Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:30:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-08-14Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:20:28Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 rodriguez_lao_me_guara.pdf: 898092 bytes, checksum: 45f1b8e53bd80272f863dee05c614945 (MD5) / Para enfrentar os problemas do atual mundo globalizado e para se manter em atividade, as empresas vêm sendo obrigadas a empregar, em seu dia-a-dia, novos instrumentos de trabalho. A Teoria das Restrições, a Programação Linear Inteira e a Simulação de Sistemas surgem como potenciais ferramentas no auxílio à identificação e à solução dos problemas enfrentados pelas empresas nos dias de hoje. Este trabalho teve por objetivo principal desenvolver um método de planejamento e gerenciamento da produção, integrando essas três ferramentas. O método foi aplicado na linha de produção da Unidade de Cilindros para Laminação da empresa Aços Villares S/A com o intuito de melhorar o fluxo de produção e o cumprimento do prazo de liberação do produto entre as suas diversas áreas. Ao final do trabalho, concluiu-se que o referido método, além de facilitar e simplificar o processo de modelagem permite realizar análises mais aprofundadas do sistema real, em relação às que seriam conseguidas com a utilização das técnicas citadas, isoladamente. / In order to face the issues of the current globalized world and in order to keep working, companies have been pushed to put in practice new working tools. The Theory of Constraints, the Integer Linear Programming and the Systems Simulation appear as potential tools to support problem identification and solution which are faced by companies nowadays. This work aims to develop a planning and management method of production integrating these three tools. The method was applied to the production line at Aços Villares S/A Rolling Mill Roll Unit aiming at improving the production flow and the accomplishment of product liberation deadline among its many areas. At the end of this work, it has been concluded that the referred method, besides facilitating and simplifying the modeling process, it allows to achieve deeper analyses of the real system in relation to those which would be reached with the isolated mentioned techniques.

Muitos avanços e progressos na dinâmica dos sistemas de produção têm sido conseguidos por meio da aplicação de diversas técnicas e ferramentas de produção enxuta, teoria das restrições e sistemas híbridos. No entanto, é importante salientar que estas técnicas e ferramentas não devem ser usadas unicamente para solução de problemas operacionais de curto prazo, mas sim como um avanço no sentido de obter-se maior competitividade a ser apreciada, também no longo prazo. Apesar dos resultados positivos alcançados, muitas iniciativas de melhoria acabam por esbarrar no descompasso entre as expectativas dos agentes de mudança e os ganhos reais obtidos no horizonte de planejado desejado. Neste sentido, este trabalho propõe-se a desenvolver um método de implementação, pautado nos processos de raciocínio da teoria das restrições, procurando estabelecer uma base lógica de relacionamento entre as ações de melhoria a serem promovidas, seus efeitos esperados e os potenciais obstáculos à sua efetiva aplicação. Com isso, são estudadas com maior profundidade as ferramentas que compõem o processo de raciocínio e algumas ferramentas de melhoria de processos produtivos. Em seguida, o método é validado empiricamente por meio de uma aplicação em uma empresa do setor moveleiro. / Many progresses have been made on the dynamic of production systems by the application of several techniques and tools of lean production, theory of constraints and hybrid systems. However, it is important to point out that this techniques and tools should not only be used for short term problem solution, but a progress in the sense of obtaining larger competitiveness to be appreciated, also on the long term. In spite of the positive results reached, a lot of improvement initiatives face the gap between the change agent\'s expectations and the real gains obtained along the horizon of time. In this sense, this work intends to develop an implantation method, guided by the theory of constraints\' thinking process tools, trying to establish a logical base of relationship among the improvement actions to be promoted, its expected effects and the potential obstacles to its effective application. So, a large depth studied is promoted on the tools that compose the thinking processes and some improvement tools used on production systems, such as lean production tools. Soon after, the method proposed is validated by its application on a furniture industry.

