Impact Assessment of SPC Tools on Quality Improvement in Pakistani Industrial Environment: A Dynamic Case Study

Whether one belongs to service or production industry, Quality is always a big issue for business persons and the customers. If we do not have any means of measuring the performance of manufacturing Unit in trouble, how can we improve it? As W. Edwards Deming said “If you cannot measure it, you cannot improve it”. Everybody in the field of TQM is familiar with control charts and statistical process improvement for Quality. A number of tools, including the Six Sigma tool box, are made up of seven simple tools: flow chart, check list, histogram, Pareto chart, cause and effect diagram, scatter diagram, control chart. The Japanese call them "seven QC (quality control) tools, which have been used for decades to support quality improvement efforts to solve the problem. Usually variation is the only main reason for varying or low quality of their product/service, increasing dissatisfaction among customers and decreasing business credibility as a result. For that purpose, we chosen a business organization “Silver Lake Foods Pvt. Ltd.” as a study object, as management of SLFL was highly willing to cooperate. SLFL is a Food Manufacturing organization which produces food items like Biscuits, toffees, candies and chocolates, drinks etc. Management of SLFL has found that the process average for critical characteristics i.e. weight, taste etc. were out of control and causing big losses. In some cases, they have some ideas about possible causes. However, in most cases, they do not want or lack of knowledge and resources restrict them to carry out experimental design to find out the reasons for the change or decline quality.We have decided to use statistical process control (SPC) procedures for quality control, quality improvement and then ultimately towards total quality management.There were some ideas about possible causes but, as in most cases, they were reluctant or lacking the knowledge and resources to perform experimental design to find out the causes of variation or the causes of decreased (/ing) quality. We decided to use statistical process control (SPC) program to make the steps towards quality control and from quality control to quality improvement and then ultimately towards TQM. The Proposed study intends to find out impact of SPC tools in Quality improvement in Pakistani Industrial environment by studying Silver Lake Foods Pvt. Ltd. This  research also identify the main  sources of variations and bottlenecks  through dynamic use of SPC tools and  suggest recommendations regarding higher quality improvement and customer satisfaction levels in future. Keywords: Six Sigma tool box, TQM, Customer satisfaction, SPC tools, SLFP (Silver Lake Foods Pvt. Limited), Food industry, Quality improvemen

Occurrence of possible drug related interactions in medical patients in out-patient departments of Pakistan

Background: Data regarding occurrence of drug-drug interactions in Pakistan is rare. In the current study, we have tried to find out the clinical adversity and frequency witnessed in prescriptions of a medical outpatient department.Methods: Patient prescriptions were analyzed for potential drug-drug interactions.  A sample of 364 patients, visited outpatient department who were being prescribed at least two drugs simultaneously using a drug interaction program website.Results: The 364 patients (72.8% male, mean age 57.9±15.2 years) were prescribed a median of six drugs (range 2-13) at OPD visit. Three hundred forty nine patients (95.8%) had at least one potentially interacting drug combination. 2636 potential interactions were seen in the visiting patients. Out of these 124 (4.7%) were of major severity, 1730 (65.6%) moderate and 515 (19.5%). Out of 124 patients with a potential DDI with major severity, no patient was re-hospitalized within 2 months after discharge due to a probable drug-related problem associated with the potential DDI.Conclusions: A large percentage of patients were detected having one or more potential drug-drug interactions, using drug interaction detection program. However, the percentage of patients having clinically adverse consequences due to drug-drug interactions appears to be very low

Adequacy of phosphodiesterase inhibitor in prevention and treatment of LPS induced organ failure in BALB/c mice

Background: Even though with immense improvement and extensive understanding of pathophysiology of sepsis induced organ failure and affected population, it continues to put hundreds of people worldwide to eternal sleep due to lack of targeted therapy. Newer treatment modalities is the dire need of time. The present study was aimed to ascertain the adequacy of phosphodiesterases inhibitor - pentoxifylline (75mg/kg i.p) in endotoxin/LPS induced hepatotoxicity in BALB/c mice.Methods: The number of animals in each group was six. Endotoxin/lipopolysaccharides induced hepatotoxicity was reproduced in mice by giving lipopolysaccharide of serotype E. coli intraperitoneally. To ascertain the Preventive role, pentoxifylline was administered forehand LPS injection whereas therapeutic potential adjuged via post LPS delivering. The extent of liver damage was evaluated through serum alanine aminotransferases (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) estimation along with histopathological examination of liver tissue.Results: Results set forth that serum ALT, AST levels and histological alteration abated considerably (p ≤0.05) both in animals subjected to pentoxifylline pre and post-treatment.Conclusions: Pentoxifylline set up promising results in endotoxin induced hepatotoxicity and can be used therapeutic adjuncts to conventional treatment strategies in sepsis induced liver failure

