Lean Manufacturing (LM) en la actualidad, es una de las metodologías de trabajo más aplicadas en las compañías que buscan eliminar los desperdicios de la operación, en base a la filosofía de mejora continua. Esto con el fin de que sus procesos internos se vuelvan más esbeltos y por ende más eficientes. En el presente estudio se podrá apreciar cómo un modelo de mejora basado en la combinación de algunas herramientas Lean tales como VSM, SMED y Manufactura celular, puede ser aplicado para optimizar las operaciones de una empresa de supermercados que produce panes a gran escala y de manera automatizada. Los panes son elaborados en una planta de producción de alimentos, para luego ser distribuidos a las distintas sedes del supermercado en donde se produce la venta final del producto. Algunos de los beneficios más relevantes que se identificaron después de la implementación de este modelo son el ahorro de costos de operación y distribución; así como el cumplimiento de la cuota de producción inicialmente planteada para la línea de panadería. / Lean Manufacturing (LM) is currently one of the most applied work methodologies in companies seeking to eliminate waste from the operation, based on the philosophy of continuous improvement. This in order that their internal processes become more slender and therefore more efficient. In the present study it will be appreciated how an improvement model based on the combination of some Lean tools such as VSM, SMED and Cellular Manufacturing, can be applied to optimize the operations of a supermarket company that produces bread on a large scale and in a automated. The breads are made in a food production plant, and then they are distributed to the different branches of the supermarket where the final sale of the product takes place. Some of the most relevant benefits that were identified after the implementation of this model are savings in operating and distribution costs; as well as the fulfillment of the production quota initially set for the bakery line. / Trabajo de Suficiencia Profesional

El presente trabajo de investigación, tuvo como objetivo desarrollar una propuesta de mejora de la eficiencia de producción de queso fresco en una empresa de lácteos en Perú, utilizando herramientas de Lean Manufacturing. La empresa en estudio, presenta una eficiencia del 61%, mientras que la eficiencia a nivel Latinoamérica es del 95% y la eficiencia de otras empresas del sector en el Perú es del 70%. La baja eficiencia se debe a tres motivos, las cuales son: productos defectuosos con una representación del 56.7%, tiempos improductivos con 34.9 % y falla funcional de bomba centrifuga con un 8.3%. Además, presenta una pérdida de S/. 90,697.27 soles en el periodo 2019, debido al problema antes mencionado. Este impacto económico representa un 2.6 % de las ventas totales del año analizado. Por esta razón, se propone la implementación de las herramientas de Lean Manufacturing, a través de la implementación del trabajo estandarizado, se logró reducir los produc tos defectuosos por errores en coagulado y medida de cuajo de 0.9% a 0.6%; también, se redujo los productos con exceso de presencia de suero de 16.6% a 12% y finalmente, se redujo el tiempo de ciclo del proceso de cuajado de 74.6 minutos a 64.1 minutos. Mediante la implementación del TPM y la mejora continua, se logró reducir el porcentaje de fallas de la bomba centrífuga de 40% a 31%. Finalmente, se concluye que el proyecto es viable, ya que el VAN es de S/. 29,890.41 y un TIR de 57%. Además, el IR del proyecto de es de 2.83, esto quiere decir que por cada sol invertido se obtiene una ganancia de 1.83. / The present research work aimed to develop a proposal to improve the efficiency of fresh cheese production in a dairy company in Peru, using Lean Manufacturing tools. The company under study presents an efficiency of 61%, while the efficiency in Latin America is 95% and the efficiency of other companies in the sector in Peru is 70%. The low efficiency is due to three reasons, which are: defective products with a representation of 56.7%, unproductive times with 34.9% and functional failure of the centrifugal pump with 8.3%. In addition, it presents a loss of S /. 90,697.27 soles in the 2019 period, due to the aforementioned problem. This economic impact represents 2.6% of total sales for the year analyzed. For this reason, the implementation of Lean Manufacturing tools is proposed. Through the implementation of standardized work, it will be possible to reduce defective products due to errors in coagulation and rennet measurement from 0.9% to 0.6%; Also, the products with excess presence of whey were reduced from 16.6% to 12% and finally, the cycle time of the curdling process was reduced from 74.6 minutes to 64.1 minutes. Through the implementation of TPM and continuous improvement, the centrifugal pump failure rate will be achieved from 40% to 31%. Finally, it is concluded that the project is viable, since the NPV is S /. S/. 29,890.41 and the IRR is 57%. In addition, the IR of the project is 2.83, this means that for each sun invested a profit of 1.83 is obtained. / Trabajo de Suficiencia Profesional