A produção de matérias-primas minerais é feita através de tecnologia conhecida mundialmente. No entanto, a crescente competição econômica mundial faz com que este domínio tecnológico não seja, por si só, suficiente para assegurar a sobrevivência das empresas de mineração. É necessário, também, que os métodos de gestão utilizados pela indústria de mineração estejam alinhados com a lógica da competitividade, visando maximizar os resultados econômicos financeiros das organizações como forma de sustentação no cenário globalizado atual. Esta tese está relacionada com a maximização dos resultados passíveis de serem alcançados nas indústrias de mineração, a ser obtida através de uma forma de gestão que integre a tecnologia intrínseca da Engenharia de Minas com a tecnologia de gestão da Engenharia de Produção. Esta integração é realizada através de um Modelo de Gestão Integrada, proposto nesta tese. A construção deste modelo teve como ponto de partida a experiência realizada pelo autor desta tese na mineração de fluorita no final dos anos 90, quando foram implementados alguns conceitos de Engenharia de Produção nesta atividade mineral.A partir desta experiência, sedimentada com a agregação de conceitos teóricos, foram selecionados três outros cenários na indústria de mineração para o desenvolvimento desta tese, nos quais foram utilizadas duas metodologias de pesquisa. Na mineração de calcário e na mineração de ametista, a Pesquisa-Ação foi a metodologia de pesquisa selecionada, enquanto que na mineração de carvão utilizou-se o Estudo de Caso. Na mineração de fluorita, a implementação de melhorias no processo de produção, devido à integração dos dois ramos da Engenharia considerados, resultou na redução dos gastos totais por tonelada de produto final, em função da eliminação de perdas no sistema de produção. A empresa transformou-se em uma organização de aprendizagem. Na mineração de calcário, a disseminação de conhecimentos da Engenharia de Produção através de processos de aprendizagem, propiciou o desenvolvimento de uma visão sistêmica do processo de produção por parte dos colaboradores, bem como a implementação de uma forma de gestão com o objetivo de otimizar o uso da capacidade existente. Neste cenário foi considerado, também, o desenvolvimento de novos produtos. Na mineração de ametista, o modelo de gestão proposto propiciou a realização de melhorias não somente no fluxo de produção, mas tambémna qualidade de vida dos trabalhadores devido à melhoria nas condições de trabalho desta atividade mineral. Na mineração de carvão, este trabalho procurou evidenciar a importância de se desenvolver novos produtos buscando a plena utilização da capacidade instalada. Neste cenário foram abordadas, também, questões relacionadas com o controle do meio ambiente. A análise e o estudo dos quatro cenários resultaram na construção de uma estrutura de mudanças e de um processo de mudanças para o Modelo de Gestão Integrada. A estrutura de mudanças do modelo é suportada pela integração das técnicas de lavra e beneficiamento mineral com as técnicas de gestão bem como pela inovação, que pode ser de produtos, serviços, métodos e mercado e, ainda, na forma de como é feita a gestão na Organização. Ela propicia a obtenção de melhores resultados nas organizações através da maior utilização dos ativos, com a ampliação do mercado, a redução dos custos operacionais e o aumento do lucro.O processo de mudanças do modelo tem início a partir da realização de um diagnóstico situacional para avaliar a sinergia existente na empresa entre os dois ramos da Engenharia considerados e tende a transformar a mesma em uma organização de aprendizagem para assimilação, integração e sedimentação dos conceitos, técnicas e ferramentas de Engenharia de Minas e de Engenharia de Produção. / Mineral raw material production is done through a well known worldwide technology. However, the technological domain seems to be insufficient to cope with the survival of mining industries in view of the increasing world economic competition. In addition, it is necessary that the management methods adopted by the mining industry be aligned with the logic of competitiveness aiming to maximize the financial and economic outcomes of the organizations as a way of supporting themselves in the current globalized scenario. This thesis deals with the maximization of outcomes to be achieved in the mining industries through a form of management that integrates Mining Engineering intrinsic technology with managing technology from Industrial Engineering. This integration is carried out through an Integrated Management Model proposed. The model was first devised by the author in the fluorspar mining in the late 90’s as some concepts from Industrial Engineering were being implemented. Drawing on the author’s experience, rooted in the aggregation of theoretical concepts, three other sites in the mining industry were chosen as a scenario for the work where two research methods were used. As for limestone and amethyst mining, the Survey-Action method was applied, while Case Study was used for coal mining. For fluorspar mining, the improvement in production based upon the integration of the Engineering areas resulted in a reduction of the total costs