Production and quality control management Books

Book SynopsisAn introduction to financial tools and concepts from an operations perspective, addressing finance/operations trade-offs and explaining financial accounting, working capital, investment analysis, and more.Students and practitioners in engineering and related areas often lack the basic understanding of financial tools and concepts necessary for a career in operations or supply chain management. This book offers an introduction to finance fundamentals from an operations perspective, enabling operations and supply chain professionals to develop the skills necessary for interacting with finance people at a practical level and for making sound decisions when confronted by tradeoffs between operations and finance. Readers will learn about the essentials of financial statements, valuation tools, and managerial accounting.The book first discusses financial accounting, explaining how to create and interpret balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, and introd

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Book SynopsisProduct management has never been a more necessary or in-demand discipline for both technology startups and more established companies. Through technology, we have the means to enrich our work and leisure time in ways people, even just a few years ago, could only have dreamed about. It is easier, cheaper and quicker than it ever has been before to create technology products in both software and hardware. Everything is continually changing and the pace of innovation is perpetually increasing - just look at 3D printing.Product management is the art, science and skill of bringing a successful product to life. In The Practitioner''s Guide To Product Management, Jock Busuttil looks what product managers do, how the role came to be, how it''s still continuing to evolve, and why it''s such good news that there''s no prescribed route to becoming one. Busuttil also delves into examples of the good, the bad and the ill-advised products to consider why they succeeded an

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Book SynopsisTaking a unique approach to systems analysis and design, this insightful book provides learners with a critical personal framework for considering and developing knowledge and practice of systems analysis and design. Each chapter begins by highlighting what can be learned on its completion and ends with a critical skills development section containing activities, tasks and discussion questions. Chapters cover:* systems analysis and design in concept and action* structured data modelling* making systems analysis and design inclusive.Although the discussion and examples in this text are drawn primarily from business information systems, the lessons apply to both government and healthcare information systems and to systems development in general.Critical Systems Analysis and Design makes a complex area of study accessible and relevant and as such is an indispensable textbook for both advanced students and professionals concerned with the innovatTrade ReviewPatel’s clear but critical treatment of traditional methodologies is thought-provoking and effective…providing a powerful framework for reflective examination of many cherished preconceptions and beliefs. - Dr Jon Dron, University of BrightonTable of ContentsPart 1: Foundations for Critical Learning and Teaching 1. The PAC Cycle 2. Critical Knowledge and Practice Framework Part 2: IS, Projects and Application Domains 3: Systems Analysis and Design in Concept and Action 4. System Project Management 5. System Analyst Part 3. System Analysis 6. Requirements: The system to be (or not) 7. Structured Data Modelling 8. Structured Process Modelling 9. Object Modelling Part 4: System Design 10. Interface, Input and Output Design 11. System Design Part 5: Criticality, Paradigms and IS Development 12. Social Action 13. Critical Reflection 14. Ways of Thinking and Acting Part 6: The Future of IS Development 15. Making Systems Analysis and Design Inclusive

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Book SynopsisAdvances in Safety and Reliability considers issues relating to the establishment, management and assurance of safety and reliability in human-technology-environment interactions of modern society. This volume includes scientific and technical papers on safety and reliability, as well as methods for the assessment and management of risks. Set in a wide range of industrial, societal and governmental sectors, the book presents topical aspects of safety, reliability and risk in the design, production and operation of industrial products, systems and infrastructures. The analysis includes technical, human and organizational criteria.  Integral demonstrations of the use of risk analysis and reliability assessment are provided in a variety of practical applications; these include major technological systems and infrastructures, ranging from chemical and nuclear installations, through aviation and aerospace, road and rail transport, to civil and structural systems. Advanc

