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The purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology that may aid in assessing ecological quality multi‐trait screening through the use of simple and robust tools while exerting minimal effort in conducting trials and interpreting results.

Response data for two popular site‐monitoring environmental indicators, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), are arranged by implementing an 8‐run saturated orthogonal array proposed by Taguchi. Unreplicated data consolidation is performed through the Super‐Ranking translation. This permits converting the two eco‐traits to a single master response which becomes much easier to manipulate statistically. Distribution‐free multi‐factor contrasting provides the data reduction engine to filter‐out non‐active eco‐design variables for a waste treatment unit in a large dairy‐products plant.

Environmental quality improvement is achieved by accumulating structured eco‐data sets through an unreplicated‐saturated L₈(2⁷) Taguchi design. Concurrent minimization of the two selected eco‐responses, COD and BOD, promotes in a statistically significant fashion the quantity of incoming wastes, set at its minimum load, as the sole active eco‐factor.

Brief but robust experimentation is exploited in gaining information about the phenomenological behavior of environmental quality indicators, namely COD and BOD, in facilities that manage wastewater treatment. Design for environment is enforced through standard DOE planning schemes. Collected multi‐metric eco‐quality data are translated non‐parametrically in an easy‐to‐comprehend manner that requires no assist from software aids while bypassing more statistical intensive techniques which may demand involvement of more experienced personnel. The methodology is accessible to any level of statistical competence seamlessly intertwined to optimization demands for rapid inference needs.

The method mixes up three distinctive “design‐and‐analysis” elements in order to provide optimal solution in a design‐for‐environment project. The sampling capabilities of Taguchi's orthogonal arrays in concert with Super‐Ranking transformation fuse multi‐eco‐characteristics to a single easy‐to‐handle master unitless eco‐response. Order statistics tables recently published in terms of true probabilities have been adopted for supplying the proper cutoff points to be utilized for gauging against observed rank sums for an 8‐run orthogonal array screening. Quality managers and environmental engineers who contribute routinely to continuous eco‐improvement projects in their Total Environmental Quality Management (TEQM) program may find this approach attractive and viable en route to a typical industrial pollution prevention control deployment.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study on endorsing process improvement in maritime operations by implementing design of experiments on Lean Six Sigma performance responses. It is demonstrated how process efficiency and environmental muda may be dealt with simultaneously in a lean‐and‐green project driven by hardcore Six Sigma tools.

A 16‐run Taguchi‐type orthogonal design was employed to gather data for vessel speed (VS), exhaust gas temperature (EGT) and fuel consumption (FC) as modulated by a total of 15 controlling parameters synchronously. Active dependencies were inferred based on the desirability analysis method on direct process data from a performance log. This log was maintained for a long‐term monitoring during sea voyages of a double skin bulk carrier of 55,000 DWT while in sea service.

A high composite desirability value was achieved eclipsing the 0.90 mark. Values well over the 0.9 level were also obtained for the three examined individual desirability values of VS, EGT and FC. Leading controlling parameters were discovered to be compressor pressure, fuel pump index, slip, governor index and MIP.

A Lean Six Sigma project is carried out to improve performance characteristics in ordinary maritime operations. While the company in the case study outlined in this article no longer relies on periodic inspections to determine machinery conditions, improvement on key process characteristics were nevertheless deemed worthy of ameliorating. Information retrieval from computerized continuous monitoring systems assisted in conducting experimental designs in order to obtain optimal performance. Specifically, the tuning of vessel main engine running mode was examined aiming at increasing the quality levels of output power to the shaft along with a reduction of NOx emissions.

This work adds an interesting paradigm in the critical field of maritime activities for processes in full gear while operating at sea. Maritime operations are an imperative necessity when expediting international trading transactions. It is the first time that such a case study has emanated from a real pilot Lean Six Sigma project which interlaces process efficiency enhancement with concurrent environmental muda reduction.

The purpose of this paper is to extend the existing dimensions of product quality to cover ecological phenomena. It proposes adding a new dimension – environmentally friendly – to the existing dimensions of product quality in order to help solve environmental issues.

The main focus of the literature review is on product quality dimensions. The authors discuss each dimension separately to clarify whether there is any consideration given to producing environmentally friendly products which can directly contribute to product quality dimensions. The population of this study was chosen from consumers, since their demands and expectations play a significant role in producing green products. A stratified sampling method was used and the sample size was selected according to the Morgan table of sampling. Factor analysis was conducted on the collected data to determine the underlying factors of product quality.

The results indicate that consumers are more concerned about environmental issues in recent decades, and they responded that environmentally friendly is an important part of a product along with other dimensions of product quality which should be considered by manufacturers and producers.

This research is one of the first studies which explores consumers’ opinions on the demand side to examine environmentally friendly capability as a new dimension of product quality.