Pub Date : 2021-12-07DOI: 10.1108/ijqrm-07-2021-0201
A. Yiğiter, C. Hamurkaroğlu, N. Danacıoğlu
PurposeAcceptance sampling plans are a decision-making process on the basis of a randomly selected sampling from a party, where it is not possible to completely scan the products for reasons such as time and cost being limited or the formation of damaged products during the inspection. For some products, the life span (time from beginning to failure) may be an important quality characteristic. In this case, the quality control adequacy of the products can be checked with an acceptance sampling plan based on the truncated life test with a censored scheme for the lifetime of the products. In this study, group acceptance sampling plans (GASPs) based on life tests are studied under the Type-I censored scheme for the compound Weibull-exponential (CWE) distribution.Design/methodology/approachGASPs based on life tests under the Type-I censored scheme for the CWE distribution are developed by using both the producer's risk and the consumer's risk.FindingsIn this study, optimum sample size, optimum number of groups and acceptance number are obtained under the Type-I censored scheme for the CWE distribution. Real data set illustration is given to show GASPs how to be used for the industry applications.Originality/valueDifferent from acceptance sampling plans with just considering the producer's risk, GASPs are constructed by using two-point approach included both the producer's risk and the consumer's risk for CWE distribution.
{"title":"Group acceptance sampling plans based on time truncated life tests for compound Weibull-exponential distribution","authors":"A. Yiğiter, C. Hamurkaroğlu, N. Danacıoğlu","doi":"10.1108/ijqrm-07-2021-0201","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijqrm-07-2021-0201","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeAcceptance sampling plans are a decision-making process on the basis of a randomly selected sampling from a party, where it is not possible to completely scan the products for reasons such as time and cost being limited or the formation of damaged products during the inspection. For some products, the life span (time from beginning to failure) may be an important quality characteristic. In this case, the quality control adequacy of the products can be checked with an acceptance sampling plan based on the truncated life test with a censored scheme for the lifetime of the products. In this study, group acceptance sampling plans (GASPs) based on life tests are studied under the Type-I censored scheme for the compound Weibull-exponential (CWE) distribution.Design/methodology/approachGASPs based on life tests under the Type-I censored scheme for the CWE distribution are developed by using both the producer's risk and the consumer's risk.FindingsIn this study, optimum sample size, optimum number of groups and acceptance number are obtained under the Type-I censored scheme for the CWE distribution. Real data set illustration is given to show GASPs how to be used for the industry applications.Originality/valueDifferent from acceptance sampling plans with just considering the producer's risk, GASPs are constructed by using two-point approach included both the producer's risk and the consumer's risk for CWE distribution.","PeriodicalId":14193,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2021-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46483488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-30DOI: 10.1108/ijqrm-07-2021-0217
F. Barravecchia, L. Mastrogiacomo, F. Franceschini
PurposeDigital voice-of-customer (digital VoC) analysis is gaining much attention in the field of quality management. Digital VoC can be a great source of knowledge about customer needs, habits and expectations. To this end, the most popular approach is based on the application of text mining algorithms named topic modelling. These algorithms can identify latent topics discussed within digital VoC and categorise each source (e.g. each review) based on its content. This paper aims to propose a structured procedure for validating the results produced by topic modelling algorithms.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed procedure compares, on random samples, the results produced by topic modelling algorithms with those generated by human evaluators. The use of specific metrics allows to make a comparison between the two approaches and to provide a preliminary empirical validation.FindingsThe proposed procedure can address users of topic modelling algorithms in validating the obtained results. An application case study related to some car-sharing services supports the description.Originality/valueDespite the vast success of topic modelling-based approaches, metrics and procedures to validate the obtained results are still lacking. This paper provides a first practical and structured validation procedure specifically employed for quality-related applications.
