Product Quality Improvement Research Articles

The Impact of Industry 4.0 on Business Performance: A Multiple Case Study in the Automotive Sector

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is a transformative industrial paradigm that encompasses a set of technologies and principles that are increasingly essential for companies operating in the automotive sector. By embracing the principles and implementing the associated I4.0 technologies, automotive companies have the potential to improve their overall business performance, foster greater collaboration within the supply chain (SC) ecosystem and thereby strengthen their competitive edge. These technologies drive innovation, enabling the development of sustainable solutions and the alignment of products with ever-evolving customer demands. Therefore, this study explores the complex interplay between I4.0 technologies and business performance by providing insights from a multi-case study in the automotive sector. As the exploratory nature of this research is driven by the exploration of pathways, topics such as the implementation of I4.0 technologies, their impact on business performance and current important industry issues such as reshoring and the circular economy (CE) were also discussed. A research protocol was developed and semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior managers from six leading European automotive suppliers. The results show how significant improvements in business performance can be achieved by implementing advanced I4.0 technologies aimed at automating processes and making production lines more flexible. This led to improvements in productivity and product quality, while reducing production costs through the strategic use of available data. Furthermore, European automotive suppliers are engaging in collaborative initiatives with other SC actors to stay abreast of emerging innovation trends, to meet customer needs and to help share knowledge and resources. Overall, the implementation of I4.0 technologies leads directly and indirectly to more sustainable production and efficient resource management, as I4.0 technologies are designed to be energy efficient and reduce emissions.

Overview of the establishment and uses of Ricinodendron heudelotii (Euphorbiaceae): focus on the central and southern regions of Ivory Coast

Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Pierre ex Heckel is a plant species present in the high-biodiversity areas of Central, West and East Africa. It has a considerable potential for development as a non-timber forest product (NTFP). The crushed seeds of this species have traditionally been used by local populations and those of certain large African cities as a spice or thickening agent for foods. In the face of strong and potentially growing demand, not only for nutritional purposes but also for new outlets, efforts are being made in Ivory Coast to domesticate this species with a view to increasing production. A number of actions are underway for the development of R. heudelotii: improvement of its availability; development of seed and kernel production; creation of markets for the seeds and their proteins and oil; development of industrial uses of this oil. This study carried out an inventory of R. heudelotii cultivation in Ivory Coast, and highlighted the levers available for promoting its integration into the economy of the country. The development of outlets for the kernels, oil and proteins of R. heudelotii, the improvement and control of product quality, and the modernization of seed crushing and oil extraction methods are essential conditions for increasing production and for the structuring and expansion of the market. This contributes to both the economic development of this crop and those involved in its cultivation — local communities, and women in particular — and the preservation of the environment through the development of an activity favoring regeneration and sustainable forest protection.

Modeling of Release Mechanism of Sage (Salvia fruticosa Miller) Phenolics Encapsulated in Alginate Capsule: Physicochemical Properties

Alginate capsules are promising delivery systems for encapsulation and release of phenolics since they can be fabricated from food‐grade biopolymers using mild processes. On the other hand, knowing the release kinetic of the phenolic in the capsules is critical for capsule fabrication and product quality improvement This study is aimed at mathematically modeling the transfer of encapsulated sage (Salvia fruticosa Miller) phenolics in alginate particles to water and to determine some physicochemical properties of capsules containing different concentrations of phenolics. The water activity values (aw) of the capsule varied between 0.9976 and 0.9990. Sphericity factors of 1 (37.5 ppm), 2 (75 ppm), 3 (150 ppm), 4 (300 ppm), and control (0 ppm) samples were determined as 0.042, 0.044, 0.043, 0.273, and 0.039, respectively. The yellowness (+b ∗) value of the samples increased significantly as the added sage extract concentration increased. While the phenolic content of the samples was determined between 0.174 and 1.1831 mg/kg GAE, the antioxidant activity values were determined between 0.9602 and 6.6930. To understand the mechanism of phenolic release from the capsules, six different mathematical models were used (First Order, Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas, Hixson and Crowell, The Peppas-Sahlin, and Gompertz). The highest R2 (0.9952‐0.9979) and the lowest RMSE (1.0171‐1.7032) values were calculated in The Peppas‐Sahlin among the six models. The Peppas‐Sahlin model kinetic parameters indicated the dominance of Fickian diffusion and the minor effect of relaxation process in the mechanism of phenolic release.

