Applying the principles of life cycle assessment and costing in process modeling to examine profit-making capability

Static process simulation has traditionally been used to model complex processes for various purposes. However, the use of static processsimulators for the preparation of holistic examinations aiming at improving profit-making capability requires a lot of work because the production of results requires the assessment of the applicability of detailed data which may be irrelevant to the objective. The relevant data for the total assessment gets buried byirrelevant data. Furthermore, the models do not include an examination of the maintenance or risk management, and economic examination is often an extra property added to them which can be performed with a spreadsheet program. A process model applicable to holistic economic examinations has been developed in this work. The model is based on the life cycle profit philosophy developed by Hagberg and Henriksson in 1996. The construction of the model has utilized life cycle assessment and life cycle costing methodologies with a view to developing, above all, a model which would be applicable to the economic examinations of complete wholes and which would require the need for information focusing on aspects essential to the objectives. Life cycle assessment and costing differ from each other in terms of the modeling principles, but the features of bothmethodologies can be used in the development of economic process modeling. Methods applicable to the modeling of complex processes can be examined from the viewpoint of life cycle methodologies, because they involve the collection and management of large corpuses of information and the production of information for the needs of decision-makers as well. The results of the study shows that on the basis of the principles of life cycle modeling, a process model can be created which may be used to produce holistic efficiency examinations on the profit-making capability of the production line, with fewer resources thanwith traditional methods. The calculations of the model are based to the maximum extent on the information system of the factory, which means that the accuracyof the results can be improved by developing information systems so that they can provide the best information for this kind of examinations.

Production Control Principles in Printed Wiring Board Fabrication

Ty��n tavoitteena oli kuvata piirilevyvalmistaja Aspocomp Oy:n Espoon tehtaan t��m��n hetkinen tuotannonohjausperiaate ja tunnistaa siin�� esiintyv��t puutteet sek�� kehitt���� vaihtoehtoinen tuotannonohjausperiaate piirilevyvalmistukseen. Vaihtoehtoisen ohjausperiaatteen l��ht��kohtana oli tuotannonohjauksen sopeuttaminen vaativaan ja jatkuvasti muuttuvaan liiketoimintaymp��rist����n. Ty��n teoreettinen osa keskittyi tuotannonohjauksen eri l��hestymistapoihin. Kirjallisuuskatsauksessa esitet����n eri tuotannonohjausperiaatteiden keskeiset sis��ll��t, jotka muodostavat rungon toimivalle tuotannonohjausk��yt��nn��lle. Ty��n kokeellinen osa keskittyi Espoon piirilevytehtaan tuotannonohjausperiaatteen selvitt��miseen. Espoon piirilevytehtaan nykyisess�� tuotannonohjausperiaatteessa havaittujen ongelmakohtien ja liiketoimintaymp��rist��n vaatimusten perusteella kehitettiin vaihtoehtoinen tuotannonohjaustapa. Vaihtoehtoisen tuotannonohjaustavan p����m����r��n�� oli l��pimenoajan lyhent��minen sek�� tuotannon parempi hallittavuus. Vaihtoehtoinen toimintamalli tavoitteiden saavuttamiseksi perustuu pullonkaulateoriaan, jossa keskeisin muutos nykyiseen toimintamalliin oli puolivalmisteiden varastointi toimitusajan lyhent��miseksi sek�� tuotantovolyymin heilahdusten vaikutusten v��hent��miseksi. Ty��n kokeellisessa osassa ilmeni, ett�� kysynn��n muutokset ja kapasiteetin suunnittelun puute aiheuttivat ongelmia piirilevytehtaan tuotannonohjauksessa.