{"title":"Digital voice-of-customer processing by topic modelling algorithms: insights to validate empirical results","authors":"F. Barravecchia, L. Mastrogiacomo, F. Franceschini","doi":"10.1108/ijqrm-07-2021-0217","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijqrm-07-2021-0217","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeDigital voice-of-customer (digital VoC) analysis is gaining much attention in the field of quality management. Digital VoC can be a great source of knowledge about customer needs, habits and expectations. To this end, the most popular approach is based on the application of text mining algorithms named topic modelling. These algorithms can identify latent topics discussed within digital VoC and categorise each source (e.g. each review) based on its content. This paper aims to propose a structured procedure for validating the results produced by topic modelling algorithms.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed procedure compares, on random samples, the results produced by topic modelling algorithms with those generated by human evaluators. The use of specific metrics allows to make a comparison between the two approaches and to provide a preliminary empirical validation.FindingsThe proposed procedure can address users of topic modelling algorithms in validating the obtained results. An application case study related to some car-sharing services supports the description.Originality/valueDespite the vast success of topic modelling-based approaches, metrics and procedures to validate the obtained results are still lacking. This paper provides a first practical and structured validation procedure specifically employed for quality-related applications.","PeriodicalId":14193,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2021-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49547473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-30DOI: 10.1108/ijqrm-07-2021-0226
A.B. Noronha, S. Bhat, E. V. Gijo, J. Antony, Alessandro Laureani, C. Laux
PurposeThe article intended to excavate the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) deployment challenges, Critical Success Factors (CSF), tools and techniques, and managerial implications in an Indian healthcare setting.Design/methodology/approachThe article illustrates a case study established using Action Research (AR) approach. Further, the case study is based on the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC) phases of LSS. The performance and service quality of the Endodontics department of a dental college attached to a hospital is enhanced and sustained through the LSS strategy.FindingsThe processing time of Root Canal treatment is reduced by determining the root causes for delay and implementing sustainable solutions. The structured deployment of the LSS strategy helped the Endodontics department to reduce the processing time from an average of 116 min–84 min. Thus, the process's sigma level is enhanced from 0.06 to 4.17 and assisted in sustaining the results.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study's findings are based on the single AR carried out at an Endodontics department of a dental college hospital based on LSS strategies. Even though this study's results cannot be generalized, the deliverables of the case study can be used to develop the LSS roadmap for the dental colleges to enhance the service quality and safety of the patients.Originality/valueThe article provides step-by-step details for implementing LSS in dental college hospitals with critical analysis based on robust statistical tools and techniques. The case study provides evidence of the adoption of LSS in medical college education and provides the confidence to adopt the same through novice users. The study's findings may persuade the policymakers to add LSS in the medical education curriculum to reinforce safety and reduce errors in the healthcare system.
{"title":"Performance and service quality enhancement in a healthcare setting through lean six sigma strategy","authors":"A.B. Noronha, S. Bhat, E. V. Gijo, J. Antony, Alessandro Laureani, C. Laux","doi":"10.1108/ijqrm-07-2021-0226","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijqrm-07-2021-0226","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe article intended to excavate the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) deployment challenges, Critical Success Factors (CSF), tools and techniques, and managerial implications in an Indian healthcare setting.Design/methodology/approachThe article illustrates a case study established using Action Research (AR) approach. Further, the case study is based on the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC) phases of LSS. The performance and service quality of the Endodontics department of a dental college attached to a hospital is enhanced and sustained through the LSS strategy.FindingsThe processing time of Root Canal treatment is reduced by determining the root causes for delay and implementing sustainable solutions. The structured deployment of the LSS strategy helped the Endodontics department to reduce the processing time from an average of 116 min–84 min. Thus, the process's sigma level is enhanced from 0.06 to 4.17 and assisted in sustaining the results.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study's findings are based on the single AR carried out at an Endodontics department of a dental college hospital based on LSS strategies. Even though this study's results cannot be generalized, the deliverables of the case study can be used to develop the LSS roadmap for the dental colleges to enhance the service quality and safety of the patients.Originality/valueThe article provides step-by-step details for implementing LSS in dental college hospitals with critical analysis based on robust statistical tools and techniques. The case study provides evidence of the adoption of LSS in medical college education and provides the confidence to adopt the same through novice users. The study's findings may persuade the policymakers to add LSS in the medical education curriculum to reinforce safety and reduce errors in the healthcare system.","PeriodicalId":14193,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2021-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48163585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-26DOI: 10.1108/ijqrm-05-2021-0143