La presente investigación realizada tiene como objetivo principal optimizar los tiempos de entrega de las reparaciones de vehículos ligeros en una empresa de alquiler de vehículos. Para ello, se aplicó la metodología del Lean Service, cuyas herramientas y métodos permitirán desplegar una propuesta de solución sólida, científica y aplicada a la problemática actual antes mencionada. En primer lugar, se realizó la revisión bibliográfica, citando fuentes y artículos científicos que sustenten y avalen la investigación. Luego, se realizó el análisis de la problemática actual y determinación de causas, para ello se aplicaron métodos y herramientas de la ingeniería industrial para la determinación de las causas raíz del problema, las cuales estaban ligadas a los métodos de la empresa. Como consecuencia de este análisis, se formula la hipótesis que la aplicación del Lean Service, a través de las herramientas 5S, Estandarización, TPM y Redistribución de planta, permitirá mitigar el impacto operativo y económico del problema principal, el cual es la demora en las entregas de las reparaciones de vehículos en el taller mecánico de la empresa. Dicha hipótesis es materia de estudio del siguiente capítulo, donde, en primer lugar, se sustenta que el Lean Service es la propuesta de mejora que mejor se ajusta a la descripción y la naturaleza de la presente investigación; para luego desplegar propiamente la metodología en sí. Dicho despliegue se realizó a través de la aplicación de las herramientas del Lean Service antes mencionadas, estructuradas bajo un diseño de propuesta basado en el ciclo de mejora continua PHVA (Planear, Hacer, Verificar y Actuar). Finalmente, para la comprobación y verificación del problema, se realizó una simulación de la propuesta a través de un software, donde se comprobó que efectivamente, luego de la aplicación de la propuesta, se lograría reducir los tiempos de entrega. Además, se realizó una evaluación económica de la propuesta para comprobar la viabilidad del proyecto, respaldando así la presente investigación. / The main objective of this research carried out is to optimize the delivery times of light vehicle repairs in a car rental company. For this, the Lean Service methodology was applied, whose tools and methods will allow to deploy a proposal for a solid, scientific solution applied to the current problems mentioned above. First, the bibliographic review was performed, citing scientific sources and articles that support and endorse the research. Then, the analysis of the current problems and determination of causes was carried out, for this, industrial engineering methods and tools were applied to determine the root causes of the problem, which were linked to the company's methods. As a consequence of this analysis, the hypothesis is formulated that the application of the Lean Service, through the 5S, Standardization, TPM and Layout Redistribution tools, will mitigate the operational and economic impact of the main problem, which is the delay in deliveries of vehicle repairs at the company's mechanical workshop. Said hypothesis is the subject of study in the next chapter, where, in the first place, it is maintained that the Lean Service is the proposal for improvement that best fits the description and nature of the present investigation; and then properly deploy the methodology itself. This deployment was carried out through the application of the Lean Service tools mentioned above, structured under a proposal design based on the PDCA cycle (Plan, Do, Check, Act). Finally, for the verification and verification of the problem, a simulation of the proposal was carried out through software, where it was verified that, effectively, after the application of the proposal, it would be possible to reduce delivery times. In addition, an economic evaluation of the proposal was carried out to verify the viability of the project, thus supporting the present investigation. / Trabajo de Suficiencia Profesional

The world is facing the challenge of an increasingly growing and aging population which leads to increasing requirements on the healthcare system. This has led to higher financial pressure on operational managers to do more with less resources. Hospitals are characterised by rigid routines, strict hierarchical structures and lack of consistent definitions of value which creates challenges for improvement projects and implementation. To explore an alternative perspective of how to increase value in healthcare, the concept of secondary activities is introduced. Secondary activities are defined as activities that are indirectly related to healthcare and medical processes in hospitals. Presently, secondary activities are not prioritised in healthcare since the distinction has not been made before and therefore is the value-gain interesting to investigate. The purpose of this report is to investigate how to increase value in healthcare through improved secondary activities and the following research questions are used to fulfill the purpose: What are the challenges of defining value in healthcare? 