Continuous Improvement Management Research Articles

A Samsung production system-based approach to improve manufacturing process management in Vietnamese firms

Today, more and more Vietnamese firms consider continuous improvement as the best way to increase their manufacturing capability. This paper aims to illustrate the effectiveness of manufacturing processes management from the Samsung production system (SPS) approach when it was implemented to improve capability of existing production process in Vietnamese firms. The paper is a combination of descriptive and field research to demonstrate how SPS principles are appropriate for five real industry cases in particular and all Vietnamese manufacturing companies in general. In five cases, the usage of SPS-based tools has turned out to be fruitful. They solved problems of continuous improvement management in Vietnamese firms and created significant achievements in quality improvement and productivity increase. The paper investigates the core value of Samsung’s continuous process improvement. The way that Samsung has used to improve quality and profitability simultanously can be adapted by manufacturing companies.

English

English

Models of Quality Management Systems Applied in Specialized Services for the Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues

BackgroundQuality management tools and models are used to improve processes and products, including those related to organ and tissue donation and transplantation protocols. This study aims to map, discuss, and disseminate models/tools of quality management systems applied in health services, specializing in the donation and/or transplantation of human organs and tissues. MethodsThis is an integrative literature review over the last 10 years, operationalized through searches carried out on the PubMed portal and the databases: SciVerse Scopus (SCOPUS), Scielo, Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), Nursing Database (BDENF), and the Virtual Health Library (BVS). The organization of search results in the databases and the election of articles compatible with the guiding question and the inclusion and exclusion criteria for this study took place through the online and free application platform Rayyan. ResultsSix hundred seventy-eight records were found, of which, after careful analysis, 18 articles were considered relevant to the theme. We identified 17 quality management models and/or tools that emphasize using scientifically proven and/or validated techniques to reduce or eliminate the possibility of risks in the processes that permeate the stages of donation and transplantation of organs and tissues. ConclusionThis review brought the possible tools used and published, which can be perceived, reproduced, and improved, through the role of the multidisciplinary team in specialized centers for the donation and transplantation of human organs and tissues, aiming to offer a process of continuous improvement management to deliver better products and services.

Supporting evidence-informed policy making in rehabilitation: A logic framework for continuous improvement of rehabilitation programs

Because of important health and population trends, rehabilitation is a key health strategy of the 21st century, and efforts are being made towards a broader integration of rehabilitation into health systems worldwide. In the scope of the call for action Rehabilitation 2030, WHO recommends a logic model approach for monitoring and evaluating national efforts at the systems level. In this paper we argue that as strengthening rehabilitation in health systems will require countries to implement a range of new programs, sound logic models designed to monitor and evaluate rehabilitation programs at service level are needed as well. We therefore propose in this paper an overarching logic model for monitoring and evaluating rehabilitation programs, including feasible indicators, options for their operationalization and considerations about data analyses. Our overarching logic model for monitoring and evaluation at service level is suitable to structure national clinical quality management for continuous improvement, to inform policy making and programming at the national level, and to serve as a reference framework for research. The model will serve as a starting point for developing other logic models that fit specific features of rehabilitation programs in diverse settings and countries.

Integrating resource-based view and performance improvement theory in developing maintenance management continuous improvement model: A conceptual framework

The local authority in Malaysia is the giant holder of public assets and they are obligated in performing better management to ensure the assets are of prominent quality to serve the needs of the local people. The local authority should take initiatives in having the right systems in managing and maintaining their assets. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the maintenance management practices and performance improvement techniques to be integrated into developing the continuous improvement model towards achieving a sustainable performance of public assets. The resource-based view (RBV) and performance improvement (PI) theory are integrated as the reference to develop the maintenance management framework. The RBV emphasizing the resources and capabilities to achieve the value of strategic management. While the PI provides a suitable tool which is the maturity model for improving the current practices. Nine key elements of maintenance management were identified which demonstrating the maintenance capabilities and resources. Grounded on the theory of RBV and PI, the conceptual framework was established as the foundation towards developing strategic maintenance practices for sustainable performance of public assets and continuous improvement in maintenance management by the local authority in Malaysia.

