1. An analysis of methods and techniques used for business process improvementEva Krhač Andrašec, Benjamin Urh, Matjaž Roblek, Tomaž Kern, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Background: More than 50 process-based approaches, methods, and techniques have been developed in recent decades to achieve more efficient operation of organizational systems. Due to increasingly rapid changes in the business environment, the question of which method or technique will have the most significant impact on increasing the organizational system’s competitive advantage is becoming increasingly important. Purpose: In the presented research, we focused on identifying methods and techniques often cited in the literature and most often used in practice as efficient for improving business processes. Methods: We prepared a 4-phase structured review of the available literature and supported the findings with survey research. Results and Conclusion: Based on the results, we designed a set of appropriate, most frequently used, and efficient methods and techniques for improving business processes. The completed research can serve as a starting point for answering the question about the appropriate methods and techniques for the chosen approach. In continuing the research, it would be reasonable to check other properties and the use of methods and techniques.
Keywords: business process management, business process improvement, approaches, methods, techniques
Published in DKUM: 13.08.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 4
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2. Usefulness of digital language resources in improving native language among adultsSuzana Žilič Fišer, Jani Pavlič, Ines Kožuh, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Important keys to effective communication are language competences, which can be
supported by using digital language resources. These usually assist the acquisition of a second
language, despite their potential for improving one’s native language. Our study was, thus, aimed at
raising awareness about the possibilities of improving the native language of an adult population
by using digital language resources for the Slovenian language. We conducted workshops, a survey
and, partly, semi-structured interviews with 124 participants. We examined whether the perceived
usefulness and ease of using digital language resources depends on age, education, self-assessed
language proficiency, and experience with language training. The analysis revealed that self-initiative
use of analogue language resources is related positively to using digital ones for seeking information,
improving language use, as well as for study or work. Moreover, self-assessed proficiency in language
was found to affect the perceived ease of using digital language resources. These findings may help
language professionals support developing language skills by using digital language resources and
preserving language in an adult population.
Keywords: digital language resources, native language, language improvement, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use
Published in DKUM: 27.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 6
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3. Simulation-based algorithm for continuous improvement of enterprises performanceJ. Pervaz, Nemanja Sremčev, Branislav Stevanov, Leo Gusel, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: The printing company’s process performance depends on the possibility of providing requested products and managing the existing constraints of fixed machine layouts and high setup times between different products. Process inefficiencies caused by these factors reflect on throughput, production times, and resource utilization. The changes that improve one part of the production system usually affect other parts, needing additional optimization, and it is very useful to test the feasibility of proposed solutions with simulation before implementation. This paper presents a new algorithm for continuous improvement of enterprises performance, combining the lean approach with cellular manufacturing, and simulation. The performance is observed in a way that a certain setup influences the system in its entirety, rather than on a specific part of that system. The results are presented through models developed within the production optimization phase, representing various ways in which the continuous improvement algorithm can unfold. Each of them comes with its advantages and disadvantages, all intending to create more efficient production processes that generate less production waste.
Keywords: printing process, lean management, product groups, manufacturing cells, simulation, continuous improvement
Published in DKUM: 10.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 8
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4. Perspectives in the beekeeping value chain : innovationand development in the northern region of ColombiaJalelys L. Leones-Cerpa, Martha Cuenca Quicazán, Juan F. Restrepo, Katherine Velandia, Eduardo Sánchez-Tuirán, Karina A. Ojeda, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Colombia and its regions have abundant botanical wealth and climatic conditions suitable for the development of beekeeping. The Caribbean region is promoting the practice of beekeeping as an activity with benefits to ecosystems, human health, and socioeconomic positioning. The objective of this research is to determine the state of beekeeping in the Colombian Caribbean region and the areas where it is necessary to make improvement actions. The methodology was carried out following bibliographic reviews in databases and government reports, and the surveys were applied through Google Forms. The main results showed the need for more regulations in beekeeping and derived products, the low development of value-added products in the Caribbean region, as well as few technologies for the management of apiaries and the genetic manipulation of bees. The surveys of beekeepers corroborated their perception of some of the areas in which the beekeeping sector requires research and development.
