Current Search: Six Sigma (x)
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Title
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Integrating Multiobjective Optimization with the Six Sigma Methodology for Online Process Control.
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Creator
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Abualsauod, Emad, Geiger, Christopher, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Thompson, William, Moore, Karla, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Over the past two decades, the Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) framework of the Six Sigma methodology and a host of statistical tools have been brought to bear on process improvement efforts in today's businesses. However, a major challenge of implementing the Six Sigma methodology is maintaining the process improvements and providing real-time performance feedback and control after solutions are implemented, especially in the presence of multiple process performance objectives...
Show moreOver the past two decades, the Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) framework of the Six Sigma methodology and a host of statistical tools have been brought to bear on process improvement efforts in today's businesses. However, a major challenge of implementing the Six Sigma methodology is maintaining the process improvements and providing real-time performance feedback and control after solutions are implemented, especially in the presence of multiple process performance objectives. The consideration of a multiplicity of objectives in business and process improvement is commonplace and, quite frankly, necessary. However, balancing the collection of objectives is challenging as the objectives are inextricably linked, and, oftentimes, in conflict.Previous studies have reported varied success in enhancing the Six Sigma methodology by integrating optimization methods in order to reduce variability. These studies focus these enhancements primarily within the Improve phase of the Six Sigma methodology, optimizing a single objective. The current research and practice of using the Six Sigma methodology and optimization methods do little to address the real-time feedback and control for online process control in the case of multiple objectives.This research proposes an innovative integrated Six Sigma multiobjective optimization (SSMO) approach for online process control. It integrates the Six Sigma DMAIC framework with a nature-inspired optimization procedure that iteratively perturbs a set of decision variables providing feedback to the online process, eventually converging to a set of tradeoff process configurations that improves and maintains process stability. For proof of concept, the approach is applied to a general business process model (-) a well-known inventory management model (-) that is formally defined and specifies various process costs as objective functions. The proposed SSMO approach and the business process model are programmed and incorporated into a software platform. Computational experiments are performed using both three sigma (3?)-based and six sigma (6?)-based process control, and the results reveal that the proposed SSMO approach performs far better than the traditional approaches in improving the stability of the process. This research investigation shows that the benefits of enhancing the Six Sigma method for multiobjective optimization and for online process control are immense.
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Date Issued
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2013
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Identifier
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CFE0004968, ucf:49561
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004968
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Title
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A Framework for Measuring and Analyzing Customer Satisfaction at Computer Service Company using Lean Six Sigma.
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Creator
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Abboodi, Mohammed, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Rabelo, Luis, Xanthopoulos, Petros, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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The computer service industry has been expanding dramatically due to the increase in the number of computing machineries in the last two decades. The entrance of large size companies in the market and the release of online tools that have the ability for diagnosing and troubleshooting hardware and software issues have boosted the competition. In the meantime, many of the small and medium size companies find themselves unable to keep their customers satisfied since their competitors provide...
Show moreThe computer service industry has been expanding dramatically due to the increase in the number of computing machineries in the last two decades. The entrance of large size companies in the market and the release of online tools that have the ability for diagnosing and troubleshooting hardware and software issues have boosted the competition. In the meantime, many of the small and medium size companies find themselves unable to keep their customers satisfied since their competitors provide high quality service with lower cost. The lack of a good measurement system to assess and analyze the satisfaction level with the provided service is the fundamental cause of customer decline. The aim of this study is to construct a robust framework to measure customer satisfaction and highlight the root causes of dissatisfaction in the computer service sector. This framework brings together the key aspects of Six Sigma and SERVQUAL instruments into a structured approach to measure and analyze customer satisfaction with computer services. It deploys the DMAIC problem solving methodology along with the SERVQUAL model, which contributes service dimensions and the Gap Analyze technique. Literature review indicates there have not been enough studies conducted to integrate Lean Six Sigma with SERVQUAL. To explore the effectiveness of the current framework, a computer service company has been selected. The satisfaction levels are calculated and the root causes of dissatisfaction have been identified. With a low overall customer satisfaction level, the company did not fulfill their customer requirements due to five major causes. Eliminating those causes will boost customer satisfaction, reduce the cost of acquiring new customers and improve the company performance in general.
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Date Issued
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2014
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Identifier
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CFE0005117, ucf:50751
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005117
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Title
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A New Six Sigma Implementation Approach For Power Generation Gas Turbines Repair Process Development.
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Creator
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Ghunakikar, Somesh, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Rabelo, Luis, Thompson, William, Furterer, Sandra, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Power Generation gas turbines used for heavy duty application mainly constitutes three modules; compressor, combustion and turbine. Typically, all these parts are designed by OEM companies for specific number of hours and cycles (also known as starts) before they become dysfunctional. In addition, Gas Turbine (GT) also have intended repair interval depending upon the type of part application and anticipated damages during service operation. Thus, GT parts need inspections and repair (overhaul...
