O petróleo é uma matéria-prima de grande valor econômico. Buscando a substituição de matérias-primas não-renováveis, óleos vegetais vêm sendo usados cada vez mais como matéria-prima para combustíveis e polímeros. Derramamentos durante o manuseio de óleos são graves problemas ambientais. Fibras vegetais são usadas há muito tempo para a sorção de óleos em derramamentos. Resíduos de madeira na forma de serragem já são usados como sorventes de óleos, sendo um recurso barato e disponível. Entretanto, as características hidrofílicas das fibras vegetais reduzem sua capacidade de sorção de óleos. Os aerogéis de celulose tornaram-se um produto de grande interesse nessa área devido à sua alta porosidade (95 a 99%), baixa massa específica (0,004 to 0,15 g.cm-3) e alta área superficial (>60,m².g-1), além da abundância e sustentabilidade da celulose. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um aerogel hidrofóbico de nanofibras de celulose a partir de resíduos da indústria moveleira (Pinus elliottii var. elliottii) processados por hidrólise ácida com explosão a vapor para a sorção de petróleo e óleos vegetais. No processo de explosão a vapor a melhor condição experimental foi observada para uma razão volumétrica de ácido acético e ácido nítrico 15:2:1 a 120°C e 30 minutos com rendimento superior a 90% em celulose e a remoção completa da hemicelulose e da lignina. Após a liofilização foi obtido um aerogel com massa específica 0,046 0,0013 g.cm-3 e porosidade 97,08 0,08%. A hidrofobização do aerogel gerou um ângulo de contato de 138,78º 0,78º. O aerogel mostrou capacidade de sorção máxima experimental (CSME) de 19,55 0,10 góleo.gaerogel-1 para petróleo e 13,73 0,62 góleo.gaerogel-1 para o óleo vegetal. A produção de nanofibras de celulose deu-se através de meios físicos (moagem) e a hidrofobização foi efetuada por modificação superficial das fibras com organosilanos (MTMS) por deposição a vapor. Na hidrólise do resíduo da indústria moveleira dois reagentes ácidos (ácido acético e ácido nítrico) foram testados individual e simultaneamente, com variações de temperatura, tempos e quantidade de reagente. A fração sólida rica em celulose obtida foi cominuída em moinho de pedras por 5 horas a 2500 rpm em uma suspensão com 1,5% m/m. O gel obtido foi congelado por 48 horas a -20ºC para posterior liofilização a -40ºC por 50 horas. Os aerogéis obtidos na liofilização foram tratados com o organosilano via deposição em fase vapor por 5 horas a 70ºC. O resíduo da indústria moveleira foi caracterizado quanto ao teor de celulose, hemicelulose, lignina, cinzas, extrativos e umidade. O processo de explosão a vapor foi caracterizado através do rendimento individual dos seus componentes (celulose e hemicelulose). Ensaios de massa específica aparente, ângulo de contato, porosidade, caracterização morfológica por microscopia eletrônica de varredura de emissão de campo, ensaios de sorção de óleos e cinética de sorção em meio homogêneo e heterogêneo de sorção de petróleo e óleo de soja foram realizados para caracterizar o aerogel. Modelos cinéticos de pseudoprimeira, pseudossegunda e pseudoenésima ordem foram ajustados aos dados experimentais em suas formas lineares e não-lineares. A sorção em meio homogêneo de petróleo foi bem ajustada com o modelo linear de pseudoprimeira ordem. A sorção de óleo vegetal foi bem ajustada tanto pelo modelo de pseudoprimeira ordem quanto pelo modelo de pseudossegunda ordem. Os modelos na forma não-linear indicaram um melhor ajuste dos dados experimentais pelo modelo de pseudoenésima ordem (n=0,95) para o petróleo e pelo modelo de pseudoprimeira ordem para o óleo vegetal. Os ajustes cinéticos mostraram que em meio heterogêneo a CSME se mantém constante em relação ao meio homogêneo, mas foi observada uma menor taxa de sorção. / Submitted by cmquadros@ucs.br (cmquadros@ucs.br) on 2018-02-01T18:30:09Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Pablo