Search results

1 – 8 of 8
Per page
102050
Citations:
Loading...
Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 12 March 2018

Suzana Paula Gomes Fernando da Silva Lampreia, José Fernando Gomes Requeijo, José António Mendonça Dias, Valter Martins Vairinhos and Patrícia Isabel Soares Barbosa

The application of condition-based maintenance on selected equipment can allow online monitoring using fixed, half-fixed or portable sensors. The collected data not always allow a…

358

Abstract

Purpose

The application of condition-based maintenance on selected equipment can allow online monitoring using fixed, half-fixed or portable sensors. The collected data not always allow a straightforward interpretation and many false alarms can happen. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Statistical techniques can be used to perform early failure detection. With the application of Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) Modified Charts and the Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) Charts, special causes of variation can be detected online and during the equipment functioning. Before applying these methods, it is important to check data for independence. When the independence condition is not verified, data should be modeled with an ARIMA (p, d, q) model. Parameters estimation is obtained using the Shewhart Traditional Charts.

Findings

With data monitoring and statistical methods, it is possible to detect any system or equipment failure trend, so that we can act at the right time to avoid catastrophic failures.

Originality/value

In this work, an electro pump condition is monitored. Through this process, an anomaly and four stages of aggravation are forced, and the CUSUM and EWMA modified control charts are applied to test an online equipment monitoring. When the detection occurs, the methodology will have rules to define the degree of intervention.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 6 February 2017

José Gomes Requeijo, Rogério Puga-Leal and Ana Sofia Matos

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the causes for the discrepancy between the utilization of statistical process control (SPC) in services and manufacturing. Furthermore, an…

771

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the causes for the discrepancy between the utilization of statistical process control (SPC) in services and manufacturing. Furthermore, an approach for integrating customer demands and technical aspects of a service is presented. Services are very often characterized by a large number of characteristics, with relatively few observations. This research addresses a methodology based on Z and W charts, proposing it for the control of service features. An example associated with service provision is presented to illustrate the computation of Z and W as well as its interpretation.

Design/methodology/approach

The shortcomings of traditional control charts are stated and compared with the control charts for Z and W. An example illustrates how to utilize these charts, their ability to monitor several characteristics simultaneously, along with a continuous monitoring of process capability.

Findings

The proposed approach allowed the representation of several process characteristics in the same charts, even when those characteristics are not collected with the same periodicity. The Z and W charts are dimensionless and can be applied whenever it is possible to estimate process parameters, being an interesting approach to be utilized in Phase 2 of SPC. The difficulty for identifying the existence of non-random patterns emerges as the major shortcoming for these charts.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed approach is a contribute to overcoming the discrepancy that persists between the utilization of SPC in services and manufacturing. Nevertheless, service production and consumption are frequently simultaneous, which constitutes an issue hard to deal with that is not fully addressed in this piece of research. Furthermore, the Z charts also present some disadvantages, notably an increased difficulty for analyzing the existence of non-random patterns, which worsens as increases the number of products/quality characteristics to be checked.

Practical implications

The proposed charts are very flexible and provide a rational utilization of resources. In fact, the representation of several processes is possible, along with the traditional analysis of patterns, thus providing an effective approach for controlling services processes.

Social implications

Several quantitative approaches that have been utilized in manufacturing for a long time are still scarce in services. However, services play a major role in modern economies, being clear that improvements in service provision might have a direct impact on society.

Originality/value

The approach was based on the utilization of Z/W with samples, but it can be extended to individual observations or even to the control of discrete variables. Additionally, a methodology for process capability analysis in real-time is also proposed.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 22 March 2013

Pedro Marques, José Requeijo, Pedro Saraiva and Francisco Frazão‐Guerreiro

By exploiting the relationships between Six Sigma and quality management systems (QMS) based on the ISO 9001 standard, this paper proposes a set of guidelines to combine and…

2255

Abstract

Purpose

By exploiting the relationships between Six Sigma and quality management systems (QMS) based on the ISO 9001 standard, this paper proposes a set of guidelines to combine and integrate both approaches in a systematic way. The guidelines are organised into integration topics, and each one is linked to the clauses of the ISO 9001 standard they refer to.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review, Six Sigma and QMS based on the ISO 9001 standard are thoroughly discussed and compared and beneficial synergies between them are identified. Based on this study, and to take advantage of the compatibilities and logical linkages between both approaches, guidelines for the integration of Six Sigma with the ISO 9001 requirements are developed.

Findings

Benefits resulting from the integration of Six Sigma with a QMS based on the ISO 9001 standard are mutual. The integration guidelines proposed in this paper provide a framework to unify process management practices, enhance the effectiveness of continual improvement efforts, facilitate the identification, evaluation and selection of Six Sigma projects, align the quality objectives defined for the QMS with Six Sigma project goals, establish relationships between the roles of a Six Sigma program and those inherent to an ISO 9001 QMS, and demonstrate how internal quality audits and management review benefit from a Six Sigma program.

