Application of the quick scan audit methodology in an industrial filter production process

Abstract

The quick scan audit methodology (QSAM) is an established investigative tool to assess the health of business processes and supply chains within short schedules. This study extends the standard QSAM procedure to include the simulation step. It also extends the QSAM to a wider industry platform by applying it into the precision mechanical engineering industry, where managers have been under competitive pressure to reduce an industrial filter production lead time. Following a review of the relevant literature, this paper presents the research design adopted in the study. The QSAM has been conducted using various data collection techniques (such as observations, process activity mapping, interviews, questionnaires, brainstorming and access to company documents) and data analysis methods (including cause and effect analysis, Pareto analysis and time series plot). This is followed by the development of a set of improvement strategies, namely, direct information sharing, priority planning, and additional data recording and analysis. In addition to testing the potential benefits of changing scheduling approaches for the paint plant, simulation has been utilized in this study as a communication means to increase employee participation in the QSAM process and enhance the audit accuracy. It has also provided the case company with a better understanding of the behaviour and characteristics of the system under study, thus facilitating more thoughtful decisions to improve the system. The paper concludes with further research opportunities derived from this study.

Keywords:

• Quick scan audit methodology
• production lead time
• simulation
• precision mechanical engineering industry

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Biao Yang

Dr. Biao Yang is a senior lecturer in Operations Management at the Univeristy of Sussex, UK. He received his PhD in manufacturing engineering from Loughborough University, UK. He has published in journals such as European Journal of Operational Research, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, International Journal of Operations and Production Management and International Journal of Production Research. His main research interests are supply chain management, service operations management and stochastic models for inventory and production.

Annabelle A. Obeng Frimpong

Annabelle Akosua Obeng – Frimpong holds an MSc in Operations Management, Logistics and Accounting from Newcastle University, UK with the Best Dissertation award and a First Class Honors for BSc in Business Administration-Banking and Finance from Central University College, Ghana. She is a certified strategic auditor and master professional auditor, and a member and Fellow of the Global Academy of Finance and Management. She has worked and carried out prestigious projects with leading firms in Ghana and the UK. Her professional background and research interest spans across customer service, warehouse management, account and treasury management, strategic and internal audit, operations and performance management innovations.

Ying Yang

Dr. Ying Yang is a senior lecturer in Newcastle Univeristy Business School, Newcastle University, UK. She received her PhD in operations management from the University of Ulster, UK. She has published in journals such as the International Journal of Production Research, Supply Chain Management: an International Journal and International Journal of Logistics Management. Her main research interests are e-commerce, operations management and strategy, supply chain management and performance management.

Lana Liu

Lana Yan Jun Liu is a lecturer in Accounting and Finance at Newcastle University Business School, Newcastle University, UK. Prior to her lecturership, she worked as an external auditor for Price Waterhouse (Hong Kong) and Ernst and Young (UK), respectively and as a group accountant and finance manager in multinational listed companies in Singapore. Her research interests are in applications of contemporary management and accounting innovations, management control and performance management systems, technology incubation, and journal ranking and research management in UK universities. She has good track record of obtaining research fundings in the UK and China and completing doctoral students on time under her supervision.