Monitoring multinomial processes based on a weighted chi-square control chart

Interpreting an out-of-control signal is a crucial step in monitoring categorical processes. For the Chi-Square Control Chart (CSCC), an out-of control situation does not specify if it was a process deterioration or a process improvement. For this reason, a weighted chi-square statistical control chart WSCC is proposed with different weighting categories in order to enable an accelerated disclosure of a control situation after a shift due to a deterioration of quality and on the other hand, decelerate an out of control situation after a shift due to a quality improvement. Furthermore, in comparison with Marcucci’s method, the new procedure provides an accurate and easier way to interpret several signals. In other words, the WSCC allows a faster detection of an out-of control situation in the case of a quality deterioration, however, an out-of control situation is not quickly detected in the case of a quality improvement. Indeed, comparative studies have been performed to find the best control chart for each combination. Concluding remarks with comments and recommendations are given based on Average Run Length (ARL) and standard deviation run length (SDRL).

Difficulties observed when implementing Total Productive Maintenance (TPM): empirical evidences from the manufacturing sector

This article analyses the difficulties observed in adopting the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) program in production systems. The research strategies used for this purpose consisted of a literature review, a panel of experts and a survey with professionals working in manufacturing companies. Altogether, 69 market professionals took part in the survey and the collected data was analyzed through the PLS-SEM technique. Results indicate that there is a causal relationship between difficulties associated with the planning phase of a TPM program and issues associated with its implementation. This is an original research and the results are valuable to business professionals desiring to properly implement TPM, as well for researchers interested in the mechanics of total productive maintenance system’s adoption.

Reference model for building innovation networks in information technology

The change in organizational processes by means of associating the new resources made available by IT (Information Technology) with the intrinsic characteristics of business-related areas embodies one of the innovation concepts. This work proposes a reference model for the formation of innovation networks focused on implementing systems that represent innovations by associating IT with the business area. The research methodology is based on an exploratory case study, composed of several analysis units, and on the organizational modeling methodology EKD (Enterprise Knowledge Development) to formulate the reference model. This research proposition contributes to systematize the formation process of collaborative alliances among the innovation agents in order to implement Information Technology-based systems.

Implementation of a standard work routine using Lean Manufacturing tools: A case Study

Due to technological advances, trade politicies and society's consumption patterns, competitiveness among companies has increased considerably, requiring practices that provide a constant improvement in production indicators and product quality. In this context, the use of Toyota Production System tools, also known as Lean Manufacturing, have a fundamental role in the elimination of waste and continuous improvement of industrial production levels. Thus, this work aims to implement a standardized work routine among employees working in a market of parts in an Agricultural Machinery industry, which lacks production methods. To represent this situation, real data were used, which correspond to the needs of the assembly line, and which served as the basis for the analysis and implementation of a new work routine. The results obtained enabled the creation of a standardized work routine, which was obtained by balancing activities between operators and eliminating activities that did not add value to the product.

A program to find all pure Nash equilibria in games with n-players and m-strategies: the Nash Equilibria Finder – NEFinder

Nash equilibrium is an important concept for studying human behavior in group decision making process. Given the complexity of finding Nash equilibria, computational tools are necessary to find them. Several programs were developed for this task. However, available programs are either not comprehensive or might be of difficult installation and handling, creating a “barrier of entry” to non-specialists. The aims of this research are twofold: (i) firstly, it was to identify and to discuss about the available programs for finding Nash equilibria; and (ii) secondly, based on the theoretical proprieties of a Nash equilibrium, to develop a program capable of finding all pure Nash equilibria in games with “n” players and “m” strategies (“n” and “m” being finite numbers) as a Macro tool for Microsoft Excel®. It is expected that the program can contributed to the area of Operations Research by providing a new tool that facilitate the use of game theory concepts within group decision-making problem-solving scenarios enabling practical applications using a widespread software.

