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Companies vary on oft-publicized size metrics (number of employees, revenue). Do consumers prefer otherwise identical products made by larger or smaller companies? The answer hinges on whether consumers perceive the products as low-tech or high-tech. This prediction stems from a novel framework charting two lay theories regarding key resources companies utilize to provide value to consumers: employees and finances. In the intrinsic motivation lay theory, consumers believe that employees of larger (vs. smaller) companies are less intrinsically motivated. In the financial resources lay theory, consumers believe that larger (vs. smaller) companies have greater capacity to fund research and development. Critically, product type (low-tech vs. high-tech) differentially affects the accessibility of these two lay theories: For low-tech (vs. high-tech) products, the intrinsic motivation lay theory is more accessible, driving quality evaluations and choice in favor of smaller companies. For high-tech (vs. low-tech) products, the financial resources lay theory is more accessible, driving quality evaluations and choice in favor of larger companies. This research advances theory by reconciling conflicting findings regarding product quality inferences from company size metrics, with guidance for marketers to improve quality evaluations and choice shares by strategically supporting or challenging lay theories and shifting perceptions of company size or product type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of a disassembly line is a long-term investment. Therefore, it is important to optimise its performance and demonstrate its financial viability. The design process must consider the unique End-of-Life product characteristics and disassembly operation particularities. These peculiarities are mainly expressed by uncertainty in post-consumer products quality, variability of task processing times and presence of hazardous material. To achieve efficient disassembly line design, efficient decision-making tools are needed. The purpose of this work is to propose such a tool. The objective is to efficiently design a disassembly line, as a disassembly system, that provides optimal income and takes into account Enf-of-Life (EoL) product quality uncertainty and task processing times variability. The proposed tool allows the decision-maker to select the optimal disassembly process and depth while assigning retained tasks to the line workstations. Hazardous material of EoL products is handled and the designed line guarantees a certain level of service set by the decision-maker. The product part revenue depends formally on its EoL state or quality. Several product examples from remanufacturing sectors in industry are utilised to demonstrate interest and relevance of the proposed decision-aiding tool in an industrial context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examines the effect of stable institutional investors on firms' product quality failures. Furthermore, the authors investigate the channels through which institutional ownership stability enhances product quality management. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses probit, ordered probit and negative binomial regression frameworks to investigate the research questions. In addition, the authors utilize the three-stage least-squares to address the endogeneity issues. Findings: Using a sample of product recall incidents from 2012 to 2021, the authors find that firms with more stable institutional ownership have a lower probability, frequency and severity of recall incidents and adopt a proactive product recall strategy. Institutional investors with significant and persistent holdings improve quality management by reducing overinvestment and the use of option-linked and relative performance executive compensations. Furthermore, the influence of stable institutional owners on product quality failures is more pronounced in firms with low managerial ability and specialist CEOs. Lastly, the empirical evidence demonstrates that stable holdings by active investors have a more substantial impact on reducing product recalls than passive and other stable institutional holdings. Originality/value: This study is the first to examine the impact of institutional ownership stability on firms' product recalls. The authors contribute to the literature on the benefits of stable institutional ownership on firm outcomes and the determinants of product quality failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Both scientists and meat producers interested in managing the quality of fresh and stored chicken meat at the slaughter stage (as per Directive 1099/2009) are the target audience for this work. The research is innovative in nature and focuses on assessing the possibilities of shaping the visual and technological characteristics of fillets in Polish poultry plants, as expected by consumers, using an own-construction device for stunning poultry in a water bath. The authors demonstrated that the patented device significantly improves meat quality, reducing hemorrhages by approx. 50% and ensuring uniform color and tenderness when compared to commercial devices (Polish, Danish, and Dutch). This improvement could serve as a foundation for producers to implement preventive measures to enhance meat quality management. The aim of the research was to determine the possibilities for managing chicken meat (fillet) quality by applying the own-construction (OC) device for electrical stunning. We determined the effects based on selected technological and visual features of fillets, providing a measurable basis for producers to take preventive actions to improve meat quality management practices. The experimental material consisted of fillets from broiler chickens. The process of electrically stunning chickens in a water bath was carried out in Polish industrial conditions using two devices: own-construction (OC) and commercial from a Polish company (PLC). We determined the quality of fresh and stored meat (14 days/4 °C) based on technological characteristics (pH, color, tenderness) and visual assessment (number of small and large hemorrhages, defects). As a result, the use of the own-construction (OC) device compared to the commercial (PLC) one has a beneficial effect on: (1) reducing the number of hemorrhages, (2) increasing the share of high-quality fillet production by approx. 50%, (3) brightening and uniforming the color of fillets, and (4) improving the tenderness of fresh meat and maintaining it during 14 days of storage. The effects of using the OC device are beneficial for meat producers on the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of raw materials to produce quality artisanal bricks is imperative for sustainable building in rural regions. Artisanal brick-making process often employs traditional kiln to fire brick because it is an affordable, and applicable technology in the rural region. However, there are noticeable cracks, increasing among buildings constructed with artisanal bricks from the rural region in South Africa. In response, this study aims to evaluate the soil and artisanal brick specimens to understand the suitability of the raw materials and quality of products in the study area. A total of twenty soil samples and twenty-seven artisanal burnt bricks were collected from three different artisanal brick-making sites designated as Site A, B, and C. In all samples, the geotechnical tests revealed a sandy loam soil type with a predominance of chlorite clay minerals and non-clay minerals. Furthermore, the sand-size particles depict