Diekola Akanmu, M. G. Hassan, Bahtiar Mohamad, N. Nordin
PurposeThe study aims to examine the connection between practices of total quality management (TQM) and sustainability in Malaysia food and beverages companies (FBC). Continuous process improvement, benchmarking, management leadership, human resources management, quality assurance, service design and information and analysis as TQM practices are considered and their relationship, respectively, with sustainable performance.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire is administered to gather responses from 303 FBC, while 98 responses are useable and subsequently analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.FindingsThe results reveal that effective implementation of continuous process improvement, benchmarking, quality assurance, service design and information and analysis have positive and significant effect on sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of the present study was limited to FBC in Malaysia, and a cross-sectional design was employed to examine the hypothesized relationships at a single point in time.Practical implicationsThe proposed and developed model of this study can be employed by policy and decision makers in the industry. This model can be considered by practitioners in the industry to implement critical policies in the future.Originality/valueThe premises of the institutional and contingency theory are supported by re-affirming the importance of contingencies and institutions for any successful strategic practices to enhance sustainable performance by implementing TQM.
{"title":"Sustainability through TQM practices in the food and beverages industry","authors":"Diekola Akanmu, M. G. Hassan, Bahtiar Mohamad, N. Nordin","doi":"10.1108/ijqrm-05-2021-0143","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijqrm-05-2021-0143","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe study aims to examine the connection between practices of total quality management (TQM) and sustainability in Malaysia food and beverages companies (FBC). Continuous process improvement, benchmarking, management leadership, human resources management, quality assurance, service design and information and analysis as TQM practices are considered and their relationship, respectively, with sustainable performance.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire is administered to gather responses from 303 FBC, while 98 responses are useable and subsequently analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.FindingsThe results reveal that effective implementation of continuous process improvement, benchmarking, quality assurance, service design and information and analysis have positive and significant effect on sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of the present study was limited to FBC in Malaysia, and a cross-sectional design was employed to examine the hypothesized relationships at a single point in time.Practical implicationsThe proposed and developed model of this study can be employed by policy and decision makers in the industry. This model can be considered by practitioners in the industry to implement critical policies in the future.Originality/valueThe premises of the institutional and contingency theory are supported by re-affirming the importance of contingencies and institutions for any successful strategic practices to enhance sustainable performance by implementing TQM.","PeriodicalId":14193,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2021-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45592273","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-26DOI: 10.1108/ijqrm-07-2021-0238
A. Shokri, Gendao Li
PurposeThis study aims at investigating the impact of the perceived importance of critical cultural readiness factors (CRFs) is on perceived importance of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) technical critical success factors (CSFs) in UK manufacturing sector.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire through a multiple embedded case study was conducted. The study involves surveying people in the manufacturing firms followed by non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test to study the relationships.FindingsIt was found that the people's perception towards impact of CRFs on technical CSFs of LSS projects is different depending upon each CRF, demographic factors and technical CSFs. This means that particular CRFs need to be prioritised to address LSS technical CSFs.Research limitations/implicationsThe study fills the research gap in investigating the perception of people towards inter-relationship of cultural or soft CSFs of LSS and technical or hard CSFs of LSS in manufacturing firms. Nevertheless, the authors suggest further multi-case study analysis covering different manufacturing fields as future studies.Practical implicationsThe study is crucial for managers financially to be ready to invest on a successful LSS project and it helps them to diagnose the cultural causes of failure in a more timely way and effectively.Originality/valueThis is a preliminary study focussing on analysing inter-relationship between perceived importance of soft readiness factors and perceived importance of implementing success factors as a missing jigsaw in the current literature.
