bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Procedure for Robust Evolutionary Operations
Authors: Kim Yongyun B. , Byun Jai‐Hyun , Lim Sang‐Gyu
Published: February 2011

Evolutionary operation (EVOP) is a continuous improvement system which explores a region of process operating conditions by deliberately creating some systematic changes to the process vairable levels without jeopardizing the product. It is aimed at securing a satisfactory operating condition in full‐scale manufacturing processes, which is generally different from that obtained in laboratory or pilot experiments. Information on how to improve the process is generated from a simple experiemental design. Traditional EVOP procedures are established on the assumption that the variance of the response variable should be small and stable in the region of the process operation. However, it is often the case taht process noises have an influence on the stability of the process. This process instability is due to many factors such as raw materials, ambient temperature, and equipment wear. Therefore, process variables should be optimized continously not only to meet the target value but also to keep the variance of the response variables as low as possible. We propose a scheme to achieve robust process improvement. As a process performance measure, we adopted the mean square error (MSE) of the replicate response values on a specific operating condition, and used the Kruskal‐Wallis test to identify significant differences between the process operating conditions.
A Technique and software of analysis and control for measurement process
Authors: Fengyu Zhao , Xu Jichao , Bergman Bo
Published: February 2011

In this paper, a two‐section method for measuring is introduced and the variation soruces of measurement process are analysed. Measuring is a special process. Various variation source must be firstly decomposed so that the statistical distribution law of measuring process can be established, and then implement monitoring control of the measuring process. A special method to obtain the m easuring variation is discussed, and a monitoring control technique for measuring process is studied based statistical distribution. Towards the end, we briefly introduce software design for the analysis and control of a measurement process.
Change of Stock Earning Rate on Korean Quality Award Recipients
Authors: Suh Yung‐Ho , Lee Hyun‐Soo
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this research is to understand the effects of Quality Management Award on stock prices movement and to examine the comparative advantages of quality award system in Korea and the US. This study compares the performances of QM Award companies in the stock market with those of the market index in both countries. We develop Korean Quality Award Index (KQA Index) based on the Baldridge Index of NIST in the US. We inspect three studies. Study 1 tests if the performance of MB Award winners and S&P500 index have a difference in the stock market. Study 2 tests if the performances of KQA winners and KOSPI (Korean Composite Stock Price Index) have a difference in the stock market. Study 3 tests if the performances of KQA winners and MB Award winners have a difference in the stock market. From the empirical tests, the performances of KQA winners are superior to those of KOSPI and performances of MB Award winners are superior to those of S&P500 and the performance of MB Award winners are superior to those of KQA winners.
The Efficiency Evaluation of Total Quality Management in the Korean Industry with Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Yoo Hanjoo
Published: February 2011

As all the other managerial activities, total quality management (TQM) has also inputs into and outputs from the process. Therefore, the principal managerial efficiency criteria of maximum outputs with minimum inputs should be applied to TQM. In this paper, the methodology for the performance evaluation of TQM by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was proposed. DEA is used to measure the efficiency of TQM for each firm withe the input and output data obtained by questionnaire. It is found that there are not significant differences between the firms with and without ISO9000 certification and between the large and small‐sized firms with respect to the TQM efficiency.
Total Quality Management in Taiwan’s Telecommunication Industry
Authors: Su Chao‐Ton , Hsu Chih‐Ming , Hung Shih‐Yuan
Published: February 2011

Following the trend of global telecommunication liberalization, the telecommunication industry in Taiwan will be a star industry and grow up quickly in the future. This study uses questionnaires to survey the implementation issues of total quality management in Taiwan’s telecommunication industry. Most of the thirty‐nine telecommunication companies surveyed herein are medium‐sized with fairly weak quality performance. Advanced quality management training programs (such as experimental design) are seldom implemented and decision‐makers do not pay much attention to training programs related to TQM.
The Same Distribution Principle and Its Applications
Authors: Liu Yumin , Xu Jichao
Published: February 2011

In this paper, the same distribution principle is developed based on the studies with many years for short run processes. The quality control philosophy and background of the principle are introduced. Some implementing techniques for the principle are presented, and application cases both in industry and evaluation & decision‐making areas are shown.
Six Sigma: A Fascinating Business Strategy and Its Contributions for Quality Innovation
Authors: Park Sung H.
Published: February 2011

