The role of lean training in lean implementation

[Excerpt] Lean thinking was proposed by Womack & Jones (1996) as an interpretation of the way Toyota was successfully approaching its production system. The body of knowledge around the lean philosophy has been built over the years by practitioners and scholars from around the world and an interesting example of a conceptual model of lean tools and principles was proposed by Hodge et al (2011). The implementation of lean principles, concepts and tools is quite popular in many types of organization around the world but not always with success (Negrão, et al, 2017). Lean training is referred to frequently in the literature as playing an important role in the success of lean implementation and in continuous improvement programmes. Shrimali & Soni (2017) reported that one of the limitations observed for successful implementations of lean in SMEs was the poor training. Another study (Netland, 2016) shows that after management commitment and involvement comes training, and education as the most commonly reported critical success factor in the improvement programme literature. Similar results were also reported by Yamchello et al (2014). Lean in education and training can be divided into two distinctive areas of knowledge and work. One area can be called Lean Teaching and the other area can be called Teaching Lean. The Teaching Lean area can be described as the way students and professionals can be effectively trained on Lean principles, concepts and tools so they can apply Lean in real contexts such as factories and other organizations. This area is quite a large subject with fast growing interest in recent years. The other area, Lean Teaching, can be described as how lean principles and concepts can be effectively applied in learning/training activities. There is a very interesting book on the subject published by Emiliani (2015) but this subject remains little explored by academic authors with very few articles published. Another closely-related area sometimes with confusing interpretation as Lean Teaching is the use of lean in schools and universities. In these cases the use of Lean is mainly applied in offices and other service areas that exist in academic organizations. [...]This work was supported by Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia [UIDB/00319/2020]

Functional protein yogurts in the portuguese market

The present dissertation focus on analysing functional protein yogurts, an innovation that has been disrupting the Portuguese market. The way Portuguese consumers evaluate their health needs and how they perceive food was taken under the scope, so that it could be analysed the food characteristics consumers’ value most when they go shopping and thus observing the Portuguese market potential of high protein yogurts. The dissertation divides the analyses in three research questions that are aimed at discovering the profile of Portuguese consumers more interested in high protein yogurts, the motivations driving Portuguese to purchase these yogurts and the factors restraining their consumption. The results captured demonstrate that Portuguese consumers’ nutritional knowledge is a key factor to determine the level of interest towards high protein yogurts. The Health Claims (HCs) and Nutritional Claims (NCs) have a big impact on raising awareness about these yogurts and their contents, which afterwards proves to be an influent consumption driver. The Portuguese psychological factors towards nutrition and health have different perspectives depending on the different age generations and consumers who disregard more their diet and have the least knowledge and interest about nutrition are the least prone to try functional protein yogurts. Future studies might analyse better the relations between the existing hypothesis, analyse in a greater extent the definition of nutritionally informed consumers and find other potential hypothesis influencing the consumption of functional protein yogurts in the Portuguese market.A presente dissertação concentra-se na análise de iogurtes funcionais de proteína, uma inovação disruptiva no mercado português. A maneira como os consumidores portugueses avaliam as suas necessidades de saúde e como eles percecionam os alimentos foi analisada, para que pudessem ser apuradas as características dos alimentos que os consumidores mais valorizam quando vão às compras e, assim, ser observado o potencial do mercado português dos iogurtes ricos em proteínas. A dissertação divide a análise em três questões de pesquisa que visam descobrir o perfil dos consumidores portugueses mais interessados em iogurtes ricos em proteínas, as motivações que os levaram a comprar estes iogurtes e os fatores que restringem o seu consumo. Os resultados capturados demonstram que o conhecimento nutricional dos consumidores portugueses é um fator chave para determinar o nível de interesse em relação aos iogurtes ricos em proteínas. As alegações de saúde e nutricionais têm um grande impacto ao criar conhecimento sobre o conteúdo destes iogurtes, o que posteriormente influencia o aumento do consumo. Os fatores psicológicos dos portugueses em relação à nutrição e à saúde têm perspetivas diferentes, dependendo das diferentes gerações etárias. Os consumidores que desconsideram mais sua dieta e que têm menos conhecimento e interesse relativamente à nutrição são os menos propensos a experimentar iogurtes funcionais de proteína. Estudos futuros podem analisar melhor as relações das hipóteses existentes, analisar em maior medida a definição de consumidores nutricionalmente informados e encontrar outras potenciais hipóteses para influenciar o consumo de iogurtes funcionais de proteína no mercado português

