Effective Corrective Actions Research Articles

Productivity improvements for a small “made‐to‐order” manufacturing environment

Very little has been written on productivity improvements for a “made‐to‐order” manufacturing environment which is usually dominated by small manufacturing companies. Unlike large companies which are capable of applying just‐in‐time (JIT) philosophies to ensure high productivity gains, small companies on the other hand still face specific problems in their production planning and control largely due to their limited available resources. Presents some effective corrective actions which can create tremendous impact for a small made‐to‐order manufacturing company. These actions can be implemented easily and within a short time frame.

A steady state voltage monitoring and control algorithm using localized least square minimization of load voltage deviations

This paper describes recent work on the theoretical and algorithmic enhancements of the MIT method for power system steady-state voltage monitoring and control. Under the conditions that no dynamic voltage problems are present, the method is intended primarily: to monitor steady-state voltage and reactive power conditions; to identify potential problem situations; and to make decisions regarding their severity. The developed method utilizes various reactive power resources on the power system to remedy voltage violations. The corrective actions suggested are either in the order assigned by the operator or according to efficiency criteria, determined by this algorithm. The corrective actions ensure minimum possible voltage deviations from a given desired voltage profile. Corrective actions are considered to be optimal in this sense. The method has the unique feature of identifying minimum number of most effective corrective actions so that voltages are maintained within the given limits. The method does not solve the exact load flow equations, and therefore it avoids inversion of a full system size matrix. Reactive power scheduling is computed so that the resulting load voltages, are within pre-specified target values. The computational time does not increase significantly with increase of power system size, since no inversion of a system size matrix is needed. Numerical tests on a small and large scale electric power system (IEEE 39 and New England 1726) are presented and analyzed.

Supplier partnership program

This paper discusses some very basic principles for improving the relationship between a supplier and a manufacturer. The ‘common goals’ of both parties can be substantially improved if they communicate often and plan in detail. Some of these basic principles discussed include: product evaluation, extensive testing, implementation of SPC (statistical process control), feedback, effective corrective actions, open communication and quality awareness program.

On the use of a structured technique in facilitating systems interventions

The paper discusses the effect of the systems age on problem solving. The problem which exist in organizations usually require discussions among the decision makers. Such discussions are intended to lead to a dialogue which hopefully results in effective corrective actions. This paper suggests that a structured information processing model can be used to help motivate the dialogue necessary to develop a design to cope with the systems problem. A case is discussed.

Numerical Aid to Reduce Construction Injury Losses

In the construction industry, the rate of work-related injuries and deaths is two or more times the national rate for all industries. This paper develops a rational method which quantitatively rates construction risks, using risk scores. The scores, which are computed for each workmen’s compensation classification, are based on insurance premiums and injury cause-cost analysis. In addition the method numerically ranks the relative cost effectiveness of corrective actions which are taken to reduce risks. The cost effectiveness ranking is determined from the risk score, the cost and the degree of effectiveness of the corrective action. Use of the method can improve the efficiency of evaluating risks and allocating resources to minimize the risks. The method presented is considered only a first step. The uses, limitations, and further development of the method are presented.

Drug Use Review: Operational Definitions

A distinction is made between drug use review (DUR) studies and programs. DUR studies can be quantitative or qualitative. Quantitative studies involve the collection, organization and display of estimates or measurements of amounts of drug use. Qaulitative studies are multidisciplinary operations which collect, organize, analyze and report information on the rationality of the drug use base. A DUR program is an ongoing method of assuring the quality of drug use through the employment of standards and efforts to correct drug use not consistent with these standards; the effectiveness of corrective actions is measured.

Slope Stability Monitoring at Boron: ABSTRACT

A unique seismic monitoring system is being used at the Boron open pit mine to aid in the early detection of potential slope stability problems. The system was developed in a joint venture between U.S.BORAX and the U. S. Bureau of Mines. The main components of the system are a bore-hole geophone or electromechanical transducer, an amplifier, and a strip-chart recorder. The subaudible rock noises caused by minute readjustments of the rock in the slope during mining are recorded. Stable slopes have a low seismic noise level whereas a high noise level indicates a potentially unstable slope before there is any physical evidence of slope failure. The disturbances generally increase in number and magnitude as slope stability decreases. The same technique also is used to determi e the effectiveness of corrective action. End_of_Article - Last_Page 563------------