Six Sigma was introduced into Korea in 1997, and it is regarded as a fascinating management strategy in many Korean companies. First of all, the reasons why Six Sigma is fascinating are given and a smart way to introduce Six Sigma is illustrated. Seven step procedures to introduce Six Sigma are explained. Next, the differences of problem‐solving processes for project team activities for R&D, manufacturing, and service areas aree compared. Third, a typical process for R&D Six Sigma is proposed, and major activities and scientific methods at each process step are suggested. Fourth, some differences between Six Sigma project team and quality circle team are presented. Finally, a Six Sigma model for e‐business is proposed and briefly explained.
Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing – A Merger for Worldclass Performance, but is it Really Talking Place?
Authors: Kroslid Dag
Published: February 2011

More than a decade after their development and first wave of deployment, Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing have recently returned on the corporate agendas of a larger number of corporations across industries and supply chains. In the wake of their re‐surge, this commentary addresses the evolution, context, content and deployment patterns of the two distinct management concepts. It also analyses claims in the business press that a merger is taking place between Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing. Here, it is found that there is not enough evidence to broadly support such claims, and it is only concluded that there is some evidence of an early tend towards a merger and that a possible merger would have m any synergies and advantages. Finally, an example from a Scandinavian manufacturing company is provided that explains how Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing can be used in a beneficial way for companies to reach world‐class performance.
Cases Studies on Total Productive Management and Competitive Advantages
Authors: Chang‐Chung Li , Ping‐Chen Tsai
Published: February 2011

The purpose of business strategy is to achieve competitive advantages which includes higher efficiency, better quality, more innovation and faster customer response. In other words, the business strategy is to build unique capability of lower cost and/or differentiation. In production aspect, unique capability means better production power with better performance at 3M(Man, Machine, Material) of input and PQCDSM (Product, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Safety, Moral) from output. The Total Productive Management (TPM), a series of improvement activities focused on reduction of equipment loss, is a tool to establish business competitive advantages. In this paper, several domestic companies who won the Japan TPM Award have been studied. It is found that there is a strong cause‐effect relationship between TPM and competitive advantages because: (1) TPM can change employees mindset effectively; (2) TPM can upgrade employees capabilities; (3) TPM can lead to excellent productivity.
Cost Estimation for ISO 9000 Certification in Japanese Companies
Authors: Yamada Shu
Published: February 2011

It is widely recognized that ISO 9000 certification bring some profits, such as enhancement of quality system and some concerns. Since one of the major concerns is cost for certification, this paper considers the cost for ISO 9000 certification in Japanese companies through review some winning reports and case studies. Specifically, a model that describes the certification activities and their cost is derived through reviewing some winning reports in order to give a framework of cost estimation. Based on the model, we estimate the certification cost in an electric division of a company through an interview survey. Furthermore, we focused on the cost for promotion and administration as a cost for the sake only certification, because these activities will not be needed if a company does not implement ISO certification. It is concluded that this cost may vary approximately 300,000‐700,000 (US$) per certification by the interview and telephone surveys to Japanese stell companies.
Economic Adjustment Design for X Control Chart: A Markov Chain Approach
Authors: Yang Su‐Fen
Published: February 2011

The Markov Chain approach is used to develop an economic adjustment model of a process whose quality can be affected by a single special cause, resulting in changes of the process mean by incorrect adjustment of the process when it is operating according to its capability. The X control chart is thus used to signal the special cause. It is demonstrated that the expressions for the expected cycle time and the expected cycle cost are easier to obtain by the proposed approach than by adopting that in collani, Saniga and Weigang (1994). Furthermore, this approach would be easily extended to derive the expected cycle cost and the expected cycle time for the case of multiple special causes or multiple control charts. A numerical example illustrates the proposed method and its application.
A Classification Techniques For Quality Improvement
Authors: Jichao Xu , Yumin Liu , Li Zhang
Published: February 2011

As we know, the quality of processes is technically depicted by variation, a product or process with the best quality must naturally require the variation as less as possible. The variation is usually reduced with many ways, say, by adjusting parameters settings under robust design with many turns expensive experiements. So ones are trying to reach the robusiness by detecting cheap and simple methods. In this paper, a both practical and simple technique for quality improvement, namely reducing the variation, by data classification is studied. First, all possible system factors are included, which may dominate the variation law. And then we make use of the past observations and their classification as well as boxplot charts to find out the internal rule between the variation and the system factor. Next, adjust the location of the system factor according to the rule so that the variation could, to some extent, be lessened. Finally, two typical quality improvement cases based on data classification are presented.
A Matlab Approach To Evaluate Product Quality
Authors: Wu Hsin‐Hung
Published: February 2011

