Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Process Value Analysi'

Although batch processes are “simple” in terms of equipment and operation design, it is often difficult to ensure consistently high product quality. The aim of this PhD project is the development of multivariate statistical methodologies for the realtime monitoring of quality in batch processes for the production of high value added products. Two classes of products are considered: those whose quality is determined by chemical/physical characteristics, and those where surface properties define quality. In particular, the challenges related to the instantaneous estimation of the product quality and the realtime prediction of the time required to manufacture a product in batch processes are addressed using multivariate statistical techniques. Furthermore, novel techniques are proposed to characterize the surface quality of a product using multiresolution and multivariate image analysis. For the first class of products, multivariate statistical soft sensors are proposed for the real-time estimation of the product quality and for the online prediction of the length of batch processes. It is shown that, to the purpose of realtime quality estimation, the complex series of operating steps of a batch can be simplified to a sequence of estimation phases in which linear PLS models can be applied to regress the quality from the process data available online. The resulting estimation accuracy is satisfactory, but can be substantially improved if dynamic information is included into the models. Dynamic information is provided either by augmenting the process data matrix with lagged measurements, or by averaging the process measurements values on a moving window of fixed length. The process data progressively collected from the plant can be exploited also by designing time-evolving PLS models to predict the batch length. These monitoring strategies are tested in a real-world industrial batch polymerization process for the production of resins, and prototypes of the soft sensor are implemented online. For products where surface properties define the overall quality, novel multiresolution and multivariate techniques are proposed to characterize the surface of a product from image analysis. After analyzing an image of the product surface on different levels of resolutions via wavelet decomposition, the application of multivariate statistical monitoring tools allow the in-depth examination of the product features. A two-level “nested” principal component analysis (PCA) model is used for surface roughness monitoring, while a new strategy based on “spatial moving window” PCA is proposed to analyze the shape of the surface pattern. The proposed approach identifies the abnormalities on the surface and localizes defects in a sensitive fashion. Its effectiveness is tested in the case of scanning electron microscope images of semiconductor surfaces after the photolithography process in the production of integrated circuits.
Nonostante i processi batch siano relativamente semplici da configurare e da gestire anche con un livello limitato di automazione e una conoscenza ridotta dei meccanismi che ne stanno alla base, spesso è difficile assicurare una qualità del prodotto finito riproducibile ed elevata. La strumentazione comunemente utilizzata nella pratica industriale riesce solo raramente a fornire misure in tempo reale della qualità di un prodotto. Inoltre, molte complicazioni nascono dalla natura multivariata della qualità, la quale dipende da una serie di parametri fisici, operativi o addirittura soggettivi. Sebbene le informazioni sulla qualità del prodotto non siano facilmente accessibili, esse sono racchiuse nelle variabili di processo abitualmente registrate dai calcolatori di processo e memorizzate in banche di dati storici. I metodi statistici multivariati permettono di ridurre la dimensione del problema proiettando le variabili di processo in uno spazio di dimensioni ridotte costituito di variabili fittizie che sono in grado di mantenere tutto il contenuto informativo sulla qualità, superando i problemi del rumore di misura delle variabili, della ridondanza e dell’elevato grado di correlazione. Inoltre, questi metodi sono in grado di trattare dati anomali o dati mancanti. Lo scopo di questa Tesi di Dottorato è di sviluppare dei sistemi innovativi per il monitoraggio della qualità di prodotti dall’alto valore aggiunto mediante tecniche statistiche multivariate. In particolare, i contributi scientifici di questo progetto di Dottorato sono: • l’elaborazione di tecniche per lo sviluppo di sensori virtuali per la stima in tempo reale della qualità del prodotto in sistemi produttivi di tipo batch; • l’applicazione non convenzionale di tecniche di proiezione su sottospazi latenti al fine di prevedere la durata di un batch o delle relative fasi operative; • lo sviluppo di metodiche innovative per il monitoraggio multirisoluzione e multivariato della qualità mediante l’analisi di immagini di un prodotto dall’alto valore aggiunto. Innanzi tutto, in questa Tesi vengono proposti sensori virtuali per la stima in linea della qualità del prodotto. Essi sono stati sviluppati e implementati prendendo in considerazione il caso di studio un processo industriale reale per la produzione di resine mediante polimerizzazione batch. I sensori virtuali proposti sono basati sulla tecnica statistica multivariate della proiezione su strutture latenti (PLS), che opera una regressione delle misure di processo usualmente disponibili in linea in tempo reale. Questo sistema riesce a garantire una accuratezza delle stime della qualità che è dello stesso ordine di grandezza delle misure di qualità fatte in laboratorio, col vantaggio che le stime in linea sono disponibili con altissima frequenza (sull’ordine di grandezza di s-1), cioè una frequenza centinaia di volte superiore delle misure che possono essere fatte in laboratorio (sull’ordine di grandezza di h-1). Inoltre, le stime sono accessibili in tempo reale e senza il ritardo che è tipico delle misure di laboratorio. Al fine di compensare le non linearità dei dati e i cambiamenti nella struttura di correlazione fra le variabili, la procedura adottata divide il batch in una sequenza di un numero limitato di fasi di stima, all’interno delle quali lo stimatore virtuale è in grado di dare stime molto accurate per mezzo di modelli PLS lineari. Il passaggio da una fase a quella successiva avviene in corrispondenza di alcuni “eventi” facilmente riconoscibili nelle stesse variabili di processo. La caratteristica principale del sensore virtuale proposto è che esso tiene conto di informazioni sulla dinamica del processo per mezzo di modelli a “variabili ritardate” (i quali aggiungono informazioni sulla dinamica del processo da valori passati delle variabili di processo) o modelli a media mobile. Il filtro a media mobile aggiunge una “memoria temporale” al sensore virtuale che migliora l’accuratezza di stima e, mediando le variabili di processo all’interno di una finestra temporale di dimensione fissata, riesce ad eliminare il rumore di misura, attenuare il rumore di processo, appiattire valori anomali e compensare l’effetto di temporanee mancanze di dati. L’ampiezza della finestra deve comunque essere scelta con cautela, dato che una finestra temporale troppo larga potrebbe ritardare gli allarmi sull’attendibilità della stima. Da un punto di vista operativo, il sistema proposto aiuta il personale che opera nell’impianto a rilevare delle derive sulla qualità del prodotto, suggerisce tempestivamente le correzioni da apportare alla ricetta del processo, e aiuta a minimizzare i fuori specifica del prodotto finale. Inoltre, il numero di campioni per la misura della qualità in laboratorio può essere ridotto drasticamente, la qual cosa determina un guadagno sia sul tempo totale del batch, sia sui costi relativi al laboratorio che alla manodopera e alla sua organizzazione. Anche una seconda tipologia di sensori virtuali è stata sviluppata per assistere il monitoraggio in linea della qualità del prodotto e per fornire informazioni utili per una programmazione efficace della produzione: un sensore virtuale per la previsione in tempo reale della durata del batch. Questa strategia di monitoraggio si basa su modelli PLS evolutivi che sfruttano le informazioni progressivamente raccolte nel tempo durante il batch per prevedere la durata del batch o di ciascuno dei relativi stadi operativi. Anche l’accuratezza ottenuta dalle previsioni ottenute con questo sensore virtuale è del tutto soddisfacente, dato che l’errore di previsione è molto inferiore sia alla variabilità delle durata del batch che alla durata dei turni di lavoro degli operatori. Inoltre, la parte iniziale del batch conferma di essere di importanza fondamentale per la durata, in quanto le condizioni iniziali delle attrezzature, lo stato delle materie prime, e la fase di riscaldamento iniziale del reattore esercitano una grandissima influenza sulle prestazioni del batch stesso. Le informazioni che si ricavano sulla durata con grande anticipo rispetto alla fine del batch permettono una migliore organizzazione degli interventi sull’impianto, degli operatori d’impianto e dell’utilizzazione delle apparecchiature. L’efficacia dei sensori per la stima della qualità e per la previsione della durata del batch è stata verificata applicandoli ed implementandoli in linea nel caso della produzione di resine mediante polimerizzazione batch. Infine, i metodi statistici multivariati sono stati utilizzati anche nel campo dell’analisi dell’immagine. Abitualmente, nella pratica industriale, le ispezioni di un prodotto mediante analisi dell’immagine vengono svolte con semplici misurazioni dei più importanti parametri fisici opportunamente messi in evidenza per mezzo di tecniche di filtrazione. Inoltre, queste misure vengono ottenute in modo non sistematico. Molte informazioni utili restano però “nascoste” nelle immagini. Queste permettono di identificare la natura complessa della qualità del prodotto finale. Per questo è stato sviluppato un sistema totalmente automatizzato per il monitoraggio in tempo reale da immagini di un manufatto dall’alto valore aggiunto. Questo sistema di monitoraggio basato su tecniche multirisoluzione e multivariate è stato applicato al caso della caratterizzazione della superficie di un semiconduttore dopo fotolitografia, un’operazione fra le più importanti nella fabbricazione di circuiti integrati. Tecniche avanzate di analisi multivariata dell’immagine estraggono le tracce che il processo lascia sul prodotto, aiutando sia il rilevamento di situazioni critiche nel processo che l’intervento con azioni correttive a neutralizzare eventuali problemi. L’approccio proposto in questa Tesi si basa su un filtraggio preliminare multirisoluzione dell’immagine mediante wavelet, seguito da uno schema di monitoraggio che conduce in parallelo un’analisi della rugosità superficiale e della forma della superficie di un prodotto. Ad esempio, la rugosità della superficie può essere esaminata con una analisi delle componenti principali “nidificata”. Questa è una strategia che si articola su due differenti livelli: il livello esterno che permette di discriminare parti differenti della superficie per mezzo di una analisi dei gruppi con PCA; il livello interno esegue il monitoraggio della rugosità superficiale con PCA. La forma della superficie viene analizzata per mezzo di un approccio PCA a “finestra mobile nello spazio”, il quale coglie l’informazione dell’immagine secondo il relativo ordine nello spazio e riesce anche a tener conto sia delle non linearità che delle differenze strutturali della superficie. Questo sistema è in grado di rilevare alcune delle caratteristiche qualitative del prodotto che abitualmente non sono accessibili senza richiedere l’intervento dell’uomo. Inoltre, il monitoraggio risulta essere veloce, attendibile e non ambiguo, ed esegue una scansione di un’immagine del prodotto localizzando in modo preciso difetti e anomalie e rilevando eventuali derive del processo. In conclusione, nonostante le metodologie proposte siano state testate su specifici casi di studio, esse hanno dimostrato di essere generali e vantano un grande potenziale. Per questo si ritiene sia possibile estenderle a differenti campi di ricerca e a diverse applicazioni industriali (ad esempio: ingegneria alimentare; industria farmaceutica; biotecnologie; etc…), nonché a differenti scale di indagine, dalla scala macroscopica alla microscopica o nanoscopica.