{"title":"Impact of perceived importance of cultural readiness factors on perceived importance of Lean Six Sigma success factors for manufacturers","authors":"A. Shokri, Gendao Li","doi":"10.1108/ijqrm-07-2021-0238","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijqrm-07-2021-0238","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis study aims at investigating the impact of the perceived importance of critical cultural readiness factors (CRFs) is on perceived importance of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) technical critical success factors (CSFs) in UK manufacturing sector.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire through a multiple embedded case study was conducted. The study involves surveying people in the manufacturing firms followed by non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test to study the relationships.FindingsIt was found that the people's perception towards impact of CRFs on technical CSFs of LSS projects is different depending upon each CRF, demographic factors and technical CSFs. This means that particular CRFs need to be prioritised to address LSS technical CSFs.Research limitations/implicationsThe study fills the research gap in investigating the perception of people towards inter-relationship of cultural or soft CSFs of LSS and technical or hard CSFs of LSS in manufacturing firms. Nevertheless, the authors suggest further multi-case study analysis covering different manufacturing fields as future studies.Practical implicationsThe study is crucial for managers financially to be ready to invest on a successful LSS project and it helps them to diagnose the cultural causes of failure in a more timely way and effectively.Originality/valueThis is a preliminary study focussing on analysing inter-relationship between perceived importance of soft readiness factors and perceived importance of implementing success factors as a missing jigsaw in the current literature.","PeriodicalId":14193,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2021-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42540314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-25DOI: 10.1108/ijqrm-05-2021-0139
Saurabh Panwar, Vivek Kumar, P. K. Kapur, Ompal Singh
PurposeSoftware testing is needed to produce extremely reliable software products. A crucial decision problem that the software developer encounters is to ascertain when to terminate the testing process and when to release the software system in the market. With the growing need to deliver quality software, the critical assessment of reliability, cost of testing and release time strategy is requisite for project managers. This study seeks to examine the reliability of the software system by proposing a generalized testing coverage-based software reliability growth model (SRGM) that incorporates the effect of testing efforts and change point. Moreover, the strategic software time-to-market policy based on costreliability criteria is suggested.Design/methodology/approachThe fault detection process is modeled as a composite function of testing coverage, testing efforts and the continuation time of the testing process. Also, to assimilate factual scenarios, the current research exhibits the influence of software users refer as reporters in the fault detection process. Thus, this study models the reliability growth phenomenon by integrating the number of reporters and the number of instructions executed in the field environment. Besides, it is presumed that the managers release the software early to capture maximum market share and continue the testing process for an added period in the user environment. The multiattribute utility theory (MAUT) is applied to solve the optimization model with release time and testing termination time as two decision variables.FindingsThe practical applicability and performance of the proposed methodology are demonstrated through real-life software failure data. The findings of the empirical analysis have shown the superiority of the present study as compared to conventional approaches.Originality/valueThis study is the first attempt to assimilate testing coverage phenomenon in joint optimization of software time to market and testing duration.