a relatively higher proportion compared to clay-size particles. Besides, Atterberg's limit test plotted above the A-line of the plasticity chart indicates an inorganic clay of low plasticity with a low to medium compressibility property. Based on the empirical workability and mechanical tests, most of the studied soils are suitable for optimum and acceptable extrusion bricks and suitable for an on-site single-story construction based on SANS 227:2007 standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Geographical limitations in remote island medical facilities result in excessive wastage of blood products. To address this, we explored the feasibility of a novel blood rotation system, which enables the return and redelivery of blood products to/from the blood bank while ensuring the management of product quality, including temperature control. This study aimed to enhance the supply of blood products to these facilities. Materials and Methods: The Japan Red Cross Nagasaki Blood Center, Nagasaki Goto Chuoh Hospital (NGCH) and Nagasaki University Hospital collaborated to coordinate the transport and supply of red blood cell (RBC) products. Type O, RhD‐positive, irradiated RBC products were stored at a precise 4.0 ± 2.0°C in an active transport refrigerator (ATR). After transport from the Japan Red Cross Nagasaki Blood Center to NGCH, RBC products were held for 1 week in the ATR, and unused products were returned. Eligible returned products were reissued to the Nagasaki University Hospital. Results: All the returned RBC products met the redelivery criteria. Among the 103 redelivered RBC preparations, 101 bags (98.1%) were successfully used. NGCH utilized 597 RBC products and discarded 80 samples. The ATR supplied 107 type O RBC bags without any wastage. The overall wastage rate was 10.2% during the study period compared with 24.2% in the same period in the previous year. Conclusion: This innovative supply and operation system ensures a consistent and secure RBC product supply to remote islands while maximizing blood product use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Human multi-tissue banks are essential health services for providing quality and safe tissues for therapeutic and research purposes. • Implementing such a bank is essential to meet the growing demand for human tissues for the population. • In this sense, the quality management system provides a set of standards and tools to assist the management and guarantee the quality of these products and services. Human multi-tissue banks (HMTB) are important health institutions specialized in the capture, processing, and distribution of human tissues for transplants and research, aiming for safety and quality in the supply of their products, intended for reconstructive surgeries and injury repair, in addition to contributing to the advancement of research developed in regenerative medicine. This study aims to report and share the experience of implementing an HMTB, as well as creating an institution's own quality management system. This is a descriptive study, an experience report type, which identifies historical aspects of an HMTB's actions in the 5 years of implementing and operating the service. Initially, a musculoskeletal tissue bank was established in collaboration with the Department of Orthopedics at the State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, in June 2018. In 2023, through a management model and associated technologies, the banks of human musculoskeletal and ocular tissues at the institution established the HC-UNICAMP Human Multi-tissue Bank. The implementation of the HMTB with modern and technological infrastructure, associated with the development and operation of the quality management system, allowed us to provide excellent organization of work processes, as well as obtain the necessary health license to begin activities. It is believed that this report can be an important source of information and recommendations applicable to the implementation of other human HMTBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to study product quality management and its influence on the accounting performance of medium and small companies. This was done using 116 Asian small and medium companies from 2020 to 2023 in the study. The results determined that there is a positive and strong association between product quality management and the accounting performance of medium and small companies. The product quality management technique is reflected among the recent methods that an companies cans face with the present international technological revolution and the strong competition that characterizes big economies proposed by the nature of the globalization and challenge. The study at hand aims to know the role that product quality management plays in improving performance. Product quality practices affect accounting performance in light of the presence and types of innovation, radical product innovation, process innovation, requires more work to improve product quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As per Nature1, AI may act as an enabler on 134 targets (79%) across all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), generally through technological improvement and by putting the right processes in place to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, certifications, and standards. As the sustainability and green tech market2 is expected to grow at 21% CAGR and will reach $73 billion by 2023, it's the best time for IT and Engineering R&D (ERD) companies to strengthen their internal processes to ensure that mining customers are served in a better way. The mining solutions are driven by tightening regulations, shifting customer preferences, and higher compliance requirements. Mining companies must act on many fronts, changing supply networks, manufacturing processes, and business models. Companies are also rethinking how their products are designed, engineered, and used, looking for ways to meet performance and quality requirements while using fewer resources across the full life cycle of everything they make/implement/use. India is a leading software exporter, and many companies are supporting global mining customers across the world. It's now the right time for IT and ERD companies to ensure that mining customers are supported in this fast-changing business and regulatory environment. For sustainable product development/services, companies need to put a strong internal Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring better compliance and usage of AI/ML and tools and related standards/certifications. So, the researcher is proposing a conceptual integrated QMS to support sustainable product development/services which can be used by IT and ERD companies developing mining solutions. The proposed system will provide a high-level view of the required standards, procedures, guidelines, templates etc., which will be compliant with the global sustainability standards/certifications requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality management of services and products in health institutions covers several areas such as health education, access to information on prevention programs, disease tracking, professional training, availability of diagnostic equipment and therapeutic resources available, which demonstrates the importance that this management has to ensure an efficient administration. To ensure excellence, institutions are generally subjected to audit processes that provides guidance for the implementation of a management system that meets the requirements defined with the aim of improving the quality of the services. Health