ESTUDO COMPARATIVO DA COMPETITIVIDADE DAS EMPRESAS DE MÁQUINAS FERRAMENTAS BRASILEIRAS: ANÁLISE MULTICRITÉRIOS

O principal objetivo desta dissertação foi analisar por meio de estudo comparativo, o posicionamento competitivo de três máquinas ferramentas multitarefas. As hipóteses iniciais partiram das seguintes suposições: a) a indústria nacional de máquinas ferramentas esta sendo penalizada pela política industrial praticada pelo governo federal; e b) a importância relativa atribuída aos elementos multicriteriais das especificações das máquinas nacionais quando demonstram tendências elevadas, nem sempre alcançam as concorrentes importadas devido aos recursos tecnológicos agregados para se atingir a competitividade plena. Assim, indaga-se: até que ponto as máquinas ferramentas multitarefas selecionadas para o estudo, estão alinhadas com os critérios escolhidos e com suas importâncias relativas avaliadas por dois usuários desse equipamento. Como metodologia adotou-se estudo de caso múltiplo de duas empresas de médio porte do mesmo ramo. Utilizou-se o método multicritério de apoio à decisão por meio de Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), para a escolha da melhor alternativa entre máquinas ferramentas multitarefas similares, nacionais e importadas. Os resultados identificam que, para essas duas empresas usuárias pesquisadas, existe vantagem na aquisição da máquina importada, embora seja notório o avanço tecnológico da indústria nacional. Estas máquinas ainda carecem de algumas inovações, perdendo em competitividade, bem como em critérios importantes como versatilidade e rendimento. Com base nos trabalhos, conclui-se que, as máquinas ferramentas do tipo multitarefas nacionais das duas empresas fornecedoras analisadas não são competitivas em comparação as importadas.

Análise hierárquica de processo aplicada a um sistema de cadastramento de peritos.

O cadastramento de peritos cíveis junto ao Poder Judiciário atualmente não é feito eletronicamente e o rol de profissionais não é divulgado pela internet, sendo necessário que os profissionais se cadastrem pessoalmente em cada fórum. Também não existe atualmente uma avaliação dos trabalhos periciais realizados, o que faz com que o resultado dos trabalhos periciais, ou seja, o laudo pericial tenha muitos defeitos e acabe por não ter a qualidade necessária para auxiliar o juiz em sua tomada de decisão. Após a realização de uma pesquisa com peritos sobre suas impressões quanto à forma de cadastramento atualmente utilizada, aplicou-se o método Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) para auxiliar na identificação do perfil dos profissionais que desejam modificações no sistema. Foram então feitas observações e sugestões para que este modelo atualmente utilizado seja modificado e possa assim atender aos princípios constitucionais da publicidade, eficiência e finalidade.

Modelo de otimização multiobjetivo aplicado ao projeto de concepção de submarinos convencionais.

Este trabalho apresenta um modelo de otimização multiobjetivo aplicado ao projeto de concepção de submarinos convencionais (i.e. de propulsão dieselelétrica). Um modelo de síntese que permite a estimativa de pesos, volume, velocidade, carga elétrica e outras características de interesse para a o projeto de concepção é formulado. O modelo de síntese é integrado a um modelo de otimização multiobjetivo baseado em algoritmos genéticos (especificamente, o algoritmo NSGA II). A otimização multiobjetivo consiste na maximização da efetividade militar do submarino e na minimização de seu custo. A efetividade militar do submarino é representada por uma Medida Geral de Efetividade (OMOE) estabelecida por meio do Processo Analítico Hierárquico (AHP). O Custo Básico de Construção (BCC) do submarino é estimado a partir dos seus grupos de peso. Ao fim do processo de otimização, é estabelecida uma Fronteira de Pareto composta por soluções não dominadas. Uma dessas soluções é selecionada para refinamento preliminar e os resultados são discutidos. Subsidiariamente, esta dissertação apresenta discussão sucinta sobre aspectos históricos e operativos relacionados a submarinos, bem como sobre sua metodologia de projeto. Alguns conceitos de Arquitetura Naval, aplicada ao projeto dessas embarcações, são também abordados.