Energy-efficient diversity combining for different access schemes in a multi-path dispersive channel

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Doutor em Engenharia Electrotécnica e ComputadoresThe forthcoming generation of mobile communications, 5G, will settle a new standard for a larger bandwidth and better Quality of Service (QoS). With the exploding growth rate of user generated data, wireless standards must cope with this growth and at the same time be energy efficient to avoid depleting the batteries of wireless devices. Besides these issues, in a broadband wireless setting QoS can be severely affected from a multipath dispersive channel and therefore be energy demanding. Cross-layered architectures are a good choice to enhance the overall performance of a wireless system. Examples of cross-layered Physical (PHY) - Medium Access Control (MAC) architectures are type-II Diversity Combining (DC) Hybrid-ARQ (H-ARQ) and Multi-user Detection (MUD) schemes. Cross-layered type-II DC H-ARQ schemes reuse failed packet transmissions to enhance data reception on posterior retransmissions; MUD schemes reuse data information from previously collided packets on posterior retransmissions to enhance data reception. For a multipath dispersive channel, a PHY layer analytical model is proposed for Single-Carrier with Frequency Domain Equalization (SC-FDE) that supports DC H-ARQ and MUD. Based on this analytical model, three PHY-MAC protocols are proposed. A crosslayered Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) scheme that uses DC H-ARQ is modeled and its performance is studied in this document; the performance analysis shows that the scheme performs better with DC and achieves a better energy efficiency at the cost of a higher delay. A novel cross-layered prefix-assisted Direct-Sequence Code Division Multiple Access (DS-CDMA) scheme is proposed and modeled in this document, it uses principles of DC and MUD. This protocol performs better by means of additional retransmissions, achieving better energy efficiency, at the cost of higher redundancy from a code spreading gain. Finally, a novel cross-layered protocol H-ARQ Network Division Multiple Access (H-NDMA) is proposed and modeled, where the combination of DC H-ARQ and MUD is used with the intent of maximizing the system capacity with a lower delay; system results show that the proposed scheme achieves better energy efficiency and a better performance at the cost of a higher number of retransmissions. A comparison of the three cross-layered protocols is made, using the PHY analytical model, under normalized conditions using the same amount of maximum redundancy. Results show that the H-NDMA protocol, in general, obtains the best results, achieving a good performance and a good energy efficiency for a high channel load and low Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). TDMA with DC H-ARQ achieves the best energy efficiency, although presenting the worst delay. Prefix-assisted DS-CDMA in the other hand shows good delay results but presents the worst throughput and energy efficiency

Multi-region routing

Dissertação apresentada na Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa para a obtenção do grau de Mestre em Engenharia Electrotécnica e de ComputadoresThis thesis proposes a new inter-domain routing protocol. The Internet's inter-domain routing protocol Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) provides a reachability solution for all domains; however it is also used for purposes outside of routing. In terms of routing BGP su ers from serious problems, such as slow routing convergence and limited scalability. The proposed architecture takes into consideration the current Internet business model and structure. It bene ts from a massively multi-homed Internet to perform multipath routing. The main foundation of this thesis was based on the Dynamic Topological Information Architecture (DTIA). We propose a division of the Internet in regions to contain the network scale where DTIA's routing algorithm is applied. An inter-region routing solution was devised to connect regions; formal proofs were made in order to demonstrate the routing convergence of the protocol. An implementation of the proposed solution was made in the network simulator 2 (ns-2). Results showed that the proposed architecture achieves faster convergence than BGP. Moreover, this thesis' solution improves the algorithm's scalability at the inter-region level, compared to the single region case

