Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Amjad Khalili Author-X-Name-First: Amjad Author-X-Name-Last: Khalili Author-Name: Md Yusof Ismail Author-X-Name-First: Md Yusof Author-X-Name-Last: Ismail Author-Name: A.N.M. Karim Author-X-Name-First: A.N.M. Author-X-Name-Last: Karim Author-Name: Mohd Radzi Che Daud Author-X-Name-First: Mohd Radzi Che Author-X-Name-Last: Daud Title: Soft total quality management and lean manufacturing initiatives: model development through structural equation modelling Abstract: Both soft total quality management (STQM) and lean manufacturing (LM) are philosophies for continuous improvement. Little is known about whether these can be integrated together or are in conflict. Furthermore, the nature of their integration together in the same enterprise is not clear. This paper tries to eliminate gap in operations management (OM) literature regarding the integration of these practices. To do this, it proposes a comprehensive model to be implemented in the developing economy of Malaysia, to investigate the linkages among elements of soft TQM and LM tools in the measured manufacturing sectors. A structured questionnaire was designed to validate the model and test the hypothesis. Structural equation modelling (SEM) through analysis of moment structure (AMOS 22) is utilised to empirically investigate the model based on primary data of 329 responses. Results obtained implied that hypothesis is significant and supported. Thus, both practices are complementary to each other. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 1-30 Issue: 1 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: soft total quality management; STQM; lean; integration; AMOS; complementary; Malaysia. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=88605 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:1:p:1-30 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: G. Arun Jernick Author-X-Name-First: G. Arun Author-X-Name-Last: Jernick Author-Name: L. Suganthi Author-X-Name-First: L. Author-X-Name-Last: Suganthi Author-Name: S. Iniyan Author-X-Name-First: S. Author-X-Name-Last: Iniyan Title: Development and validation of multi-dimensional wind turbine service quality scale for measuring operations and maintenance service quality in wind energy sector Abstract: Service quality and customer satisfaction are very important concepts that organisations must understand in order to remain competitive in business and hence grow. It is very important for any organisation to know how to measure these dimensions from the consumers' perspective in order to better understand their needs and hence satisfy them. Service quality is considered very important because it leads to higher customer satisfaction, profitability, reduced cost, customer loyalty and retention. The aim of the study is to develop and validate a multi-dimensional scale for measuring wind turbine service quality (WTSQ). The instrument consists of 42 items operationalising three dimensions namely functional, technical and corporate quality. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were assessed through a confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling using the responses from 352 customers of wind turbine industry in India. The study findings indicated that the assessed instrument had three oblige factor structure and also has good reliability and validity. The paper contributes to the development of multi-dimensional service quality model in the wind turbine sector. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 31-54 Issue: 1 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: service quality model; multi-dimensional; wind turbine; structural equation modelling; SEM; operation and maintenance; O%M. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=88607 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:1:p:31-54 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Michael Sony Author-X-Name-First: Michael Author-X-Name-Last: Sony Author-Name: Nandakumar Mekoth Author-X-Name-First: Nandakumar Author-X-Name-Last: Mekoth Author-Name: K.K. Therisa Author-X-Name-First: K.K. Author-X-Name-Last: Therisa Title: Understanding nature of empathy through the lens of service encounter: a phenomenological study on FLE's Abstract: Research suggests that every conceptual model of service organisations in the past 20 years has recognised that front line employees (FLEs) significantly influence the customer experience. In service front line employee and customer interaction, little is understood about the nature of empathy as a cognitive, an affective, or a multidimensional phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the multidimensional nature of empathy. This phenomenological study focuses on how the theoretical discussion of the cognitive-affective nature of empathy finds expression in a service encounter. Conclusions in this study point to the ending that empathy has different meanings for different service frontline employees, when they are empathising with another customer. In probing the way service frontline employees experience empathy, it seems that both cognitive and affective aspects of this experience play a significant role and may appear either collectively or separately. The study provides some initial evidence on the conceptualisation of empathy and present findings add to the literature by focusing on the intrapersonal world of FLE's and examining how their empathetic behaviour relates to the customer. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 55-73 Issue: 1 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: service encounter; emotional empathy; cognitive empathy; service front line employees; phenomenological research. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=88608 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:1:p:55-73 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Anupama Prashar Author-X-Name-First: Anupama Author-X-Name-Last: Prashar Title: TQM as business strategy: a meta-analysis review Abstract: There is no doubt in the fact that organisations worldwide are currently in the era of total quality management (TQM), but whether it is making a real impact on these organisations' bottom-line remains a much-debated topic in both academic and management forums. In this direction, the study conducted a meta-analytical investigation of the association of TQM practices with firm's performance from the TQM literature by adopting the heuristic approach (Hunter and Schmidt, 1990). The study also examined the role of moderating factors in influencing this association. For the meta-analytical review, 12 empirical studies that had examined the link between TQM practices and firm's performance were sampled. The study adopted the 'random-effects' model using weighted mean of raw correlation coefficient as a measure of the size of the effect. The results showed the existence of association between the TQM practices and the firm's performance and existence of moderators impacting this association. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 74-89 Issue: 1 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: total quality management; TQM; meta-analysis; effect size; correlation; random-effects models; competitive advantage. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=88609 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:1:p:74-89 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Yazan Khalid Abed-Allah Migdadi Author-X-Name-First: Yazan Khalid Abed-Allah Author-X-Name-Last: Migdadi Author-Name: Dua'a Samih Ibrahim Elzzqaibeh Author-X-Name-First: Dua'a Samih Ibrahim Author-X-Name-Last: Elzzqaibeh Title: The evaluation of green manufacturing strategies adopted by ISO 14001 certificate holders in Jordan Abstract: The aim of this study is evaluating the performance of green manufacturing strategies adopted by ISO 14001 certificate holders in Jordan. The survey questionnaire was developed based on the literature and interviews with industry experts and academics, 27 manufacturing organisations were surveyed. K-mean clustering analysis was used to cluster the manufacturing organisations to green manufacturing strategic groups. Also, perfect matching analysis was used to trace the relationship between performance indicators and green actions. This study revealed that; there are three significant clusters of green manufacturing strategies: agile environment, care-taker environment and lean environment. The performance of agile strategic group is high to moderate; however, the performance of care-taker and lean is moderate to low. Different combinations of perfect matched green actions with performance indicators were adopted by each strategic group. This is the first study which reports the green manufacturing strategic patterns in Middle East, the majority of previous studies have not addressed the significant actions and performance indicators in details, the majority of previous studies have not clustered or grouped the manufacturing firms based on green key performance indicators. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 90-109 Issue: 1 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: environment management system; green manufacturing strategy; ISO 14001; key performance indicators; green operation actions; Jordan. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=88610 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:1:p:90-109 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: G. Selvam Author-X-Name-First: G. Author-X-Name-Last: Selvam Author-Name: S. Arockia Doss Prince Author-X-Name-First: S. Arockia Doss Author-X-Name-Last: Prince Author-Name: V. Surya Prakash Author-X-Name-First: V. Surya Author-X-Name-Last: Prakash Author-Name: T. Rohit Author-X-Name-First: T. Author-X-Name-Last: Rohit Title: Quality and productivity improvement through spot welding process optimisation in automobile body shop Abstract: Optimised geometry weld spot distribution for different configurations of automobile body sub-assemblies, is a critical activity in any automobile body shop process planning. For an ideal body shop planning, it has to be planned in a systematic approach so that the maximum productivity with high quality is being achieved. For this, the optimised planning has to be made for number of spots welded in a geometry station. The lesser the number of spots, the higher will be the dimensional variations of the assembly; the greater the number of spots, the lesser will be the productivity of the sub-assembly lines. The aim of this paper is to identify an optimised spot quantity for different sizes of parts with different surface contacts. To identify the optimum spot quantity, an industrial experiment was conducted using Taguchi method (L27 OA). Dimensional variations of the samples were recorded in two stages: 1) post-geometry spot welding; 2) post re-spot welding; and the measured data was thoroughly analysed. Recommendations for the optimised number of spots for geometry spot weld stage were made for different assembly configurations. These recommendations are discussed in detail. This study will aid the process planners to distribute the appropriate number of spots in the geometry welding stations. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 110-127 Issue: 1 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: body-in-white; BIW; productivity; quality; geometry spot; re spot; Taguchi method; DOE; process optimisation; body shop; weld shop; surface contact; dimensional stability. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=88611 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:1:p:110-127 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Shamshuritawati Sharif Author-X-Name-First: Shamshuritawati Author-X-Name-Last: Sharif Author-Name: Suzilah Ismail Author-X-Name-First: Suzilah Author-X-Name-Last: Ismail Author-Name: Zurni Omar Author-X-Name-First: Zurni Author-X-Name-Last: Omar Title: The impact of 2008 credit crisis on currency stability structure Abstract: The depreciation of many currencies over the world has retarded the economic development during 2008 credit crisis. The aim of this study is to detect the existence of changes in the currency stability structure by using a new covariance structure test known as <i>S</i>* statistics for high dimensional data involving 74 currencies. Comparisons were made between monthly data and overall data of 2008. Further analysis was conducted using network topology to visualise the pattern of structural changes and identifying which currencies affected by the crisis. The findings disclose that October currency structure has the utmost changes as compared to overall structure 2008. Forty one (or 55%) currencies were affected. The most affected currencies were Austrian schilling (ATS) and followed by Lebanese pound (LBP) and Mexican peso (MXN). These findings reflect the major impact of 2008 credit crisis on deterioration currencies performance. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 128-136 Issue: 1 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: credit crisis; covariance test; high dimension; network topology; currencies performance. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=88619 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:1:p:128-136 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Parisa Pendar Author-X-Name-First: Parisa Author-X-Name-Last: Pendar Author-Name: Farimah Mokhatab-Rafiei Author-X-Name-First: Farimah Author-X-Name-Last: Mokhatab-Rafiei Author-Name: Seyed Akbar Nilipour-Tabatabaei Author-X-Name-First: Seyed Akbar Author-X-Name-Last: Nilipour-Tabatabaei Title: Performance evaluation of the public transportation system in Esfahan Steel Company from the production line employees' perspective with data envelopment analysis approach Abstract: Public transportation is considered as one of the important parts in factories transportation systems which are known as 'employees' public transportation system'. In order to evaluate this system in Esfahan Steel Company, merely from the production line staff perspective, in this study the factors effective on employees' satisfaction in terms of the transportation system quality were identified only through the interviewing with a group of production line workers. Final data obtained through interviewing and questionnaire were collected during four months from April to July 2015 and were considered as inputs of the study decision making units (DMUs) in data envelopment analysis (DEA). Solving the above mentioned model via Software LINGO 16.0. and DEA Frontier, efficient and inefficient routes of the factory were identified and ranked completely based on production line employees' perspective; i.e., among 27 routes, 16 were recognised inefficient. Finally, sensitivity analysis on ε value was conducted in the modified model of this study; in addition, creating a virtual unit was done accordingly. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 137-162 Issue: 2 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: performance evaluation; efficiency; employee's public transport; public transportation; data envelopment analysis; DEA; ranking; Esfahan Steel Company; sensitivity analysis; output-oriented CCR model. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=89154 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:2:p:137-162 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Kelly Nemer Author-X-Name-First: Kelly Author-X-Name-Last: Nemer Author-Name: Raimundo Kennedy Vieira Author-X-Name-First: Raimundo Kennedy Author-X-Name-Last: Vieira Title: The relation between the traditional quality and the change of organisational culture using as methodology the quality control circle Abstract: Aggregate value is to give a quality leap in one or more characteristics to a product, and make a difference of point of view to the customer. This article expresses a proposal for the implementation of the quality control circle (QCC) as a strategic tool to improve the production process through the addition of value and eliminating waste, using together the traditional quality model, to obtain a culture change, where any collaborator becomes a final customer representative, eliminating waste through QCC projects. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 163-186 Issue: 2 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: quality control circle; QCC; elimination of waste; addition of value. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=89155 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:2:p:163-186 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Harsha Pandey Author-X-Name-First: Harsha Author-X-Name-Last: Pandey Author-Name: Dixit Garg Author-X-Name-First: Dixit Author-X-Name-Last: Garg Author-Name: Sunil Luthra Author-X-Name-First: Sunil Author-X-Name-Last: Luthra Title: Identification and ranking of enablers of green lean Six Sigma implementation using AHP Abstract: Improved environmental measures, waste reduction, cost optimisation and increased quality of products/services have now become the main objectives of the organisations. In this study, an attempt towards fulfilling the above goals has been made by proposing the concept of 'green lean Six Sigma (GLS)'. The study emphasises the implementation of GLS concept by identifying and ranking of various enablers. Five enabler dimensions and 18 enablers of GLS concept implementation have been identified through combined association of existing literature and opinions of experts' from appropriate field. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach is applied for ranking of these enabler dimensions and enablers. In AHP, pair wise comparisons are all done considering the opinions of experts. Further, the obtained results are validated using sensitivity analysis. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 187-217 Issue: 2 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: analytic hierarchy process; AHP; green lean Six Sigma; GLS; enablers for implementing GLS; Indian manufacturing industry. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=89156 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:2:p:187-217 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mariyam Moumen Author-X-Name-First: Mariyam Author-X-Name-Last: Moumen Author-Name: Houda Elaoufir Author-X-Name-First: Houda Author-X-Name-Last: Elaoufir Title: An integrated management system: from various aspects of the literature to a maturity model based on the process approach Abstract: Through this work, we will try at first, to provide a look at the literature to define the concept of integrated management system (IMS) and define the different approaches of study on the topic, a critical analysis of the different models, strategies and integration techniques will also be discussed. The results of this research confirm the usefulness to potential contribution and the development of a single model of IMSs following a continuous improvement PDCA approach, incorporating a set of quality, safety and environment tools at each stage of the implementation management systems. The IMS proposed, gathers three aspects and observes the following key standards: quality (ISO 9001), environment (ISO 14001) and occupational health and safety (OHSAS 18001)). The chosen integration is based on a conceptual model governed by a simple and consistent form of generic processes and requirements to be an adaptable model to all types and sectors of business. Finally we propose a set of performance indicators to effectively assess the production system in terms of cost, time, quality, safety and environment to achieve the optimal performance of IMS. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 218-246 Issue: 2 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: quality; environment; safety and security; QSE; integrated management system; IMS; management systems standards; MSS. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=89157 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:2:p:218-246 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Fazel Larijani Author-X-Name-First: Fazel Author-X-Name-Last: Larijani Author-Name: Nahid Saravi-Moghadam Author-X-Name-First: Nahid Author-X-Name-Last: Saravi-Moghadam Title: The effects of positive organisational behaviour on entrepreneurial personality and innovation Abstract: Today, organisations seek for entrepreneurial personality and innovation in order to survive in the competition scene. So far, the literature has recognised various items that affect entrepreneurial personality and innovation in organisations. The study analyses how positive organisational behaviour dimensions predict entrepreneurial personality and innovation. In terms of objective, this study is considered as an empirical one, and the research methodology is descriptive type. The population includes 265 managers and professional experts working in Kalleh Company from Iran. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used for data analysis. The results of study showed psychological capital and emotional intelligence enhanced innovation and entrepreneurial personality in Kalleh Company. The current research also provides more suggestion for future studies that could consider consequences of entrepreneurial personality and innovation in their career. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 247-272 Issue: 2 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: positive organisational behaviour dimension; entrepreneurial personality; innovation. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=89158 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:2:p:247-272 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mehri Chehrehpak Author-X-Name-First: Mehri Author-X-Name-Last: Chehrehpak Author-Name: Alireza Alizadeh Author-X-Name-First: Alireza Author-X-Name-Last: Alizadeh Author-Name: Salman Nazari-Shirkouhi Author-X-Name-First: Salman Author-X-Name-Last: Nazari-Shirkouhi Title: An empirical study on factors influencing technology transfer using structural equation modelling Abstract: This paper aims to determine the factors influencing technology transfer (TT) in an empirical study using structural equation modelling (SEM). A sample of 100 experts working in the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) as empirical study is randomly selected. The data are collected through the questionnaire and then analysed using LISREL software. Results show that law and policy, companies' capabilities, skilled human resource, localisation of technology, and characteristics of technology significantly influence on the technology transfer. In addition, it is shown that the highest correlation is between companies' capabilities and technology transfer. Fit indices show that the model has an appropriate fit. In general, building and strengthening law and policy, companies' capabilities, skilled human resource and localisation of technology could suitably improve the technology transfer. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 273-288 Issue: 3 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: technology; technology transfer; National Iranian Gas Company; NIGC; structural equation modelling; SEM. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=89801 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:3:p:273-288 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Javad Khazaei Pool Author-X-Name-First: Javad Khazaei Author-X-Name-Last: Pool Author-Name: Hadi Balouei Jamkhaneh Author-X-Name-First: Hadi Balouei Author-X-Name-Last: Jamkhaneh Author-Name: Reihaneh Alsadat Tabaeeian Author-X-Name-First: Reihaneh Alsadat Author-X-Name-Last: Tabaeeian Author-Name: Hoda Tavakoli Author-X-Name-First: Hoda Author-X-Name-Last: Tavakoli Author-Name: Amir Shahin Author-X-Name-First: Amir Author-X-Name-Last: Shahin Title: The effect of business intelligence adoption on agile supply chain performance Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine how business intelligence (BI) adoption affects agile performance in supply chain. Drawing from the computer behaviour literature, we hypothesise and test the relationship among technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework, BI adoption and agile performance. A structural equation modelling (SEM) test with maximum likelihood estimation was performed to test the relationship among the research variables. The empirical results from the structural model suggest that TOE framework positively influenced business intelligence adoption. Furthermore, BI adoption was a direct antecedent of agile performance. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 289-306 Issue: 3 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: supply chain agile performance; business intelligence; BI; technology-organisation-environment framework; technology adoption. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=89802 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:3:p:289-306 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ali Rezaei Author-X-Name-First: Ali Author-X-Name-Last: Rezaei Author-Name: Sayyed Mohsen Allameh Author-X-Name-First: Sayyed Mohsen Author-X-Name-Last: Allameh Author-Name: Reza Ansari Author-X-Name-First: Reza Author-X-Name-Last: Ansari Title: Effect of organisational culture and organisational learning on organisational innovation: an empirical investigation Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of organisational culture and organisational learning on organisational innovation in knowledge-based companies. Participants included top and middle managers of knowledge-based, start-up and industrial knowledge-based companies. The 133 questionnaires were analysed. This study used a correlational methodology by structural equations modelling in the form of partial least squares to test the measurement model and hypotheses. The results showed that adhocracy culture and clan culture had a positive effect on organisational learning, and market culture and hierarchy culture had a negative effect on organisational learning. Moreover, adhocracy culture and clan culture had a positive effect on technological and administrative innovation, while market culture and hierarchy culture were considered as a barrier to innovation. It was also found that organisational learning had a positive effect on technical and administrative innovations. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 307-327 Issue: 3 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: adhocracy culture; hierarchy culture; market culture; clan culture; organisational learning; technological innovation; administrative innovation. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=89803 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:3:p:307-327 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Varun Chhabra Author-X-Name-First: Varun Author-X-Name-Last: Chhabra Author-Name: Shweta Chopra Author-X-Name-First: Shweta Author-X-Name-Last: Chopra Author-Name: Prashant Rajan Author-X-Name-First: Prashant Author-X-Name-Last: Rajan Title: Challenges in technology adoption in Indian public distribution system: a quality management approach Abstract: Information and communication technologies are being used by various countries to provide faster and transparent services to their citizens through e-government initiatives. A large population in developing countries remain deprived of these services due to lack of skills, training and infrastructure. Local community intermediaries with necessary skills are employed to provide these services to beneficiaries. The purpose of this study was to identify and prioritise the challenges faced by intermediaries in adopting e-government technology. Quality management tools of list reduction, affinity diagram and Pareto chart were used for this purpose. Utilising quality management tools is an unconventional approach to problem solving in public administration sector. The six identified priority areas were lack of infrastructure, device hardware design, process design, sales people errors, government support and software design. This research will help policy makers and government agencies to improve technology dissemination for easier adoption of existing as well as new e-government initiatives. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 328-348 Issue: 3 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: e-governance; information and communications technology; technology adoption; quality management tools; list reduction; affinity diagram; Pareto chart; food security; public distribution system; India. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=89804 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:3:p:328-348 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: I.S. Stephan Thangaiah Author-X-Name-First: I.S. Stephan Author-X-Name-Last: Thangaiah Author-Name: Vinay Sharma Author-X-Name-First: Vinay Author-X-Name-Last: Sharma Author-Name: Vembar Nainar Sundharam Author-X-Name-First: Vembar Nainar Author-X-Name-Last: Sundharam Title: Analysing of customer feedback on critical quality parameters to improve productivity in manufacturing - a case study Abstract: Free market economy, technology innovation and peer's competition have forced manufacturing industries to adopt new strategies to sustain. To capture more market space against tough competency, industries are offering more options to buyers. This has indirectly reflected on industry's profit. Hence industries are concentrating all best possible method to overcome it. Traditionally, quality function deployment (QFD) has been used as a strategic tool to introduce cost effective new product development. This paper explores application of QFD differently. It analyses the manufacturing industry's operational process to achieve zero defect products which reduces raw material wastage, increase productivity and profitability. A study was conducted to understand the customer's preference of beverage products in Tamil Nadu State, India and prioritised them using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and constructed zero defect quality matrix. All critical operational quality parameters are analysed and ranked. Suitable actions were recommended based on the observations. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 349-368 Issue: 3 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: quality function deployment; QFD; analytical hierarchy process; AHP; value chain; zero defect; beverage industry. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=89805 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:3:p:349-368 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mario Ferrer Author-X-Name-First: Mario Author-X-Name-Last: Ferrer Author-Name: Ricardo Santa Author-X-Name-First: Ricardo Author-X-Name-Last: Santa Author-Name: Anita Medhekar Author-X-Name-First: Anita Author-X-Name-Last: Medhekar Author-Name: Erick Calvo Author-X-Name-First: Erick Author-X-Name-Last: Calvo Author-Name: Lina Paola Molina-Sánchez Author-X-Name-First: Lina Paola Author-X-Name-Last: Molina-Sánchez Title: Drivers of hospital safety culture quality in emerging economies: the case of Saudi Arabia Abstract: The objective of this study is to identify the elements that contribute most to the culture of quality in patient safety in Saudi Arabian hospitals. Additionally, this study seeks to establish and test a model to determine relations between the drivers of safety culture. In order to test the proposed hypotheses, a self-administered questionnaire was submitted to 110 hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Research findings indicated that Saudi Arabian hospitals need to adapt a clear communication policy and respond to feedback after errors are discovered so as to create a culture of quality, safety and constant enhancement. Also, they need to adopt a policy of non-punitive response to errors, so that employees are able to learn from their mistakes and prevent similar ones in the future, without fear of the consequences of reporting an error. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 369-384 Issue: 3 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: hospital; safety culture; documentation; non-punitive response to errors; quality of communication; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=89806 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:3:p:369-384 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Naveen Virmani Author-X-Name-First: Naveen Author-X-Name-Last: Virmani Author-Name: Rajeev Saha Author-X-Name-First: Rajeev Author-X-Name-Last: Saha Author-Name: Rajeshwar Sahai Author-X-Name-First: Rajeshwar Author-X-Name-Last: Sahai Title: Leagile manufacturing: a review paper Abstract: Leagile manufacturing is one of the recent dominant research areas in the field of operations management in the current scenario. However, there is a lack of research focusing on leagile in manufacturing industries. The leagile system combines the advantages of both lean as well as agile system. The purpose of the paper is to make the industries and academicians aware of the leagile concept and its tools so as to meet the fluctuating needs of customers in short duration of time. It provides industries to remove all different types of wastes and at the same time concurrently meeting the changing needs of customers and hence helps in achieving better customer satisfaction. Both lean and agile systems can be incorporated simultaneously in the system by proper positioning of de-coupling point in the supply chain. In the upstream of the supply chain, lean system is adopted while in downstream, agile system is best suited. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 385-421 Issue: 3 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: de-coupling point; lean manufacturing; agile manufacturing; leagile manufacturing. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=89807 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:3:p:385-421 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Pooria Niknazar Author-X-Name-First: Pooria Author-X-Name-Last: Niknazar Author-Name: Mario Bourgault Author-X-Name-First: Mario Author-X-Name-Last: Bourgault Title: Analysis of axioms and assumptions of data envelopment analysis: application for efficiency measurement in project management contexts Abstract: Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is increasingly used to measure projects' efficiency, as recent research contributions indicate. However, most studies in project management take the axioms and assumptions underlying DEA for granted or do not pay attention to the type of data they are working with. Lack of attention to these important factors leads to selection of inappropriate DEA models and, consequently, produces biased efficiency scores. In this paper, after arguing that DEA is an appropriate model for project efficiency measurement, the economic meaning of its axioms and assumptions is explained. We also explain how different data types require some modifications in the CCR model. As a result, a guideline is presented to help future project management scholars select an appropriate DEA method tailored for their specific situation. Further, to highlight the importance of paying attention to these issues, we empirically demonstrate the high sensitivity of DEA results to the applicability of underlying DEA axioms and assumptions. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 446-472 Issue: 4 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: project efficiency measurement; project management; data envelopment analysis; DEA; convexity; returns-to-scale. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=90259 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:4:p:446-472 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Dimple Bhandari Author-X-Name-First: Dimple Author-X-Name-Last: Bhandari Author-Name: Rajesh Kr Singh Author-X-Name-First: Rajesh Kr Author-X-Name-Last: Singh Author-Name: S.K. Garg Author-X-Name-First: S.K. Author-X-Name-Last: Garg Title: Justification of advanced manufacturing technologies for small and medium enterprises from auto component sector: AHP approach Abstract: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are considered as engine of economic growth in most of the countries. They need to change themselves with dynamic market requirements. This study tries to justify implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from auto component sector. The seven major benefits of using AMTs are identified from literature and expert's opinion. These are improvement in flexibility, reduction in production cost, inventory reduction, lead time reduction, delivery on time, productivity improvements and innovative products. Global desirability index of SMEs with AMTs and traditional manufacturing is calculated and compared with the help of AHP. It is observed that AMTs-based production systems have more global desirability index as compared to traditional manufacturing systems. Therefore findings imply that SMEs can improve their performance by judicious application of AMTs in their processes. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 473-491 Issue: 4 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: advanced manufacturing technology; analytic hierarchy process; AHP; small and medium enterprises; SMEs; productivity improvement; competitive advantage. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=90260 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:4:p:473-491 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mehdi Nosratpour Author-X-Name-First: Mehdi Author-X-Name-Last: Nosratpour Author-Name: Ali Nazeri Author-X-Name-First: Ali Author-X-Name-Last: Nazeri Author-Name: Rahman Soofifard Author-X-Name-First: Rahman Author-X-Name-Last: Soofifard Title: Study on the relationship between supply chain quality management practices and performance in the Iranian automotive industry Abstract: The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between supply chain quality management practices and performance. A conceptual model is developed and tested through path analysis using the cross-section data collected from the automotive industry in Iran. Using a quantitative methodology, 280 of 500 senior and executive managers in the automotive industry in Iran participated and completed the survey. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used for data reduction of the entire sample (to purify the scale) and to ascertain whether the survey questions were loaded on their respective dimensions (this was refined and confirmed later by CFA). Besides that, the structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the research hypotheses and hypothesised model. Leadership, customer focus, education and training, strategic supplier's partnership, information analysis, internal lean practices and teamwork is positively associated with organisational performance. The results of this study provide strong evidence that certain supply chain quality management practices when implemented can directly or indirectly improve innovation and performance. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 492-523 Issue: 4 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: innovation; supply chain quality management; performance. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=90262 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:4:p:492-523 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: M.L. Meena Author-X-Name-First: M.L. Author-X-Name-Last: Meena Author-Name: R. Jain Author-X-Name-First: R. Author-X-Name-Last: Jain Author-Name: P. Kumar Author-X-Name-First: P. Author-X-Name-Last: Kumar Author-Name: S. Gupta Author-X-Name-First: S. Author-X-Name-Last: Gupta Author-Name: G.S. Dangayach Author-X-Name-First: G.S. Author-X-Name-Last: Dangayach Title: Process improvement in an Indian automotive part manufacturing company: a case study Abstract: Problem-solving and ongoing procedure enhancements are key elements to obtaining quality improvement in business operations. Many process improvement strategies have been suggested and implemented in organisations, where define, measure, analysis, improve and control (DMAIC) is mostly applied. This study presents a practical application of an improved version of DMAIC, for reducing the defects generated through a process within the auto part manufacturing firm. The paper reviews the most commonly used lean and Six Sigma tools, explicitly, DMAIC, its modifications, and restrictions. Based on this, the study provides define, measure, pre-analysis, experiment, analysis, improve, and control (DMPEAIC) methodology. Finally, DMPEAIC is tested in a case study. The results obtained from the case study shows that DMPEAIC is an efficient approach resulting in the case study company to get a reduction of 76.4% defects in problems related to maintenance methods, and informal issues. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 524-551 Issue: 4 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: automobile part manufacturing; defect; define, measure, analysis, improve and control; DMAIC; process improvement; Six Sigma; waste reduction; India. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=90263 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:4:p:524-551 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Naveen Virmani Author-X-Name-First: Naveen Author-X-Name-Last: Virmani Author-Name: Rajeev Saha Author-X-Name-First: Rajeev Author-X-Name-Last: Saha Author-Name: Rajeshwar Sahai Author-X-Name-First: Rajeshwar Author-X-Name-Last: Sahai Title: Social implications of leagile manufacturing system: TISM approach Abstract: Leagile is a combination of both lean and agile paradigms; it involves the advantages of both lean as well as agile systems. Through this paper an attempt has been made to study the social implications of this high technology related manufacturing on Indian society. Furthermore, total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) technique has been utilised to identify the driving and dependent social implications of leagile manufacturing. Moreover, TISM technique has been used in finding the mutual relations of these social implications by developing a model. This TISM model may be utilised to identify the key social implications which will be helpful in the area of leagile manufacturing. In the present study, social implication of leagile manufacturing has been identified through literature study and experts review and an TISM model has also been prepared. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 423-445 Issue: 4 Volume: 23 Year: 2018 Keywords: leagile manufacturing; interpretive structural modelling; lean manufacturing; agile manufacturing; total interpretive structural modelling; TISM. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=90265 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:23:y:2018:i:4:p:423-445 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Sunil Kumar Author-X-Name-First: Sunil Author-X-Name-Last: Kumar Author-Name: Ashwani Kumar Dhingra Author-X-Name-First: Ashwani Kumar Author-X-Name-Last: Dhingra Author-Name: Bhim Singh Author-X-Name-First: Bhim Author-X-Name-Last: Singh Title: Cost reduction by value stream mapping using Lean-Kaizen concept: a case study Abstract: Small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) are under consistent pressure for improving the product quality in order to meet the customer requirements. The present case demonstrates the application of Lean-Kaizen concept using value stream mapping (VSM) for eliminating waste. Based on data collected from Shaft Swing Arm, current and future state maps have been constructed. The high rejection rate and increased lubrication oil consumption are identified as waste. Two Kaizen events; first, the high rejection rate is fixed by modifying the existing process route and second, the high consumption of lubrication oil is controlled by installing the new pipeline in the machine, have been proposed as solutions. A significant cost reduction of 7.50 lacs INR per year is recorded. Lean-Kaizen using VSM is found an effective technique to reduce the cost. The methodology will be beneficial for the managers and researchers to tackle various inefficiencies in the SMEs. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 12-32 Issue: 1 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: lean manufacturing; Kaizen; cost reduction; small and medium enterprises; SMEs; value stream mapping; VSM. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91166 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:1:p:12-32 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Jugraj Singh Randhawa Author-X-Name-First: Jugraj Singh Author-X-Name-Last: Randhawa Author-Name: Inderpreet Singh Ahuja Author-X-Name-First: Inderpreet Singh Author-X-Name-Last: Ahuja Title: Analytical hierarchy process for selecting best attributes for successful 5S implementation Abstract: 5S technique requires significant attributes for its successful implementation in the manufacturing organisations. Successful adoption of 5S philosophy necessitates the involvement from top management to bottom level of employees and many other attributes in the organisations in order to establish an appropriate platform for the implementation of other lean manufacturing initiatives. The research helps to select the best attributes thorough the attempt by developing a model of 5S technique decision making by utilising the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The research paper presents the framework for selecting the best attributes for the successful implementation of 5S technique which act as base foundation for standing the pillars of other quality tools and enhance the business excellence. The significant attributes highlighted in this study can guide the top management to focus on crucial areas and allocating necessary resources for ensuring successful 5S implementation in manufacturing organisations. Further, the study also establishes AHP framework for providing the justification of 5S implementation in manufacturing organisations. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 33-58 Issue: 1 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: 5S; lean manufacturing; attributes; analytical hierarchy process; AHP; manufacturing organisations; business excellence. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91167 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:1:p:33-58 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Seyedeh Hashemiyeh Mirrezaei Author-X-Name-First: Seyedeh Hashemiyeh Author-X-Name-Last: Mirrezaei Author-Name: Abdolhossein Ayoubi Author-X-Name-First: Abdolhossein Author-X-Name-Last: Ayoubi Author-Name: Ali Mosallanejad Author-X-Name-First: Ali Author-X-Name-Last: Mosallanejad Author-Name: Fatemehsadat Mousavifard Author-X-Name-First: Fatemehsadat Author-X-Name-Last: Mousavifard Title: The effect of in-service training on employees' productivity in education and training organisation, Shiraz, Iran Abstract: Implementation of training programs in an organisation can provide organisational human resources with the proper knowledge in future, and can assist their empowerment. Generally, the main purpose of in-service training seems to be more productivity and the real productivity. Examining the result of such a study will definitely have a significant effect on improving employees' productivity which is a requisite of continuing education and training cycle. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effects of training on employees' productivity; the participants are Shiraz-branch education and training organisation. Regarding the type, this study is an applied one, and data gathering is done as a descriptive survey. The participants consist of 65 employees of education and training organisation. Achieve labour productivity inventory questionnaire and information technology were applied. Findings indicate that there is a meaningful and significant relationship among in-service training, productivity, increase in self-confidence and adaptation to change among employees. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 134-142 Issue: 1 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: adaptation to change; self-confidence; productivity; in-service training; efficiency; organisation; employees; promotion; performance; job satisfaction; Iran. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91168 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:1:p:134-142 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Jordan Belcher Author-X-Name-First: Jordan Author-X-Name-Last: Belcher Author-Name: Evea Kaldas Author-X-Name-First: Evea Author-X-Name-Last: Kaldas Author-Name: Virginia Beth Ellington Author-X-Name-First: Virginia Beth Author-X-Name-Last: Ellington Author-Name: Dinesh S. Davè Author-X-Name-First: Dinesh S. Author-X-Name-Last: Davè Title: Developing a quality improvement plan for a small engineering firm in the USA with Six Sigma methodologies Abstract: This research study analyses business processes utilised by a small engineering firm in the USA that provides vibration analysis services for the automotive, aerospace, agricultural, and manufacturing industries. The study examines procedures, Six Sigma methodologies and quality improvement efforts currently in place and presents a quality improvement plan for enhancing quality of services and increasing customer satisfaction. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 1-11 Issue: 1 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: Six Sigma methodologies; DMAIC approach; process improvement; process maps; Pareto analysis; regression analysis; application of Lean Six Sigma in an engineering organisation; USA. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91169 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:1:p:1-11 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Jugraj Singh Randhawa Author-X-Name-First: Jugraj Singh Author-X-Name-Last: Randhawa Author-Name: Inderpreet Singh Ahuja Author-X-Name-First: Inderpreet Singh Author-X-Name-Last: Ahuja Title: An evaluation of effectiveness of 5S implementation initiatives in an Indian manufacturing enterprise Abstract: 5S has emerged as one of the fundamental techniques needed for growth and improvement for any manufacturing organisation in a globally competitive manufacturing scenario for imbibing various lean manufacturing techniques. The literature reveals that the 5S technique has potential to significantly improve the working environment, culture, workplace with proper safety and health standards, self-discipline and enriched morale values among all employees in organisations. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate effectiveness of 5S implementation technique in manufacturing environment that effectively facilitated the manufacturing organisation in solving specific issues and problems regarding productivity, quality, cost, safety and morale values of the manufacturing company. The study depicts methodology for systematic implementation of 5S technique at the plant for specific time period and examined the results during the period of 5S practice. The analysis of results have shown significant realisation of company's goals and brought considerable difference of improvement in desired parameters of plant performance. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 101-133 Issue: 1 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: 5S; lean manufacturing; Kaizen; 5S implementation. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91170 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:1:p:101-133 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mitra Abbaszadeh Tavassoli Author-X-Name-First: Mitra Abbaszadeh Author-X-Name-Last: Tavassoli Author-Name: Soroush Avakh Darestani Author-X-Name-First: Soroush Avakh Author-X-Name-Last: Darestani Author-Name: Sara Abbaszadeh Tavassoli Author-X-Name-First: Sara Abbaszadeh Author-X-Name-Last: Tavassoli Title: Supplier selection and evaluation using QFD and ELECTRE in quality management system environment (case study: Faravari % Sakht Company) Abstract: The purpose of supplier selection is to identify suppliers and vendors that consistently the highest potential to meet the needs of a company for an acceptable cost. Comparing this choice through an extensive set of criteria and standards-based suppliers has been done. The aim of this study is to evaluate and select suppliers with QFD method and ELECTRE in the quality management system. So create a set of quality HOQ, the connection between the purchased product specifications and evaluation criteria for suppliers and suppliers creates interdependence criteria, will be considered. To assess the needs of customers, QFD deals and then using ELECTRE model selection criteria for suppliers using the Shannon entropy weighting and finally ranked. The results of this research show that supplier's index and related strategies are least important relationships as well as resource received the highest weight and the design and development was given the highest rank. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 84-100 Issue: 1 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: assessment and selection of suppliers; multi-criteria decision; QFD; quality management system. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91171 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:1:p:84-100 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Neda Ahmadizadeh-Tourzani Author-X-Name-First: Neda Author-X-Name-Last: Ahmadizadeh-Tourzani Author-Name: Abbas Keramati Author-X-Name-First: Abbas Author-X-Name-Last: Keramati Author-Name: Arash Apornak Author-X-Name-First: Arash Author-X-Name-Last: Apornak Title: Supplier selection model using QFD-ANP methodology under fuzzy multi-criteria environment Abstract: Supplier selection is the most fundamental decision in the purchase management phase. Purchase is the most functional activity among several activities in a supply chain. A proper supplier selection supports a company's long-term strategies and its competitive position. Due to presence of ambiguities and uncertainties in the decision making process for selecting suppliers, fuzzy techniques could provide more reliable and flexible decision of supplier selection problem. In such techniques, customer needs and engineering requirements are weighted by the method of fuzzy analytic network process (ANP) and relationship matrix of quality function deployment (QFD) in fuzzy environment of their importance degree, respectively. Using a mathematical model would integrate the amount of cost components and objective factor measure (OFM). The integrated method is applied to a case study in a reputable Iranian automotive company. The results show the efficiency of the method through considering the viewpoint of decision-makers and their dependence on each other. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 59-83 Issue: 1 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: multi criteria decision making; supplier selection; quality function deployment; QFD; analytical network process; fuzzy environment. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91172 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:1:p:59-83 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Íñigo L. Ansorena Author-X-Name-First: Íñigo L. Author-X-Name-Last: Ansorena Title: Statistical process control and quality of service at seaports Abstract: This paper focuses on statistical process control as a strategic tool for the improvement of service at seaports. The aim of this paper is to examine the variable <i>Time of container ships at port</i>. A methodology based on the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) statistic is proposed in order to monitor each container vessel that arrives at the Port of Valencia. The EWMA chart is a time-weighted control chart that plots the exponentially weighted moving averages of a process. In the future, this model can be used by terminal managers of Valencia Port to implement better control techniques and thus improve the quality of service. Moreover, the methodological procedure presented in this paper is general enough to be applied by any other port as well. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 165-176 Issue: 2 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: container terminals; quality of service; port management; EWMA; control chart. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91789 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:2:p:165-176 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Padma Charan Mishra Author-X-Name-First: Padma Charan Author-X-Name-Last: Mishra Author-Name: Manoj Kumar Mohanty Author-X-Name-First: Manoj Kumar Author-X-Name-Last: Mohanty Author-Name: Manmohan Mall Author-X-Name-First: Manmohan Author-X-Name-Last: Mall Title: Operational attributes influencing productivity in Indian opencast mines Abstract: The mining industry has a colossal impact on the Indian economy. It directly and indirectly impacts the country's GDP, employment, revenue, society and related industries' growth prospects. After the economic super cycle, i.e., from 2002 to 2010, the whole world is suffering from economic slowdown. This sluggish phase demands improvement in productivity and sustainability across all production sectors to stay alive. This calls for identifying each attribute, which are affecting productivity and to improve upon those areas. This paper explores specifically operational attributes, which has substantial impact on productivity of open cast mines. Thirty two such attributes are identified though literature review and gap analysis. Subsequently these attributes are ranked through RIDIT analysis and colour coded using colour codification system of Homeland Security, USA. This research expects mining industries to be benefited after reviewing critically their operational attributes and work upon them for further improvement at their respective work zones. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 177-195 Issue: 2 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: Indian opencast mines; productivity; operational attributes; RIDIT analysis; colour coding. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91790 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:2:p:177-195 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ibrahim Mahamid Author-X-Name-First: Ibrahim Author-X-Name-Last: Mahamid Title: Study of relationship between cost overrun and labour productivity in road construction projects Abstract: This study aims at examining the relationship between cost overrun and labour productivity. To do so, a questionnaire survey was used to elicit the attitude of consultants and contractors towards the factors affecting cost overrun and labour productivity in road construction projects in the West Bank. The study has established that among the various factors that causes cost overrun, awarding the bid to the lowest price, poor planning in early stages of the project, and financial status of the owner top the list. The respondents' input revealed that the most significant factors affecting labour productivity are: lack in materials, inaccurate drawings and specifications, and lack of labour experience. Regression analysis was used to show the impact of labour productivity on cost overrun using data collected from implemented projects in the West Bank. Significant direct relationship was found between cost overrun and labour productivity in base works of road construction projects. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 143-164 Issue: 2 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: labour productivity; cost overrun; road construction; construction management; cost increase; contractors; consultants; construction; productivity; performance. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91791 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:2:p:143-164 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: S.V. Chaitanya Author-X-Name-First: S.V. Author-X-Name-Last: Chaitanya Author-Name: A.K. Jeevanantham Author-X-Name-First: A.K. Author-X-Name-Last: Jeevanantham Title: Modelling and analysis of assembly clearance by size and form tolerances in selective assembly using clustering algorithm Abstract: In this paper, a new method in selective assembly to minimise the assembly variation due to the size and form tolerances of the mating components is proposed. The radial assembly of hole and shaft is analysed with the form tolerances of circularity and straightness respectively. The mating components are segregated into selective groups with respect to their size as well as form tolerance deviations. The assembly clearance between any pair of mating components is calculated by the Euclidean distance measure. A <i>K</i>-mean clustering algorithm has been used to club the mating components and clusters the assemblies according to the required assembly fit specification based on the proximity of mating data points. A case example with hole and shaft assembly has been successfully used to explain the application of selective assembly based on size and form tolerance deviations. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 196-218 Issue: 2 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: selective assembly; form tolerance; clustering algorithm; radial assembly. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91792 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:2:p:196-218 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: A. Sailaja Author-X-Name-First: A. Author-X-Name-Last: Sailaja Author-Name: P.C. Basak Author-X-Name-First: P.C. Author-X-Name-Last: Basak Author-Name: K.G. Viswanadhan Author-X-Name-First: K.G. Author-X-Name-Last: Viswanadhan Title: Hybrid fuzzy MCDM model for effective utilisation of quality cost analysis in manufacturing firms Abstract: Modern manufacturing industries face a myriad of challenges due to globalisation and effective quality management programmes which increase productivity and customer satisfaction through superior quality with least possible incurred costs and most optimal utilisation of resources has become the need of the hour. Quality cost analysis can provide a basis for planning the quality operations. But the interrelationship between different cost categories due to its varied patterns of investments and benefits, the approximations used in the assessment of hidden quality cost elements, the differences in the degree of importance of cost elements and mutually conflicting objectives makes the selection of the most optimal quality control program complex. A hybrid model using the strength of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) together with the Fuzzy logic concept and Fuzzy MOORA is proposed in this study to overcome the limitations of present system as an effective decision making tool for manufacturing firms. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 219-241 Issue: 2 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: quality cost; fuzzy logic; fuzzy AHP; fuzzy MOORA; hybrid model; quality improvement. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91793 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:2:p:219-241 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Richa Sharma Author-X-Name-First: Richa Author-X-Name-Last: Sharma Author-Name: Jagtar Singh Author-X-Name-First: Jagtar Author-X-Name-Last: Singh Author-Name: Vikas Rastogi Author-X-Name-First: Vikas Author-X-Name-Last: Rastogi Title: The impact of total productive maintenance on key performance indicators (PQCDSM): a case study of automobile manufacturing sector Abstract: Total productive maintenance (TPM) is a maintenance program, which involves a customised approach for maintaining plants and equipment ensuring maximum availability, equipment effectiveness and promotes autonomous maintenance culture. The objective of this paper is to highlight the significant improvements of operational efficiency regarding TPM key performance indicators known as productivity (P), quality (Q), cost (C), delivery (D), safety (S) and morale (M) termed as 'PQCDSM' in selected two wheeler automobile sector. The study has focused on the tangible benefits gained regarding TPM key performance indicators. The results show that there was a significant improvement in production volume, customer complaints, the cost of operations, number of accidents and morale of the employees which the selected automobile plant achieved in the target period of three years. The findings of the research determine a significant contribution due to systematic TPM interventions to 'PQCDSM' indicators and hence motivated the workforce to contribute for improvement activities. An important aspect investigated from this study was the intangible outcomes achieved by implementing TPM. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 267-283 Issue: 2 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: total productive maintenance; TPM; overall equipment effectiveness; OEE; performance indicators; autonomous maintenance; productivity; automobile industry; 5S implementation. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91794 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:2:p:267-283 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: K. Sivasamy Author-X-Name-First: K. Author-X-Name-Last: Sivasamy Author-Name: C. Arumugam Author-X-Name-First: C. Author-X-Name-Last: Arumugam Author-Name: S.R. Devadasan Author-X-Name-First: S.R. Author-X-Name-Last: Devadasan Author-Name: R. Murugesh Author-X-Name-First: R. Author-X-Name-Last: Murugesh Author-Name: K.K. Arun Author-X-Name-First: K.K. Author-X-Name-Last: Arun Author-Name: K.M. Senthilkumar Author-X-Name-First: K.M. Author-X-Name-Last: Senthilkumar Title: Overcoming of low discharge problem in shallow well jet pump through the application of total quality function deployment Abstract: A research which was carried out to investigate the application of a technique called total quality function deployment (TQFD) in the case of overcoming low discharge problem in a type of pump known as shallow well jet pump has been reported in this paper. TQFD is incorporated with five matrices for translating customers' vague languages into practical languages. In the research reported in this paper, all the five matrices of TQFD were developed. When developing component deployment matrix, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to determine the optimum design of nozzle and venture. The prototypes with optimum design were developed by using a rapid prototyping technology machine. These prototypes were fitted in a shallow well jet pump. On testing, this pump was found to deliver maximum discharge. Thus TQFD was employed to translate the customers' vague language into technical language. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 242-266 Issue: 2 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: voice of customers; quality function deployment; QFD; total quality function deployment; TQFD; computational fluid dynamics; CFD; rapid prototyping technology; house of quality; HoQ. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91795 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:2:p:242-266 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mohammad Javad Ershadi Author-X-Name-First: Mohammad Javad Author-X-Name-Last: Ershadi Author-Name: Roozbeh Aiasi Author-X-Name-First: Roozbeh Author-X-Name-Last: Aiasi Author-Name: Shirin Kazemi Author-X-Name-First: Shirin Author-X-Name-Last: Kazemi Title: Root cause analysis in quality problem solving of research information systems: a case study Abstract: Nowadays the information systems have become a key part of any organisation. On the one hand these systems are considered as basis of management decisions and on the other hand they serve the within or outside of organisation's users and clients as well. Therefore good performances of these systems could become one of the main objectives of senior managers in any organisation. Research information systems (RIS) are not exceptional on these norms either and in order to continually improve these systems their quality aspects should be analysed and improved to achieve better performances. In this paper, application of root cause analysis in RIS using a case study for solving quality problems is considered. This approach is used in three main stages of RIS means data entry, indexing and dissemination of information. Results of this paper show that through application of root cause analysis identifying, categorising and defining appropriate corrective action for quality problems of RIS could be easily achieved. Furthermore, main results of application of this approach are presented. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 284-299 Issue: 2 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: root cause analysis; RCA; research information systems; RIS; quality problem; case study. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91797 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:2:p:284-299 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Monir Al-sadat Mousavi Nejad Author-X-Name-First: Monir Al-sadat Mousavi Author-X-Name-Last: Nejad Author-Name: Farimah Mokhatab-Rafiei Author-X-Name-First: Farimah Author-X-Name-Last: Mokhatab-Rafiei Author-Name: Hadi Shirouyehzad Author-X-Name-First: Hadi Author-X-Name-Last: Shirouyehzad Title: Prioritising different branches of Meli Bank based on motivation creating factors organised by gap analysis approach and multi criteria decision making - case study: Meli Bank's branches in Najafabad City Abstract: Recognising job motivation is a necessity which can boost job satisfaction employees. In the present work, Herzberg's theory and other extracted variables from previous literature are used here. The aim of the present study is to identify different motivation creating factors for personnel. Thus after extracting all motivation creating factors a questionnaire was devised. More frequent variables were chosen, then by considering the importance of this factors among personnel another questionnaire was designed. This questionnaire was distributed among employees to assess motivation creating factors .Most repeated factors were categorised based on ranking gap analysis and graphs. Some branches of Meli bank of Najaf Abad based on these categories by use of one of the multi criteria decision making tools were prioritised and were assessed for sensitivity. The obtained results indicated that welfare facilities and the second branch got the highest rank among motivation creating factors and different assessed branches. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 301-322 Issue: 3 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: motivation; gap analysis; strategy; multi criteria decision making; bank. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=92979 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:3:p:301-322 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Swayam Bikash Mishra Author-X-Name-First: Swayam Bikash Author-X-Name-Last: Mishra Author-Name: Siba Sankar Mahapatra Author-X-Name-First: Siba Sankar Author-X-Name-Last: Mahapatra Title: An experimental investigation on strain controlled fatigue behaviour of FDM build parts Abstract: Fused deposition modelling (FDM) can build parts with complex geometry with relatively less material waste and time from computer aided design (CAD) file saved in stereolithography (.stl) format. Since FDM builds functional parts, it is not only subjected to static loading but also dynamic loading. The behaviour of build parts under repetitive cyclic loading resulting in fatigue needs to be established because it affects functionality as well as the durability. The present study aims at investigating the mechanism of fatigue and influence of FDM process parameters on fatigue life when the build parts are subjected to repetitive cyclic loads. Low cycle fatigue (LCF) test is carried out under strain-controlled mode for better characterisation of fatigue life of FDM build parts. Using response surface methodology, the relationship between FDM process parameters and fatigue life is developed. Genetic programming (GP) technique is adopted to predict the fatigue life of the build parts. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 323-345 Issue: 3 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: analysis of variance; ANOVA; fatigue; fused deposition modelling; FDM; genetic programming; low cycle fatigue; LCF; rapid prototyping. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=92980 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:3:p:323-345 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Pavan Kumar Potdar Author-X-Name-First: Pavan Kumar Author-X-Name-Last: Potdar Author-Name: Srikanta Routroy Author-X-Name-First: Srikanta Author-X-Name-Last: Routroy Author-Name: Astajyoti Behera Author-X-Name-First: Astajyoti Author-X-Name-Last: Behera Title: Implementation performance of agile manufacturing: a graph theoretic approach Abstract: The primary objective of this paper is to quantify, evaluate and compare the implementation performance of agile manufacturing program using graph theoretic approach. Eleven agile manufacturing enablers with their key performance indicators were identified and classified into three significant categories. The proposed model captures the performance and interdependencies of significant categories, agile manufacturing enablers and their key performance indicators to quantify the agile manufacturing implementation performance level. In order to demonstrate the utility of the proposed approach, it was applied to an Indian automobile manufacturing company. The performances along the timeline were evaluated and compared with different scenarios to identify performance gap and set the future targets. Although it was observed a significant growth in agile manufacturing implementation performance level in the case company over six quarters, but there was performance gap that needs to be reduced. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 346-372 Issue: 3 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: agile manufacturing; agile manufacturing enabler; key performance indicator; KPI; graph theoretic approach; performance measurement. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=92981 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:3:p:346-372 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Amal Farouk Soliman Author-X-Name-First: Amal Farouk Author-X-Name-Last: Soliman Title: A proposed model for leadership styles effect on total quality management implementation: an applied study on telecommunication for mobile service companies in Egypt Abstract: The effect of different leadership styles on total quality management (TQM) has not been implied in the literature. This study seeks to theoretically investigate the effect of five leadership styles; classified according to personal authority of the leader; on TQM implementation. This study identifies five leadership styles which affect TQM implementation such as transformational leadership, transactional leadership, visionary leadership, charismatic leadership and culture-based leadership. This study associates these five leadership styles to TQM implementation. A conceptual model is tested using a survey data collected from a sample of employees working in the Egyptian telecommunications for mobile service companies. Charismatic leadership has the strongest effect on TQM implementation. The nature of telecommunication for mobile service companies differs from other service sectors' natures. This study is one of the first efforts that empirically examines the effect of leadership styles on TQM implementation Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 373-397 Issue: 3 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: total quality management; TQM; leadership styles; transformational leadership; visionary leadership; transactional leadership; culture-based leadership; charismatic leadership; quality management; telecommunication industry; leadership. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=92983 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:3:p:373-397 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: G. Sakthivel Author-X-Name-First: G. Author-X-Name-Last: Sakthivel Author-Name: D. Saravanakumar Author-X-Name-First: D. Author-X-Name-Last: Saravanakumar Author-Name: T. Muthuramalingam Author-X-Name-First: T. Author-X-Name-Last: Muthuramalingam Title: Application of failure mode and effect analysis in manufacturing industry - an integrated approach with FAHP-fuzzy TOPSIS and FAHP-fuzzy VIKOR Abstract: The objective of this paper is to evaluate greatest risk for production of dust cap in automotive industry based on FMEA and FAHP integrated with TOPSIS and VIKOR under fuzzy environment. FAHP is used to compute the weights of severity, occurrence and detection, whereas fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy VIKOR are used to obtain the final ranking of risk. The ranking of the failures depends upon the closeness coefficient of nine failure modes. The priority ranking order of failures for fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy VIKOR are F1 (0.649) > F2(0.5116) > F4(0.470) > F6(0.4128) > F3(0.4118) > F7(0.406) > F8(0.372) > F5(0.3445) > F9(0.3409) and F1(0) > F2(0.461) > F4(0.716) > F3(0.720) > F7(0.957) > F6(0.967) > F8(0.974) > F5(0.982) > F9 (1.000). Hence by comparing both these methods, F1(blanking of blank failure) and F2 (drawing dimension failure) are obtained as the most serious failure mode using fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy VIKOR. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 398-423 Issue: 3 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: failure mode and effects analysis; FMEA; fuzzy analytical hierarchy process; FAHP; fuzzy TOPSIS; fuzzy VIKOR; dust cap; automotive industry. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=92984 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:3:p:398-423 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: J. Rajini Author-X-Name-First: J. Author-X-Name-Last: Rajini Author-Name: Dega Nagaraju Author-X-Name-First: Dega Author-X-Name-Last: Nagaraju Author-Name: S. Narayanan Author-X-Name-First: S. Author-X-Name-Last: Narayanan Title: Integration of lean, Six Sigma and theory of constraints for productivity improvement of mining industry Abstract: In today's unstable economic conditions, achieving a sustained throughput is the prime objective of the companies. In this paper, an attempt is made on implementing the integrated concept of theory of constraints (TOC), lean and Six Sigma to get the maximum throughput which is the primary goal of TOC. An empirical model is derived to predict the organisational goal. Dynamic smart goal tracking system is developed in the proposed model. The goal of each employee or the sub-team's goal is aligned to team's overall goal with weighted ranking. Path finding to the strategic goal is decided with next high priority goal on an iterative mode. This approach aligns employee goals in line to accomplishing the organisation priority goal throughput. Vision of the organisation to sub-team gets clarity on what to be achieved. This system thinking approach, TOC philosophy enables to achieve the organisation goal in a better way. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 424-440 Issue: 3 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: lean; Six Sigma; TOC; goal achievements; process improvement; integrated lean. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=92986 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:3:p:424-440 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: G. Sundaramali Author-X-Name-First: G. Author-X-Name-Last: Sundaramali Author-Name: S. Abinav Shankar Author-X-Name-First: S. Abinav Author-X-Name-Last: Shankar Author-Name: M. Manoj Kummar Author-X-Name-First: M. Manoj Author-X-Name-Last: Kummar Title: Non-conformity recovery and safe disposal by Poka Yoke and hallmarking in a piston unit Abstract: Every industry has to ensure a quality check so as to ensure that the products manufactured by them are safe for the consumers. During this process, a lot of wastage occurs due to rejection. Because of this rejection a lot of time, money, resources and manpower are wasted. This research work focuses on minimising this rejection and also to ensure maximum recovery from the rejected material by Poka Yoke. Furthermore, the rejected products from a parent company are smuggled and sold in the market without the parent company's notice, thereby spoiling their reputation. To elude this situation, hallmarking by engraving technique is also suggested. This helps in maintaining accountability of the rejected goods and also in preventing them from reaching the black market. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 460-474 Issue: 4 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: non-conformities; waste recovery; scrap reduction; safe disposal; hallmarking; Poka Yoke; engraving. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=93445 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:4:p:460-474 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Arup Ranjan Mukhopadhyay Author-X-Name-First: Arup Ranjan Author-X-Name-Last: Mukhopadhyay Author-Name: Jit Kumar Mitra Author-X-Name-First: Jit Kumar Author-X-Name-Last: Mitra Title: Improving conformance to quality requirements in making hot metal Abstract: The quality of the output hot metal in mini blast furnace is assessed by the extent of conformity to specifications of different chemical constituents. It is crucially important to maximise the conformance to specifications of C%, Si%, S% and carbon equivalent (CE). The objective of the study thus turned out to be to achieve the optimum quantum of the input material and that of the input parameters of the furnace for which the extent of conformance is maximised. The approach adopted is to build up regression equations between furnace output and furnace input and subsequent optimisation using the method of moving asymptotes. The novelty of this work can be seen through application of this improved process optimisation methodology. The amount of non-conformity has turned out to be nil for C% and Si% from their respective baselines of 12.5% and 29.7%. Through this paper practitioners and researchers can understand as to how statistical and quantitative tools can be applied in a systematic manner for solving a real life quality problem. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 441-459 Issue: 4 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: optimisation; process improvement; statistical decision making; empirical modelling; quality assurance. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=93447 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:4:p:441-459 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Sasadhar Bera Author-X-Name-First: Sasadhar Author-X-Name-Last: Bera Author-Name: Indrajit Mukherjee Author-X-Name-First: Indrajit Author-X-Name-Last: Mukherjee Title: Advances in solution methods for optimisation of multiple quality characteristics in manufacturing processes Abstract: A typical problem generally encountered in the quality control and improvement operations of manufacturing processes involves simultaneously optimising multiple critical quality characteristics (or 'multiple responses'). These type of problems are so-called 'multiple response optimisation (MRO) problems'. Owing to correlation between multiple responses, trade-off solution(s) are inevitable. The term 'trade-off' is an explicit compromised solution, considering the bias from the targets and variability in the responses. The global best solution for such a problem is usually unknown. Over the years, various solution methods and their theoretical advancement are proposed. However, only a handful of critical reviews are evident in open literature. Available review articles on MRO seem insufficient and address only specific aspects of the solution methods (e.g., response-surface modelling, problem formulation, or optimisation techniques). In this study, five different types of solution methods suggested for MRO problems are categorised and critically reviewed, including response-surface-based contour plot, response surface-free data mining methods, etc. The theoretical relationship between the MRO and the multi-objective-optimisation solution methods is analysed along with identifying potential research direction in this domain. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 475-494 Issue: 4 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: multiple-response optimisation; MRO; response surface; quality control and improvement; manufacturing-process optimisation; multi-objective optimisation; MOO. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=93448 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:4:p:475-494 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Javad Rezaeian Author-X-Name-First: Javad Author-X-Name-Last: Rezaeian Author-Name: Irandokht Parviziomran Author-X-Name-First: Irandokht Author-X-Name-Last: Parviziomran Author-Name: Iraj Mahdavi Author-X-Name-First: Iraj Author-X-Name-Last: Mahdavi Title: Increasing energy productivity in lean production system with energy oriented value-stream mapping Abstract: Nowadays, reduction of energy waste becomes a great concern for manufacturing companies. They have to be energy efficient since it provides great saving potential. Hence, this research investigates the energy productivity in an auto body paint shop of an automobile manufacturer. In this study, energy wastages are detected by using the energy value-stream mapping (EVSM) approach based on lean production system. Then, a group of improvement plans are proposed and are evaluated by using a questionnaire which is filed by a group of specialists. Afterward, the proposed plans are assessed by using statistical analysis. Finally, improvement plans are determined by using an integer programming and a goal programming under two scenarios with regard to some defined constraints by the studied company. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to assess the effect of factors on the objective function and the number of improvement plans. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 495-506 Issue: 4 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: energy productivity; lean production; energy value-stream mapping; EVSM; integer programming; goal programming. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=93449 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:4:p:495-506 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: K. Janardhan Reddy Author-X-Name-First: K. Janardhan Author-X-Name-Last: Reddy Author-Name: G. Mahendra Reddy Author-X-Name-First: G. Mahendra Author-X-Name-Last: Reddy Author-Name: Nadimpalli Raghukiran Author-X-Name-First: Nadimpalli Author-X-Name-Last: Raghukiran Title: Productivity improvement by line balancing and process modification keeping quality intact Abstract: Productivity improvement has long been approached by greatly diversified techniques. More often than not, these approaches were confined to a specific theme such as statistical and process-centric optimisations, production-centric (layout, line balancing, etc.) optimisations, machine-centric optimisations or product design-centric optimisations. Each of those areas was proved to be capable of improving the productivity of the systems to some extent. However, significant productivity improvement of any system is only possible by the collective application of all the aforementioned approaches to mitigate the inefficacy of any system. In the present study, an attempt was made to improve the productivity of a production line by the collective application various productivity improvement techniques such as process-improvement, line balancing, statistical tools and machine centre modification. The quality parameters of the product were constantly monitored and weighed against every effort of productivity improvement. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 507-519 Issue: 4 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: productivity improvement; line balancing; optimisation; design of experiments; quality management; process modification. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=93450 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:4:p:507-519 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Selvaraj Balaji Author-X-Name-First: Selvaraj Author-X-Name-Last: Balaji Author-Name: M. Sakthivel Author-X-Name-First: M. Author-X-Name-Last: Sakthivel Author-Name: S.A. Pasupathy Author-X-Name-First: S.A. Author-X-Name-Last: Pasupathy Author-Name: P. Sivakumar Author-X-Name-First: P. Author-X-Name-Last: Sivakumar Author-Name: K.K. Arun Author-X-Name-First: K.K. Author-X-Name-Last: Arun Title: Enhanced biogas production from poultry litter by improving the carbon nitrogen ratio Abstract: The production of biogas from the wastes is one of the proven and cost effective method to generate energy. There are various factors which affects the AD, which results in reduced biogas yield among that the low carbon nitrogen (C/N) ratio of poultry litter is a prime factor that affects the process adversely. In this research, the ammonia removal by air stripping method and co-digestion of poultry litter with water hyacinth is performed to increase the C/N. Samples of RPL, co-digested PL and co-digested air stripped PL are digested in batch type reactors at mesophilic conditions with pH of 6.8-7.2 for a HRT of 21 days. The C/N of the three samples were 6.86:1, 10.48:1 and 14.88:1 respectively. A 17% and 25% increase in biogas production is observed in digester 2 and 3 respectively due to the increase in C/N by co-digestion and air stripping respectively. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 520-530 Issue: 4 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: carbon nitrogen ratio; air stripping; co-digestion; ammonia nitrogen; water hyacinth. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=93451 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:4:p:520-530 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Abdelkader Derbali Author-X-Name-First: Abdelkader Author-X-Name-Last: Derbali Author-Name: Lamia Jamel Author-X-Name-First: Lamia Author-X-Name-Last: Jamel Title: Determinants of performance of Tunisia insurance companies: case of life insurance Abstract: Business performance has attracted researchers' attention in the previous literature of corporate finance. However, in the framework of the life insurance sector, they have given a number of attentions. In our paper, we investigate empirically the effect of firm-specific characteristics (size, leverage, tangibility, risk, growth, liquidity and age) on the profitability of eight Tunisian insurance companies during the period of study from 2005 to 2015. The empirical results show that the variables size, age and growth are the most important determinants of the performance of Tunisian insurance companies as measured by return on asset ratio. Then, leverage, tangibility, liquidity and risk do not affect the performance of Tunisian insurance companies. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 531-542 Issue: 4 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: performance; life insurance; insurance companies; return on asset; ROA; panel data; Tunisia. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=93452 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:4:p:531-542 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Main Naser Alolayyan Author-X-Name-First: Main Naser Author-X-Name-Last: Alolayyan Author-Name: Sulieman Ibraheem Shelash Al-Hawary Author-X-Name-First: Sulieman Ibraheem Shelash Author-X-Name-Last: Al-Hawary Author-Name: Anber Abraheem Shlash Mohammad Author-X-Name-First: Anber Abraheem Shlash Author-X-Name-Last: Mohammad Author-Name: Bahaà Abdul-Hafez Attallah Al-Nady Author-X-Name-First: Bahaà Abdul-Hafez Attallah Author-X-Name-Last: Al-Nady Title: Banking service quality provided by commercial banks and customer satisfaction. A structural equation modelling approaches Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the constructs of service quality and customer satisfaction in commercial banks operating in Jordan. The study finds that the order of importance of the dimensions of service quality tested here is: assurance; reliability; tangibles; empathy; and responsiveness. Customers' satisfactions are mostly influenced by the service quality. Customers indicated high satisfaction with the five dimensions of service quality. This finding reinforces the need for banks managers to place an emphasis on the underlying dimensions of service quality, especially on assurance, and should start with improving service quality in order to raise customer satisfaction. Managers should be aware that, among the various dimensions of service quality, assurance was especially significant in fostering satisfaction for the customers of Jordanian commercial banks. It is apparent that focusing on delivering high quality services, and improve service quality effectively is critical for customer satisfaction. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 543-565 Issue: 4 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: service quality; customer satisfaction; commercial banks; Jordan; structural equation modelling; SEM. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=93454 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:4:p:543-565 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Minh Hue Nguyen Author-X-Name-First: Minh Hue Author-X-Name-Last: Nguyen Author-Name: Anh Chi Phan Author-X-Name-First: Anh Chi Author-X-Name-Last: Phan Author-Name: Yoshiki Matsui Author-X-Name-First: Yoshiki Author-X-Name-Last: Matsui Title: Supply chain management in developing countries: empirical evidence from Vietnamese manufacturing companies Abstract: This study aims to investigate the relationship between supply chain management practices and operational capabilities in Vietnamese manufacturing companies. The relationship is examined separately in both upstream and downstream supply chains of the firms. Data were collected from 25 Vietnamese manufacturers operating in automobile, machinery and electric and electronics industries in 2014. After testing the reliability and validity of each measurement scale, multiple regression analysis is utilised to test the relationship between supply chain management practices and operational capabilities. Analysis results indicate positive linkages between supply chain management practices on all aspects of manufacturing capabilities. In particular, the downstream supply chain management practices show more significant effect on manufacturing capabilities than the upstream ones. The paper contributes to enriching the literature on supply chain management in developing countries, and providing insight into how Vietnamese manufacturers would improve manufacturing capabilities through better supply chain management practices. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 566-584 Issue: 4 Volume: 24 Year: 2018 Keywords: supply chain management; SCM; manufacturing capabilities; Vietnamese manufacturing; Vietnam. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=93455 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:24:y:2018:i:4:p:566-584 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ajay Kumar Author-X-Name-First: Ajay Author-X-Name-Last: Kumar Title: Performance evaluation of multi-state degraded industrial production system and selection of performance measure using PSO: a case study Abstract: In this paper a model is developed for evaluating the availability, the production rate of multi-state degraded systems subjected to minimal repairs and imperfect preventive maintenance. With the help of mathematical and structural modelling, the transition diagrams are drawn which further helped in the mathematically formulation of the availability states based on the Markov process. This repair action brings the system to its previous operational state without affecting its failure rate (i.e., minimal repair). The main objective of the present research is to examine the performance evaluation of various subsystems of cylinder plant. The steady state availability as well as transient state availability of the subsystem has been analysed and particle swarm optimisation (PSO) is used for finding optimal availability of the system. Based on various availability values obtained in availability matrices and graphs of failures, repair rates of different subsystems, maintenance priorities are decided for all subsystems. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 1-17 Issue: 1 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: multi-state systems; MSS; degradation; performance measures; particle swarm optimisation; PSO; selection of failure and repair rates. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=94290 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:1:p:1-17 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Nader A. Al Theeb Author-X-Name-First: Nader A. Al Author-X-Name-Last: Theeb Author-Name: Mohammed T. Hayajneh Author-X-Name-First: Mohammed T. Author-X-Name-Last: Hayajneh Title: Six Sigma framework methodology for deep drawing process improvement Abstract: Deep drawing is one of the common sheet metal forming processes, its products are suffering from many defects, where avoiding such defects can be achieved by many methods. The objective of this work is to provide a framework methodology of using Six Sigma approach to avoid deep drawing defects and improve the process. The product under consideration is an aluminium cooker suffers from five types of defects; flange wrinkling, wall wrinkling, tearing, earing, and scratches. Six Sigma project is used for random data to reduce the defective rate through the DMAIC procedures. Product and its defects are defined in the define phase. The current situation is measured in the measure phase. Four factors are considered to construct a design of experiment in the analysis phase, there factors are: holding force, lubricant, punch speed, and clearness. Improvement procedure is suggested by adopting the best factorial level that is found in the analysis phase. Finally, a set of procedures is suggested to maintain the improved conditions in the control phase. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 18-40 Issue: 1 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: deep drawing; Six Sigma; DMAIC; quality improvement framework. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=94291 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:1:p:18-40 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Nishit Kumar Srivastava Author-X-Name-First: Nishit Kumar Author-X-Name-Last: Srivastava Author-Name: Sandeep Mondal Author-X-Name-First: Sandeep Author-X-Name-Last: Mondal Author-Name: Namrata Chatterjee Author-X-Name-First: Namrata Author-X-Name-Last: Chatterjee Author-Name: Shwetank Parihar Author-X-Name-First: Shwetank Author-X-Name-Last: Parihar Title: Identifying critical factors for various maintenance policies: a study on Indian manufacturing sector Abstract: Maintenance is inevitable and each machine requires maintenance after certain interval of time. There are several maintenance policies catering to maintenance needs of manufacturing organisations. The bottom line is that, several issues together govern the selection of a particular maintenance policy. So, in order to understand the factors responsible for selection of particular maintenance policy an empirical study is carried out. In this research paper thirty six issues in maintenance are identified using available literatures and questionnaire survey conducted on industry practitioners and is analysed using t-test, factor analysis and Friedman's test. Factor analysis is carried out to summarise the large number variable into set of few comprehensible factors and then Friedman's test is performed to rank those factors according to the various identified maintenance policy in order to identify the critical factors playing important role in selection of a particular maintenance policy. The study is carried out in the Indian manufacturing sector. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 41-63 Issue: 1 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: corrective maintenance; preventive maintenance; predictive maintenance; t-test; Chisquare; analysis; factor analysis; Friedman's test; manufacturing sector; Indian. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=94292 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:1:p:41-63 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Tero Rantala Author-X-Name-First: Tero Author-X-Name-Last: Rantala Author-Name: Sanna Pekkola Author-X-Name-First: Sanna Author-X-Name-Last: Pekkola Author-Name: Hannu Rantanen Author-X-Name-First: Hannu Author-X-Name-Last: Rantanen Author-Name: Mika Hannula Author-X-Name-First: Mika Author-X-Name-Last: Hannula Title: Evolution of obstacles restraining productivity improvement Abstract: One of the most important elements in the overall competitiveness of companies is continuous improvement in productivity. Improvements in productivity have been recognised as having a significant influence on many social and economic phenomena such as economic growth, increased well-being and inflation control. Although continuous improvement in productivity is a well-known issue for companies, there are some factors that restrain such development work. These factors can be called obstacles restraining productivity improvement. The main aim of this study is to explore the changes in the obstacles restraining productivity improvement of Finnish small and medium-sized enterprises from 1997 to 2014. The study also aims to discover the most important obstacles restraining productivity improvement. In addition to discovering the evolution of obstacles restraining productivity improvement, the study increases the understanding of the differences amongst obstacles between manufacturing and service SMEs. The study results indicate that over the last two decades, there have been three significant categorical changes relating to the obstacles restraining productivity improvement: 1) from internal to external obstacles; 2) from lack of resources to lack of knowledge; 3) from lack of employees' knowledge and education to lack of supervisors' knowledge and education about productivity. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 64-89 Issue: 1 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: productivity; obstacles restraining productivity improvement; SMEs. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=94293 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:1:p:64-89 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Hui Hui Tay Author-X-Name-First: Hui Hui Author-X-Name-Last: Tay Author-Name: Mariani Ariffin Author-X-Name-First: Mariani Author-X-Name-Last: Ariffin Author-Name: Amir Hamzah Sharaai Author-X-Name-First: Amir Hamzah Author-X-Name-Last: Sharaai Title: Key factors for adoption of ISO 14001 by the manufacturing industry: a review paper Abstract: ISO 14001 has been recognised as the world's most popular environmental management system (EMS). Numerous studies have been conducted on EMS adoption factors and benefits. However, the review of coincidences in published findings is conspicuously absent in current research development. The purpose of this study is to examine the degree of coincidence in the adoption factors studied to identify the key elements of ISO 14001 adoption for manufacturing industry. This paper examines the key factors including size of organisation, top management motivation, ISO 9001 experience, perceived benefit, regulatory concern based on the context of resources-based view (RBV), institutional theory, and previous relevant publications. The findings of this research serve as reference for EMS adoption among manufacturing industries. Observation of the relationship between organisation characteristic and EMS implementation could help prepare organisation through its adoption process and enhance the continual improvement of the system. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 90-107 Issue: 1 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: ISO 14001; environmental management system; EMS; adoption factors; manufacturing industries; size of organisation; top management motivation; ISO 9001 experience; perceived benefit; regulatory concern; resources-based view; RBV; resources-based view; institutional theory. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=94294 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:1:p:90-107 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Seyed Heydar Mirfakhradini Author-X-Name-First: Seyed Heydar Author-X-Name-Last: Mirfakhradini Author-Name: Khalil Safari Author-X-Name-First: Khalil Author-X-Name-Last: Safari Author-Name: Akram Shaabani Author-X-Name-First: Akram Author-X-Name-Last: Shaabani Author-Name: Naser Valaei Author-X-Name-First: Naser Author-X-Name-Last: Valaei Author-Name: Khadijeh Mohammadi Author-X-Name-First: Khadijeh Author-X-Name-Last: Mohammadi Title: Customer involvement in new product development of tile and ceramic industry Abstract: In order to have new product development and attract customers' involvement, a holistic approach is required within which consumers, manufacturers, sellers, designers and other stakeholders are gathered together effectively. Understanding the related factors that influence involvement of each stakeholder is crucial for achieving a sustainable competitive advantage. Therefore, this study is aimed to examine the effect and importance of customer involvement in new product development. The theoretical model is proposed based on a rigorous literature review and hypotheses are developed. In this survey - solidarity and cross sectional sampling is selected for considering the judgment of 150 managers, suppliers; and sellers (wholesalers and retailers) in Yazd tile and ceramic industry. The data is collected through questionnaires and the partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach is applied. Research results indicated that two variables of marketing strategy and contextual factors explain changes in customer involvement as much as 24%, 34%, and the relationship between customer involvement and new product development is positively significant. The relationship between customer involvement and new product performance is also supported. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 108-138 Issue: 1 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: customer involvement; new product development; marketing strategy; contextual factors; new product performance. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=94295 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:1:p:108-138 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Hamidreza Panjehfouladgaran Author-X-Name-First: Hamidreza Author-X-Name-Last: Panjehfouladgaran Author-Name: Hadi Shirouyehzad Author-X-Name-First: Hadi Author-X-Name-Last: Shirouyehzad Title: Classification of critical success factors for reverse logistics implementation based on importance-performance analysis Abstract: Reverse logistics (RL) is one of the manufacturing methods applied to recover used products; and return them back to the process of consumption in terms of decreasing wastes and landfills. Recovered products which are the outcomes of the RL are competing with new products in the market. This competition motivates RL companies to understand about critical success factors (CSFs). Critical success factors may help RL companies to identify the strengths and stimulate customers to buy recovered products. CSFs are identified in limited researches but classification of CSFs in RL is still unexplored. In this paper, identified CSFs are classified by importance-performance analysis (IPA) in four quadrants. The importance level of the CSFs was collected based on the previous research by Panjehfouladgaran et al. (in press) and performance level by a checklist in a RL company. The results indicate that transportation, culture, organisational strategy, top management commitment and logistics network design are critical success factors that must be focused for the organisational goals achievements in RL organisations. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 139-150 Issue: 2 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: reverse logistics; RL; critical success factors; CSFs; importance-performance analysis; IPA; critical success factor classification. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=94757 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:2:p:139-150 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mojtaba Ghiyasi Author-X-Name-First: Mojtaba Author-X-Name-Last: Ghiyasi Title: Efficiency improvement and resource estimation: a tradeoff analysis Abstract: This article uses DEA as an evaluation technique of efficiency and proposes a resource (input) estimation procedure that guarantees not only unchanged but also variant efficiency levels for a given expected output level. We also deal with controllable and non-controllable input in process of input estimation. Two trade off indices are proposed to track the relationship between required resources, producible outputs and efficiency improvement percentage. Proposed models and indices provide useful information and help decision maker in process of production planning. Our models and indices are explained by provided numerical example and an empirical illustration using a real world data which also demonstrates the practical relevance and advanced future of our methods. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 151-169 Issue: 2 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: resource estimation; trade off index; inverse DEA; multi-objective programming. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=94758 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:2:p:151-169 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Nasrin Farajiparvar Author-X-Name-First: Nasrin Author-X-Name-Last: Farajiparvar Author-Name: Rene V. Mayorga Author-X-Name-First: Rene V. Author-X-Name-Last: Mayorga Title: Maintenance policy selection using fuzzy failure modes and effective analysis and key performance indicators Abstract: Maintenance policy selection (MPS) plays an important role in determining a proper maintenance strategy based on the real equipment condition. This study is intended to address the concept of MPS proposing an approach to improve current maintenance selection methods. Further, an integrated three-step model is introduced for MPS using fuzzy failure mode and effects analysis (FFMEA) and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP). In the first step, a combination of FFMEA and FAHP are applied to calculate the risk of equipment. For the risk priority number computation, three dimensions including severity, occurrence, and detection and their identified sub-dimensions are weighted by three domain experts. The second step is aimed at evaluation of all criteria that crucially affect MPS where four key performance indicators weighted by AHP are defined for equipment criticality assessment. Finally, a novel fuzzy approach is proposed to choose a proper maintenance strategy for each facility according to RPN and criticality scores. A case study is conducted to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 170-197 Issue: 2 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: maintenance policy selection; failure mode and effects analysis; analytic hierarchy process; fuzzy inference systems. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=94760 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:2:p:170-197 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Seyed Hasan Hosseini Author-X-Name-First: Seyed Hasan Author-X-Name-Last: Hosseini Author-Name: Ali Shaemi Barzoki Author-X-Name-First: Ali Shaemi Author-X-Name-Last: Barzoki Author-Name: Ali Nasr Isfahani Author-X-Name-First: Ali Nasr Author-X-Name-Last: Isfahani Title: Analysis of the effects of succession planning implementation on organisational performance Abstract: This study attempts to explore the impact that succession management and its dimensions may have on organisational performance in Esfahan Steel Company. The required data based on the research model was collected from the questionnaire distributed among managers, executive officers, and superintendents of the company. The sample size was calculated using proportionate stratified sampling based on Cochran formula for finite population. To examine the assumed relationship between the involved variables and test the hypotheses, structural equation modelling (path analysis) was used. The required data for execution of the designed model in the qualitative section and demonstration of its impact on organisational performance was obtained using questionnaire. The results indicated that at 95% confidence there was a positive and significant relationship between introduction of succession management and organisational performance in the understudy company. Additionally, the seven dimensions of succession management were also positively associated with organisational performance. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 198-211 Issue: 2 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: succession management; talent management; BSC-based organisational performance. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=94762 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:2:p:198-211 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Sandeep Phogat Author-X-Name-First: Sandeep Author-X-Name-Last: Phogat Author-Name: Anil Kumar Gupta Author-X-Name-First: Anil Kumar Author-X-Name-Last: Gupta Title: Theoretical analysis of JIT elements for implementation in the maintenance sector of Indian industries Abstract: Just in time (JIT) philosophy has grown to new heights since its evolution and has successfully been implemented in manufacturing. As it is universally accepted that manufacturing and maintenance cannot be managed as a separate function, the aim of present study is to evaluate various elements of JIT to implement in the maintenance sector which have high degree of importance in the Indian context. It is because maintenance also plays an important role in the optimisation of business processes. Maintenance operations are much like manufacturing operations where both employ processes that add value to the basic input used to create the end product. JIT focuses on the processes, not the product. It can therefore be applied to any process in manufacturing or maintenance operations. For this, literature related to JIT usage and performance is reviewed. 38 elements are analysed from 22 research papers of Indian context. With aid of theoretical analysis and brain storming with maintenance specialists of just in time elements implemented manufacturing industries, 18 elements are selected to check implementation of JIT philosophy in maintenance sector of Indian context. Relative importances of such elements are also highlighted in the article. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 212-224 Issue: 2 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: just in time; JIT; maintenance; JIT elements; JIT in maintenance; JIT in manufacturing. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=94765 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:2:p:212-224 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Rahul Sindhwani Author-X-Name-First: Rahul Author-X-Name-Last: Sindhwani Author-Name: Varinder Kumar Mittal Author-X-Name-First: Varinder Kumar Author-X-Name-Last: Mittal Author-Name: Punj Lata Singh Author-X-Name-First: Punj Lata Author-X-Name-Last: Singh Author-Name: Vivek Kalsariya Author-X-Name-First: Vivek Author-X-Name-Last: Kalsariya Author-Name: Faizan Salroo Author-X-Name-First: Faizan Author-X-Name-Last: Salroo Title: Modelling and analysis of energy efficiency drivers by fuzzy ISM and fuzzy MICMAC approach Abstract: The need nowadays has arisen which has forced today's generation to sit and think about taking pains regarding energy efficiency. This huge wastage of energy and the ever-increasing cost have not only hindered the smooth economical run but also have sent huge Greenhouse gas emissions into the environment. So, it has become inescapable for us to turn a blind eye. Keeping this thing in mind, this research paper presents identification drivers of energy efficiency which helps us in making a framework which could guide industries in applying the energy efficiency in their setups. These 17 drivers were levelled and their effect was noticed through fuzzy interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and fuzzy MICMAC analysis. The results reveal that inadequate availability of energy, excessive losses, and energy audits have high driving power and low dependence power and are at the lowest level in fuzzy ISM digraph, while government promotional benefits, management commitment, research development, and planning for future drivers have high dependence power and low driving power. The results were clear enough to suggest that which drivers we have to take in attention in order to ensure that the energy efficiency is applied in an industry. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 225-244 Issue: 2 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: energy efficiency; drivers; manufacturing industry; fuzzy ISM; fuzzy MICMAC. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=94768 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:2:p:225-244 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Rahmah Ismail Author-X-Name-First: Rahmah Author-X-Name-Last: Ismail Title: The impact of human capital and innovation on labour productivity of Malaysian small and medium enterprises Abstract: Human capital theory postulates that investment in human capital will increase labour quality and eventually generates higher productivity in an organisation. In small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the quality of workers is still low due to lack of investment in human capital especially in terms of training; and this is the main cause of low labour productivity, hence, leading to weak firm's performance. This article aims to analyse the impact of human capital and innovation on labour productivity by utilising the data of 4,661 manufacturing firms of 2009 in Malaysia. In this analysis, human capital is measured by the ratio of number of professional and managerial employees; and technical and associate professional employees to total number of employees; and total expenses on training; while innovation is measured by total expenses on research and development (R%D) and on information and communication technology (ICT). The result shows that human capital and innovation play significant roles in increasing labour productivity in Malaysian SMEs. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 245-261 Issue: 2 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: human capital; innovation; labour productivity; labour quality; small and medium enterprises; SMEs; manufacturing firms; training; research and development; R%D; information and communication technology; ICT; employees; Malaysia. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=94769 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:2:p:245-261 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Chen Fung Liew Author-X-Name-First: Chen Fung Author-X-Name-Last: Liew Author-Name: Joshua Prakash Author-X-Name-First: Joshua Author-X-Name-Last: Prakash Author-Name: Kok Seng Ong Author-X-Name-First: Kok Seng Author-X-Name-Last: Ong Title: Deployment of operational performance indicators in failure mode effect and analysis application: a literature review and classification Abstract: Failure mode effect and analysis (FMEA) is a well-known methodology for improving operational performance, such as the quality, cost, and delivery time of a product, process, or system. However, the success of FMEA in operational performance cannot be quantified at present. The risk priority number (RPN), which is the only indicator of FMEA, has no relationship with operational performance. For example, a reduction in RPN may not benefit operational performance, particularly if the corrective action is to enhance detection. Thus, the capability of FMEA to improve operational performance cannot be validated unless it demonstrates quantifiable operational performance. An organisation is distinct from its competitors based on its operational performance and not based on RPN. The missing operational performance measurement practice in FMEA is essential for further strengthening the FMEA methodology. This study aims to identify the most effective methodology and approach for quantifying the success of FMEA in operational performance through a systematic review and to classify FMEA articles that measured operational performance. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 262-283 Issue: 2 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: corrective action; failure mode effect and analysis; FMEA; operational performance; operational performance indicator; OPI; risk priority number; RPN. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=94770 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:2:p:262-283 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: M. Mohan Author-X-Name-First: M. Author-X-Name-Last: Mohan Author-Name: G. Sundararaj Author-X-Name-First: G. Author-X-Name-Last: Sundararaj Author-Name: S.R. Devadasan Author-X-Name-First: S.R. Author-X-Name-Last: Devadasan Author-Name: R. Murugesh Author-X-Name-First: R. Author-X-Name-Last: Murugesh Title: Development of a four-row paddy transplanter by applying value engineering principles Abstract: Engineers and practitioners have been developing manually operated paddy transplanters to enable farmers for achieving productivity and quality in paddy transplantation. These manually operated paddy transplanters are often difficult to be operated. The research reported in this paper was carried out to overcome these difficulties which are experienced by the farmers while operating a six row manually operated paddy transplanter. This exercise was carried out by applying the steps of value engineering job plan. While carrying out this exercise, five ideas generated by a team of experts were implemented in practice. According to one of these ideas, a four row manually operated paddy transplanter was developed from six row manually operated paddy transplanter. Though there is insignificant increase in the manufacturing cost, the developed four-row manually operated paddy transplanter was found to be easier to operate than to operate the six-row manually operated paddy transplanter. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 285-304 Issue: 3 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: value engineering job plan; paddy transplanter; FAST diagram; brainstorming; idea generation. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=95641 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:3:p:285-304 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Srijith Sreenivasan Author-X-Name-First: Srijith Author-X-Name-Last: Sreenivasan Author-Name: Manimaran Sundaram Author-X-Name-First: Manimaran Author-X-Name-Last: Sundaram Title: A probabilistic model for predicting service level adherence of application support projects Abstract: Application support projects are those which maintain the operations of software in production environment. Service level adherence is a key outcome metric which monitors the contractual compliance of these projects with customers. This paper discusses an approach to develop a prediction model using process factors impacting service level adherence. These factors are derived from the processes and sub-processes having a logical relationship with the outcome. A total of 23 factors were considered initially for modelling, of which six were found to be statistically significant. The model, developed using regression and Monte Carlo simulation, is validated in an actual industrial project to ensure its accuracy. The model can be used in application support projects to arrive at timely decisions for suitable mid-course corrections to control service level adherence. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 305-330 Issue: 3 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: application support; software maintenance; service level adherence; SLA; prediction model; regression analysis; Monte Carlo simulation; model validation. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=95648 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:3:p:305-330 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Jugraj Singh Randhawa Author-X-Name-First: Jugraj Singh Author-X-Name-Last: Randhawa Author-Name: Inderpreet Singh Ahuja Author-X-Name-First: Inderpreet Singh Author-X-Name-Last: Ahuja Title: An approach for justification of success 5S program in manufacturing organisations using fuzzy-based simulation model Abstract: Customised demands having low cost, good quality of products and services in time are the major issues of the global competitive markets. Every organisation resolves these issues by the implementation of different quality improvement tools like lean and 5S implementation in order to stay competitive in the market. Though 5S is a simple technique to learn, but the sustainability and success of implementation in organisation needs a number of factors to be considered which later on become a multi criteria decision making (MCDM) problem. This research paper deploys the fuzzy inference system (fuzzy logic toolbox) to evaluate the success of 5S implementation. The results of fuzzy rule viewer and surface view tool of fuzzy tool box in MATLAB have highlighted that top to bottom management involvement; basic 5S issues and fifth S (SHITSUKE) elements have emerged as significant predictor variables for successful 5S implementation program in Indian industries. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 331-348 Issue: 3 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: 5S; 5S implementation; manufacturing organisation; multi criteria decision making; MCDM; fuzzy simulation; fuzzy inference system; FIS; business performance parameters. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=95649 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:3:p:331-348 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: José Morelos Gómez Author-X-Name-First: José Morelos Author-X-Name-Last: Gómez Author-Name: Tomás José Fontalvo Herrera Author-X-Name-First: Tomás José Fontalvo Author-X-Name-Last: Herrera Author-Name: Efraín De La Hoz Granadillo Author-X-Name-First: Efraín De La Hoz Author-X-Name-Last: Granadillo Title: Behaviour of productivity indicators and financial resources in the field of extraction and exploitation of minerals in Colombia Abstract: This research presents the results of the analysis of the behaviour of productivity indicators and financial resources in the extractive sector of minerals in Colombia. The method used allowed the calculation of the indicators of productivity and financial, to the 31 companies that projected its financial statements in the information system and business risk (SIREM) for the years 2010 and 2013. Then we used the technique of multivariate analysis of data, to explain the membership and the existence of significant differences in the group of companies in the sector, which showed a decreasing behaviour from one period to another of the indicators reason net income and value added (IP3) and reason and net working capital (IP6), low productive capacity presented by the indicators of productivity (IP2) and (IP5), as a result of the deficiencies in sales (IE3) and low investment that will drive growth in the cluster. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 349-367 Issue: 3 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: productivity; financial rates; minerals; discriminant analysis; energy; efficiency; performance; measure; value added; extraction. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=95651 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:3:p:349-367 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Shankar Chakraborty Author-X-Name-First: Shankar Author-X-Name-Last: Chakraborty Author-Name: Kanika Prasad Author-X-Name-First: Kanika Author-X-Name-Last: Prasad Title: A quality function deployment-based model for coordinate measuring machine selection Abstract: Automated inspection devices are capable of ensuring better quality products, while improving productivity and minimising the overall cost of manufacturing. Coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is one such important automated inspection device used to determine coordinates of points on a workpiece surface using a movable probe. Selection of a suitable CMM for a manufacturing organisation is a complex task as most of the available CMMs are designed to serve a wide array of inspection requirements. Although, the selection of automated inspection devices has been addressed in fewer past studies, most of them have not considered voice of the customers in the decision making process. Hence, this paper proposes a quality function deployment-based model which correlates customers' requirements with technical specifications of the available CMMs. Furthermore, in order to ease out the entire CMM selection procedure, a user friendly software prototype in Visual BASIC 6.0 is developed. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 368-386 Issue: 3 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: QFD technique; decision making; CMM selection; rank. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=95652 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:3:p:368-386 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Muthuswamy Shanmugaraja Author-X-Name-First: Muthuswamy Author-X-Name-Last: Shanmugaraja Author-Name: Thangavel Tharoon Author-X-Name-First: Thangavel Author-X-Name-Last: Tharoon Title: Application of Taguchi and RSM techniques for optimising the parameters of pressure die casting process Abstract: Most of the automotive and allied components in today's world are produced by metal casting processes. However, the casting process industries suffer from poor quality of castings due to involvement of large number of process parameters. The primary intent of this paper is to enhance the quality of aluminium die casting products using optimisation techniques such as Taguchi and response surface methodology. In this study, some of the factors that have reasonable influence on blow holes defect are identified. Each factor is considered with three levels and Taguchi technique is employed. Analysis of variance table is generated to determine the statistical significance of the parameters. Response graphs are plotted to determine the preferred level for each parameter. By using the Minitab soft tool, response surface methodology is carried out. The regression model, surface and contour plots are developed to identify the most contributing process parameter. Among the selected process parameters, the degassing frequency is noted as greatest influencing factor up to 47% on response, next influencing factor as metal temperature with 45% contribution on response. The highest level of metal temperature and lowest level of degassing frequency are found as optimum level to decrease the blowhole defect. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 387-416 Issue: 3 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: automotive; metal casting; poor quality; process parameters; aluminium die casting; Taguchi; response surface methodology; Pareto analysis; Ishikawa diagram; orthogonal array; analysis of variance. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=95654 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:3:p:387-416 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Nilda Tri Putri Author-X-Name-First: Nilda Tri Author-X-Name-Last: Putri Author-Name: Agus Sutanto Author-X-Name-First: Agus Author-X-Name-Last: Sutanto Author-Name: Nafroh Bifadhlih Author-X-Name-First: Nafroh Author-X-Name-Last: Bifadhlih Title: The improvement of thresher design by using the integration of TRIZ and QFD approach Abstract: The research described in this paper aimed to propose an integrative method by using quality function deployment (QFD) and TRIZ approach to improve thresher design manufactured by SMEs in West Sumatra, Indonesia. The process consisted of the following stages: 1) identification of the customer needs followed by the determination of their requirements rating; 2) the preparation of QFD phase 1; 3) the creation of QFD phase 2 for technical characteristics which do not contradict with the design characteristics or the selection of alternative solutions using TRIZ for both contradictory characteristics; 4) the thresher design improvement according to the design characteristics in the final stage. The distinctions between the re-design threshers with the reference design were wheels to facilitate mobilisation; screw type threshing teeth design on the threshing cylinder to meet the user need; and the ergonomic feeding table dimension to improve the user convenience. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 459-479 Issue: 4 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: thresher; quality function development; QFD; TRIZ approach; consumer requirements; design characteristics. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=96083 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:4:p:459-479 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Smita Kulkarni Author-X-Name-First: Smita Author-X-Name-Last: Kulkarni Author-Name: Nikhat Afshan Author-X-Name-First: Nikhat Author-X-Name-Last: Afshan Author-Name: Jaideep Motwani Author-X-Name-First: Jaideep Author-X-Name-Last: Motwani Title: The impact of faculty member's communication behaviours on student satisfaction: the role of cognitive and affective learning and student's motivation Abstract: Although the benefits of faculty member's communication behaviours have been examined and discussed in earlier studies, they have been mostly done in the context of traditional classrooms or online learning. This study examines the effect of faculty member's communication behaviours on student's motivation which further impacts students' affective and cognitive learning. Further, this study also investigates the relationship between student's learning (affective learning and cognitive learning) and students' satisfaction in the case study method of teaching. The hypothesised relationships were tested using a sample of 265 post-graduate management students from the Business School of India. The results indicated that faculty member's communication behaviours had a positive effect on student's motivation and student's motivation had a positive effect on the affective and cognitive learning. Further, cognitive learning and affective learning were found to have significant positive impact on student's satisfaction. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 444-458 Issue: 4 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: affective learning; case study pedagogy; cognitive learning; motivation; student's satisfaction. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=96087 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:4:p:444-458 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: U.T. Sunil Kumar Author-X-Name-First: U.T. Sunil Author-X-Name-Last: Kumar Author-Name: R.L. Shrivastava Author-X-Name-First: R.L. Author-X-Name-Last: Shrivastava Author-Name: O.P. Rajasree Author-X-Name-First: O.P. Author-X-Name-Last: Rajasree Title: Quality factors and performance in citrus industry Abstract: Management of citrus fruit crop like Nagpur mandarin for future use is topmost priority as the demand for the fruits is increasing tremendously. The exploratory type of study was conducted with 100 valid responses collected from citrus stake holders. In order to investigate the effect of critical success factors (CSFs) or predictors on the performance measurement factors of citrus industry, multiple regression analysis using independent variables or input factors and dependent variables or performance measurement factors. Frame work or model of quality improvement is derived from the current study. The study revealed that economics and quality of citrus fruits can be improved by focusing on quality management, innovation and technology management, improved relation among stake holders and also by strengthening the local citrus fruit industry. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 480-490 Issue: 4 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: post harvest; processing; quality management; critical success factors; CSFs; storage; citrus; model; performance measurement; questionnaire; SPSS. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=96090 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:4:p:480-490 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Dimitris Drosos Author-X-Name-First: Dimitris Author-X-Name-Last: Drosos Author-Name: Nikos Tsotsolas Author-X-Name-First: Nikos Author-X-Name-Last: Tsotsolas Author-Name: Michalis Skordoulis Author-X-Name-First: Michalis Author-X-Name-Last: Skordoulis Author-Name: Miltiadis Chalikias Author-X-Name-First: Miltiadis Author-X-Name-Last: Chalikias Title: Patient satisfaction analysis using a multi-criteria analysis method: the case of the NHS in Greece Abstract: The aim of this paper is to measure and analyse patients' satisfaction with the national healthcare system (NHS) in Greece. Patients' satisfaction will be measured using the multicriteria satisfaction analysis (MUSA) method while SERVQUAL's five dimensions will be used as patients' satisfaction dimensions. The research results show high levels of patient satisfaction with medical and nursing services. On the other hand, lower satisfaction rates are recorded concerning the facilities and the administrative services which are connected with the funding and the efficiency of a healthcare system. As far as it is concerned, a major challenge for the Hellenic NHS is that the underfunding problem is solved while the necessary measures are taken in order that the optimal allocation of the available resources is ensured. The research design confirms the good adjustment of multidimensional models such as SERVQUAL in patient satisfaction measurement. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 491-505 Issue: 4 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: patient satisfaction; customer satisfaction; service quality; healthcare quality; public health; multi-criteria analysis; SERVQUAL. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=96091 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:4:p:491-505 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mojtaba Kiaei Author-X-Name-First: Mojtaba Author-X-Name-Last: Kiaei Author-Name: Amir Hassan Zarei Rahro Author-X-Name-First: Amir Hassan Zarei Author-X-Name-Last: Rahro Author-Name: Mona Shirkhorshidi Author-X-Name-First: Mona Author-X-Name-Last: Shirkhorshidi Title: Prioritisation of leader roles in several phases of innovation process to enhance productivity Abstract: The present research aims to prioritise leader roles in several phases of the innovation process in order to enhance productivity. For this purpose, leader roles in the innovation process were investigated from different authors' viewpoints and five roles were finally extracted. According to the results obtained from the analysis of the questionnaires, in the front end phase of innovation process, the roles are ranked based on their importance as follows: technical expert, planner, communicator, team builder and champion. In the development phase, the results are: technical expert, planner, team builder, communicator and champion, respectively. Furthermore, several activities of the front end and the development phase in the new product development (NPD) process were ranked based on their importance. Opportunity identification, idea generation and customer need assessment in the front end phase and development and design and production engineering, in the development phase determined as most important activities. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 417-443 Issue: 4 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: productivity; leadership; innovation process; front end phase of innovation; development phase of innovation; new product development; NPD; technical expert; planner; team builder; communicator; champion. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=96092 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:4:p:417-443 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Inderpreet Singh Ahuja Author-X-Name-First: Inderpreet Singh Author-X-Name-Last: Ahuja Author-Name: Harwinder Singh Author-X-Name-First: Harwinder Author-X-Name-Last: Singh Title: Evaluating the effectiveness of 5S implementation practices in Indian manufacturing industry Abstract: In the contemporary scenario, manufacturing environment and changing customer demands call for quality of products and services. This product quality and attributes increasingly depends upon the organisation's competencies regarding infrastructural adequacies and abilities of organisation to manage its equipment and facilitate in proper manner. The present study involves investigation of 5S implementation in Indian manufacturing industries. A questionnaire survey has been conducted to evaluate the contribution of 5S in Indian manufacturing industries. The analysis has been conducted on 41 manufacturing industries. This study develops an understanding of contribution of 5S initiatives toward accruing manufacturing performance enhancements in Indian manufacturing industries. This study reveals that the overall organisation achievements are interconnected with achieving the results through 2S and quality improvements have strong linkage with adoption of 5S initiatives. The study highlights that various 5S implementation issues and achievements are closely related with each other. Journal: Int. J. of Productivity and Quality Management Pages: 506-555 Issue: 4 Volume: 25 Year: 2018 Keywords: 5S implementation; lean manufacturing; manufacturing industry; manufacturing performance achievements. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=96093 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpqma:v:25:y:2018:i:4:p:506-555