Arturo Realyvásquez

Structural Model for the Effects of Environmental Elements on the Psychological Characteristics and Performance of the Employees of Manufacturing Systems

This paper analyzes the effects of environmental elements on the psychological characteristics and performance of employees in manufacturing systems using structural equation modeling. Increasing the comprehension of these effects may help optimize manufacturing systems regarding their employees’ psychological characteristics and performance from a macroergonomic perspective. As the method, a new macroergonomic compatibility questionnaire (MCQ) was developed and statistically validated, and 158 respondents at four manufacture companies were considered. Noise, lighting and temperature, humidity and air quality (THAQ) were used as independent variables and psychological characteristics and employees’ performance as dependent variables. To propose and test the hypothetical causal model of significant relationships among the variables, a data analysis was deployed. Results found that the macroergonomic compatibility of environmental elements presents significant direct effects on employees’ psychological characteristics and either direct or indirect effects on the employees’ performance. THAQ had the highest direct and total effects on psychological characteristics. Regarding the direct and total effects on employees’ performance, the psychological characteristics presented the highest effects, followed by THAQ conditions. These results may help measure and optimize manufacturing systems’ performance by enhancing their macroergonomic compatibility and quality of life at work of the employees.

Effects of Macro-ergonomic Compatibility of Work Demands on Manufacturing Systems’ Organizational Performance

High work demands (WDs) usually have negative effects on employees such as exhaustion and absenteeism, whereas moderate WDs have positive effects that include work enjoyment and creativity. However, effects of WDs on clients, production processes and organizational performance are scarcely studied. This paper analyzes the effects of macro-ergonomic compatibility of work demands of employees (MCWDs), as independent variable on manufacturing system with respect to production processes, clients, and organizational performance as dependent variables. As methods, a macro-ergonomic compatibility questionnaire (MCQ) is developed and statistically validated, and a Structural Equations Model (SEM) is created to find the effects of MCWDs on the dependent variables, and also the effects among them. Results indicate that MCWDs do not have a direct effect on organizational performance, but on production processes and clients; and significant indirect effect on organizational performance. As conclusion, MCWDs represents a source of clients’ satisfaction, production processes’ reliability, and organizational performance.

Ergonomic assessment for the task of repairing computers in a manufacturing company: A case study.

BACKGROUND Manufacturing industry workers who repair computers may be exposed to ergonomic risk factors. OBJECTIVES This project analyzes the tasks involved in the computer repair process to (1) find the risk level for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and (2) propose ergonomic interventions to address any ergonomic issues. METHODS Work procedures and main body postures were video recorded and analyzed using task analysis, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) postural method, and biomechanical analysis. RESULTS High risk for MSDs was found on every subtask using REBA. Although biomechanical analysis found an acceptable mass center displacement during tasks, a hazardous level of compression on the lower back during computers transportation was detected. CONCLUSIONS This assessment found ergonomic risks mainly in the trunk, arm/forearm, and legs; the neck and hand/wrist were also compromised. Opportunities for ergonomic analyses and interventions in the design and execution of computer repair tasks are discussed.

Assessment of Ergonomic Compatibility on the Selection of Advanced Manufacturing Technology

This paper proposes the development of an expert system for ergonomic compatibility assessment on the selection of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT). Actual models for AMT assessment neglect Human Factors and Ergonomic (HFE) attributes and present deficiencies such as high time consumption and complexity. This approach proposes a novel axiomatic design methodology under fuzzy environment including two stages: the generation of fuzzy If-Then rules using Mamdani’s fuzzy inference system and the development of the system by mean of experts’ opinions. A numerical example is presented for the selection of three CNC milling machines using the Weighted Ergonomic Incompatibility Content (WEIC). The expert system leads to the selection of the best alternative containing the minimum WEIC, as the one that better satisfies ergonomic requirements. Development and application of the system may help provide an easier, faster, single or group ergonomic assessment on AMT selection by promoting safer and more ergonomic workplaces in manufacturing companies.

Effects of Organizational Culture and Teamwork on Manufacturing Systems’ Performance

Macroergonomics contributes to competitiveness of manufacturing systems; however, it seems that macroergonomic practices are scarcely implemented in Mexican manufacturing companies. The objective of this article is to determine the relationships between two macroergonomic elements, Organizational Culture and Teamwork, and manufacturing systems’ performance (Manufacturing Processes, Customers, and Organizational Performance). As data collection instrument, we administered the Macro-Ergonomic Compatibility Questionnaire (MCQ) to 188 employees of manufacturing companies located in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Then, a structural equation model (SEM) was constructed to know and measure direct, indirect, and total effects occurring among latent variables. Findings revealed a good model fit and showed that Organizational Culture and Teamwork have the same direct and positive effects on manufacturing systems’ performance. In conclusion, macroergonomic practices of Organizational Culture and Teamwork contribute to improving performance and competitiveness of manufacturing systems.

Determining the Occupational Risk Level in the Task of Welding Railings in a Manufacturing Company by Means of RULA

Nowadays, accidents, diseases, injuries, and even deaths, are presented in the manufacturing industry. This is due to a dysergonomic design in the work processes or in workstations, which promotes the appearance of risk factors, such as uncomfortable postures adopted by workers. Then, this research aims to determine the occupational risk level to which employees of a manufacturing company are exposed when they perform the task of welding railing for gardens. To determine the risk level, the RULA and ERIN methods were selected, since they are easy to apply and of low cost. Results indicated that the task of welding railings is highly risky, since the RULA score was 5, whereas the ERIN score was 32, and then, ergonomic interventions are required as soon as possible. Some recommendations are given to decrease the risk level of the task. It is hoped that the company adopts the Ergonomics as a competitiveness strategy.

Measuring the Complex Construct of Macroergonomic Compatibility: A Manufacturing System Case Study

Macroergonomic compatibility (MC) refers to the extent to which macroergonomic factors and elements (MFEs) interact positively with humans. It is one of the most complex constructs to measure in work systems and in ergonomics. The goal of this paper is to determine the levels of MC in a manufacturing system. As methods, we use the macroergonomic compatibility index (MCI) and the Macroergonomic Compatibility Questionnaire (MCQ). The MCQ was administered in its three versions (i.e., worker version, expert version, and medical department version) to collect data about the macroergonomic practices implemented in the manufacturing company. Regarding results, all the macroergonomic factors and most of the macroergonomic elements showed a low level of MC; that is, MCI < 0.7. Only macroergonomic elements Education, Knowledge, and Skills reached a medium level; namely, MCI = 0.709. The factor with the highest level of MC was the Person factor (MCI = 0.328). Similarly, the whole manufacturing system showed a low level of MC. In conclusion, the studied manufacturing company requires urgent macroergonomic interventions. Also, we found that the MCI can effectively measure the level of MC of MFEs and can guide the implementation of macroergonomic practices (MPs) and explain the MC construct.