O processo de gestão da produção é responsável pelo planejamento de todas as atividades de produção em empresas de manufatura. Modelos conceituais são referências para implantação e organização deste processo, e alguns não abordam o uso da coleta automática de dados de chão de fábrica. É proposto um modelo conceitual que considera a coleta automática, tratamento e disponibilização destes dados, permitindo que sejam tomadas decisões com base em dados mais precisos, detalhados e fáceis de serem obtidos. / The production management process is in charge to plan all production activities in manufacturing enterprises. Conceptual models are references for implantation and organization of this process. Some of these models do not include automatic shop floor data collection. It is proposed a conceptual model that takes into account the automatica data collection, using, treating and making it available. This will permit a decision making based on more detailed, accurated and easy to get information.

A Construção Civil responde por grande consumo de recursos humanos, materiais e equipamentos, porém o modelo tradicional de gestão das construtoras baseia-se em processos simples de conversão associados a grandes desperdícios, perdas de produtividade e atrasos. A adoção de fluxo contínuo de atividades é uma alternativa para melhorar os processos de um projeto e pode ser alcançada através da utilização de um sistema de produção ritmada, gerando vantagens competitivas às construtoras. Em obras de infraestrutura, devido à complexidade dos projetos e a dificuldade em estabelecer elementos repetitivos, a implantação de tal sistema de produção é pouco comum. Este trabalho tem como objetivos: avaliar criticamente a implantação de um sistema de produção ritmada em uma obra de infraestrutura, relacionar os desafios encontrados no processo, verificar evoluções de produtividades e de aderência ao planejamento ao longo do projeto e demonstrar que a produção ritmada é capaz de atender diversos princípios da filosofia lean construction. A metodologia adotada foi a de revisão bibliográfica de sistemas de produção, filosofia lean e lean construction, com alguns exemplos de aplicações práticas, seguida do estudo de caso da obra de construção de uma estação de Metrô em São Paulo. Na obra em questão foi adotado um método consistindo em levantamento de informações, identificação de elementos repetitivos, definição de seções de construção, determinação de ritmo de trabalho, planejamento de atividades, programação, acompanhamento e controle. Este trabalho conclui que o sistema de produção ritmada, assim como o método apresentado, pode ser implantado em outras obras de infraestrutura. As vantagens do sistema estão no aumento da produtividade das equipes de armação e forma, crescimento da aderência ao planejamento, melhoria de acompanhamento e controle da execução, melhor integração entre os diferentes departamentos da construtora e nova organização de trabalho com encarregados multidisciplinares. Como avanços a serem implantados têm-se: adoção do sistema em fases anteriores do empreendimento, uso do Building Information Modeling (BIM) e desenvolvimento da integração da construtora com fornecedores e clientes. / Civil construction industry responds to a high consumption of human, material and equipment resources, but the traditional model of construction management is based on simple conversion processes associated with large wastes, productivity losses and delays. The adoption of continuous flow of activities is an alternative to improve the processes of a project and can be achieved by using a rhythmic production system, creating competitive advantages to construction companies. In infrastructure, due to the complexity of the projects and the difficulty in establishing repetitive elements, the implementation of such system is uncommon. The objective of this work is to critically evaluate the implementing of a rhythmic production system in an infrastructure project, to relate the challenges faced during the process, to verify evolutions of productivities and of adherence to the planning throughout the project and to show that this system can meet various principles of lean construction philosophy. The methodology adopted was literature review of production systems, lean philosophy and lean construction, with some examples of practical application, followed by a case study of the construction of a subway station in São Paulo. In the project studied a method was adopted consisting in information gathering, identification of repetitive elements, definition of construction sections, determination of work rhythm, activities planning, programming, monitoring and control. This work concludes that the rhythmic production system, as well as the presented method, can be implemented in other infrastructure projects. The advantages of the system are increased productivity of steel assembly and framing teams, growth of adherence to planning, improved follow-up and control of execution, better integration between different departments of the construction company and new work organization with multidisciplinary managers. As advances to be implemented are: adoption of the system in previous phases of the project, use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and development of the contractor\'s integration with suppliers and customers.