Keywords: Colombian Caribbean region, genetic improvement, honey, value-added products
Published in DKUM: 01.10.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 61
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5. Implementation of the digital sales channel in the coatings industryEva Krhač Andrašec, Marjan Senegačnik, Benjamin Urh, Tomaž Kern, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: The development process in the coatings industry can be shortened by digital transformation, and its costs can be reduced using a technical enabler. However, formulators need up-to-date and comprehensive data on existing and potential ingredients to develop the formulation. We were curious about how to supply formulators with data. The idea was that suppliers of ingredients provide data using the “common enabling technology”. We hypothesize that direct data entry compensates suppliers because they can shorten the sales process and increase sales. We used a survey to select key sales channels in the industry. Detailed process models were designed using structured interviews. We analyzed models using structural and operational indicators. Finally, we formed a new digital sales process and verified it. The results show that the digitally formatted sales process can be shortened by up to 32%. Simultaneously, more potential customers can be accessed using the common technology. Existing sales channels would not be closed down. Nevertheless, the digital sales channel is expected to prove its worth over time and gradually increase its share. The suppliers of ingredients can thus avoid a radical process transformation and the immediate integration of additional information technology into the company information system in such an evolutionary way.
Keywords: digital sales channel, process analyses and improvement, digital transformation, technical enabler, coatings industry, process simulation
Published in DKUM: 06.08.2024; Views: 103; Downloads: 10
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6. Engineering properties of tropical clay and bentonite modified with sawdustIsaac I. Akinwumi, Oluwapelumi O. Ojuri, Adebanji S. Ogbiye, Colin A. Booth, 2017, original scientific article Abstract: Construction engineers typically avoid the use of expansive soils as construction materials because they are usually difficult to work on and can cause structural failure. This research work investigates how the application of sawdust to tropical clay and bentonite influences their geotechnical properties in order to determine their suitability for use as landfill-liner materials for the effective containment of toxic substances from landfills. X-ray diffractometry, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to determine the mineralogical composition, oxide composition and microstructure, respectively, of the clay and the bentonite. A series of laboratory tests were conducted to determine the specific gravity, Atterberg limits, compaction, unconfined compressive strength and permeability characteristics of the clay and the bentonite for varying proportions of sawdust application. Generally, increasing the percentage of sawdust caused a reduction in its specific gravity, maximum dry unit weight and unconfined compressive strength, while it caused an increase in the optimum moisture content and permeability of the modified clay and bentonite. The clay and bentonite both have a sufficiently low permeability that satisfies the hydraulic conductivity requirement for use as clay liners. Eight percent sawdust application to a clay having similar properties as that in this study is recommended as an economic way of modifying it – with the potential of improving its adsorbent property – for use in landfill-liner systems in order to prevent the toxic substances leaching from the landfills, thereby protecting the environment and public health.
Keywords: geotechnical properties, hydraulic barrier, landfill, construction, soil improvement, sustainability
Published in DKUM: 18.06.2018; Views: 1112; Downloads: 155
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7. Analytical method for the analysis of stone-columns according to the Rowe dilatancy theoryBoštjan Pulko, Bojan Majes, 2006, original scientific article Abstract: In this paper a new analytical method to analyse the behaviour of rigid foundations stabilized by end bearing stone-columns is proposed. The stone column and the surrounding soil are treated in axial symmetric conditions as a unit cell. The stone column is assumed to behave as an Mohr-Coulomb rigid-plastic material with non-associative flow rule according to the Rowe stress dilatancy theory and the soil as an elastic material. These common assumptions, combined with equilibrium and kinematic conditions, lead to the simple analytical closed-form solution for the prediction of the behaviour for rigid footings resting on stone-column reinforced ground. The parametric study is presented to show the effect of dilatancy of the granular material on the deformations and stresses in the ground and its beneficial effect on settlement reduction. The results of the new method are compared with some already known analytical methods and some published field test results and observations.