per ton for finished product, allowing the elimination of waste in such production system. The company became a learning organization. For limestone mining, the Industrial Engineering knowledge spread through learning steps provided a systemic view of the production process and implemented a management approach aiming to optimize the use of the existing capacity. In this setting, the development of new products was also taken into account. For amethyst mining, the management model provided improvements in the production flow and also improved the employee’s life quality due to better working conditions. In the last case study, coal mining, this work attempted to emphasize the importance of developing new products by using the company’s full capacity. In addition, issues related to environmental polution control were addressed. The analysis and study of the four scenarios led to the construction of a structure and a process of changes for the Integrated ManagementModel. The model changing structure is supported by the integration of mining and processing techniques with management through the innovation of products, services, methods and market. It provides better outcomes with the expansion of market share, operational costs reduction and higher profitability. The model changing process starts by a situational diagnostic to access the existing synergy between the two areas of Engineering previously mentioned and tends to transform the same into a learning organization to assimilate, integrate and consolidate the concepts, techniques and tools from Mining Engineering and Industrial Engineering.

Para a condução de um estudo clínico hoje é necessária colaboração e participação de um diverso grupo de partes interessadas, incluindo patrocinadores do estudo, governo, agencias regulatórias, comitês de ética, pacientes, investigadores clínicos. Os centros de pesquisa clínica, local onde estudos clínicos são realizados, devem conseguir gerenciar tudo isso para que possam conduzir os estudos clínicos de forma a garantir a acurácia e qualidade dos dados, bem como a segurança dos sujeitos de pesquisa. Na busca da melhoria contínua do desempenho de uma organização, a Teoria das Restrições atua por meio de ações gerenciais sobre os gargalos, apresentando ferramentas que podem auxiliar na compreensão de um problema complexo, entre elas está a Árvore da Realidade Atual (ARA). É importante realizar um diagnóstico do ambiente interno da organização, sendo predecessor às mudanças e intervenções nas organizações de forma eficaz. O encontro de um problema leva a identificação de uma oportunidade de melhoria dos processos. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é verificar se a ARA pode auxiliar a gestão de uma unidade de pesquisa clínica, já que se trata de um problema complexo, apontando oportunidades de melhoria. Para isso, foi realizado um estudo de caso na Unidade de Pesquisa Clínica (UPC) do HCFMRP-USP, sendo realizadas todas as etapas para construção da ARA. Como resultado, foi construída a ARA, sendo identificados 257 Efeitos Indesejáveis (EIs) e 04 causas raízes desses efeitos, que juntas constituem os problemas centrais do centro. Para cada uma das causas raízes foi proposto um plano de ação. Conclui-se que a utilização da ARA mostrou-se eficiente no âmbito de pesquisa clínica, uma vez que conseguiu sintetizar as principais oportunidades de melhoria de um centro de pesquisa, e direcionar os esforços dos gestores em ações específicas e estratégicas. / Cooperation among a diverse group of stakeholders, including: research, sponsors industry, academia, government, nonprofit organizations, clinical investigators, patients, physicians, and regulators is necessary in conducting a clinical trial today. The investigators and sites where clinical studies are conducted, should be able to manage it all those things, so they can conduct clinical studies to ensure the accuracy and quality of data as well the safety of research subjects. In pursuit of continuous improvement of an organization\'s performance, Theory of Constraints operates through management actions on bottlenecks, with tools that can assist in the understanding of a complex problem, among them is the Current Reality Tree (CRT). It is important to make a diagnosis of the organization\'s internal environment, and before the changes and effectively interventions in organizations. Finding a problem leads to the identification of an opportunity to improve process. The aim of this study is to verify if the Current Reality Tree can assist the management of a clinical research site, since it is a complex problem, pointing out opportunities for improvement. For this, we conducted a study case in the Clinical Research Unit (UPC) HCFMRP-USP, being applied all steps from CRT methodology. As a result, it was built ARA, identified 257 Undesirable Effects (EIs) and 04 root causes of these effects, which together are the core problems. For each of the root causes was proposed a plan of action. With this it has been concluded that the use of the ARA was efficient under clinical research, one could summarize the main opportunities for improvement of a site, and direct the efforts of managers in specific and strategic actions.

