Gilberto Miller Devós Ganga

Lean manufacturing in Brazilian small and medium enterprises: implementation and effect on performance

The main objective of this paper is to investigate the degree to which lean manufacturing (LM) practices are being implemented within Brazilian small and medium enterprises (SMEs), by defining what LM means, in the view of SMEs in Brazil. In addition, the paper investigates the relationship between LM implementation and performance of such companies. The research method used in this paper comprised of an exploratory survey using the partial least-square method with the structural equation modelling technique (PLS-SEM). The results show that the companies studied used practices in a fragmented manner, without a holistic view of LM, which is considered to be one of the most important parts of this approach. Only the constructs of statistical process control, total productive maintenance and employee involvement are being implemented as an integrated approach for Brazilian SMEs. These companies do not take other important constructs such as customer involvement, continuous flow, pull production, set-up time reduction, supplier development and supplier feedback into consideration as part of LM systems, despite using some practices in a dispersed manner. Concerning performance, the present study shows that even in a fragmented way, the implementation of these LM practices help these companies to achieve improvement in operational performance.

Predicting Success in Product Development: The Application of Principal Component Analysis to Categorical Data and Binomial Logistic Regression

Critical success factors in new product development (NPD) in the Brazilian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are identified and analyzed. Critical success factors are best practices that can be used to improve NPD management and performance in a company. However, the traditional method for identifying these factors is survey methods. Subsequently, the collected data are reduced through traditional multivariate analysis. The objective of this work is to develop a logistic regression model for predicting the success or failure of the new product development. This model allows for an evaluation and prioritization of resource commitments. The results will be helpful for guiding management actions, as one way to improve NPD performance in those industries.

A Framework for Continuous Inspection Plans Using Multivariate Mathematical Methods

The aim of this study was to propose and apply a sampling procedure using mathematical models and multivariate statistics for continuous processes in manufacturing companies. The research presented in this paper can be classified as a descriptive and empirical quantitative study in which the basic interest was in creating a model that describes and analyzes the causal relationships between the quality characteristics (in this case, multivariate) of a process, in order to select the best continuous inspection plan. This framework was applied in a company that supplies the main component producers for the worldwide car industry. The results obtained from applying the multivariate procedures made it possible to select the best continuous inspection plan based on inspection frequency, resultant mean quality, and proportion of the units inspected. This procedure should be tested on new problems and real situations in order to validate the methods used. Copyright

The extent of knowledge of Quick Response Manufacturing principles: an exploratory transnational study

The main goal of this research is to identify whether companies that have implemented the Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) approach have full knowledge of the QRM principles or have merely applied the elements (principles and tools) that have a close relationship with Lean Manufacturing. Based on a review of the literature regarding the QRM principles, an exploratory survey was conducted for over 20 manufacturing companies from Brazil, Europe and the USA that operate in an Engineer or Make to Order environment system and explicitly have conducted QRM journeys. The results of the present study show that (i) the surveyed companies have difficulty knowing and applying some of the exclusive elements of this approach, even if they started implementing QRM several years ago; (ii) the surveyed companies’ knowledge degree over QRM exclusive elements is apparently higher among US-based companies due to better trained employees and better dissemination and awareness of the QRM exclusive elements; and (iii) a mentality based on productivity, low costs and due date delivery was identified as the main barrier for companies to achieve a higher knowledge degree regarding QRM.

Gestão do desempenho em cadeias de suprimentos usando lógica fuzzy

Supply chain measurement is a complex activity due to the broad taxonomy of variables (quantitative or qualitative; financial or non-financial, and others). This scenario results in a vague and subjective process to evaluate performance. Accordingly, the fuzzy logic seems to be a viable approach to measure Supply Chain Performance. This work proposes the creation of a simulation environment, developed on FuzzyTECH platform. It is based on a hierarchical model of SCOR metrics, which aims the assessment of the supply chain performance. The goal of such model is to evaluate systemically the supply chain performance establishing the cause-effect relation can be between performance attributes and levels 1 and 2 of the SCOR metrics. The findings showed great consistency when compared to the SCORmark approach suggested by the Supply Chain Council for a benchmarking process. The model is expected to be a useful tool in the supply chain performance diagnosis and improvement process contributing to strategic supply chain management decision-making processes.

Projeto de cadeia de suprimentos ágeis e verdes: estudos exploratórios em uma empresa de bens de consumo não duráveis

Emerging trends in the area of supply chain management are significantly impacting academia and the business environment. Among these trends are the dynamic alignment paradigm and the sustainable supply chain management approach. The dynamic alignment paradigm recognizes that companies should dynamically manage different types of supply chains (e.g., fully flexible, agile, lean, and continuous replenishment) to respond appropriately to various types of customers behaviors. The sustainable supply chain management approach accounts for various environmental and social issues as complements to the traditional economic criteria in the design and management of these different types of supply chains. In a recent study, some authors combined these two trends in a novel conceptual model aiming to help decision-makers better manage different environmental trade-offs when designing a supply chain using the dynamic alignment concept. This study presents some experimental studies on the agile supply chain to verify some of the assumptions made by the model. To do so, simulation experiments were conducted for a large multinational company producing non-durable consumer goods. The results provide evidence that the conceptual model proposed is consistent and has the potential to help companies design agile and green supply chains.