Muotin suunnittelu- ja valmistusprossin parantaminen solumuoviteollisuudessa

Diplomity�� tehtiin Pohjoismainen Solumuovi Oy:lle. Tutkimusongelmaksi m����riteltiin hyvin selke��sti tiedon puute muottien suunnittelusta sek�� valmistuksesta. Ty��n tavoite oli parantaa solumuovituotteiden valmistuksessa k��ytett��vien muottien laatua. Ty��n rajaus asettuu uusien muottien suunnittelu- ja valmistusprosessin parantamiseen. Ty��ss�� k��siteltiin t��m��n prosessin lis��ksi mm. mallisuunnittelua, sek�� koneen ja prosessien ominaisuuksia niiden muoteille asettamien vaatimusten pohjalta. Muottien ominaisuuksien oikeaoppinen suunnittelu on eritt��in t��rke��ss�� roolissa tulevien tuotantokustannusten muodostumisessa. Oikeaoppisella suunnittelulla tarkoitetaan ty��ss�� muottien eri osa-alueiden toisiinsa kytkeytymisen ymm��rt��mist��, niin muotin toimivuuden, lopputuotteen laadun sek�� muotin tehokkuuden kannalta. Muottien ominaisuudet m����r����v��t ideaalitilanteessa pitk��lti koneiden sykliaikoja k��ytett��v��n raaka-aineen ja kappaleen dimensioiden lis��ksi. T��m��n vuoksi tilanteessa, jossa itse kone toimii moitteettomasti vakuumin, materiaalinsy��t��n, j����hdytyksen ja h��yrytyksen osalta, saadaan muotin oikeaoppisella suunnittelulla lyhennetty�� sykliaikoja ja v��hennetty�� virhekappaleiden m����r����. Solumuovimuotin suunnitteluperiaatteita on l��hes yht�� monta kuin suunnittelijoita. Mit����n yksitt��ist�� periaatetta ei voida suoraan tuomita v����r��n��, koska n��ill�� muoteilla pystyt����n valmistamaan laadun kriteerit t��ytt��vi�� tuotteita. Useimmat suunnitteluperiaatteet pohjautuvat kuitenkin vain tietyn osa-alueen hallintaan, jonka j��lkeen loput osa-alueet suunnitellaan t��m��n ehdoilla. Ty��ss�� saatujen tulosten pohjalta voidaan sanoa, ett�� muotin tuottavuus on erityisesti kiinni kokonaisuudesta, ei yksitt��isest�� osa-alueesta.

First principles modeling of metallic alloys and alloy surfaces

By alloying metals with other materials, one can modify the metal���s characteristics or compose an alloy which has certain desired characteristics that no pure metal has. The field is vast and complex, and phenomena that govern the behaviour of alloys are numerous. Theories cannot penetrate such complexity, and the scope of experiments is also limited. This is why the relatively new field of ab initio computational methods has much to give to this field. With these methods, one can extend the understanding given by theories, predict how some systems might behave, and be able to obtain information that is not there to see in physical experiments. This thesis pursues to contribute to the collective knowledge of this field in the light of two cases. The first part examines the oxidation of Ag/Cu, namely, the adsorption dynamics and oxygen induced segregation of the surface. Our results demonstrate that the presence of Ag on the Cu(100) surface layer strongly inhibits dissociative adsorption. Our results also confirmed that surface reconstruction does happen, as experiments predicted. Our studies indicate that 0.25 ML of oxygen is enough for Ag to diffuse towards the bulk, under the copper oxide layer. The other part elucidates the complex interplay of various energy and entropy contributions to the phase stability of paramagnetic duplex steel alloys. We were able to produce a phase stability map from first principles, and it agrees with experiments rather well. Our results also show that entropy contributions play a very important role on defining the phase stability. This is, to the author���s knowledge, the first ab initio study upon this subject.

Integrating eco-innovation principles into regional strategy and policy: case of P��ij��t-H��me region, Finland

This study focuses on the integration of eco-innovation principles into strategy and policy at the regional level. The importance of regions as a level for integrating eco-innovative programs and activities served as the point of interest for this study. Eco-innovative activities and technologies are seen as means to meet sustainable development objective of improving regions��� quality of life. This study is conducted to get an in-depth understanding and learning about eco-innovation at regional level, and to know the basic concepts that are important in integrating eco-innovation principles into regional policy. Other specific objectives of this study are to know how eco-innovation are developed and practiced in the regions of the EU, and to analyze the main characteristic features of an eco-innovation model that is specifically developed at P��ij��t-H��me Region in Finland. Paij��t-H��me Region is noted for its successful eco-innovation strategies and programs, hence, taken as casework in this study. Both primary (interviews) and secondary data (publicly available documents) are utilized in this study. The study shows that eco-innovation plays an important role in regional strategy as reviewed based on the experience of other regions in the EU. This is because of its localized nature which makes it easier to facilitate in a regional setting. Since regional authorities and policy-makers are normally focused on solving its localized environmental problems, eco-innovation principles can easily be integrated into regional strategy. The case study highlights P��ij��t-H��me Region���s eco-innovation strategies and projects which are characterized by strong connection of knowledge-producing institutions. Policy instruments supporting eco-innovation (e.g. environmental technologies) are very much focused on clean technologies, hence, justifying the formation of cleantech clusters and business parks in P��ij��t-H��me Region. A newly conceptualized SAMPO model of eco-innovation has been developed in P��ij��t-H��me Region to better capture the region���s characteristics and to eventually replace the current model employed by the P��ij��t-H��me Regional Authority. The SAMPO model is still under construction, however, review of its principles points to some of its three important spearheads ��� practice-based innovation, design (eco-design) and clean technology or environmental technology (environment).