This thesis analyses the termoplast injection process. The goal is to map the manufacturing process of thermoplastic injection used products for the building industry. All this starting on the input material up to the shipment. The further task is to identify critical points of the manufacturing process and propose steps leading to its´ stabilization. This analysis was accomplished in the Nevoga corporation Znojmo.

Studien som har genomförts utgör en analys av vad byggentreprenörer värdesätter hos underentreprenörer i processen från utlysning till utfört arbete. Syftet med studien är att genom intervjuer av byggentreprenörer få kunskap om vad de värdesätter hos underentreprenörer under hela processen. På så sätt kan underentreprenörer få vetskap om förbättringsmöjligheter i processen. En kvalitativ undersökning har genomförts i vilken sekundärdata har samlats in genom vetenskapliga artiklar och böcker och primärdata har samlats in genom intervjuer med åtta byggentreprenörer. En semistrukturerad intervjumall har tagits fram där intervjuarna kan ställa följdfrågor och intervjupersonerna får möjlighet att reflektera. Intervjumallen är utformad utifrån studiens syfte och fakta avseende byggindustrins marknad som har samlats in genom vetenskapliga artiklar. Intervjuerna har påvisat olika faktorer och aktiviteter som är värdeskapande i processen. Då byggentreprenörer väljer vilka underentreprenörer de ska lämna anbudsförfrågan till är det främst relationen som är viktig. Relationen påverkas av personkemi och tidigare erfarenheter av samarbete och kvalitet. Vid hög konkurrens blir priset en viktigare faktor, då lämnar byggentreprenörer anbudsförfrågan till fler underentreprenörer för att få ett så lågt anbud som möjligt. Anbudet bör vara tydligt utformat där det framgår vad underentreprenören har räknat på. Många byggentreprenörer anser det värdeskapande att underentreprenörer utnyttjar den spetskompetens de besitter och kommer med förbättringsförslag i anbudet. Förslaget kan gynna alla parter i kedjan; beställare, byggentreprenör och underentreprenör. Då byggentreprenörer väljer vilken underentreprenör de ska anställa är priset alltid en betydande faktor. Dock är priset inte alltid avgörande. Hur samarbetet har fungerat i tidigare projekt kan vara minst lika viktigt, om inte viktigare. I produktionsfasen värdesätts kommunikation. Genom god kommunikation mellan inblandade parter kan missförstånd minskas och processer effektiviseras. På så sätt kan underentreprenörer leverera rätt kvalitet i rätt tid och till rätt pris. Engagemang, tillgänglighet, information och återkoppling är värdeskapande i hela processen. Genom att rapportera direkt vid förändringar kan hela projektet förbättras då onödiga kostnader kan undvikas. Vid avslut bör alla dokument lämnas in och utbildningar av hur installationen ska hanteras göras inom avsatt tid.
The purpose of the study is to find out what subcontractors can do to increase customer value in the process from announcement to delivered service. The customer in this study is the building contractor. By giving subcontractors the knowledge of how to improve their process, improvements for the construction industry in general can be made. The study is based on information from interviews with eight building contractors and information from scientific articles. Interviews have claimed that several factors and activities can create customer value. The relation between building- and subcontractors is a significant factor when building contractors choose who they will send an offer request to. In a competitive position the price is more important. In that case the building contractors will send out offer requests to a bigger number of subcontractors, to get the lowest bid possible. The bid should be clearly presented and show what is included. Most building contractors value when subcontractors exploit their expertise and propose improvements in the bid. The proposition could benefit all parties in the supply chain; the client, the building contractor and the subcontractor. The price is always a significant factor but interviews has claimed that it is not always crucial. Experiences of cooperation with the subcontractor in earlier project has proved to be as important. In production communication is important. Through good communication between all parties in a project misunderstandings can be reduced and processes improved. Commitment, accessibility, information and feedback are factors that is important through the entire process from announcement to delivered service. By reporting directly to any changes, the entire project is improved and unnecessary costs can be avoided. Upon completion of a project all documents must be submitted in time.

Introduction: The retail market in the 21^st century will be determined on how quickly and efficiently the retailer can respond to shifts in consumer demands. Due to the physical environment of the store (store value) and the interaction with the consumer (shopping trip value), the local retail store has the advantage of generating this tangible and intangible information. It is then of importance that this information will be transferred towards the retailer, who has the opportunity to use this information and generate it into outputs that can be used as negoitables; this value creation process is an unique success indicator for creating a value network within retail supply chain.

Purpose: The aim of this research is to present an understanding on the value creation process in the grocery retail chain.

Methodology: Having an inductive nature, this thesis tried to bring a new understanding on value creation in grocery retail business, by using hermeneutics as a methodology approach. For empirical study, the qualitative approach was used. Data was collected through open-ended interviews with representatives in grocery retail chains.

Conclusion: The main players in the value network were determined in a grocery retail chain as retailer, local retail store and other stores in the chain; and the suppliers. An intensive value exchange between the retail store and the retailer was found and following that, it was concluded that the retailer converts the value input from the local retail store into tangible and intangible value outputs towards suppliers. Combining the conclusions, the research defines that a value network is existing, but on a very low level. But more to the point, the study shows the importance of value creation by the retail chain, and that creating the possibility to share information about products, in-store experience, consumer knowledge, and consumer requirements is one of the biggest advantage the grocery retail chain has to develop this value network further.

 

A systematic customer value assessment process (CVAP) was developed to give system engineering teams the capability to qualitatively and quantitatively assess customer values. It also provides processes and techniques used to create and identify alternatives, evaluate alternatives in terms of effectiveness, cost, and risk. The ultimate goal is to provide customers (or decision makers) with objective and traceable procurement recommendations. The creation of CVAP was driven by an industry need to provide ballistic missile defense (BMD) customers with a value proposition of contractors’ BMD systems. The information that outputs from CVAP can be used to guide BMD contractors in formulating a value proposition, which is used to steer customers to procure their BMD system(s) instead of competing system(s). The outputs from CVAP also illuminate areas where systems can be improved to stay relevant with customer values by identifying capability gaps. CVAP incorporates proven approaches and techniques appropriate for military applications. However, CVAP is adaptable and may be applied to business, engineering, and even personal every-day decision problems and opportunities. CVAP is based on the systems decision process (SDP) developed by Gregory S. Parnell and other systems engineering faculty at the Unites States Military Academy (USMA). SDP combines Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) decision analysis philosophy with Multi-Objective Decision Analysis (MODA) quantitative analysis of alternatives. CVAP improves SDP’s qualitative value model by implementing Quality Function Deployment (QFD), solution design implements creative problem solving techniques, and the qualitative value model by adding cost analysis and risk assessment processes practiced by the U.S DoD and industry. CVAP and SDP fundamentally differ from other decision making approaches, like the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), by distinctly separating the value/utility function assessment process with the ranking of alternatives. This explicit value assessment allows for straightforward traceability of the specific factors that influence decisions, which illuminates the tradeoffs involved in making decisions with multiple objectives. CVAP is intended to be a decision support tool with the ultimate purpose of helping decision makers attain the best solution and understanding the differences between the alternatives. CVAP does not include any processes for implementation of the alternative that the customer selects. CVAP is applied to ballistic missile defense (BMD) to give contractors ideas on how to use it. An introduction of BMD, unique BMD challenges, and how CVAP can improve the BMD decision making process is presented. Each phase of CVAP is applied to the BMD decision environment. CVAP is applied to a fictitious BMD example.