Organization's quality management system includes a comprehensive biannual audit program in terms of both requirements and services. However, all registration is done with Excel which is a rudimentary tool that implies unnecessary manual work by the responsible employees. Taking this into account and considering the relevance of the audit, an audit platform was built to improve the efficiency of this process. The platform has three different layers: client, server and database and after analyzing the popularity, community and performance of some technologies, the ones chosen for this application were React, Node.js and PostgreSQL. The developed platform includes professional's authentication, an audit calendar, data grids to consult data relevant for the audits, the audit grids for the audit teams to fulfill during the process and audit reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of smart manufacturing, predictive maintenance plays a pivotal role in ensuring equipment reliability, minimizing downtime, optimizing costs, and reducing product failure rate by detecting faulty products in the early stage. However, the efficacy of predictive maintenance hinges on the quality of training data employed for predictive modeling. Inadequate data quality can lead to erroneous predictions and, consequently, ineffective maintenance strategies. This research paper introduces a solution that leverages deep learning and data quality management to enhance predictive maintenance in smart manufacturing. Our proposed methodology encompasses two major components such as data quality management and faulty product detection. Data quality management includes data preprocessing, feature reduction, and data balancing, whereas faulty product detection is done using deep learning techniques. By combining these elements, a predictive model capable of accurately forecasting faulty products in early stages to reduce economic losses is developed. The proposed approach effectively addresses data quality issues and is tested on the SECOM dataset which indicates that it surpasses traditional models with an accuracy of 96.4% and perfect recall. Ultimately, this research contributes to the advancement of predictive maintenance and deep learning in the context of smart manufacturing, benefiting both industrial practitioners and researchers alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of product quality is a crucial process in factory manufacturing. However, this approach still has some limitations, e.g., depending on the expertise of the engineer in evaluating products and being time consuming. Various approaches using deep learning in automatic defect detection and classification during production have been introduced to overcome these limitations. In this paper, we study applying different deep learning approaches and computer vision methods to detect scratches on the surface of microfasteners used in rechargeable batteries. Furthermore, we introduce an architecture with statistical quality control (SQC) to continuously improve the efficiency and accuracy of the product quality. The proposed architecture takes advantage of the capability of deep learning approaches, computer vision techniques, and SQC to automate the defect detection process and quality improvement. The proposed approach was evaluated using a real dataset comprising 1150 microfastener surface images obtained from a factory in Korea. In the study, we compared the direct and indirect prediction methods for predicting the scratches on the surface of the microfasteners and achieved the best accuracy of 0.91 with the indirect prediction approach. Notably, the indirect prediction method was more efficient than the traditional one. Furthermore, using control charts in SQC to analyze predicted defects in the production process helped operators understand the efficiency of the production line and make appropriate decisions in the manufacturing process, hence improving product quality management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the article is to determine the role of knowledge and technology management in improving the quality of business 4.0 products. Based on statistics for 63 countries in 2022, as well as knowledge and technology, an econometric model of product quality management in business 4.0 has been constructed.The model revealed, along with the contradictory influence of knowledge on the quality of business 4.0 products, a reliable and consistent pattern of systematic growth in the quality of business 4.0 products as industrial designs by origin, as well as the growth of production and export complexity increase.A scenario analysis of the prospects for improving product quality in business 4.0 depending on knowledge and technology management was conducted. The author’s forecast for the “Decade of Action” (until 2030) showed that the most promising and preferred of the alternatives considered is the scenario of the development of technically complex products with advanced industrial design in business 4.0.The main conclusion is that the key factor of a new type of business – business 4.0, which was formed under the influence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is technology, while human resources have receded into the background.The theoretical significance of the results is due to the fact that they revealed the prospects for improving the competitiveness of business 4.0, for which it is recommended to reduce the share of human-intensive economic processes and proportionally increase the share of automated processes.The originality of the research lies in reconsideration of the importance of such factors of production as human and technological resources in the conditions of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, taking into account the little-studied experience of a new type of business - business 4.0.Management implications consist in the fact that the article offers an innovative approach to corporate social responsibility, whose efforts are proposed to focus on improving product quality in business 4.0. The author’s recommendations contribute to unlocking the potential for improving product quality, as well as increasing the effectiveness of quality management in business 4.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality development of socio-economic, ecological environment, tourism industry and natural resources in the Yellow River Basin is a major strategic task for national development. High-quality development in the Yellow River Basin still has a lot of room for improvement, so it is important for the coupled and coordinated development of water resources-socio-economic-ecological environment-tourism industry in the Yellow River Basin region. In this study, we focus on the major strategic issues of high quality development in the Yellow River Basin in the context of the above-mentioned background and the current forms and policies of sustainable development in China, and conduct research on the theory and methods of assessing the sustainable development of regional water resources-socio-economic-ecological environment-tourism industry. However, by analyzing the existing research literature on sustainable development assessment, we find that most of them focus on a single area or two combinations of modal development studies, and focus on exploring micro-coupling mechanisms, so the generality of macro policy support is rather mediocre, which we fill this gap through this study. The study relies on an innovative macroscopic research perspective that draws pioneeringly on the quality function deployment (QFD) theory in the field of