International Journal for Quality Research

10

Authors: Bahram Sadeghpour Gildeh, Azamsadat Iziy, Bahareh Ghasempour

The capability indices are widely used by quality professionals as an estimate of process capability. Many process indices have been proposed in last few years. A process capability index Cpmk is a generalized version of the existing indices confidence interval estimate for Cpk is defined. A series of Cp, Cpk, Cpm. In this paper the Percentile-t bootstrap (PTB) simulations using Weibull distribution with different parameters and sample size for the index Cpmk was undertaken to compare the performance and reliability of bootstrap method and the effect of parameters of Weibull distribution (shape and scale).

12

Authors: Richard O. Oruko, Wilkister N. Moturi, John M. Mironga

Solid wastes generated in Nairobi and its environs are posing a serious environmental challenge to the authorities and public, especially the hazardous and non-biodegradable solid wastes from leather industries. There were environmental concerns and complaints from workers and residents living adjacent to Asili tanneries limited about degradation of natural and inbuilt environment. This pointed to the effect of environmental pollution by the tannery. The broad objective of study was to assess the effectiveness of tannery based solid wastes management, by identifying and analyzing the concentration levels of sodium chlorides,sulphide, chromium ions and total phenols as selected pollutants along the tanning stages, in Nairobi river, borehole water, and soils around the dump site inside the tannery. Experimental (laboratory analysis) design was used.Descriptive statistics was used in analyzing data resulting in means and tables. The means concentration of total Chrome was 2633.38mg/L,Sodium chloride 609.93mg/L, Sulphide 129.77mg/L, total Phenols 10.91mg/L in the soil sampled around the composite dump site.. In Nairobi river water the means of Sodium chloride was 317.48mg/L, Sulphide 24.00mg/L, total Phenol 3.97mg/L and total Chrome Nil, While means concentration in borehole water, had Sodium chloride detected at 354.73mg/L, Sulphide 6.67mg/L, total Phenol 0.03mg/L and total Chrome as Nil, indicating heavily contaminated ecosystems above the discharge set limits of National Environmental Management Authority and Nairobi city water and sewerage company.

14

Authors: Marija Zahar Djordjevic, Hrvoje Puskaric, Aleksandar Djordjevic

The aim of this study is to propose a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making approach (MCDM) to evaluate the artificial hip prosthesis suppliers with respect to numerous criteria, simultaneously, taking into account the type of each criteria and its relative importance. The fuzzy of the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (FTOSIS)is applied in order to rank the artificial hip prosthesis suppliers. The rank is obtained using the process of fuzzy number comparison. Software solution based on suggested method is also presented. A real-life example with real data is presented to clarify the proposed method.

14

Authors: Moustafa Omar Ahmed, Abu-Shawiesh, Florence George, B. M. Golam Kibria

This paper proposed and considered some bivariate control charts to monitor individual observations from a statistical process control. Usual control charts which use mean and variance-covariance estimators are sensitive to outliers. We consider the following robust alternatives to the classical Hoteling's T2: T2MedMAD, T2MCD, T2MVE a simulation study has been conducted to compare the performance of these control charts. Two real life data are analyzed to illustrate the application of these robust alternatives.

16

Authors: Asmamaw Tegegne, Tekalegn Argu

These days cost of building materials are continuously increasing and the conventional construction materials for this particular purpose become low and low. The weight of conventional construction materials particularly building block is heavy and costly due to particularly cement. Thus, the objective of this paper is to develop an alternative light weight, high strength and relatively cost effective building material that satisfy the quality standard used in the country. A bio-based polymer matrix composite material for residential construction was experimentally developed. Sugar cane bagasse, thermoplastics (polyethylene g roup) sand and red ash were used as materials alternatively. Mixing of the additives,melting of the hermoplastics, molding and curing (drying)were the common methods used on the forming process of the samples. Mechanical behavior evaluation (testing) of the product was carried out. Totally 45 specimens were produced and three replicate tests were performed per each test type. Quality analysis was carried out for group B material using Ishikawa diagram. The tensile strength of group A specimen was approximately 3 times greater than that of group B specimens. The compression strength of group A specimens were nearly 2 times greater than group B. Comparing to the conventional building materials(concert block and agrostone)produced in the country, which the compression strength is 7Mpa and 16Mpa respectively, the newly produced materials show much better results in which Group A is 25.66 Mpa and group B is 16.66 Mpa. energy absorption capacity of group A specimens was approximately 3 times better than that of group B. Water absorption test was carried out for both groups and both showed excellent resistivity. Group A composite material specimens, showed better results in all parameters.