Este trabalho pretende contribuir com a caracterização e análise crítica da gestão dos processos nas empresas construtoras de edifícios, analisando especificamente a gestão e integração do processo de planejamento da produção em obras de edifícios residenciais de médio e alto padrão. O presente trabalho é baseado em entrevistas com os principais agentes dos processos de empresas construtoras estudadas e revisão bibliográfica no tema. É realizada análise dos resultados destas entrevistas à luz dos conceitos referentes à gestão de produção, gestão de pessoas e gestão da informação, com foco na integração entre os processos, utilizando a análise do fluxo de atividades como ferramenta de estudo. Esta análise objetiva identificar os gargalos e desafios existentes, e os resultados já alcançados pelas empresas. Como conclusão, foram identificados alguns pontos críticos na gestão do processo de planejamento da produção que interferem direta e indiretamente no desempenho dos empreendimentos, sob a ótica dos diversos autores estudados e dos gerentes entrevistados. Estes pontos críticos foram classificados e priorizados, e a partir deles são propostas ações de melhoria na gestão e integração do processo de planejamento da produção. / This dissertation is a contribution to the characterization & review of process management in general contractors, by undertaking in-depth analysis of the production planning process management and its integration into medium- and high-income residential buildings. The research herein is based on several interviews with general contractors\' major players of this process. The results from these interviews are analyzed up against the principles of production, people and information management. Focus is on integration amongst processes. Current study tool is the activity flow analysis. The analyses intent to point out existing gaps and challenges, and also to present preliminary results from those companies. In conclusion there are some critical issues related to the production planning process management that do interfere directly and indirectly with the project performance, according to many referred authors and interviewed officers. These critical issues were arranged and set in order of priority, from there are proposed actions to improve the management and integration of the production planning process.

O uso da tecnologia de informação pode propiciar muitos benefícios aos diversos segmentos da cadeia de suprimentos. Neste sentido este trabalho procura responder ?quais são os antecedentes do impacto da tecnologia de informação na cadeia de suprimentos e os efeitos desses impactos na performance de cooperativas agroindustriais??. Foram analisados os antecedentes dos impactos da tecnologia de informação: apoio da direção, qualidade técnica do departamento de tecnologia de informação, planejamento de tecnologia de informação. Também foram analisados os impactos da tecnologia de informação na cadeia de suprimentos nos segmentos upstream, produção e downstream. E as relações dos impactos da tecnologia de informação na performance da cooperativa. Para o desenvolvimento da pesquisa foi desenvolvido um survey via internet acessando cooperativas agropecuárias no Brasil. Para análise foram utilizadas técnicas estatísticas multivariadas. E a modelagem de equações estruturais usou o software Smart PLS 2.0 M3. Com isso realizou-se a validação dos modelos de mensuração e estrutural. Os resultados são importantes para comprovar a relação das variáveis antecedentes com os impactos da tecnologia da informação. E ressaltar a importância da tecnologia da informação na performance. Esses resultados são úteis para profissionais e pesquisadores da área de tecnologia da informação e agronegócio. / The use of InformationTechnology can propitiate many benefits to the several segments of the supplies\' chain. That way, this work search the answer the question ? which are the Antecedents of Information Technology\'s impact in the supplies\' chain as well as the effects of that impact in the agroindustrial cooperatives\' performance??. The antecedents of Information System\'s impact were analyzed: support of the direction, technical quality of Information Technology\'s department, planning of Information Technology. Also the impacts of the Information Technology were studied in the supplies\' chain in the upstream, production and downstream segments. And the links about the impacts of the Information Technology in the agroindustrial cooperatives\' performance. For the development of the research was applied a survey through internet by accessing such Brazilian cooperatives. For analysis, various statistical techniques were used, and the modelling of structural equations was made in the software Smart PLS 2.0 M3. Due to it, took place the validation of measurance models and structural. The results are important to prove the relationship of the antecedents variables of the Information Technology\'s impact in the performance. Those results are useful for professionals and researchers of both Information Technology\'s and agrobusiness area.

