. When the size of the system is large, the recursive approach is used, which is more efficient. Two optimal models are formulated. One is to minimize the expected total cost while guaranteeing the system reliability higher than a pre-specified value; the other is to maximize the system reliability with the constraints on total system cost. Genetic algorithms (GA) and Tabu Search (TS) methods are both used to solve the proposed optimization models. Since the key to a good TS algorithm is usually quite problem-specific policies and memory structures, there is no existing general TS tool available. Therefore more details of the TS approach used in this paper are discussed than the GA approach. The results obtained with these two methods are compared. The results illustrate that both methods are powerful tools for solving these kinds of problems. However TS is more efficient than GA in computation. The materials in this paper have been published in 19.

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