Esta tese tem como tema o processo de inovação em organizações da indústria de softwares. Foi desenvolvido um modelo de relacionamento e instrumento de avaliação do potencial de inovação em empresas de software. Para tanto, inicialmente, os fatores facilitadores da inovação foram identificados através do estudo da literatura e pesquisa exploratória junto a dez empresas do setor de software na cidade de Pato Branco-PR. Identificados os fatores, o modelo de relacionamento foi construído, apoiado na opinião de especialistas do setor empresarial e acadêmico. A análise do modelo revelou seis fatores essenciais no processo de inovação: Capital intelectual humano, Seleção de projetos promissores, Liderança orientada à inovação, Estrutura financeira, Procedimentos de prospecção de mercado e Utilização de do mercado. O modelo de relacionamento permitiu construir um instrumento de avaliação do potencial de inovação das empresas do setor de softwares. Este instrumento foi aplicado em campo, avaliando o suporte recebido e o desempenho dos fatores facilitadores da inovação em um conjunto de nove empresas. O modelo de relacionamento e correspondente instrumento de avaliação foram verificados através de estudos de correlação e da própria opinião dos especialistas. O modelo de relacionamento e o instrumento de avaliação podem auxiliar as empresas de software a: (i) entender melhor os fatores que influenciam o processo de inovação e seus relacionamentos; (ii) avaliar o potencial de inovação de sua empresa e (iii) estabelecer um plano de ação para desenvolver esse potencial de inovação. / This thesis is about the process of innovation in companies of the software industry. A relationship model and a tool for assessment of the innovation potential in software companies were developed. Initially, the factors that facilitate innovation were identified through a literature review and an exploratory research comprising ten companies of the software industry located at Pato Branco-PR. After the identification of the factors, the relationship model was constructed, supported by the opinion of experts from the business and university sectors. The model analysis revealed six key factors for the innovation process: human intellectual capital, selection of promising projects, leadership for innovation, financial structure, procedures of market research, and use of market feedback. The relationship model allowed the construction of an instrument for assessing the innovation potential of software companies. This instrument was applied in the field, evaluating the received support and the performance factors that facilitate innovation in a set of nine companies. The relationship model and corresponding assessment tool were tested through correlation studies and expert opinion. The relationship model and assessment tool can help software companies to: (i) better understand the factors that influence the innovation process and their relationships, (ii) assess the innovation potential of their company, and (iii) establish an action plan to develop the potential for innovation.