M.Ing. / The principles of lean were understood to be relevant to the operations of a manufacturing enterprise meaning processes associated with material supply, component production and delivery of products and services to the customer. It was identified there was growing awareness that lean principles could be transferred readily to other functions and sectors. The purpose of the study was to investigate the application of lean principles to knowledgebased activities such as engineering design and product development. The organization under study was Olifant Manufacturing Company (OMC), a division of British Aerospace Systems, Land Systems South Africa. Lean product developments (LPD) was identified as one of the leading approaches currently adopted by organizations attempting to maximize value, increase quality, shorten lead times, and lower the costs for product development (PD) processes. The justification for the research was due to and in response to current adverse market trends. There would be the adoption of processes that would radically reduce the product development lead time, product introduction lead time to market, increase process efficiency and product quality and reduce development costs at OMC. The problem statement was formulated as: “Would the researched Lean principles enable OMC to improve its traditional PD to LPD?” The Life Cycle Management (LCM) framework was the mandated organizational framework that guided the execution of projects at BAE Systems The development of the research literature was guided by research questions that sought to identify the relevant framework that would be tailored within the overarching (LCM) framework to enable process improvements. The main findings were that Lean transformation is an organizational journey that would begin with a top down philosophy or strategy approach. Aspects of Lean Product Development were identified and were found to be integrated into a system framework that integrated the transformation of people, processes and tools and technologies.

M.Ing. / A company can execute a number of different projects. Some of these projects will increase production volumes, plant efficiency or plant productivity. Others may only be projects that are executed in order to conform to legislation requirements. As such projects can broadly be placed in the following categories: • Compliance • Emergency • Operational • Strategic and • Sustainability A project needs to go through a number of steps before it is decided to finally execute the project. The first step is to place the project in the correct category. The second step is to screen the project on a high level to ensure that it meets all of the required criteria. The third phase would be to prioritise the projects. The final step would then be to decide which projects to execute. This type of staged approach determines which projects to complete and ensures that resources are not wasted unnecessarily on projects that should not be executed and that do not meet the minimum criteria.

With global competition becoming a key concept in the majority of companies worldwide, it is necessary for organisations to develop operations strategies that enable them to meet their customers‘ needs. Organisations will never be capable of reaching future goals without their customers. For this reason it is imperative for organisations to identify what competitive factors are required by the market, and which performance objectives are needed in order to increase the competitiveness of the organisation. In this research, Chapters 1 and 2 were used to identify the main and subproblems of the research, to delimit the research and to provide literature background to operations strategies and related operations topics. The empirical study in Chapter 3 was used to gather information pertaining to the specific requirements of ESA’s customers, and the operations performanceof ESA. Chapter 4 was used to analyse the data gathered from the empirical study. From this analysis it was possible for the researcher to identify the specific requirements of ESA’s customers and the operations performance of ESA. Chapter 5 was used to provide recommendations to bridge the performance gap between the customer requirements and the operations performance of ESA. By effectively implementing all of the recommendations suggested in this research, ESA will be able to improve its operation performance and meet the specific requirements of its market and its customers.