An increasing emphasis on chemical process safety over the last two decades has led to the development and application of powerful risk assessment tools. Hazard analysis and risk evaluation techniques have developed to the point where quantitatively meaningful risks can be calculated for processes and plants. However, the results are typically presented in semi-quantitative “ranked list” or “categorical matrix” formats, which are certainly useful but not optimal for making business decisions. A relatively new technique for performing valuation under uncertainty, Value at Risk (VaR), has been developed in the financial world. VaR is a method of evaluating the probability of a gain or loss by a complex venture, by examining the stochastic behavior of its components. We believe that combining quantitative risk assessment techniques with VaR concepts will bridge the gap between engineers and scientists who determine process risk and business leaders and policy makers who evaluate, manage, or regulate risk. We present a few basic examples of the application of VaR to hazard analysis in the chemical process industry. We discover that by using the VaR tool we are able to present data that allows management to make better informed decisions.

Customer lifetime value (CLV) is a forecasted expectation of the future value of a customer to the firm. There are two customer behavioral components of CLV that represent a particular modeling challenge: 1) how many transactions we expect from a customer in the future, and 2) how likely it is the customer remains active. Existing CLV models like the Pareto/NBD are valuable managerial tools because they are able to provide forward-looking estimates of transaction patterns and customer churn when the event of a customer leaving is unobservable, which is typical for most noncontractual goods and services. The CLV model literature has for the most part maintained its original assumption that the number of customer transactions follows a stable transaction process. Yet there are many categories of noncontractual goods and services where the stable transaction rate assumption is violated, particularly seasonal purchase patterns. CLV model estimates are further biased when there is an excess of customers with no repeat transactions. To address these modeling challenges, within this thesis I develop a generalized CLV modeling framework that combines three elements necessary to reduce bias in model estimates: 1) the incorporation of time-varying covariates to model data with transaction rates that change over time, 2) a zero-inflated model specification for customers with no repeat transactions, and 3) generalizes to different transaction process distributions to better fit diverse customer transaction patterns. This CLV modeling framework provides firms better estimates of the future activity of their customers, a critical CRM application.

Many products that we see in our daily life are designed through modifications to existing products. The ever changing trends in current markets, along with customers' rising demands for quality, require many companies to make frequent changes to create new products. Due to the challenges in product modification, many companies have adopted a strategy of adaptive design to create new designs by incrementally improving the existing ones. This thesis develops a decision support system which helps product development managers to assess project performance metrics, such as development effort, development time, product cost and revenue, customer satisfaction, profit margin, and risk. The proposed model is a specialized calculator which integrates house of quality (HOQ), functional analysis system technique (FAST), risk assessment, product complexity analysis, and change propagation analysis to provide an overview of the design process from product attributes and design risk to cost and effort.The assessment of different design solutions is performed by comparing the obtained performance metrics with those from the original design. The system allows the recalculation of these performance metrics when engineering change occurs during the creation of new design solutions. The system then provides an estimate of the change in required resources and expected benefits through comparative analysis. Through these means, the proposed tool aims to help project managers identify an optimal design solution.The main goal of the proposed model is to increase product knowledge in the early stages of design to support project managers and design engineers in their decision making process. This is achieved through the visualization of the effects of engineering changes. In this thesis, the details of the proposed decision support system (DSS) are described and illustrated with a simple example of a thermoflask.
De nombreux produits d'usage courant ont été conçus en modifiant des produits déjà existants. L'évolution constante des tendances du marché actuel et la demande croissante des clients pour des produits de qualité forcent les entreprises à effectuer des modifications fréquentes en vue de créer de nouveaux produits. Les défis associés à la modification de produit ont incité beaucoup d'entreprises à développer une stratégie de conception adaptative permettant de créer de nouveaux produits en améliorant de manière incrémentielle les produits existants. Ce mémoire propose un système d'aide à la décision visant à appuyer les gestionnaires en développement de produits dans l'analyse des mesures de performance d'un projet tels que l'effort et le temps de développement, le coût et le potentiel de revenu, la satisfaction de la clientèle, la marge de profit et le risque. Le modèle proposé est un calculateur spécialisé intégrant la maison de la qualité (HOQ), la technique d'analyse fonctionnelle de système (diagramme FAST), l'analyse du risque, l'analyse de la complexité du produit et l'analyse de la propagation de la modification. Il est ainsi possible de fournir une vue d'ensemble du processus de conception du produit allant des attributs du produit et du risque de la conception jusqu'aux coûts et aux efforts requis.L'analyse des diverses solutions de conception est effectuée en comparant les mesures de performance obtenues avec celles qui sont associées à la conception initiale. Le système permet de recalculer les mesures de performance lorsque des modifications techniques sont apportées dans le cadre de la création de nouvelles solutions de conception. Le système fournit alors, par le biais d'une analyse comparative, une estimation de l'impact de la modification sur les ressources requises et les avantages escomptés. À l'aide de ces fonctionnalités, l'outil proposé vise à aider les chefs de projet à trouver la solution de conception optimale.Le principal objectif du modèle proposé est d'augmenter la connaissance du produit dès les étapes préliminaires de la conception afin d'appuyer le processus de prise de décision des chefs de projet et des ingénieurs de conception. Cet objectif est réalisé par la visualisation des impacts d'une modification technique. Dans ce mémoire, le système d'aide à la décision (SAD) proposé est décrit de manière détaillée et illustré par un exemple simple, celui d'un contenant isotherme.

This diploma thesis deals with eliminating of bottlenecks in a production of eletrical devices, focusing mainly on the production line. It analyzes the current situation and using value stream mapping for a selected product it identifies bottlenecks of the production process. Further it proposes remedial measures to improve current situation.

Följande examensarbete har utförts som en fallstudie hos GN Hearing och en litteraturstudie där olika teoriområden hämtats in, som la grunden för den workshop som sedan hölls hos företaget. Dessutom har strukturerade observationer, enkäter samt intervjuer utförts för att enligt ramen för en fallstudie få en så helhetligt bild av nuläget som möjligt. Studien behandlar ämnet värdeflödesanalys, och ämnar till att kartlägga GN Hearings returflöde för en viss produktfamilj. Arbetet mynnar sedan ut i en analys som med stöd av teorin presenterar förbättringsförslag och verktyg, samt ett framtida önskat värdeflöde. Examensarbetet beskriver flödet ur en synvinkel som har Lean, processorientering och värdeskapande som grund, vilket gjorde det möjligt för framtagningen av ett nytt, effektivare flöde med mindre slöserier. Frågeställningarna som genomsyrar studien handlar om att kartlägga värdeflödet för att identifiera slöserier och urskilja värdeskapande aktiviteter från icke värdeskapande inom GN Hearings ITE, retur-flöde. Resultatet från kartläggningen visar på att av alla identifierade aktiviteter, är de icke-värdeskapande aktiviteterna hela 99 % av totalen. De icke värdeskapande aktiviteterna återfanns främst i form av väntan och variation. Genom de förbättringar som föreslås tas ett nytt flöde fram, där aktiviteterna som anses vara ickevärdeskapande minskar med ca 50 %. Utöver detta presenterades även andra verktyg för ett fortsatt förbättringsarbete.
The following thesis work has been conducted as a case study at GN Hearing and a literature study, where different theoretical areas are used as the basis for the workshop that was held at the company. In addition, structured observations, surveys and interviews have been conducted to provide as comprehensive a picture of the current situation as possible. The study addresses the topic of value stream mapping and aims at substantializing GN Hearing's return flow for a particular product family. The work leads to an analysis that, with the support of the theory, presents improvement proposals and tools, as well as a future desired value flow. The thesis describes the flow from a point of view that has Lean, process orientation and value creation as a basis, which enabled the development of a new, more efficient flow with less waste. The questions that pervade the study treats mapping the value flow to identify waste and distinguishing value creation activities from non-value creation within GN Hearing's ITE return flow. The results of the value stream mapping shows that, of all identified activities, non-value adding activities are a full 99% of the total. Non-value creating activities were found primarily in the form of waiting and variation. With the proposed improvements, a new flow is emerged, where activities considered non-value adding are reduced by about 50%. In addition, other tools for further continuous improvements were also presented.

This three-year PhD study looks at heritage performance in impact assessment (IA) practices, analysing the urban planning context and management experiences of selected urban World Heritage (WH) sites in the UK. The research develops recommendations for assessing the impact of plans, programmes and projects on heritage values in culturally significant urban areas with the emphasis on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of large-scale projects in an urban environment. The research analyses theoretical and empirical approaches to heritage management, investigates methodologies for heritage IA and explores opportunities for and barriers to improved heritage IA in the context of current UK policy. In particular, the research contributes with the conceptual framework of identification, interpretation and management of the cultural heritage in the urban planning system. The review of academic and other relevant literature helped to develop the conceptual framework. The data was collected by means of desk-based documents analysis, case studies, focus-group seminars and an on-line Questionnaire with the experts in the heritage and IA fields. The world’s most well-known and arguably most protected sites with officially identified Outstanding Universal Value – WH sites – provide general lessons for the heritage management and IA of new developments and infrastructure projects. The management of UK WH sites could be said to have the features of what is known as a values-based approach to conservation. This approach emphasises the identification of cultural heritage significance with the early participation of different stakeholders in the planning process; the latter has a scope for improvement in the UK context. Research on the boundaries of the heritage and IA fields leads to an improved understanding of cultural heritage and provides a framework for the IA process. The developed framework and the criteria for an enabling environment could be useful for achieving agreement between the different stakeholders, and could allow a smoother planning decision-making process, leading in turn to a reduced need for monitoring from international bodies. The results are useful for planners and developers in the context of western practice, and could also be relevant to the development of international guidelines.