An Integration of Kano Model, QFD and Six Sigma to Present a New Description of DFSS

Business competitiveness is no longer a choice but a matter of survival in global market place. For any company, the continuous and timely development of new products and services, which include creative features that are expected to satisfy customers, is essential to remain competitive. At present, the companies not only focus on customer satisfaction, but also want to please them that ultimately lead them towards loyalty in future. Therefore, in-depth and quick understanding of the dynamic needs of customers can be important in the development of products and markets through a short period of time. However, there have been numerous failures in product development efforts leading towards enormous waste of time and resources. One of the reasons for this is the lack of a structured and comprehensive process for product development that utilizes powerful models and methodologies, such as Kano model, QFD and modern QI methodologies as well as the principles of concurrent engineering including cross-functional teams and timely communication. As all these methodologies share the same goals of pursuing customer satisfaction thus their integration into a common model is possible and beneficial Kano model strengthens the modern QI methodologies such as Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma approach and further enhances customers’ satisfaction level. Six Sigma is used to achieve high-levels of stability through reduction in process and product variation. This directs to an almost defect free level which is also the focus of DFSS (or DMADV) building quality upstream for existing products and new product development methods. This level is essential to the customer, but not necessarily economic. Therefore, it is important to understand the customer's needs and requirements of the target, and understanding about company's own capabilities and costs. In addition to integrating Kano model and QFD into Six Sigma, the proposed approach extends previous works on these models. This paper presents a new description of the DFSS structured approach including a simple way for calculating the degree of importance for customer requirements with the adoption of Kano factor (K).An integrated approach for DFSS is proposed for practitioners to strategically understand the VOC. It included the use of different powerful tools such as Kano model, QFD, Taguchi’s QLF, TRIZ, AHP, DOE, SIPOC and FMEA. All of these tools are relevant and have consensus in terms of solving customer problems to achieve customer satisfaction. They also complement each other and can be integrated together, within DFSS, to form a better methodology. Therefore, the integration of these tools for the DFSS method is considered to be possible and useful. This work extended the previous works regarding these tools, included new ideas and incorporated them in a new model. Kano model lies in the center of the framework as it forms a basis for a profound understanding of the customer needs. The DFSS methodology utilizes Deming’s PDCA cycle through the DMADV phases for Cl. Kano model strengthens DFSS and brings an intelligent approach to understand and prioritize customer requirements. In addition, a generic case study is used to demonstrate some of the steps in the proposed methodology about how it can be implemented. Keywords: Kano model, QFD, QI, Six Sigma, VOC, DFSS, QLF, FMEA, CI, DMADV, SIPOC, Customer satisfaction, product developmen

An Integrated Framework of Productivity Management /PIPs Through Conceptual QFD Modeling for High-Performance-Manufacturing Systems: 360o BSC Perspective

Business competitiveness is no longer a choice but a matter of survival in global market place. This competitiveness demands PIPS to be realigned and recalculated in the light of new culture of customer satisfaction and perceived quality. The employment of TQM, QFD and Balanced Scorecard coupled with high performance manufacturing concepts for exceeding customer expectations and business processes are the CSFs for design and architecture of current enhanced PIPs framework. The conceptual mapping of high performance manufacturing indices over a balanced score card scale has been conducted to redefine the direction of research work with a sole aim of earning competitiveness. The methodology radiated is the first step to manifest guidelines for planning performance based on TQM methodology for continuous improvement.The TQM and balanced-scorecard (BSC) technique is employed to predict performance expectations, voice of customers (VOC) and other set of balanced strategies into deliverable objectives. The proposed framework is expected to enhance the chance that a balanced management approach with the collaboration of all stakeholders will earn hyper efficiency and ultimately move towards the ultimate competitive advantage. The embedded smart Balanced Scorecard intelligence into design-schema is the key for futuristic development of performance improvement programs and a leap towards smart factory concept. Keywords: PIPs, TQM, QFD, Balanced Scorecard (BSC), TQM, VOC, CSFs, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Expectations, High Performance Manufacturing, smart factor

Predictive and prognostic modelling and simulation of coating failures due to corrosion and mechanical failures

This research presents analytical and mathematical modelling of coating failures within industrial components, structures, mobile assets and systems due to corrosive degradation and mechanical fracture. These failures lead to serval surface problems, therefore contact mechanics and electrochemistry approaches incorporating induced residual stresses have been adopted to develop a comprehensive solution for the prediction prognostic of such failures. Experimental study of film cracking and its propagation into substrates, interfacial transient behaviours and film-substrate system has been conducted. A parallel study of corrosive degradation to include cathodic delamination, cathodic blistering and tribo-corrosion of films has been conducted. Experimental and analytical studies of induced residual stresses within the coating and their effects on failure mechanisms and propagation have been completed. A detailed investigation of elastic mismatch at the interfacial contact and interfacial crack tip field has been performed and a complex stress intensity factor is presented. Mathematical derivation of oscillatory singularity, mode mix and interfacial fracture criterion to include adhesion are presented. This paper presents novel mathematical modelling incorporating interfacial crack propagating, diffusion of corrosive species and cathodic blistering for prediction and prognoses of coating failures

