International Journal of Quality Engineering and Technology (8 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Statistical Analysis of Factors Associated with Recent Traffic Accidents Dataset: A Practical Study  
  by Emad Imreizeeq, Jamal N. Al-Karaki, Amjad Gawanmeh 
  Abstract: In this paper, we propose a logistic model to fit accidents dataset of 10,000 road crash incidents for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi published in 2020. After cleaning up the dataset, we use descriptive and inferential statistical tools to study the attributes of each variable. Then, we identify the main independent variables that can be incorporated in a general logistic regression model which also includes the interactions between them. Our analysis using the significance level of (alpha = 0.05) found that there is a reduced logistic regression model that can fit the data in which the location of accident can be represented using type of accident and the age of people involved in the accidents. Moreover, the results show that the interaction terms are not significant to be included in the model. Furthermore, the study shows that the odds for accidents by young age group (less than 40 years old) in external streets is 27% higher than the odds for internal streets, and that the odds for sequential type accidents in external streets is 13% higher than the odds for internal streets.
  Keywords: logistic regression; traffic accidents; accident data analysis; chi-square test.
  
  
• Quality Transformation to Improve Customer Satisfaction: Using Product, Process, System, and Behavior Model  
  by Venkatasudhahar Murugesan, Poornachandrika V, Surrya Prakash D, Dilip Raja N 
  Abstract: In recent years automotive manufacturing industries systematically improved their quality parameters principally through strategies within supply chain. However the current performance is not enough, industry dynamics and new technology development require a major quality transformation. Implementation of various quality improvements is the aim of achieving customer delight in many companies. Despite the marked improvements that have come from quality management, quality process, information technology systems, without a transformation within an organizations culture, quality management will continue to suffer. This paper presents a case study on the application of behavior model of a quality blue box with a plan, control, assure concept through Veto right approach, a process model of robust process automation in customer claim handling, system model of a mature audit tool. This work is carried out in a leading automotive commercial vehicle control system manufacturing company. This case study illustrates to get zero defects by applying behavior, process, and system models. After implementation, there is a significant change in the reduction of customer claims.
  Keywords: Veto right; Quality blue box; robust process automation; Quality transformation.
  
  
• A LEAN SIX-SIGMA CASE STUDY TO IMPROVE THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AFFECTED DURING COVID-19  
  by Rohit Kenge, Zafar Khan 
  Abstract: The key manufacturing industry was badly affected by the COVID-19 in India. In this study, we found that the product demand is dynamic during COVID-19. We selected one of the electrical OEMs in India to execute the value added-Flow analysis and VSM study which showed 96% and 85% of total delivery lead time is contributed by NVA activities at the manufacturing process respectively. We also plotted the spaghetti diagram and analysed that total product movement is 287 metres in the current state with the complex flow. We did total of six main Kaizens after Ishikawa and FMEA. We constructed single-piece flow with saving of the half shop floor space and total product movement was reduced from 287 to 96 metres, while total delivery lead time was reduced from 14.6 to 7.72 days. We concluded that lean Six Sigma deployment in the manufacturing industry solved the problems of demand fluctuations.
  Keywords: lean manufacturing; VSM; FMEA; spaghetti; value-added flow.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJQET.2023.10047087
   
  
• Quality Insight: Application of DEJI Systems Model for Quality Assurance in Industry 4.0  
  by Adedeji Badiru 
  Abstract: Industry 4.0 is now sweeping through business and industry. It is expected that other enterprises, including government, academia, and the military will be adopting and leveraging Industry 4.0 in the coming years. It is, thus, essential that product quality assurance under Industry 4.0 be fully understood. This paper adds to the growing knowledge base of Industry 4.0 tools and techniques. The specific methodology of the paper focuses on using the systems approach of DEJI systems model in coordination with other project implementation techniques to expatiate the efficacy of Industry 4.0 as well as quality 4.0 in diverse enterprises.
  Keywords: DEJI; systems model; quality assurance; Industry 4.0; process improvement; quality standards; quality 4.0; triple C model; quality communication; quality cooperation; quality coordination; systems integration.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJQET.2023.10048108
   
