PurposeTo permit the system safety and reliability analysts to evaluate the criticality or risk associated with item failure modes.Design/methodology/approachThe factors considered in traditional failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) for risk assessment are frequency of occurrence (Sf), severity (S) and detectability (Sd) of an item failure mode. Because of the subjective and qualitative nature of the information and to make the analysis more consistent and logical, an approach using fuzzy logic is proposed. In the proposed approach, these parameters are represented as members of a fuzzy set fuzzified by using appropriate membership functions and are evaluated in fuzzy inference engine, which makes use of well‐defined rule base and fuzzy logic operations to determine the criticality/riskiness level of the failure. The fuzzy conclusion is then defuzzified to get risk priority number. The higher the value of RPN, the greater will be the risk and lower the value of RPN, and the lesser will be the risk. The fuzzy linguistic assessment model was developed using toolbox platform of MATLAB 6.5 R.13.FindingsThe applicability of the proposed approach is investigated with the help of an illustrative case study from the paper industry. Fuzzy risk assessment is carried out for prioritizing failure causes of the hydraulic system, a primary element of the feeding system. The results provide an alternate ranking to that obtained by the traditional method. It is concluded from the study that the fuzzy logic‐based approach not only resolves the limitations associated with traditional methodology for RPN evaluation but also permits the experts to combine probability of occurrence (Sf), severity (S) and detectability (Sd) of failure modes in a more flexible and realistic manner by using their judgement, experience and expertise.Originality/valueThe paper integrates the use of fuzzy logic and expert database with FMEA and may prove helpful to system safety and reliability analysts while conducting failure mode and effect analysis to prioritize failures for taking corrective or remedial actions.
PurposeTo help the maintenance managers/decision makers to select a suitable maintenance strategy for the components/parts associated with the system.Design/methodology/approachAn approach based on fuzzy linguistic modeling is used to select the most effective and efficient maintenance strategy. Three input parameters, i.e. historical data (I1), present data (I2) and competence of data (I3) related to failures of a component (gears), were taken to judge the effectiveness of the nature of maintenance strategies. These parameters are represented as members of a fuzzy set, combined by matching them against (if‐then) rules in rule base, evaluated in fuzzy inference system (Mamdani, min‐max type) and then defuzzified to assess the capability or effectiveness of maintenance strategy.FindingsThe results show how the fuzzy logic approach translates vague, ambiguous, qualitative and imprecise information into numerical/quantitative terms, which helps to identify the most informative and efficient maintenance strategy. From the computed performance index values for each maintenance strategy it is observed that proactive (CBM) and aggressive maintenance strategy (TPM) are far better compared with traditional, reactive (BDM) maintenance strategy.Originality/valueThe paper integrates fuzzy logic modeling – a knowledge‐based approach with database obtained through maintenance logs, historical records, equipment manuals and expert judgement, which might prove beneficial for maintenance managers/engineers/practitioners to select a suitable maintenance strategy for each piece of equipment associated with the systems.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to measure and analyze the competitive advantage of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) based upon the Porter’s diamond framework. The major objective is to contribute toward better understanding of various determinants of the diamond model in context within Indian MSMEs. Design/methodology/approach Extent review of the literature has been done to identify various critical factors contributing to developing a competitive advantage. Exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency tests were performed to verify scales validity and reliability of measuring instrument (questionnaire). In research design, a case study approach has been used, in which MSMEs operating in the pharmaceutical, electrical and electronics, automobile, food and textile sectors were considered. Findings Study findings indicate that the pharmaceutical sector is more competitive followed by food (112.491) as revealed by the high value of surface area i.e. 150.931. The competitiveness among MSME sectors is mostly affected by demand conditions followed by firm strategy, structure and rivalry. Moreover, the score of diamond axes indicates significant difference with respect to determinants. For instance, in the textile sector, the determinants such as factor conditions and related and supporting industries scored low, for example, 4.710 and 4.280, respectively, which indicates it needs to be strengthened as this sector stands at last position with minimum surface area, for example, 67.398. Research limitations/implications Owing to the time and resource constraints, this study was conducted in MSMEs situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India, and thus generalizations of results are rather limited. Practical implications This study is one of the original being undertaken by authors which helps to underline the importance of various determinants which may help the MSME units to improve competitiveness by implementing effective competitive strategies. The study could be extended to other regions of the country. Originality/value This study is a result of extended research on competitiveness and provides an instrument to measure firm ability to be competitive. CEO’s, managers and policy makers from industries as well as government will be able to use this to evaluate their competitive positioning and identify key problem areas which required improvements.
Purpose -To examine the need to develop, practice and implement such maintenance practices, which not only reduce sudden sporadic failures in semi-automated cells but also reduce both operation and maintenance (O&M) costs. Design/methodology/approach -A case-based approach in conjunction with standard tools, techniques and practices is used to discuss various issues related with TPM implementation in a semi-automated cell. Findings -The findings indicate that TPM not only leads to increase in efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing systems, measured in terms of OEE index, by reducing the wastages but also prepares the plant to meet the challenges put forward by globally competing economies to achieve world class manufacturing (WCM) status. Originality/value -The paper presents an interesting investigation of TPM implementation issues which may help the managers/practitioners to prepare their plants/units to meet the challenges of competitive manufacturing in twenty-first century by adopting and implementing TPM.
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