In the context of sustainable development, evaluations have particularly high relevance as complex issues have to be dealt with generally over an extended period of time. Furthermore, there is a growing demand to evaluate against the concept of sustainable development. Especially evaluations with sustainable development are a rather new type of evaluation, as the source of its evaluation questions and the criteria applied are rooted in the concept of sustainable development. Sustainability of a specific project or process is often highly case specific as sustainable development is determined by many often unique issues. However, evaluations would be highly inefficient, if they would have to be newly designed in every case. Thus it is necessary to determine and utilize the major issues for evaluations with sustainable development. This paper is part of a series of three papers - which can be used independently - that present the major common issues for evaluations with sustainable development in a Tool Box. The results presented here are based on outcomes of a research project funded by the "Austrian Science Fund". This paper includes the "strategic orientation tool", which was developed as a tool for reflection and decision upon the general outline of an evaluation with sustainable development. It helps to define a design- frame with respect to its information-focus, scope and utilization. The core of the tool is a matrix that is based on two key- functions. On the one hand it defines which contents should be assessed: "What is the object of evaluation?". On the other hand it is oriented along the actual utilization of the evaluation: "How the gained results of the evaluation should be communicated and to whom?". (author's abstract) / Series: Research Paper Series of the Research Focus Managing Sustainability

No presente estudo buscou-se desenvolver uma metodologia simplificada para avaliar o impacto ambiental do processo de fabricação de placas de revestimentos cerâmicos – via úmida. Para dar subsídios ao desenvolvimento do modelo de avaliação ambiental e para obter um maior conhecimento do processo produtivo, foram elaboradas planilhas que correlacionavam as etapas do sistema produtivo com os tipos e volumes de resíduos nele gerados. Relacionaram-se a estas planilhas, as normas técnicas da Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas (ABNT), as quais determinam as metodologias de amostragem, caracterizações, monitoramento, tratamento dos resíduos sólidos e efluentes líquidos e gasosos; as Legislações Federal e Estadual pertinentes, as quais dispõem sobre o controle da poluição ambiental. O modelo de avaliação do impacto ambiental aqui proposto, foi desenvolvido partindo-se da Matriz de Interação de Leopold e da Matriz de Risco, na qual identificou-se os efeitos poluidores (críticos, significativos, reduzidos e marginais) das etapas deste processo produtivo. A validação destes resultados foi obtida pela realização de ensaios analíticos nas matérias-primas utilizadas e nos resíduos gerados no processo produtivo. Os resultados das análises químicas reforçam que a toxicidade positiva nos efluentes líquidos está relacionada com a composição química dos insumos utilizados na decoração. Os resíduos sólidos que mais comprometem o meio ambiente são aqueles provenientes dos setores de preparação e aplicação de tintas e vidrados. Também realizou-se um estudo de caracterização das matérias-primas naturais e no produto, utilizando as técnicas de fluorescência de raio X, análise termodiferencial e termogravimétrica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e difração de raio X, buscando compreender as interações dos componentes da massa do corpo cerâmico, durante a etapa de queima, e sua influência na qualidade do produto final. Essas informações são úteis, tanto do ponto de vista da caracterização cristaloquímica das matérias-primas que compõem o corpo cerâmico, identificando sua evolução quando submetidos a processos de queima, quanto do ponto de vista ambiental, servindo de base para estudos futuros que promovam o estabelecimento de especificações de controle de massa, e melhor aproveitamento dos recursos minerais, evitando eventuais desperdícios durante o processo. Com a consolidação de todos os dados foi possível indicar, em cada etapa do processo produtivo, as não conformidades existentes com relação às especificações legais, bem como sugestões para sua adequação ambiental. / Present study developed a simplified methodology to evaluate the environmental impacts of the wet process of production of ceramic tiles. In order to subsidize the development of the model of environmental evaluation and to achieve a better understanding of the productive process, there were elaborated matrixes in which was correlated the stages of the productive system with the respective types and volumes of residues generated. To these matrixes there were related the technical norms of the Brazilian Association of Norms and Techniques (ABNT), which determines the sampling methodologies, characterizations, monitoring and treatment of the solid residues and liquid and gaseous effluents; and the pertinent Federal and State Legislations which dispose on the control of the environmental pollution. The evaluation of the environmental impact model here proposed was developed from the Interaction Matrix of Leopold and from the Risk Matrix proposed by Moura, in which identified the pollutant effects (critical, significant, reduced, marginal) of the stages of this productive process. The validation of these results was obtained through the accomplishment of analytic assays in the used raw materials and in the residues generated in the productive process. The results of the chemical analyses reinforce that the positive toxicity in the liquid effluent is related with the chemical composition of the synthetic raw material used in the decoration. It was concluded that the solid residues that more damage cause to the environment are those coming from the enamel and dying preparation and application sections. Concomitantly, it was performed a study of characterization of the natural raw materials and of the product, using different techniques as fluorescence X ray, differential thermal analysis with thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy and X ray diffraction, in order to understand the interactions of the components of the mass of the ceramic body, during the stage of burning and its influence in the quality of the final product. Also, under the environmental point of view, the set of information may be used as base for future works to define technical specifications of mass control, subsidizing orientations for a better use of the mineral resources avoiding eventual wastes during the process. With the consolidation of all data it was possible to indicate, in each stage of the productive process, the existent non-conformities, as well as suggestions for its environmental adaptation.