Beluck de Oliveira.pdf: 3113740 bytes, checksum: c1c0b51adf3c34f0f55f7579081223d8 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-02-01T18:30:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Pablo Beluck de Oliveira.pdf: 3113740 bytes, checksum: c1c0b51adf3c34f0f55f7579081223d8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-01 / Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, MTE. / Petroleum is a feedstock of great economic value. Due to the aim for non-renewable feedstocks substitution, vegetable oils have been used ever more as a feedstock for fuels and polymers. Spills during oil handling are serious environmental problems. Vegetable fibers have been used for a long time now as oil sorbents during spills. Wood residues as sawdust are currently used as oil sorbents, being a cheap and available resource. However, the hydrophilic profile of vegetable fibers reduce their capacity of oil sorption. Cellulose aerogels have become a product of great interest in the oil spill remediation field due to their high porosity (95 to 99%), low specific mass (0,004 to 0,15 g.cm-3) and high surface area (>60,m².g-1), besides cellulose abundance and sustainability. The objective of this work was to develop a hydrophobic aerogel from nanocellulose nanofibers obtained from furniture industry residues (Pinus elliottii var. elliottii) processed via steam explosion acid hydrolysis for petroleum and vegetable oil sorption. In the steam explosion process the best experimental condition was observed for a volumetric acetic acid and nitric acid ratio of 15:2:1 at 120ºC and 30 minutes with a cellulose yield higher than 90% and complete removal of hemicellulose and ligning. After lyophilization an aerogel of specific mass 0,046 0,0013 g.cm-3 and porosity 97,08 0,08% was obtained. Aerogel hydrophobization yielded a contact angle of 138,78º 0,78º. The aerogel exhibited a top experimental sorption capacity (CSME) of 19,55 0,10 goil.gaerogel-1 for petroleum and 13,73 0,62 goil.gaerogel-1 for vegetable oil. Cellulose nanofibers were produced by physical means (grinding) and hydrophobization was accomplished via vapor-phase deposition of organosilane (MTMS). In wood residue hydrolysis two acids were tested (nitric acid and acetic acid) simultaneously and individually, with variations of temperature, time and reagent amount. The solid fraction rich in cellulose was grinded in a rock mill for 5 hours at 2500 rpm in a 1,5% m/m suspension in water. The obtained gel was frozen for 48 hours at -20ºC for lyophilization at -40ºC for 50 hours. The aerogels obtained by lyophilization were treated with organosilane via vapor-phase deposition for 5 hours at 70ºC. The furniture industry residue was characterized as for its amounts of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, ashes, extractives and humidity. The process of steam explosion was characterized through the yields of individual components (cellulose and hemicellulose). Procedures like specific mass, contact angle, porosity, morphological characterization by scanning electron microscope with field emission gun, oil absorption tests and absorption kinetic in homogeneous and heterogeneous medium of petroleum and soy oil absorption were performed to characterize the aerogel. Kinetic models of pseudo-first, pseudo-second and pseudo-nth order were fitted to experimental data in their linear and non-linear forms. The absorption in homogeneous medium of petroleum was well fitted by pseudo-first linear kinetic model. Absorption of vegetable oil was well fitted by both pseudo-first and pseudo-second models. Models in non-linear form indicated a better fit for experimental data by the pseudo-nth order model (n=0,95) for petroleum and by pseudo-first order for vegetable oil. Kinetic adjusts showed that in heterogeneous medium CSME is maintained, but sorption rate is smaller.