Unlocking the Secrets to Elevating Guest Satisfaction at Hotel Griya Persada Bandungan, Semarang Regency: A Sizzling Exploration of Service and Product Quality Analysis

This study, conducted at Hotel Griya Persada in Bandungan, Semarang, aimed to assess and describe methods for enhancing customer satisfaction by improving the quality of both products and services. The investigation specifically focused on physical evidence, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy within the service conditions. The findings revealed that there were certain areas of service quality that needed improvement, and some products did not meet customer expectations. Data for the study was collected through interviews and analyzed descriptively. The study involved eight participants, including one manager, two employees, and five consumers. The results were expected to provide valuable insights for management and customer satisfaction. Data analysis included techniques for data validation, reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The study indicated an improvement in both product and service quality for enhancing customer satisfaction. When it comes to product quality, eight key standards were identified, including flavor, consistency, texture, nutritional content, visual appeal, aromatic appeal, temperature, and recipes. Customers generally regarded the product quality at Hotel Griya Persada in Bandungan as good, but identified areas for improvement such as consistency, texture, temperature, and recipes. Regarding service quality, there were five elements within the five quality dimensions, namely reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, and tangibility. Employees acknowledged the need for improvement in certain aspects, particularly in responsiveness and empathy, to enhance consumer satisfaction in future product purchases.

Implementation and Improvement of the Total Productive Maintenance Concept in an Organization

Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) is an infrastructure-managing methodology that leads to improvements in production efficiency, quality, and safety. It includes a set of processes, techniques, and strategies based on forecasting, maintenance, the optimized cooperation of different company departments, and the minimization of costs related to downtime or accidents caused by equipment failure. This article discusses the history, assumptions of the TPM concept, and approach to implementing Total Productive Maintenance in organizations in detail. The right ingredients required for successful TPM implementation and barriers to implementation are also reviewed. The benefits of implementing TPM in organizations are presented and supported with examples of implementations in production and non-production organizations. The article is addressed to representatives of the manufacturing industry. TPM also indicates a high potential for implementation in non-production areas, which may be interesting, for example, for the service, medical, or laboratory industries.

Daya Saing Usaha Mikro Melalui Sertifkasi Produk Industri Rumah Tangga

Culinary is an important aspect of developing tourism destinations. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the support for food supply that are required to fulfill requirements to ensure consumer food safety by having a Home Industry Food Production Certificate (SPP-IRT). Efforts to fulfill product quality improvements can further increase the competitiveness of micro-business actors. The provisions or requirements for obtaining this permit often make it difficult for MSME players. This program aims to train and assist food MSMEs in obtaining SPP-IRT. The approach used is focus group discussions (FGD), tutorials, nutritional composition testing, and direct assistance in filling out the official IRT permit registration application issued by the government. The activity results showed that 56 food MSMEs who took part in the FGD had received training on good manufacturing practices, processing methods for processed products, and P-IRT ownership. Twelve MSME products already have documents on nutritional content and nutritional adequacy figures, and 13 MSMEs have succeeded in obtaining Home Industry Licensing Certificates, while the rest are still in the form of Business Identification Numbers (NIB), which is the identity that business actors need to have. The nutritional content and P-IRT number can be included on the packaging to gain consumer trust.

Promotion of the Bahia Productive Project for the Coffee Production Chain in the State of Bahia, Brazil: An Analysis of Public Policies and Geographical Indication

Objective: To analyze the Bahia Productive Project, based on the subproject focused on the coffee production chain, as a public policy for Sustainable Rural Development and Geographical Indications (GIs) in the State of Bahia, Brazil, based on territorial planning. Method: The research is a case study with an exploratory character, a qualitative approach, with data collection through bibliographical and documentary surveys and the institutional website of the Regional Development and Action Company (CAR). For the analysis of the information a Content Analysis was used. Results and conclusion: It is observed that the project manifested itself as an alternative for the coffee production chain in the state to be strengthened, encouraging producers to improve the quality of their product so that they can meet market requirements and conquer new markets. Research implications: Public policies are necessary to help productive chains of products that have differentiation in their production as an incentive to promote the registration of GIs, since the contribution they can bring to territorial development is expected mainly in the economic sphere. Originality/value: The combination of specific elements from the Bahian context, such as the emphasis on coffee production in the state and the approach to GIs as an important factor for territorial development. Furthermore, the analysis of the Bahia Productive Project as a public policy to strengthen the coffee production chain in the region and encourage the improvement of product quality is an original element.