2. What process improvement strategy is suitable for improving secondary activities? 3. What implementation strategy is suitable when improving secondary activities? The method used to conduct this study consisted of a literature study covering the fields of value creation, Lean in healthcare and change management in hospital management, followed by a case study at Norrtälje Sjukhus where the food process was investigated. Results of the study showed that the challenges of defining value in healthcare are the different mindsets between professions operating in hospitals and the required balance between ethical and financial aspects. II At Norrtälje Sjukhus, the assistant nurses valued time spent with patients. In order to free more time for them, secondary activities have great potential of increasing value through improvement projects. The combination of Lean and Biodesign based on comprehensive observations proved to be a suitable process improvement strategy for improving secondary activities. Moreover, secondary activities lag well behind primary activities regarding digitalisation which can increase the value of secondary activities through improved workflows. When value is defined as time spent with patients this process improvement strategy proved to be successful. Results of improving the food process in the case study showed that the total annual savings for the hospital were 3212 work hours which corresponds to 761 244 kr. Prerequisites for a successful implementation strategy are awareness of problems, needs and to have an improvement strategy that fits the situation. Introduction of changes should made together with the personnel and be incremental to minimise disturbances to other healthcare activities. A remaining challenge is the lack of responsibility and managerial competence in the regular hospital organisation that is needed for future, continuous and sustainable improvements for secondary activities. / Världen står inför en stor utmaning med en växande och åldrande befolkning vilket ställer högre krav på sjukvårdssystemet. Detta har lett till ökat finansiellt tryck på verksamhetsansvariga att prestera mer med mindre resurser. Sjukhus karaktäriseras ofta av oflexibla rutiner, strikt hierarkiska strukturer och inkonsekvent definition av värde vilket innebär utmaningar för förbättringsarbeten och implementation. Konceptet sekundära aktiviteter introduceras för att utforska ett alternativt perspektiv av hur man ökar värde i sjukvården. Sekundära aktiviteter definieras som indirekt sjukvårdsrelaterade aktiviteter som stöttar medicinska processer. I nuläget prioriteras inte sekundära aktiviteter i sjukvården eftersom denna särskiljning inte tidigare gjorts och därför blir den potentiella värdeökningen intressant att undersöka. Syftet med denna rapport är att undersöka hur värdet kan öka i sjukvården genom förbättring av sekundära aktiviteter. Följande forskningsfrågor bidrar till att uppfylla syftet med rapporten: 1. Vilka är utmaningarna med att definiera värde i sjukvården? 2. Vilken processförbättringsstrategi är lämpligast för att förbättra sekundära aktiviteter? 3. Vilken implementationsstrategi är lämpligast för att förbättra sekundära aktiviteter? Metoden som användes i denna studie bestod av en litteraturstudie som behandlade områdena värdeskapande, Lean i sjukvården och förändringsarbete inom sjukhusledningen, följt av en fallstudie på Norrtälje Sjukhus för att undersöka matprocessen. Resultat från studien visade att utmaningarna med att definiera värde inom sjukvården är skillnader mellan professioner och en avvägning mellan etiska och finansiella faktorer. Undersköterskorna på Norrtälje Sjukhus värderar tiden med patienterna högst. Sekundära aktiviteter har stor potential att öka i värde genom förbättringsarbeten för att kunna frigöra mer tid för undersköterskorna. IV Kombinationen av Lean och Biodesign baserat på omfattande observationer visade sig vara en lämplig processförbättringsstrategi för att förbättra sekundära aktiviteter. Sekundära aktiviteter ligger efter primära aktiviteter vad gäller digitalisering som kan öka värdet av sekundära aktiviteter genom förbättrat arbetsflöde. När värde definieras som tid spenderad med patienter är den här processförbättringsstrategin framgångsrik. När matprocessen förbättrades i fallstudien resulterade det i en årlig besparing för hela sjukhuset på 3212 arbetstimmar vilket motsvarar 761 244 kr. Förutsättningar för en framgångsrik implementationsstrategi är medvetenhet kring problemen, behoven samt att anpassa strategin efter situationen. Introduktion av förändringarna bör ske stegvis i samarbete med personalen för att minimera störningsmoment gentemot andra vårdaktiviteter. En kvarstående utmaning är bristen på ansvar och chefskompetens i sjukhusorganisationen för framtida, kontinuerliga och hållbara förbättringar av sekundära aktiviteter.