Criteria analysis for deciding the LTL and FTL modes of transport

Choosing between Less Than Truckload (LTL) and Full Truckload (FTL) is based on a multicriteria decision because it takes into account aspects such as costs and operational efficiency in transportation, handling and stock of goods. The aim of this article is to provide a detailed analysis of the criteria that comprise the LTL and FTL transport decision using a multicriteria methodology that considers decision makers´ preferences. The SMARTS method was applied in a telecommunications company that outsources its logistics operation. Results show that the main criteria for choosing LTL shipment are related to the relationship with the customer and the efficiency in the delivery of the freight (reliability of the delivery time). On the other hand, choosing FTL transport requires a high weight given to the criteria regarding benefits and cost of transit inventory. The contribution of the research is to provide a structured and flexible analysis to choose the types of shipment (FTL and FLT) when taking into account the risk aversion of decision makers using a non-optimal approach, but with approximate solutions encompassing several qualitative and quantitative criteria in this choice.

Work as management in an environment governed by standards: a study of situations in the steel industry

This article aims to analyze the renormalization processes in work situations of technicians working in a testing laboratory of a steel company in Southeastern Brazil, explaining the contributions of the analytical perspective of Ergology when investigating how workers are organized to manage their activities in order to meet their production and quality goals, their personal as well as customer satisfaction, and protect themselves from work accidents. The qualitative research was carried out based on the analytical approach of Ergology, and the instruments used for data production were documentary investigation within the organization, direct observation of the activities, and semi-structured interviews with the participating workers. The data were treated using content analysis. It was found that these workers value standard operating procedures as tools to aid in the execution of their duties, but criticize them for being extensive, making consultation tiresome, and request more condensed, practical, and attractive procedures for handling. Research showed that certain unforeseen events in the process are only remedied by oneself and the other, demonstrating that the more complete a prescription is, collective experience fills any gaps, since the activity is more complex than anticipated by the standards. This study may contribute to a better understanding of situations common to the steel industry, as well as to academic progress, demarcating the importance of renormalizations not yet explored in this field of study – Ergology in the –Brazilian steel industry.

The influence of risk management on the project portfolio success – proposal of a risk intensity matrix

This article aims to understand how the risk management influences the project portfolio success. Two methodological approaches were selected in this research: a bibliometric survey followed by a case study. The object of study was the new products project portfolio of an organization from the industrial sector, manufacturer of durable goods. The findings revealed a low intensity of project portfolio risk management. This is aligned with the bibliometric survey results and with the evidence from the investigation performed on the case study unit. In order to evaluate the risk management influence over the portfolio success, this article proposes a matrix which suggests the risk management intensity associated with the project portfolio management processes. The proposed matrix application can be considered a contribution element to deepen the knowledge of the risk management influence on the project portfolio success.

Comparative analysis of the main business process modeling methods: a bibliometric study

The offer of business process modeling methodologies is quite extensive, making it difficult for scholars in the BPM area to choose properly. In this context, this paper has the objective to present the main modeling methodologies, with applications, examples and comparisons. A systematic bibliographic survey and the comparative analysis of these notations used in the implementation of BPM projects have been carried out. According to the bibliometric analysis, the modeling notations of the business process most portrayed in the works surveyed are: BPMN, UML, EPC and IDEF. From the construction of a consistent overview that allows the comparative analysis of the methodologies, in order to select the one that suits better its specificities it can be verified that, although they share the same objective, each notation has its specific characteristics. This study has the main purpose of providing a basis for the adequate indication of the application of studies in the field, especially those destined for papers, dissertations and theses.

Critical factors of pedagogical management that influence the evasion in higher education distance learning courses: a case study

Society is currently experiencing scientific, technical and social progress, requiring constant renewal with higher quality dedicated to higher education. Distance education (EAD) allows the raise of new learning forms. EAD uses new technologies and the internet to raise the population education level, creating a higher professional qualification and providing training for specialists in several areas of knowledge. Despite the existing facilities and technologies, EAD has evasion rates that are around twenty-five percent. The question that raises from this data is; what are the critical factors associated to pedagogical management that led to this high evasion rate? The objective of the research was to determine the critical factors of pedagogical management, which have an impact on the evasion in undergraduate courses in the EAD. The research place was a higher education center in the north of Santa Catarina state. The identification of the critical factors and main variables that can cause evasion makes use of a method developed for this analysis, with data confronted with the literature, considering the main authors dealing with this topic. The tool chosen for the results analysis was the statistical correlation. Among the critical factors related to pedagogical management, it is possible to mention the adaptation to distance education, and support and feedback as fundamental questions to reduce evasion.