Continuous improvement system: team members’ perceptions

The complexity, competition and fast changing of the global market requires the companies to seek excellence, if they crave for good performance and success. To reach this purpose, it is mandatory the existence of a Continuous Improvement (CI) culture within the companies. This concept, also known as Kaizen, mean “change for the better” and it defends that a very large of small improvements applied and sustained over the time, brings more value than a few big improvements. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the effect of lean teamwork after a Continuous Improvement system had been implemented in Lipor, a Public Organization based in Oporto that treats the municipal waste. The CI system implemented a few years ago, was possible to maintain and adapt over the years through the creation of a Kaizen Team, Natural Teams, Project Teams and the cooperation between them, cultivating this Continuous Improvement culture in the company’s core. The results of the survey done to the workers regarding the CI system demonstrated that the majority consider that their work process has improved significantly with Kaizen and highlighted the importance for them to be involved in improving team’s processesFCT –Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the Project Scope: UID/CEC/00319/201

Actual modelo, suas virtudes, defeitos e vulnerabilidades

Neste estudo procura-se identificar as principais alterações introduzidas no âmbito da transformação, em curso, do Exército, em particular, quanto à incidência na organização das comunicações e sistemas de informação. Perante a situação da nova organização das comunicações e sistemas de informação, estudou-se o impacto da correspondente transformação e novos desafios utilizando a análise SWOT. Num primeiro passo, observaram-se forças e fraquezas, que se fizeram corresponder a pontos fortes (virtudes) e pontos fracos (defeitos e vulnerabilidades) da realidade subjacente à nova estrutura organizacional. Assim, desenvolveu-se a análise interna desta forma de organização das comunicações e sistemas de informação do Exército. Num segundo passo e na sequência da análise interna estudada, o trabalho centrouse na análise externa da nova organização, onde se tentou identificar ameaças e oportunidades, que por razões metodológicas se transformaram em desafios. Desta forma, apresentou-se a análise externa desta organização das comunicações e sistemas de informação do Exército. Assim, perante virtudes, imperfeições e vulnerabilidades encontradas na organização das comunicações e sistemas de informação do Exército e tendo em consideração desafios que se colocam a esta área de natureza doutrinal, tecnológica e organizacional, levou a equacionar-se um modelo prospectivo para a organização das comunicações e sistemas de informação, através de um conjunto de recomendações julgadas oportunas e adequadas, designadamente a criação de uma Direcção Técnica de Gestão de Informação e de Conhecimento e a transferência da Direcção de Comunicações e Sistemas de Informação para o Comando da Logística, com vista a superar debilidades e a potenciar aspectos positivos, a fim de poder contribuir para dar resposta às reais necessidades do Exército. Abstract: In this research paper we have started by identifying the main changes introduced by the on-going organizational transformation of the Portuguese Army, particularly those impacting the communications and information systems (CIS) substructure, the main focus of this paper. In order to fully identify the above-mentioned impact, we have used the SWOT analysis method. We began by observing the strengths and weaknesses corresponding to the merits and vulnerabilities of the new organizational structure, thus developing the internal analysis of this CIS Portuguese Army structure. We proceeded focusing, now, on the external analysis of the new CIS organization where we have tried to identify the threats and opportunities which, due to methodology reasons, have been classified as challenges to this organization. Finally, as a conclusion of this study, and given the merits, the deficiencies, and the vulnerabilities found within the new CIS structure of the Portuguese Army and the challenges of doctrinal, technological and organizational nature, we have developed a new prospective model to the current Portuguese Army CIS structure, proposing a set of recommendations which we have found to be timely and adequate, namely the creation of an Information and Knowledge Management Technical Directorate and the organizational displacement of the CIS Directorate to the Logistics Command, aiming to overcome the current vulnerabilities and enhance its strengths thus contributing to identify answers to the real needs of the Portuguese Army