The present study was conducted to determine the readiness of management at selected manufacturing organisation in the Buffalo City area to manage the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The study was conducted in the Buffalo City area on manufacturing organisations with a workforce greater than 250. The main aims of the present study were: · To provide an overview of relevant literature concerning theoretical key issues related to the management of HIV/AIDS in the workplace. · To assess the readiness of Buffalo City organisations in managing HIV/AIDS in the workplace, and to identify areas of improvement. · In the light of the findings, make further recommendations to manufacturing organisations to further improve their workplace policy, education and awareness programmes; and the accommodation of HIV-infected employees in the workplace. Another objective of the study was to provide additional research as a tool to assist organisations in managing HIV/AIDS in the workplace and to assist in fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Buffalo City area. The research process entailed: the selection of a test sample of manufacturing organisations in the Buffalo City area, and selecting an appropriate Human Resource manager or representative from these organisations to complete a structured questionnaire. The research tool used in the study was a questionnaire, which was used to extract relevant information on the demographics, policies, education and the accommodation of HIV/AIDS affected and infected employees in the workplace. The results revealed the following: · 73 percent of the selected manufacturing organisations in the Buffalo City have an HIV/AIDS policy in place; · 87 percent of the organisation indicated that their management are committed to the development and implementation of a HIV/AIDS policy; · management and supervisors in these organisations have not been adequately trained to manage the impact of HIV/AIDS in the workplace; · organisations in the Buffalo City area need to collaborate and share information; and · that very few organisations benchmark against best practices. Future research on HIV/AIDS policy can explore the effective implementation of HIV/AIDS policies in these organisations as well as the effective management of HIV/AIDS in the workplace.

HIV/AIDS is undoubtedly the single most important and daunting health problem facing Africa. Globally too, this is one of the most serious health, medical and social preoccupations of our time (Chinery-Hesse, 2000: 1). The aim of this research study is to evaluate the strategic impact of HIV/AIDS on first level component suppliers to the motor industry located in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. To achieve this aim a literature study was undertaken to determine the patterns of development, the infection statistics and to explore strategic options and actions for dealing with the effects of the disease. An empirical study has been conducted to assess the opinions of senior management within first level component suppliers. The results from the study indicate that most companies in the selected group believe that HIV/AIDS will have a serious impact on their organisations. In conclusion, various recommendations have been made with regards to the findings ascertained in the literature review and empirical study.

Over the past couple of decades traditional manufacturing techniques have been replaced by lean production around the world. This change in production methodology brought about the opportunity for numerous companies to reduce costs and customer lead time through the application of this lean philosophy. The worldwide shift from traditional manufacturing to lean manufacturing can be ascribed to the success of Toyota Motor Company. Lean manufacturing refers to a manufacturing improvement process in order to minimize or eliminate waste while maximizing production flow (Tapping, et al., 2002:30). A value stream includes all the operations and processes to transform raw material into finished products or services. Value stream is a management tool used for the planning of a production process involving lean techniques through systematic data capturing and analysis (Tapping 2002 et al., 41). Value stream is a proven process for planning the improvements that will allow companies to develop lean practices. One key to Toyota’s success that GMSA and many other South African companies have not been able to emulate is the transformation of their suppliers to apply the lean philosophy. This lack of supplier transformation is due to various reasons including supplier proximity, supplier relationships, supplier performance levels, and the ordering policies used for supplied parts. Even though many manufacturing organizations realize the importance of practicing lean manufacturing techniques, few organizations apply lean techniques with the required knowledge and tools to transform their organization from traditional manufacturing to lean manufacturing. This research project is based purely on the lean manufacturing principles and philosophies. The aim of the study is to make GMSA’s suppliers aware of the principles and processes of lean manufacturing and to develop a lean implementation strategy to assist organizations with the successful implementation of lean practices. In order to correctly implement and sustain lean manufacturing practices this study will also focus on supplier support and development and the behavior an organization must exhibit to make this transformation a success. The research methodology comprised the following steps: • A literature study was performed by the researcher to get a better understanding of the principles and philosophies of lean manufacturing; • A second literature study was also performed to get a better understanding of the continuous improvement philosophies of lean manufacturing including supplier support & development; and • To accomplish the objectives of this study, interview sessions were conducted with four senior managers of General Motors South Africa. The researcher selected the interviewees from the following departments within General Motors South Africa: Global Purchasing and Supply Chain; Supplier Quality and Development; Vehicle Assembly Operations and Material Supply. The interviewees from General Motors South Africa were identified as qualified data sources for this research project, as their professional opinions and viewpoints could best address the research questions.