Paulo Augusto Cauchick-Miguel

Exploring business model innovation for sustainability: an investigation of two product-service systems

The conceptual exploration of sustainable business models (SBMs) is new in the literature, and there is still a limited understanding of how these models might look in practice. As theory development should be grounded in reality, more empirical research is needed. This paper aims to contribute to the literature by exploring how a specific type of SBM (product-service systems) may contribute to sustainability. The business models of two companies located in an emerging economy (Brazil) were analysed through business model lenses. The goal was to examine the key characteristics, how the solutions have overcome the barriers associated with business model implementation, enablers, cooperative arrangements, and the link between technology advancement and innovation. Multiple sources were used to gather data, and an inductive approach based on grounded theory was applied for data analysis. The main findings show the role of collaborative approaches and stakeholder interaction in fostering SBM implementation and overcoming the main barriers associated with the implementation. Innovative technologies are also an important driver for achieving environmental improvements. Future research may focus on exploring other SBMs implemented in developing countries, the main sustainability benefits, and the collaborative approaches established.

An initiative for integrating problem-based learning into a lean manufacturing course of an industrial engineering graduate program

The interest in improving the quality of engineering education is widely deemed. Due to an increasingly worldwide competition, Lean Manufacturing (LM) has been a relevant subject among industrial engineering graduate programs. Despite the advances in teaching LM principles and techniques, the practical character inherent to LM undermines learning and development of students. In this sense, this study aims at demonstrating a proposal to enhance LM learning in an industrial engineering program. It is a blended proposal that combines traditional teaching methods to problem-based learning (PBL) approach based on real problems of companies undergoing a lean implementation. A first phase of the proposal introduction is illustrated with an example of introducing it in a Brazilian federal university. The findings indicate that PBL may be an effective complementary method for LM learning, especially if graduate students are exposed to real problems in companies that are undergoing a lean implementation and related it to the current body of literature.

Proposal of a framework for product-service systems characterization

Abstract Product-service systems (PSS) design raises new issues, among which the need of encompassing a life cycle perspective. The aim of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework for PSS characterization through its life cycle. The purpose is to understand the structure, the sequence, and the main characteristics of PSS life cycle phases, characterizing a PSS process model. A systematic literature review was carried out to identify the PSS life cycle phases and the conceptual elements that characterize each phase. The PSS life cycle was structured based on service life cycle from the customer perspective. Afterwards, the conceptual framework was built for PSS characterization considering business model, engineering and design aspects that may be useful to guide PSS solutions development. The paper aims to make a theoretical contribution by understanding what should be done and how to perform the activities during PSS life cycle at a systemic level. Keywords Product-service systems. PSS. Design. Life cycle management. Conceptual framework.

Compartilhamento de veículos no contexto de sistema produto-serviço: análise de uma iniciativa de implementação no Brasil e comparação com sistemas na Europa

Com a crescente urbanizacao e consequente aumento do congestionamento, falta de estacionamentos e problemas relacionados com a poluicao, os servicos de compartilhamento de carros (ou car-sharing services - CSS) emergem como alternativas potenciais. Contudo, apesar da difusao e dos potenciais beneficios, os CSS apresentam inumeras restricoes e desafios para implantacao. Nesse sentido, este trabalho objetiva analisar um CSS no estado de Santa Catarina e compara-lo com os principais sistemas na Europa. Para a coleta de dados, foi conduzida uma entrevista com um dos fundadores do CSS e uso de dados secundarios acerca dos principais sistemas de compartilhamento. Constatou-se que os principais fatores criticos identificados no CSS implantado foram: baixa densidade da rede, capacidade de operacao limitada, e falta de interligacao com outros modais de transporte. Apesar de o insucesso do sistema de car-sharing analisado, acredita-se que este tipo de iniciativa possa ter favorecida com divulgacao mais ampla deste tipo de servico, destacando ainda a necessidade de melhorias em aspectos relacionados a mobilidade urbana.

Lean Six Sigma in developing countries: evidence from a large Brazilian manufacturing firm

Purpose Although the literature on Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation has evolved, a deeper understanding of the LSS practices applied in organisations in developing countries is needed. This paper aims to analyse LSS in a manufacturing company in the context of LSS implementation in an emerging economy. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses case-based research. Data collected in a large manufacturing company through multiple sources of evidence were triangulated to derive the findings. This paper analyses aspects related to the implementation of both programmes and their synergy, as well as some critical and failure factors. Findings The main results show that Lean and Six Sigma are applied separately in two different programmes. Some aspects that are necessary to increase the integration of both approaches were identified while considering each phase of the DMAIC and the current approach applied by the company. Although some positive results have been achieved, there are many critical and failure factors that may influence the implementation of both approaches, such as employee training and changes in the organisational environment. Finally, the comprehensive integration of both approaches needs to be undertaken by the company. Research limitations/implications The findings from this single case study cannot be generalised. Practical implications This paper may be used as a guiding reference for managers and consultants to help them when working towards more successful LSS implementation. Originality/value First, this paper investigates LSS in a manufacturing firm located in a developing country; this issue is still seldom addressed in the literature. Second, it may contribute to practitioners’ knowledge by delivering insights into a real context, as well as the relevant issues to be addressed when implementing LSS in similar contexts.

Reverse logistics: Improvements and benefits when shifting parts exchanging process in a household appliance organization

Purpose Increased competition and access to information are forcing companies to provide quality to their products and services, aligned with a growing society pressure for less harmful environmental practices. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how the adoption of reverse logistics (RL) may contribute to the generation of competitive advantage and improved quality in a part substitution process of a household appliance company. Design/methodology/approach This paper carried out a single case study in a household appliance company. The study collected data through semi-structured interviews in addition to document analysis and observation. Findings The implemented practices enhanced service maintenance and customer services and provided a more effective monitoring of defective parts. Moreover, such practices reduced unnecessary part substitutions, consumer dissatisfaction and undesired disposal in the environment. RL in the studied company has offered a potential contribution to the company quality strategies by providing more part returns, assuring cost savings, and reducing time to solve field problems. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to a single case study. Thus, the study findings are not subject to generalization for other similar organizations. Originality/value This paper is one of the few studies on RL in a household company in the context of an emerging economy. Such feature denotes in a singular scenario in RL investigations about recovering defective parts.

Deploying Six Sigma practices to General Electric subsidiaries in a developing economy: An empirical analysis

Purpose The aim of this paper is to investigate Six Sigma implementation in the subsidiaries of General Electric located in Brazil. The purpose is also to explore the role of the quality culture of headquarters in overcoming common obstacles to Six Sigma implementation reported by other studies. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory survey was the basis for gathering data for this study. A structured questionnaire was developed covering issues related to Six Sigma implementation, such as experienced benefits, main outcomes, and metrics adopted by companies. Data from eight GE subsidiaries was qualitatively analyzed. The findings were discussed in the light of other studies conducted in Brazil as well as in other developing countries in the context of the role of existing quality culture in overcoming barriers to Six Sigma implementation. Findings The findings revealed that Six Sigma at GE subsidiaries achieved better results in comparison with the results obtained by other Brazilian companies reporte...

Structuring a Portfolio for Selecting and Prioritizing Textile Products

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate a proposal on product portfolio management for the development of new products in a textile company. The research methods address the application of real data from the studied company. This work is characterized both as conceptual and field-based research. It constructs a proposal based on existing theory and involves an empirical application of that proposal. By using the portfolio selection and prioritization proposal, the company was able to select new products for development in a structured way. As continuity for this work, the paper suggests the application of product selection and prioritization for other organizations.