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Presents a model for assessing human performance reliability that takes into account a number of factors influencing performance. Discusses performance evaluation standards and worker task adequacy. Finally, reports briefly on research findings that indicate some of the shortcomings of existing methods of assessment.

Presents the results of some recent studies undertaken to discover the effect of various factors on basic motions by conducting laboratory experiments, and the models derived from them. Argues that the PMTS in use since the 1920s do not take into consideration all the factors that affect time in basic motions. Argues that simultaneous motions, simultaneous symmetrical reach, asymmetrical motions, and cranking motion must all be studied and modelled.

Human reliability in computer programming can be improved by reducing human errors. The traditional approaches for error reduction in industry are not applicable to minimizing errors in computer programming. Proposes a model for error reduction in software prior to its final release. The model consists of two modules, an error detection module, and an error correction module. A computational procedure is outlined for determining the optimal number of detection and correction stages prior to the final release of the software.

Examines project scheduling advances in the framework of a job shop or order driven work environment in which an engineered product is manufactured. Argues that scheduling is an important part of the project management process. Reviews some of the antiquated ideas that still remain in project management. Outlines some developments in computer‐based scheduling, management techniques, and the future significance of artificial intelligence.

Ensuring equipment reliability, preventing human error and preventing accidents are necessary for improving predictable plant capacity. These subjects however, have so far been treated separately whereas an integrated approach is the need of the hour. A typical maintenance system focuses on equipment. However, its goals must include establishment of conditions that reflect an understanding of production plants as a combination of various man‐machine systems. Eliminating accidents and removing causes of production interruptions should be approached from the “man” as well as “machine” side. This paper outlines the relationship that exists between plant productivity, safety, and maintenance activities. An integrated system of activities, which is likely to help in eliminating accidents and maintenance related causes of production interruptions, is presented. This system divides plant operations into “man‐machine” system and management system activities. Activities that assist in eliminating accidents and removing potential causes of production interruptions are presented. Key performance indicators and a methodology for operating a continuous improvement program are outlined.

Maintenance management consists of an aggregate effort to perform maintenance by effectively utilizing manpower and material through the application of standard procedures. It is a complex and multifaceted task. An ever‐growing number of computerized maintenance management information systems are available on the market to facilitate this task. In order to install a computerized maintenance management system, a company has two options: either to buy or to develop such a system. Briefly describes the major functions of maintenance management and suggests an instrument to evaluate comparatively the available computerized maintenance management systems.

The purpose of this paper is to radically redesign the methodology of plant maintenance and develop a three phase framework. A framework for effective and continuous maintenance improvement is presented.

The first phase determines the key performance area, the second phase makes decision about the appropriate policy selection and third phase aims to generate capability in an organization to compete at world level. A case is presented here, of the implementation of a “maintenance reengineering framework”, developed with the aid of certain maintenance components.

The maintenance reengineering framework, when implemented, proved successful with a more than 90 per cent rise in production rate.

The paper contributes some guidelines which can be helpful in making decision about the selection of maintenance policy and for the achievement of world‐class effectiveness.

Maintenance reengineering (MR) framework includes the core concepts of preventive maintenance practices, total maintenance management and system perspectives of maintenance. Its implementation goes through three phases from identification of key performance area, via suitable maintenance policy selection to generating the capability for world‐class effectiveness. The experience of this pilot implementation in a cement company in India suggested the feasibility of this framework in elevating the performance of maintenance management.

This article offers a framework that addresses research on maintenance reengineering. It attempts to establish a relationship among the components of maintenance, which can bring potential benefits to the corporations of similar operations and nature.

This paper investigates the effect of non‐normality errors on the economic design of x‐control charts. The measurable quality characteristic of the product is assumed to be non‐normally distributed random variable. The process is subject to a single assignable cause with exponentially distributed occurrence time. This assignable cause shifts the process from in‐control state to out‐of‐control state. The economic design of x‐chart involves optimal determination of the design parameters so as to minimize the expected total cost. The optimal value of the design parameters are obtained using a computerized search technique. Consequently, the effect of non‐normality parameters and errors on the design parameters and on the loss‐cost function is explained through numerical examples.

The purpose of this paper is to present an empirical investigation of maintenance performance (MP) management practices from the sugar industry in India.

Empirical data for this study were collected through field visits, interviews and published reports. Statistical methods including correlation, multiple regression and cluster analysis are utilized to accomplish the objective of the study.

Explanation with multiple regression analysis showed that the sugar industry MP is significantly and positively related to maintenance approach (MA), continuous improvement (CI), financial approach and spare part management (SPM). Cluster analysis showed that sugar industries focusing on MA, CI and policy development and organization are having higher MP. The cluster analysis also pointed out that there is a substantial variation in MP due to the type of ownership (private and cooperative) while no variation has been observed due to installed capacity (low and high).

The generalization of the results obtained in this work for the sugar industry can be possible through a larger sample size.

The study contributes to the better understanding of maintenance measures in the sugar industry and provides insights on the role of maintenance managerial practices in enhancing the MP.

The findings provide empirical evidence that maintenance practices across the sugar industry are important to improve MP.

Manufacturing companies are under pressure to minimize production costs. Reducing downtime and minimizing maintenance costs are the traditional approach. Improving production equipment effectiveness as prescribed in total productive maintenance (TPM) is a relatively recent development. Outlines improving maintenance productivity through structural audit and improving production equipment effectiveness for discrete type production systems and continuous processes. Suggests continuous improvement of production equipment effectiveness by periodic evaluations.