Today, agile development is broadly used within both small and large organizations worldwide. Transitioning to agile development in a large organization is a complex task that requires support from everyone in it. The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is a framework meant to help integrate agile development within all parts of an organization. Regularly conducted assessments of how well an organization has integrated agile development can be a way to make sure the transition is happening as intended. These kinds of assessments are often called agile maturity assessments. SAFe includes such an assessment, but since the assessment is based on thoughts and reflections from members in the organization, doing the assessment can be difficult and may give unreliable results. This study aims to explore one way to support the assessment with objective data by generating visualizations of issue tracking data extracted from Jira and Github. The Inductive visual Miner, a plugin in the process mining software ProM, was used for the visualizations. A case study was conducted at the IT department of the Swedish Tax Agency. A slightly modified version of the methodology called the PM2 methodology was used to conduct the study. The modified methodology included six stages; a planning stage, a data extraction stage, a data processing stage, a mining and analysis stage, an evaluation stage and lastly, an improvement stage where an attempt was made to improve the visualizations based on the analysis and the evaluation. The planning stage was used to gain information about the work processes in the organization and what kind of data that may exist in the chosen data sources. A set of goal questions connected to the agile maturity assessment were generated, which the visualizations were expected to provide answers to. Data from six teams were then used to generate the visualizations. At first, the visualizations were explored and later evaluated in collaboration with the SCRUM-master in each team. The results in this study show that visualizations generated from issue tracking data using the Inductive visual Miner can be used to answer questions about time and order of events that are related to the agile maturity assessment within SAFe. However, additional analysis and reflections are needed to draw conclusions about the agile maturity from the information obtained from the visualizations. A set of requirements for the data used to generate this kind of visualizations is also proposed. The requirements were based on the results from all stages. / Agil utveckling används idag flitigt inom både små och stora organisationer över hela världen. Att gå över till agil utveckling i en stor organisation är en komplex uppgift som kräver stöd från alla inom den. Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) är ett ramverk avsett att göra det lättare att integrera agil utveckling inom alla delar av en organisation. Regelbundet genomförda utvärderingar av en organisations användning av agil utveckling kan vara ett sätt att se till att övergången sker som planerat. Dessa utvärderingar kallas ofta agila mognadsmätningar. I SAFe ingår en sådan utvärdering, men eftersom utvärderingen baseras på tankar och reflektioner från medlemmar i organisationen kan det vara komplicerat att utföra utvärderingen och den kan ge icke pålitliga resultat. Syftet med denna studie är att utforska ett sätt att stödja den agila mognadsmätningen med objektiv data genom att generera visualiseringar av ärendehanteringsdata som extraherats från Jira och Github. En plugin kallad Inductive visual Miner i process mining-verktyget ProM används för denna visualisering. En fallstudie genomfördes på Skatteverkets IT-avdelning. En något modifierad version av metoden kallad PM2 -metoden användes för att genomföra studien. Den modifierade metoden inkluderade sex steg; ett planeringsskede, ett datautvinningsskede, ett databearbetningsskede, ett process mining- och analysskede, ett utvärderingsskede och slutligen ett förbättringsskede där ett försök till att förbättra visualiseringarna utifrån analysen och utvärderingen genomfördes. Planeringsstadiet användes för att få information om arbetsprocesserna i organisationen och vilken typ av data som kan finnas i de valda datakällorna. En uppsättning målfrågor kopplade till den agila mognadsmätningen formulerades. Detta var frågor som visualiseringarna förväntades ge svar på. Data från sex team användes sedan för att generera visualiseringarna. Visualiseringarna undersöktes först noggrant och utvärderades sedan i samarbete med SCRUM-mastern i varje team. Resultaten i denna studie visar att visualiseringar genererade från ärendehanteringdata med hjälp av verktyget Inductive visual Miner kan användas för att svara på frågor om tid och ordning av händelser i arbetsprocessen, som är relaterade till den agila mognadsmätningen inom SAFe. Ytterligare analyser och reflektioner behövs dock för att dra slutsatser om den agila mognaden utifrån informationen som erhålls från visualiseringarna. En uppsättning krav för den data som ska användas för att generera denna typ av visualiseringar föreslås också. Dessa krav är baserade på resultaten från alla steg i metoden.