Princípios e ferramentas da produção mais limpa: um estudo exploratório em empresas brasileiras

O presente trabalho visa avaliar os principios e ferramentas da producao mais limpa utilizados pelas empresas brasileiras e, de forma especifica, entender como estes principios sao agrupados e organizados pelas organizacoes de maneira a tornar mais efetivos tais principios. Foi utilizado para coleta de dados o survey exploratorio em organizacoes associadas ao Instituto Ethos. Para a analise dos dados foram utilizadas estatisticas descritivas e analise multivariada, consubstanciando seis conjuntos de fatores explicativos. A estatistica descritiva indicou que mais de 68% das empresas brasileiras pesquisadas adotaram o planejamento e controle da producao com educacao ambiental com foco na analise da intensidade de material para reducao de emissoes e residuos na producao, alem da substituicao e desenvolvimento de insumos tradicionais em ecologicos junto aos fornecedores, visando desenvolver produto ambientalmente correto. Entretanto, a adocao desses principios exigiu investimento em pesquisa e inovacao e treinamentos em educacao ambiental, gerando aumento dos custos operacionais. Ja os principios menos utilizados pelas empresas explicam a falta de conhecimentos sobre as normas de rotulagem ambiental (13%), AA1000 para inclusividade dos stakeholders nas decisoes operacionais (25%) e de Eco-Management Audit System (28%). Os principios foram agrupados em seis fatores pelas empresas, que sao: (i) a adocao de producao mais limpa e ecologia industrial com sistema de gestao ambiental baseada na ISO 14001, visando o desenvolvimento de projetos para o meio ambiente no produto, processo produtivo e redes logisticas; (ii) a cocriacao com os clientes no desenvolvimento de produto ecologico com foco na logistica reversa de remanufatura; (iii) a adocao de planejamento e controle da producao ambiental favoreceu o investimento em pesquisa e inovacao com foco na reducao de riscos ambientais externos; (iv) a cocriacao com os fornecedores para o desenvolvimento de materias-primas e componentes ecologicos, alem de promover sistema de auditorias; (v) a adocao de gestao da cadeia de suprimentos verde para selecionar fornecedores sustentaveis e implantar o metodo SBP para o desdobramento dos indicadores ambientais; e, finalmente, (vi) a intensificacao de treinamentos aos fornecedores sobre educacao ambiental para auxiliar nas acoes de logistica reversa de pos-consumo e pos-venda para reuso, remanufatura e reciclagem.

Performance measurement and its impact on Brazilian public academic libraries

Assessment and measurement of performance in academic libraries are well established. However, in developing countries such as Brazil, this has not been fully explored. This study aims to contribute to the knowledge by investigating practices of measuring library performance in Brazilian public academic libraries and analyzing their relationship with managerial processes. It employs a survey method with a descriptive-explanatory objective and follows a quantitative research approach. Data was gathered from 149 libraries. Results indicate that performance measurement system at academic libraries in Brazil lack systematic methods. However, libraries with implemented performance management systems have better management practices, reflecting in their library management maturity.

Factors Influencing Customer Satisfaction in Software as a Service (SaaS): Proposal of a System of Performance Indicators

This article aims to identify factors influencing the customer satisfaction of Service as Service (SaaS) and proposes a set of indicators that can be used to measure it. The research was conducted using a survey and statistical analysis on client accounts of one of the major IT companies in the world. The results allowed proposing six factors for assessing the customer satisfaction. Quality in the execution of project, quality in the implementation and relationship are factors with the higher influence on customer satisfaction. Another result is that these factors can be also used for IT companies as performance indicators relate to the implementation and delivery of SaaS

A visão de um fornecedor-chave sobre a colaboração com a montadora

This study aims to describe and discuss the elements of the collaboration process between an automaker and a key supplier from the point of view of the latter. The automotive industry has done much to develop the supply chain management field since the 1990s, but the Brazilian literature does not describe the maturity level reached with first-tier key suppliers, especially from the supply-side perspective. To take a first step towards understanding this phenomenon, we used an exploratory-descriptive case study method. Results indicate limited collaboration at the operational level and reduced maturity. Trust, a vital input for the success of collaboration, proved to be restricted, even at times showing a win-lose behavior. It might be inferred that the first step toward the establishment of a collaborative relationship was accomplished; however, many barriers are to be overcome in order to consolidate a true collaborative relationship. This occurs even with world-class companies in a rather sophisticated industrial sector such as the auto industry.