  
• Optimising the Manufacturing Process and Product Design Using the Design of Experiment Method: The Case of Fancy Boucl  
  by Malek Alshukur 
  Abstract: Since boucl
  Keywords: design of experiments; fancy bouclé yarn; bouclé yarn structure; yarn morphology; circularity ratio of fancy profile; size of fancy profile; shape factor of fancy yarn.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJQET.2023.10049422
   
  
• Stochastic analysis of delayed reporting of faults in a computer network using copula distribution  
  by Praveen Kumar Poonia, Vijay Vir Singh 
  Abstract: The objective of this paper is to study the system reliability of a computer network incorporating delayed reporting of non-fatal faults. We divided the network into four subsystems that includes router, gateway switch, two identical load balancers, and n similar application or web servers working under k-out-of-n: G policy with standby arrangement and all are connected in series. This mathematical model uses a significant feature of load balancing combining delayed reporting of non-fatal faults in a computer network under catastrophic failure by assuming two different forms of failure between neighbouring transitions from which the designed systems behavioural analysis can be examined. The paper aims to find various reliability characteristics using supplementary variable technique and Laplace transformation with the implications of Gumbel-Hougaard family of copula distribution. The study shows a significant improvement in availability and expected cost while we ensured with the use of copula repair.
  Keywords: k-out-of-n: G system; load balancer; router; catastrophic failure; Gumbel-Hougaard family copula distribution; delayed reporting; supplementary variable technique.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJQET.2023.10049806
   
  
• Implementation of Six Sigma in Small-scale ceramic industry and its holistic assessment  
  by Mihir Patel, Darshak Desai 
  Abstract: Most industries are using Six Sigma enhancement techniques in the current competitive scenario to procure high-quality goods, minimise overall costs, and increase equipment availability. In this article, the DMAIC Six Sigma methodology is applied to improve ceramic product quality in the small-scale ceramic industry. After Six Sigma implementations of two critical product groups, the rejection rate improved from 19.38% to 8.42% for insulators and 20.22% to 6.91% for industrial media. The overall impact of Six Sigma implementation has been assessed through balance scorecard (BSC) model. It is holistic assessment model. Encouraging improvements were found for finalised parameters (BSC) after the implementation of Six Sigma. A generic model CERAMODEL has been proposed for similar ceramic industries for continuous improvement with an adequate assessment of six sigma implementation.
  Keywords: balance scorecard; BSC; ceramic industry; continues improvement model; holistic assessment; small scale; Six Sigma.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJQET.2023.10050946
   
  
• Failure modes and effects analysis using fuzzy hybrid SWARA-MARCOS, SWARA-CoCoSo and SWARA-WASPAS approaches  
  by Rajesh Attri, Vikas . 
  Abstract: Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) is an effective means for detecting and ranking the failure modes related to a particular system. In the literature, a number of shortcomings of FMEA has been reported like unreliability of conventional FMEA because in that weightage of risk factors is equal. Due to this, the current paper proposes new hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approaches i.e., fuzzy step wise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) integrated with fuzzy measurement alternative and ranking according to compromise solution (MARCOS), fuzzy SWARA integrated with fuzzy combined compromised solution (CoCoSo) and fuzzy SWARA integrated with fuzzy weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) method for prioritising the failure modes. This hybrid model for prioritise the failure modes is a newly developed methodology. The aim of this research study is to develop a hybrid method for prioritise the failure modes based on rational weightage of all risk factors. A case study has been described so as to validate the proposed fuzzy methodologies. The results obtained by these hybrid approaches are nearly equal besides the deviation in the rankings of some failure modes.
  Keywords: failure modes and effects analysis; FMEA; step wise weight assessment ratio analysis; SWARA; measurement alternative and ranking according to compromise solution; MARCOS; combined compromised solution; CoCoSo; weighted aggregated sum product assessment; WASPAS.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJQET.2023.10051890