Impact of chilling injury on global trade in tropical products

Abstract International trade in fresh products is dominated by products capable of long-term refrigerated storage, allowing marketing flexibility. For tropical products, postharvest chilling injury (PCI) is a barrier to long-term storage that limits trade by exacerbating the already-challenging requirements to minimise physical or biotic damage to products. In this review, the practical consequences of PCI in terms of international trade are described. Options for choosing to grow more resistant varieties or to predict the chilling injury risk of batches of fresh products can reduce overall losses by allowing better-informed sequencing of product marketing. Recent advances in technologies that reduce PCI risk or predict its severity, some of which can be used before harvest, are reviewed. At a more fundamental level, there is a growing number of excellent reviews on the potential for gene editing to alleviate postharvest chilling injury in tropical fruits and vegetables. Most are focused on research into ways to alleviate the consequences of chilling injury: i.e. oxidative stress arising from membrane dysfunction. A few recent reports show that reducing membrane dysfunction itself is possible, for example by increasing desaturation of membrane lipids, but this approach comes with a new and predictable problem: increased preharvest susceptibility to heat stress. Refined suggestions for strategies that could produce durable improvements in product quality hold the potential for significant increases in global trade with resulting economic benefits, particularly for developing countries.

Analisis Strategi Rumah Makan Padang Sinar Dalam Memenuhi Customers Expectations

This research aims to determine the strategies used by Padang Sinar Restaurant in meeting customer expectations in the culinary industry. This research emphasizes the importance of understanding and anticipating customer needs to maintain competitive advantage. This research also explores the concept of customer expectations and its relationship with service quality. This research discusses various aspects of service quality and consumer behavior. It was stated that service quality is very important for businesses to measure their performance and meet customer expectations. This research also introduces the concept of Servqual, a tool used to measure service quality based on five dimensions: tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. This research also briefly discusses the importance of price and value in consumer decision making. This research discusses the importance of providing value and satisfaction to customers so that companies can be successful. This research uses qualitative research methods with a descriptive approach. The data collection technique uses observation or observations, interviews with restaurant staff and several customers and Focus on Discussion. The strategy carried out by Padang Sinar Restaurant includes increasing service speed, responsiveness and transactions, as well as using a 4P marketing approach. The conclusion emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in service and product quality to meet customer expectations.

An integrated system for managing technological processes for the efficient and safe production of dairy products, taking into account resource conservation

The research results showed that the ISO 22000 and ISO 50001 standards are important standards of business management systems that do not contradict the principles of the organization and contribute to ensuring the high quality and safety of food products, as well as compliance with the principles of energy management if the requirements of these standards are fully met. The new versions of the standards are focused on the process approach as a key principle for the formation of integrated management systems. The article provides a structure of standards in the format of the Deming cycle (PDCA – plan, execute, check, act), which allows you to manage processes, determine and improve their capabilities. Therefore, the article theoretically substantiates and experimentally confirms the concept of a systemic approach to the management of the safety and quality of dairy products, based on the identification of influencing factors at various stages of their life cycle, optimization of production parameters, storage and sale of products by the requirements of the DSTU ISO 22000 and DSTU ISO 50001 standards. The article analyzes and systematizes research materials, including critical analysis and statistical data processing. In addition, a model of an integrated system was developed. The conducted research was of great practical importance in the implementation of an integrated system of management of technological processes to ensure resource conservation and the safety of dairy products. Here are a few key aspects that highlight their importance: efficient use of resources, improving product safety, compliance with regulatory requirements, sustainability and environmental responsibility. The implementation of an integrated system for managing technological processes to save resources and ensure the safety of dairy products has significant practical advantages for enterprises, consumers, and the environment. These advantages are manifested in the radical improvement of production efficiency, reduction of resource costs, improvement of product quality and safety, as well as in the preservation of natural resources and reduction of negative impact on the environment.

STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN DAN PENINGKATAN USAHA JAMU HERBAL TRADISIONAL (STUDI PADA WARUNG IBU PEBRI JL. PULAU OBI GANG DURIAN SINGARAJA)

The purpose in this study is to know. Strategy for Development and Improvement of Traditional Herbal Medicine Business (Study at Warung Ibu Pebri Jl. Obi Island Gang Durian Singaraja) The type of research used is a type of qualitative descriptive research. The data collection techniques used are interview techniques and documentation techniques. As for The results in this case can be seen from 2 aspects, namely: 1. For Warung Bu Ferbi, a) product quality, b) product prices, c) technology benefits, d) customer satisfaction, 2. For consumers, a) there is an improvement in product quality, b) product price adjustments, c) the use of technology in product marketing, d) there is satisfaction felt by customers with the products sold.