Orientador: Adriana Cristina Cherri Nicola / Co-orientador: Silvio A. de Araujo / Banca: Victor Claudio Bento de Camargo / Banca: Sonia Cristina Poltroniere Silva / Resumo: Problemas de dimensionamento de lotes são amplamente estudados na literatura e fazem parte de uma classe de problemas que envolvem decisões de planejamento da produção industrial. Basicamente, esses problemas consistem em definir uma estratégia para a utilização da capacidade de determinada estrutura fabril. As decisões envolvem quais produtos serão produzidos, em quais quantidades e em qual período, de forma a atender a demanda com a melhor rela- ção custo-benefício possível. Neste trabalho, propomos um modelo matemático para resolver o problema de programação de pedidos e dimensionamento de lotes de produção em indústrias de móveis seriados. O problema se caracteriza como multi itens, multiestágio e com demanda dinâmica determinística. O modelo matemático tem por objetivo minimizar os custos de produção no dimensionamento de lotes, considerando a capacidade finita do sistema produtivo. Testes foram realizados com dados fornecidos por uma empresa do setor moveleiro da cidade de Arapongas, Paraná. O modelo proposto foi implementado e resolvido utilizando um pacote de otimização. Resultados preliminares mostram-se significativamente melhores quando comparados com as programações utilizadas na prática da empresa, demonstrando a aderência de aplicações práticas de modelagem matemática em rotinas de planejamento de produção em empresas de fabricação de móveis seriados. / Abstract: Lot sizing problems are widely studied in the literature and are part of a class of problems involving planning decisions of industrial production. Basically, these problems consist in defining a strategy for the capacity utilization of certain industrial structure. Decisions involve what products will be produced, in what quantities and at what period, in order to meet the demand with the best value for money possible. In this work, we propose a mathematical model for solving the problem of scheduling requests and dimensioning of production batches in series furniture industries. The problem is characterized as multi items, multistage and deterministic dynamic demand. The mathematical model is to minimize production costs in the lot sizing, considering the finite capacity of the production system. Tests were carried out with data provided by a company of the furniture sector in the city of Arapongas, Paraná. The proposed model was implemented and solved using an optimization package. Preliminary results show significantly better when compared to the settings used in the practice of the company, demonstrating adherence to mathematical modeling of practical applications in production planning routines in manufacturing series mobile companies. / Mestre

Orientador: Maria do Socorro Nogueira Rangel / Banca: Horacio Hideki Yanasse / Banca: Silvio Alexandre de Araujo / Resumo: Neste trabalho estudamos o problema de corte de estoque bidimensional originado da realidade de uma fábrica de móveis. Descrevemos o sistema de produção de uma fábrica de móveis característica do Polo Moveleiro de Votuporanga, com ênfase no setor de corte da matéria-prima, e propomos um algoritmo para resolver o problema de corte de estoque considerando a minimização do número de objetos cortados e do número de ciclos da serra. A ideia principal do algoritmo proposto (AFM-P) consiste em adicionar ao problema, de forma dinâmica, restrições que imponham uma frequência mínima para a utilização de um dado padrão de corte. A cada iteração uma solução é gerada e no final do algoritmo existe um conjunto de soluções que são analisadas segundo critérios de dominância. Realizamos um estudo computacional utilizando os dados reais da fábrica visitada para analisar o comportamento do AFM-P. O estudo computacional mostrou que através do algoritmo proposto é possível encontrar soluções próximas e, na maioria das vezes, melhores que a prática da indústria tomada como estudo de caso / Abstract: In this work we study the two-dimensional cutting stock problem originated from a furniture industry. We describe the production system of a characteristic furniture plant situated at Votuporanga Regional Center and we propose an algorithm to solve the cutting stock problem taking into account the minimization of the number of objects and the number of saw cycles. The main idea of the algorithm (AFM-P) is adding to the problem, in a dynamic way, constraints that impose a minimum frequency to the use of a given cutting pattern. At each iteration a solution is generated and at the end there is a set of solutions that are analyzed according to dominance criteria. The AFM-P algorithm is tested using data from the furniture plant visited. The computational study shows that using the proposed algorithm it is possible to find solutions that are close the ones used in the industry practice and, in most cases, better than theirs / Mestre