{"title":"Software reliability prediction and release time management with coverage","authors":"Saurabh Panwar, Vivek Kumar, P. K. Kapur, Ompal Singh","doi":"10.1108/ijqrm-05-2021-0139","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijqrm-05-2021-0139","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeSoftware testing is needed to produce extremely reliable software products. A crucial decision problem that the software developer encounters is to ascertain when to terminate the testing process and when to release the software system in the market. With the growing need to deliver quality software, the critical assessment of reliability, cost of testing and release time strategy is requisite for project managers. This study seeks to examine the reliability of the software system by proposing a generalized testing coverage-based software reliability growth model (SRGM) that incorporates the effect of testing efforts and change point. Moreover, the strategic software time-to-market policy based on costreliability criteria is suggested.Design/methodology/approachThe fault detection process is modeled as a composite function of testing coverage, testing efforts and the continuation time of the testing process. Also, to assimilate factual scenarios, the current research exhibits the influence of software users refer as reporters in the fault detection process. Thus, this study models the reliability growth phenomenon by integrating the number of reporters and the number of instructions executed in the field environment. Besides, it is presumed that the managers release the software early to capture maximum market share and continue the testing process for an added period in the user environment. The multiattribute utility theory (MAUT) is applied to solve the optimization model with release time and testing termination time as two decision variables.FindingsThe practical applicability and performance of the proposed methodology are demonstrated through real-life software failure data. The findings of the empirical analysis have shown the superiority of the present study as compared to conventional approaches.Originality/valueThis study is the first attempt to assimilate testing coverage phenomenon in joint optimization of software time to market and testing duration.","PeriodicalId":14193,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management","volume":"53 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2021-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41249865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-23DOI: 10.1108/ijqrm-03-2021-0069
H. Sohrabi, E. Noorzai
PurposeSuccessful risk management is influential in different phases of construction projects. It can play a critical role in reducing the possibility of claims as well as related disputes. The risk management knowledge area in large capital projects such as oil and gas is considered a questionable problem in the construction industry. The present study makes an effort to identify the importance of process groups in improving risk management performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study is selected and ranked 36 factors leading to the claim in Iran's oil and gas industry through the Delphi method and a questionnaire. Factors categorized into a risk breakdown structure (RBS) include eight groups. Factors are linked to one of the process groups by a Delphi method. Finally, the relationship between RBS and the five process groups is analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsFindings showed that the planning process group had more confirmed factors than others. Most of the supported communications belonged to the contractor and the owner parties. Also, the cause of delay in the implementation phase due to the contractor performance had a higher relative importance index.Originality/valueThis article, from a project life-cycle perspective, considers the new structure between the risks leading to claims and the key parties to the project. It can be a good criterion for identifying risks and a timelier response to them before the risks turn into disagreements.
{"title":"Risk assessment in Iranian oil and gas construction industry: a process approach","authors":"H. Sohrabi, E. Noorzai","doi":"10.1108/ijqrm-03-2021-0069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijqrm-03-2021-0069","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeSuccessful risk management is influential in different phases of construction projects. It can play a critical role in reducing the possibility of claims as well as related disputes. The risk management knowledge area in large capital projects such as oil and gas is considered a questionable problem in the construction industry. The present study makes an effort to identify the importance of process groups in improving risk management performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study is selected and ranked 36 factors leading to the claim in Iran's oil and gas industry through the Delphi method and a questionnaire. Factors categorized into a risk breakdown structure (RBS) include eight groups. Factors are linked to one of the process groups by a Delphi method. Finally, the relationship between RBS and the five process groups is analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsFindings showed that the planning process group had more confirmed factors than others. Most of the supported communications belonged to the contractor and the owner parties. Also, the cause of delay in the implementation phase due to the contractor performance had a higher relative importance index.Originality/valueThis article, from a project life-cycle perspective, considers the new structure between the risks leading to claims and the key parties to the project. It can be a good criterion for identifying risks and a timelier response to them before the risks turn into disagreements.","PeriodicalId":14193,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2021-11-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49525702","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-18DOI: 10.1108/ijqrm-10-2020-0336
I. Musa, I. Yusuf
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to model and to improve the stability and long-lasting operation of the small home solar system configuration regarding the reliability, availability, sensitivity, cost analysis and mean time to failure (MTTF).Design/methodology/approachA model of a small home solar system is designed in this write up. It is designed in a series–parallel configuration, such that four panels are arranged in parallel, working under 1-out-of-4: G; policy and two batteries configured in parallel also, working under 1-out-of-2: G; policy. The panels are connected to a charge controller, then to the batteries and lastly to an inverter, all connected together in series configuration. Different types of system reliability such as reliability, sensitivity, availability, MTTF and cost analysis for particular values of the failure and repair rates have been evaluated by using a supplementary variable and Laplace transforms and demonstrated the computed results on tables and graphs. The main objective here is to improve the stability and long-lasting operation of the small solar system configuration regarding the reliability, availability, sensitivity, cost analysis and MTTF.FindingsThe future behavior of the small solar system and similar systems can be easily predicted at any given time for any parametric values, it is also better to provide repair than replacements in the system for better availability and reliability, it signifies that γp, γb, γc and γi are responsible for the better performance of the system, the variation of sensitivity together with the parametric values variations and lastly deduced that the profit will decrease whenever service cost increase.Originality/valueThis paper provides a model of small home solar system and its reliability analysis.