Leukemic Infiltration of the Esophagus, a Rare Etiology for a Common Disease

Introduction: The etiology of esophagitis in patients with acute leukemia is usually related to infections, reflux, or chemotherapy toxicity. Infiltration of esophagus by leukemic cells is rarely considered in the differential diagnosis.Presentation of Case: Here we present a case of 87-year-old male patient with a recent diagnosis of acute myelocytic leukemia who was found to have severe diffuse esophagitis secondary to leukemic infiltration.Conclusion: Leukemic infiltration of the esophagus is a rare potential etiology of severe esophagitis in patients with disseminated leukemia. Esophageal biopsy is needed to identify the exact cause of esophageal lesions in leukemia patient

Association of Lowering Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol With Contemporary Lipid‐Lowering Therapies and Risk of Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Background The relationship between lowering LDL (low‐density lipoprotein) cholesterol with contemporary lipid‐lowering therapies and incident diabetes mellitus (DM) remains uncertain. Methods and Results Thirty‐three randomized controlled trials (21 of statins, 12 of PCSK9 [proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9] inhibitors, and 0 of ezetimibe) were selected using Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (inception through November 15, 2018). A total of 163 688 nondiabetic patients were randomly assigned to more intensive (83 123 patients) or less intensive (80 565 patients) lipid‐lowering therapy. More intensive lipid‐lowering therapy was defined as the more potent pharmacological strategy (PCSK9 inhibitors, higher intensity statins, or statins), whereas less intensive therapy corresponded to active control group or placebo/usual care of the trial. Metaregression and meta‐analyses were conducted using a random‐effects model. No significant association was noted between 1‐mmol/L reduction in LDL cholesterol and incident DM for more intensive lipid‐lowering therapy (risk ratio: 0.95; 95% CI, 0.87–1.04; P=0.30; R2=14%) or for statins or PCSK9 inhibitors. More intensive lipid‐lowering therapy was associated with a higher risk of incident DM compared with less intensive therapy (risk ratio: 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03–1.11; P\u3c0.001; I2=0%). These results were driven by higher risk of incident DM with statins (risk ratio: 1.10; 95% CI, 1.05–1.15; P\u3c0.001; I2=0%), whereas PCSK9 inhibitors were not associated with incident DM (risk ratio: 1.00; 95% CI, 0.93–1.07; P=0.96; I2=0%; P=0.02 for interaction). Conclusions Among intensive lipid‐lowering therapies, there was no independent association between reduction in LDL cholesterol and incident DM. The risk of incident DM was higher with statins, whereas PCSK9 inhibitors had no association with risk of incident DM

Association of Lowering Low�Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol With Contemporary Lipid�Lowering Therapies and Risk of Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta�Analysis

Background The relationship between lowering LDL (low�density lipoprotein) cholesterol with contemporary lipid�lowering therapies and incident diabetes mellitus (DM) remains uncertain. Methods and Results Thirty�three randomized controlled trials (21 of statins, 12 of PCSK9 [proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9] inhibitors, and 0 of ezetimibe) were selected using Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (inception through November 15, 2018). A total of 163 688 nondiabetic patients were randomly assigned to more intensive (83 123 patients) or less intensive (80 565 patients) lipid�lowering therapy. More intensive lipid�lowering therapy was defined as the more potent pharmacological strategy (PCSK9 inhibitors, higher intensity statins, or statins), whereas less intensive therapy corresponded to active control group or placebo/usual care of the trial. Metaregression and meta�analyses were conducted using a random�effects model. No significant association was noted between 1�mmol/L reduction in LDL cholesterol and incident DM for more intensive lipid�lowering therapy (risk ratio: 0.95; 95% CI, 0.87–1.04; P=0.30; R2=14%) or for statins or PCSK9 inhibitors. More intensive lipid�lowering therapy was associated with a higher risk of incident DM compared with less intensive therapy (risk ratio: 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03–1.11; P<0.001; I2=0%). These results were driven by higher risk of incident DM with statins (risk ratio: 1.10; 95% CI, 1.05–1.15; P<0.001; I2=0%), whereas PCSK9 inhibitors were not associated with incident DM (risk ratio: 1.00; 95% CI, 0.93–1.07; P=0.96; I2=0%; P=0.02 for interaction). Conclusions Among intensive lipid�lowering therapies, there was no independent association between reduction in LDL cholesterol and incident DM. The risk of incident DM was higher with statins, whereas PCSK9 inhibitors had no association with risk of incident DM