International Journal of Quality Engineering and Technology (4 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Enabling Sustainable Manufacturing in Emerging Economies: a Framework of Industry 4.0 Enablers for MSMEs  
  by Manoj Sharma 
  Abstract: Industry 4.0 is attracting interest from organizations in established and emerging countries for their potential advantages. The acceptance of sustainable procedures in Industry 4.0 is facilitated by the identification of several enablers. The goal of the current project was to provide enablers for sustainable practices for Industry 4.0 for the MSMEs sector. In this study 25 enablers were found from literature. For validation of these enablers a case study is accomplished at an Indian MSMEs that is seeking to execute Industry 4.0 techniques. The BWM method used to give the ranking to these enablers. The findings demonstrated that the primary enabler to sustainability in Industry 4.0 are supply chain and least enabler in Industry 4.0 are financial enablers. It is expected that the study's conclusions will help decision-makers and manager’s use Industry 4.0 technology to increase MSMEs' sustainability in developing economies.
  Keywords: Industry 4.0; BWM; sustainable manufacturing; enablers; supply chain; MSME.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJQET.2026.10079888
   
  
• Developing and Construction of a New System of Single-Level Skip Lot Sampling Plan for the Inspection of Bulk Products  
  by Sridevi S, Saminathan Balamurali 
  Abstract: In this study, we propose a new single level skip-lot sampling plan designated as SkSP-4 by using the principles of CSP-3 continuous sampling plan. The SkSP-4 results in a lower average sample number and average total inspection compared to SkSP-2 We evaluate the measures of performance of the new skip-lot plan by utilizing the concept of Markov chain. Additionally, we utilize the two-point on operating characteristic curve technique to determine the optimal parameters of the SkSP-4 with a single sampling plan as a reference plan We construct tables by solving a non-linear optimization problem to choose the optimal plan parameters We also discuss the merits of the new sampling plan and demonstrate through a comparative study that it results in lowering the inspections while providing adequate security for both producers and consumers Furthermore, we provide a a real-world example to illustrate how the suggested sampling plan is put into practice.
  Keywords: Average inspection measures; Bulk sampling; Markov chain; Optimization; Risks of Consumer's and Producer's.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJQET.2026.10080537
   
  
• Quality Insight: Quality of Life Beyond Quality of Product  
  by Adedeji Badiru 
  Abstract: In this column, we present insights on the quality of life (of humans) beyond the quality of products. Quality of life translates to happiness. In this regard, a systems view tells us how the aspects of life are intertwined with the aspects of quality of the products and services available to humans. Far too often, we focus on the tangible quality characteristics of physical products without regard to how those characteristics influence the human desire for happiness. As a brief insight, no empirical studies are presented regarding this topic. The focus is primarily to sensitize readers to the potential gap or disconnect between what we hold dear as product quality and what is essential for a good quality of life. If we could use our qualitative and quantitative tools and techniques of managing quality of product for managing the quality of life, it may be a better world for all.
  Keywords: Systems Thinking; Quality Management; DEJI Systems Model; Quality of Product; Quality of Life.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJQET.2026.10080720
   
  
• An integrated pricing, maintenance, and warranty model with consideration of time value of money and customer satisfaction  
  by Ali Salmasnia 
  Abstract: Although product price, length of warranty coverage, and maintenance policy are three interrelated concepts, most studies in the literature have examined them separately. In this regard, this study develops an integrated model of pricing, warranty, and maintenance. Since customer dissatisfaction can affect future sales, the model incorporates both the manufacturers and the customers perspectives. As warranty serves as an indicator of product quality and positively influences customer perception, the proposed model allows for the purchase of an additional warranty period, termed extended warranty (EW), which begins after the basic warranty period ends. To further align the mathematical model with real conditions, this study considers the time value of money as an important financial concept in calculating cash flows. Furthermore, a non-periodic maintenance policy is introduced to ensure that product reliability remains at a satisfactory level throughout all maintenance intervals. To evaluate the performance of the developed mathematical model, two comparative studies are presented. The first examines the effect of incorporating the time value of money, while the second supports the claim that the proposed model addresses the needs of both the manufacturer and the consumer.
  Keywords: extended warranty; non-periodic maintenance policy; pricing; time value of money; consumer satisfaction.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJQET.2026.10080836