0000000000017762
AUTHOR
Claudiu Vasile Kifor
A new project management approach for R&D software projects in the automotive industry - continuous V-model
Most current work activities in R&D centres are innovative and dynamic, with project management acting as the discipline that governs them. The improvement of PM methods has become a necessity due to the following main factors: classical methodologies are increasingly difficult to apply, cutbacks in project duration are requested by organisations and customers, demands for product quality are continuously expanding. The paper examines how PM concepts are used in developed R&D projects, based on the V-model approach. It also introduces an enhanced new approach called Continuous V-model - CVM, based on agile concepts. The model has been applied on a real automotive R&D project and the resulte…
Knowledge Management Platform in Advanced Product Quality Planning
Abstract Knowledge is an essential part of organizational competitiveness. This vital resource must be managed correctly within organizations in order to achieve desired performance levels within all undertakings. The process of managing knowledge is a very difficult one due to the illusive nature of the resource itself. Knowledge is stored within every aspect of an organization starting from people and ending with documents and processes. The Knowledge Management Platform is designed as a facilitator for managers and employees in all endeavours knowledge related within the Advanced Product Quality Planning Procedure
QUALITY SYSTEM FOR PRODUCTION SOFTWARE (QSPS): AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF PRODUCTION SOFTWARE
A quality system for production software should be part of the quality management system of an organization and can be expressed as objectives in the form of processes, procedures, tools and responsibilities, designed and developed to fulfil the quality requirements. These usually are addressing the customers (external or internal), compliance with standards (effectiveness) waste reduction and better use of resources (efficiency) for continual improvement. Such systems are designed according to the requirements of the standards for quality management, software engineering and information security. Quality systems themselves could not provide all necessary means for driving the organization…
The Impact of Big Data and Knowledge Management on R&D Projects from Automotive Industry
The automotive industry is becoming increasingly innovative, generating data of massive dimensions during development. The paper analyzes the impact of Big Data on the automotive industry and presents a detailed study on the current and future contribution that Big Data has on the performance of organizations. As an original solution, the paper analyses the mapping of Knowledge Management and Big Data in R&D projects from Automotive Industry. Main contributions of the research are the creation and study of a model comprising the activities that should be performed inside an automotive organization for Big Data projects. The paper presents an applicative mathematical paradigm for pilot proje…
The Clusters - Collaborative Models of Sustainable Regional Development
Abstract The clusters are the subject of actions and of whole series of documents issued by national and international organizations, and, based on experience, many authorities promote the idea that because of the clusters, competitiveness increases, the workforce specializes, regional businesses and economies grow. The present paper is meant to be an insight into the initiatives of forming clusters in Romania. Starting from a comprehensive analysis of the development potential offered by each region of economic development, we present the main types of clusters grouped according to fields of activity and their overall objectives
DSMAV: An improved solution for multi-attribute search based on load capacities
DHT (Distributed Hash Table) such as CHORD or PARTRY facilitates information searching in scalable systems. Two popular DHT-based approaches for range or multi-attribute search are to rely on attribute-value tree and a combination of attributes and values. However, tradeoff between a load balancing mechanism and query efficiency is a challenging task for such information searching systems. In this paper, we propose improved algorithms for a system called DSMAV in which information resources are distributed fairly among nodes and found based on multi-attribute queries in a small number of hop counts. Our system creates identifiers from resource names, each of which is a combination of attrib…
A Study on Different Approaches of Six-Sigma and Knowledge Management Integrated Models to Identify the Leveraging Effects
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to review the different models which integrate Six Sigma and Knowledge Management (KM) approaches and also to identify the advantages and disadvantages of those models. Based on literature, the available Six Sigma and KM models have been reviewed. All the models have been critically analysed according to their structure and end users and finally the advantages and disadvantages are enlisted. The Overview expressed that more or less every model has been proposed aiming to the specific endues and each model has both strength and weakness for application to all sectors. In this article, the advantages and disadvantages of existing Six Sigma-KM models have …
Applications of Ontologies in Knowledge Management Systems
Abstract Enterprises are realizing that their core asset in 21st century is knowledge. In an organization knowledge resides in databases, knowledge bases, filing cabinets and peoples' head. Organizational knowledge is distributed in nature and its poor management causes repetition of activities across the enterprise. To get true benefits from this asset, it is important for an organization to “know what they know”. That’s why many organizations are investing a lot in managing their knowledge. Artificial intelligence techniques have a huge contribution in organizational knowledge management. In this article we are reviewing the applications of ontologies in knowledge management realm
KPD: An Investigation into the Usability of Knowledge Portal in DMAIC Knowledge Management
Knowledge is considered as a resource that contributes an important role in the success of Six Sigma DMAIC methodology. However, knowledge resides brain of the individuals and exists in various forms and different places. This rise the problem of how to collect and share DMAIC knowledge everywhere all time. In this paper, we introduce a proposed Knowledge Portal named KPD that had been designed as a tool to manage DMAIC knowledge. Through the deployment of the Knowledge Portal, this paper aims at investigating its impacts on DMAIC execution based on experiments and appreciation of experts who are working in the areas of quality management and information technology. The results of the surve…
Review of Knowledge Management Models for Implementation within Advanced Product Quality Planning
The purpose of this paper is to review different Knowledge Management Models (KMM) based on their strengths and weaknesses and to ascertain their possible implementation within the scope of the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) procedure. The KMM listed are selected based on an extensive literature review. They are presented in a visual manner and analyzed based on their structure and features, versus a predetermined set of criteria. This study offers an overview and a critical discussion of the merits and faults of a number KMM and suggests possible improvement avenues.