Evaluating Quality – Measures to Improve NAAC Ranking for Higher Education Institutes

Quality in education is imperative and thus it is a matter of great concern for the universities, colleges and institutions to maintain it. There are varied criteria to measure quality and methods to improve it with time. A lot of Higher Education Institutions (HEI) offer courses across streams for the students to pursue. The success of an educational institute depends on the quality of education. Educationalists, policy makers, researchers and scholars across the world are working towards quality management for continuous improvement, student/faculty satisfaction and institutional excellence. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council, NAAC, an autonomous institution has been established by the University Grants Commission with the prime agenda of assessing and accrediting Higher Education Institutes(HEI), facilitating them to work continuously towards improving the quality of education. The assessment process is carried out in three stages, which comprises of, viz., Self Study Report (SSR), Student Satisfaction Survey and the Peer Team Report. In the NAAC’s Self study report seven criterion are used for assessment; among all, criteria II: Teaching, Learning and Evaluation carry a major weightage of 350 points. In this paper, we will be briefly discussing the quality measures that can be taken up by any HEI regarding Teaching, Learning and Evaluation methodologies to improve upon its overall score and ranking. A survey was also conducted amongst graduation level students from various universities asking them multiple research questions related to measures that can be taken up by the colleges to improve quality in teaching, learning and evaluation.

Роль инжиниринговых центров в развитии систем непрерывных улучшений в компаниях нефтегазового сектора

The purpose of the paper is to determine the role of production service centers (PSC) in the implementation of the continuous improvements development strategies (CIS) at the oil and gas industry companies. The authors review the experience of CIS implementing by the world's leading oil and gas companies: ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, Shell, Equinor, Total, Eni, Gazprom Neft and LUKOIL. Within the framework of this study, the role of the PSC in the continuous improvement management system at vertically integrated oil and gas companies (VIOCs) is reviewed. The paper provides an overview of international practices for the effective involvement of PSCs in the management of the continuous improvement systems, their goals and objectives, their place and role in the VIOC management system. Based on the example of LINK LLC, the authors show the role of the PSCs in the implementation of the VIOC strategies in the processing sector of the LUKOIL Group. The presented analytical information contains the open source details and can be used to assess the importance of production service centers in improving the business efficiency of vertically integrated oil and gas companies.

An automated continuous quality improvement framework for failing student outcomes based on mathematics weaknesses

In this paper, we present a detailed action plan under continuous quality improvement (CQI) exercise of outcomes based education framework related to Mathematics concerns highlighted by the Electrical Engineering (EE) Department. Failing and low performed student learning outcomes (SOs) and course learning outcomes (COs) in range of core EE courses were observed to be linked with weak Mathematics basis of students. This feedback was achieved through an automated CQI system in EvalTools under Faculty Class Assessment Report (FCAR) tab, where each instructor is required to make reflections about failing as well as low performed SOs and COs. Feedback was reviewed comprehensively, and mathematical concepts which significantly affect the performance of students in the core EE courses were derived. Moreover, a high level of Mathematics pre-requisite covering required mathematical concepts is identified for the range of core EE courses. Consequently, well-defined tasks were assigned to continuously evaluate and monitor improvement in required Mathematics concepts to ensure SOs and COs achieved in core EE courses. Results are given to exhibit the effectiveness of continuous improvement management system (CIMS).

Work environment and employee performance in federal college of education (Technical) Gusau, Zamfara State

A lot of research both home and abroad have been carried out to ascertain variables that have its impact on employees’ performance. While emphases have been placed on monetary rewards; bonuses, incentives, increased salaries and wages and other cash rewards, other non-monetary factors like the serenity of work environment are seen as immaterial or irrelevant when compared with monetary rewards. Motivated by the need to ascertain non-monetary factors that might have an effect on employees’ performance in public sector, this study is aimed to test a model based on three dimensions of the work environment (physical work environment, training and development and cordial working relationship) on employee performance. The study adopted a quantitative research design and data were collected using structured questionnaire. The staff strength of the college is 520 employees consisting of both academic and non-academic staff. The study used both Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analyses and Multiple Regression Analyses using SPSS 21.0 and EViews 9.0. The correlation revealed that there is a strong relationship between the three dimensions of the work environment and employees’ performance. The multiple regression result showed that physical work environment and cordial working relationship have significant effects on employee performance while training and development was insignificant in predicting employee performance. This study recommends management continuous improvement of work environment dimensions because they influence employee performance.

Enfoque basado en la teoría para la mejora administrativa: análisis del modelo y actividades en el desarrollo

En la actualidad las organizaciones están en constante cambio y mejorando sus procesos, debido a los altos índices de competitividad que existen en el mercado los cuales les obliga a innovar para ser eficaces con sus productos o servicios. Para mejorar la administración se requiere que los procesos estén bien diseñados, es así que la gestión de procesos conjuntamente con la mejora continua permite a la organización diseñar lo que requiere el negocio, determinar debilidades y fortalezas, para mejorar las actividades y alcanzar los objetivos planteados por las empresas. En la investigación se utilizó el método cualitativo, el cual se obtuvo información de revistas científicas como Scopus, Redalyc y Scielo, que nos brindaron información para llevar a cabo la investigación sobre el enfoque basado en la teoría para la mejora administrativa. La información obtenida de las revistas antes mencionadas nos da una respuesta cómo mejorar los procesos administrativos y no solo esos si también los procesos que se encuentran inmersos en la organización, la mejora continua hoy en día es fundamental para las empresas porque se puede llevar un control estricto de los procesos y actividades que se desempeñan dentro de la organización así evitar ineficiencias de los recursos utilizados.