No presente estudo buscou-se desenvolver uma metodologia simplificada para avaliar o impacto ambiental do processo de fabricação de placas de revestimentos cerâmicos – via úmida. Para dar subsídios ao desenvolvimento do modelo de avaliação ambiental e para obter um maior conhecimento do processo produtivo, foram elaboradas planilhas que correlacionavam as etapas do sistema produtivo com os tipos e volumes de resíduos nele gerados. Relacionaram-se a estas planilhas, as normas técnicas da Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas (ABNT), as quais determinam as metodologias de amostragem, caracterizações, monitoramento, tratamento dos resíduos sólidos e efluentes líquidos e gasosos; as Legislações Federal e Estadual pertinentes, as quais dispõem sobre o controle da poluição ambiental. O modelo de avaliação do impacto ambiental aqui proposto, foi desenvolvido partindo-se da Matriz de Interação de Leopold e da Matriz de Risco, na qual identificou-se os efeitos poluidores (críticos, significativos, reduzidos e marginais) das etapas deste processo produtivo. A validação destes resultados foi obtida pela realização de ensaios analíticos nas matérias-primas utilizadas e nos resíduos gerados no processo produtivo. Os resultados das análises químicas reforçam que a toxicidade positiva nos efluentes líquidos está relacionada com a composição química dos insumos utilizados na decoração. Os resíduos sólidos que mais comprometem o meio ambiente são aqueles provenientes dos setores de preparação e aplicação de tintas e vidrados. Também realizou-se um estudo de caracterização das matérias-primas naturais e no produto, utilizando as técnicas de fluorescência de raio X, análise termodiferencial e termogravimétrica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e difração de raio X, buscando compreender as interações dos componentes da massa do corpo cerâmico, durante a etapa de queima, e sua influência na qualidade do produto final. Essas informações são úteis, tanto do ponto de vista da caracterização cristaloquímica das matérias-primas que compõem o corpo cerâmico, identificando sua evolução quando submetidos a processos de queima, quanto do ponto de vista ambiental, servindo de base para estudos futuros que promovam o estabelecimento de especificações de controle de massa, e melhor aproveitamento dos recursos minerais, evitando eventuais desperdícios durante o processo. Com a consolidação de todos os dados foi possível indicar, em cada etapa do processo produtivo, as não conformidades existentes com relação às especificações legais, bem como sugestões para sua adequação ambiental. / Present study developed a simplified methodology to evaluate the environmental impacts of the wet process of production of ceramic tiles. In order to subsidize the development of the model of environmental evaluation and to achieve a better understanding of the productive process, there were elaborated matrixes in which was correlated the stages of the productive system with the respective types and volumes of residues generated. To these matrixes there were related the technical norms of the Brazilian Association of Norms and Techniques (ABNT), which determines the sampling methodologies, characterizations, monitoring and treatment of the solid residues and liquid and gaseous effluents; and the pertinent Federal and State Legislations which dispose on the control of the environmental pollution. The evaluation of the environmental impact model here proposed was developed from the Interaction Matrix of Leopold and from the Risk Matrix proposed by Moura, in which identified the pollutant effects (critical, significant, reduced, marginal) of the stages of this productive process. The validation of these results was obtained through the accomplishment of analytic assays in the used raw materials and in the residues generated in the productive process. The results of the chemical analyses reinforce that the positive toxicity in the liquid effluent is related with the chemical composition of the synthetic raw material used in the decoration. It was concluded that the solid residues that more damage cause to the environment are those coming from the enamel and dying preparation and application sections. Concomitantly, it was performed a study of characterization of the natural raw materials and of the product, using different techniques as fluorescence X ray, differential thermal analysis with thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy and X ray diffraction, in order to understand the interactions of the components of the mass of the ceramic body, during the stage of burning and its influence in the quality of the final product. Also, under the environmental point of view, the set of information may be used as base for future works to define technical specifications of mass control, subsidizing orientations for a better use of the mineral resources avoiding eventual wastes during the process. With the consolidation of all data it was possible to indicate, in each stage of the productive process, the existent non-conformities, as well as suggestions for its environmental adaptation.