Studien syftar till att öka förståelsen för de utmaningar som läkemedelstillverkare står inför när manuellt arbete i befintliga tillverkningsprocesser ska förbättras. För att uppnå syftet utfördes en fallstudie vid ett av AstraZenecas produktionsavsnitt, med målet att undersöka hur manuellt arbete konkret kan och bör förbättras samt identifiera de faktorer som begränsar förbättringsarbetet. Studien identifierade både risker och potentiella förbättringsområden. För att förebygga risker presenterade studien följande rekommendationer: gå från att agera reaktivt till att agera proaktivt, riskbedöm alla aktiviteter och arbetsmoment, se över arbetsställningar och arbetsrörelser samt visualisera detta, inför specifika ergonomirutiner, utbilda personalen i grundläggande ergonomi och arbetsteknik, kompetensutveckla personalstyrkan, anställ ergonom internt, implementera studiens designförslag och utred möjligheten att förändra arbetsstationens utformning ytterligare. Studiens resultat indikerar att det är svårt att förändra arbetsstationernas utformning, således rekommenderas främst insatser på organisations- och individnivå. Faktorer som särskilt hindrade förbättringsarbetet kopplades till rådande regelverk, men fabrikens nuvarande förutsättningar påverkade också. Dessa hinder medförde att förvaltning av befintlig produktion prioriterades över faktisk förbättring. Studien bekräftade således att läkemedelstillverkare tenderar att ha en restriktiv syn på förändring. Föråldrade anläggningar och en ergonomisk eftersatt produktionsmiljö identifierades som de främsta konsekvenserna av detta synsätt. Slutsatsen av denna studie är att manuellt arbete i den studerade processen kan behöva förbättras och att förbättringsarbete generellt är utmanade. De framtagna rekommendationerna har anpassats efter en produktionsmiljö där teknik och designförändringar är svåra att genomföra. För att råda bukt på industrins restriktiva syn på förändring kan även en attitydförändring avseende förbättring av befintlig produktion krävas. / The purpose of this study is to enhance knowledge about the challenges pharmaceutical manufacturers face when trying to optimize manual work in manufacturing processes. To examine this, a case study of a production section at AstraZeneca was conducted. As part of the study, the factors that limit the improvement of manual work were identified, as well as in which ways work could and should be improved. The study identified both ergonomic hazards and potential areas for improvement. To prevent risks, the study presented the following recommendations: React proactively instead of reactively, ensure all activities and work steps are risk-adjusted, review work postures and movements, introduce routines with a focus on ergonomic inspectors, training staff in basic ergonomics and work techniques, develop the skills of the workforce, hire an ergonomist internally, implement the new design proposal and try to radically change workstation design. Study results indicated that changing the workstation layout and design was challenging. In this regard, the recommendations primarily address initiatives at the individual and organizational levels. Regulatory restrictions, as well as prevailing conditions in the factory, limit improvement. Additionally, the study confirms pharmaceutical manufacturers' conservative approach to change, identifying outdated facilities and a neglected ergonomic environment as primary reasons for their inaction. In conclusion, manual work in the studied process can be improved; however, it is challenging to do so. This is why the recommendations have been adjusted to fit a production environment where technology and design changes are difficult to implement. In other words, they are tailored to suit the needs of regulated industries. Furthermore, it may be necessary to overhaul the industry's attitude toward improving existing production as well.

Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) is used as a tactical business process to balanceorganisations’ demand and supply. This is done through long-term planning of manufacturing and sales in comparison to the forecasted demand and resource capacity planning. S&OP link the corporate strategic plan to the day-to-day operation plans. Based on S&OP, a more advanced and mature model named Integrated Business Planning (IBP) has been developed. IBP have a stronger consideration of the financial perspectives of the outcomes in the processand increases the collaboration of the end-to-end supply chain. The case company; Nouryon, transitioned from S&OP processes to IBP in 2019. However, the organisation’s implemented model was unsatisfactorily received, therefore an initiative to redeploy and improve the Integrated Business Planning processes started. The purpose of this research is to analyse how the organisation’s IBP processes can be improved, by structuring and developing standardized processes. The Master Thesis project was conducted in collaboration with Business Planning managers and executives globally throughout the organisation. To achieve the purpose of the project, a literature review, interviews, observations, document collection and a questionnaire were executed at Nouryon’s Nordic Business Center. Nouryon’s Integrated Business Planning processes were mapped by collecting and analysing internal data.The current state was evaluated against the literature to identify any gaps from a theoretical perspective to fulfil the processes. The organisation’s current maturity level was evaluated by applying thematic content analysison the interviews, internal company document collection and outputs from the questionnaire. These were based on several research frameworks in S&OP maturity levels and Oliver Wight’s Class A Checklist for Business Excellence. Consequently, deriving improvements of how Nouryon could reach a higher maturity level. The results of the thesis project were presented and used in internal workshops together with global cross-functional teams. New and improved Integrated Business Planning processes were drafted in the workshop for the PMR meetings. The workshop for SMR is planned for a later date and will be conducted using a similar format. In conclusion, no theoretical standard framework for using IBP is available. Various literaturesources present theories on how organisations should form their processes, including a guideline on what topics should be covered in the IBP meetings. Nouryon can achieve a higher maturity level in its IBP processes, by addressing improvement suggestions related to the analysis of this project. Furthermore, the recommendations were collected, summarised, and categorised using an impact and effort matrix for efficient implementation.

Background: The administrators, managers, and leaders of criminal justice organizations experience a plethora of processes that impact the strategic, tactical, and operational facets of their respective organizations. Sound processes are central to effectively and efficiently managing criminal justice organizations and for facilitating the optimal operations of the organization. Such management characteristics are necessary to render public services towards the goals of deterring crime and maintaining societal order. Administrating and managing criminal justice organizations involves paradigms that favor process improvement and quality of processes. Existing methods include the Compstat paradigm Total Quality Management, business process management, business process improvement, business process reengineering, standards, legislation, policy, and Six Sigma. However, such paradigms not approach process improvement from the unique perspective of process maturity as a foundational basis. Additionally, no solitary foundational basis exists that uniquely addresses organizational process improvement issues, regarding criminal justice entities, from the perspective of evolutionary process maturation through time. This research examines the potential of adapting the Capability Maturity Model Integrated (CMMi) as a foundational process improvement framework among criminal justice organizations. Within the CMMi framework, process improvement begins from a state of random, ad hoc processes and culminates in a state of highly optimized processes. Through time, process maturation occurs through five primary stages sequentially: 1) random, 2) managed, 3) defined/specific, 4) quantitatively managed, and 5) optimized. This research explores the potential of leveraging the CMMi paradigm as a form of organizational process improvement within the criminal justice domain. Scope of the Study: This research investigated the potential for adapting the Capability Maturity Model (Integrated) (CMMi) within the criminal justice domain. A derivative maturity model framework, the Criminal Justice Maturity Model (CJMM), was crafted using the CMMi concept as its foundational premise. A Likert scale survey was implemented to investigate the perceptions of personnel regarding process improvement initiatives and their work settings. This study was constrained to the criminal justice domains of the states of Alabama and Mississippi. Data processing encompassed demographic descriptions of the survey instrument and the received responses, ANOVA, Chi-Square analysis, and the Cronbach Method. Stratifications involved separating the survey responses into classifications of Alabama versus Mississippi entities, urban versus rural entities, and management versus non-management entities. Findings and Conclusions: The conclusions of this research failed to show that all five levels of the maturity model framework appear to be separately perceived among the respondents. Therefore, per