8

Authors: Fu Song, Kauppila Osmo, Mottonen Matti

In modern production processes, a large amount of testing and measurement is performed to support decision making and to ensure quality. In order to achieve this, the measurement data needs to be reliable, and the capability of measurement systems needs to be verified. Gauge reliability and reproducibility (GRR) is used for quantifying and analysing the variation in results caused by the measurement system. The purpose of this study is to introduce a simple method to assess GRR performance when there are twoparallel measurement systems. The study shows that with certain assumptions, the Pearson correlation between measurement results of two measurement systems can be expressed using the GRR indices of these systems. This implies that the GRR performance of these measurement systems could be analysed based on this correlation. In certain situations this could save significant time compared to regularly performed GRR studies.

12

Authors: German Arana-Ladin, Erlan Allur, Inaki Heras-Saizarbitroria

This article analyzes the dissemination of ISO 9001, the main global management standards, within Africa. The work refers to the diffusion of ISO 9001 standard in terms of its certification intensity. In this article, the dissemination of ISO 9001 in Africa has been analyzed. The findings reveal that the diffusion of the standard in this continent is not very relevant, what might be seen as an indicator of the process of Africa's trade marginalization in the age of globalization. The general certification intensity of the continet is of 0.18; in other words, the proportion of the contribution of Africa to the global GDP of the world is more than five times superior to the proportion of ISO 9001 certificates located in Africa. By means of the logistic model the dissemination of ISO 9001 is forecasted, and it has been observed that the diffusion of ISO 9001 in Africa is in an 85% of its saturation point. Taking into account this model, it's expected that the dissemination of ISO 9001 will be growing until 2020.

14

Authors: Mukhtar Che Ali

Quality has been identified as one of the fundamental needs of clients. As such construction projects that are able to be completed with distinctive quality will definitely enable to delight their customers. In this regard, Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has introduced two quality related programs namely ISO 9001 DIY Scheme and QLASSIC. The later is essentially a quality performance assessment tool to evaluate the level of quality of a building construction work based on quality standards stipulated in CIS 7:2006. One of the key deliverables of QLASSIC is QLASSIC Score which denotes the level of quality of the assessed construction project. Potentially there is a strong correlation between QLASSIC and ISO 9001 QMS. However there is lack of knowledge in the industry in am algamating QLASSIC with ISO 9001QMS towards attaining high quality performance. Indeed it is noticed that not many studies have been undertaken in this area. Thus it warrants to undertake a study that deliberates on the relationship of practicing ISO 9001Q MS with the achievement of QLASSIC Score. Therefore among the key objectives of this research are generally to investigate the relationship between practicing ISO 9001 QMS principles with QLASSIC performance and to examine the expected business outcomes for ISO 9001 certified contractors that are able to sustain relatively high QLASSIC Score. Eventually it is postulated that the output of this research would enable to elevate the level of quality performance in the Malaysian construction industry.

16

Authors: Amit Kumar Marwah, Girish Thakar, Ramesh Ghandra Gupta

This paper presents finding of a study on Indian manufacturing organizations. A conceptual model is proposed based on a rigorous literature review. The model so developed undergoes through a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach. The paper highlights various factors responsible for supply chain performance (SCP), subsequently leading to competitiveness. The survey involves 361 manufacturing organizations across India and the data is gathered using 5-point Likert scale. The study a ttempts to integrate various factors contributing to SCP in a single study. It is proposed to further test the model using exploratory factor analysis (EFA).

20

Authors: Pallavi Sharma, G. Thakar, R.C. Gupta

This research paper gives an up-to-date review and discusses the development of the multi criteria assembly line balancing (ALB) and also gives a detailed list of different criteria for the purpose of comparing different assembly line balancing techniques. This paper is structured in six ections. Section one is introduction which gives the details of basic contributions of different researchers. Section two gives basic problem of assembly line balancing and its detailed classifications. In Section three objectives (criteria's) are shown in tabulated manner with reference as a result of extensive literature survey. Section four portrays assembly line balancing techniques for the solution of ALB Problems. Section five gives the information about the gaps in the literature for prioritizing different assembly line balancing techniques. Finally Section six, concludes the research work and gives information about possible future implications.

10

Authors: obrivoje Catic, Milorad Bojic, Jasna Glisovic, Zorica Djordjevic, Nada Ratkovic

In the introductory part, the history development is presented, and it points out the importance of using the Fault Tree Analysis - FTA method for analysis of the reliability and safety of technical systems. By analyzing a number of references related to the FTA method, the FTA methodology is established, and explanation of some steps by this method is given in this paper. As an example of the practical application of methods, the failure of the solar concentrators is analyzed.For the failure analysis of the considered device, it is necessary to know the structure, functioning, working conditions and all factors that have a greater or less influence on its reliability. Along with an explanation of certain parts of the fault tree, the estimation of the significance of certain events is done, and it is considered to be able to eliminate causes of failure or to minimize the consequences of failure.