In this thesis, an approximation is proposed to evaluate the steady-state performance of kanban controlled assembly systems. The approximation is developed for the systems with two components making up an assembly. Then, it is extended to systems with more than two components. A continuous-time Markov model is aggregated keeping the model exact, and this aggregate model is approximated replacing some state-dependent transition rates with constant rates. Decomposition of the approximate aggregate model into submodels guarantees product-form steady-state distribution for each subsystem. Finally, submodels are combined in such a way that the size of the problem becomes independent of the number of kanbans. This brings about the computational advantage in solving the combined model using numerical matrix-geometric solution algorithms. Based on the numerical comparisons with simulation, the exact model, an approximate aggregate model and another approximation in a previous study in the literature, the approximation is observed to be good in terms of accuracy with respect to computational burden and has the potential to be a building block for the analysis of systems that are more complex but closer to real-life applications.

Esta tese apresenta os métodos de gerenciamento associados ao Pó de Aciaria Elétrica (PAE) gerado no forno elétrico a arco (FEA) e no forno-panela (FP), envolvendo dois grandes tópicos: sistema de gestão ambiental e fatores relacionados à tecnologia. O processo do PAE percorre as seguintes etapas: entrada e beneficiamento da matériaprima, preparação, carregamento e fusão de carga no FEA, formação e retirada de escória, vazamento do aço para a panela, refino no forno-panela, assim como o sistema de captação das emissões atmosféricas e destinação do PAE captado no FEA e FP. Os métodos de gerenciamento foram estruturados em cima do aprendizado técnico, qualitativo e quantitativo adquirido no desenvolvimento das atividades profissionais, dos levantamentos sobre as tecnologias disponíveis para destinação e reciclagem do PAE, dos mapeamentos das características das instalações de captação do PAE de empresas siderúrgicas, bem como das bibliografias e visitas técnicas realizadas. As informações reunidas foram empregadas para desenvolver duas matrizes de avaliação, consolidando assim, um critério para verificar as práticas de gestão ambiental e de tecnologias que estão associadas ao PAE. O principal resultado das matrizes foi a identificação e priorização das necessidades de melhorias, tanto do sistema de gestão ambiental como da área de tecnologia. A avaliação das empresas siderúrgicas, segundo estas matrizes, mostrou quais práticas possuem menores valores e que, por conseqüência, devem requerer maior esforço para melhorar seus desempenhos, bem como aquelas de maior valor que requerem uma consolidação da sua rotina para manterem o elevado nível de desempenho atingido. Como conclusão, foi obtida uma ferramenta robusta que respondeu de forma consistente a avaliação do processo do PAE e a pergunta sobre “O que se encontra mais desenvolvido, os processos de gestão ou os de tecnologia?”. As matrizes de avaliação foram preenchidas por especialistas ambientais de três Empresas siderúrgicas. O resultado obtido com essa ferramenta mostrou que os desempenhos sobre as práticas de gestão são superiores aos desempenhos das práticas de tecnologia e que esta metodologia de avaliação está apta para ser aplicada em qualquer outro processo ou empresa. Ficou evidenciado que o conhecimento e a inteligência ambiental são requisitos para assegurar que as estratégias de médio e longo prazo estejam corretamente alinhadas às boas práticas de gestão e melhores tecnologias disponíveis. / The thesis presents the methods associated with the management of the electric arc furnace (EAF) baghouse dust and ladle furnace (LF) dust. The management methods cover two broad topics: environmental management system practices and technology related factors. The EAF baghouse dust and ladle furnace (LF) dust process has the following steps: input and processing raw materials, EAF charging and melting, slag generation and removal, furnace tapping of the steel to the LF, refining in the LF, as well as the EAF dedusting system, dust recycling and final destination. The management methods were determined based on professional experience of the author, assessment of typical installations of steel plant dedusting system, bibliographies review, available technologies to EAF/LF dust destination and recycling and subject technical literature, as well technical visits undertaken. Collectively the information was used to develop two standard evaluation standard matrices which provide criteria to assess