This study uses MATLAB as a programming tool and applies the bootstrap method to process capability analysis. The advantage of using MATLAB in bootstrap method is to make the bootstrap method much easier to implement and apply particularly in process capability analysis. An example is provided to further illustrate the easy use of MATLAB in bootstrap method.
Copper thickness and thermal reliability of microvias produced by laser‐assisted seeding (LAS) process in printed circuit board (PCB) manufacture
Authors: Leung E.S.W. , Yung W.K.C.
Published: February 2011

The laser‐assisted seeding (LAS) process has potential to replace conventional electroless copper plating in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturing since it combines the steps of laser drilling and plating into one single process. In the LAS process, the single extra LAS step can metallize a microvia. Thus, the process steps can be greatly reduced and the productivity enhanced, but also the high aspect ratio microvias can be metallized. The objectives of this paper are to study the LAS copper thickness within PCB microvias and the thermal reliability of the mcirovias produced by this process. It was found that results were satisfactory in both the reliability test and also the LAS copper thickness which both comply with IPC standard, the copper thickness produced by the LAS process is sufficient for subsequent electro‐plating process. The reliability of the microvias produced by LAS process is acceptable which are free from anty voids, corner cracks, and distortion in the plated copper.
Scheduling for improving productivity of the automated manufacturing system
Authors: Choi Jungsang , Jang Gilsang
Published: February 2011

In this paper jobshop scheduling problem was considered on automated manufacturing systems with the closed loop and unidirectional material handling system. The objective of this research is to develop and evaluate heuristic scheduling procedures to improve productivity by minimizing makespan. Especially travel time of material handling system as well as processing time was considered in the proposed alogorithm. The heiristic algorithms are implemented for various cases. The results show that the proposal algorithms provide better solutions in productivity, frequency, job waiting time and the number of waiting jobs than the random scheduling algorithm.
Statistical Process Analysis of Medical Incidents
Authors: Suzuki Norio , Kirihara Sojiro , Ootaki Atsushi , Kitajima Masanori , Nakamura Shinobu
Published: February 2011

Personnel engaged in the medical field have implemented continual improvement by team activities in an effort to construct a system that reduces the risks involved in medical care. Knowledge in total quality management (TQM), especially statistical quality control (SQC) developed for industry, seems to be applicable to medical care. This paper describes the application of SQC to continual improvement in medical care.
Economic Adjustment Design for X Control Chart: A Markov Chian Approach
Authors: Yang Su‐Fen
Published: February 2011

The Markov Chain approach is used to develop an economic adjustment model of a process whose quality can be affected by a single special cause, resulting in changes of the process mean by incorrect adjustment of the process when it is operating according to its capability. The X control chart is thus used to signal the special cause. It is demonstrated that the expressions for the expected cycle time and the expected cycle cost are easier to obtain by the proposed approach than by adopting that in Collani, Saniga and Weigang (1994). Furthermore, this approach would be easily extended to derive the expected cycle cost and the expected cycle time for the case of multiple special causes or multiple control charts. A numerical example illustrates the proposed method and its application.
Screening Synchronously Occurred Multiple Abnormal Quality Characteristics in a Silicon Wafer Slicing Process
Authors: Lin Chin‐Tsai , Chen Chie‐Bein , Chang Che‐Wei
Published: February 2011

Silicon wafer slicing manufacturing process exhibits several characteristics. They are: (1) the product type is small batch production, (2) saw cutting must be very precise, (3) the process run time is long, and (4) inspecting samples is difficult. Furthermore, the process involves several synchronously occurred multiple quality characteristics, such as thickness (THK), bow and warp, which must be closely monitored and controlled. Synchronously monitoring multiple quality characteristics is more expensive than monitoring a single quality characteristic in the manufacturing process. The sizes of inspected samples in the existing process are difficult to maintain the quality control chart. Grey situation decision method is used to screen the worst quality control chart. Grey situation decision method is used to screen the worst quality characteristic from the synchronously occurred multiple quality characteristics to monitor the process. Finally, a case study is presented to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed decision method. The exponential weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart is used to verify that the process quality is more reliable.
Process Capability Evaluation for a PVC Pipe Product Family
Authors: Huang M.L. , Chen K.S. , Li R.K.
Published: February 2011