Research limitations/implications

The integration models and guidelines herein proposed can be further expanded to include other relevant normative references, particularly environmental management systems (ISO 14001) and safety and health management systems (OHSAS 18001).

Originality/value

The set of guidelines proposed in this paper is original and will be of practical value to the increasing number of organisations adopting a process‐model for the ISO 9001 standard, that seek to incorporate Six Sigma principles, practices, methods and tools within their QMS. The guidelines cover a wide spectrum of relevant activities that usually take place in the context of both initiatives. In addition, because each guideline is accompanied by the identification of the applicable clauses of ISO 9001, they provide a useful framework to develop, implement, maintain, and improve a QMS in parallel with a Six Sigma program.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 4 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 6 February 2024

Sara Maia, José Pedro Teixeira Domingues, Maria Leonilde R. Rocha Varela and Luis Miguel Fonseca

The focus of this research is to investigate if user-generated content (UGC) generated in the Booking platform can support quality management improvement within the hospitality…

281

Abstract

Purpose

The focus of this research is to investigate if user-generated content (UGC) generated in the Booking platform can support quality management improvement within the hospitality industry by increasing customer satisfaction and eliminating defects more efficiently. Hence, it contributes to understanding how data-driven companies can rely on customer data to focus on innovation and performance improvement to meet customer requirements, eliminate defects and increase customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the literature review, information was collected from the digital platform Booking, encompassing 15 hotel industry companies in Portugal Porto and Braga regions, selected due to their high number of customer reviews. This data was organized and categorized, eliminating all unnecessary information for the research and building an Excel database. The database was subsequently analysed with SPSS and Voyant software, performing statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and text-mining techniques to analyse the comments. After these analyses, applying quality tools allowed for more in-depth conclusions.

Findings

The research results highlight that customers' most relevant requirements in the Portuguese hospitality industry are breakfast, parking and a swimming pool. It was also possible to realize that the location is an attractive requirement, the bathroom is a must-be requirement and breakfast is a performance requirement. The results also allowed us to answer the most critical research question: “Is user-generated content a valuable aid to quality?” the answer is yes since it was possible to use the data to find improvements and faults/failures in the services.

Originality/value

The results of this study represent an essential step towards a complete understanding of how to take advantage of UGC within the hospitality industry by establishing a solid base of techniques, methods and quality tools for UGC analysis that can be applied in future research on different industry sectors.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 37 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 10 April 2018

Luis Miguel Fonseca and José Pedro Domingues

ISO 9001:2015 edition, by adopting modern management and quality approaches, can foster the application of continuous improvement (CI) methodologies. The purpose of this paper is…

1665

Abstract

Purpose

ISO 9001:2015 edition, by adopting modern management and quality approaches, can foster the application of continuous improvement (CI) methodologies. The purpose of this paper is to assess the level of utilization of Kaizen and other CI methodologies within Portuguese ISO 9001 certified organizations, namely, amid organizations that have already implemented ISO 9001:2015.

Design/methodology/approach

After the literature review, a quantitative research, supported on an online survey, was adopted. The survey yielded 309 valid responses (response rate 18 percent) encompassing 71 organizations already certified against ISO 9001:2015 and the remaining 238 against ISO 9001:2008. The results of the statistical analysis performed were reviewed with a focus group of five quality and organizational excellence managers.

Findings

The results show a mildly use of Kaizen, Lean and Six Sigma (SS) by Portuguese ISO 9001 certified organizations, which is increase when compared to previous studies. The sample of organizations that are already certified by ISO 9001:2015 have mean and median levels of customer improvement methodologies adoption (Lean, Kaizen, SS) higher than those that are still certified against ISO 9001:2008. However, the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that these differences are not statistically significant. Concerning the adoption of these methodologies by activity sector, the sample median values seem to suggest that Lean and SS are more commonly adopted in the industry than in the services, but according to the Kruskal-Wallis test these differences are not statistically significant. Checklists, plan-do-check-act cycle and process diagrams, followed by DMAIC, are the quality tools that are most frequently adopted. A high workload due to the transition process for ISO 9001:2015 and the lack of qualified people were suggested as possible explanations for these results by the Expert Focus Group.

Research limitations/implications

The study is restricted to ISO 9001 certified organizations in Portugal and due to the short time since ISO 9001:2015 implementation it should be considered as having an explanatory nature and subject to future confirmation.

