Hierarchical model to design manufacturing systems applied to a metal-mechanic company

This paper describes the application of a model to design and manage the manufacturing process through an integrated system, using a Hierarchical methodology-by means of different aggregation and disaggregation stages with an appropriate time horizon. The hierarchical model obtained allows interfacing between the master schedule and the schedule of the orders. At each level of the hierarchical model some decisions have to be made in order to design the manufacturing system, but having a model that also takes into consideration the management of the system. To do this it is necessary to use aggregated information concerned with the level at which decisions are made. It is obtained from the database, which contains the information at the highest level of aggregation. This model has been applied to a metal mechanic company, that makes final products such as car washers, etc. The benefits of this approach for the company are addressed in this paper.     

Multi-level analysis of cultural phenomena: The role of ERPs approach to prejudice

Brain processes and social processes are not as separated as many of our Social Psychology and Neuroscience departments. This paper discusses the potential contribution of social neuroscience to the development of a multi-level, dynamic, and context-sensitive approach to prejudice. Specifically, the authors review research on event related potentials during social bias, stereotypes, and social attitudes measurements, showing that electrophysiological methods are powerful tools for analyzing the temporal fine-dynamics of psychological processes involved in implicit and explicit prejudice. Meta-theoretical implications are drawn regarding the social psychological modeling of social attitudes, and for the integration of social neuroscience into a multi-level account of cultural behavior.     

Application of an MRP matrix-based hierarchical planning model to a furniture company

This paper is concerned with the definition of a feasible master schedule for operations management, obtained through an integrated planning system, using a hierarchical methodology (by means of different disaggregation stages) with an appropriate time horizon for connection with the manufacturing requirements planning unit (MRP II). The hierarchical model obtained considers not only product aggregation into types, families and items but also resources aggregation, structure of products aggregation or bill-of-materials aggregation, as well as temporary aggregation. It allows the creation of a master schedule for an adequate time horizon, that can be used as an