product quality management in marketing, which, it is worth stating, allows for a framework of research perspectives from a systematic and holistic perspective. In this framework, we will propose a G1-entropy value method for indicator importance (weight) assessment. It is worth stating that the G1 method used in this paper is different from the traditional G1 method in that we will introduce the identity information weights of experts to improve the reliability of the subjective assignment method. We will also construct an indicator system for studying the regional sustainable development issues in the Yellow River Basin on this basis, so as to complete the ranking and analysis of the nine provinces and the importance of indicators in the Yellow River Basin. This study will provide a comprehensive theoretical basis for Chinese government and related departments to formulate policies for the high-quality development of water resources, socio-economic, ecological environment and tourism industry in the Yellow River Basin, and also provide theoretical and empirical references for the analysis and assessment of similar international regional sustainability cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research was to determine the possibilities for managing chicken meat (fillet) quality by applying the own-construction (OC) device for electrical stunning. We determined the effects based on selected technological and visual features of fillets, providing a measurable basis for producers to take preventive actions to improve meat quality management practices. The experimental material consisted of fillets from broiler chickens. The process of electrically stunning chickens in a water bath was carried out in Polish industrial conditions using two devices: own-construction (OC) and commercial from a Polish company (PLC). We determined the quality of fresh and stored meat (14 days/4 °C) based on technological characteristics (pH, color, tenderness) and visual assessment (number of small and large hemorrhages, defects). As a result, the use of the own-construction (OC) device compared to the commercial (PLC) one has a beneficial effect on: (1) reducing the number of hemorrhages, (2) increasing the share of high-quality fillet production by approx. 50%, (3) brightening and uniforming the color of fillets, and (4) improving the tenderness of fresh meat and maintaining it during 14 days of storage. The effects of using the OC device are beneficial for meat producers on the market.

Improving product quality while making decisions remains a challenge. The objective of this research was to develop a model that supports the precise enhancement of product quality through comprehensive analysis of possibilities, product incompatibilities, root causes, and recommended improvement actions. The model incorporated various tools and methods such as the SMARTER method, expert team selection, brainstorming, Ishikawa diagram, 5M+E rule, FAHP, and FTOPSIS methods. The study demonstrated that integrating quality management tools and decision-making methods into a unified model enables the accurate prioritization of activities for product quality management. This integrated approach represents the novelty of this research. The model was evaluated using a mechanical seal made of 410 alloy. The research findings can be valuable to enterprises seeking to enhance product quality at any stage of production, particularly for modified or new products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This community service initiative by the Faculty of Economics and Business, Syiah Kuala University, aimed to enhance the competitiveness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) owned by university students. Utilizing the Service-Learning method, the program focused on improving operational efficiency through training in time management, inventory control, product quality enhancement, and technology application. The initiative culminated in an international product exhibition at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, providing MSMEs with opportunities for global market exposure. Post-evaluation demonstrated a significant increase in productivity among participants, evidenced by improved time management and product quality. The project's success highlights the positive impact of holistic approaches that integrate training and international marketing efforts on local economies. Future initiatives should explore deeper aspects like innovation and advanced marketing strategies for sustained MSME growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous improvement in good practices and implementation of hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) remains very crucial for food hygiene quality safety to steadily thrive in the agro-food product industry sector. To improve the agro-food product quality, the dependency of quality management (QM) on such key facets as quality assurance (QA), control, improvement, and planning appears to be on the rise. Herein, how food hygiene quality safety standards and their associated processes have been assured is described. To understand the relevance of QM in the (above-mentioned) processes, we discuss some ethical quality considerations, food quality safety standards, HACCP fundamentals/implementation, QA control systems, other quality standards associated with agro-food industry, together with supplementary essentials associated with quality. Through the combined efforts of HACCP and QA control points (QACP) such as improved food hygiene, both quality, and safety levels can be further enhanced and sustained. Establishing the QM system within a given agro-food product enterprise is not the real deal, what matters most is how to maintain and sustain it. Some challenges encountered during the auditing/implementation processes of food safety management systems, as well as directions for future studies, involving QM, QA, and food hygiene quality safety, are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time–temperature indicator (TTI) technologies allow for nondestructive and real‐time quality management of perishable products during the entire transport–storage process, which provides an important guarantee for the product safety of end users. However, the existing TTI technologies still have shortcomings in recyclability, sensitivity, and environmental tolerance, limiting their widespread applications. Herein, a new TTI route based on the light storage effect in persistent luminescent (PersL) materials is proposed. Such TTI is designed on account of the principle that the release rate of light‐induced trapped carriers in PersL materials is closely dependent on the storage time and temperature, enabling to establish a correlation between the number of residual carriers and the freshness of perishable products. Taking KZnF3:Mn2+ as a model material, the light‐storage‐based TTI technology shows excellent recyclability, reliability, and environmental stability. This work reveals great potentials of PersL phosphors as information recording materials in advanced TTI application and next‐generation biological detection technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the work was to present the automation of the mass measurement process as a factor that can significantly affect the quality and speed of analyzes in pharmaceutical industry. Design/methodology/approach: In this study, two methods were presented for testing the mass uniformity of tablets whose weight ranged from 13 mg to 2580 mg. The first method involved determining the weight of 20 randomly selected tablets of pharmaceutical preparations