This master’s thesis concerns optimization of quotation process. It describes mapping of value stream by VSM Method (value stream mapping) in practical way in order to minimize cost. Further on it describes three points of view method when surveying and modifying process. It analyses process on three levels and describes suitable solution which makes process smoother and more effective. At the conclusion of this diploma project belongs evaluation of realised solutions and measures that need to be taken in future.

This paper examines the motives of skilled Russians that guided them in their decision to migrate to China. To examine this issue, we collected 20 semi-structured interviews and analyzed them with the help of thematic content analysis. The received data on the respondents’ motivation were interpreted through the lens of Schwartz’s basic human values. The analysis revealed how people talk about their motivation and experiences and what meaning they give to them. As a result, common themes that emerged from the respondents’ narratives on their migration decisions were described and constructed. The themes include “traveling”, “looking for changes”, “finance”, “challenge”, “self-development”, “joke/game”, “adventure/venture”. The findings supported our idea that self-development is the leading motivation among skilled Russian migrants, while economic motive is described as secondary. This work could be a good starting point for getting a new insight into migration flows from Russia to China and further investigation of adaptation, Russian community in China, and reverse adaptation in Russia during the period of COVID-19 outbreak.

As the IEC 61850 digital substation standard becomes progressively adopted by utilities throughout the world, entirely computerized methods will completely replace traditional strategies for monitoring the power system. Although newer techniques offer enhanced efficiency and controllability, their reliability is not as established as that of conventional practices. Modern approaches require extensive validation and analysis before they can be implemented on a widespread basis. One specific area of interest is the performance of protection systems that utilize voltage and current samples digitized directly at their source. This research presents a complete test bench for evaluating sampled values-based protection schemes and measures their efficacy under several different operating conditions. It is shown that the novel system operates correctly for the situations it is expected to, with minimal latency compared to traditional practices.
Master of Science
Power system infrastrcutures are changing rapidly from analog arrangements to entirely digital methods. This offers numeous benefits such as increased efficiency, lower cost, higher accuracy, and even improved safety. However, digital implementations do not have an as proven track record as compared to conventional practices, leading to concerns about their reliaiblity. This research tests the performance an en entirely digital protection scheme by using various hardware components. The results are analyzed and show that the novel scheme operates correctly, albeit with a slight delay as compared to traditional methods.

Management consulting is a growing field [1] that is of great importance for organisations to optimise their performance and develop plans for future improvements. In the recent years, many companies use experienced consultants in order to create a strong competitive advantage to withstand the competition and to easily find solutions suitable to different problems. Customer Value Sweden AB is a - start-up - consultancy firm that have been operating the last years in the Swedish market and offers customer database analyses to the e-commerce market. They become valuable tools for the retailers, by improving marketing activities directed toward present customers. By adopting a segmented marketing strategy, companies can target customers in a different way, thus enchanting their business [2]. This Master thesis work tries to introduce a new efficient and automated way for the company to increase its capacity and quality of the provided services. It is done by deploying an IT product realisation process that conceptualizes, designs and implements a new online web service that aims to automate the report generation process, which was carried out manually until now. This system will try to solve complexity, availability, and performance problems that occur in the current system and also open up now possibilities for future development and expansion. The key benefits of the new solution in contrast to the old one will be highlighted, as well as the process that was followed to realise it.

This thesis has been performed as a part of the Bachelor degree in Industrial Engineering and Management at the School of Engineering in Jönköping. The thesis is written on behalf of Pallco AB, which is an engineering company that performs subcontracting, surface treatment, and assembly of components, mainly in steel and aluminium. The thesis focuses on identifying and analyzing the customer order fulfillment process of three customers at Pallco AB.

The main objective of the thesis is to distinguish time differences in the company’s administrative work for each of the three customers. Furthermore, Lean thinking is following as a thread through the whole thesis. A comprehensive survey has been made to gain a greater understanding of the company’s processes and order flow. A deeper analysis of the administrative processes has then been made by value stream mapping and analysis, which shows how Lean can be applied through administration. Suggestions of key performance indicators linked to Lean are associated with the order flow. The information of the thesis has been gained through interviews with relevant personnel at Pallco AB.

The current situation for Pallco AB is that they carry out an unspecified amount of work and service for different customers without taking extra cost. The analysis and the result of the thesis show that there is one specific customer who is often given priority. Special and urgent orders are accepted, and often given priority over others. The result shows that about 45 percent of the identified administrative time of the customer order fulfillment process is applied on this priority customer. Characteristic examples of the other customers are that duplication of work is performed by Pallco AB in terms of reporting information to the customer’s own business information sys- tem.

Improvement and suggestions for further work of the customer order fulfillment process are given as a result of the thesis. The main suggestions are to further identify the extra service for the priority customer, and to further work with Lean administration through value stream mapping and key performance indicators linked to Lean.

Examensarbetet har utförts som en del av högskoleingenjörsutbildningen Industriell organisation och ekonomi, logistik och ledning, vid Tekniska Högskolan i Jönköping. Rapporten är skriven på uppdrag av Pallco AB. Företaget är ett verkstadsföretag som utför legotillverkning, ytbehandling och montering av komponenter, främst i stål och aluminium. Examensarbetet har sitt fokus på att kartlägga och analysera Pallco AB:s kundorderuppfyllelseprocess för tre stora kundgrupper.

Att urskilja tidsskillnader i företagets administrativa arbete för respektive kundgrupp och vad dessa beror på är det huvudsakliga målet med arbetet. Dessutom följer lean-tänket med som en röd tråd genom hela examensarbetet. Större förståelse för företagets processer gällande ordergången har fåtts genom att en övergripande kartläggning har gjorts. Därefter har en djupare analys av de administrativa processerna genomförts med hjälp av värdeflödeskartläggning och analys, vilket visar på hur lean i administrationen kan tillämpas. Även förslag på lean-nyckeltal kopplat till orderflödet har givits. Examensarbetets information har främst erhållits genom intervjuer med berörd personal på Pallco AB.

I dagsläget lägger Pallco AB ner varierande mängd arbete och service på olika kunder utan att ta något extra betalt för det. Examensarbetets analys och resultat visar att det specifikt är en kund som prioriteras, mycket genom att special- och akutorder accepteras samt att kundens order ofta ges förtur. Resultatet visar att omkring 45% av den kartlagda administrativa tiden i kundorderuppfyllelseprocessen läggs på denna kund. För andra kunder är utmärkande drag exempelvis att dubbelarbete utförs av Pallco AB i form av rapportering av information i kundens affärssystem.

I resultatet ges dessutom förbättringsförslag samt förslag på fortsatt arbete för kundorderuppfyllelseprocessen. De främsta förslagen handlar om att vidare kartlägga den prioriterade kundens extra service samt att arbeta vidare med lean administration genom fortsatt arbete med värdeflödeskartläggning och lean-nyckeltal.

The diploma thesis deals with the problematics of lean production in a selected company. The analytical part includes the introduction of the company and the analysis of the current state with using lean manufacturing tools to optimize material flows. The thesis is divided into four parts. The first part describes the objectives and methodology, followed by the theoretical basis of the work and analysis of the current state of the company. The final part includes suggestions of possible solutions leading to elimination or improvement of identified problems.

L’innovation représente un processus vital pour les entreprises en vue d’assurer leur développement. Diverses actions et stratégies nouvelles sont mises en œuvre par les entreprises pour faire face aux exigences de marchés et accroître leurs performances. Une bonne connaissance du processus d’innovation et de l’organisation de l’entreprise est nécessaire pour permettre aux managers de les gérer efficacement et les adapter aux défis et changements dans leur environnement. D’où la nécessité pour les entreprises de disposer d’outils et de méthodes pour mesurer en continu leurs activités d’innovation. L’objectif de notre recherche est de proposer un cadre de mesure des capacités à innover des entreprises basé sur un ensemble de quinze pratiques d’innovation, chacune des pratiques étant subdivisée en plusieurs critères qui sont des phénomènes directement observables en entreprise. L’approche méthodologique s’appuie sur les méthodes d’agrégation multicritères et utilise la notion statistique de la valeur-test pour proposer une typologie des entreprises en quatre classes d’entreprises innovantes (proactive, préactive, réactive et passive). Une étude expérimentale a été menée sur un panel de vingt entreprises industrielles françaises. Un outil logiciel mettant en œuvre notre proposition méthodologique a été développé. Il permet d’analyser et d’évaluer les processus innovants d’un ensemble d’entreprises, de les affecter à une classe d’entreprises et de leur donner des recommandations sur les actions pertinentes à mettre en place pour accroître leur capacité à innover. Ce qui en fait un support efficace pour l’aide à la décision en matière de management de l’innovation
Innovation represents a vital process for companies to insure their development. Several actions and new strategies are implemented by companies to increase their performances and so face market requirements. A good knowledge of both the innovation process and the company organization is necessary to allow the top management to manage them effectively and to adapt them to the challenges and the changes in their environment. Consequently, it is important for the companies to have tools and methods to measure continuously their innovation activities. The objective of our research is to suggest a framework to measure innovation capacities of companies based on a set of fifteen innovation practices, each practice is subdivided into several criteria which are directly observable phenomena in company. The methodological approach is based on the multicriteria aggregation method and the use of statistical notion of value-test to propose a typology of innovative companies of four classes (proactive, preactive, reactive and passive). An experimental study was led on a sample group of twenty French industrial companies. A software implementing our methodological proposition was developed. It allows to analyze and to estimate the innovative processes of a set of companies, to allocate them to a class and to give them recommendations for the relevant actions to follow to increase their innovation potential. This research proposes an effective decision-aid tool that helps in the innovation management

The thesis discusses the possibility of production process optimization within the company Česká zbrojovka, a.s. In the introduction part I have introduced the company, the subsidiaries, the manufacturing portfolio and economic indicators. The theoretical part deals with basis necessary for the practical part. In the latter, I have suggested solutions based on the initial analysis, mapping and current state analysis in order to optimize and improve the monitored production process. In the final part of the thesis I have focused on the evaluation of the benefits and conditions of the bare implementation.