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Book SynopsisFor many years now Enterprise Information Systems have been critical in helping businesses successfully navigate the global market.  The development that started with design and implementation of integrated systems has evolved to incorporate a multitude of perspectives and ideas. The Enterprise Information Systems functionality extends from principally an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system to a portfolio of standard systems including CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems and SCM (Supply Chain Management) systems. Advances in Enterprise Information Systems II is divided into seven thematic sections, each exploring a distinct topic. In Concepts in Enterprise Information Systems the authors present new concepts and ideas for the field. Cases in Enterprise Information Systems introduces studies of enterprise information systems in an organizational context. Business Process Management is one of the major themes within enterprise information sTable of ContentsConcepts in Enterprise Information SystemsCases in Enterprise Information SystemsBusiness Process ManagementDesigning Enterprise Information SystemsEnterprise Information Systems in various domainsGlobal issues of Enterprise Information SystemsEmerging topics in Enterprise Information Systems

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Book SynopsisThe expansion of outsourcing and offshoring activities, and the emergence of new sourcing models, have profoundly challenged existing management concepts and practices. Consequently, it has become increasingly important to understand the phenomenon and its implications for business and management. The study of outsourcing and offshoring continues rapidly to develop but, in the last decade especially, several areas have emerged as crucial to the comprehension of offshoring and outsourcing. First, researchers have attempted to understand the strategic intent behind outsourcing and offshoring and the determinants in such decisions. Second, numerous studies have examined the risk and success factors. Third, research has taken a keen interest in exploring capabilities, knowledge, and culture in outsourcing and offshoring. Finally, more recent studies have focused on advancements in the practice of outsourcing and offshoring following the introduction of cloud computing.By addressing these four areas in particular, along with other critical questions, this new four-volume collection from Routledge brings together a vast body of knowledge on outsourcing and offshoring. Fully indexed and including a new introduction by the editor, it is an essential research resource.

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Book SynopsisDo you solve problems in the style of a coyote, competitor or eagle? Recognising the way you approach and deal with problems at work will enable you to identify the most suitable technique to use on a daily basis. Victor Newmanâs practical book strikes at the heart of fundamental challenges faced by all managers. It looks beyond the conventional techniques of problem-solving to the underlying process, identifies eight stages and explains how to recognise which technique is appropriate to which stage. On this basis managers can generate solutions at both the personal and the organisational level. A unique feature of the book is a Problem Solving Styles Profile that enables each reader to apply the material in the text to improve their own problem-solving capability.Trade Review'If you only ever buy one book on problem solving then this should be it ... very readable ... lively and practical.' Training Officer 'Written in a lively and practical style and drawing on examples from a wide range of real-life problems, the book will be of interest to managers, team leaders and other professionals.' British Journal of Administration Management 'Every reader should be able to improve their problem solving capability after reading the book.' Aslib Book List 'This is a book for professionals who appreciate a practical approach by discussions on a wide range of real-life problems, and is beautifully presented.' Administrator ' ... readable and commendably free of jargon ... stimulating ideas in the reader - . in which common sense is by-and large identified as such ... a very valuable addition to a staff-development library.' Library Management ' ... excellent ... covers most of the methods in common use ... and illustrates them in practical bites. I thoroughly recommend this book to all involved in project management.' ProjectTable of ContentsContents: Part I How to Use This Book: Your problem-solving styles profile; The problem-solving process wheel; Problem-solving styles. Part II An Introduction to Problem-Solving: Thinking about problem-solving; A question of creativity. Part III The Problem-Solving Process: Stage 1 Identify the problem; Stage 2 Gather data; Stage 3 Analyse data; Stage 4 Generate solutions; Stage 5 Select the solution; Stage 6 Plan the implementation; Stage 7 Test/rehearse; Stage 8 Action. Part IV Some Conclusions: Conclusions; Recommended reading; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis comprehensive book provides a complete guide to managing projects involving the development of new products. It aims to give the practising project manager an insight into the many processes that are involved in handling one of the most complex of industrial activities. The book is arranged in a logical sequence covering the development of project management, project management structures, aspects of planning, monitoring and control, economics and value management, design management, intellectual property issues and production start-up. Particular emphasis has been given to risk management which is recognized as both a difficult subject and also one of growing importance to todayâs project manager, especially in product innovation. A complete explanation is given of the latest and most relevant techniques together with guidance as to where and how they should be applied. Where software tools are available these are named and, in some cases, brief descriptions are included; in all cases contact details of the vendors are provided.Trade Review'The book is full of valuable ideas and information. Above all it provides a structured approach to turning ideas (large ones in the main) into product ... Those looking for a workmanlike manual on project management for large projects will find all the ingredients here.' Ambassador, January/February 2001 'Overall, this is an up to date ... text with almost everything in it - all we want now is an improved manufacturing base with suitable encouragement for more innovators to use the practical information provided. For them, I commend this book.' Engineering Management Journal, April 2001Table of ContentsContents: Projects and project management; Innovation and the creation of new products; Organising the project; Planning for success; Success by design; The cost and value of products; Managing the materials; Progress, performance and control; Implementing the production programme; The economics of projects; Analysing the risks; Managing the risks; Some commercial aspects. Appendix: Software products and vendors; Bibliography; Index.

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Book SynopsisA project is more than an assembly of methods, tools and resources. Projects often seem to have a soul. They require dedication, belief and commitment. The only way to gain experience of a project, assess and develop the skills associated with it is to live through it. The six micro-projects in this collection highlight the kinds of skills typical of creative project teams. They can be used to practise: team working in a project environment working as a team to satisfy a need expressed in terms of time, cost and quality the skills associated with creativity, problem solving and team leadership the guiding principles for tackling projects creatively. The collection includes the following games: Eggbox is a creative project that emphasizes idea generation; Ironbridge simulates a scenario in which consortia explore the specifications of a construction project; Tower of Straws produces a situation in which change is frequent and normal; Domino Race is based on an imaginative desTrade Review'Ian Stokes is to be commended on the clear and simple layout of this manual. Many trainers will have used a wide variety of activities to support their groups, and it might seem that here are just some more of the same. The actual difference is that these are so well structured and provided with such superb materials that you really can pick them up and very quickly work with them. At the same time you can be sure you can rely on the design to meet the learning needs identified.' ITOL (Institute of Training and Occupational Learning)Table of ContentsContents: Introduction. Facilitator's Guide: Trainer guidance; The learning messages; Notes for observers of micro-projects; Observer's checklist; Facilitator's guide to the micro-projects: Eggbox; Ironbridge; Tower of straws; Domino race; Catapult; Autonomous team activity. Micro-Projects Team Resources: Eggbox; Ironbridge; Tower of straws; Domino race; Catapult; Autonomous team activity. Micro-Projects Participants' Notes: Using a micro-project as a learning experience; Working with micro-projects.

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Book SynopsisMost people accept the importance of project management as a means of realizing value, enabling change and distinguishing your organization from its competitors. But recognizing and doing are two entirely different things and project management remains something that is difficult to do right; every project brings something new and, whilst learning is about improving things we have done before, becoming good at project management is about getting better and better at doing the things that we are doing for the first time. This brand new collection of activities enables your project managers and team members to improve the performance of their projects by exploring topics such as benefit and value management, stakeholder relations, critical and innovative thinking and much more. The collection is a natural companion volume to Training for Project Management Volumes 1 and 2, by the same author, which seek to develop the basic human and technical skills associated with working in projectsTable of ContentsContents: Introduction; Benefits of project management; Business modelling; Creative concepts; Critical thinking; Customer understanding; Dynamic versus static: Energizers: Estimating and costing: Estimating quiz: Four types of innovation: Functional design: Health check: Life profiles: One page project: Planning by deliverables: Process maturity: Product improvements: Project breakdowns: Quality controversies: Risk diligence: Roles matrix: Self-learning: Situation analysis: Stakeholder analysis; Team brainteasers; Technology roadmap; Testing and prototyping; Time lords; Transversality index; Usability; Use case; Value analysis metrics.

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Book SynopsisChange, Strategy and Projects at Work provides a working insight into the nature of change, the formulation of strategy and the implementation of change through projects in the workplace. It is a how to' book with real practical application, containing the tools, techniques, advice and guidance you need to analyse organisational context, develop a strategic plan and manage a project. To help you in leading change and creating opportunities for yourself and your organisation, the book takes an integrated approach to managing change, developing strategy and project management, and covers: * How strategic objectives are chosen, promoting awareness of the wider organisational context and the strategic planning process* The knowledge, tools, techniques and confidence needed to act as a change agent * The skills, competencies and other attributes needed to improve your employabilityThe book is ideTable of Contents1. The nature of Change; 2. So What's the strategy?; 3. Implementing change through project work; 4. Project initiation and definition; 5. Project planning; 6. Project implementation; 7. Project closure and evaluation; 8. Learning and looking forward

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Book SynopsisMost books on standardization describe the impact of ISO and related organizations on many industries. While this is great for managing an organization, it leaves engineers asking questions such as âœwhat are the effects of standards on my designs?â and âœhow can I use standardization to benefit my work?â Standards for Engineering Design and Manufacturing provides hands-on knowledge for incorporating standards into the entire process from design bench to factory floor.The bookâs five self-contained sections consider the scope of design and manufacturing, standards for the design of discrete products, standards for the manufacture of discrete products, standards for the use of discrete products, as well as support standards. The authors survey in detail the major standards-setting organizations and outline the procedure for developing standards. They consider standards from the perspective of product, equipment, and end-user, using this as a platform to explain the econTable of ContentsEngineering Design and Manufacturing of Discrete Products: The Scope. Engineering Design and Manufacturing. Standards and Standards Organizations. Parametric Design and Manufacturing of Hand Tools: A Case Study. Standards in Engineering Design of Discrete Products. Review of Standards Related to Techniques for Engineering Design: A Product Perspective. Discrete Product Development with Pertinent Standards: A Case Study. Standards in Manufacturing of Discrete Products. Review of Standards for Manufacturing: Equipment Perspective. Process Planning for a Revolute Robot using Pertinent Standards: A Case Study. Standards for the Use of Discrete Products. Review of Standards Related to the Usage of Discrete Product: A User’s Perspective. Application of Human Factors to Design and Manufacturing of Discrete Products: A Case Study. Support Standards in Design and Manufacture of Discrete Products. Review of Support Standards. Digital Interfacing and Control Software Development: A Case Study. Appendices. Index.

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Book SynopsisProvides a theoretical foundation as well as practical tools for the analysis of multivariate data, using case studies and MINITAB computer macros to illustrate basic and advanced quality control methods. This work offers an approach to quality control that relies on statistical tolerance regions, and discusses computer graphic analysis highlighting multivariate profile charts.Trade Review"This monograph is a practical introduction to the concepts and execution of multivariate quality control in industrial settings. . .. . . .nice supplementary text for advanced students, or a reference for seasoned professionals. "---ISI Short Book ReviewsTable of ContentsQuality control with multivariate data; the multivariate normal distribution in quality control; quality control with externally assigned targets; quality control with internal targets - multivariate process capability studies; quality control with targets from a reference sample; analyzing data with multivariate control charts; detection of out-of-control characteristics; the statistical tolerance regions approach; multivariate quality control with units in batches; applications of principal components; additional graphical techniques for multivariate quality control; implementing multivariate quality control; appendix 1 - MINITAB (TM) macros for multivariate quality control; appendix 2 - the data from case studies; appendix 3 - review of matrix algebra for statistics with MINIATB (TM) computations.