Esta dissertação enfoca os critérios utilizados para se estabelecer graus de insolvência nas organizações. Esse relacionamento é examinado em empresas do setor moveleiro da Bento Gonçalves - RS. Baseado em estudo já existentes, esta dissertação se baseia em evidências empíricas de como estas empresas acumularam indicadores que podem ser utilizados de forma a evidenciar sua insolvência. Tais evidências são qualitativas e quantitativas, as quais foram coletadas em diversas fontes nas empresas estudadas. O exame dos indícios de solvência é realizado com base em uma estrutura analítica existente na literatura, a qual foi adaptada para a análise da indústria moveleira. O exame da solvência é baseado em um conjunto de indicadores utilizados na indústria moveleira. Estudos desta natureza são encontrados na literatura. Porém, a aplicação destes indicadores em empresas do setor moveleiro é escassa, principalmente em empresas brasileiras. Consta-se que as empresas do setor moveleiro de Bento Gonçalves-RS, que foram analisadas, acumularam evidência para a utilização dos indicadores de solvência. Assim, a conclusão dessa dissertação sugere a aplicação do teste desenvolvido como uma ferramenta que auxilia a comparação de grandezas entre as empresas do setor moveleiro, em qualquer situação econômica, como indicador de possíveis insolvências. / This thesis emphasis is based on the used principles to establish grades of Solvency at the Companies. The established relationship is in focus of furniture Companies located at Bento Gonçalves - RS. Based on preexisting researches, this thesis is founded on empirical evidences in how these furniture companies had collected indicators that can be used to prove its Insolvency. Such evidences are quality and quantity measured and were collected from several sources at the analyzed Companies. The examination over the Solvency signs is developed based on an existing analytical structure literature, which have been adapted to the furniture Companies analysis. The Solvency exam is based on Indicators used at the furniture Companies. Researches of such nature are found in the literature. However, the application of these Indicators at the furniture Companies are rare, especially at the Brazilian Companies. The research made at furniture Companies from Bento Gonçalves showed that they had accumulated evidences enough for the utilization of the Solvency Indicators. Thus, this thesis conclusion suggests the application of developed test as a tool to help on the greatness comparisons amongst the furniture Companies, at every kind of economical situation, as Indicators of possible insolvencies.

O petróleo é uma matéria-prima de grande valor econômico. Buscando a substituição de matérias-primas não-renováveis, óleos vegetais vêm sendo usados cada vez mais como matéria-prima para combustíveis e polímeros. Derramamentos durante o manuseio de óleos são graves problemas ambientais. Fibras vegetais são usadas há muito tempo para a sorção de óleos em derramamentos. Resíduos de madeira na forma de serragem já são usados como sorventes de óleos, sendo um recurso barato e disponível. Entretanto, as características hidrofílicas das fibras vegetais reduzem sua capacidade de sorção de óleos. Os aerogéis de celulose tornaram-se um produto de grande interesse nessa área devido à sua alta porosidade (95 a 99%), baixa massa específica (0,004 to 0,15 g.cm-3) e alta área superficial (>60,m².g-1), além da abundância e sustentabilidade da celulose. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um aerogel hidrofóbico de nanofibras de celulose a partir de resíduos da indústria moveleira (Pinus elliottii var. elliottii) processados por hidrólise ácida com explosão a vapor para a sorção de petróleo e óleos vegetais. No processo de explosão a vapor a melhor condição experimental foi observada para uma razão volumétrica de ácido acético e ácido nítrico 15:2:1 a 120°C e 30 minutos com rendimento superior a 90% em celulose e a remoção completa da hemicelulose e da lignina. Após a liofilização foi obtido um aerogel com massa específica 0,046 0,0013 g.cm-3 e porosidade 97,08 0,08%. A hidrofobização do aerogel gerou um ângulo de contato de 138,78º 0,78º. O aerogel mostrou capacidade de sorção máxima experimental (CSME) de 19,55 0,10 góleo.gaerogel-1 para petróleo e 13,73 0,62 góleo.gaerogel-1 para o óleo vegetal. A produção de nanofibras de celulose deu-se através de meios físicos (moagem) e a hidrofobização foi efetuada por modificação superficial das fibras com organosilanos (MTMS) por deposição a vapor. Na hidrólise do resíduo da indústria moveleira dois reagentes ácidos (ácido acético e ácido nítrico) foram testados individual e simultaneamente, com variações de temperatura, tempos e quantidade de reagente. A fração sólida rica em celulose obtida foi cominuída em moinho de pedras por 5 horas a 2500 rpm em uma suspensão com 1,5% m/m. O gel obtido foi congelado por 48 horas a -20ºC para posterior liofilização a -40ºC por 50 horas. Os aerogéis obtidos na liofilização foram tratados com o organosilano via deposição em fase vapor por 5 horas a 70ºC. O resíduo da indústria moveleira foi caracterizado quanto ao teor de celulose, hemicelulose, lignina, cinzas, extrativos e umidade. O processo de explosão a vapor foi caracterizado através do rendimento individual dos seus componentes (celulose e hemicelulose). Ensaios de massa específica aparente, ângulo de contato, porosidade, caracterização morfológica por microscopia eletrônica de varredura de emissão de campo, ensaios de sorção de óleos e cinética de sorção em meio homogêneo e heterogêneo de sorção de petróleo e óleo de soja foram realizados para caracterizar o aerogel. Modelos cinéticos de pseudoprimeira, pseudossegunda e pseudoenésima ordem foram ajustados aos dados experimentais em suas formas lineares e não-lineares. A sorção em meio homogêneo de petróleo foi bem ajustada com o modelo linear de pseudoprimeira ordem. A sorção de óleo vegetal foi bem ajustada tanto pelo modelo de pseudoprimeira ordem quanto pelo modelo de pseudossegunda ordem. Os modelos na forma não-linear indicaram um melhor ajuste dos dados experimentais pelo modelo de pseudoenésima ordem (n=0,95) para o petróleo e pelo modelo de pseudoprimeira ordem para o óleo vegetal. Os ajustes cinéticos mostraram que em meio heterogêneo a CSME se mantém constante em relação ao meio homogêneo, mas foi observada uma menor taxa de sorção. / Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, MTE. / Petroleum is a feedstock of great economic value. Due to the aim for non-renewable feedstocks substitution, vegetable oils have been used ever more as a feedstock for fuels and polymers. Spills during oil handling are serious environmental problems. Vegetable fibers have been used for a long time now as oil sorbents during spills. Wood residues as sawdust are currently used as oil sorbents, being a cheap and available resource. However, the hydrophilic profile of vegetable fibers reduce their capacity of oil sorption. Cellulose aerogels have become a product of great interest in the oil spill remediation field due to their high porosity (95 to 99%), low specific mass (0,004 to 0,15 g.cm-3) and high surface area (>60,m².g-1), besides cellulose abundance and sustainability. The objective of this work was to develop a hydrophobic aerogel from nanocellulose nanofibers obtained from furniture industry residues (Pinus elliottii var. elliottii) processed via steam explosion acid hydrolysis for petroleum and vegetable oil sorption. In the steam explosion process the best experimental condition was observed for a volumetric acetic acid and nitric acid ratio of 15:2:1 at 120ºC and 30 minutes with a cellulose yield higher than 90% and complete removal of hemicellulose and ligning. After lyophilization an aerogel of specific mass 0,046 0,0013 g.cm-3 and porosity 97,08 0,08% was obtained. Aerogel hydrophobization yielded a contact angle of 138,78º 0,78º. The aerogel exhibited a top experimental sorption capacity (CSME) of 19,55 0,10 goil.gaerogel-1 for petroleum and 13,73 0,62 goil.gaerogel-1 for vegetable oil. Cellulose nanofibers were produced by physical means (grinding) and hydrophobization was accomplished via vapor-phase deposition of organosilane (MTMS). In wood residue hydrolysis two acids were tested (nitric acid and acetic acid) simultaneously and individually, with variations of temperature, time and reagent amount. The solid fraction rich in cellulose was grinded in a rock mill for 5 hours at 2500 rpm in a 1,5% m/m suspension in water. The obtained gel was frozen for 48 hours at -20ºC for lyophilization at -40ºC for 50 hours. The aerogels obtained by lyophilization were treated with organosilane via