The most known and widely used methods use cash flows and tangible assets to measure the impact of investments in the organization's outputs. But in the last decade many newer organizations whose outputs are heavily dependent on information technology utilize knowledge as their main asset. These organizations' market values lie on the knowledge of its employees and their technological capabilities. In the current technology-based business landscape the value added by assets utilized for generation of outputs cannot be appropriately measured and managed without considering the role that intangible assets and knowledge play in executing processes. The analysis of processes for comparison and decision making based on intangible value added can be accomplished using the knowledge required to execute processes. The measurement of value added by knowledge can provide a more realistic framework for analysis of processes where traditional cost methods are not appropriate, enabling managers to better allocate and control knowledge-based processes. Further consideration of interactions and complexity between proposed process alternatives can yield answers about where and when investments can improve value-added while dynamically providing higher returns on investment.
Ph.D.
Doctorate
Industrial Engineering and Management Systems
Engineering and Computer Science
Industrial Engineering

The intent of this dissertation is to generate a set of non-dominated finite-memory policies from which one of two agents (the leader) can select a most preferred policy to control a dynamic system that is also affected by the control decisions of the other agent (the follower). The problem is described by an infinite horizon total discounted reward, partially observed Markov game (POMG). Each agent’s policy assumes that the agent knows its current and recent state values, its recent actions, and the current and recent possibly inaccurate observations of the other agent’s state. For each candidate finite-memory leader policy, we assume the follower, fully aware of the leader policy, determines a policy that optimizes the follower’s criterion. The leader-follower assumption allows the POMG to be transformed into a specially structured, partially observed Markov decision process that we use to determine the follower’s best response policy for a given leader policy. We then present a value determination procedure to evaluate the performance of the leader for a given leader policy, based on which non-dominated set of leader polices can be selected by existing heuristic approaches. We then analyze how the value of the leader’s criterion changes due to changes in the leader’s quality of observation of the follower. We give conditions that insure improved observation quality will improve the leader’s value function, assuming that changes in the observation quality do not cause the follower to change its policy. We show that discontinuities in the value of the leader’ criterion, as a function of observation quality, can occur when the change of observation quality is significant enough for the follower to change its policy. We present conditions that determine when a discontinuity may occur and conditions that guarantee a discontinuity will not degrade the leader’s performance. This framework has been used to develop a dynamic risk analysis approach for U.S. food supply chains and to compare and create supply chain designs and sequential control strategies for risk mitigation.

Sensemaking is often associated with processing large or complex amount of data obtained from diverse and distributed sources. Sensemaking enables leaders to have a better grasp of what the data represents and what insights they can get from it. Thus, sensemaking is considered extremely important in mature markets where the competition is fierce. To-date, the research base on sensemaking has not moved far from the conceptual realm, however. In response, this research provides a conceptual framework that explains the core processes of sensemaking - noticing, interpretation and action - and examines how emerging technologies such as Social Network Analysis (SNA) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques help to enhance the human sensemaking process in generating valuable insights during data analysis. Design Science Research (DSR) is adopted as a research methodology in the context of financial transactional data analysis, aiming to make sense of the data while exploring conceptions of customer value for a mainstream commercial bank alongside the perceived need for banking products. Three analytical models are introduced, examining Connected Customer Lifetime Value (CCLV), Network Relationship Equity (NRE) and product purchasing frequency based on customer 'personas'. The former models employ SNA techniques in providing novelty, the latter combines the outcomes of SNA with ML clustering algorithms to provide a base on which product holdings and purchase frequency analysis are overlaid - providing a novel form of recommendation. Ongoing evaluation of the developed models is used to explore the nuances of the sensemaking process and the ability of such models to support that process (in the given domain).

Presented thesis entitled “Process performance analysis” deals with problems in identification of the causes of the increasing cost and declining quality of the products, their minimization or complete removal. Further analysis will address the cost of low quality, serving as a basis for possible recovery of the fleet. All material presented in this thesis were collected in the company of NEVOGA, s r.o. engaged in manufacturing parts for the construction industry.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design & Management Program, 2000.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 100-101).
This thesis shows that lean principles that have been successfully applied in manufacturing can also be successfully applied across an entire enterprise. Established lean principles and lessons learned in lean manufacturing environments are applied across an automotive fuel system enterprise. This enterprise includes all major activities used in developing and delivering fuel systems to customers from the initiation of the systems concept to final production manufacturing. The value of the enterprise's product (fuel systems) is specified in terms of enterprise customers. The value stream of the fuel system enterprise is identified and analyzed using process mapping, input/output information flow diagrams, and other techniques. Major issues in terms of waiting time, rework time, and excessive need for validation are identified using these techniques. Countermeasures against these issues are offered to facilitate a transition to a leaner state. The goal is to develop a systemic understanding of the fuel system enterprise such that lean principles and tools can be applied to its processes to improve efficiency, throughput, and value for customers. Recommendations for further study are also listed in an effort to pursue perfection by continuously improving the lean enterprise. Finally, a transition to lean implementation plan is outlined.
by Marc Anthony Schmidt.
S.M.

Praticabilite et adaptation de l'analyse de la valeur aux problemes reels de l'industrie (cahier des charges, processus de developpement d'un produit, fiabilite, conception de procedes de fabrication)

O feijão é uma importante fonte de proteínas, amido, vitaminas, minerais e fibras na dieta brasileira. A biodisponibilidade mineral e a digestibilidade protéica, entretanto, podem ser afetados pela presença de fatores antinutricionais. Atualmente, o a germinação tem sido empregado como alternativa para remoção ou inativação desses constituintes, melhorando com isso suas qualidades nutricionais. O presente estudo teve por objetivo estudar o efeito da radiação gama e germinação nos aspectos nutricionais dos grãos de feijão. O feijão utilizado foi da variedade carioca, cultivar pérola, adquirido de produtores de Goiás. Os grãos foram irradiados em uma fonte de Cobalto 60, tipo Gammacell, com taxa de dose de 0,456 kGy/hora e logo em seguida foram germinados em temperatura e luminosidade ambiente durante 72 e 96 horas. Em seguida, as amostras foram congeladas e liofilizadas. Os dados da composição centesimal indicaram que a germinação desencadeou aumento nos teores de umidade, proteína e fibras insolúveis e solúveis. Porém apresentou decréscimo no conteúdo de cinzas, lipídeos e carboidratos. A irradiação não influenciou nas concentrações da composição centesimal das amostras. Os testes microbiológicos da amostra germinada nos tempos de 72 e 96 horas apresentaram crescimento de coliformes totais, abaixo dos níveis aceitáveis. Salmonella e coliformes fecais não apresentaram crescimento nas amostras. A análise sensorial, apresentou baixa rejeição nos feijões germinados. Os teores de ácido fítico apresentaram redução em seu conteúdo após a germinação, mas não significativo em relação à amostra controle. Os valores de taninos, após a germinação em 72 horas não foi detectado nas amostras. Uma redução no conteúdo de inibidor de tripsina e fenólicos totais entre as amostras analisadas foi observada com o efeito da germinação. Nas plantas germinadas houve diminuição no teor de hemaglutinina e aumento na digestibilidade protéica. Os flavonóides não foram detectados em nenhuma amostra. A clorofila e carotenóides totais apresentou aumento após a germinação das sementes. A maior atividade antioxidante foi encontrada para o feijão germinado em 96 horas sendo de 78% e 33% para os métodos ABTS e DPPH, respectivamente. A composição mineral não foi influenciada pelo tratamento de irradiação, e sim do processo de germinação. A disponibilidade in vitro de ferro, cálcio, magnésio e zinco, notou-se que apesar da germinação e irradiação e o grão controle não apresentarem diferença significativa, nas amostras germinadas houve aumento nos valores. A disponibilidade de magnésio diminuiu com o processo germinativo. Após a germinação houve aumentou nos teores de riboflavina e vitamina B6, mas diminuiu o teor de tiamina. O processo de irradiação não comprometeu o valor nutricional das vitaminas do feijão. Assim, conclui-se que a germinação melhora a qualidade nutricional do grão, devendo ser estimulado o seu consumo na dieta brasileira.
Beans are an important source of protein, starch, vitamins, minerals and fiber in the Brazilian diet. The protein digestibility and mineral bioavailability, however, may be affected by the presence of anti-nutritional factors. Currently, germination has been used as an alternative for the removal or inactivation of these components, thus improving nutritional qualities of beans. This study aimed to study the effect of gamma irradiation and germination on the nutritional aspects of beans. The carioca bean variety was used, cultivar pérola, obtained from producers of Goiás state Brazil. The grains were irradiated in a Cobalt60 source, Gammacell type, at a dose rate of 0.456 kGy/ hour and soon after, they were germinated in room temperature and light during 72 and 96 hours. Then, the samples were frozen and lyophilized. The centesimal composition indicated that germination caused an increase in moisture, protein and soluble and insoluble fiber. However, it showed a decrease in ash, lipids and carbohydrates contents. Irradiation did not influence concentrations of the chemical composition of the samples. Microbiological tests of the sample germinated in 72 and 96 showed growth of coliforms, below acceptable levels. Salmonella and fecal coliforms in the samples showed no growth. The sensory analysis showed low rejection of the germinated beans. The phytic acid showed a reduction in its content after germination, but not significantly compared to the control sample. The amounts of tannins, after germination in 72 hours, were not detected in the samples. A reduction in trypsin inhibitor content and total phenolic content between samples was observed with the effect of germination. In the germinated plants, the hemagglutinin content decreased and digestibility increased. Flavonoids were not detected in any sample. Chlorophyll and total carotenoids showed an increase after seed germination. The highest antioxidant activity was found for the beans germinated in 96 hours being 78% and 33% for ABTS and DPPH methods, respectively. The mineral composition was not affected by irradiation treatment, but the germination process was. The in vitro availability of iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc, in spite of the germination and irradiation, the control bean did not show a significant difference in the samples germinated was no increase in values. The availability of magnesium decreased with the germination process. After germination was increased the levels of riboflavin and vitamin B6, but decreased the amount of thiamin. The irradiation process did not compromise the nutritional value of vitamins in the beans. Thus, we conclude that germination improves the nutritional quality of the grain should be nurtured their consumption in the Brasilian diet.