Process capability indices can be viewed as convenient and excellent tools to measure and define process output. Several capability indices including Cp, Cpu, Cpl, Cpk, Cpm and Cpp have been widely used in manufacturing industry to provide common quantitative measures on process potentials and performance. Process capability inex Cpp can be used to measure product capability with respect to process targeting. “The larger the better” is the general rule for the application of process capability indices Cp, Cpu, Cpl, Cpk and Cpm. However, those researchers take accounts for processes with single quality characteristics only and cannot be applied to a product family with different models, types or sizes simultaneously. the approach of this paper is to propose a concise and applicable methodology that measures the entire process capability of a product family with several models. For convenient and practical application to product engineers, a simple procedure of hypothesis test for entire process capability of a PVC pipe product familiy is well established.
Integrated Management Systems – Quality, Environment and Safety
Authors: Akpolat Hasan , Xu Jichao
Published: February 2011

The implementation of management systems such as the quality, environmental and occupational health and safety management systems to the national and/or international standards I 9000, ISO 14000 and AS/NZS 4801 has been well researched and studied in the past. However, since the release of the completely revised quality system standard ISO 9001 in December 2000, there has been only few publications and studies about the integration of these three management systems. This paper discusses not only the methods that can be used for ingtegration of management systems but also gives practical examples of its impelementation and benefits to the organisations. It is not the intention of this paper to investigate the similarities and differences of the three standards. However, the above mentioned standards also include some information and references on compatibility, if further study is required.
A Framework for Developing Customer Satisfaction Evaluation System: An Empirical Illustration
Authors: Chien Te‐King , Su Chao‐Ton
Published: February 2011

Customer satisfaction is one of the important goals of Total Quality Management (TQM). The outcome of a customer satisfaction activity has a decisive effect on an enterprise’s operational performance and its future development. For ordinary enterprises, their failure to establish a reasonable “Customer Satisfaction Evaluation System” that manages customers’ real voices and reflects the performance of a customer satisfaction activity has resulted in an unneccessary waste of their resources and a decline within their operational performance. This article will present a framework for an evaluation system for a customer satisfaction activity by elucidating the rationalization of the said framework through the analysis of a successful case model that demonstrates excellence in management. It will further illustrate the effectiveness of the “Evaluation System” operational process to elevate an enterprise’s willingness to develop a customer satisfaction activity and stimulate its progress toward success.
The Study for Principles and Conceptual Models of Quality Management in Virtual Enterprise
Authors: Qin Su , Bei Xu
Published: February 2011

Virtual enterprise is considered as the leading enterprise paradigm of 21st century. Based on the study of a lot of literature on VE, this paper summarizes 7 hypotheses about VE. By comparing the quality management of VE with that of traditional enterprises, 2 key points on quality management of VE were drawn. Firstly, the quality management of VE is a coordinating maangement; secondly, the management of quality information exchange is the key part of VE’s quality management. Furthermore, 5 principles that should be observed by the design of the quality maangement system of VE are given. Then, the concepts of VE’s product module and quality task and the relationship between them are proposed. The conceptual model of the quality management of VE in manufacture process is establsihed and explicated.
Beyond robust design: an example of synergy between statistics and advanced engineering design
Authors: Barone Stefano , Erto Pasquale , Lanzotti Antonio
Published: February 2011

Higher efficiency and effectiveness of Research & Development phases can be attained using advanced statistical methodologies. In this work statistical methodologies are combined with a deterministic approach to engineering design. In order to show the potentiality of such integration, a simple but effective example is presented. It concerns the problem of optimising the performance of a paper helicopter. The desgin of this simple device is not new in quality engineering literature and has been mainly used for educational purposes. Taking full advantage of fundamental engineering knowledge, an aerodynamic model is originally formulated in order to describe the fligh of the helicopter. Screening experiments were necessary to get first estimates of model parameters. Subsquently, deterministic evaluations based on this model were necessary to set up further experimental phases needed to search for a better design. Thanks to this integration of statistical and deterministic phases, a significant performance improvement is obtained. Moreover, the engineering knowledge turns out to be developed since an explanation of the “why” of better performances, although approximate, is achieved. The final design solution is robust in a broader sense, being both validated by experimental evidence and closely examined by engineering knoweldge.
A Structured Approach for Integrating Technology and Business Strategies
Authors: Park
Published: February 2011

This paper presents a framework for processing a structured approach of R&D investment. It presents nine steps to operate R&D investment from analysis of environment situation to review and feedback its activity. Also fundamental questions for effective R&D management in business are discussed and after that critical eight success factors for R&D investment are discussed.
Continuous Improvement Through Integration of Quality Tools
Authors: He Zhen , Qi Ershi , Liu Zixian
Published: February 2011

Continuous quality improvement is now the focus of research and application in quality engineering. To achieve continuous improvement, it’s necessary to integrate quality tools and to plan, design and control the whole process of creating quality. Based on the extensive literature review and the philosophy of concurrent quality engineering, the paper analyzes the relationships among major quality tools such as QFD, FMEA, DOE and SPC and presents a basic model and structure for the integration of quality tools.
A Proposed Self‐assessment Framework for Measuring and Benchmarking Organizational Performance
Authors: Fai Pun Kit , Ka Yan Ho Karis , Sun Hongyi
Published: February 2011

Recent interests in total quality management (TQM) and business excellence (BE) had been fuelled with a range of national and regional awards. These awards are being increasingly used by organisations as part of the business improvement process and strategic benchmarking. This paper reviews the concepts and approaches of performance measurement (PM) and discusses the integration of PM with the TQM and BE philosophies. A TQM‐Be‐PM framework with a set of self‐assessment checklists was developed. In order to complement the literature base with empirical evidence, an industry survey was conducted and a trial implementation of the framework was carried out in a leading manufacturing firm in Hong Kong. The self‐assessment performance data of the firm was evaluated and then benchmarked with the industry averages obtained from the survey. This paper presents the empirical findings and discusses the applicability of the framework in measuring and benchmarking organisational performance toward continual improvement.
A Panoramic Review and Vision on “Integration” for Quality Management
Authors: Duan Guijiang , Tang Xiaoqing , Chin Kwai‐Sang
Published: February 2011

The issues of “Integration” in quality management and related fields have been discussed for a few years. Literature review reveals that this is a large and multi‐disciplinary topic. Although there are many publications on this issue, very few well‐cited articles show direct illustration to why, what and how to implement the “Integration” strategy in quality management. This paper presents a panoramic review and vision on “Integration” issues of quality management, in the perspectives of concept, scope, organization, information, process, and culture.
Neural and MTS Algorithms for Feature Selection
Authors: Su Chao‐Ton , Li Te‐Sheng
Published: February 2011

The relationships among multi‐dimensional data (such as medical examination data) with ambibuity and variation are difficult to explore. The traditional approach to building a data classification system requires the formulation of rules by which the input data can be analyzed. The formulation of such rules is very difficult with large sets of input data. This paper first describes two classification approaches using back‐propagation (BP) neural network and Mahalanobis distance (MD) classifier, and then proposes two classification approaches for multi‐dimensional feature selection. The first one proposed is a feature selection procedure from the trained back‐propagation (BP) neural network. The basic idea of this procedure is to compare the multiplication weights between input and hidden layer and hidden and output layer. In order to simplify the structure, only the multiplication weights of large absolute values are used. The second approach is Mahalanobis‐Taguchi system (MTS) originally suggested by Dr. Taguchi. The MTS performs Taguchi’s fractional factorial design based on the Mahalanobis distance as a performance metric. We combine the automatic thresholding with MD; it can deal with a reduced model, which is the focus of this paper. In this work, two case studies will be used as examples to compare and discuss the complete and reduced models employing BP neural network and MD classifier. The implementation results show that proposed approaches are effective and powerful for the classification.
A Quality Strategy and Self‐Assessment Method for Organizational Excellence
Authors: Dahlgaard Jens J. , Mi Dahlgaard Su
Published: February 2011

Based on a combination of theories, experiences and cases a sustainable change strategy and self‐assessment method with a focus on the human dimension in TQM are suggested and discussed. The Post Denmark TIQ (Total Involvement in Quality) case will be used to illustrate how breakthrough in people attitudes and organisational culture happened and became the foundation for a new culture focusing on change, continuous improvements and everybody’s participation.
Extending Quality Concepts to Cope with The Needs of a Global World
Authors: Conti Tito
Published: February 2011

The concept of quality is revisited to evidence its applicability beyond the product and economic transaction level, to cover every kind of human and social relation. A very important extension indedd in this globalization era, where an increasingly interconnected world badly needs rules and means to improve quality, both at economic and political level. To that iam, some commonplaces about quality need to be exposed to criticism and the close connection between “value” and “quality” concepts must be highlighted. Generalization of the quality related concepts could appear to be just a theoretical issue were it not for the fact taht it opens the door to the extension of “quality management” concepts to every kind of organization: from the company to the state to the planet. “Managing for quality” appears to be a fundamental issue for all human‐made systems.
Continuous Improvement and Its Roots in Pragmatic Philosophy
Authors: Bergman Bo , Mauléon Christina
Published: February 2011