12

Authors: Goran Boskovic, Nebojsa Jovicic, Marko Milasinovic, Gordana Jovicic, Dobrica Milovanovic

Collection and transport of municipal solid waste (MSW), as a part of solid waste management, have a great environmental impact due to exhaust emissions from fuel combustion. Distance traveled appears as one of the most influencing parameter in total fuel consumed. This paper presents a general methodology for route optimization using Geographic Information System (GIS). The necessary databases were created and established methodology was applied to waste collection and transport system in the city of Kragujevac. Using GIS software one typical route was optimized. Furthermore, fuel consumption and associated exhaust emissions vary in different waste collection and transport stages. Waste collection and transport circuit was divided into four different stages. The estimation of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions for optimized route was made and compared to estimated emissions of current route. Calculations, which also include vehicle speed as very important parameter, indicated great savings in GHG emissions.

14

Authors: Igor Milanovic, Miladin Stefanovic, Zora Arsovski, Dragana Rejman Petrovic, Vladimir Rankovic, Zoran Kalinic

I n recent years information integration became significant problem for both natural and legal persons in everyday operations. Huge amount of information are available, but insufficiently processed in order to have useful value. Choosing the right combination of tools and technologies for integration is prerequisite for requiring information from multiple heterogeneous sources and their qualitative and simple using after.In this paper, we have focused on information integration within companies which are parts of supply chain or network. This environment typically includes a various mix of sources, structured (such as relational or other databases), and unstructured (such as document repositories, spreadsheets, documents, web pages, emails and others). Effective information integration and sharing significantly enhances supply chain practices. Service oriented architecture (SOA) is an architectural style for building software applications that use services available in anetwork such as the web. The use of SOA to achieve inter-enterprise supply network information integration has many advantages.

16

Authors: Arun Vijay S.

Students' rating of teaching is one of the most widely accepted methods of measuring the quality in Higher Education worldwide. The overall experience gained by the students during their academic journey in their respective college is a key factor to determine the Institutional Quality. This study was conducted among the Physical Therapy students with an objective to capture the overall experience related to various aspects of their Academic environment including teaching and learning process adopted in their college. To facilitate that, a unique questionnaire called,"Academic Environment Evaluation Questionnaire (AEEQ) was developed covering all the important teaching elements of the Higher Education Institutions. The students' opinion was captured and analyzed through six sigma analytical tool using Poisson distribution model. From the non-conformance level captured through the responses from the students about the various categories of teaching and learning elements, the corresponding Sigma rating for each teaching element was measured. Accordingly, a six point Quality rating system was developed customizing to each sigma values. This study brings a new, innovative student driven Quality rating system for the Higher Education Institutions in India.

18

Authors: O. Rama Mohana Rao, K. Venkata Subbaiah, K. Narayana Rao, T. Srinivasa Rao

Quality of hot metal produced in a blast furnace is affected by multiple variables. Classical Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies are non-optimal to monitor and control these multiple variables as the effect of one variable can be confounded with effects of other correlated variables. Further, Univariate control charts are difficult to manage and analyze because of the large numbers of control charts of each process variable. An lternative approach is to construct a single multivariate T2 control chart that minimizes the occurrence of false process alarms. Multivariate control charts monitor the relationship between the variables and identifies real process changes which are not detectable with Univariate charts. This paper studies the application of Multivariate Statistical Process Control (MSPC) charts to monitor hot metal production process in a steel industry. T2 diagnosis with Principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to analyze the critical process variables.

26

Authors: Hagos Berhane, Ajit Pal Singh

Process capability analysis is a vital part of an overall quality improvement program. It is a technique that has application in many segments of the product cycle, including product and process design, vendor sourcing, production or manufacturing planning, and manufacturing. Frequently, a process capability study involves observing a quality characteristic of the product. Since this information usually pertains to the product rather than the process, this analysis should strictly speaking be called a product analysis study. A true process capability study in this context would involve collecting data that relates to process parameters so that remedial actions can be identified on a timely basis. The present study attempts to analyze performance of drilling, pressing, and reaming operations carried out for the manufacturing of two major lock components viz. handle and lever plate, at Gaurav International, Aligarh (India). The data collected for depth of hole on handle, central hole diameter, and key hole diameter are used to construct histogram. Next, the information available in frequency distribution table, the process mean, process capability from calculations and specification limits provided by the manufacturing concern are used with Taguchi technique. The data obtained from histogram and Taguchi technique combined are used to evaluate the performance of the manufacturing process. Results of this study indicated that the performance of all the processes used to produce depth of hole on handle, key hole diameter, and central hole diameter are potentially incapable as the process capability indices are found to be 0.54, 0.54 and 0.76 respectively. The number of nonconforming parts expressed in terms of parts per million (ppm) that have fallen out of the specification limits are found to be 140000, 26666.66, and 146666.66 for depth of hole on handle, central hole diameter, and key hole diameter respectively. As a result, the total loss incurred due to variation in the measured quality characteristics in the same order is estimated as, 14076950, 7364675, and 18226962 INR. It is found that the combination of histogram and Taguchi technique helps to evaluate the overall performance of given process.

