What are the key determinants of maintenance performance?

Paper aims The main objective of the research is to present a combination of fuzzy decision-making techniques to measure the performance of preventive maintenance systems.Originality This research is a timely response to studying the prominent role of preventive maintenance performance in reducing cost, profitability, and overall organization’s output.Research method This study considers the application of “fuzzy DEMATEL” and ANP techniques for measuring maintenance performance and determining the causal relationships between the criteria and sub-criteria.Main findings It is conjectured that functional and technical criteria, along that with individual and the environmental are of great importance. Among the sub-criteria, employee satisfaction, growth and learning, availability of machinery and equipment, quality of maintenance by the skilled and highly-trained workforce, deem to be the most important ones.Implications for theory and practice The application of the decision techniques and the proposed measurement model for continuous improvement and promotion of maintenance performance

Acromioclavicular Joint Fixation Using an Acroplate Combined With a Coracoclavicular Screw

Background: Appropriate treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation is controversial. Acroplate fixation is one of the most common treatment methods of acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation. Based on the risk of re-dislocation after Acroplate fixation, we assumed that combined fixation with an Acroplate and a coracoclavicular screw helps improve the outcome. Objectives: The main purpose of the current study was to compare the outcome of ACJ dislocation treated with an Acroplate alone and in combination with coracoclavicular screw. Patients and Methods: This study was carried out on 40 patients with ACJ dislocation types III to VI who were divided randomly into two equal groups: Acroplate group (P) and Acroplate in combination with coracoclavicular screw group (P + S). The screws were extracted 3-6 months postoperatively. The patients were followed for 1 year and Imatani’s score was calculated. Finally, the data were compared between the groups. Results: The mean Imatani’s score was significantly higher in P + S group (83.4 ± 14.1) than P group (81.2 ± 10.3) (P < 0.001). The mean duration of surgery was the same in the two groups (59.8 ± 9.4 minutes in group P V.s 64.3 ± 10.9 minutes in group P + S; P = 0.169). There were no cases of re-dislocation, degenerative changes and ossification and all patients returned to their previous jobs or sporting activities. Conclusions: Using a coracoclavicular screw combined with an Acroplate can improve the patients’ function after ACJ disruption without any significant increase in surgical duration. Authors recommend this technique in the fixation of ACJ dislocation

Recognition of nonrandom patterns on supply performance by employing statistical monitoring

This paper introduces a practical methodology of assign able signals and Run chart tests for identification of nonrandom patterns of supplier performance by statistical monitoring. The assumption of normal distribution is one of the important factors to implement a control chart in industry and service. It is supposed that natural data shows lack of any nonrandom pattern signals or out of control points on control chart. The data of supplier’s on-time delivery for automotive industry has been gathered and illustrated on control chart by employing appropriate transformation and assignable signals and run chart were tested on the control chart accordingly. The results show that tests were able to identify nonrandom patterns of supplier performance data. Out of control signals were removed from the control chart and show that on-time delivery performance was increased accordingly. The control chart with natural pattern can be used as pilot for monitoring supplier delivery over time and improve supplier delivery performance