Orientador: Ariovaldo Denis Granja
Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Urbanismo
Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T16:54:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Melo_ReymardSavioSampaiode_D.pdf: 3570435 bytes, checksum: 6810689a549becc35c07922f4a0849cb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015
Resumo: Os problemas relacionados com a prática tradicional de redução de custos na construção civil e a necessidade de aumentar a competitividade de empresas do setor de real estate nortearam essa pesquisa. Neste sentido, o custeio-meta é uma abordagem promissora para melhorar a competitividade de empresas garantindo que os produtos lançados no mercado não comprometam a margem de lucro da empresa nem a entrega de valor para os clientes. No entanto, há uma escassez de pesquisas visando apoiar as organizações do setor imobiliário que desejam implementar de forma gradual os princípios do custeio-meta no processo de desenvolvimento de produtos imobiliários destinados à venda. Diante disso, o principal objetivo da pesquisa foi propor diretrizes para introdução do custeio-meta no processo de desenvolvimento de produtos imobiliários destinados à venda. A design science foi o método de pesquisa utilizado. A pesquisa foi dividida em três fases: incubação da solução, refinamento da solução e explanação. As diretrizes propostas estão relacionadas as três principais seções do processo do custeio-meta: custeio orientado ao mercado, custeio-meta no nível de produto e custeio-meta no nível de componente.
Abstract: The problems associated with the traditional practice of reducing costs in construction and the need to increase business competitiveness in the real estate sector guided this research. In this sense, the target costing is a promising approach to improving the competitiveness of companies by ensuring that products launched on the market do not jeopardize the company's profit margin or the value delivery to customers. However, there is little research to support the real estate industry organizations wishing to implement gradually the target costing principles in real estate product development process. Thus, the main objective of the research was to propose guidelines for introduction of target costing in the real estate products development process. Design science was the research method applied. The research was divided into three phases: solution incubation, solution refinement and explanation. The proposed guidelines are related to the three main sections of target costing process: market-driven costing, product-level target costing and component-level target costing
Doutorado
Doutor em Engenharia Civil

This thesis focuses on the management of a selected part of the production process in IMI Precision Engineering and aims to present a proposal for the introduction of a new approach to managing the production task of the given production process part using the Kanban model. The subject of the analysis is the inventory of the given production process part, which are analysed based on ABC / XYZ analysis, the conclusions of which, presented in the design part of the thesis, serve as basis for the creation of a proposal for the introduction of Kanban.

Thesis (M.S. in Management) Naval Postgraduate School, June 2000.
Thesis advisors: Smith, David J. ; Armstead, J. Holmes. "June 2000." Includes bibliographical references (p. 221-225). Also available in print.

The final thesis is focused on a process management in praxes. The theoretical part of thesis concludes different techniques of mapping and analysing of a process. The practical part is focused on a practical analyse and mapping of the certain process in international financial institution. On the base of the process analyse are suggested changes to optimize the process.

Diplomová práce se zabývá návrhem procesů oddělení System Activation & Deactivation společnosti IBM Česká Republika, s.r.o. s cílem zlepšení těchto procesů a navýšení efektivity těchto procesů v rámci firmy.

The development of fuel efficient internal combustion engines (ICE)have resulted in a variety of different solutions. One of those are the variable valve timing and an implemenation of such is the Continuous Variable Cam Phasing (CVCP). This thesis have used a simulation package, psPack, for the simulation of the gas exchange process for an ICE with CVCP. The purpose of the simulations was to investigate what kind of design parameters, e.g. the length of an intake pipe or the duration of combustion, that were significant for the gas exchange process with the alternation of intake pressure, engine speed and valve setting. The parameters that showed a vast impact were those who affected the amount of residual gas and the temperature of the air charge. Furthermore a validation was made between simulation data acquired from psPack and measured data provided in Heywood (1988). The validation showed that for the general behaviour the simulation results from psPack corresponded well to the measured data.

The discussion of the dissertation converses on the potential development practices of companies; especially in relation with customers, products and processes. It summarizes the current known relevant theoretical approaches of this concern such as: CRM, value analysis, functional analysis and performance measurement. The dissertation describes the methodology used to obtain the central information for potential development of customers. It presents the measurement methodologies for potential development practices. It also assesses the impact of products' standardization to potential development. It studies an example of product lines' functional analysis from a customer perspective. The selected research strategy is quantitative survey. The instructions to determine quantifiable indicators for potential development of customers and products are the contribution of this dissertation. It also contributes with a description of the historical context and the current interaction of the potential development of customers, products and processes. This work opens the discussion on the possibility of using potential development indexes as an alternative or complement to the standard economic indicators; especially for strategic business decisions or product portfolio strategy.

Orientador: José Roberto Corrêa Saglietti
Banca: Osmar de Carvalho Bueno
Banca: Reginaldo F. dos Santos
Resumo: Atualmente há uma grande preocupação mundial com o esgotamento e o alto custo de exploração das reservas de combustíveis fósseis e, portanto, mais do que nunca, é necessário o aprofundamento do estudo e aproveitamento de fontes alternativas que possam ser utilizadas com eficiência energética, preços adequados e com baixo impacto ambiental. De acordo com estas premissas, o biodiesel é um combustível com boas perspectivas de atender uma demanda crescente, pois além de substituir o óleo diesel, pode ser obtido a partir de várias fontes primárias de origem animal e vegetal. O Brasil se destaca na utilização das fontes alternativas de energia com o uso do etanol e, nos últimos anos vem incentivando a ampliação de sua matriz energética a partir das fontes alternativas, na qual o biodiesel passa a ter uma importância estratégica dentro da área de agronegócios. O biodiesel é um combustível que pode substituir o diesel, que é um derivado do petróleo; é um éster produzido na reação de transesterificação de óleos vegetais, goduras animais que, na presença de um álcool, metanol ou etanol, e um catalisador, são convertidos em ácidos graxos e, resultam, em ésteres com glicerol como subproduto. Com o avanço da utilização destes biocombustíveis são necessárias pesquisas que visam melhorar a qualidade e viabilidade técnica dos mesmos, sendo que, o balanço energético é um dos parâmetros mais adequado para definir a viabilidade técnica, pois estabelece a relação entre o total de energia contida no combustível e aquela investida em todo o processo de produção. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar energeticamente o processo de produção de biodiesel a partir do óleo dos resíduos descartados na produção de frango. Para a estimativa deste balanço de energia quantificou-se o poder calorífico de alguns... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: Nowadays there is a great global concern with the depletion and the high cost of fossil fuel reserves exploitation, more than ever, it is necessary to make a profound study and take advantage of alternative sources that can be used with energy efficiency with an appropriate pricing and with low environmental impact. Under these assumptions, biodiesel is a fuel with good prospects of meeting a growing demand, as well as being a replacement of diesel oil, can be obtained from several primary sources of animal and plant origin. Brazil, which has highlighted in use of alternative energy sources with the use of ethanol and, in recent years, has been encouraging the expansion of its energy matrix in which the biodiesel will have a strategic importance within the agrobusiness area. Biodiesel is a fuel that can replace the diesel,that is a petroleum derivative. It is an ester, produced in the transesterification reaction of vegetable oils and animal greases, that in the presence of an alcohol like methanol or ethanol with an additional catalyst, are converted into fatty acids and result in esters with glycerol as subproducts. The advancement in use of biofuels, some researchs needed improve the quality and feasibility and that energetic balance is one of the most appropriate parameters to define the technical feasibility, since settle the same relationship between of total energy in the biofuel and the total energy invested in the whole production process. The objective of this study was to estimate the final energy balance for the process biodiesel production from oil chicken waste. The energy balance estimation was quantified in calorific value according the energy expenditure by calorimetric bomb method. The study was conducted in CEDETEC - Center for Development and Dissemination of Technology, Department of Agronomy... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)
Mestre