Academic Libraries as user-centered organizations. Case study: Quality of services provided by LBUS Library
Ever-growing digital services determine libraries to update almost all of their activities. Traditional library services must be transformed into electronic libraries, and library specialists must always be prepared for advanced digital services to come. Thus, libraries in the digital era must offer digital deposit services, digitisation services, research data management, metadata creation, digital cataloguing and conserving, and counselling in what regards digital copyrights, informational alphabetising. In this article, the emphasis falls on the necessity of developing and transforming libraries, bringing awareness to their role and their importance for society and at an individual level.
Knowledge transfer in the field of Supply Chain Management
Abstract This paper aims to analyse the actual state of research in the field of supply chain management and to identify eventual gaps of knowledge and potential research directions in the field concerned. The research has been accomplished using various bibliographical sources, books, scientific reports, internal reports and information material. This paper analyses different national and international studies in the field of supply chain management, converge to identify eventual differences concerning authors’ opinion, problems and research gaps. It has been found that the specialty literature analyses in general subjects such as supply chain management, supplier performance, suppliers’ s…
Are electric vehicles eco-friendly products? A review from life cycle and sustainability perspective
Industry, especially the automotive industry is permanently changing and adapting to the external and internal factors. The appearance of the new types of vehicles – electric vehicles, is a big and important step not only regarding the evolution of the product, but also regarding the advantages of reducing environmental impact. It is promoted the idea that an electric vehicle generates less direct emissions in use phase compared with a conventional one. If we limit to this, we could say that we are dealing with an eco-friendly type of vehicle. The question is, can we extend this idea to the other stages of the life cycle? What about the sustainability of the industry? This article highlight…
Teaching methodology for Design for Six Sigma and Quality techniques – an approach that combines theory and practice
Abstract Quality techniques and Design for Six Sigma methodology are complex areas that need to be understood through correlation of theoretical and practical teaching. Universities started to apply different approaches for achieving better results, on building greater knowledge and skills for their students. The paper presents a methodology of teaching quality techniques and DFSS methodology, an approach that is focused on understanding the concepts through technical examples from industry and applying the knowledge within a project. A model is proposed for teaching Design for Six Sigma methodology through a workshop done in the classroom. The students are split into groups and will practi…
Paradigm shift in engineering education More time is needed
Abstract Information Technology (IT) becomes: innovation motor, engineering toolbox; basic part of curricula. The impact on engineering education is due to shifting from industrial towards post-industrial engineering. IT is the most suitable domain to bear the paradigmatic shifts able to lessen the paradox of temporal dissociation between the present process of teaching and its future mirroring in life-long learning. Hence, a modern approach to time and to its related concepts is focused upon. The essence of applying new paradigms in education is exemplified via the advanced subdomain of artificial intelligence. Conclusion: carrying out such educational innovations is urgent, painless and a…
Assessing the Impact of DMAIC-Knowledge Management Methodology on Six Sigma Projects: An Evaluation through Participant’s Perception
As an emerging concept, Knowledge Management (KM) has a great impact on organization and organizational performance. On the other hand, DMAIC is a well known methodology, used for solving organizational problems through Six Sigma projects.The main purpose of this study is to assess the impact of newly proposed DMAIC-KM integrated methodology in executing Six Sigma projects. For assessment, four Six Sigma projects have been executed using DMAIC-KM methodology within an airbag manufacturing unit. Afterward, the Opinion and Perception have been collected from the Project participant’s through conducting a quantitative survey regarding the Organizational benefits achieved after executing the DM…
ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AS A FIRST STEP IN THE EVALUATION OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES PROVIDED BY LOTIC ECOSYSTEMS
ABSTRACT The ecosystems offer to the socio-economic system a series of goods and services derived from their processes and biodiversity. Ecosystem services offered by a river are at their highest potential when the river status is close to the natural one. Once the river is affected by human impact due to resources exploitation, hydro technical works, water abstraction or improper land use, the ecological status declines and the ecosystem services become scarce. This is why an ecological assessment is necessary in order to establish the connection between the ecosystem services and the human impact. In this paper, the ecological assessment of Timiș River was done, allowing the classificatio…
Introducing Problem Based Learning (PBL) in Textile Engineering Education and Assessing its Influence on Six Sigma Project Implementation