Show morePower Generation gas turbines used for heavy duty application mainly constitutes three modules; compressor, combustion and turbine. Typically, all these parts are designed by OEM companies for specific number of hours and cycles (also known as starts) before they become dysfunctional. In addition, Gas Turbine (GT) also have intended repair interval depending upon the type of part application and anticipated damages during service operation. Thus, GT parts need inspections and repair (overhaul) after certain operating hours in order to recondition them so that they can be fit for reoperation to produce power. In this dissertation, a unique six sigma DFSS approach for development of GT parts overhaul is presented for total quality improvement. In this dissertation report, a unique six sigma DFSS approach is presented applicable to the development of repair processes for GT parts that can be used during overhauling of the parts. All six sigma phases of the proposed DFSS approach along with repair product development cycle are discussed. Various six sigma tools which yield significant benefits for the process users are also discussed. Importantly, a statistical probabilistic life analysis approach is proposed in order to verify the structural integrity of a repaired GT part. Finally a case study of GT axial compressor diaphragms (stators) to illustrate various phases and six sigma tools usage during each phase of the DFSS approach is discussed. The overall significant benefit of the proposed DFSS approach was to achieve total quality improvement to deliver final GT repair process, faster repair development cycle and end customer satisfaction.
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Date Issued
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2016
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Identifier
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CFE0006105, ucf:51199
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006105
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Title
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A FRAMEWORK ROADMAP FOR IMPLEMENTING LEAN SIX SIGMA IN LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES.
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Creator
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Furterer, Sandra L., Elshennawy, Ahmad K., University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Lean Six Sigma is an approach focused on improving quality, reducing variation and eliminating waste in an organization. The concept of combining the principles and tools of Lean Enterprise and Six Sigma has occurred in the literature over the last several years. The majority of Lean Six Sigma applications have been in private industry, focusing mostly on manufacturing applications. The literature has not provided a framework for implementing Lean Six Sigma programs applied to local...
Show moreLean Six Sigma is an approach focused on improving quality, reducing variation and eliminating waste in an organization. The concept of combining the principles and tools of Lean Enterprise and Six Sigma has occurred in the literature over the last several years. The majority of Lean Six Sigma applications have been in private industry, focusing mostly on manufacturing applications. The literature has not provided a framework for implementing Lean Six Sigma programs applied to local government. This research provides a framework roadmap for implementing Lean Six Sigma in local government. The Service Improvement for Transaction-based Entities Lean Six Sigma Framework Roadmap (SITE MAP) identifies the activities, principles, tools, and important component factors to implement Lean Six Sigma. The framework provides a synergistic approach to integrating the concepts and tools of Lean Enterprise and Six Sigma using the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) problem solving approach. A case study was used to validate the framework. Lean Six Sigma was successfully applied in a 7,000-citizen municipality to reduce the cycle time of the financial administrative processes in the Finance Department of the city government.
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Date Issued
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2004
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Identifier
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CFE0000021, ucf:46067
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000021
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Title
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USING THE SIX SIGMA POLICY DEPLOYMENT CYCLE TO MITIGATE PROJECT FAILURES.
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Creator
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Magadi, Archana, Elshennawy, Ahmad, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Many organizations are struggling to improve customer-focused quality in today's highly competitive domestic and global markets. At the same time, these organizations have failed to implement the Six Sigma methodology into their daily control and strategic planning processes. Six Sigma deployment failures have been categorized as coming from many sources, both management related and person related. Some of the key management related Six Sigma project failures have been identified and...
Show moreMany organizations are struggling to improve customer-focused quality in today's highly competitive domestic and global markets. At the same time, these organizations have failed to implement the Six Sigma methodology into their daily control and strategic planning processes. Six Sigma deployment failures have been categorized as coming from many sources, both management related and person related. Some of the key management related Six Sigma project failures have been identified and discussed in this research work. For continuous improvement to truly take root, organizations must realize that just successfully applying quality tools on any process will not necessarily provide dramatic results, unless the concepts of policy management and deployment are institutionalized. A model called "Six Sigma Policy Deployment" was developed and has been proposed which may help mitigate Six Sigma project failures that are presently attributed to management and organizational issues. By integrating Policy Deployment, the Six Sigma DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) problem solving approach, and the classic PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) Cycle, the potential for breakthrough improvements in any organization can be enhanced. The model was contrasted against a list of 30 sources of failure in typical Six Sigma projects in order to validate its applicability to mitigate these failures. Furthermore these failures were matched with the work of recent quality theorists in order to validate their occurrence and relevance. A case study section is presented to illustrate FPL's Quality Improvement Program and the Six Sigma Lifecycle, which are bases for the new model. This section also highlights how the use of the proposed Six Sigma Policy Deployment model could help to mitigate potential Six Sigma project failures.