{"title":"Reliability analysis of a small solar system for a home","authors":"I. Musa, I. Yusuf","doi":"10.1108/ijqrm-10-2020-0336","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijqrm-10-2020-0336","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to model and to improve the stability and long-lasting operation of the small home solar system configuration regarding the reliability, availability, sensitivity, cost analysis and mean time to failure (MTTF).Design/methodology/approachA model of a small home solar system is designed in this write up. It is designed in a series–parallel configuration, such that four panels are arranged in parallel, working under 1-out-of-4: G; policy and two batteries configured in parallel also, working under 1-out-of-2: G; policy. The panels are connected to a charge controller, then to the batteries and lastly to an inverter, all connected together in series configuration. Different types of system reliability such as reliability, sensitivity, availability, MTTF and cost analysis for particular values of the failure and repair rates have been evaluated by using a supplementary variable and Laplace transforms and demonstrated the computed results on tables and graphs. The main objective here is to improve the stability and long-lasting operation of the small solar system configuration regarding the reliability, availability, sensitivity, cost analysis and MTTF.FindingsThe future behavior of the small solar system and similar systems can be easily predicted at any given time for any parametric values, it is also better to provide repair than replacements in the system for better availability and reliability, it signifies that γp, γb, γc and γi are responsible for the better performance of the system, the variation of sensitivity together with the parametric values variations and lastly deduced that the profit will decrease whenever service cost increase.Originality/valueThis paper provides a model of small home solar system and its reliability analysis.","PeriodicalId":14193,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2021-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48528276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-18DOI: 10.1108/ijqrm-06-2021-0172
G. Sureshchandar
PurposeThe disruptions caused by new-age technologies of Industry 4.0 are posing a formidable challenge to researchers, academicians and practitioners alike. Quality 4.0 that depicts the role of the quality function in the Industry 4.0 scenario must be comprehended so that the rudiments of Quality 4.0 are understood properly, and interventions can be made to embrace the new normal. As the literature on Quality 4.0 is extremely scarce, empirical studies are mandatory to augment the process of theory building.Design/methodology/approachThe research work identifies 12 axes of the Quality 4.0 revolution based on literature review and insights from experts. Subsequently, a measurement model is formulated and an instrument to measure the level of Quality 4.0 implementation is developed. The measurement model has been checked for model fit, reliability and validity using the confirmatory factor analysis approach.FindingsThe proposed model was found to be adequate, reliable and valid and concludes that though technology plays a significant role in the development of the Quality 4.0 system, aspects of traditional quality are very much apropos to transform to the next frontier of quality.Research limitations/implicationsImplications for future research are provided which would help to further explore the nascent field of Quality 4.0.Practical implicationsThis research would help the practitioners better understand the various requirements and measure the degree of implementation of a Quality 4.0 system.Originality/valueThe present research is perhaps the first of its kind in propounding a measurement model, through empirical analysis, for the betterment of the understanding of Quality 4.0 and its associated constituents.