Originality/value

This study on the application of CI methodologies between ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 9001:2008 certified organizations contributes to the Kaizen and CI body of knowledge and provides inputs to the organizations and professionals that aim to successfully apply it.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 6 March 2017

Nashmi Chugani, Vikas Kumar, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes, Luis Rocha-Lona and Arvind Upadhyay

The academic literature and research lines exploring the effect of quality improvement methods on environmental performance still remain in early stages. The purpose of this paper…

7271

Abstract

Purpose

The academic literature and research lines exploring the effect of quality improvement methods on environmental performance still remain in early stages. The purpose of this paper is therefore to investigate, through a systematic review of the existing academic literature, the environmental (green) impact of using quality and operations improvement methods such as Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma. This includes the impact on energy saving and the usage of natural resources.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows a systematic literature review approach through which it analyses research papers published in top 16 operations and quality management journals. No specific time frame was established, but a set of keywords were used to short-list the articles. A sample of 70 articles was finally short-listed and analysed to provide a discussion on environmental concerns related to Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma.

Findings

The comprehensive review of short-listed articles indicates that both Lean and Six Sigma can be considered effective methods to support the conservation of resources, combat global warming and saving energy. Various scholars provide evidence of this, and as such, organisations should not only consider these methods to manage quality and improve operational performance but also meet environmental regulations. A set of research questions that demands further investigation has also been proposed based on the findings of this research.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to a sample of 70 articles collected from top 16 operations and quality management journals. The search of journals is also limited to a set of key words (“Lean”, “Green”, “Six Sigma”, “environment”, “sustainable” and “sustainability”) used to short-list the sample size.

Practical implications

The study shows that organisations can consider the adoption of Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma to meet environmental regulations, save costs and also meet quality management standards. This will contribute in helping organisations to formulate more effective and inclusive strategies which do not only consider the quality and operational dimensions but also the environmental dimension.

Originality/value

Literature exploring the environmental/green impact of quality management methods commonly used in industry is limited. There is also a lack of studies aiming to investigate the green impact of Lean and Six Sigma in top operations and quality management journals. The study focusing on investigating the green impact of Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma methods altogether is also a research first of its kind.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 31 May 2021

Praveen Puram and Anand Gurumurthy

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma (IJLSS) has completed a decade. To celebrate the same, this study aims to review the articles published in IJLSS from its inception to the…

1282

Abstract

Purpose

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma (IJLSS) has completed a decade. To celebrate the same, this study aims to review the articles published in IJLSS from its inception to the year 2020. The journal’s trends and professional impact over the years are investigated and potential future research directions are proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric analysis comprising of citation, co-citation and keyword co-occurrence methods is used on all the articles published in IJLSS till the year 2020. Content analysis is further done to analyse the type of research, type of industry studied and the articles’ target audience.

Findings

The journal has improved its reputation, productivity and impact over the years. Currently, studies published in IJLSS have been cited more than 5,000 times, with the most prominent themes being Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and Lean in manufacturing and services. Researchers from India, the USA and the UK have contributed a significant number of publications. Most of the work published is case-based. There is a need for more empirical or survey-based research having high generalizability. Future studies should also focus on integrating LSS with emerging topics such as sustainability, Industry 4.0 and the like.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides evidence of the impact of IJLSS and highlights the trend in the domain of LSS. It can be of use for the editorial board members to identify potential areas to focus on in the future. Researchers can use it to further their research by working on the research gaps identified.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to trace the progress of IJLSS from its inception till the year 2020.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 12 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 5 March 2018

Vasileios Ismyrlis and Odysseas Moschidis

The purpose of this paper is to investigate in which management aspects could Six Sigma (SS) methodology help the organization that implements it. Another subject to be examined…

466

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate in which management aspects could Six Sigma (SS) methodology help the organization that implements it. Another subject to be examined is the integration of SS and other quality management systems (QMSs) in practice and in a theoretical way.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was addressed to 146 Greek companies of all business sectors, with at least one QMS; here was ISO 9001:2008. It included questions concerning the importance of the critical success factors (CSFs) of QMSs and performance measures after the implementation of ISO 9001. Correspondence analysis was used for the analysis of the data. A theoretical investigation in literature was also accomplished to express the characteristic aspects of SS.

Findings

Companies implementing SS seemed to outperform the companies without it, in the importance given in most CSFs and equally in the performance measures. People-oriented factors distinguished as more important, and this is consistent with the literature concerning SS.

Practical implications

This paper provides information for practitioners and researchers about SS methodology and presents some of its advantages, deriving from its integration with ISO 9001 QMS.

Originality/value

It makes available a perspective of SS deployment in Greek organizations. It also clarifies points that demonstrate the differentiation of SS from other quality approaches and the case of integration with ISO 9001. It also presents the demographic profile of the companies that implement SS.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

1 – 8 of 8
Per page
102050