10

Authors: Piotr Kafel, Jelena Jovanovic, Zdravko Krivokapic, Aleksandar Vujovic

The paper is result of studies conducted at the Center for Quality-Faculty of Mechanical Engineering-Podgorica and it specifically includes a detailed study and analysis of literature sources concerning innovation, quality management systems, total quality management-(TQM). The main objective of this paper is to analyze the current research in the previously mentioned subject areas and to come to certain conclusions that would relate to the specific characteristics, trends and connections in the areas under consideration. The goal is to create a basis for further exploration and definition of hypothesis-based experiments that will be conducted in certified Montenegrin companies. Accordingly, this paper is the first hat analyses literature sources about opportunities and benefits of QMS and TQM and development of innovation performance.

10

Authors: Katarina Kanjevac Milovanovic

There is no competitive national economy without discharging the most important condition and those are competitive products that satisfy technical and safety mark etrequires, that is, products with the CE mark. The aim of this work is to highlight the problems and the main limitations in obtainin g the CE mark , and the benefits and justification of investment in the CE mark. The research was conducted in three directions. First he research conducted the quality of the existing infrastructure in Serbia. Then we went on to research many problems in obtaining the CE mark. To test the feasibility of investing in obtaining the CE mark was used cost benefit analysis. Based on the results, the results presented in this work strongly suggests that investment in obtaining resources for labeling of products h as a high rate of return.

12

Authors: Mohammad Ashiqur Rahman Khan, Stanislav Karapetrovic

This paper presents the implementation of a Customer Satisfaction Promise (CSP) that requires nurses to introduce themselves and explain the care plan to the patients of a hospital unit in Canada. The CSP implementation, maintenance and improvement activities were based on ISO 10001:2007. Qualitative and quantitative performance data were collected from nurses, the unit manager and patients, and improvement suggestions were made. During the implementation, nurses introduced themselves 95% of the time and explained the care plan 86% of the time. When interviewed, some nurses stated that the CSP was a good reinforcement of a practice already expected of them, which made patients happy, satisfied and more comfortable. Data from a small sample of patients was not adequate in clearly indicating the CSP's performance or improvement, but was useful in validating the survey and the feedback form. To our knowledge, applications of ISO 10001:2007 in health care have not been studied. Furthermore, this paper may be the first example of the integrated use of ISO 10001 and ISO 10002 in health care.

12

Authors: T.S. Nanjundeswaraswamy, D.R. Swamy

A high quality of work life (QWL) is essential for all organizations to continue to attract and retain employee. There is an impressive contribution by technical Institutions to the development of technology and economy of our nation. The study helps the technical institution employees to know the level of perception towards QWL and to enhance the same by the management. The sample consists of 109 employees of a technical institution. The questionnaire was designed based on nine important components of QWL. The research reveals that male employees are more satisfied than female employees. ChiSquare test show that there are no significance relationship between demographic characteristics of employees and QWL. Research also reveals that Adequacy of Resources are more correlated and Training & Development are less correlated with QWL in teaching staffs and in case of non teaching staffs Compensation & Rewards are more correlated and Work Environment are less correlated with QWL. The correlation analysis also reveals that all the dimensions of QWL are positively correlated with QWL of faculties, which indicates that enhancement in the dimensions of QWL can lead to increase the overall QWL of faculties.

14

Authors: Marija Blagojevic, Zivadin Micic

This paper presents an approach to adapting e-courses based on original PDCA (Plan, Do, Check , Act) platform and quality spiral. An algorithm for the adaptation of e-courses was proposed and implemented into the Moodle Learning Management System at the Faculty of Technical Sciences, ?a?ak. The approach is primarily based on improving LMS (Learning Management Systems) or e-learning systems through modifying the electronic structure of the courses by predicting the behaviour patterns of the users. The prediction of user behaviour patterns was done using data mining techniques. Future research will focus on modelling of excellence of continuous advancement of the original system based on the evaluation results carried out at the end of each PDCA cycle. Additionally, future work will aim at evaluating the effects of the system based on the achievements and positive feedback of the users.