vapor-phase deposition for 5 hours at 70ºC. The furniture industry residue was characterized as for its amounts of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, ashes, extractives and humidity. The process of steam explosion was characterized through the yields of individual components (cellulose and hemicellulose). Procedures like specific mass, contact angle, porosity, morphological characterization by scanning electron microscope with field emission gun, oil absorption tests and absorption kinetic in homogeneous and heterogeneous medium of petroleum and soy oil absorption were performed to characterize the aerogel. Kinetic models of pseudo-first, pseudo-second and pseudo-nth order were fitted to experimental data in their linear and non-linear forms. The absorption in homogeneous medium of petroleum was well fitted by pseudo-first linear kinetic model. Absorption of vegetable oil was well fitted by both pseudo-first and pseudo-second models. Models in non-linear form indicated a better fit for experimental data by the pseudo-nth order model (n=0,95) for petroleum and by pseudo-first order for vegetable oil. Kinetic adjusts showed that in heterogeneous medium CSME is maintained, but sorption rate is smaller.

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate short length lumber (less than 8 feet long) utilization opportunities within the furniture and cabinet industries. In the first part of the study a data bank of mapped red oak lumber was used to search for differences in lumber characteristics between lumber length groups. The same data was used to evaluate opportunities for improving the value of a piece of lumber by trimming a lower grade, longer length piece to obtain a shorter, higher grade board. The defect data indicated that wane makes up a slightly higher percentage of the total defect area for short boards than for long boards but the degree of crook deviation for short boards is significantly less than for long boards. The value improvement analysis indicated that fifteen percent of the 1 Common, and 49 percent of the 2A Common, 8 and 9 foot long boards could be trimmed to a higher grade, higher value short board. The effect of lumber length on random width dimension yields was examined using the CORY lumber cut-up program. For 10 of the 18 cutting bill combinations examined, the regression between total yield and lumber length was significant. In the significant crosscut-first relationships total yield decreased with increasing lumber length. In the significant rip-first relationships total yield decreased as lumber length increased. The variable which showed the strongest and most consistently significant relationship to lumber length was the average volume of parts produced per furniture rough mill sawing operation; the regression of board feet per sawing operation was significantly and negatively related to lumber length in 14 of the 18 cutting bill combinations tested. Regression results indicated that as crook decreases, total cutting yield, average cutting length, part volume per sawing operation, and part value tend to increase. Short and longer length lumber yields were also compared in mill studies. The mill studies were conducted at a crosscut-first furniture rough mill and at a rip-first cabinet rough mill. Total yield, the yield of the longest length cutting on the cutting bill, the percentage of total yield made up of the three longest length cuttings, average cutting length, and crosscut and rip saw rates were investigated. The only significant regression relationships detected were: 1 - for the crosscut-first, 2A Common analysis the percentage of total yield made up of the three longest length cuttings was inversely related to lumber length, and 2 - for the rip-first, 1 Common and 2A Common analyses the ripsaw volume throughput rate improved with increasing lumber length. Simulation studies based on models of these same two rough mills indicated that the volume and value of parts cut from short length lumber in a crosscut-first rough mill compares favorably with the volume and value recovery obtained from longer length lumber. In the “worst case” crosscut-first production alternative the breakeven short length lumber price was only $129 less per thousand board feet than the going market price for longer length lumber. For the rip-first model the volume and value of parts produced from short lumber was only 60 percent that of the longer length lumber. The breakeven short length lumber prices calculated for this model ranged between $373 and $653 per mbf. / Ph. D.

