It brings together all the knowledge (and related actions) aimed at implementing the latest principles for advanced, excellent and socially responsible management in companies. These principles are mainly based on well-known management models and standards, as the EFQM Model. Main specialities:

• Standardized Management Systems (Quality, Environment, LRP, RDI).
• Integration of Management Systems.
• Excellence in Management (EFQM).
• Corporate Social Responsibility.
• Processes: Management, Modelling, Optimization.
• Measuring the perception of stakeholders..

Experience:

• Organisation of 10 editions of the Andalusian Award for Excellence in Management.
• Organisation of 5 of the Awards for Quality Public Services and eGovernment.
• Coordinating more than 465 evaluation processes, 165 of them through the EFQM model.
• Presidency of the Spanish Association of development Centres of Excellence (CEX).
• Designing and implementing evaluation systems: ONDEVAS.
• Studies and research on Integrated Management Systems.
• Study of the implementation of CSR practices in 7 Andalusian companies.
• Benchmarking studies on best management practices.
• OPTIMIZE: evaluation and improvement in 10 Andalusian companies based on the EFQM model.
• Design, modelling and process improvement.

This area of specialisation includes the following lines:

• Methodologies for the development of Regional Innovation Strategic Plans and Innovation Sectorial Plans.
• Launch and Consolidation Strategies for clusters.
• Strategies for building technology infrastructure: Business and Technology Parks and Innovation and Technology Centres.
• Models for the creation of Innovation Networks, involving different key players in the System

Experience:

Since its participation in the first RIS (Regional Innovation Strategies) launched by the European Commission in the early 90s, IAT has worked on numerous projects in this area of ​​specialisation at regional, national and international levels. These are some of the most noteworthy projects:

• Technical Support for the Definition, Monitoring and Evaluation of Innovation Systems in the Region of Kujawy-Pomorze in Poland and Malta (European Commission. Framework Programme).
• Project for establishing Technology Innovation Centres in the Andean countries (CAF).
• OMEN: Impact Assessment of Regional Innovation Policies. Benchmarking at European level (European Commission. Framework Programme).
• Master Plan for Science Parks in Guanajuato (Mexico)
• RIS Tarapacá and RIS Antofagasta. Technical management of the Regional Innovation Strategy actions developed in these Chilean regions with the support of the Chilean government
• Other: Agro-Biotech Park in Gunajuato, Cartuja’93 Strategic Plan, Cludia Strategic Plan, RIS Coquimbo, Monterrey International City of Knowledge, Nayarit International City of Knowledge, Centre of Design in Venezuela, Tecnoemprende initiative, EURBEST, Andalusian Innovation Network, among other.

It includes actions aimed at enhancing and promoting the “creative spirit” in organizations in order to develop new products, processes and services as well as to improve the existing ones. Satisfying the customers’ needs, both external and inmates represents the ultimate goal. In order to achieve this goal, IAT trains companies in the use of group creativity techniques as key element for innovation and improving competitiveness.

Experience:

• Carrying out numerous workshops and seminars both openly and specifically adapted to companies.
• Creat-IAT Project: Implementation of methodology for solving problems through the use of group creativity techniques in the participating SMEs. In partnership with other technology centres in Spain and with the participation of 38 SMEs.
• Mediterranean Network of Creativity and Innovation Promotion canters, aimed at strengthening and enhancing the competitiveness of business and promoting the development of regional strategies that consider creativity as a key factor in the development of innovation. In partnership with 10 other organizations in different European Mediterranean regions (10 countries and eight regions) led by IAT, and with the participation of 100 SMEs. CreaMED Project.
• Crea-Business-Idea Business Creativity Virtual Cluster: implementation of mechanisms and work methodologies aimed at creativity as a basis for assessment of ideas that result in the creation of new enterprises and the consolidation and expansion of existing businesses. In a consortium of 7 institutions from Spain, France and Portugal.
• Publication of the Creativity in Business Guide (Spanish and English).

In a changing, uncertain environment innovation is particularly important as a mean of business differentiation and. In this scenario agility in decision-making is a key factor, as well as the skills of rapid response, flexibility and adaptation to new requirements and continuous learning.

Managing knowledge in an organization is imperative in order to increase their innovative capacity; that is why companies have been doing so for quite a long time, albeit with varying levels of awareness or effectiveness: Are efforts being invested in the critical aspects?

Experience:

• Design and delivery of different training activities on knowledge management.
• Participation in conferences and presentations both nationally and internationally. Awarded with the prize to the Best Article presented at the Ibero-American Symposium on Knowledge Generation, Communication and Management. 2009
• Carrying out technical assistance for companies applying the “knowledge management in processes.”
• Preparation of studies on knowledge management.
• Development of the guide for knowledge management in processes: “Innovation in SMEs. Four models, four solutions” (knowledge management chapter) and other scientific-technical publications.
• Participation in the specific group: AEN / GET 12 “knowledge management”. AENOR. 2007
• Design and development of the Knowledge Factory.
• IAT Chair (University of Seville) on Engineering and Knowledge Management.

With the ultimate goal of matching the profiles of workers with the business activity and strategic objectives, this area of ​​specialisation includes actions aimed at increasing the skills of the individuals within companies.

In addition to the Training service, which ranges from identifying the in the design, management, delivery and evaluation of the training activities, it can also be highlighted the actions towards the introduction of competencies/skills management in companies (elaboration of competencies catalogue, assessment and skill development plans), the design of competencies assessment strategies and the establishment, monitoring and evaluation of people development plans.

