An investigation of the effect on lead time of the reduction of transfer batch size and the elimination of the worst case values of shop floor variables

• Grant number: 16/08971-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: February 17, 2017
• End date: February 16, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Production Engineering - Production Management
• Principal Investigator: Moacir Godinho Filho
• Grantee: Moacir Godinho Filho
• Host Investigator: Sunil Chopra
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Northwestern University, Evanston, United States

Abstract

Modern manufacturing management approaches, such as Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma, focus its effortson eliminating/reducing variability and mean values of shop flor variables such as set up time and repair time. The main goal of this research is to investigate situations when investing in eliminating the worst case value of such variables are a better decision than investing in reducing the mean and variability. In addition, this research will also investigate the effect of transfer batch size on lead time. A simulation model using System Dynamics-Factory Physics will be used to investigate such questions. In the present research, this simulation model, created by the proponent of the present research, will be extended to incorporate the uncertainty that characterizes the continuous improvement initiatives in practice. The research will be developed at Northwestern University (USA), under the supervision of professor Sunil Chopra, one of the world´s most respected and recognized researchers in the Operations Management/Supply Chain Management field. (AU)