ESTUDO COMPARATIVO DA COMPETITIVIDADE DAS EMPRESAS DE MÁQUINAS FERRAMENTAS BRASILEIRAS: ANÁLISE MULTICRITÉRIOS

O principal objetivo desta dissertação foi analisar por meio de estudo comparativo, o posicionamento competitivo de três máquinas ferramentas multitarefas. As hipóteses iniciais partiram das seguintes suposições: a) a indústria nacional de máquinas ferramentas esta sendo penalizada pela política industrial praticada pelo governo federal; e b) a importância relativa atribuída aos elementos multicriteriais das especificações das máquinas nacionais quando demonstram tendências elevadas, nem sempre alcançam as concorrentes importadas devido aos recursos tecnológicos agregados para se atingir a competitividade plena. Assim, indaga-se: até que ponto as máquinas ferramentas multitarefas selecionadas para o estudo, estão alinhadas com os critérios escolhidos e com suas importâncias relativas avaliadas por dois usuários desse equipamento. Como metodologia adotou-se estudo de caso múltiplo de duas empresas de médio porte do mesmo ramo. Utilizou-se o método multicritério de apoio à decisão por meio de Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), para a escolha da melhor alternativa entre máquinas ferramentas multitarefas similares, nacionais e importadas. Os resultados identificam que, para essas duas empresas usuárias pesquisadas, existe vantagem na aquisição da máquina importada, embora seja notório o avanço tecnológico da indústria nacional. Estas máquinas ainda carecem de algumas inovações, perdendo em competitividade, bem como em critérios importantes como versatilidade e rendimento. Com base nos trabalhos, conclui-se que, as máquinas ferramentas do tipo multitarefas nacionais das duas empresas fornecedoras analisadas não são competitivas em comparação as importadas.

Measuring performance of virtual learning environment system in higher education

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to measure the performance of commercial virtual learning environment (VLE) systems, which helps the decision makers to select the appropriate system for their institutions. Design/methodology/approach – This paper develops an integrated multiple criteria decision making approach, which combines the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and quality function deployment (QFD), to evaluate and select the best system. The evaluating criteria are derived from the requirements of those who use the system. A case study is provided to demonstrate how the integrated approach works. Findings – The major advantage of the integrated approach is that the evaluating criteria are of interest to the stakeholders. This ensures that the selected system will achieve the requirements and satisfy the stakeholders most. Another advantage is that the approach can guarantee the benchmarking to be consistent and reliable. From the case study, it is proved that the performance of a VLE system being used at the university is the best. Therefore, the university should continue to run the system in order to support and facilitate both teaching and learning. Originality/value – It is believed that there is no study that measures the performance of VLE systems, and thus decision makers may have difficulties in system evaluation and selection for their institutions.

Managing healthcare performance in analytical framework

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to develop an integrated framework for performance management of healthcare services. Design/methodology/approach – This study develops a performance management framework for healthcare services using a combined analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and logical framework (LOGFRAME). The framework is then applied to the intensive care units of three different hospitals in developing nations. Numerous focus group discussions were undertaken, involving experts from the specific area under investigation. Findings – The study reveals that a combination of outcome, structure and process-based critical success factors and a combined AHP and LOGFRAME-based performance management framework helps manage performance of healthcare services. Practical implications – The proposed framework could be practiced in hospital-based healthcare services. Originality/value – The conventional approaches to healthcare performance management are either outcome-based or process-based, which cannot reveal improvement measures appropriately in order to assure superior performance. Additionally, they lack planning, implementing and evaluating improvement projects that are identified from performance measurement. This study presents an integrated approach to performance measurement and implementing framework of improvement projects.

