Abstract

Abstract
Nowadays achieving sustainable development is a global concern. The issue of unsustainability can be related to population growth and excessive consumption of natural resources. To tackle these issues, several management tools and methodologies have been developed in the last years, to assess, analyse and improve the environmental and economic performance of production systems. This work presents an approach based value stream mapping in order to assess and improve energy efficiency, environmental performance and financial performance of a production system. The developed approach can be applied to any industry or production system, where all the unit processes involved are identified and the inputs/outputs of each unit system quantified and easily perceived. Key environmental performance indicators and the corresponding eco-efficiency ratios arise as outcomes of this approach, in which a Multi-Layer Stream Mapping (MSM) with visual management attributes is created.

Abstract

Abstract
Assessing eco-efficiency performance of a production system is of great importance, since such assessment enables one to make an informed decision concerning economic and environmental performance of elementary systems within industrial productions systems. The framework presented in this paper is based on the eco-efficiency principles and four cornerstones i) Data inventory, ii) Environmental performance evaluation, iii) Environmental impact assessment and iv) Cost models/Value data. The Eco-Efficiency Integrated Methodology for Production Systems (ecoPROSYS) approach relies on the use of a systematized and organized set of indicators easy to understand/analyse promoting continuous improvement and a more efficient use of resources and energy. The goal is to assess eco-efficiency performance in order to support decision and enable the maximization of product/processes value creation and minimization of environmental burdens. The methodology was applied to a Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) finishing line. The results of the study intend to validate the applicability of ecoPROSYS. The case study showed that the cutting and the feeding table have superior eco-efficiency performance while packing and sanding have lower eco-efficiency performance. The presented framework is a powerful tool that can be used to identify and quantify key variables, assess alternative scenarios, evaluate environmental aspects, environmental influence and assess unit processes and overall eco-efficiency performance. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier

Abstract
The aim of this research paper is to formulate a road map for implementation of lean techniques within SMEs product development (PD) teams, identifying barriers to change and explaining possible drivers for successful implementation. The research methodology necessary to develop the road map - the IPID cycle - is a combination of different approaches. It combines a literature review, an initial quantitative study with questionnaires, informal interviews and direct observation of companies' practices of five different manufacturing companies organised in a consortium. Like any other case study methodology, it suffers from generalisation issues, but we expect that the proposed road map is applicable whenever managers need to introduce changes inside their PD teams. Also, we found that a consortium arrangement can be highly positive to the implementation of the proposed road map. Finally, we found that the application of the road map to SMEs PD teams is somewhat different from big companies' implementations and discuss the observed particularities of these findings. Copyright © 2016 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

Abstract
Similitude theory is a branch of engineering science concerned with establishing the necessary and sufficient conditions of similarity among phenomena, and has been applied to different fields such as structural engineering, vibration and impact problems. Testing of sub-scale models is still nowadays a valuable design tool, helping engineers to accurately predict the behavior of oversized prototypes through scaling laws applied to the obtained experimental results. In this manuscript it has been reviewed the developments in the methodologies used to create reduced scale models as a design tool, including those based in the use of: dimensional analysis, differential equations and energetic methods. Besides, given their importance, some major areas of research were reviewed apart: impacted structures, rapid prototyping of scale models and size effects. At last, some topics on which additional efforts can be undertaken are highlighted.