O processo de desenvolvimento de produto (PDP) é reconhecido por influenciar diretamente a competitividade das empresas. O sucesso do desenvolvimento pode contribuir, entre outros resultados, no aumento da participação de mercado, conquista de novos clientes, redução de custos e melhora da qualidade. O PDP realizado entre montadora de veículos e fornecedor requer atenção especial no que diz respeito à gestão do processo e à interação entre as empresas. Isso porque, em muitos casos, fornecedores detêm o conhecimento tecnológico do produto e processo de produção do mesmo e a montadora detém o conhecimento das necessidades de performance do projeto. Dentro destas duas instituições, montadora e fornecedor, ocorre um movimento que envolve competências, responsabilidades e a atuação de diversas áreas funcionais. Todo este processo requer integração, comunicação e estrutura, para que possa ocorrer de maneira organizada. Montadoras americanas desenvolveram uma metodologia que busca suprir algumas das necessidades de integração no PDP, o Planejamento Avançado da Qualidade do Produto (APQP). O objetivo deste trabalho é discutir esta metodologia, identificando condições em que o APQP contribui para a gestão do processo de desenvolvimento do produto. Este trabalho foi desenvolvido por meio de estudos de casos da indústria automotiva, entre os quais dois estudos com maior profundidade. Em um segundo momento, foi pesquisado um grupo maior, de 20 fornecedores de um mesmo projeto, para avaliar se as conclusões obtidas nos dois casos mais aprofundados eram representativas para um grupo amplo. Nos casos estudados, foi possível identificar que atrasos por parte da montadora dificultam a gestão do processo. O fornecedor, ao trabalhar próximo do cliente, obtém informações que possibilitam administrar atrasos e prazos comprimidos, muitas vezes antecipando-se a formalizações da montadora. Isso tem custos adicionais, mas revela que o APQP pode contribuir positivamente na interação, fornecendo subsídios para um alinhamento constante. Porém, não impede que falhas internas na montadora sejam evitadas. / The product development process (PDP) is recognized for having direct influence on companys competitiveness. The success of PDP can influence other objectives, some of them: market share increasing, new customers, cost reduction and quality improvement. The OEMs (Original Equipments Manufactures) and automotive parts manufacturers PDP require special attention on the process management and interaction between the companies. These because, in many cases, suppliers hold the technical knowledge of the product and production process and the OEMs hold the requirements and project performance knowledge. Inside those companies, OEMs and auto parts suppliers there is a process which involves competencies, responsibilities and work from several functional areas. The success of those projects requires integration, communication and a well organized structure to make it happen on an organized way. Auto makers have developed a methodology to supply some integration requirements between the players on the PDP and the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP). The objective of this paper is to discuss the methodology, indentifying conditions which will contribute for new product development management. This paper was developed on case studies from automotive industry. First, two deep studies cases was made. In a second moment, a more extensive study was done with 20 suppliers of the same project, to evaluate if the conclusion on the primary study were representatives into a large group. On the two moments, it was possible to indentify that delays on car manufacturer make more difficult to manage the process. However, the supplier can work closely to client and make possible to have an easier communication process. This communication enables to track the delays and deadlines, and sometimes work in advanced. This have additional costs, but shows that the APQP can contribute on the interaction, giving assistance for supplies have a constant alignment, on the other hand cannot guarantee to avoid errors and internal failures on the car makers.

Toda variação dimensional de montagem está baseada no empilhamento entre geometrias por formas e furos/pinos de localização em dispositivos. A capacidade de se garantir a menor variação dimensional é proporcional ao número de empilhamentos e ao comportamento geométrico dos componentes para formar o conjunto. Quanto maior a dependência geométrica no empilhamento, maior a probabilidade de variação. Entenda-se por dependência geométrica as conseqüências dimensionais circunstanciadas pela geometria de contato entre componentes, que facilitarão ou não os processos produtivos. Por este conceito, as necessidades relativas ao controle produtivo baseiam-se na capacitação do processo à necessidade do produto e vice-versa (a um processo instalado, desenvolver o produto cuja fabricação seja capaz em garantir o seu desempenho). A capacitação do processo deve-se à garantia sobre controles de componentes e conjuntos, mediante a avaliação de correta aplicação de tolerâncias dimensionais e geométricas no projeto e na garantia do processo. O desempenho do produto está garantida pelos seis graus de liberdade traduzidos como referências de localização e montagem para a sua função. Aspectos relacionados à rigidez de estrutura são relevantes e poderão ser inseridos nos estudos para garantia de conceitos a serem avaliados. O diagrama operacional proposto tem como foco reunir atividades e padrões de desenvolvimento de produtos e capacitação do processo, gerenciados por ferramentas de desenvolvimento e qualidade e controle dos processos. O benefício principal do diagrama operacional está na identificação de correlação de atividades, padrões de variações e capacidades produtivas, por meio da criação de referências geométricas e dimensionais. Por meio deste diagrama operacional há o desenvolvimento associado à avaliação de validação de montagens de produtos. E ainda uma correlação conseqüente à otimização de processos e produtos. A base de dados para esse projeto está nos vários processos e conceitos de produtos empregados, na disponibilidade das referências bibliográficas sobre viii capacidades de sistemas de inspeção, introdução aos princípios de tolerância, intrínsecas ao desenvolvimento de produtos e processo, ao processo de validação de componentes, nas análises de tensões e deformações e pelo embasamento em tolerâncias dimensionais e geométricas pela ASME Y 14.5 M. Identifica-se ainda a padronização de aplicação de referenciais para inspeção e processos de união entre componentes, definidos por estratégias de localização. / All assembly dimensional and geometric variation are based on geometries stack ups by profiles, locating holes and pins on fixtures. There is a direct relation between the number of stack ups, the final variation and geometry of assembly components. The probability of variation is directly related to the geometry dependency, that are circumstances of dimensional consequences for product and process. Based on this concept, process control is related to the process capability and product performance, and vice-versa (based on a installed process, the product must be robust for that process). The process capability focus the components and assemblies assurance, based on the dimensional and geometric tolerance. Also the process assurances are about components and assemblies control, based on correct dimensional and geometric tolerance. The product performance is dimensionally assured by the six degrees of freedom translated as locating and assembly references for its function. Aspects related to the stiffness are relevant and the concepts will be presented. The proposed Operational Diagram is focused to meet activities and product pattern development with process capacity, managed by quality tools and process control methodology. The benefits of Operational Diagram are to identify and make the correlation among activities, capability and variation through dimensional and geometric references creation, with product and process continuous improvement. The data base for this proposal are in the multiples process and project applied, in the information, in the process validation based on statistical analysis, in the CAE tooling with basis on tolerance by ASME Y 14.5 M., that identify references application, referenced to the locating strategy.