Customer involvement in lean startup principles: case of game development studio

The objective of this thesis is to better understand customer���s role in lean startup methodology. The aim is to find out how customers are involved in lean startup methodology implantation and increase the likelihood of new venture survival. This study emphasizes the usage of customers in shaping of new product development processes within companies, through iteration and constant communication. This communication facilitates the development of features that are requested by the customers and enhances the prospects of the new venture. The empirical part of the study is a single qualitative case study that uses action research to implement the lean startup methodology into a pre-revenue venture and examines its customer involvement processes. The studied case company is Karaoke d.o.o., developing a game called kParty. The study used the theory discussed in the literature review: customer involvement (in the survey and interviews conducted for the lean startup methodology), lean principles (through the implementation of lean startup methodology) and lean startup methodology, which are the central building parts of this thesis as a whole. The thesis contributes to the understanding of customer involvement in lean startup methodology, while giving practical implications of customer orientation and product market fitting.

First-principles study on electronic and structural properties of Cu(In/Ga)Se alloys for solar cells

Thin-film photovoltaic solar cells based on the Cu(In1���xGax)Se2 (CIGS) alloys have attracted more and more attention due to their large optical absorption coefficient, long term stability, low cost, and high efficiency. Modern theoretical studies of this material with first-principles calculations can provide accurate description of the electronic structure and yield results in close agreement with experimental values, but takes a large amount of calculation time. In this work, we use first-principles calculations based on the computationally affordable meta- generalized gradient approximation of the density-functional theory to investigate electronic and structural properties of the CIGS alloys. We report on the simulation of the lattice parameters and band gaps, as a function of chemical composition. The obtained results were found to be in a good agreement with the available experimental data.

Kraft recovery boilers ��� Principles and practice

This book was created as postgraduate lecture notes for Lappeenranta University of Technology's special course of steam power plants. But as with anything ever written the ideas shown have nurtured for a long time. Parts of these chapters have appeared elsewhere as individual papers or work documents. One of the most helpful episodes have been presentations and discussions during Pohto Operator training seminars. Input from those sessions can be seen in chapter firing. You who run recovery boilers, I salute you. The purpose of this text is to give the reader an overview of recovery boiler operation. Most parts of the recovery boiler operation are common to boilers burning other fuels. The furnace operation differs significantly from operation of other boiler furnaces. Oxygen rich atmosphere is needed to burn fuel efficiently. But the main function of recovery boiler is to reduce spent cooking chemicals. Reduction reactions happen best in oxygen deficient atmosphere. This dual, conflicting nature of recovery furnace makes understanding it so challenging. To understand the processes happening in the recovery furnace one must try to understand the detailed processes that might occur and their limitations. Therefore chapters on materials, corrosion and fouling have been added.