each individual stage of the maturity model framework, this research failed to show conclusively that the complete maturity model framework is adaptable among administrative settings in the criminal justice domain and that process maturity issues among respondent settings are addressed via a process maturity framework. Because this research failed to show the perceived characteristics of all five maturity levels of the maturity model framework separately, it is concluded that the criminal justice administrative settings of the respondents do not conform completely to the tenets of the CMMi paradigm. Future studies were recommended to pursue additional approaches of this research project. This study represents an initial starting point from which several future endeavors may be initiated. / Criminology and Security Science / D.Litt. et Phil. (Police Science)

HACCP-based food safety programs have been widely acclaimed, accepted and implemented as an effective means of managing food safety risks. While HACCP training is a cornerstone of managing HACCP programs, there is little information about the effectiveness of HACCP training and the durability of HACCP knowledge. Findings reveal a link between involvement level in HACCP activities and the accuracy of HACCP knowledge over time. Opportunities for peer training in HACCP, irrespective of overall experience in the food industry provide favorable circumstances for maintaining accuracy of HACCP knowledge. The optimal window for engaging employees in HACCP is directly following the completion of training for achieving the minimal depletion level of content knowledge. This study further reveals that refresher training in HACCP is necessary within three years. Furthermore, training standardization organizations likely need a formal process of monitoring and maintaining HACCP trainer and trainee qualifications to ensure uniformity in HACCP programming.

Background: The administrators, managers, and leaders of criminal justice organizations experience a plethora of processes that impact the strategic, tactical, and operational facets of their respective organizations. Sound processes are central to effectively and efficiently managing criminal justice organizations and for facilitating the optimal operations of the organization. Such management characteristics are necessary to render public services towards the goals of deterring crime and maintaining societal order. Administrating and managing criminal justice organizations involves paradigms that favor process improvement and quality of processes. Existing methods include the Compstat paradigm Total Quality Management, business process management, business process improvement, business process reengineering, standards, legislation, policy, and Six Sigma. However, such paradigms not approach process improvement from the unique perspective of process maturity as a foundational basis. Additionally, no solitary foundational basis exists that uniquely addresses organizational process improvement issues, regarding criminal justice entities, from the perspective of evolutionary process maturation through time. This research examines the potential of adapting the Capability Maturity Model Integrated (CMMi) as a foundational process improvement framework among criminal justice organizations. Within the CMMi framework, process improvement begins from a state of random, ad hoc processes and culminates in a state of highly optimized processes. Through time, process maturation occurs through five primary stages sequentially: 1) random, 2) managed, 3) defined/specific, 4) quantitatively managed, and 5) optimized. This research explores the potential of leveraging the CMMi paradigm as a form of organizational process improvement within the criminal justice domain. Scope of the Study: This research investigated the potential for adapting the Capability Maturity Model (Integrated) (CMMi) within the criminal justice domain. A derivative maturity model framework, the Criminal Justice Maturity Model (CJMM), was crafted using the CMMi concept as its foundational premise. A Likert scale survey was implemented to investigate the perceptions of personnel regarding process improvement initiatives and their work settings. This study was constrained to the criminal justice domains of the states of Alabama and Mississippi. Data processing encompassed demographic descriptions of the survey instrument and the received responses, ANOVA, Chi-Square analysis, and the Cronbach Method. Stratifications involved separating the survey responses into classifications of Alabama versus Mississippi entities, urban versus rural entities, and management versus non-management entities. Findings and Conclusions: The conclusions of this research failed to show that all five levels of the maturity model framework appear to be separately perceived among the respondents. Therefore, per each individual stage of the maturity model framework, this research failed to show conclusively that the complete maturity model framework is adaptable among administrative settings in the criminal justice domain and that process maturity issues among respondent settings are addressed via a process maturity framework. Because this research failed to show the perceived characteristics of all five maturity levels of the maturity model framework separately, it is concluded that the criminal justice administrative settings of the respondents do not conform completely to the tenets of the CMMi paradigm. Future studies were recommended to pursue additional approaches of this research project. This study represents an initial starting point from which several future endeavors may be initiated. / Criminology and Security Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Police Science)