A crescente tendência de participação dos fornecedores no processo de desenvolvimento de produto da indústria automotiva, faz com que o estudo desta parceria se torne importante, tanto para as montadoras quanto para os fornecedores. O principal objetivo desta parceria é a utilização da capacidade de engenharia dos fornecedores (know-how), permitindo assim, a incorporação de novas tecnologias ao veículo e a redução dos custos de desenvolvimento das montadoras. Observa-se cada vez mais dentro da montadora, discussões sobre o co-desenvolvimento (co-design) nos projetos automotivos, níveis de integração com o fornecedor, fase do projeto adequada para o envolvimento dos fornecedores, o nível adequado de detalhamento das especificações técnicas utilizadas como referência inicial pelos fornecedores, a definição das responsabilidades de cada parceiro e o próprio processo para realização do desenvolvimento em parceria. O presente trabalho explora de que forma tais questões são atualmente abordadas na subsidiária brasileira de uma montadora, através do estudo de seus processos e ferramentas e da comparação com as informações disponíveis na bibliografia e estudadas no meio acadêmico. Com este trabalho, pretende-se fornecer informações que possam auxiliar montadoras e fornecedores na melhoria de seus processos internos de desenvolvimento de produto, principalmente nas questões relativas ao co-desenvolvimento (co-design). / The increasing trend of suppliers participation in the automotive industry product development process makes the study of this partnership important for automakers and suppliers. The main objective of this partnership is to take advantage of suppliers engineering capability (know-how) in order to bring new technologies to the vehicle and reduce automakers development costs. It is becoming more and more common inside automakers, discussions regarding co-design in automotive projects, supplier integration levels, suitable project phase to get suppliers involved, suitable level of details for automakers technical specifications used as initial reference by suppliers, the responsibilities definition of each partner and the process to perform development in a partnership relation. This work explores how these issues are currently addressed in a Brazilian automaker subsidiary, through the study of its processes and tools and the comparison with the information available in the bibliography and studied academically. Finally, this work intends to provide information that can assist automakers and suppliers to improve their internal product development processes, mainly regarding co-design.