The house that the Court built. The retained powers case law of the European Court of Justice and the constitutional structure of the Union

Euroopan unionin perustamissopimusten katsotaan muodostavan EU:n valtios����nn��n, jonka rajat ovat kuitenkin perustamissopimusten m����r��ysten v��lj��n muotoilun sek�� Euroopan unionin tuomioistuimen tulkintak��yt��nn��n valossa ep��tarkat. Etenkin kysymys unionin ja sen j��senvaltioiden v��lisest�� toimivallanjaosta on EU-oikeudellisen tutkimuksen klassikoita. Tarkastelen pro gradu -tutkielmassani unionin valtios����nt��rakennetta ja unionioikeuden kokonaisvaikutusta j��senvaltioiden toimivaltojen k��ytt����n erityisesti EU-tuomioistuimen ratkaisuk��yt��nn��ss����n kehitt��m��n niin kutsutun retained powers -doktriinin valossa. Kyseisen opin mukaan EU-oikeus asettaa vaatimuksia j��senvaltioiden toimivaltojen k��yt��lle my��s niill�� aloilla, joilla s����ntelytoimivalta on j����nyt j��senvaltioille eik�� sit�� ole jaettu unionin kanssa. Aiheen teoreettisen tarkastelun pohjalta analysoin Euroopaun unionin tuomioistuimen ratkaisuk��yt��nt���� erityisesti yht�� s��ilytetyn toimivallan alaa, koulutusta, koskevissa tapauksissa pyrkien havaitsemaan typologioita tuomioistuimen ratkaisutoiminnassa. Tutkimus noudattaa EU-valtios����nt��oikeuden metodologiaa. Keskeisen�� l��hdemateriaalina on siten k��ytetty unionituomioistuimen ratkaisuk��yt��nt����, joka heijastaa perustamissopimuksia tarkemmin unionin valtios����nt��rakennetta. Oikeusk��yt��nn��n analyysi ja tulkinta on suoritettu peilaten sit�� vasten unionin kehityst�� markkinaorientoituneesta organisaatiosta yleismaailmalliseksi poliittiseksi unioniksi. Tutkielmani loppup����telm�� on, ett�� j��senvaltiot ovat tietyiss�� rajoissa hyv��ksyneet unionituomioistuimen kehitt��m��n doktriinin, ja unionituomioistuin on siten saanut aikaan tosiasiallisen muutoksen EU:n valtios����nt��rakenteessa. Retained powers -doktriini on omiaan syvent��m����n eurooppalaista integraatiota ja nostaa kysymyksi�� toimivallanjaon merkityksest�� unionioikeudessa, perustamissopimusten kyvyst�� heijastaa unionin valtios����nt��rakennetta sek�� unionituomioistuimen toiminnan poliittisesta luonteesta.

How Lean Six Sigma and Agile principles optimize ITIL-based processes

Imagine the potential implications of an organization whose business and IT processes are well aligned and are capable of reactively and proactively responding to the external and internal changes. The Philips IT Infrastructure and Operations department (I&O) is undergoing a series of transformation activities to help Philips business keeping up with the changes. I&O would serve a critical function in any business sectors; given that the I&O���s strategy switched from ���design, build and run��� to ���specify, acquire and performance manage���, that function is amplified. In 2013, I&O���s biggest transforming programme I&O Futures engaged multiple interdisciplinary departments and programs on decommissioning legacy processes and restructuring new processes with respect to the Information Technology Internet Library (ITIL), helping I&O to achieve a common infrastructure and operating platform (CI&OP). The author joined I&O Futures in the early 2014 and contributed to the CI&OP release 1, during which a designed model Bing Box and its evaluations were conducted through the lens of six sigma���s structured define-measure-analyze-improve-control (DMAIC) improvement approach. This Bing Box model was intended to firstly combine business and IT principles, namely Lean IT, Agile, ITIL best practices, and Aspect-oriented programming (AOP) into a framework. Secondly, the author implemented the modularized optimization cycles according to the defined framework into Philips��� ITIL-based processes and, subsequently, to enhance business process performance as well as to increase efficiency of the optimization cycles. The unique of this thesis is that the Bing Box model not only provided comprehensive optimization approaches and principles for business process performance, but also integrated and standardized optimization modules for the optimization process itself. The research followed a design research guideline that seek to extend the boundaries of human and organizational capabilities by creating new and innovative artifacts. The Chapter 2 firstly reviewed the current research on Lean Six Sigma, Agile, AOP and ITIL, aiming at identifying the broad conceptual bases for this study. In Chapter 3, we included the process of constructing the Bing Box model. The Chapter 4 described the adoption of Bing Box model: two-implementation case validated by stakeholders through observations and interviews. Chapter 5 contained the concluding remarks, the limitation of this research work and the future research areas. Chapter 6 provided the references used in this thesis.