This thesis is an investigation into the use of simulation for the study of quality economics within a cell-based manufacturing environment. Quality is, for the purposes of this report, considered to mean conformance to specification. This research identified two distinct areas of study that could be considered part of quality economics. The economic design of quality control procedures is concerned with the "micro" side of quality economics, focusing on single processes, whilst quality costing systems represent the "macro" side, focusing on entire production lines, departments or organisations. A critical analysis of these areas suggested a number of deficiencies. In addition, a number of economic quality models were considered. These were found to focus on the "macro" side of quality economics, with no consideration of the effect of specific changes to specific processes - the "micro" side. It was suggested that simulation would be a suitable approach for overcoming some of these deficiencies. The precedent for the use of simulation to investigate quality economics is considered, with the conclusion that none of the existing approaches reviewed were able to model the manufacturing systems under consideration in sufficient detail. Therefore, a new approach is outlined, and the thesis then describes the development and validation of this approach. A number of examples are given that are intended to both illustrate the simulation approach and, hopefully, provide certain generic information that can be applied to any similar manufacturing process. Conclusions are drawn regarding the success of the project relative to the initial aims, and the contribution to our understanding of quality economics. Finally, a number of recommendations for further work are given.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:263390 |
| Date | January 1998 |
| Creators | Clark, Howard |
| Publisher | University of Nottingham |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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