Application of PDCA Cycle Methodology in Management of Continuous Improvement in Receiving and Movement Logistics

Logistics is one of the main processes within organizations, because it is possible to store different types of items in stock. However, maintaining management is not a simple role, as the process needs to be integrated with the quality, storage and accuracy of stored resources, which are as high as possible, and this makes it a bigger challenge for the vast majority of organizations. The present work aims to propose an application and management of the PDCA cycle methodology for greater efficiency in the receiving and handling sector, reducing costs and controlling container yard operations, without major investments, just by using the PDCA and some Quality tools.

SUPERVISION

The movement (leading) of action make appoint group members trying to achieve the goals in accordance with the business organization. “Leading is defined as motivating, directing and otherwise on influencing people to work hard to achieve the organization’s gools”. Institutions as well educational institusionas as oriented to the quality is focused on two customers that customers internal and external. The realize quality of institution or organization according Juran focused on tree activities are Planning, supervision and repairing known as trilogy Juran while Feiganbaum see activities organization quality can be seen fromthe improvement of management continuous improvement employees, leadership, and supervision in first-line, and supervison quality. This can be seen from the activities of leadership in guiding, communicate and decision making in accordance with the work will be made. In this case the most important is how leaders can inform duties and steps of work to do all member organizations to achieve the goal.

Implementing visual management for continuous improvement: barriers, success factors and best practices

Visual management (VM) has become an important lean management practice for continuous improvement and has gained increasing attention from academics and practitioners. While operations management scholars have studied its benefits and functions, the factors that enable or hinder VM implementation have not been systematically investigated. Against this background, our study analyses qualitative case study data from Swiss manufacturing firms to reveal important barriers and success factors that are relevant for the implementation of VM. Moreover, for each success factor, we present several best practices observed in the case companies to overcome the associated barriers. The results contribute to the emerging field of VM within the lean management literature and provide insights for practitioners how to implement VM more effectively.

Achieving better revenue and customers’ satisfaction with after-sales services

PurposeBranded car dealerships with best revenue by serviced car also have the best after-sales customers’ satisfaction level. The purpose of this paper is to present the analysis of the after-sales quality management practices adopted by dealerships with the best performance in terms of customer’s satisfaction and revenue and how such practices contribute to these results.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study was performed with nine leader branded car dealerships in an emerging country, considering the entrance car. The performance indicators to evaluate customers’ satisfaction, revenue and operational indicators related to product support, brand manifestation and relationship with customers were identified. Quality management practices that support the best results achievement were analyzed.FindingsThe three dealerships that represent Asiatic brands have best customers’ satisfaction and revenue performance. These dealerships typically have different processes comparing with dealerships that represent European and American brands concerning to: continuous improvement management; warranties and stock management; services scheduling; offer bonuses to customers; and customers service that emphasizes focus on technical and commercial expertise.Originality/valueThis research considered indicators performance and, based on that, analyzed the dealerships’ practices that support the best performance. Such aspect has room for academic literature since the quality management research related to car industry focuses mainly on manufacturer and generates managerial insights to the car industry and its dealerships.

Contribution of Change Management for Continuous Improvement of Public Hospital: The Case of Adama Hospital Medical Collage, Adama, Ethiopia

Background: Deficiencies in continuous improvement of health care organizations caused by neither the failure of professional compassion nor necessarily a lack of resources. Rather, results from gaps in knowledge, readiness for change, sustaining change, inappropriate applications of available technology, or the inability of organizations to change. Objectives: The central purpose of this study is to examine the contribution of change management for continues improvement within Adam Hospital Medical Collage. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional research design was applied. The total number of target population is 226, out of this 180 respondents was sampled through probability sampling method. The questionnaire consisting of both open and close ended questions was used to collect data’s. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics that were used in the study are mean and standard deviation. Inferential statics used was Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis to find out the contribution of change management for continuous improvement. Results: The findings confirm that there is a significant correlation between change readiness, sustaining change, change resistance and continuous improvement of Adam Hospital Medical Collage. More specifically this research confirms the findings of earlier work and reveals the same pattern of correlations between the variables. In addition the findings suggest that there is also a significant impact of change management (readiness, sustaining & resistance) on continuous improvement of Adam Hospital Medical Collage. Conclusion: To sum up, all findings clearly depicts that change readiness, sustaining change and continuous improvement were low and resistance to change was high in the organization.