Waste identification diagrams

CLME'2011 / IIICEM – 6º Congresso Luso-Moçambicano de Engenharia - 3º Congresso de Engenharia de Moçambique Maputo, 29Ago - 2Set 2011 - Edições INEGI 2011, (ISBN: 978-972-8826-24-6), Ref: CLME’2011_0912AThe most popular and perhaps the most effective way to represent the material flow in production units is the diagram known as Value Stream Map (VSM). Moreover these maps are also used to help in the identification of waste as well as a tool to support continuous improvement. Nevertheless, many of VSM limitations are known and thus there is room for the creation of other more effective ways to represent productive units as well as helping the identification of production waste. This paper presents a new graphic representation model for production units, as a tool to identify three forms of waste, designated as Waste Identification Diagram (WID), which aims to provide information to top managers in a much more effective format. The WID is a network of blocks and arrows, showing visually the throughput times, idle capacity, transport effort, changeover times and work-in-process levels. To illustrate the main features of this new tool, the paper includes a WID of a real production unity

Concurrent effects of different psychological processes in the prediction of depressive symptoms - the role of cognitive fusion

Cognitive fusion refers to the dominance of verbal processes over behavior regulation, in detriment of being sensitive to contextual contingencies and pursuing valued life goals. It is a core process within Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and seems to have a crucial role in the development and maintenance of psychopathology. The first goal of this investigation was to explore the factor structure, factorial invariance and psychometrics of the Portuguese version of the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ). A multigroup confirmatory factor analysis attested the invariant one-dimensional factor structure of the CFQ across three samples from the general population (n = 408; n = 291; n = 101) with different demographic characteristics. Additionally, the CFQ showed to be a psychometrically robust and reliable measure. A second major goal was to investigate the convergent and incremental validity of this version of CFQ (n = 408). Convergent validity was explored and attested with several psychological indicators. Regarding incremental validity, the predictive power of depressive symptoms of cognitive fusion and three related processes, with origin in different conceptual frameworks, was tested. Results showed that even when the effects of decentering, mindfulness and metacognitions were controlled for, cognitive fusion consistently maintained a significant and unique predictive power over depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that these processes relate differentially and independently with depressive symptoms and, moreover, that cognitive fusion has a superior contribution to its explanation. Given the evidence that cognitive fusion plays an important role in the comprehension of depressive symptoms, conceptual and clinical implications were discussed

Shame Memories and Depression Symptoms: The Role of Cognitive Fusion and Experiential Avoidance

Previous studies have suggested that shame memories can have a pervasive impact on depression symptoms, and avoidant-focused processes may play a mediating role. In addition, it is stated in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) literature that experiential avoidance is a consequence of cognitive fusion. This study aims to explore the role of cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance in the relationship between shame memories (with caregivers and traumatic shame memories with others) and depression symptoms. In order to do that, we used Structural Equation Modeling to conduct a path analysis in a sample of 181 subjects of the general population. Our results add new information on the processes through which shame memories impacts on both experiential avoidance and depression symptoms. It is suggested that shame memories are not itself pervasive, but the entanglement with painful internal experiences (cognitive fusion) and/or the attempts to control them (experiential avoidance). This suggests the importance of planning an intervention that targets these processes when dealing with shame memories, particularly in patients with depression symptoms

A student team project in real context: The team view

In the Industrial Engineering and Management Integrated Master course the projects in real industrial context are assumed to play a crucial role in the development of key technical and professional skills in students. In the 7 th semester of this integrated master course the students are involved in a large real context project integrating many different subjects covered in 5 different curricular units. Student teams must analyze and diagnose a production unit in a company, identify improving opportunities, design solutions and implement them if possible. These experiences are very demanding to students since many different uncontrollable variables are influencing their performance as team and as individuals. In this article the students will describe the experience from different perspectives, such as: personal interaction, group and project management, technical challenges, communication issues, as well as the challenges in meeting teachers and company staff expectations.(undefined)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio