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Robust design is an efficient method for product and process improvement which combines experimentation with optimization to create a system that is less sensitive to uncontrollable variation. In this article, a simple and integrated modeling methodology for robust design is proposed. This methodology achieves the robustness objective function and input variables constraints simultaneously. The objective function is written in terms of the multivariate process capability vector (MC pm ) of several competing features of the system under study. The proposed methodology is applicable to general functions of the system performance with random variables. The effectiveness of the methodology is verified using two real-world examples which are compared with those of other robust design methods. Copyright

Available online xxx JEL classification: L91 R49 M11a b s t r a c t Accurate and reliable information is needed to support decision-making processes. Due to the large number of participants typically involved in supply chain operations, organizations often find that it is difficult to effectively share information within a supply chain; hence, this research examined ways to improve information sharing within supply chain operations for one marine transportation services organization. An action research, case study approach used the Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodology to design an information technology solution that effectively communicates information between the layers within the supply chain regarding the movement of materials via inland tank barges. The comparative analysis of verification and baseline measurements conducted suggests this project was successful because the new process fulfilled the needs of the work environment for which it was designed. For the organization that participated in this research, the successful adoption of the new approach for information sharing improved communication and decision making within their supply chain. Códigos JEL: L91 R49 M11 Palabras clave: Diseño para Six Sigma Cadena de suministro Transporte Intercambio de información Estudio de casor e s u m e n Este trabajo se fundamenta en la necesidad de contar con información precisa y fiable en los procesos de toma de decisiones. Debido al gran número de personas que suelen participar en las operaciones de la cadena de suministro, las empresas se encuentran con que resulta difícil compartir información de manera efectiva en estas operaciones. En este trabajo se examinaron las maneras de mejorar el intercambio de información en estas operaciones en una empresa de servicios de transporte marítimo. Para ello, se realizó el estudio de un caso en el que se empleó la metodología de Diseño para Six Sigma (DFSS) para obtener una solución que permita la comunicación eficaz de la información entre las distintas etapas de la cadena de suministro con respecto al movimiento de materiales en aguas interiores a través de barcazas cisterna. El análisis comparativo de las medidas que se realizaron sugiere que este proyecto tuvo éxito gracias a que el nuevo proceso se ajusta a las necesidades del entorno de trabajo para el que fue diseñado. La puesta en marcha del nuevo enfoque para el intercambio de información mejoró sustancialmente la comunicación y la toma de decisiones dentro de la cadena de suministro de esta empresa.

The Problem. The low representation of women and women of color (WoC) faculty in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) academic disciplines represents a critical talent development issue by constraining universities from being truly diverse and inclusive therefore limiting the development and advancement of women scientists. The Solution. We describe the National Science Foundation's (NSF) ADVANCE program as a mechanism for increasing STEM women and WoC faculty career development, inclusion, and advancement. We situate this program as a critical human resource development (CHRD) project and analyze the interventions of ADVANCE Centers at five institutions using a coding scheme based on Acker's theory of organizational gendering. We identify how key interventions address gendered processes and how these efforts align with human resource development (HRD) disciplinary expertise. The Stakeholders. This article will benefit HRD scholars and professionals by identifying how HRD disciplinary expertise can be used to support institutional change efforts focused on faculty diversity and inclusion.

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Background and Objectives: The mission of nonprofit health care clinics is particularly challenging to fulfill given the large number of uninsured and underinsured people they serve. In addition, these clinics feel pressure to provide services in an efficient manner to prevent patient no-shows and encourage the continuation of medical care. These challenges tend to increase further when clinics feel they have exhausted their internal resourcefulness relative to their effort to improve patient care. Without additional guidance, it can be difficult for organizations to achieve additional performance improvements. To address this problem, a case example is presented that demonstrates how one nonprofit health care clinic used the Lean Six Sigma methodology to help them further improve the efficiency of their clinic visit process. Methods: This research focused specifically on the use of process analysis tools/methods to map the clinic visit process, collect and analyze process performance data, analyze the process to identify and prioritize causes of waste, and develop and implement solutions. Results: The clinic's use of this structured improvement approach contributed to reducing patient cycle time by more than 20% and increasing patient visit capacity. Conclusions: This research provides a rich example from which other health care facilities can learn to enhance their process improvement capabilities.