This thesis deals with possibilities of strategic measurement of performance in Czech industrial firm and application of distinguished metrics using Business Intelligence tools. In particular it is a firm called Linde Pohony s.r.o. that produces axes and half axes for forklifts. This thesis is based on contemporary information about strategic performance management and its tools. The main aim of this thesis is to demonstrate possibilities of using Business Intelligence in order to measure key performance metrics. Microsoft's SQL Server 2005 with its Analysis and Integration services are used to prove it. It was necessary to create model of metrics at first. First part of the thesis deals with several ways and methods how to measure firm's performance. Then a proper method to measure performance is chosen. In following chapters ways how Business Intelligence tools can contribute to industrial firms are discussed. Then the real implementation of few metrics is described following with an outline of firm's software architecture. Main contribution of this thesis is particularly in demonstrating power of Business Intelligence tools when they are used along with Balanced Scorecard methodics in small or medium sized Czech industrial firm. Also Linde Pohony s.r.o. can profit from this work -- considering that many administrative tasks are much easier and faster and management has much better view into their firm. Keywords Business Intelligence, industrial firm, Balanced Scorecard, Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints, Strategic performance management, metric

Thesis deals with evaluation of possibilities and conditions for application of key project management methods. Particular parts involve description and delimitation of chosen project management. Traditional methods that are represented by CPM and PERT methods. Furthermore, the thesis is enriched on the basis facts of the Theory of Constraints, which led to the creation of a separate project management system based on the Critical Chain method. This part is followed by an analysis and comparison of these methods in the phase of planning, managing and controlling from a perspective of single project case. Thesis is followed by the using of selected method in real environment conditions, its implementation and evaluation of risks and economic differences.

This master’s thesis describes equations of motion for dynamic model of nonholonomic constrained system, namely the trident robotic snakes. The model is studied in the form of Lagrange's equations and D’Alembert’s principle is applied. Actually this thesis is a continuation of the study going at VUT about the simulations of non-holonomic mechanisms, specifically robotic snakes. The kinematics model was well-examined in the work of of Byrtus, Roman and Vechetová, Jana. So here we provide equations of motion and address the motion planning problem regarding dynamics of the trident snake equipped with active joints through basic examples and propose a feedback linearization algorithm.

Bakgrund: Inom SVF för bröstcancer är målet att 80 procent av alla patienter med välgrundad misstanke om cancer inom 28 kalenderdagar ska få påbörja sin första behandling. Region Kronoberg har inte lyckats uppnå målet, vilket är en problematik som grundar sig i resursbrist, ofullständig samordning och koordinering samt en funktionsorienterad struktur. Användningen av vårdlogistiska verktyg och teorier kan bidra till att identifiera vårdförloppets utmaningar samt bidra till förbättra dem.  Syfte: Ur ett logistiskt perspektiv syftar studien till att identifiera utmaningar för Region Kronobergs standardiserade vårdförlopp för bröstcancer. Förbättringsförslag för dessa utmaningar kommer att undersökas och presenteras, för att kunna bidra till att Region Kronoberg närmar sig målet om att 80 procent av alla patienter med välgrundad misstanke om bröstcancer ska få påbörja behandling inom 28 dagar.  Metod: Studiens metod utgör en kvalitativ fallstudie med en deduktiv ansats, där primärdata har samlats in genom semistrukturerade och ostrukturerade intervjuer. Utöver primärdata har även sekundärdata från Cancercentrums och Region Kronobergs statistik samlats in. För att besvara studiens forskningsfrågor har dessa analyserats i relation till studiens teoretiska referensram, som utgörs av vetenskapliga artiklar och litteratur.  Slutsats: Ett antal utmaningar har identifierats inom SVF för bröstcancer, inklusive resursbrist och problem med remitteringshantering. En funktionsorienterad struktur och långa beslutsvägar hindrar utvecklingsarbetet. För att närma sig det nationella målet föreslås användning av Theory of Constraints, ett standardiserat system för att skicka remisser, kapacitetsplanering, en större grad av processorienterad struktur, förbättrad kommunikation samt lean healthcare-konceptet.  