The purpose of this paper is to explore the methodology that has adopted to implement PBL in textile engineering education at “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu (LBUS) which also highlights its potential influence on Six Sigma projects that has implemented in a textile manufacturing industry. The function of both PBL and Six Sigma approaches is to solve the problems by executing projects in a systematic way. Structurally, they are quite similar in nature. Many academic institutes around the world are currently introducing PBL to enhance the quality of higher education. On the other hand manufacturing units are trying to shorten their Six Sigma project duration, but interconnection between b…
Human capital evaluation in knowledge-based organizations based on big data analytics
Abstract Starting from a Human Capital Analysis Model, this work introduces an original methodology for evaluating the performance of employees. The proposed architecture, particularly well suited to the special needs of knowledge-based organizations, is articulated into a framework able to manage cases where data is missing and an adaptive scoring algorithm takes into account seniority, performance, and performance evolution trends, allowing employee evaluation over longer periods. We developed a flexible software tool that gathers data from organizations in an automatic way – through adapted connectors – and generates abundant results on the measurement and distribution of employees’ perf…
Integrated Neuronal Network in ERP for Management Decision Making
Abstract Enterprise Resource Planning systems have proven to be efficient and have become a de facto standard for coordinating vital business components. However, the obvious question has arisen: if each company uses the same ERP system, what happens to the competitive aspect of the business after the implementation of the IT systems? While for some organizations, ERPs have only become a necessity for running and organizing business, others want to exploit it to exceed the performance of competitors. Consequently, ERP systems are often a combined solution between the legacies of the systems they have replaced and the model proposed by the ERP provider, resulting in systems with unique, cust…
Improving the Effectiveness in Research and Developments Department from Automotive Industry
Abstract The scope of this paper is to propose a solution for decreasing the rework that has to be made inside a team, in a new offshore Research and Development department, mainly because of assumptions and lack of experience. This is based on learning and applying the lessons learned. First, it will be presented an order assignment in an offshore branch in the field of automotive software companies. From the concept, further on, the usual process that takes place is presented and the potential flaws are analyzed. The major problems identified are random allocation of the orders and assumptions that are made in the branch offices. After inspecting the steps of the process, a model of proce…
Workflow-Based Decision Support for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
Abstract To achieve high quality designs, processes, and services that meet or exceed industry standards, it is crucial to identify all potential failures throughout a system and work to minimize or prevent their occurrence or effects. This paper presents an innovative approach to Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) that uses a Decision Support System (DSS) for supporting the FMEA processes. The DSS is powered by a workflow engine that guides the users through the processes by considering standard work templates or previous similar cases. It is also built as a framework for decision support tools so, beside its default one, different FMEA work instruments can be plugged-in and used thr…
An Ontology to Support Semantic Management of FMEA Knowledge
<p>Risk mitigation has always been a special concern for organization’s strategic management. Various tools and techniques have been developed to manage risk in an effective way. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is one of the tools used for effective assessment of risk. It analyzes all potential failure modes, their causes, and effects on a product or process. Moreover it recommends actions to mitigate failures in order to enhance product reliability. Organizations spend their resources and domain experts make their efforts to complete this analysis. It further helps organizations identify the expected risks and plan strategies in advance to tackle them. But unfortunately the …
Odel of Dynamic Integration of Lean Shop Floor Management Within the Organizational Management System
Abstract The key to achieve a sustainable development lies in the customer satisfaction through improved quality, reduced cost, reduced delivery lead times and proper communication. The objective of the lean manufacturing system (LMS) is to identify and eliminate the processes and resources which do not add value to a product. The following paper aims to present a proposal of further development of integrated management systems in organizations through the implementation of lean shop floor management. In the first part of the paper, a dynamic model of the implementation steps will be presented. Furthermore, the paper underlines the importance of implementing a lean culture parallel with eac…
Digitization, Epistemic Proximity, and the Education System: Insights from a Bibliometric Analysis
Advances in IoT, AI, Cyber-Physical Systems, Computational Intelligence, and Big Data Analytics require organizations and workforce to be able and willing to learn how to interact with digital technology. In organizations, coordination and cooperation between actors with expertise in business and technology is fundamental, but integration is hard without understanding the terminology and problems of the interlocutor. Epistemic proximity becomes prominent, underlining the importance of an education focused on flexibility, willingness to cope with the unknown, and interdisciplinarity. The main goal of this work is to provide a perspective on how the education system is evolving to support org…