Purpose – The purpose of the research is to explore how to reduce waste in value flows and to minimize the bullwhip effect within operations. To fulfill and answer the purpose of the research three questions of issue has been established: 1. What issues in value flows can be identified, regarding inbound and outbound flows? 2. How can issues in value flows be minimized, with regards to inbound and outbound flows? 3. How can a model be created to understand the relationship between value flow improvements and the bullwhip effect? Method – To retrieve understanding of the topic that thesis involves, support of literature studies, observations and data collection was used. The literature study created a foundation of theoretical framework. The data collected from the case company formed a base that partly facilitates the purpose of this thesis. The theoretical framework and data collection were thoroughly analyzed and discussed in order to propose solutions for improvements. Findings – The research establishes different issues that can be identified in outbound and inbound flows such as; waste in transportation, waste in inventory, waste in movement and waste in overproduction. Further, in order to minimize the identified issues in inbound and outbound flows it is imperative to find out the root cause for the issues. When the root cause was established, statistical approach was utilized to further explain the issue. The findings from the statistical approach elucidated a large variance between supply and demand, resulting in a bullwhip effect. In order to minimize the bullwhip effect, improvements should focus on insufficiencies such as; lack of communication, order batching and disorganization. In addition, standardization through 5s approach mitigates the waste in transportation and movement. To understand the relationship between value flow improvements and the bullwhip effect, a causal loop diagram was created to understand the phenomenon from a system perspective. Implications – The research contributes with solutions on how to identify the bullwhip effect as well as highlighting the issues in value flows. Furthermore, this research solidifies the importance of using lean process to improve overall productivity in value flows. Limitations – The research was limited to one case company and one area in the case company. The answers that are presented in this research could increase the reliability and credibility if the authors had been able to investigate several areas at the case company or several companies. Furthermore, the date that has been retrieved is based solely on one supplier at the case company. Keywords – ‘Lean Process’, ‘Bullwhip Effect’, ‘Supply Chain Management’, ‘Continuous Improvement’, ‘System Perspective’ and ‘Statistical Analysis’.

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Atualmente há uma grande preocupação mundial com o esgotamento e o alto custo de exploração das reservas de combustíveis fósseis e, portanto, mais do que nunca, é necessário o aprofundamento do estudo e aproveitamento de fontes alternativas que possam ser utilizadas com eficiência energética, preços adequados e com baixo impacto ambiental. De acordo com estas premissas, o biodiesel é um combustível com boas perspectivas de atender uma demanda crescente, pois além de substituir o óleo diesel, pode ser obtido a partir de várias fontes primárias de origem animal e vegetal. O Brasil se destaca na utilização das fontes alternativas de energia com o uso do etanol e, nos últimos anos vem incentivando a ampliação de sua matriz energética a partir das fontes alternativas, na qual o biodiesel passa a ter uma importância estratégica dentro da área de agronegócios. O biodiesel é um combustível que pode substituir o diesel, que é um derivado do petróleo; é um éster produzido na reação de transesterificação de óleos vegetais, goduras animais que, na presença de um álcool, metanol ou etanol, e um catalisador, são convertidos em ácidos graxos e, resultam, em ésteres com glicerol como subproduto. Com o avanço da utilização destes biocombustíveis são necessárias pesquisas que visam melhorar a qualidade e viabilidade técnica dos mesmos, sendo que, o balanço energético é um dos parâmetros mais adequado para definir a viabilidade técnica, pois estabelece a relação entre o total de energia contida no combustível e aquela investida em todo o processo de produção. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar energeticamente o processo de produção de biodiesel a partir do óleo dos resíduos descartados na produção de frango. Para a estimativa deste balanço de energia quantificou-se o poder calorífico de alguns...
Nowadays there is a great global concern with the depletion and the high cost of fossil fuel reserves exploitation, more than ever, it is necessary to make a profound study and take advantage of alternative sources that can be used with energy efficiency with an appropriate pricing and with low environmental impact. Under these assumptions, biodiesel is a fuel with good prospects of meeting a growing demand, as well as being a replacement of diesel oil, can be obtained from several primary sources of animal and plant origin. Brazil, which has highlighted in use of alternative energy sources with the use of ethanol and, in recent years, has been encouraging the expansion of its energy matrix in which the biodiesel will have a strategic importance within the agrobusiness area. Biodiesel is a fuel that can replace the diesel,that is a petroleum derivative. It is an ester, produced in the transesterification reaction of vegetable oils and animal greases, that in the presence of an alcohol like methanol or ethanol with an additional catalyst, are converted into fatty acids and result in esters with glycerol as subproducts. The advancement in use of biofuels, some researchs needed improve the quality and feasibility and that energetic balance is one of the most appropriate parameters to define the technical feasibility, since settle the same relationship between of total energy in the biofuel and the total energy invested in the whole production process. The objective of this study was to estimate the final energy balance for the process biodiesel production from oil chicken waste. The energy balance estimation was quantified in calorific value according the energy expenditure by calorimetric bomb method. The study was conducted in CEDETEC - Center for Development and Dissemination of Technology, Department of Agronomy... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Centrada numa perspectiva discursiva - a da análise do discurso - esta pesquisa trabalha tendo como foco teórico a constituição/identidade das formações discursivas e relações interdiscursivas de caráter polêmico. Além disso, indagações como as dimensões interdisciplinares da análise do discurso e a concepção de análise do discurso político ficaram também contempladas na trajetória. Para efeito de averiguação da conformação do foco teórico, escolhemos como corpus a diversidade dos discursos escritos que se confrontaram, durante o processo de privatização da Companhia Vale do Rio Doce - CVRD - maior companhia do mundo em atividade de extração mineral. Esse processo não se deu de forma pacífica e consensual, mas sob exaustivos debates de confronto entre governo e sociedade civil. Esse confronto levou a um questionamento: o fato de o processo ter se dado sob exaustivos debates, configurou-lhe uma aparência democrática, no entanto, o discurso \"vencedor\" é aquele identificado com o discurso governamental o qual propõe e efetiva a privatização. Se houve estratégias de condução do processo, como está caracterizado o perfil do discurso \"vencedor\": persuasivo, convincente ou simplesmente hegemônico? Esse questionamento, em linhas gerais, levou aos seguintes objetivos: confrontar os argumentos verificando a força de um em relação ao outro; verificar o mecanismo de refutação e como as identidades e as imagens discursivas são construídas. A questão subjacente é buscar compreender, através de formas de produção de sentidos como os fenômenos políticos se instalam ou se constituem discursivamente numa confluência de espaços e poderes nem sempre passíveis de clareza e visibilidade.
Centred around a discursive perspective - the discourse analysis - this research has as theoretical focus the constitution/identity of the discursive formations and controversial interdiscursiviness relations. Furthermore, inquiries such as the discourse analysis interdisciplinary dimensions and the conception of the political discourse analysis were also observed. In order to verify the theoretical focus , we have chosen as corpus the written discourses diversities that confronted during Companhia Vale do Rio Doce - CVRD privatization process. CVRD is the largest mining company in the world. Its privatization process did not happen in a peaceful and consensual way, but with exhaustive confrontational debates between government and civil society. This confront led to a question: as the process has occurred with exhaustive debates, it happened to have a democratic appearance, nevertheless, the \"victorious\" discourse is the one identified with the governmental discourse, that proposes and effects the privatization. If there were strategies of how to conduct the process, how is the appearance of the persuasive \"victorious\" discourse characterized, convincing or simply hegemonic? On the whole, this question, has led to the following objectives: confront the arguments verifying the strength of one in relation to the other; verify the refutation mechanism and how the identities and discursive images are built. The underlying question is to understand, how the political phenomena are settled or if they are established discursively in a space and power confluence not always liable to clarity and visibility.