Studiens bidrag: Resultatet kan ha praktisk betydelse för att väcka diskussion och väcka frågor som kan stimulera till ytterligare forskning inom vårdlogistik och SVF. Teoretiskt kan studien bidra till att skapa medvetenhet och driva förändringar, vilket kan bidra till effektivisering.  Nyckelord: Flaskhals, Kapacitetsplanering, Koordinering, Lean healthcare, Process management, Samordning, Standardisering, Supply chain management, Theory of constraints / Background: Within the CCP for breast cancer, the goal is for 80 percent of all patients with well-founded suspicion of cancer to initiate their first treatment within 28 calendar days. Region Kronoberg has not been able to achieve this goal, which stems from resource constraints, incomplete coordination and a function-oriented structure. The use of healthcare logistics tools and theories can help identify challenges and contribute to their improvement.  Purpose: From a logistics perspective, identify challenges in Region Kronoberg's standardized care pathway for breast cancer. Improvement proposals for these challenges will be explored and presented to help Region Kronoberg get closer to the goal of ensuring that 80 percent of all patients with well-founded suspicion of breast cancer initiate treatment within 28 days.  Method: The study employs a qualitative case study with a deductive approach, where primary data has been collected through semi-structured and unstructured interviews. In addition, secondary data as statistics have been collected from the Cancer Center and Region Kronoberg. To address the research questions, these data sources have been analyzed in relation to the study's theoretical framework, consisting of scientific articles and literature.  Conclusion: Several challenges have been identified within the CCP for breast cancer, including resource shortages and issues with referral management. A function-oriented structure with long decision-making processes hinder improvement efforts. To approach the national goal, the use of  TOC, a standardized referral system, capacity planning, a higher degree of process-oriented structure, improved communication, and lean healthcare concept are suggested.  Contribution: The results may have practical implications for initiating discussions and raising questions that can stimulate further research in healthcare logistics and CCP. Theoretically, the study can contribute to raising awareness and driving changes, which can lead to streamlining and efficiency improvements.  Keywords: Bottlenecks, Capacity planning, Coordination, Lean healthcare, Process management, Standardization, Supply chain management, Theory of Constraints

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Distell Group limited is South Africa's leading producer and marketer of fine wines, spirits and ready-to-drinks. The wine division has been confronted with limitations on pressing capacity for a number of years. Sales of Distell wine brands are projected to grow substantially, in particular in the premium and super premium categories. Therefore a need for increase sUstainable supply of wine was created. The objective of this study was to increase the throughput in Distell wineries significantly, without or with minimal cash investment, by applying the principles of a combined supply chain strategy. To achieve this, the study needed to allow for the analysis of various scenarios, and indicate where the various constraints were within the process. Theory of constraint, which is a management philosophy aiming to continually achieve more of the system's goal was applied to the Distell situation. The focus points were to create value for the organisation, with collaboration between grape farmers and the wineries. It was necessary to follow a process of data capturing, and the data obtained from the various sources in 2008 was combined into one database to develop a capacity evaluation model. There is no doubt that the Distell wineries as a group, improved their efficiency over the last number of years, with effective management of the individual wineries. There is however enough evidence to support the change to a combined supply chain strategy, which could unlock more total benefits than the individual management. It is clear from the findings in this study that not all the current available capacity is fully utilised. This study found that the white process in Distell was working at a higher than required rate of the set capacity targets, and would need substantial capital investment to increase throughput. The red process indicated opportunities for increase throughput in the total system. It is possible to increase total throughput and maintain quality for Distell wineries. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Distell is een van Suid Afrika se grootste produseerders en bemarkers van hoe gehalte wyn, spiritus produkte en alkoholiese drankies. Die wynkelder omgewing ervaar al vir 'n geruime tyd kapasiteit tekorte. Die vraag na Distell wynhandelsmerke verwag om 'n konstante groei te toon oor die volgende paar jare, veral op die premium en super premium katogoriee. Oit veroorsaak 'n groeiende behoefte vir die volhoubare voorsiening van wyn, binne die maatskapy. Die doel van die studie was om produksie te verhoog binne die Distell kelders, met min of geen kapitale beleging, deur 'n holistiese strategie te volg ten opsigte van die bestuur van die waardeketting. Die studie het verskeie alternatiewe ondersoek met die doe I om die beperkings in die proses te identifiseer en te ontleed. Die bestuurs filosofie 'Theory of constraint' is toegepas, waar daar gestreef word om meer te bereik, van die mikpunt wat ge5tel is vir 'n spesifieke proses. Die hoofdoel van die maatskapy was om waarde te skep, deur samewerking tussen druiwe produsente en die verskiliende Distell kelders. Die nodige data vir die ontleding van die beskikbare kapasiteit is verkry gedurende die 2008 seisoen. Die inligting is saamgevoeg in een data-stel, en 'n kapasiteitsmodel is ontwikkel. Daar is geen twyfel dat Disteli kelders as 'n groep hul doeltreffenheid verbeter het, deur die individueele prosesse te bestuur. Die studie lewer egter genoeg bewyse dat daar 'n groter potensieeHe voordeel is, indien die proses op 'n holistiese waardekettingstrategie bestuur sal word. Die studie lewer bewyse dat die huidige beskikbare kapasiteit nog nie optimaal benut word nie. Die verwerking van druiwe in die witwyn proses vind plaas teen 'n hoer kapasiteitsbenutting as wat waarvoor beplan was. Om enige verdere witdruiwe volumes te hanteer, sal tot groot kapitale besteding lei. Die rooiwyn proses wys daar is ruimte vir verbetering, sonder groot kapitale spandering. Die studie het gevind dat die totale proses meer volumes rooidruiwe kan hanteer, en steeds voldoen aan die nodige kwaliteit vereistes.

This thesis deals with application of Critical Chain in IT/ICT Project management in an international IT company. Beginning with a definition of Theory of Constraints and Critical Chain from a theoretical point of view the thesis provides knowledge base for practical implementation of Critical Chain. The thesis proceeds with selection and division of various IT/ICT projects types providing their evaluation according to their usability with CCPM (Critical Chain Project Management). The thesis also contains research and overview of available resources dealing with application of Critical Chain in IT projects management. This research is presented in a form of case studies and also concluded as a summary of both achieved successes and critical success factors that should be taken into account when implementing CCPM. Based on the knowledge acquired from the previous chapters a formal step-by-step procedure defining how to proceed with CCPM in a project was defined. This procedure will be applied in a real project management as a part of this diploma thesis. The thesis also presents analysis of currently used methodology and approaches to project management in the company and using the procedure created in the previous part the methodology is extended by relevant parts of CCPM. These approaches and methodology are formalized in a Methodical Pattern for IS Development (FI) -- CCPM and this pattern is then used for application of CCPM in a software development project. The project is prepared, planned and controlled according to principles of Critical Chain. The thesis captures this process step-by-step including monitoring of the project and its buffers. For evaluation of the Critical Chain implementation in a software development project a set of criteria was developed and used for assessment. Also every member of the given project team was sent a questionnaire to provide feedback. Originally planned comparison of the CCPM project with a project managed by currently used approaches could not, unfortunately, be carried out due to lack of data and their sensitivity. Considering the scope of this thesis, the application of CCPM in a real project represents verification of validity of the Methodical Pattern for IS Development (FI) -- CCPM and the contribution is also in creation of criteria and verification of their usability for evaluation of projects and potential comparison of two or more projects. Based on the practical application of Critical Chain in a real project, suggestions and recommendation for adjustments to current methodology and also further work with CCPM in the company were provided.