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Book SynopsisSharing knowledge is power. If ever there were a field to which this applies, it is the knowledge management industry. And in today''s highly-competitive, fast-paced business world, corporations, businesses and organizations in both the public and private sectors are constantly searching for new cutting-edge methods and techniques for creating, storing, capturing, managing, organizing, distributing, combining, and retrieving knowledge. But the task of accomplishing such functions is not as simple as it sounds. Jay Liebowitz''s Building Organizational Intelligence: A Knowledge Management Primer gives executives, managers, systems analysts, and other knowledge-management professionals the competitive edge they need in achieving that task. In a concise and easy-to-read format, the book describes the concepts, techniques, methodologies, and tools associated with those functions, and includes mini-case studies and vignettes of how industry is developing and applying these functions towardsTrade Review"Written in simple, matter-of-fact language that puts the entire KM movement in an action-oriented context."-Carol H. Tucker "…As the sub-title says, this is a knowledge primer, written for those who don't have a lot of time to dwell on elaborate explanations, but could use enough guidance to organize their efforts."- Insite ReviewsTable of ContentsWhat is Organizational Intelligence? Creating Knowledge. Capturing and Storing Knowledge. Transforming Individual Learning Into Organizational Learning. Combining, Transferring, and Distributing Knowledge. Building A Continuous Learning Culture. Culture: The Key Ingredient. Developing A Knowledge Management CapabilityAssessing Knowledge Management Through A Knowledge Audit. Augmenting Organizational Intelligence. Role and Skills for Knowledge Management-Questionnaire. Appendix A: The Intelligent Agent-Based Knowledge Management System for Supporting Multimedia Systems Design on The Web. Appendices

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Book SynopsisThe effect Lean Manufacturing programs have on profit and loss statements during the early months of their implementation often causes them to be viewed as failures. The length of time it will take traditional financial reports to reflect lean manufacturing improvements depends upon how poorly the operation was doing in terms of inventory management prior to the initiation of the lean effort. As yet, no one has put forth a set of methods for dealing with the finances and financial reporting issues dynamically during the implementation of lean practices, until now. Financial Models and Tools for Managing Lean Manufacturing provides an understanding of the impact that traditional accounting practices have on operational improvement programs. The book shows managers of supply chains how to prepare for and present the impact of Lean Manufacturing to top management and stakeholders. To illustrate the impact of lean manufacturing on the income statement, the authors present a multTable of ContentsIntroduction. Review of Professional Literature. Analytical Framework. Findings and Results. Conclusions and Implications.

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Book SynopsisDesign and research are two fields of knowledge that each has its traditions, methods, standards and practices. These two worlds appear to be quite separate, with researchers investigating what exists, and designers visualising what could be. This book builds a bridge between both worlds by showing how design and research can be integrated to develop a new field of knowledge. Applied Design Research: A Mosaic of 22 Examples, Experiences and Interpretations Focussing on Bridging the Gap between Practice and Academics contains 22 inspiring reflections that demonstrate how the unique qualities of research (aimed at studying the present) and design (aimed at developing the future) can be combined. This book shows that the transdisciplinary approach is applicable in a multitude of sectors, ranging from healthcare, urban planning, circular economy, and the food industry. Arranged in five parts, the book offers a range of illustrative examples,Table of Contents1. The Future in Sight. 2. The Urge to Improve the World. 3. Designing and Researching Together with Others. 4. Building Bridges Between Disciplines. 5. The Challenge for Applied Design Research.