A comprehensive process intensification analysis was performed for the integration of the Pd-based membrane reactor technology into IGCC power plants by designing effective process control strategies as well as identifying and optimally characterizing inherently safe operational conditions to achieve the most favorable economic outcomes. Experimental results indicated that Pd-based composite membranes supported on porous stainless steel tubes, fabricated with H2 permeance values as high as ~50 m3/[m2.h.atm0.5] at 450°C were capable of extra purity H2 production (≥99.99%). Two illustrative process control and performance monitoring cases namely, process regulation and servo mechanism, were considered and quite satisfactory process control was attained by maintaining CO conversion at levels higher than 95% so that the retentate stream could become suitable for high pressure CO2 sequestration. From a process safety standpoint, process parameters and operating conditions were identified and optimized to achieve the target performance level of 98% CO conversion and 95% H2 recovery and at the same time to prevent conditions which could potentially induce hazards and thus compromise process system safety. Furthermore, the average total product cost of a water-gas shift membrane reactor module including manufacturing costs and general expenses was carefully estimated by taking into account the full cost structure and found to be 1464 $/ft2. Moreover, a comprehensive economic assessment was performed for composite Pd/Alloy membrane reactor technology options integrated into IGCC power plants in the presence of market and regulatory uncertainty (possible regulatory action on CO2 emissions) as well as technology risks with the aid of Monte-Carlo simulation techniques. Within such a context, it was demonstrated that an IGCC plant with embedded Pd-based membrane reactors and a stream of revenues coming from electricity and H2 selling (IGCC co-production mode), represented an economically attractive and advantageous option when comparatively assessed against its main competitors namely, an IGCC plant with shift reactors and double stage Selexol units as well as the more traditional supercritical pulverized coal power plant option with an Econamine unit installed for CO2 capture purposes.

Despite the federal government’s $1.5 billion investment between 1993 and 2010 to fund 164 separate community-based systems of care, there has been an extremely limited attempt to measure the impact of system of care. The impetus for this research is the struggle for how the value based concept of system of care is communicated within a community. While child mental health services researchers have published a number of randomized control trials to explore individual level supports for youth served in a system of care community, researchers have struggled to devise a way to measure system of care philosophy diffusion. While system of care is a system level intervention, this study explored the role of the system of care value: family voice as it pertains to direct practice for children and families. The goal was to assess whether specific direct practices regularly associated with system of care (i.e., wraparound or home-based services) lead to greater family voice or if the mere presence of a high-functioning system of care community leads to equal family voice for all receiving community-based services. The primary finding was a relationship between the perception of family functioning and perceived empowerment/self-efficacy. This finding suggests that as functioning improves, so does a caregiver’s perception of their personal empowerment/ self-efficacy. While the framing of this study was to “unpack” the system of care value of family voice, the findings do not support any clear cut explanation for how family voice is promoted or communicated to families. Based on the findings, it appears as if families feel more empowered as their child improves. Additional research needs to be done on the application of family voice within the practice setting to better understand how to best instruct staff to infuse family voice in their daily practice.

Švietimo sistemų palyginimas bei analizė pasaulinio švietimo kontekste labai aktualūs ir galėtų būti ypač naudingi reformuojant švietimo sistemą, siekiant bendrų tikslų visuose Europos Sąjungos šalyse. Įrodymais pagrįstą politiką ir praktiką – tyrimų ir vertinimų būdu gautų žinių paveiktą švietimo politiką – remia ir Europos Sąjunga, ir Ekonominio bendradarbiavimo ir plėtros organizacijos. Pirma magistrinio darbo dalis skirta teoriniam darbo pagrindimui. Magistrinio darbo tikslas - atlikti Lietuvos mokinių tarptautinio ir nacionalinio skaitymo gebėjimų tyrimų empirinių duomenų analizę. Magistrinio darbo uždaviniai: 1. Atlikti Lietuvos ir pasirinktų šalių švietimo sistemų siekiamo lygmens analizę skaitymo raštingumo srityje. 2. Atlikti Lietuvos ir pasirinktų šalių švietimo sistemų pasiektojo lygmens analizę skaitymo raštingumo srityje: 2.1. Atlikti tarptautinio skaitymo gebėjimų tyrimo PIRLS duomenų analizę. 2.2. Atlikti nacionalinio skaitymo gebėjimų pasiekimo tyrimo duomenų analizę. 2.3. Nustatyti pagrindinius veiksnius (realizuojamajame ir pasiekimų lygmenyse), lemiančius Lietuvos mokinių pasiekimus. Magistro darbe naudojami tyrimo metodai: • Mokslinės literatūros analizė, leidusi susipažinti su pasirinktų šalių švietimo sistemą charakterizuojančiais dokumentais, įvairiomis ugdymo filosofijomis, nagrinėjamų ugdymo teorijų raida ir funkcionavimu, skirtingomis konceptualiomis nuostatomis švietimo sistemos ir atskirų jos komponenčių atžvilgiu, nacionaliniais moksleivių... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]
This master work presents the results of the research of the education systems of Lithuania, the Russian Federation, Norway, Sweden and Latvia (on reading literary and information by describing them, giving reading curricula (planning and realizing levels). The criteria established for comparison and evaluation of the education systems with regard to reading and writing in native language allow to analyse, compare and evaluate the education systems of reading and writing in native language at the planned achievement level and are easy to apply for other studies. Following the analysis of goals and objectives in teaching reading and writing in native language in primary schools of Lithuania, Sweden, Norway, Latvia and the Russian Federation at the aspects of the school system aimed at formation of reading and writing context, knowledge and skills, general reading and writing abilities as well as attitudes and values, we can see that the major attention to teaching reading and writing is given by the Russian Federation (it devotes about 50 % of time to teaching language in the first form, 42 % of time in the second, third and fourth forms is devoted to the language and 30 % to reading). Given 19 lessons per week, it makes up about 9.5 lessons per week in the first form and about 7.98 lessons per week in the second-fourth forms, while in Lithuania and Norway this number accounts for 5. 95 and 5.94, respectively.

Social sustainability is one of the three dimensions in the concept of sustainability and is seen as the weakest pillar of sustainable development. Previous literature concludes that social sustainability is a difficult concept to define and achieve. Therefore, the social dimension has not been addressed to the same extent and has been frequently avoided in research and practice. However the importance of the social dimension of sustainable development has been recognized from both the private and the public sector during the last decade. The social aspect of sustainability requires more attention and it is important to define the social sustainability processes that should be integrated during the planning phase of residential development projects. The purpose of this research is to contribute with knowledge about how social sustainability can be addressed in the housing industry and within the scientific fields of urban planning and project development. By looking deeper, from both the developer and municipality perspective, into how social sustainability aspects are addressed today, how cooperation regarding these aspects is working, what values a focus on social aspects can create for both parties as well as desires for the future, the research also aims to provide a recommendation of how residential developers can improve their working process. Four projects located both in Stockholm and Gothenburg have been used as a basis for the empirics in this research. Empirical information has been collected primarily through interviews but also from existing social sustainability tools. Interviews were conducted with representatives from JM AB and the municipalities of Stockholm and Gothenburg. The research has identified that concrete tools, cooperation, clear objectives, and an understanding of each other’s aims and goals are crucial for a good working process regarding social sustainability. A recommended working process has been developed with the aim of helping residential developers to address social sustainability in residential projects. The identified steps in the recommendation provide an understanding of how developers should work with social sustainability internally and in cooperation with the municipality. By working systematically with social sustainability in residential development, the research indicates that developers can become more attractive in the eyes of the municipality and thus gain a competitive advantage over their competitors as well as increase the possibility of creating shared values.
Social hållbarhet är en av tre dimensioner i begreppet hållbarhet och ses som den svagaste pelaren för hållbar utveckling. Tidigare litteratur drar slutsatsen att social hållbarhet är ett svårt begrepp att definiera och uppnå. Därför har den sociala dimensionen inte behandlats i samma utsträckning och har ofta undvikits i forskning och praktik. Däremot har betydelsen av den sociala dimensionen av hållbar utveckling uppmärksammats av både den privata och den offentliga sektorn under det senaste decenniet. Den sociala aspekten kräver mer uppmärksamhet och det är viktigt att fastställa de sociala hållbarhetsprocesser som bör integreras under planeringsfasen i bostadsutvecklingsprojekt. Syftet med denna studie är att bidra med kunskap om hur social hållbarhet kan hanteras i bostadsbranschen och inom de vetenskapliga områdena stadsplanering och  rojektutveckling. Genom att, från både bostadsutvecklarens och kommunens perspektiv, djupare undersöka hur sociala hållbarhetsaspekter behandlas i dag, hur samarbete kring dessa aspekter fungerar, vilka värden ett fokus på sociala aspekter kan skapa för båda parter samt önskemål för framtiden, syftar studien också till att ge en rekommendation för hur bostadsutvecklare kan förbättra sin arbetsprocess. Fyra projekt som ligger både i Stockholm och Göteborg har använts som underlag till empirin i denna undersökning Empirisk information har samlats in, främst genom intervjuer, men också utifrån befintliga sociala hållbarhetsverktyg. Intervjuerna genomfördes med representanter från JM AB och kommunerna Stockholm och Göteborg. Studien har identifierat att konkreta verktyg, samarbete, tydliga mål och en förståelse för varandras syften och mål är avgörande för en god arbetsprocess beträffande social hållbarhet. En rekommenderad arbetsprocess har utvecklats i syfte till att hjälpa bostadsutvecklare att adressera social hållbarhet i bostadsprojekt. De identifierade stegen i rekommendationen ger en förståelse för hur bostadsutvecklare ska arbeta med social hållbarhet internt och i samarbete med kommunen. Genom att arbeta systematiskt med social hållbarhet i bostadsutveckling, visar studien att bostadsutvecklare kan bli mer attraktiva i kommunens ögon och därmed få en konkurrensfördel gentemot sina konkurrenter, samt öka möjligheten att skapa gemensamma värden.

The point of my work is to consider resources for implementation process of marketing plan of new product launch that is dealing with the analysis of market segments and opportunities in this branch for concrete product.