{"title":"Quality 4.0 – a measurement model using the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) approach","authors":"G. Sureshchandar","doi":"10.1108/ijqrm-06-2021-0172","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijqrm-06-2021-0172","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe disruptions caused by new-age technologies of Industry 4.0 are posing a formidable challenge to researchers, academicians and practitioners alike. Quality 4.0 that depicts the role of the quality function in the Industry 4.0 scenario must be comprehended so that the rudiments of Quality 4.0 are understood properly, and interventions can be made to embrace the new normal. As the literature on Quality 4.0 is extremely scarce, empirical studies are mandatory to augment the process of theory building.Design/methodology/approachThe research work identifies 12 axes of the Quality 4.0 revolution based on literature review and insights from experts. Subsequently, a measurement model is formulated and an instrument to measure the level of Quality 4.0 implementation is developed. The measurement model has been checked for model fit, reliability and validity using the confirmatory factor analysis approach.FindingsThe proposed model was found to be adequate, reliable and valid and concludes that though technology plays a significant role in the development of the Quality 4.0 system, aspects of traditional quality are very much apropos to transform to the next frontier of quality.Research limitations/implicationsImplications for future research are provided which would help to further explore the nascent field of Quality 4.0.Practical implicationsThis research would help the practitioners better understand the various requirements and measure the degree of implementation of a Quality 4.0 system.Originality/valueThe present research is perhaps the first of its kind in propounding a measurement model, through empirical analysis, for the betterment of the understanding of Quality 4.0 and its associated constituents.","PeriodicalId":14193,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2021-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48107152","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-18DOI: 10.1108/ijqrm-04-2021-0092
Adarsh Anand, Subhrata Das, Mohini Agarwal, S. Inoue
PurposeIn the current market scenario, software upgrades and updates have proved to be very handy in improving the reliability of the software in its operational phase. Software upgrades help in reinventing working software through major changes, like functionality addition, feature enhancement, structural changes, etc. In software updates, minor changes are undertaken which help in improving software performance by fixing bugs and security issues in the current version of the software. Through the current proposal, the authors wish to highlight the economic benefits of the combined use of upgrade and update service. A cost analysis model has been proposed for the same.Design/methodology/approachThe article discusses a cost analysis model highlighting the distinction between launch time and time to end the testing process. The number of bugs which have to be catered in each release has been determined which also consists of the count of latent bugs of previous version. Convolution theory has been utilized to incorporate the joint role of tester and user in bug detection into the model. The cost incurred in debugging process was determined. An optimization model was designed which considers the reliability and budget constraints while minimizing the total debugging cost. This optimization was used to determine the release time and testing stop time.FindingsThe proposal is backed by real-life software bug dataset consisting of four releases. The model was able to successfully determine the ideal software release time and the testing stop time. An increased profit is generated by releasing the software earlier and continues testing long after its release.Originality/valueThe work contributes positively to the field by providing an effective optimization model, which was able to determine the economic benefit of the combined use of upgrade and update service. The model can be used by management to determine their timelines and cost that will be incurred depending on their product and available resources.
{"title":"An optimal scheduling policy for upgraded software with updates","authors":"Adarsh Anand, Subhrata Das, Mohini Agarwal, S. Inoue","doi":"10.1108/ijqrm-04-2021-0092","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijqrm-04-2021-0092","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeIn the current market scenario, software upgrades and updates have proved to be very handy in improving the reliability of the software in its operational phase. Software upgrades help in reinventing working software through major changes, like functionality addition, feature enhancement, structural changes, etc. In software updates, minor changes are undertaken which help in improving software performance by fixing bugs and security issues in the current version of the software. Through the current proposal, the authors wish to highlight the economic benefits of the combined use of upgrade and update service. A cost analysis model has been proposed for the same.Design/methodology/approachThe article discusses a cost analysis model highlighting the distinction between launch time and time to end the testing process. The number of bugs which have to be catered in each release has been determined which also consists of the count of latent bugs of previous version. Convolution theory has been utilized to incorporate the joint role of tester and user in bug detection into the model. The cost incurred in debugging process was determined. An optimization model was designed which considers the reliability and budget constraints while minimizing the total debugging cost. This optimization was used to determine the release time and testing stop time.FindingsThe proposal is backed by real-life software bug dataset consisting of four releases. The model was able to successfully determine the ideal software release time and the testing stop time. An increased profit is generated by releasing the software earlier and continues testing long after its release.Originality/valueThe work contributes positively to the field by providing an effective optimization model, which was able to determine the economic benefit of the combined use of upgrade and update service. The model can be used by management to determine their timelines and cost that will be incurred depending on their product and available resources.","PeriodicalId":14193,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2021-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42453632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}