environmental management system practices and technology associated with EAF dust management. The primary goal of the assessments was to identify and prioritize areas for potential improvement - either in environmental management systems area or the technology area. The assessment results showed that steel plants which have practices with lower values, according to these matrices, should require greater effort to improve their performance, while those with good score, will require a consolidation of their routine to maintain the high level of performance already achieved. The matrices were filled by environmental experts from three steelmaking companies. Finally, as a result of this project a rigorous and reliable assessment tool was designed to evaluate the meltshop dust generation and management process and provide a quantitative answer to the following question: `Which area has achieved a higher level of development as it relates to meltshop dust management: environmental management system practices or control technology?’ The results from using this tool have shown that the performance of management practices is superior to the control technology. Furthermore, experiences captured during the assessment indicate this evaluation methodology is fully adaptable and can be applied to other processes and/or other businesses. It was clearly highlighted how knowledge and environmental intelligence are requirements to assure that the medium and long term strategies are properly aligned with the available best practices to environmental management system and control technology.

LEAX Falun är intresserad av möjligheten att införa ett taktat system för monteringsbanan A i en närmast framtid. I ett otaktat nuläge döljs problem på monteringsbanan och LEAX Falun vill veta om effekterna av ett taktat flöde. Målet med examensarbetet var att utvärdera och ta fram potentiella vinster med ett taktat flöde. I samband med det skulle även en simuleringsmodell för hur ett taktat flöde kan se ut tas fram samt de parametrarna som styr det taktade resultatet. Lösningsmetoder som tidtagningar, simulering, benchmarking, intervju och informationsinsamling har legat som grund till resultatet. Med hjälp av utvalda teorier samt resultatet som analyserades har examensarbetet visat att det är en långsiktig lönsamhet med ett taktat flöde. Monteringsbanan A kan klara en teoretisk takttid på tre minuter idag. De parametrarna som påverka det taktade flödet är takttid, flexibilitet mellan operatörer, Andonpersonal, visualisering, produktionsplanering samt ledarskap. Simuleringsmodellen är förenklad och visar hur ett taktat flöde med tre minuters takttid kan se ut. De huvudsakliga potentiella vinsterna med ett taktat flöde har identifierats som utjämning av produktion, synliggöra avvikelser till ytan för minskning av slöseri samt en bättre balansering av arbetsinnehåll och resurser. För att en implementering av ett taktat system ska fungera ställs det stora krav på ledarskap att aktivt engagera och motivera medarbetarna och sänder ut Lean budskap. / LEAX Falun are interested in the possibility of introducing a takt flow system on the assembly line A soon. In the current situation where the assembly process occurs without a continuous flow, some problems remains unseen. Therefore, LEAX Falun want to know the effects of a takt flow system. The aim of the thesis was to evaluate and present potential benefits with a takt flow system. In conjunction with that, a simulation model will be presented to show how a takt flow system looks like. An analysis of which parameters would have an impact on the takt time will also be presented. Methods such as timing, simulation, benchmarking, interviewing and information gathering have contributed crucial information for the results and conclusion part. With the help of selected theories and the analyzed results, the thesis has shown that it is a long-term profitability investment with a takt flow system. The assembly line A has shown that it can run at a theoretical takt time of three minutes but in reality, some parameters must be taken into consideration such as flexibility between operators, Andon-crew, visualization, production plan and the leadership of the organization. The simulation model is simplified and demonstrates how a takt flow system with a takt time can look like. The key benefits of a takt flow system with a takt time have been identified as continuous flow of production, easier to detect problems for waste reduction and a better balance of workload and resource usage. For a takt time system to be successful, the leadership plays an important role. They must actively make employees feel involved and motivated and constantly sending out Lean messages