발효 장소와 복합 종균에 따른 막장의 품질 특성 변화x

This study aimed to investigate the quality and microbial population changes for 90 days under two fermentation conditions, outdoors and indoors (35°C), with starters (single or mixed) in soybean paste. Bacillus velezensis NY12-2 (S1), Debaryomyces hansenii D5-P5 (S2), Enterococcus faecium N78-11 (S3), and their mixtures (M) were used for the makjang fermentation. The content of amino-type nitrogen among the makjang samples was highly shown in the indoors, followed by M, S3, and S2. The glutamic and aspartic acid contents in the M sample fermented in the indoors showed the highest values of 867.42±77.27 and 243.20±15.79 mg/g, respectively. By the electronic tongue analysis, the M sample fermented in the indoors exhibited lower saltiness and higher umami than the others. Consequently, we expect that using mixed strains, such as Bacillus, Debaryomyces, and Enterococcus, under constant conditions showed potential to the quality improvement of soy products.

Integrated Semi-Continuous Manufacturing of Lentiviral Vectors Using a HEK-293 Producer Cell Line

There have been considerable efforts on improving the lentiviral vector (LV) system and their production. However, there remains the persisting challenge of producing a sufficient quantity of LVs at manufacturing scale to support treatments beyond early clinical trials. Furthermore, their innately labile nature poses an equally important obstacle in LV production. As LVs lose function over time and they are sensitive to environmental factors in each unit operation in the bioprocess workflow, integrated continuous manufacturing is an attractive strategy for process intensification. This manuscript describes the implementation of nuclease treatment, clarification, and capture step in a semi-continuous mode. Combining the clarification and loading of the capture step as well as operating those steps in parallel to the purification of the capture step expedite the processing time, reducing it by 4-fold as compared to processing the same volume in batch mode using the same membrane size. This semi-continuous operation also improves the recoveries of functional vector particles and total vector particles by 26% and 18%, respectively, showing an added benefit in loading the capture membranes in series in continuous flow chromatography. Building on previously published upstream work using a scalable cell retention device in perfusion mode, this manuscript demonstrates the integration of upstream and downstream in a semi-continuous manner, reducing processing and hold times as well as showing improvements in LV product quality and recovery.

Quality improvement of food products using taguchi method: a study in a bread product SME

Quality is one of the most crucial factors for manufactured products. Good product quality will increase customer loyalty and hence, higher profit for the company. SR company is a local Small Medium Enterprise (SME) in Bandung that produces bread products. Among various kinds of bread, Kadet is the main product with an average production of approximately 1000 pcs per day. In addition, Kadet bread has numerous defective products with an average of 3%-5% per 1000 pcs. Moreover, Kadet is a product baked at high temperatures, and hence, the timing of the production staff is crucial to prevent defectiveness. In this work, we use the Taguchi method to obtain factors that produce defectiveness and the combination of the optimal production factors. Furthermore, using the Analysis of Variance, the results show the optimal process design for minimum defective Kadet bread products as the process evaluation for better product quality.

The value chain-based on competitiveness strategy for improvement strategy on prefab products

Prefab building construction is chosen because the construction process is faster than conventional buildings, especially in emergency situations such as the COVID pandemic. The main problem at PT XYZ in selling prefabs is the price. The price components that affect the high price are COGS prefab, expedition cost, insurance cost and installation cost. This problem needs to be evaluated starting from production costs, supply chain to installation costs in order to provide a price quote that can be below the ceiling price of the buyer or owner, which is what the research attempted to discuss. Referring to these problems, in this research the authors used a descriptive method, a case study approach with data processing and analysis techniques consisting of descriptive analysis of the company and analysis of the company's internal and external environment. The analysis, which is used to formulate strategies and the process of using them, is Value Chain analysis, SAP-LAP Analysis, and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). This analysis is interrelated in determining the weight on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Hierarchy to determine Strategies to improve Competitiveness Based on Value Chain on Prefab Products. The highest weight value is Improving Product Quality with a weight value of 0.433. What is meant by improving product quality is meeting quality standards. This product quality improvement starts from the quality of the vendor's product materials, the production process in the factory, the handling process during the manufacturing process, and the quality of the product.