U.S. manufacturers of wood household, wood office and upholstered furniture were surveyed to (1) assess wood material use for 1990 and estimate use for 1991, and 1992, and (2) to examine consumer perceptions of certain hardwood lumber and supplier attributes in order to ascertain which are most influential in consumer purchase decisions. This study also provided information about the respondents, RTA and unfinished furniture, and green lumber purchases. Total 1990 hardwood lumber used in wood furniture was estimated at over 2.4 billion board feet. Use was expected to increase 13% from 1990 to 1992. Softwood lumber used in wood furniture in 1990 was estimated at over 839 million board feet. A 6% increase in softwood lumber use was expected from 1990 to 1992. Red oak was the most commonly used hardwood species and southern pine was the most used softwood. Furniture manufacturers indicated a decrease in particleboard and MDF use, and an increase in hardboard and OSB/softwood plywood use from 1990 to 1992. Product consistency was the attribute which most influenced the purchase of hardwood lumber, followed by accurate grading, supplier's knowledge of lumber, correct orders, and shipping on time. The least influential attributes were square end trimming, square edges, protective wrapping, end coating and supplier's ability to surface. Just over 20% of the respondents manufactured Ready-to-Assemble furniture and just over 15% manufactured unfinished furniture. Overall, 26% of respondents purchased green hardwood lumber, most being larger firms. Most firms' purchases of green lumber either have not changed, or have increased, over the last 5 years. / Master of Science

This dissertation reports an analysis of the work roles of chief executive officers in small furniture manufacturing firms. Certain roles are operational - nature, while others are strategic in nature. The basic research question being addressed is: which work roles, if any, are perceived as more important to the position of a CEO in small furniture manufacturing firms? The subjects of this study consisted of ten CEOs of wood furniture manufacturing firms located in the state of Virginia. The roles examined in this study were those described by Hemphill in his research on 93 executives from five manufacturing firms. The approach used in this study to model the judgment of the CEOs is called "Brunswiks Lens Model." This lens model approach provides a quantified, descriptive summary of the way an individual weighs and combines information. The research design utilized in this study is a fixed 2⁸ factorial ANOVA. Two basic analytical techniques were employed: correlation and ANOVA. An analysis of variance was performed on each CEO's set of responses. All ten CEOs showed that there are significant differences in the relative importance of the eight roles being examined. Fifteen operational hypotheses were tested for significance (p < .10) for each CEO. All 15 of the operational Hypotheses were rejected by seven of the CEOs. This indicated the importance they place on the strategically oriented roles. The remaining three CEOs perceived certain operational roles as being of primary importance. Three potential explanations have been proffered to account for this preference toward strategically oriented roles by these CEOs. First, the static nature of the technology utilized in the wood furniture manufacturing industry may allow the CEO to focus more on strategic factors facing the firm. Second, the heavy competition within this industry may "force" the CEO to manage the firm strategically if they are to be successful. Third, every CEO who had a preference for strategically oriented roles were CEOs of their firm for a minimum of ten years. Thus, there appears to be support to suggest that the relative importance of the operationally and strategically oriented work roles of CEOs may be largely contingent upon the technology utilized, competitive structure of the industry and the tenure of the CEO. / Ph. D.