by statically measuring the weight of these tablets. In the second method, an automatic tablet feeder type PA-04/H was used, in which, as a result of vibration, successive tablets were automatically moved via a special chute onto the weighing pan. Findings: No significant differences were found in the weight measurements performed by the manual and automatic methods. The largest differences were noted at the 0.5% level. All tablets tested met the United States Pharmacopeia requirements for their mass uniformity. For orally disintegrating tablets, the largest percentage deviations in weight from the mean value were - 4.47% for tablet F6, - 4.26%, for tablet F1 and 3.31% for tablet F2. The differences in accuracy and precision between the automatic and manual methods were insignificant. Research limitations/implications: Mass measurement by the manual method is one of the most frequently performed measurements in the laboratory. The final result from this measurement method may be subject to error caused, for example, by human error, i.e. reading, writing or calculation error. For this reason, process automation is increasingly being used, which eliminates the possibility of error to a large extent. Practical implications: The automation of weight measurement reduces the effort required for product inspection. Thus, it can be an important factor in the process of optimization and product quality management. Originality/value: The description of the research method and its results can be a valuable guideline for people who deal with product quality control in the pharmaceutical industry. It has been shown that automation to be effective does not have to be complicated but well designed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-API standard series of oil country tubular goods (OCTG) have been developed rapidly to meet the increasing demand of the oil and gas fields, while the frequent accidents of non-API OCTG still occur due to the lack of a perfect quality management system. In this paper, the main types, service conditions, and the current status of quality evaluation technology of non-API OCTG at home and abroad were introduced. For the quality problems of non-API OCTG during the domestic application, the needs of the industry development needs and continuous improvement of quality management system were taken into consideration. Based on the working conditions, the quantitative evaluation method of quality grading was built by the grading idea represented by capability maturity model integration (CMMI) based on the field working conditions. And an evaluation method, including process maturity level, items, indexes and procedures, was proposed and verified. The results showed that the average value and level of quantitative evaluation results of quality grading were 81.5 and C, respectively, which was in good accordance with the current status of non-API product management. The evaluation method is more quantitative and targeted, which would provide for the completeness of the non-API product quality management system with methodological support and theoretical reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider various methods of monitoring technological processes in modern machine-building production, including statistical methods of product quality management. The problem of constructing measurement control procedures for two parameters in those cases where the deviation of the quality index from the nominal value is described by a generalization of the Rayleigh distribution with two parameters is posed and solved. The distributions of control statistics are investigated. Numerical procedures are described that make it possible to calculate the distribution functions of statistics with sufficient accuracy for practical purposes. The operational characteristics of a control plan using statistics that estimate two distribution parameters and a plan for a one-parameter distribution model are compared. It is shown that close values of consumer and producer risks in comparable situations with two-parameter control are provided with a slight increase in the sample size compared to the one-parameter case. The results obtained will be useful in the organization of acceptance control procedures for parts with external and internal cylindrical surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Quality management systems are commonly applied to meet the increasingly stringent requirements for product quality in discrete manufacturing industries. However, traditional experience-driven quality management methods are incapable of handling heterogeneous data from multiple sources, leading to information islands. This study aims to present a quality management key performance indicator visualization (QM-KPIVIS) system to enable integrated quality control and ultimately ensure product quality. Design/methodology/approach: Based on multiple heterogeneous data, an integrated approach is proposed to quantify explicitly the relationship between Internet of Things data and product quality. Specifically, this study identifies the tracing path of quality problems based on multiple heterogeneous quality information tree. In addition, a hierarchical analysis approach is adopted to calculate the key performance indicators of quality influencing factors in the quality control process. Findings: Proposed QM-KPIVIS system consists of data visualization, quality problem processing, quality optimization and user rights management modules, which perform in a well-coordinated manner. An empirical study was also conducted to validate the effectiveness of proposed system. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first attempt to use industrial Internet of Things and multisource heterogeneous data for integrated product quality management. Proposed approach is more user-friendly and intuitive compared to traditional empirically driven quality management methods and has been initially applied in the manufacturing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous research tends to study various sustainable management practices (SMPs) in isolation, leading to inconsistent conclusions about the effect of SMP on firm profit. This research aims to advance the understanding of the linkage between SMP configurations and financial performance by revealing the dynamics of substitutions and complementarities among these SMPs. Design/methodology/approach: The authors conducted an exploratory study based on the theoretical lens of the practice-based view (PBV). An integrated text-mining approach is used in gathering data from 302 corporate reports of cross-sectional firms, followed by a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis method to examine the configurations of SMPs in achieving high and low financial performance. Findings: The findings show that green innovation practices (GIP) and cleaner production practices work together as complements for small firms in configurations associated with high profits. However, large companies in high-competition industries often adopt a minimalist configuration focusing on product quality and safety management (PQSM). PQSM and GIP are complements in configuration for small firms in high-competition industries, while they work together as substitutes for small firms in low-competition industries. Practical implications: This research provides managers with a new way of thinking to support decision-making in sustainable operations management. The complementary and substitutive view of management practice can guide operations managers to design and implement effective practice configurations to achieve synergistic