Implementation of Digital Marketing Technology and Product Quality Improvement Training for Palm Sugar Entrepreneurs In Makasili Village

Digital marketing is an effective and efficient strategy in the marketing process and attracts consumers to get to know the products and services offered. Makasili Village is a village where one of the livelihoods is palm sugar entrepreneurs, the community makes palm sugar as a source of income, but the income from selling palm sugar is still mediocre. The purpose of this service is to increase knowledge in operating digital marketing and increase knowledge about the quality of palm sugar products to increase partner income. The methods used are (1) Outreach (2) Implementation of digital marketing technology and product quality improvement training. Based on the analysis of the results of improving product quality, partners who feel helped by giving a yes answer of 90%. after being given training and assistance in using digital marketing, 95% had a good opinion about the benefits of digital marketing. Analysis of the results of an increase in income obtained has increased, that is, each partner has an increase in income of 100%. It was concluded that after receiving training supported by sales using digital marketing there has been an increase in income.

The Application of Physical Simulation in Hot and Cold Rolling of Steels

Physical simulation is a well-known tool for cloning industrial rolling conditions and generating large quantities of useful data. Physical simulation allows not only considerable time and resources savings in the development process but also product quality improvement. Additionally, physical simulation enables risk-free experiments and at negligible cost when compared to full-scale trials. In this paper, three physical simulation cases are presented. All cases are applicable to steel hot rolling or post cold rolling: (1) a strip rolling simulation where the roll forces are predicted, (2) a plate rolling simulation aiming improvement in mechanical properties and (3) a continuous annealing line case where the increase in the line speed generated a large raise in profit and productivity.

Promotion of Aceh MSMes Products in Malaysia: Looking for Export Opportunities

The Promotion of Aceh MSME Products in Malaysia initiative by the Faculty of Economics and Business, Syiah Kuala University, aims to explore export opportunities for products of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) students fostered by lecturers. The community service method for increasing MSME product exports is carried out by providing training and promotion of student MSME actors and the products produced. That is following various other community service activities, namely conducting training on human resource management, especially actors and employees, and promoting MSMEs products. Post-training results on MSME products and student actors showed significant improvement in MSME management and product quality. The results of this service focused on the introduction and exhibition of MSME products at international events at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Pharmaceutical Exports of Iran in OIC Region and Entering International Markets

Background: There are various pharmaceutical companies in Iran with high potential. Due to the lack of business with international markets for exports, Iranian pharmaceutical products are mostly traded in domestic markets. Despite numerous studies on pharmaceutical exports in the literature, the performance of Iran in pharmaceutical exports to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), remains yet to be evaluated. The novelty of the present work lies in filling this research gap and helping develop policies to expand pharmaceutical exports of Iran.
 Materials and Methods: Analysis of results on the current performance of Iranian pharmaceutical exports indicated groups of factors. The most significant factors were product quality and government policies according to questionnaire survey.
 Results: Analysis of results on the current performance of Iranian pharmaceutical exports indicated groups of factors. The most significant factors were product quality and government policies according to questionnaire survey.
 Conclusion: It was concluded that supervision regulations of pharmaceutical exports were not developed to motivate the expansion of exports. Supervision and control of Iranian pharmaceutical industries would enhance the quality of pharmaceutical products and strongly contribute to the expansion of pharmaceutical exports. It was also found that the quality improvement of pharmaceutical products was a key factor in increasing pharmaceutical exports to international markets.

Spectral Heterogeneity Analysis and Soil Organic Matter Inversion across Differences in Soil Types and Organic Matter Content in Dryland Farmland in China

Soil organic matter (SOM) plays an important role in agricultural production and arable land quality improvement. Hyperspectral technology enables frequent surveys over large areas. In this study, we explored the spectral heterogeneity of differences in soil types and SOM content, and proposed a method for measuring SOM content in large areas using spectroscopy. The results indicate regional variations in factors affecting soil spectral absorption peaks, with noticeable latitudinal disparities. The first-order differential partial-least-squares method provided the best prediction for the SOM inversion. The coefficient of determination (R2) for the SOM inversion model was 0.93, and the root mean square error (RMSE) was 3.42, with an 8.49 g/kg difference in the SOM content. When the difference in SOM content fell between 8 and 15 g/kg, the inversion effect model performed best. The optimal model R2 exceeded 0.95, and the RMSE was less than 5. The comprehensive analysis showed that the organic matter content was an important factor affecting the SOM content estimate and must be considered in the real process. In addition, it is crucial to categorize soil samples on the basis of distinct soil types while maintaining a consistent range of SOM content within the same soil type, ideally between 8 and 15 g/kg. Subsequently, the first-order differential partial least squares method is applicable. These results are expected to contribute to the acquisition of high-quality information on variations in the SOM of complex large-scale areas.