Advanced Materials Research Vol. 845

Abstract: This paper outlines work carried out in the field of inventory management on remanufacturing. So far numerous authors have proposed quantitative models taking inventory management in remanufacturing into consideration. However, no general framework has been specified yet. Thus, it appears timely for a composed outline of the issues showing up in the context of remanufacturing inventory control. In this review, the area is subdivided into three main fields, in particular inventory policies, deterministic & stochastic models and lead time effects. For each of the aforementioned fields, the models proposed in the literature are reviewed and the areas in necessity of further research are indicated.

Abstract: The performance of workers is a very important factor that could affect the overall productivity result. In the industrial repetitive task, the performance of direct workers has a significant impact on the work productivity. In this kind of task, the work productivity loss is not only seen from time loss but also due to functional incapacity of the workers. The workers are present at work but functionally limited due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). There are various studies which have reported on the effects of WMSDs on the work productivity, but few attempts have been made to investigate the relationship. This study aims to develop a conceptual model of work productivity associated with WMSDs as an aid to identify the relationship between the risks of WMSDs and the work productivity. The knowledge on the relationship is important to reduce the risk of WMSDs and at the same time can optimize the work productivity. A conceptual model of work productivity associated with WMSDs in the industrial repetitive task was developed based on the review on the existing models and theories. The factors involved in the model were discussed. The factors involved were work-related physical risk factors, muscle fatigue, work-related musculoskeletal disorders and work productivity.

Abstract: This paper aims to investigate and discuss the concepts comprised of the competencies deriving from tacit and explicit knowledge of operational work, a critical factor in the transfer and retention of knowledge in an organization of agricultural activities, as well as their relationships. Thus, this article contains a review of the literature to understand the relationship between worker competencies and the work done in agricultural units linked to teaching and research institutes in Brazil. The term agricultural unitsrefers to experimental farms belonging to higher education institutions, intended to serve as a workplace for teaching, research and extension activities. This research is also based on the specific characteristics of work in an organization that fit in situations of high variability. The final product of an experimental farm includes not only research results and generated knowledge, but also the development of operational activities. Finally, this paper discusses the relationship of competencies necessary for the development of this kind of agricultural unit of teaching and research.

Abstract: This paper is intended to demonstrate the use of normalized radial basis function (NRBF) network and Bat Algorithm (BA) for size optimization of a mechanical part under static loading. The data needed for developing the NRBF model is generated simulating a parameterized CAD model in ANSYS Workbench 14.5. Plausible input data for the CAD model is created using Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) method. A torque arm is considered to proof the concept. The comparison between the result obtained from the proposed method and the solution from ANSYS Workbench itself shows that, the NRBF-BA model is indeed effective in providing a reasonable solution for a moderately complex problem.

Abstract: This paper investigates the recycling waste aluminum alloy 6061 from high speed machine (HSM) machine using hot forging process. Hot forging process able to recover the grain structure of material by controlling certain pressure and temperature. The experiments conducted by Taguchi method design. Three factors selected are chip size, operating temperature and operating pressure with three levels for each factor. Both factors for operating temperature and pressure direct control from hot forging machine. The chip sizes are prepared from HSM machine using by three machine parameters, which are constant cutting speed and manipulate three levels for each parameter for feed rate and depth of cut. The final result between reference and experiment specimen shows the close gap in the tensile test. The main effect, signal noise ratio and analysis of variance were employed to investigate the results and the optimum parameters for hot forging process can be established. It can be concluded that the hot forging process able to recycle waste (chip) aluminum compared to the current recycling aluminum process.

Abstract: This paper offers a preliminary study on Lean Tools (LT) implementation in Malaysian Food and Beverages Industry. A survey was carried out to determine the most common LT that are currently being implemented in this industry. Out of 1309, a total of 300 organizations have been randomly selected as respondents. The results were analyzed using Rasch Model, and the findings show that the organizations apply only six out of eighteen LT. From the variable map, Kaizen is the most preferable LT, while Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) is the least favorable LT. LT such as Just-In-Time (JIT), Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Poka Yoke is still unfamiliar in current practice in this industry. This shows that, even though the organizations claim that they are Lean Manufacturing (LM) implementers, they are still at the infancy level. Finally, this is perhaps the first attempt in identifying the extent of LT implementation in Malaysian Food and Beverages Industry using Rasch Model.

Abstract: In petrochemical, power generation, oil and gas industries and in variety of other sectors rotating equipments are in use to fulfill production requirements. Failure of rotating equipment, especially in such industries can result to risk related issues. A well implemented rotating equipment risk assessment strategy is most needed to achieve desired plant availability and efficiency. In this research semi-quantitative risk assessment approach is proposed to evaluate the risk of rotating equipment and categorize their associated failure risks. Borda ranking is adopted to evaluate the risk in order to minimize risk ties which exist in risk matrix. Compressor is taken as case study to show the applicability of the proposed method for rotating equipment. It was observed that risks of selected failure modes of gas turbine compressor fall in the categories of serious and medium levels based on risk matrix. Rotor bend distortion, blade failure or inlet guide vane failures needed more attention for treatment based on Borda ranking.

Abstract: Demand for air transportation has boomed extensively in Southeast (SE) Asia during the past decade as a result of economic development and the lack of land routes between destinations. The purpose of this study is to focus on the cost-leadership competitive strategy applied by low-cost carriers (LCCs) in SE Asia airlines and explore the elements that affect the competing capability of these airlines in the region. Furthermore, the study attempts to illustrate the key success factors that have resulted in the superiority of AirAsia (AA) airline among other LCCs airlines in the competitive market of SE Asia. The research shows that the regulatory environment in the regions air transportation business is an important barrier for the development of local LCCs airlines. Hence, AA attempts to cope with these barriers have been illustrated in this research.

Abstract: Simply attributing incidents to human error is not adequate; human factors aspects should be investigated such that lessons are learnt and the true root causes are established in order to prevent recurrence. Whilst many petroleum and allied industry businesses have investigated and analyzed incidents – whether with major hazards or occupational injuries potential – human factors aspects are rarely addressed sufficiently. Therefore, this paper presents a hybrid methodology that combines a conventional Swiss Cheese model with Bayesian inference to predict the failure probability of human factors. An inherent safety concept associated with human factor is proposed and utilized as preventive measures to overcome the identified root causes. This approach is then applied to offshore safety assessment study. As a result, the failure probability of human factor can be monitored with time and the best preventive measure can be prioritized once human performance is degraded. It is proven that the approach has the ability to act as predictive tool that provides early warnings toward human deficiency. A preventive measure can then be taken to enhance the overall human performance and ultimately to reduce the likelihood of major incidents.

Abstract: As we all know that the key problems of logistics finance are risk aversion. In order to strengthen the practicality of logistics finance, the paper adopts three-dimensional stereogram to analyse nine risks of logistics finance. In order to minimize these risks, RFID and other Internet technologies are applied to design the visual impact of approach for reducing the risks, when the information among stakeholders is not fully shared.