effects. Originality/value: This is among the first studies to reveal the complex relationship between various configurations of SMPs and firm performance. In addition, this research offers new insights into previously inconsistent findings from a PBV and configuration perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The-Nominal-The-Best (N-type) loss function is established based on the Taylor expansion. Results become more accurate as more Taylor expansion items are retained. N-type loss function neglects terms with powers higher than two, which inevitably leads to a certain deviation between the calculated result and the true value. In this paper, Taylor expansion is retained to the third-order, and the quality loss function is extended to three items. The quality loss coefficients of each item are determined, and the asymmetric piecewise cubic quality loss function is established. The deviation between the cubic and quadratic functions is evaluated. The formula for calculating the hidden quality cost of a product is derived by choosing an appropriate density distribution function and using process capability. Two cases are utilised to analyse and discuss the quality loss and hidden quality cost of a product using the cubic quality loss and quadratic quality loss functions. This paper provides a more accurate approach for the study of product quality management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of innovations may boost the transition to sustainable agricultural models. Among these innovations, precision farming offers a fundamental contribution to sustainable soil management and the improvement in product quality. The work is set against this background and aims to analyse the rate of introducing precision farming tools and the variables that prevent/facilitate this adoption. Although adoption rates in Italy remain relatively low, it is vital to underline the obstacles that limit the broader use of precision agricultural technologies inside farms. To this end, the literature has highlighted various elements of complexity (farm characteristics, socio-economic and psychological), which can hinder or generate perceived complexity and significantly reduce the potential for technology adoption. In this context emerges the increasing importance of public and private activities related to knowledge transfer. The paper focuses on agricultural knowledge and innovation systems, which are also relevant in light of the recent proposal for the new regulation on rural development. The awareness–knowledge–adoption–product (AKAP) sequence was used to reveal the gap between the potential and actual adoption of innovation on Italian farms to comprehend the adoption process and identify relevant barriers and the role knowledge systems played. Empirical findings show that AKIS has a critical mediating function in promoting innovation uptake. Strengthening knowledge systems, acting on the different phases of the AKAP sequence, could allow a greater understanding of precision agriculture techniques and bottlenecks to adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality management reflects on the product gingerbread by applying the Customer Orientation and the Continuous Improvement principles, also by analysing and developing the product in terms of the influence exerted by the various quantities of ingredients and the use of dough maturation.The presented study made corelations between the physical and chemical parameters of the finished products and the rheological characteristics of doughs. Dough with varying wheat and rye flour ratios were made, being left to mature for 30 and respectively 150 minutes. Corelations were made between the specific volume of the product and the rheological characteristics of the doughs. The dough’s consistency measured with the farinograph after 10 minutes of mixing and the widening percentage of the gingerbread in the baking process were corelated. The variation of the dough’s volume during maturation was studied after 30 minutes of maturation, respectively 150 minutes of maturation. The results obtain inform with regard to the influence that the rye flour ratio has on the distortion of the product during baking, on the consistency of the dough and on the specific volume. Key words: gingerbread, rheological characteristics of the dough, physical and chemical parameters, quality indicators [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates in-depth the theoretical provisions for the construction of modern product quality management systems, providing for the optimization and transformation of individual production and economic processes to a higher quality level, as well as the functions integration of enterprise management system and product quality management system; such integration is carried out on the basis of knowledge, information and communications, which are the basis of external integration processes of the enterprise. This provided an opportunity to develop a scientific and methodological approach to the formation of an adaptive quality system capable of producing high quality products over a long period of time. The generalization of practical aspects of the research provided an opportunity to build an algorithm and determine the tools for the formation of an adaptive product quality management system using modern computer technology for effective information support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking a tour of all of Norte de Santander and its Metropolitan area (Cúcuta, El Zulia, Villa del Rosario, Los Patios) it is announced that this city is one of the richest in clay material occupied by ceramic industries that make or develop different types of products that are derived from clay, that is why we objectively focus on this research carried out, revealing the importance of handling raw material very well since it can determine its composition, structure and quality of the material, in order to better observe the behavior that it is going to present throughout its process. With these controls that can be carried out in Nortesantandereanas companies, we determine in the geological formations of some municipalities of Cúcuta, therefore using some technological analyzes such as X-ray fluorescence, diffraction analysis, infrared analysis, thermal characteristics, soil analysis, physical-ceramic characteristics, which are of great help in the final results of these sample tests carried out previously, with which we can determine which clay or which mixture is the ideal for the manufacture of the products to be carried out in the companies that require it, since these analyzes are techniques applied to clay samples to be able to easily detect the usefulness of said material and save control time in the quality of the product and facilitate the management of the processes, the importance of apply these tools and methods in companies of ceramic industries since in it s Material costs could be saved and continuous improvement of the product to be sold could be obtained, in order to achieve a better level of competitiveness in innovative sectors.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the growth status of fruits can enable precise growth management and improve the product quality. Previous studies have rarely used deep learning to observe changes over time, and manual annotation is required to detect hidden regions of fruit. Thus, additional research is required for automatic annotation and tracking fruit changes over time. We propose a system to record the growth characteristics of individual apples in real time using Mask R-CNN. To accurately detect fruit regions hidden behind leaves and other fruits, we developed a region detection model by automatically generating 3000 composite orchard images using cropped images of leaves and fruits. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified on a total of 1417 orchard images obtained from the monitoring system, tracking the size of fruits in the images. The mean absolute percentage error between the true value manually annotated from the images and detection value provided by the proposed method was less than 0.079, suggesting that the proposed method could extract fruit sizes in real time with high accuracy. Moreover, each prediction could capture a relative growth curve that closely matched the actual curve after approximately 150 elapsed days, even if a target fruit was partially hidden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has shown that managers typically display optimistic expectations for the future. In a competitive market, remanufacturers may overestimate consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for remanufactured products. We develop a game-theoretic model of competition between an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and an independent remanufacturer (IR), where the OEM determines interchangeability in product design, and the IR may have an optimistic bias about remanufacturing market demand and adopt different quality strategies. We find that the OEM is always strategic about the interchangeability design of its products. Interestingly, remanufacturing optimism triggers more significant changes in the degree of interchangeability. In some cases, the IR's optimistic bias can lead to a win–win outcome for both firms. In addition, we find that a moderate increase in the quality of remanufactured products alleviates the weak situation in consumer quality perception. But when the WTP of remanufactured products is generally low, it is more profitable for the optimistic IR to keep the quality of remanufactured products equivalent to new products than to blindly upgrade the product quality. Our findings suggest that applying bounded rationality to issues in remanufacturing may yield new insights into the determinants of product design and quality management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have addressed the organizational performance among various industries; however, it is rarely addressed in food industry of Thailand. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the role of customer orientation and product quality management in organizational performance. Previous studies have not addressed organizational performance with a combined effect of customer orientation and product quality management including the mediating role of repurchase intention. Hence, this study also examined the mediating role of repurchase intention. A questionnaire survey is carried out to collect data from employees working in food related companies of Thailand. Statistical tool is employed to analyze the collected data. Results of the study reported that customer orientation and product quality management have influential role in operational performance of food industry and customer repurchase intention is mediating the relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production execution system is designed and constructed to achieve intelligent inspection of product quality and information management of energy conservation and emission reduction in intelligent factories. In this study, big data and business intelligence (BI) data are applied to analyse and standardise the production process, and a low-carbon economic visualisation platform is designed. The research results show that the application of big data technology in intelligent factory quality management and low-carbon economy visualisation platform can make up for the lack of objectivity of product quality management, and realise the visualisation of low-carbon economy data index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigates the role of national culture on the implementation and effectiveness of quality management practices. Specifically, the authors examine the dual roles of two of Hofstede's national culture dimensions (individualism and indulgence) in driving the implementation of people management practices and in moderating the relationship between people management and product quality performance. Design/methodology/approach: The authors' dataset combines a survey of 976 firms from 22 countries with Hofstede's national culture index. A multi-level analysis, at firm and country levels, is used for investigating the interplay between two dimensions of national culture (individualism and indulgence) on people management practices and product quality performance. Findings: The authors' findings show the negative relationship between indulgence (at country level) and people management practices (at firm level) while individualism (at country level) strengthens the relationship between people management and product quality performance (at firm level). Furthermore, the finding shows that the joint interaction between individualism and indulgence (at country level) moderates the relationship between people management and product quality performance (at firm level) where the relationship is strongest when individualism is high and indulgence is low. Practical implications: Understanding the interplay between national culture and management practices is important for managers in making decisions on the practices managers should implement under different cultural contexts to gain the expected outcomes. Originality/value: The authors' results challenge the universalist view that suggests that quality management practices (in this case people management practices) can be applied in any context effectively to achieve high product quality performance by showing that facets of national culture influence the implementation and effectiveness of people management practices and performance. The results also provide a fresh perspective on the role of indulgence, given that it is the newest dimension in Hofstede's framework. The authors also extend previous studies which commonly only examine the main and not interactive effects of different dimensions of national culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to study the problem of product quality management of Industry 4.0 in transborder markets. Humanity lives in the age of the end of the Third, digital, revolution, which started in the second half of the 20th century. Its specific features include the development of Information and Communication Technology and automatization and robotization of the production processes. The specific features of Industry 4.0 are fully automatized productions, at which the management of all processes is conducted in real-time and in view of the changing external conditions. Cyberphysical systems can be used to create virtual copies of the real-world objects, manage physical processes, and make decentralized decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigated the microbial community in Kantuan‐sliced chicken during retail storage at different temperatures (4 ± 1°C and 25 ± 1°C). Compared with the samples stored at 25°C, a lower storage temperature (4°C) could prolong the shelf life of Kantuan‐sliced chicken, as revealed by a lower change rate in pH value, total volatile basic nitrogen, and total viable counts. For the freshly prepared chicken sample, the microbial community was mainly dominated by the genus of Psychrobacter (71.67%), which is a member of Moraxellaceae family. During refrigerated storage, the genus of Brochothrix (belonging to Listeriaceae family) occupied the dominant position with a relative abundance at a level of ≥50% throughout the whole storage period, accompanied by the phenomenon that Psychromonas ranged from 12.32% to 22.54%. In the 25°C group, the samples presented rich microbial diversity. Enterococcus, Fusobacterium, Maccoroccus, and Lactococcus were the main components of the microbial community in the middle and late stages of storage. The microbial community of Kantuan‐sliced chicken was quite sensitive to storage temperature. The results indicated that the spoilage bacteria of refrigerated samples were mainly composed of Gram‐positive bacteria when compared to the samples stored at 25°C. It seems that the combination of low storage temperature with preservatives for Gram‐positive bacteria would be useful for Kantuan‐sliced chicken. Novelty impact statement: Kantuan‐sliced chicken is a popular food product (ready‐to‐eat food) in middle China, which is easy to deteriorate. This study clarified the microbial community diversity and dynamics in the Kantuan‐sliced chicken during storage at 4°C and 25°C to solve the unclear spoilage process. Our results extend the understanding of microbial spoilage of Kantuan‐sliced chicken and provide valuable microbial management information for both researchers and the food industry, which is helpful for further improving product quality management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermentation is one of the oldest methods to assure the safety and quality of foods, and to prolong their shelf life. However, a successful fermentation relies on the correct kinetics depending on some factors (i.e., ingredients, preservatives, temperature, inoculum of starter cultures). Predictive microbiology is a precious tool in modern food safety and quality management; based on the product characteristics and the conditions occurring in food processing, the inactivation of or increase in microbial populations could be accurately predicted as a function of the relevant intrinsic or extrinsic variables. The main aim of this study was the optimization of the formula of a smoked fermented fish product using predictive modeling tools (tertiary and secondary models) in order to define the role of each factor involved in the formulation and assure a correct course of fermentation. Product optimization was conducted through the software Food Spoilage and Safety Predictor (FSSP), by modeling the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as a function of some key parameters such as temperature, pH, salt, liquid smoke, carbon dioxide, and nitrites. The variables were combined through a fractional design of experiments (DoE) (3k-p), and the outputs of the software, i.e., the maximal growth rate (μmax) and the time to attain the critical threshold (tcrit), were modeled through a multiple regression procedure. The simulation, through FSSP and DoE, showed that liquid smoke is the most critical factor affecting fermentation, followed by temperature and salt. Concerning temperature, fermentation at 20–25 °C is advisable, although a low fermentation temperature is also possible. Other parameters are not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital transformation at Russian auto plants is analyzed in terms of corporate standards for product quality management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper combines the digital twin system modeling method to conduct an in-depth study and analysis of graph-theoretic combinatorial optimization. This paper provides new ideas and approaches for optimal numerical analysis work by studying the digital twin modeling method that integrates digital modeling and graph theory combination, provides theoretical support for safe, stable, and economic operation of the system, proposes a solution for digital twin model based on big data platform, focuses on the nearest neighbor propagation (AP) and graph theory combination, solves the digital twin real-time monitoring data asynchronous, incomplete problem, and applies the algorithm to the digital twin model based on the big data platform for data preprocessing to achieve better results. This paper also presents a web-based digital twin system based on intelligent practical needs, analysis, and comparison of existing models, combined with digital twin technology, detailing the differences and connections between the various levels of numerical analysis and the implementation of this data in various fields, such as user management, equipment health management, product quality management, and workshop 3D navigation and detailed modeling of the digital twin system based on this numerical analysis to realize remote online monitoring, analysis, and management. In this paper, for the numerical analysis process, firstly, the key technologies of modeling and simulation operation control of production line based on digital twin are studied, and the rapid response manufacturing system based on a digital twin is designed and validated. Secondly, a scheduling technology framework for capacity simulation evaluation and optimization is established, and batching optimization, outsourcing decision, and rolling scheduling techniques are thus proposed to form a batching optimization algorithm based on priority rules, which realizes batching processing, outsourcing decision, and rolling scheduling of production orders to optimize equipment utilization and capacity. Finally, digital twin-based modeling is designed, and the validation results demonstrate the system's superior performance in achieving information interaction between physical and virtual production lines, optimization of numerical analysis, and display of results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses how implementing more than one quality management system (QMS) can increase success in project portfolios. Topics covered include when to have more than one QMS, the advantages to having more than one QMS and the challenges to consider when taking such approach to quality management. It also discusses benchmarking quality systems and the key elements that affect QMS performance in projects.

Nowadays, in the global market products and services need to have factors that exceed expectations if the manufacturer wants to be one of the leading market players, and they have to fulfill all the basic and customer requirements. Very often there is a large percentage of working time which is wasted in communication in order to clarify misunderstandings, correct mistakes, and sometimes reorganize improper work activities. To avoid these losses, more time has to be spent on analyzing and planning to meet customer requirements. The QFD method is a comprehensive method for quality planning and management in the product creation process. This why it is necessary to perform systematic monitoring and measurement in all processes, primarily on the basis of set goals in terms of time, costs and product quality. The paper presents the use of the QFD method to improve the existing product, a device for automatic pressure adjustment in car tires. According to the QFD methodology, all participants are provided with a system analysis in the realization of products through four phases, from customer requirements to all definitions of the work process. Also, the goal is to achieve a reduction in the number of work instructions. The fourth matrix shows key processes with performance and graded significance. These are processes that require special attention during production design, in order to improve a product and make it meet customer expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]