Purpose: This study aims to investigate the combined application of 5 Why and E-FMEA for evaluating of gluing technology, its quality and waste management. Methodology/Approach: The research adopted a technical paper. The method of analysing the basic stages of gluing machine parts. Negative impact on the environment is described using algorithms, the Ishikawa diagram, 5 Whys, and 5W2H implemented from the area of quality management. Findings: The study revealed significant influences and analyses of errors during the manufacturing, minimising of hazardous waste from gluing. The study revealed, based on an employee survey, the impacts and analysis of errors during production, the minimisation of hazardous waste from gluing, and pointed out the effectiveness of teamwork. Research Limitation/Implication: Focusing on the production with material gluing may not fully represent the environmental impact of production on environment. Originality/Value of paper: This paper contributes to the limited literature using in the area of influence of gluing technology on the environment. Category: Technical paper
Purpose: This work aims to apply the DMAIC methodology to solve a problem of paint rework on buckets during the storage process at a heavy machinery company in the South of Rio de Janeiro. Methodology/Approach: The technical procedures adopted for the research are based on the case study approach. This methodological classification allows for an in-depth and detailed investigation of a singular case. Findings: With this solution, we were able to reduce rework and consequently cut the costs of re-painting parts, which can also be highlighted as the main applied contribution of this work, since these results can support other companies that will go through the same process. Research Limitation/Implication: It is important to note that there was not enough time to collect results after implementing the device. For future research, it is suggested that the company continue to invest in continuous improvement processes, using methodologies with different approaches. Originality/Value of paper: The need to avoid painting rework, due to the associated costs, highlights the importance of the structured approach proposed. Data analysis showed that more than 40% of the buckets produced by the company had paint scratches, generating 63 hours of rework and a cost of R$ 124,988.51. Research
Purpose: The article proposes an approach to estimating the process sigma level based on information from statistical process control or process capability analysis. Methodology/Approach: The z-score for each critical-to-quality characteristic and for the overall process is estimated from the data obtained in statistical process control or process capability analysis. Findings: The proposed procedure for estimating the sigma level offers several advantages over the traditional method. Research Limitation/Implication: We assume that each critical-to-quality characteristic is linked to only one type of defect opportunity, which can result in only one defect of that type on a single unit. We only consider continuous, normally distributed, and nominal critical-to-quality characteristics with two possible values: non-defective and defective. Originality/Value of paper: The proposed procedure enables us to use information from statistical process control and process capability analysis to estimate the process sigma level and provides additional valuable insights into the process.
Purpose: To address the growing gap between Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance expectations and the practical capacities of consulting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Methodology/Approach: Conceptual review and comparative analysis of leading governance regimes and standards, followed by mapping to enterprise risk management models commonly used to manage organisational risks. Findings: The paper shows that consulting SMEs face compounded barriers (limited compliance capacity, data constraints, cultural resistance, algorithm aversion, and regulatory uncertainty) that make comprehensive governance unrealistic. It derives a modular governance blueprint that supports gradual implementation aligned with quality management and risk appetite. Research Limitation/Implication: The blueprint requires operationalisation into checklists, templates, and measurable indicators and should be validated across multiple SME cases and AI use scenarios. Originality/Value of paper: The key contribution is translating heterogeneous AI governance sources into a feasibility-first governance logic for SMEs, framed as a quality and trust enabler rather than a compliance-only burden.
Purpose: To analyse, from a comparative perspective, the factors that determine the effectiveness of environmental conservation and enforcement mechanisms, as well as their application in the case of the Gal & aacute;pagos Archipelago. Methodology/Approach: A comparative approach was used based on experiences from Asia, Europe, and Latin America, considering operational metrics, governance mechanisms, and enforcement systems. Findings: Effective conservation is based on three pillars: zoning with effort limits, multilevel governance, and precautionary enforcement mechanisms with adaptive management. Social legitimacy, meaningful participation, and the use of operational metrics are key factors in closing the gap between regulations and outcomes. The Gal & aacute;pagos emerges as a robust model by integrating zoning, biosecurity, and the regulation of tourism and fisheries through transparency and public monitoring. Challenges persist related to dependence on tourism, pressure from invasive species, and asymmetries in enforcement. Research Limitation/Implication: Structural challenges persist, related to dependence on tourism, pressure from invasive species, and asymmetries in enforcement. Originality/Value of paper: The paper proposes adjustments aimed at standardising precautionary thresholds, strengthening open data and audits, diversifying funding sources, and consolidating local technical capacities. Category: Conceptual paper
