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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

Core Concepts in Research Methodology

Visions and Philosophical Foundations of Research

1. The Four Common Visions of the Research Process

   The four common visions of the research process are:

   • Sequential
   • Pervasive
   • Developmental
   • Circular

   (Note: This framework assumes no advanced knowledge is strictly required for basic understanding.)

2. Defining Research Objectives in IT

   Objectives related to computing systems are often focused on:

   • Developing service quality
   • Production optimization

3. Investigator's Theory of Reality (Ontology)

   The theory that each investigator holds about the reality of their understanding and the ideas behind the object of their research is often referred to as Ontology.

   (Other related concepts include Ethics and Opinion.)

Types of Research and Project

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" »

Fundamental Definitions of Quality

Quality: A set of features and characteristics that meet or exceed consumer specifications and expectations.

Types of Quality

• Negative Quality: The deviation between the actual result obtained and the required standard.
• Positive Quality: The extent to which customer needs and expectations are surpassed.
• Latent Quality: Quality that goes beyond what is explicitly required or expected by the customer.

Quality Management Processes

Quality Assurance (QA)

Quality Assurance involves having and following a set of planned and systematic activities implemented within the company's quality system. These actions are designed to provide adequate confidence (to both the firm and customers) that the product or service meets clearly... Continue reading "Essential Concepts in Quality Management and Control" »

Project Manager Functions

• Define objectives
• Organize resources
• Conduct planning
• Establish budgets
• Coordinate implementation
• Check the results with respect to the proposed objectives

Subsystems of a Project Management System

• Planning:
  • Target identification
  • Making plans and timing of achievement
  • Identification of resources available within the organization and externally
• Organization: Define the type of project organization to be used
• Control: Select the measurement standards and reference checkpoints for budget programming and technical quality of work
• Information:
  • Formal information channels through reports
  • Informal information channels through meetings
• Technology: Specific features of the project and knowledge of components and systems to develop
• Corporate

Labor Cost Definition and Components

The cost of labor is defined as the monetary value of human labor applied to production and consumption. The concept of labor cost includes:

• Personal remuneration (whether direct or indirect).
• Compulsory charges imposed by law, such as Social Security contributions, company costs, and workplace safety expenses.

Classification of Labor Costs

Direct Labor Costs

Direct labor costs are personnel costs that can be identified directly with the finished product or the service provided. This cost can be measured and assessed individually in relation to specific products or departments.

Indirect Labor Costs

Indirect labor costs consist of personnel costs for workers engaged in secondary or ancillary production tasks (e.g.... Continue reading "Labor Cost Calculation: Classification, Time Measurement, and Allocation" »