Este presente trabalho visa avaliar a aplicação da metodologia Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) ao processo de desenvolvimento de veículos (PDV) visando atingir níveis de qualidade Seis Sigma quando do início do processo de fabricação. Na verdade, quando se fala em fabricar produtos que já nasçam com níveis de qualidade Seis Sigma, não significa que seja mandatório que se obtenha a honrosa relação de 3,4 defeitos por milhão de oportunidades, mas sim que proporcionem resultados positivos em relação à melhoria da qualidade, otimização de custos, redução do tempo de desenvolvimento, vislumbrando o mais importante de todos os aspectos: o total entusiasmo do cliente. Para tanto, quando se fala da aplicação do DFSS no âmbito do desenvolvimento de veículos, o panorama deste contexto torna-se relativamente mais amplo e complexo, face ao nível de desenvolvimento tecnológico deste setor. O assunto é introduzido descrevendo-se o processo de desenvolvimento de veículos em sua abordagem atualmente difundida, alicerçada por um processo bem definido e estruturado, para se poder introduzir o DFSS neste processo. Antes, porém, introduz-se toda a metodologia referente ao Seis Sigma, por ser o fundamento base para a criação do DFSS. Por fim, a colocação de um estudo de caso procura relatar a aplicação da metodologia DFSS aplicada especificamente para a GM, procurando relatar a estratégia da aplicação, bem como seus principais ganhos alcançados. / This present work aims to evaluate the application of the Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodology to the vehicle development process (VDP) seeking to reach Six Sigma quality levels when the beginning of the production process. Actually, when it is spoken in manufacturing products that are already born with Six Sigma quality levels, it doesn\'t mean that it is mandatory that must be obtained the honorable relationship of 3,4 defects per millions of opportunities, but that provide positive results in relation to the quality improvement, costs optimization, reduction of the development timing, glimpsing the most important of all of the aspects: the customer\'s total enthusiasm. For that, when it is spoken about the application of DFSS in the extent of the vehicles development, the scenery of this context becomes relatively wider and complex, face at the level of technological development of this section. The subject is introduced being described the vehicles development process in its approach currently spread, found by a very defined and structured process, to allow introducing DFSS in this process. Before, however, the whole methodology regarding Six Sigma is introduced, for being the foundation base for the creation of DFSS. Finally, the placement of a case study tries to demonstrate the application of the DFSS methodology applied specifically for GM, trying to report the strategy of the application, as well as their main reached benefits.

Crowing Hens Bindery is an independent business that I have founded to combine my passion for bookbinding, printmaking, and production. The purpose of this study is to provide an opportunity for me begin to make the transition from being a student in a graduate level book arts program to a self-employed bookbinder in a production and market driven environment. To gain a better understanding of production binding techniques I implemented a small production run. I designed three blank book prototypes that focus on the needs of the user, and I developed marketing descriptions to help put these products within a market context. To diversify my product line, I have created a variety of decorative papers including paste papers and linocut letterpress printed papers. These will serve as my proprietary covering material and offer alternative avenues to supplement my income. I have photographed the various stages of bookbinding and printing to illustrate the process of product development. This study has allowed me to begin to assume the various roles and responsibilities that a self-employed bookbinder must assume in order to cultivate a successful business.

The internal combustion engine requires clean air in order to operate without problems the entire service life. The air filter acts as a barrier between the ambient air ridden with particulate matter, and the sensitive interior of the engine. Several factors affect the air filter performance, such as pressure drop, efficiency, and dust holding capacity. Many external factors affect the air filter too, such as driving style, engine type, if the car is equipped with hybrid propulsion et cetera. The scope for this thesis work aims to extend the knowledge of air filtration for the customer, in this case, Volvo Cars. A comprehensive literature study along with benchmarking of competitors acts as a foundational approach. Regarding air filter service life, three parameters are identified as the most significant: dust holding capacity, efficiency and pressure drop over the filter element. Reverse engineering shows some competitor design decisions. A model of estimating air consumption is developed using a data-driven approach with real-world driving data as a basis. The model shows how much the actual air consumption varies between different markets and various engines. As a result, the service lifetime of air filters in certain cars with certain engines may be extended or allow for a smaller filter size for the same service lifetime.

<p>The world is a very competitive place, every day companies from all over the globe try to be on the edge of their fields in order to keep a good distance from competitors. They have found in the new product development process or NPD the leverage they needed to build up that differentiation required to get ahead over competitors. When looking inside the NPD we decided to focus on a very critical and interesting stage, the business analysis process. The purpose sought with our research is to provide a better understanding of how small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) carry out their business analysis stage in the process of new product development (NPD), this purpose was first obtained by stating a main problem and to facilitate the answer to this main problem we proposed two research questions that were later used to review all of the related literature, which resulted in a conceptual framework 2employed to guide this study’s data collection. We decided to use the inductive approach and the use of primary data collected with the help of interviews with companies representing SMEs using a qualitative case study approach through all interviews. It is important to mention that the interviews were also designed with the help of the research questions.</p><p>The results allowed us to develop a model that shows how the business analysis process looks like in the companies studied as well as to highlight the most relevant factors for the two companies studied when performing the business analysis. Finally the research let us establish some suggestions for future researches regarding the business analysis process such as the differences between small and medium enterprises and larger firms, and the cross-functional activities involved in a business analysis process in larger firms.</p>

<p>In the competitive environment of today’s global markets, the demands of customers are increasing. They expect to get the best product at the lowest price with immediate availability. Logistics, including transportation, inventory maintenance, order processing, purchasing, warehousing, materials handling, packaging, customer service standards, and product scheduling must continuously be developed to meet the challenges of the market. The globalization, with longer distances to customers and suppliers, and the progressing trend of outsourcing are examples of why the importance of logistics has increased over the last few years.</p><p>A considerable part of the final product cost is frozen during the early product development phases. In the early phases of the product development process, the cost of making design changes is low compared to making changes later in the product development process. The product development decisions made in the early phases of the product development process have considerable impact on future manufacturing and logistics activities as well.</p><p>The objective of this research project is to develop a framework supporting the collaboration between the logistics- and the product development process. To do this, it has been essential to analyze which parameters influence the efficiency of the logistics process and the interface between the logistics- and the product development process. Also, to investigate how the logistics department can be integrated earlier in the product development process has been of interest. This has been done through both a theoretical review and also through a number of case studies.</p><p>The result and conclusion of this project is a framework that gives support for what to focus on, how to collaborate, in which phases collaboration is meaningful, and which persons need to be involved in the different product development phases. Working as the framework suggests will, hopefully, give closer collaboration between the logistics- and the product development process than without this supportive framework. The expectation of the collaboration is an earlier integration of the logistics department in the product development process and through this influence and increase the efficiency of the logistics process.</p>

<p>The high level of competition and the rapidly growing technology development has created new challenges for today's businesses where they are forced to deliver more customized products at a lower price and a shorter time period. This places high demands on the companies' ability to design and develop better products in a more efficient way. In addition to developing products, the design process focuses on securing long-term success for the company by developing nourishing skills. However, to achieve an effective design process the companies must improve their ability to plan as well as use their knowledge base in a more efficient manner. Toyota's product development system is a critical component for companies to address challenges that they’re facing and offers a great potential to create significant competitive advantages. Toyota's product development system is designed to streamline the design of processes and products, as they often create restrictions on business and describes the importance of making use of a coordinated effort by several functions, and strives to integrate processes, people, technology and tools in an effective manner.</p><p> </p><p>The concept of Concurrent Engineering includes parallel efforts rather than a time-consuming serial work and seeks to minimize delays in the product development process. Concurrent Engineering enables for quality products, to reach the market faster at a lower cost and allows the company to quickly and flexibly adapt to changing demands and conditions through parallel efforts. Like Toyota’s product development system, Concurrent Engineering promotes an integrated approach where multifunctional teams work towards a common goal striving to solve problems at an early stage.</p><p> </p><p>Propulsion and Control in Västerås, a division within Bombardier Transportation, is currently suffering from extensive engineering changes and struggles to uphold time plans and budgets. The thesis will therefore cover the complete product development process where focus has been directed towards the processes and conditions that could enable for an effective product development process. During the thesis work the underlying causes for the problems mentioned above, have been identified. Internal documents regarding the company's current process has been reviewed and interviews have been carried out in order to evaluate the company’s current situation. During the thesis work a comparative study has been conducted at a large company within the Mälardalen-region. This study has been used as a practical example to reinforce the theoretical reasoning and has additionally allowed for further examination of a company's product development process.</p><p> </p><p>The thesis has resulted in a number of suggestions for improvements, where the main action areas are covered by cross-functionality, routines, follow-up, supplier involvement and prototypes. Another action area that has been identified is front-loading which aims at examining several alternatives and solving problems as well as creating countermeasures at an early stage. These six areas were found to have a significant role in creating an effective product development process and are considered to be relevant for the company's current situation.</p>