Decision support system for inspection and maintenance:a case of oil pipelines

The existing method of pipeline health monitoring, which requires an entire pipeline to be inspected periodically, is unproductive. A risk-based decision support system (DSS) that reduces the amount of time spent on inspection has been presented. The risk-based DSS uses the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a multiple attribute decision-making technique, to identify the factors that influence failure on specific segments and analyzes their effects by determining probability of occurrence of these risk factors. The severity of failure is determined through consequence analysis. From this, the effect of a failure caused by each risk factor can be established in terms of cost and the cumulative effect of failure is determined through probability analysis. The model optimizes the cost of pipeline operations by reducing subjectivity in selecting a specific inspection method, identifying and prioritizing the right pipeline segment for inspection and maintenance, deriving budget allocation, providing guidance to deploy the right mix labor for inspection and maintenance, planning emergency preparation, and deriving logical insurance plan. The proposed methodology also helps derive inspection and maintenance policy for the entire pipeline system, suggest design, operational philosophy, and construction methodology for new pipelines.

Performance measurement of intensive care services in hospitals:The case of Barbados

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) being one of those vital areas of a hospital providing clinical care, the quality of service rendered must be monitored and measured quantitatively. It is, therefore, essential to know the performance of an ICU, in order to identify any deficits and enable the service providers to improve the quality of service. Although there have been many attempts to do this with the help of illness severity scoring systems, the relative lack of success using these methods has led to the search for a form of measurement, which would encompass all the different aspects of an ICU in a holistic manner. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multiple-attribute, decision-making technique is utilised in this study to evolve a system to measure the performance of ICU services reliably. This tool has been applied to a surgical ICU in Barbados; we recommend AHP as a valuable tool to quantify the performance of an ICU. Copyright © 2004 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

A risk-based model for inspection and maintenance of cross-country petroleum pipeline

The existing method of pipeline health monitoring, which requires an entire pipeline to be inspected periodically, is both time-wasting and expensive. A risk-based model that reduces the amount of time spent on inspection has been presented. This model not only reduces the cost of maintaining petroleum pipelines, but also suggests efficient design and operation philosophy, construction methodology and logical insurance plans. The risk-based model uses Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multiple attribute decision-making technique, to identify the factors that influence failure on specific segments and analyzes their effects by determining probability of risk factors. The severity of failure is determined through consequence analysis. From this, the effect of a failure caused by each risk factor can be established in terms of cost, and the cumulative effect of failure is determined through probability analysis. The technique does not totally eliminate subjectivity, but it is an improvement over the existing inspection method.

Construction risk management:a quantitative approach

Conventional project management techniques are not always sufficient for ensuring time, cost and quality achievement of large-scale construction projects due to complexity in planning and implementation processes. The main reasons for project non-achievement are changes in scope and design, changes in Government policies and regulations, unforeseen inflation) under-estimation and improper estimation. Projects that are exposed to such an uncertain environment can be effectively managed with the application of risk numagement throughout project life cycle. However, the effectiveness of risk management depends on the technique in which the effects of risk factors are analysed and! or quantified. This study proposes Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multiple attribute decision-making technique as a tool for risk analysis because it can handle subjective as well as objective factors in decision model that are conflicting in nature. This provides a decision support system (DSS) to project managenumt for making the right decision at the right time for ensuring project success in line with organisation policy, project objectives and competitive business environment. The whole methodology is explained through a case study of a cross-country petroleum pipeline project in India and its effectiveness in project1nana.gement is demonstrated.

Risk based decision support system for effective implementation of projects

Conventional project management techniques are not always sufficient to ensure time, cost and quality achievement of large-scale construction projects due to complexity in planning, design and implementation processes. The main reasons for project non-achievement are changes in scope and design, changes in government policies and regulations, unforeseen inflation, underestimation and improper estimation. Projects that are exposed to such an uncertain environment can be effectively managed with the application of risk management throughout the project's life cycle. However, the effectiveness of risk management depends on the technique through which the effects of risk factors are analysed/quantified. This study proposes the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multiple attribute decision making technique, as a tool for risk analysis because it can handle subjective as well as objective factors in a decision model that are conflicting in nature. This provides a decision support system (DSS) to project management for making the right decision at the right time for ensuring project success in line with organisation policy, project objectives and a competitive business environment. The whole methodology is explained through a case application of a cross-country petroleum pipeline project in India and its effectiveness in project management is demonstrated.

