Papers by Keyword: Quality

Abstract: The paper deals with the properties, quality and durability of the exposed concrete. The main part of this paper are characteristic of architectural (sometimes called visible or naked) concrete and the criterion of the quality evaluation of the performed work. This is mainly the colour balance of the subject area, the quantity and the size of the pores, the quality of the raw material and the surface structure. Achieving the quality of architectural concrete is considerably more technologically demanding compared with conventional concrete. This is reflected also in its cost. In conclusion, the problems of surface layers of architectural concrete are summarized. Especially environments can cause faster degradation, reducing the lifetime of the whole construction, but also pointing to one of the main problems in construction, which is technological discipline.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess the adoption level of Total Quality Management (TQM) in pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Southwestern Nigeria by a cross-sectional survey of staff in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States of Nigeria involving 348 of the 2,649 members, selected by multi-stage sampling. Primary data were collected using a set of pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire which sought to elicit information on the level of TQM adoption and designed with items on a Likert–type scale of seven alternative responses with weighting scores of 0 through 6, representing seven stages (levels) in the adoption process. Adoption was taken as becoming effective from the sixth stage (level 5). Factors influencing TQM adoption were identified by employing a Likert-type influence scale with five alternative responses and weighting scores of 0 - 4. Weighted averages (WA) and means of weighted averages (MWA) were employed in summarising the data while t-test and regression analyses were used in identifying significant relationships between variables at 5% significance level. The results showed that TQM adoption was at implementation (trial) level (MWA ≈ 4) and had not become actualised in the industry (t = 11.906, df = 3, p = .000). The study concluded that the adoption level of TQM in this industry was at trial level and TQM adoption was ineffective. Thus, there is need for improved adoption of the various components of TQM, particularly ‘leadership commitment’ and this can be achieved through sustained TQM training and advocacy by professional associations within the industry such as Nigerian Association of Industrial Pharmacists (NAIP) and Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).

Abstract: In the present condition, customer demand has increased gradually due to technological development and globalisation in this world. So this made the industrialist to deliver the products at right quantity at right place at right time with shorter lead time. But due to high rejection rate the industries fails to meet the customer demand which in turn reduces the customer satisfaction. Hence, this research an attempt was made to reduce the defects of casting components in an original equipment manufacturer. The study was carried out in a foundry of brake drum manufacturing industry. The problem was inside that the industry could not meet the customer demand due to high rejection rate and the major contributor for high rejection is found to be sand drop. Hence, proposed solutions have been implemented to achieve the objectives. After implementation of proper lean tools it was observed from the results that, the rejection rate was reduced by about 4% and the quality level was increased by about 4.4%.

Abstract: This paper illustrate the quality management system in an organization with field of activities in manufacturing of aerospace components. The aerospace standard of quality management system is EN AS 9100, based on ISO 9001. Additional to the EN AS 9100 quality management system standard requirements, the organizations in aerospace field, need to integrate in their quality system a lot of additional process and regulations specific in aerospace industry. The big aircraft producers have designed their requirements in such a way that all approved suppliers, which are respecting these requirements, can manufacture high quality products. These requirements are manufacturing process specifications, inspection specifications, aircraft design standard and norms and even project management procedures and best practice. The method used to integrate all these requirements is detailed and explain in this paper.

Abstract: Nowadays, most people are living with busy schedule. Consequently, people have to select the most convenient option to save their time. Instant rice is considered as one of the possible solutions to serve most people present lifestyle. However, the problems with instant rice including slow rehydration and poor quality affect the consumer acceptability. This research focused on drying methods in order to improve the quality of instant rice. Two drying methods were investigated: Industrial microwave drying (IMD) and fluidized bed drying (FBD). The results of quality evaluation revealed that whiteness and texture of IMD had no significant difference with freshly cooked rice. In addition, IMD had better quality of product compared to FBD in term of texture and whiteness. IMD (6,400 watt, 2,450 MHz) was appropriate drying method to produce instant rice because of the fast rehydration time for 4 minutes by boiling water while FBD (85°C 60 min) took slower rehydration time for 9.5 minutes. Furthermore, after rehydration, the rice physical appearance of FBD and IMD were not coagulated and not broken and good quality. Therefore, instant rice processing by IMD is recommended for the instant rice production at the industrial scale.

Abstract: Every organisation is a very complex system. It consists of soft and hard parts of a system. Their relationships and the influence of the substantial neighbourhood lead to the development of a number of problems. This article deals with nonconformities in the relationship to material aspects in management systems of organisations. Nonconformities were found from the survey which was conducted in organisations in a one region of the Czech Republic. There are from production, maintenance, store, quality department and so on. The article classifies nonconformities by a type, by a severity and by an amount. It describes the relation to risks of the management system and also to main and minor processes and to innovations. In conclusion, the article presents some recommendations for the increase of quality of a production and also for the simplification of the management system.

Abstract: The world steel market is in a phase of maturity. Worldwide growth in steel demand is expected to be in the range of 1% per year and the world’s biggest market, China, is facing a phase of stagnating or even diminishing steel demand. The situation has changed from a supplier driven to a customer driven market meaning that customer demands are increasing and margins are dropping. Besides increasing levels of digitization and service orientation as well as the development of new sales channels the delivery of higher quality, introduction of new steel grades and further customization of high-end products to cover niche markets are of prime importance to keep or increase market shares. Besides efficient organization and execution of the daily business ranging from production to quality management and customer services paired with data-based insight, highly efficient research and development (R&D) with increasingly limited amount of resources is a must. This paper addresses the latter topic regarding trends for future steel grade demands and strategies for efficient R&D.

Abstract: For experimental substantiation of plasmatrons work efficiency the technological regulations of quality and safety parameters test for plasma-arc cutting of metals technology are taken. For the integral evaluation of the obtained results it is proposed to use the methods of qualimetric analysis adapted to the technology of plasma cutting. The obtained integral parameters indicate the effectiveness of the new plasmatrons, designed by the authors in comparison with previously produced analogues, as well as with modern domestic and foreign samples.

Abstract: The results of the process experimental studies of titanium alloys transverse rolling bars are presented. The efficiency of using such a process for reducing the surface roughness is shown. The samples were tested after rolling on corrosion-resistance resistance, ultrasonic testing, and also the study of the metal microstructure was made. For the bars transverse rolling in industrial conditions, a tooling was developed and created, intended for installation on operating centerless lathes instead of tooling with a cutting tool. Production tests of new equipment has shown its good performance.

Abstract: The search for effective methods of management is one of the strategic directions of economic development. To obtain high-quality products, organizations should manage nonconformities and causes of product defects. The paper focuses on the analysis of groups of defects of welded joints using statistical methods. Welding process was considered as one of the processes of management. The possible causes of nonconformities were indicated. The method of failure modes and effects analysis was used to quantify the level of risk. A matrix of consequences and probabilities was presented, and critical risks and risk situations were selected. The proposed measures to eliminate or minimize negative effects enable identification of problem areas of the life cycle of welded structures.