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Book SynopsisBelonging to the realm of intelligent technologies, it is increasingly accepted that artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved from being merely a development standpoint in computer science. Indeed, recent reports and academic publications show that we are clearly on the path toward pervasive AI in both business and society. Organizations must adopt AI to maintain a competitive advantage and explore opportunities for unprecedented innovation. This book focuses on understanding the wide range of opportunities as well as the spectrum of challenges AI brings in different business contexts and society at large. The book highlights novel and high-quality research in data science and business analytics and examines the current and future impact of AI in business and society. The authors bridge the gap between business and technical perspectives and demonstrate the potential (and actual) impact on society. Embracing applied, qualitative, and quantitative research as well as field expTable of ContentsIntroductionDavide La Torre, Francesco Paolo Appio, Hatem Masri, Francesca Lazzeri, and Francesco SchiavonePART 1: Artificial intelligence: technological advancements and methodologies1. Artificial and machine learning: Definitions and applicationsCinzia Colapinto, Riadh Ksantini, Davide La Torre, Hatem Masri, and Marco Repetto2. Adopting machine learning and AI for data-drive decisionsFrancesca Lazzeri3. Neural networks and deep learningChiara Galimberti and Marco Repetto PART 2: Artificial intelligence in business: opportunities and challenges4. Artificial Intelligence in Human Resource Management: Objectives and ImplicationsAizhan Tursunbayeva, Alessia Berni, and Luigi Moschera 5. Methodology for evaluating the appropriateness of a business process for robotic process automationLars Berghuis, Abhishta Abhishta, Wouter van Heeswijk, and Aizhan Tursunbayeva6. Startups and Artificial Intelligence: Insights from ItalyFabio Greco and Irene Di Bernardo7. Integrating AI to blockchain and cryptocurrency: A case studyMohamed Bechir ChenguelPART 3: The societal impact of artificial intelligence8. AI human capital, jobs and skillsLea Samek and Mariagrazia Squicciarini9. AI for Sustainability: A Dangerous Fantasy or an Unfulfilled PotentialLuis I. Prádanos and Daniela Inclezan10. AI-based technologies in the phygital care journeyMarialuisa Marzullo, Irene Di Bernardo, Tiziana Russo Spena, and Cristina Mele11. AI technologies and hospital blood delivery in peripheral regions: Insights from Zipline internationalValentina Cucino and Giulio Ferrigno12. Improving Healthcare by designing AI-human-centered systemsFrancesco Schiavone, Gaetano Cafiero, and Michela De RosaIndex

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Book SynopsisDriving innovation can reduce costs for companies, institutions, military programs, and successful businesses. Quality is key to successful innovation. Delivery of complex products must have high quality to reduce customer problems and defects. This book explains how to integrate Quality Assurance processes to produce compliant product management and gap analysis. It shows how Quality Assurance provides a common operating framework in which best practices, improvements, and cost avoidance activities can be shared.Effective Processes for Quality Assurance emphasizes improving process execution and reducing operational costs. It also focuses on how Quality Assurance personnel must support companies, institutions, military programs, and successful businesses by encouraging a cooperative, proactive approach and ensure compliance through management and team member participation. Lean and Agile can provide a competitive advantage, and this practicaTable of ContentsList of FiguresList of TablesPrefaceAcknowledgmentsSummaryAuthorChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Quality Assurance MethodsChapter 3 Measure Benefits of Quality Assurance Process ImprovementChapter 4 Quality Assurance Performance and ImprovementChapter 5 Answer Questions from Management and Employees Chapter 6 Manage Risk ManagementChapter 7 Quality Assurance Improvement with MetricsChapter 8 Quality Assurance FrameworkChapter 9 Quality Assurance Process ImprovementChapter 10 Effective Processes for Quality Assurance Chapter 11 Quantitative Process Performance and CommitmentsChapter 12 Understanding the Quality Assurance DirectionChapter 13 Military Aerospace and DefenseChapter 14 Quality Assurance PlansChapter 15 Quality Assurance for Customers and Suppliers Chapter 16 Supporting Software Configuration ManagementAppendix AIndex

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Book SynopsisHealth and safety legislation places significant responsibilities on employers and managers to protect the health and safety of their workers, but the subject area is seen as both complex and technical in nature, often requiring the input of professionals. This book dispels these myths by taking a unique approach, allowing somebody with little or no knowledge of the subject to understand their legal duties and then take a practical step-by-step approach to control workplace risks and prevent accidents.Occupational Health & Safety Solutions: Practical Compliance is a reworking and updating of Jordan Publishing's Health and Safety Management, published by LexisNexis from 1997 to 2023. The book takes a comprehensive approach by covering the main subject areas of occupational health and safety and is relevant to all types of workplaces. It provides enough background knowledge for the reader to understand what the law requires, and what needs to be done to achieve co

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