Multiple attribute decision making approach to petroleum pipeline route selection

Petroleum pipelines are the nervous system of the oil industry, as this transports crude oil from sources to refineries and petroleum products from refineries to demand points. Therefore, the efficient operation of these pipelines determines the effectiveness of the entire business. Pipeline route selection plays a major role when designing an effective pipeline system, as the health of the pipeline depends on its terrain. The present practice of route selection for petroleum pipelines is governed by factors such as the shortest distance, constructability, minimal effects on the environment, and approachability. Although this reduces capital expenditure, it often proves to be uneconomical when life cycle costing is considered. This study presents a route selection model with the application of an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multiple attribute decision making technique. AHP considers all the above factors along with the operability and maintainability factors interactively. This system has been demonstrated here through a case study of pipeline route selection, from an Indian perspective. A cost-benefit comparison of the shortest route (conventionally selected) and optimal route establishes the effectiveness of the model.

Optimization of facility location-allocation problem in customer-driven supply chain

This paper develops and applies an integrated multiple criteria decision making approach to optimize the facility location-allocation problem in the contemporary customer-driven supply chain. Unlike the traditional optimization techniques, the proposed approach, combining the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the goal programming (GP) model, considers both quantitative and qualitative factors, and also aims at maximizing the benefits of deliverer and customers. In the integrated approach, the AHP is used first to determine the relative importance weightings or priorities of alternative locations with respect to both deliverer oriented and customer oriented criteria. Then, the GP model, incorporating the constraints of system, resource, and AHP priority is formulated to select the best locations for setting up the warehouses without exceeding the limited available resources. In this paper, a real case study is used to demonstrate how the integrated approach can be applied to deal with the facility location-allocation problem, and it is proved that the integrated approach outperforms the traditional costbased approach.

An integrated multiple criteria decision making approach for resource allocation in higher education

Resource allocation is one of the major decision problems arising in higher education. Resources must be allocated optimally in such a way that the performance of universities can be improved. This paper applies an integrated multiple criteria decision making approach to the resource allocation problem. In the approach, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is first used to determine the priority or relative importance of proposed projects with respect to the goals of the universities. Then, the Goal Programming (GP) model incorporating the constraints of AHP priority, system, and resource is formulated for selecting the best set of projects without exceeding the limited available resources. The projects include 'hardware' (tangible university's infrastructures), and 'software' (intangible effects that can be beneficial to the university, its members, and its students). In this paper, two commercial packages are used: Expert Choice for determining the AHP priority ranking of the projects, and LINDO for solving the GP model. Copyright © 2007 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

Supply chain performance measurement framework:case studies on the Thai manufacturers

One of the most significant paradigm shifts of modern business management is that individual businesses no longer compete as solely autonomous entities, but rather as supply chains. Firms worldwide have embraced the concept of supply chain management as important and sometimes critical to their business. The idea of a collaborative supply chain is to gain a competitive advantage by improving overall performance through measuring a holistic perspective of the supply chain. However, contemporary performance measurement theory is somewhat fragmented and fails to support this idea. Therefore, this research develops and applies an integrated supply chain performance measurement framework that provides a more holistic approach to the study of supply chain performance measurement by combining both supply chain macro processes and decision making levels. Therefore, the proposed framework can provide a balanced horizontal (cross-process) and vertical (hierarchical decision) view and measure the performance of the entire supply chain system. Firstly, literature on performance measurement frameworks and performance measurement factors of supply chain management will help to develop a conceptual framework. Next the proposed framework will be presented. The framework will be validated through in-depth interviews with three Thai manufacturing companies. The fieldwork combined varied sources in order to understand the views of manufacturers on supply chain performance in the three case study companies. The collected data were analyzed, interpreted, and reported using thematic analysis and analysis hierarchy process (AHP), which was influenced by the study’s conceptual framework. This research contributes a new theory of supply chain performance measurement and knowledge on supply chain characteristics of a developing country, Thailand. The research also affects organisations by preparing decision makers to make strategic, tactical and operational level decisions with respect to supply chain macro processes. The results from the case studies also indicate the similarities and differences in their supply chain performance. Furthermore, the implications of the study are offered for both academic and practical use.