Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Other subjects

Understanding the Rational Allocation Model

The rational allocation model is a complementary model to homogeneous sections, which takes into account the level of activity of the company. Its basic premise is that variations in the level of activity cause changes in the cost figures from the perspective of the Full Cost. It is intended to prevent fluctuations in activity levels from affecting the cost of products, and therefore the outcome of the exercise.

Variable Costs

Variable costs are totally related to the level of activity. Therefore, these costs will increase or decrease as the level of activity does. These variable costs (VC) are usually fixed per unit of product. Therefore, they will not present distortions in the cost figures.

Fixed Costs

Fixed... Continue reading "Understanding the Rational Allocation Model for Cost Management" »

Ecosystem Approaches Defined

Ecosystem approaches represent a line of thought and methodological strategies for analyzing and modeling the complex system of biophysical interrelationships, including humans, that define the biosphere. They take the ecosystem as a unit of study and search, through existing knowledge, for unifying principles to explain its organization and dynamics. This helps to understand the workings of the natural environment and the cause-effect relationships that are established when these principles are applied.

Goals of Ecosystem Approaches

The ultimate goal of an ecosystem approach is to facilitate the creation of exploitation-conservation models for the natural environment, including resources that are sustainable over... Continue reading "Ecosystem Approaches: Principles for Sustainability" »

Impact of Psychosocial Factors

Physiological Consequences

Such problems occur, leading to increased blood pressure, fatigue, muscle tension, sleep disorders, and psychosomatic symptoms.

Psychological Consequences

Workers may experience problems such as anxiety, irritability, dissatisfaction, difficulty making decisions, emotional exhaustion, and substance abuse.

Altered Behavior

Manifestations include obsessive, rigid, and unthinking behaviors, decreased work performance, absenteeism, excessive substance and alcohol use, and difficulties in personal and work relationships.

Physical Health Problems

Emergence of somatic complaints, musculoskeletal disorders, hypertension, gastric ulcers, loss of antibodies, and increased vulnerability to infection, which... Continue reading "Workplace Psychosocial Risks and Prevention" »

Agile vs. Traditional Methodologies

This table compares key differences between Agile and Traditional software development methodologies:

Production System

Physical and abstract

Natural and processed

Of man and machine

Systems and subsystems

Production System can be classified into two processes and orders

Relationships and Constraints of Production Systems

They can be grouped into two classes: the objectives and resource constraints

The Production Function

Interrelation: what, how, and for whom

To produce, how to produce, and for whom

Productivity and Production Function

Productivity is the ratio of production achieved and resources used to obtain it

The production function should focus on physical and economic activities

Physical function: generating goods and services

Economic role: generating utilities

Social function: generates changes

Types of Production Systems

• Continuous production
• Intermittent

Chapter 5: Maintenance Productivity Indicators

Introduction

As discussed in Chapter 2, effective maintenance management not only boosts productivity within the maintenance department but also positively impacts the entire enterprise. To assess a plant's status, it's essential to measure various processes, including the performance of both physical and human resources. Companies use key performance indicators (KPIs), calculated over specific periods and compared with previous periods, to achieve this.

Using Performance Indicators

This comparison allows administrative and supervisory directors to understand the current business state and identify opportunities for process improvement, efficiency gains, and performance enhancements. Performance... Continue reading "Maintenance Productivity Indicators: A Comprehensive Guide" »

Concept of Risk

Risk is inherent in any activity. Every event is influenced by past actions, creating future opportunities or challenges. Change involves risk and uncertainty.

Risk Strategies

Reactive Strategies

These involve evaluating the consequences of a risk after it has occurred and acting accordingly. However, this can lead to crises and put projects at risk.

Proactive Strategies

• Systematic risk assessment
• Planning for risk avoidance and minimization
• Developing contingency plans

Proactive strategies reduce reaction time and demonstrate preparedness.

Risk Categories

• Generic Risks: Common to all projects.
• Specific Risks: Require in-depth project knowledge.

Project Risk Areas

Project Costs

Includes increased organizational costs and budget overruns.

Technical

Optimizing Maintenance Performance: Key Indicators

Core Maintenance Cost & Asset Value Considerations

• Value of assets maintained by employee maintenance
• Total contractor maintenance costs

Key Areas and Divisions of Maintenance Indicators

• Preventive Maintenance
• Work Order Systems
• Technical and Interpersonal Training
• Operational Involvement
• Predictive Maintenance
• Reliability-Centered Maintenance
• Total Productive Maintenance (TPM): Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Performance Indicators for Effectiveness and Efficiency
• Tactical Performance Indicators
• Functional Performance Indicators

Additional Engineering Maintenance Indicators

The Pan-American Committee of Engineering Maintenance suggests further critical indicators:

• Mean Time to Failure (MTTF)

  Also

Auditor Report Types and Responsibilities

This chapter explains the different types of reports that auditors issue to indicate the nature of their audit and the degree of responsibility they accept.

The Audit Report: A Structured Communication

The audit report should be considered a carefully structured technical communication, expressed in specialized terminology.

Structure of a Standard Unqualified Report

The standard unqualified report of the auditors includes:

• An introductory paragraph, which clarifies the responsibilities of management and auditors.
• A scope paragraph, which describes the nature of the audit.
• An opinion paragraph, which summarizes the audit opinion based on the audit findings.

The report has a title that includes the word "independent"

Typical Steps of Planning

1. Situation Analysis

Limitations of time and resources.

Collect, interpret, and summarize information.

Past, present, future...

Internal strengths.

External environmental influences.

2. Goals and Alternative Plans

Goals:

Purpose(s) that the administrator wants to achieve; must be realistic, challenging, and attainable.

Plans:

Actions or means that administrators use to achieve the goals of the organization.

Alternative Plans:

Used when the main plans, for any reason, are stopped; alike are used to achieve the same goal.

3. Evaluation of Goals and Plans

Assess strengths, weaknesses, and potential effects.

Rank

Remove

4. Selection of Goals and Plans

Plans and goals more appropriate and feasible.

Steps: alternative generation, evaluation,... Continue reading "Typical Steps of Planning and Types of Plans" »