Mini-study project (MBA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this dissertation is to analyse the strategic errors and successes made in order to understand the reasons for Steinhoff International's investment in South African companies and the purpose of listing on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE). The South African furniture manufacturing industry currently has only one listed company on the JSE and the comparison with competitors from a Steinhoff perspective has been difficult due to the lack of available information and the presence of retailers listed under the furniture sector on the JSE. The study begins with the background of the furniture manufacturing industry and the broad product categories referred to in the industry. Thereafter the history of Steinhoff International follows with their introduction to furniture manufacturing and the entry into South Africa. The study then evaluates the market with relevant analysis to discuss strategic decisions made and evaluates Steinhoff International's strategy. The focus on Steinhoff is specifically from 1995 to 1999 since their investment in South Africa until the merger with the Cornick Group that led to the current structure of Steinhoff International. It is the purpose of the writer to evaluate the company from a strategic point of view for the compilation and use of a case study by fellow students in this field. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die proefskrif is om te poog om die strategiese foute en suksesse te evalueer en uit te lig ten einde te verstaan hoe Steinhoff Internasionaal tot die slotsom gekom het om in Suid Afrika te investeer en wat die doelwitte en redes vir die notering op die Johannesburgse Effekte Beurs was. Die meubelvervaardigingsindustrie het tans slegs een genoteerde maatskappy in die Suid Afrikaanse mark en die vergelyking met mededingers is dus aansienlik bemoeilik aangesien die meubelsektor op die JSE uit kleinhandelaars bestaan wat die eindverbruiker bedien. Die studie begin met die agtergrond tot die meubelvervaardigingsindustrie en 'n uiteensetting van die produkkategoriëe. Daarna volg die geskiedenis van Steinhoff Internasionaal en hoe hulle by vervaardiging betrokke geraak het en tot Suid Afrika toegetree het as beleggers. Die studie behandel dan die mark met die gepaste ontledings om strategiese besluite te bespreek, waarna Steinhoff Internasionaal in terme van hulle strategie ontleed word. Die fokus op die maatskappy is veral sedert 1995 tot 1999, vanaf die aanvanklike belegging in Suid Afrika tot die uiteindelike oorname en assimilering van die Cornick Groep wat gelei het tot die huidige formaat van Steinhoff Internasionaal. Dit is die doel van die skrywer om die maatskappy vanuit In strategiese oogpunt te evalueer vir die samestelling van In bruikbare gevallestudie vir mede studente in hierdie veld.

The research problem addressed in this study was to establish how small- to medium-sized furniture manufacturing businesses could develop a technology strategy that would improve their competitiveness. Therefore, the primary objective of this research study was to develop a technology-strategy framework for small- to medium-sized furniture manufacturers to assist them to improve their competitiveness. Research has indicated that small- to medium-sized furniture manufacturers have the potential to contribute to South Africa‟s economic growth, job creation and gross domestic product. However, research has also indicated that small- to medium-sized furniture manufacturing industries have not kept up with technology developments and, as a result, competiveness is on the decline. Low-technology businesses, such as those found within the furniture manufacturing industry, often have no framework or methodology to guide the successful acquisition and integration of technology to enable a more competitive business. The main problem was addressed in three phases. Firstly, a literature review of strategy and technology-related factors was conducted which provided valuable insight into the development of a strategic framework. This included identification of the business strategy, external and internal factors influencing technology requirements, technology integration, -selection and criterion for competitiveness. Secondly, an empirical study consisting of both a quantitative and qualitative investigation was performed. The quantitative measuring instrument used was a questionnaire designed from the literature study information and was administered to a stratified sample of small- to medium-sized furniture manufacturers. The quantitative results were triangulated by qualitative interviews with selected respondents. The empirical results revealed a strong relationship between technology and competitiveness (as measured by business performance and technology- iv competitive advantage), thereby confirming the importance of technology utilisation for small- to medium-sized furniture manufacturers and the significance of developing a technology-strategy framework. Thirdly, by combining the literature study information and findings from the empirical investigation, the technology-strategy framework was developed. The technology-strategy framework provides a roadmap to integrate technology with the business strategy. The technology-strategy framework is used in three phases, firstly, the business strategy is identified, secondly, the technology-strategy framework provides a guide to identify and forecast technology, conduct an internal audit and identify technology that can execute the business strategy. The final phase is the application of criteria by means of which competitiveness improvement is assessed. Ultimately, the technology-strategy framework can facilitate improved competitiveness of the furniture industry.