Continuous Improvement is a central concept in the quality movement. In almost all descriptions of quality initiatives Continuous Improvement is central. Even in ISO 9000:2000 that has been recognised. In this paper we will discuss the role of continuous improvement within the quality movement, its relation to knowledge management and, especially, its origin in pragmatic philosophy.
The European Excellence Model – an “Excellent” Model for Management Control?
Authors: Mi Park Dahlgaard Su
Published: February 2011

In this paper some of the main management control theories are reviewed and six dominating paradigms are identified. The identified management control paradigms are compared and analysed in relationship with the European Excellence Model (EEM) in order to investigate whether the EEM can be adopted as a management control model. Based on the analysis, advantages as well as disadvantages of the EEM as control model are discussed.
A TQM case of Centralized Sequential Decision‐making Problem
Authors: Chang Cheng‐Chang , Chu Yun‐Feng
Published: February 2011

This paper considers that a public department under specialized TQM manpower constraints have to implement multiple total quality management (TQM) policies to promote its service performance (fundamental goal) by adopting a centralized sequential advancement strategy (CSAS). Under CSAS, the decision‐makers (DMs) start off by focusing specialized TQM manpower on a single policy, then transfer the specialized TQM manpower to the next policy when the first policy reaches the predetermined implementation time limit (in terms of education and training). Suppose that each TQM policy has a different desirous education and training goal. When the desirous goals for all TQM policies are acheived, we say that the fundamental goal will be satisfied. Within the limitation of total implementation period of time for all policies, assume the desirous goals for all TQM policies cannot be achieved completely. Under this premise, the optimal implementation sequence for all TQM policies must be calculated to maximize the weighted achievement of the desirous goal. We call this optimization problem a TQM case of “centralized sequential decision‐making problem (CSDMP)”. The achievement of the desirous goal for each TQM policy is usually affected by the experience in prior implemented policies, which makes solving CSDMP quite difficult. As a result, this paper introduces the concepts of sequential effectiveness and path effectiveness. The structural properties are then studied to propose theoretical methods for solving CSDMP. Finally, a numerical example is proposed to demonstrate CSDMP’s usability.
Detection and Control of Variation Source for a Production Unit
Authors: Xu Jichao , Akpolat Hasan
Published: February 2011

Variation is the archenemy of quality. To reduce or control the variation in a complex production unit, firstly we need to identify the location of the root cause of the variation. This paper discusses the detection of variability and the techniques used for reduction of variation for a production unit consisting of many processes. In the first part of this paper, the background of variability detection in production systems is introduced which is then followed by a weighted network corresponding to correlation matrix of all processes. Based on the network and clustering criterion of maximum spanning tree, a classification of all processes is derived. Furthermore, the variation of each process in a class is determined by residual analysis. In the last part, the use of methods of robust design for the processes with a larger variability is discussed.
A Case Study of ERP Implementation for PCB Manufacturer
Authors: Lo Chan‐Hsing , Lin Yu‐Hsin , Tsai Chih‐Hung , Li Rong‐Kwei
Published: February 2011

This study researched an enterprise resources planning (ERP) implementation project at a printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturer. In depth research was achieved by participating and observing in an implementation project at an actual PCB manufacturer. It is hoped that this study will contribute a valuable reference resource for future PCB manufacturers that wish to select or implement ERP systems. The first step in implementing ERP software is to set a clear target. At the same time, the tasks of each department and the system of cooperation between departments must be clearly defined. In this way, the cycle time of each flow and the accuracy of data will both be improved. In order to ensure smooth implementation of an ERP project, the followings are key factors: (1) an ERP system that suits the PCB industry; (2) effective project management; (3) effective project cost/budget control; (4) project problem management system; (5) comprehensive implementation method and information technology (IT), etc. By keeping to these principals, Company A achieved rapid transactions, and lower total cycle times and inventory levels, and other such benefits that had been predicted.
Study on the Embedded SPC System Based on LAN
Authors: Jianjun Yin , Zhonghua Yu , Zhaotong Wu
Published: February 2011

Statistical Process Control (SPC) is recognized as one of the most important tool of quality control (QC), an is one research focus in order to implement SPC quickly and effectively using computer technology and network environments. This paper proposes the principle and topology of embedded SPC based on the Internet/Intranet, emphatically discusses the embedded data sampling block, embedded network interface and SPC strategy. An example of application is given.
Parts supply management system for automobile parts manufacturing companies
Authors: Jang Gil‐Sang , Choi Jung‐Sang
Published: February 2011

This paper proposes an efficient and effective BOM management scheme for small and medium manufacturing (SME) companies that produce automobile parts. Automobile part’s manufacturers produce very various products due to various automobile characteristics such as types, colors, and options of cars. These products are classified into product groups with common pars and like this product groups with commonality are regarded as product family. This paper proposes a BOM data model for product family structures and implements the practical EXCEL‐based BOM management system for real small and medium manufacturing (SME) companies that produces automobile parts.
Towards a “better” University: the Use of the EFQM Model in a UK Higher Education Institution
Authors: Blackmore Jacqueline , Douglas Alex
Published: February 2011

This paper examines the use of the EFQM Model in H.E. Institutions in the UK and offers a case study of how one University used the Excellence Model as a means to change the way it operated. It identifies and disucsses the critical success factors for a university utilising the Model, in particular Leadership (criteria 1), People Management, particularly with regard to performance evaluation (criteria 3), having key processes in place (criteria 5) and the identification of the correct key performance results for its various stakeholders (criteria 9).
Analysis and Compare for Control Charts Under the changed Alarm Rule
Authors: Wang Haiyu , Xu Jichao , Park Young H.
Published: February 2011

This paper mainly studies to build control charts under different alarm rule. For different alarm rule, the control limit parameters of a control chart should be changed, then some kinds of control schemes under different alarm rule were compared and the methods of calculating ARL for different control schemes wee given.
Customer Satisfaction Measurement Model Based on QFD
Authors: Liu Yumin , Xu Jichao
Published: February 2011

With the development of the American Customer satisfaction index (ACSI), research on customer satisfaction measurement or evaluation methods have become significant in the last decade. Most of international customer satisfaction barometers or indices are evolved based on the cause and effect relationship model of ACSI. Of critical importance to validity of customer satisfaction indices is how to construct a measurement attribute or indicator model and provide an effective implementation method effectively. Quality Funcion Deployment (QFD) is a very useful tool for translating the customer voice into product design through quality engineering. In fact, this is a methodology for measuring and analyzing evaluation indicators by their relationship matrix. In this paper, we will make an effort to integrate the framework of QFD into teh measurement problem of customer satisfaction, and also develop a new multi‐phase QFD model for evaluation of Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI). From the houses of quality in this model, the evaluation indicators impacting on customer’s global satisfaction are identified by means of their relationship matrix. Then the evaluation indicator hierarchy and its measurement method for the customer satisfaction index are presented graphically. Furthermore, survey data from the Chinese autombobile maintenance sector and a relevant case study are utilized to show the implementation method of the QFD model used to measure and analyze of customer satisfaction.
Exploring Employee Involvement and Quality Management Practices: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Fai Pun Kit
Published: February 2011

The trend towards employee involvement (EI) has redefined the employer‐employee relationship and, for many organisations, has brought about a fundamental change in organisational performance. This paper begins with a review of EI concepts and typologies. It goes on to elaborate need for the adoption of EI practices and discuss the factors affecting the adoption. The main theme of the quality management (QM) literature will then be presented addressing its concepts, principles and elements. Drawing on the theoretical and practitioners’ perspectives, the paper also discusses the significance of integrating EI/QM practices to sustain organisational performance improvement.
A preliminary methodology for Generative Production Systems
Authors: Fox Stephen
Published: February 2011

Purpose

Generative Production Systems are generative design computation that is linked to optimal physical production. They can improve the design and production of products which have unique geometries. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a preliminary methodology for Generative Production Systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a literature review investigating the structures and formats of successful methodologies. The literature review also investigates Generative Production Systems' theoretical foundations, development and implementations.

Findings

The potential of Generative Production Systems is restricted because enabling information is fragmented and difficult to access. In other fields, such barriers have been overcome through the introduction of methodologies that provide guiding principles, rules and strategies (P‐R‐S). The P‐R‐S type of methodology structure is suitable for Generative Production Systems.

Practical implications

The use of Generative Production Systems requires more upfront investment than the use of CAD/CAM software packages. However, they require little, or no, human input after they are set‐up. The preliminary methodology provides structured guidance about how to set up a Generative Production System. Further, the explanatory text enables wider understanding of Generative Production Systems, and how they can improve design and production.

Originality/value

An analysis is provided for the structure and format of successful methodologies in general. A preliminary methodology for Generative Production Systems is introduced. Further, the paper provides an overview of the disadvantages and advantages of Generative Production Systems compared to typical CAD/CAM software packages.
Computer‐aided design and engineering as enablers of agile manufacturing
Authors: Vinodh S. , Kuttalingam D.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate computer‐aided design (CAD) and computer‐aided engineering (CAE) as enablers of agile manufacturing (AM).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review, the importance of technology integration enabling AM has been found. CAD technology has been used for modelling baseline product; CAE has been used for deriving optimized parameters; new designs have been derived.

Findings

The feasibility of CAD and CAE as enablers of AM has been ensured.

Research limitations/implications

The study has been conducted only in one automotive sprocket manufacturing organization.

Practical implications

The practical feasibility of generating new products through technology integration has been ensured.

Originality/value

Very little research has been reported on technology‐integrated AM practices. In this study, CAD and CAE have been used for enabling product development.
The effects of innovativeness on effectiveness and efficiency
Authors: Tajeddini Kayhan
Published: February 2011

Purpose

Whilst researchers have explored the relationship between innovativeness and business performance in different organizations, such studies in services such as restaurants are scarce. The purpose of this paper is to examine potential influences of innovativeness on effectiveness and efficiency and their subsequent effects on restaurant business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were collected through personal interviews from 211 Iranian restaurants to examine the interrelationships between innovativeness, effectiveness and efficiency as well as service business performance dimensions (i.e. profit goal achievement, sales goal achievement and return on investment achievement).

Findings

The findings provide a fresh insight by exploring innovativeness, effectiveness and efficiency and how these determinants affect the business performance of restaurants.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to Iranian restaurants in a cross sectional manner, using self‐report measures indicating that the results might be idiosyncratic and subject to individual differences. Implications for future research in innovativeness in practice are discussed. This paper contributes to knowledge regarding the impact of innovativeness on effectiveness and efficiency and extends the findings of Chan et al. regarding the influences of effectiveness and efficiency on business performance.

Practical implications

Managers should consider the important roles that operating effectiveness and cost efficiency play in the innovativeness‐performance relationship.

Originality/value

The paper provides a good example of innovation, effectiveness and efficiency in the service industry.
Arab American entrepreneurs in San Antonio, Texas: motivation for entry into self‐employment
Authors: Omar Husam
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the experiences of some Arab American entrepreneurs and their motivation to enter self‐employment, in spite of the obvious obstacles and adversity immigrants can face in pursuing their dreams in this new society. The self‐recounted life histories of this group of entrepreneurs add to the existing literature and contribute to the body of knowledge of immigrants and entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research, which concentrates on natural settings with their intriguing complexity of social interactions rather than laboratories was selected. Qualitative research covers several forms of inquiry that help one understand and explain the meaning of social phenomena with as little destruction to the natural setting as possible.

Findings

The questions regarding motivation for self‐employment were open ended, giving the participants the chance to list as many issues as deemed necessary and relevant in their decision to start their business. All of the participants were in total agreement that mentioned push factors are the reasons that they entered self‐employment. These factors included difficulties in finding a job, thus feeling at a disadvantage in the US job market. Difficulty in previous job also was mentioned as a push factor; the lack of English skills was not, however, mentioned as a motivator for self‐employment.

Research limitations/implications

There were geographical and logistical constraints affecting the research and given time and resources the author would like to have conducted research that included a number of geographical areas in the Southwest USA and Northern Mexico.

Practical implications

This research will have practical implications on two areas: first, immigration and its historical context, especially Arab immigration to the new world, why are these immigrants left their countries in the first place, and the problem they faced in terms of their degree of assimilation and its effect on their success in their new homes. Second, entrepreneurs, why immigrants find it easier to get into the sphere of entrepreneurship rather than holding regular careers and trying to assimilate in their new societies.

Originality/value

This paper will contribute to the body of literature on Arab American entrepreneurs in particular and immigrant entrepreneurs in general, and is important to education and educators as well. The paper investigates the motivations for entry into the field of entrepreneurship and becoming an entrepreneur, offering data that could be useful for developing ideas and suggestions as well as an understanding of some of the important steps necessary for the success of new immigrant entrepreneurs.