Systematic Sustainability Assessment (SSA) Tool for Hydroelectric Project in Malaysia

Sustainably developed and managed hydropower has enormous potential to contribute to global sustainability goals. It is known that hydroelectricity contributing small amounts to greenhouse gas emissions and other atmospheric pollutants. However, developing the remaining hydroelectric potential offers many challenges, and public pressure and expectations on the environmental and social performance of hydroelectric tend to increase over time. This paper aims to develop Systematic Sustainability Assessment (SSA) Tool that promotes and guides more sustainable hydroelectric projects in the context of Malaysia. The proposed SSA tool which not only provide a quality and quantitative report of sustainability performance but also act as Self-Assessment Report (SAR) to provide roadmap to achieve greater level of sustainability in project management for continuous improvement. It is expected to provide a common language that allow government, civil society, financial institutions and the hydroelectric sector to talk about and evaluate sustainability issues. The advantage of SSA tool is it can be used at any stage of hydroelectric development, from the earliest planning stages right through to operation.

Target setting for indirect processes: a new hybrid method for the continuous improvement management of indirect processes

Indirect processes are increasingly contributing to the total cost of production in highly competitive and technology-intensive industries. Unfortunately, they are less assessable than direct processes due to the complex organisational management structure. Therefore, companies seeking to make improvements in indirect areas need decision support methods to indicate which indirect process needs to be improved and to what extent. To facilitate this task, the target setting for indirect processes (TSIP) method has been developed following the constructive research approach. TSIP is a combination of process modelling, the analytic network process, activity-based management from managerial accounting research and the value control chart from target costing research in a kaizen budgeting framework. This new hybrid method is developed and validated in cooperation with a global first-tier automotive supplier.

The effect of Competitive StrategyandTotal Quality Management (TQM) to the Project Management of Continuous Improvement at PT Riau Prima Energi, Division of Power Generating RAPP

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between competitive strategy, total quality management (TQM), and the continuous improvement of project management on PT Riau Prima Energi in the Power Plant industry in the City of PangkalanKerinci of PelalawanDistrict. PT. Riau Prima Energi. This research explains “Differentiation Strategy” has stronger influenced toward TQM elements rather than “Cost Leadership Strategy”. This study also findthat no direct relationship between Differentiation Strategy and employee relations to make project management of continual improvement successful.Tcompanyneed to pay attention on aspects such of employee empowerment, reward and compensation system, as well as open communication, accompanied by a comprehensive training system to achieve good performance of continual improvement of project management.

Sistema de inferencia borroso basado en redes adaptativas para la evaluación de proyectos

In this article, a set of key management indicators related to performance of execution, planning, costs, effectiveness, human resources, data quality, and logistics, are considered for the evaluation of a project. Several automated tools support project managers in this task. However, these tools are still insufficient to accurately assess projects in organizations with continuous improvement management styles and with presence of uncertainty in the primary data. An alternative solution is the introduction of soft computing techniques, allowing gains in robustness, efficiency, and adaptability in these tools. This paper presents an adaptivenetwork- based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to optimize projects evaluation made with the Xedro-GESPRO tool. The implementation of the system allowed the adjustment of fuzzy sets parameters in the inference rules for the assessment of projects, based on the automatic calculation of indicators. The contribution of this research lies in the application of ANFIS soft computing technique to optimize the evaluation of projects integrated with the management tool. The results contribute to the improvement of existing decision-making support tools into organizations towards project-oriented production.

IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY OF BUSINESS PROCESSES USING BPMS

Organizations that have set themselves ambitious goals sooner or later have to choose a strategy of development: extensive , due to the growth of production or resource intensive - through the use of more effective methods . It is well known that the implementation of an extensive strategy, organization will face a situation where the coordination efforts on the increased number of employees are comparable with the effect of their activities. Labour productivity is defined not by the level of development of technologies or used equipment. High degree of automation does not guarantee high performance. The latter is a result of proper organization of work – the business processes. To get the most benefits from the process approach, it is necessary to use special means , which are called control system BP (Business Process Management System). This term means: first, information technology, pro-vides an executable model generation process directly from the graphical model of PD, and secondly, the concept of continuous improvement management BP, offering an evolutionary approach to the changes aimed at improving business efficiency. In this paper , based on the analysis of commercial banks concludes application prospects BPMS to automate business processes. Alternatives up process management method not the current state of the economy does not allow enterprises to develop extensively.