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Date Issued
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2004
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Identifier
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CFE0000250, ucf:46236
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000250
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Title
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Managing, Controlling and Improving the Treatment of Produced Water Using the Six Sigma Methodology for the Iraqi Oil Fields.
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Creator
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Al-Shamkhani, Maher T., Elshennawy, Ahmad, Rabelo, Luis, Pazour, Jennifer, Xanthopoulos, Petros, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Produced Water (PW) is the largest volume of waste that is normally generated during oil and gas production. It has large amounts of contaminants that can cause negative environmental and economic impacts. The management method for PW relies highly on types and concentrations of these contaminants, which are field dependent and can vary from one oil field to another. Produced water can be converted to fresh water if these contaminants are removed or reduced to the acceptable drinking water...
Show moreProduced Water (PW) is the largest volume of waste that is normally generated during oil and gas production. It has large amounts of contaminants that can cause negative environmental and economic impacts. The management method for PW relies highly on types and concentrations of these contaminants, which are field dependent and can vary from one oil field to another. Produced water can be converted to fresh water if these contaminants are removed or reduced to the acceptable drinking water quality level. In addition, increasing oil production rate and reducing amounts of discharged harmful contaminants can be achieved by removing dissolved hydrocarbons from PW. In order to identify the types of these contaminants, effective tools and methods should be used. Six Sigma, which uses the DMAIC (Define- Measure- Analyze- Improve- Control) problem-solving approach is one of the most effective tools to identify the root causes of having high percentages of contaminants in produced water. The methodology also helped develop a new policy change for implementing a way by which this treated water may be used. Six Sigma has not been widely implemented in oil and gas industries. This research adopted the Six Sigma methodology through a case study, related to the southern Iraqi oil fields, to investigate different ways by which produced water can be treated. Research results showed that the enormous amount of contaminated PW could be treated by using membrane filtration technology. In addition, a Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) framework is developed and that could be used as an effective tool for decision makers. The developed framework could be used within manufacturing industries, services, educational systems, governmental organizations, and others.
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Date Issued
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2013
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Identifier
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CFE0004645, ucf:49904
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004645
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Title
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A FRAMEWORK TO ALIGN STRATEGY, IMPROVEMENT PERFORMANCE, AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION USING AN INTEGRATION OF SIX SIGMA AND BALANCED SCORECARD.
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Creator
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Rodriguez, Adriana, Malone, Linda, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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This dissertation investigated the development, implementation, and evaluation of a management methodology founded on the alignment among the strategy, performance, and customer to bring value to any organization. A case study/action research in a service organization, called Institution "Z," provided the opportunity to assess the effects of the proposed Six Sigma Scorecard (SSS) methodology in the productivity indicators (measured by cycle time, line capacity, and number of errors). The Case...
Show moreThis dissertation investigated the development, implementation, and evaluation of a management methodology founded on the alignment among the strategy, performance, and customer to bring value to any organization. A case study/action research in a service organization, called Institution "Z," provided the opportunity to assess the effects of the proposed Six Sigma Scorecard (SSS) methodology in the productivity indicators (measured by cycle time, line capacity, and number of errors). The Case study/action research was conducted in three phases: Model and Concepts Design, Data Collection, and Findings. During the research, validity was pursued by using triangulation and theory to help maintain the case under research control. The observation of the SSS methodology in a real organization allowed the researcher to describe the merging process between Balanced Scorecard and Six Sigma methodology and their relationships to each other. The SSS methodology allowed identification of improvement projects that contribute to organizational strategy, implementation of strategies and provide feedback to the top level of management establishing alignment at three organizational levels corporate, business, and functional. The results of the implementation of the SSS methodology in Institution Z showed a 40% improvement of the cycle time of the auto credit process, a 500% increase in the capacity of the process, and 65% decrease in the number of non-added value activities. During the same period of time, the BSC indicators showed a positive impact, specifically one financial indicator known as Level of Intermediation or GIC grew from 30% to 42% as it was expected by the end of the SSS implementation. The demonstration of the SSS framework in a Case study justifies the need for a combined methodology that aligns strategy, performance improvement and organizational outputs in a feedback loop. More research in this area is needed, especially investigations that include assessment studies where different management approaches are used alone and combined with strategic tools, and investigations that measure the relationship between level of coherence in the three merging points of the SSS and the results reached at the performance of the organization.
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Date Issued
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2008
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Identifier
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CFE0002191, ucf:47903
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002191
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Title
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A TAXONOMY OF LEAN SIX SIGMA SUCCESS FACTORSFOR SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS.
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Creator
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Hajikordestani, Reza, Geiger, Christopher, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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ABSTRACT Six Sigma is a business improvement strategy that aims to improve process performance using a structured methodology that identifies and removes the causes of defects in manufacturing and business processes, while implementing the lean concepts attempts to remove wasteful activities from those processes. In practice, the Six Sigma strategy and the Lean philosophy are combined and often viewed as one integrated philosophy, where the philosophy of Lean Six Sigma simultaneously removes...
Show moreABSTRACT Six Sigma is a business improvement strategy that aims to improve process performance using a structured methodology that identifies and removes the causes of defects in manufacturing and business processes, while implementing the lean concepts attempts to remove wasteful activities from those processes. In practice, the Six Sigma strategy and the Lean philosophy are combined and often viewed as one integrated philosophy, where the philosophy of Lean Six Sigma simultaneously removes wasteful activities from a process and reduces the variability of that process. This thesis research reviews the concepts and implementation of Lean thinking, Six Sigma strategy, and the integrated concept of Lean Six Sigma, with emphasis in service organizations. Most importantly, this thesis summarizes the critical success factors for implementing Lean Six Sigma within a service business environment and categorizes them within a proposed multi-level taxonomy that can be used by service business units and service providers to improve the success of Lean Six Sigma implementation.
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Date Issued
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2010
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Identifier
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CFE0003526, ucf:48966
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003526
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Title
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A curricula assessment and improvement quantitative model for higher education: a design for six sigma methodology.
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Creator
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Halawany, Abdullah, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Lee, Gene, Rabelo, Luis, Rahal, Ahmad, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Curricula assessment is an integrated process to assist higher education institutions in addressing the challenges in adesignated field of study and in exploring the opportunities to better educate and prepare their students for an increasinglycomplex world.Although assessment as a topic has been researched extensively, there has been a lack of quantitative tools that addressthe requirements of many of the stakeholders that may be critical to the curriculum design and assessment processes...
Show moreCurricula assessment is an integrated process to assist higher education institutions in addressing the challenges in adesignated field of study and in exploring the opportunities to better educate and prepare their students for an increasinglycomplex world.Although assessment as a topic has been researched extensively, there has been a lack of quantitative tools that addressthe requirements of many of the stakeholders that may be critical to the curriculum design and assessment processes.This research proposes the utilization of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) to develop a quantitative model for curriculumassessment and improvement for higher education institutions. A review of the literature indicates that there is a lack ofquantitative tools that enhance the reliability and efficiency of gathering customer requirements for curriculum in highereducation environment. In addition, there is a lack of tools to translate these requirements into actual characteristics that canbe used for curriculum design and assessment purposes. The literature also indicates that curriculum assessment is one ofseveral educational processes that affect the quality of education.This research proposes a quantitative model for curriculum assessment and improvement in higher education institutions,utilizing design for six sigma methodology. The proposed model explores the use of the Kano model concept to translateneeded requirements into desirable curriculum attributes and the general concept of establishing transfer function todetermine the level at which those requirements have been satisfied. The use of the developed model can help improvestudent learning and provide curriculum stakeholders with timely feedback about the curriculum and identify areas in need ofimprovement.To validate the capability of the proposed model, an ABET accredited department of Industrial Engineering in a USuniversity was used a case study.
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Date Issued
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2014
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Identifier
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CFE0005344, ucf:50497
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005344
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Title
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An Integrated Design for Six Sigma-Based Framework To Align Strategy, New Process Development, and Customer Requirements In The Airlines Industry.
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Creator
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Alghamdi, Mohammed, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Rabelo, Luis, Lee, Gene, Ahmad, Ali, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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When organizations create new strategy maps, key new processes are often identified. This is important for organizations to stay competitive in the global marketplace. This document describes the development, implementation, and validation of a framework that properly aligns and links an organization's strategy and new process development. The proposed framework integrates the Balanced Scorecard management system (BSC) and the Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodology, leveraging their...
Show moreWhen organizations create new strategy maps, key new processes are often identified. This is important for organizations to stay competitive in the global marketplace. This document describes the development, implementation, and validation of a framework that properly aligns and links an organization's strategy and new process development. The proposed framework integrates the Balanced Scorecard management system (BSC) and the Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodology, leveraging their strengths, overcoming weaknesses, and identifying lessons learned to help bridge the gap between strategy development and execution. The critical-to-quality conceptual model is used as an integrative component for the framework. Literature search has resulted in little or no research into the development of similar frameworks. To demonstrate and evaluate the effectiveness of the framework in a real-world environment, a case study is carried out and implemented successfully. As the case study progressed, cycle time as a performance indicator was estimated and showed progression towards the targeted strategic objective. The developed framework helps decision-makers seamlessly transit from a strategic position to process development linking strategic objectives to the critical-to-quality features. This comprehensive framework can help move organizations from where they currently are to where they want to be, laying the background needed for customer satisfaction and breakthrough performance.
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Date Issued
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2016
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Identifier
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CFE0006246, ucf:51079
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006246