18

Authors: Srdjan Nikezic, Dobrica Stojkovic, Boban Djurovic, Aleksandar Djordjevic

Leadership style represents the way in which a leader succeedes to direct and coordinate the behavior and actions of employees in order to achieve their goals. Leadership is a process of motivating of employees to work on achieving of goals promoted by the leader. It is a way of establishing the appropriate relationship between the leader and his associates and other employees. Using the model of Leadership Network Blake, Mouton and McCanse aspect of the application one of the five leadership styles is accompanied by two dimensions of local government. In two dimensions the respondents were orientating towards one of two choices: employee care and concern for the task. In this paper, on the basis of concrete research, based on the established hypotheses leadership style was determined that maches to the actual situation in local government. The investigation was taken in municipality located in central Serbia, which represents dominant sample for the research in this territorial socio-economic community.

6

Authors: Eugenia Czernyszewicz

Poland is significant producer of fruits in Europe. After accession to the EU, fruit producers are obligated to comply with operative rules and standards on this market which are related to ensuring commercial and healthcare products of appropriate quality. The quality of fruits available on the market is varied. This results from the fact that in the past, in domestic horticulture, more attention was paid to enlargement of the acreage, the modernization of orchards, increasing the intensity of production and productivity than on issues related to certification and quality management systems. Therefore, the aim of the work was to show the producer's opinion on methods and systems which assure quality of fruits. It was stated that producers have a good knowledge of the methods and systems of fruit quality assurance. Knowledge of these issues is significantly associated with the scale of the fruit production. The knowledge of the principles of integrated fruit production and trading standards GLOBALG.A.P. was declared most often. These methods of quality assurance were also top rated by producers and implemented mostly in farms.

8

Authors: Manel Alcala, Frederic Marimon, Marti Casadesus

The objective of this article is double: firstly is to show the standards ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 evolution and secondly evolution and situation in the pulp and paper sector during the last years. We would like to investigate why this decrease and what are the tendencies for the future. The methodology used to elaborate this publication is to study the different ISO's graphs evolution and project them to the future using mathematic logical models to see their tendencies. In other hand, we make a qualitative questionnaire to six pulp and paper companies, trying to obtain common results and to observe the tendency.

8

Authors: Vanya Zhivkova

Solar energy represents the amount of solar radiation per unit time on unit area. Solar energy is used to obtain thermal energy through solar, and electrical energy through exist for solar energy: passive and active. The utilization of solar energy is essential for the development of human civilization.

10

Authors: D.Venkata Ramana, K.Narayana Rao, J.Suresh Kumar, K.Venkatasubbaiah

This study examines the consistency approaches by confirmatory factor analysis that determines the construct validity, convergent validity, construct reliability and internal consistency of the items of strategic design requirements. The design requirements includes use of information technology, sourcing procedures, new product development, flexible manufacturing functions and demand management supply chain net work design, management, commitment and inventory management policies among manufacturers of volatile and unforeseeable products in Andhraadesh, India. This study suggested that the seven factor model with 20 items of the leagile supply chain design requirements had a good fit. Further, the study showed a val id and reliable measurement to identify critical items among the design requirements of leagile supply chains.

12

Authors: Rouhollah Mojtahedzadeh, RezaIzadi

As a developing country, economic and environmental performance has to be balanced in India. Green supply chain management (GSCM) is emerging as an important proactive approach for Indian enterprises forimproving environmental performance of processes and products in accordance with the requirements of environmental regulations. This study examines the consistency approaches by confirmatory factor analysis that determines the construct validity, convergent validity, construct reliability and internal consistency of the items of Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) requirements. This study examines the consistency approaches by Confirmatory factor analysis that determines the adoption and implementation of Sustainable supply chain management activities in small & medium scale industries. The requirements include Management commitment, customer coordination, sustainable design & production, green procurement and eco logistics for sustainable supply chains. This study suggested that the five factor model with eighteen items of the sustainable supply chain design had a good fit. Further, the study showed a valid and reliable measurement to identify critical items among the requirements of sustainable supply chains.

14

Authors: T.S. Nanjundeswaraswamy, D.R. Swamy

Good Quality of worklife is necessary for an organization to attract and to retain skilled and talented employees. In order to survive in the competitive market because of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization and to minimize the attrition rate of employees the QWL initiatives are very important. QWL involves wide variety of components that are influenced on the performance of employees. This paper focuses and analyzes the literature findings which involve QWL.