Keywords: ground improvement, stone columns, ground settlements, dilatancy theory
Published in DKUM: 17.05.2018; Views: 1363; Downloads: 75
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8. Quality registers in professional health care educations : knowledge gaps and proposed actionsAnnika Nordin, Torie Palm Ernsäter, Bo Bergman, 2014, original scientific article Abstract: Background and purpose: The use of quality registers has increased rapidly in Sweden and they are identified as beneficial for health care competitiveness. A quality register is a structured gathering of patient information, to improve health care. However, the introduction of quality registers in health care organisations presupposes that employees know how to use them in quality improvement. Disconnections, or knowledge gaps, concerning quality registers hamper the possibilities to take advantage of them. Taking departure in professional health care educations, the purpose with the paper is to identify and explore knowledge gaps concerning quality registers. A second purpose is to propose actions to bridge the gaps.
Methodology/Approach: In 2012 50 semi-structured telephone interviews were completed and the material analysed in the search for knowledge gaps.
Results: Five knowledge gaps were found. Some professional health care educations teach improvement knowledge, but they have difficulties integrating quality registers as a resource in teaching. Quality registers do not sufficiently cooperate with professional health care educations and county councils do not generally include learning of quality registers in clinical placements/practicums.
Conclusion: Professional health care educations need forums where they can collaborate with others to jointly explore how learning of quality registers can be integrated. There are promising approaches.
Keywords: quality registers, quality improvement, health care
Published in DKUM: 22.01.2018; Views: 1171; Downloads: 167
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9. Managing IT services : aligning best practice with a quality methodMiha Kastelic, Peter Peer, 2012, original scientific article Abstract: Managing information technology services is becoming an increasingly difficult task. To support the management of IT services, different standards and methodologies have been developed. ITIL (short for IT Infrastructure Library) is the most commonly used best practice approach to effective IT Service Management to date. ITIL focuses primarily on what to do in order to ensure value of IT services, but it does not explain how to achieve this effectively. This shortcoming can be overcome by complementing the framework with other quality approaches to service management. In this context several methodologies are mentioned including the use of Six Sigma (6s) methodology. The statistical nature of the Six Sigma methodology enables us to analyze the vast amount of data gathered from the field of IT. Only after these value-based metrics are obtained can the overall health of the IT service be determined and the necessary improvement measures made. The aim of this paper is to analyze in detail the two approaches. We will establish a common link between them, with it the opportunity to complement ITIL with the Six Sigma methodology, and consequently set foundations for introduction of necessary measurable changes.
Keywords: IT service management, ITIL, Six Sigma methodology, DMAIC, continual improvement
Published in DKUM: 04.12.2017; Views: 1299; Downloads: 215
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10. Analiza komplementarne uporabe notacij BPMN, DMN in CMMN v orodju Camunda BPMJurij Valent, 2017, master's thesis Abstract: Osrednja točka magistrskega dela predstavlja dopolnjevanje standarda za modeliranje
poslovnih procesov BPMN z notacijama CMMN in DMN, pri čemer notacija CMMN služi
za upravljanje nestrukturirane aktivnosti v procesu, notacija DMN pa za upravljanje
odločitev (odločitvenih pravil) v poslovnem procesu. Osredotočamo se na celovit pristop k
modeliranju poslovnih procesov. Pregledali smo osnovne gradnike posameznih tehnik za
modeliranje poslovnih procesov in preverili, ali so gradniki, ki predstavljajo pristop
»Triple Crown Of Process Improvement«, v vizualnem konfliktu. Vso pridobljeno teorijo
smo prenesli v prakso in koncept »Triple Crown of Process Improvement« preizkusili v
orodju Camunda BPM, ki podpira ta pristop. Hkrati pa smo v strokovni literaturi preverili,
ali že obstajajo primeri uporabe »Triple Crown of Process Improvement«.
Keywords: DMN, CMMN, BPMN, CAMUNDA BPM, TRIPLE CROWN OF
PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
Published in DKUM: 27.10.2017; Views: 1522; Downloads: 218
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