Experience:

Most significant studies and research projects:

• Design and development of a model for non-technical skill development through experiential actions based on cooperation and interaction among businesses, professionals, post graduates and unemployed persons. EUROPEAN COMPETENCIES SCHOOL (ESCUELA EUROPEA DE COMPETENCIAS).
• Design of a model and software development for the identification, management and enhanced competencies of SME workers. OCRE
• Development of a model for innovation management that integrates the competencies required for all actors involved in RDI business. COMPETINOVA
• Establishment of a unified model for non-traditional competencies that ought to be considered in students within the Bologna Process, according to the requirements of the European labour market. ERASMUS. MODES.

Main actions with organizations and companies:

• Design of the “Action Plan framework” for the competencies training and development as well as complementary activities that contribute to the successful implementation of the skill-based people development system. International University of Andalusia (UNIA).
• Adaptation of the IAT competencies management and development model for its implementation in the teaching and research personnel at the University of Cadiz. University of Cádiz (UCA).
• Workshop for the development of the administrative and service personnel based on professional competencies and support for its integration into the management system with an approach focused on processes. University of Seville (US).
• Workshop for the transfer of a people development model based on competencies that facilitates the obtaining of a methodology for assessing and developing professional competencies in Andalusian educational system. AGAEVE
• 7 editions of the training catalogue in competencies management for people development.
• Exclusive training for the Universities of Jaén, Córdoba, Cádiz and Huelva on the catalogue of competencies development and competencies assessment.

Publications:

• “Competencies Management in processes” Guide. 2007.
• “Competencies in people working at Hotels” Guide. 2010. Edition by CINNTA.
• “Competencies for R&D&i” Guide. 2009.

IAT develops different work lines in energy efficiency and renewable energies.Within each of these blocks, IAT develops activities in:

• Research: Participating in its own R&D projects and also in collaboration with other organizations. The energy performance modelling of complex systems allows IAT develop activities of quantification of the behaviour of mass and energy transfer. The knowledge of the methodology of Life Cycle Analysis applied to the field of energy efficiency and renewable energies can also provide innovative solutions.
• Innovation: Developing studies of technical and economic feasibility of different types of technologies, energy modelling and applications to support strategic or operational decision making. IAT also develops sectorial foresight studies that establish roadmaps for the implementation of policies aimed at improving energy efficiency in businesses, clusters, regions or countries.

• Standardization: Participating in different Technical Standardization Committees of AENOR, such as CTN 216-Renewable energy and climate change and CTN-206 Thermoelectric Systems. It also participates in sectorial platforms as SOLAR CONCENTRA or PLANETA, and participated in the adaptation of specific tools such as BREEAM or VERDE.

Experience:

Some of the main projects in the energy field in which IAT takes part are:

• EVALENER, aimed at improving energy management in 15 Andalusian SMEs through a diagnostic tool developed according to EN 16001-2010 standard.
• Feasibility study on the implementation of a heat and cold distribution net for energy supply in the expansion of the Technological Park of Andalusia.
• CICLOPE: analysis of environmental impacts of buildings throughout their life cycle in the quantifiable terms of energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
• GENERATION (Green Energy Auditing for a Low Carbon Economy), to develop an innovative methodology on simplified energy audit in public buildings efficiently
• Development of a back to back power converter based on active components of silicon carbide.

This area of specialisation includes the following work lines:

• Evaluation and improvement of the implementation of environmental policies
• Support organizations in the integration of technologies and best environmental management practices
• Evaluation, improvement and communication of product sustainability of organisations.

Experience:

IAT has been working with the Regional Government of Andalusia in the scope of the European Directive on Integrated Prevention and Control of Pollution. In this sense, IAT has worked on numerous projects at regional, national and international levels. Some significant projects are:

• MED-IPPC-NET: Network for strengthening and improving the implementation of the Directive on Prevention and Control of Pollution in the Mediterranean (MED Programme).
• BRAVE: Better Regulation by highlighting the Eco-Management and Environmental Audit Program (LIFE +).
• AGROENVIRONMED: techno-environmental platform for the food industry in the Mediterranean (MED Programme).
• SWICTH4FOOD: Services for comprehensive water management in the Food industry (CIP Program)
• EnerbuiLCA: Life Cycle Analysis of buildings (SUDOE Programme).
• OILCA: Environmental impact analysis of the production of olive oil over its life cycle (SUDOE Program).
• PLANET: Spanish Technology Platform on Environmental Technologies (INNFLUYE Program).
• BAT4MED: Promotion of Best Available Techniques in the Mediterranean partner countries (7^th Framework Programme).
• ETABETA: Promotion of joint environmental management in business in enterprises in productive areas (LIFE+ Programme).
• GO4EMAS: Promotion of Management Systems and Environmental Audit (EMAS) in European SMEs (CIP Programme).
• FÉNIX: Identification of environmental information life cycle in the management of waste through software tools and databases (LIFE + Programme).
• EcoDesign for Eco-innovation: The electric car case (SUDOE Program). Inclusion of the environmental variable in the design stage of the main components of the electric vehicle.

This area is aimed at the design and redesign and/or improvement of products and services. With this objective, it is used the philosophy of Value Management (VM) by applying a creative methodology that encourages innovation, based on a concept of functional and economic design. Its aim is to adjust the products to the needs of customers/users, incorporating only what the customer values ​​and eliminating anything that does not bring value.Experience:IAT has a team of people with extensive experience, certificates as PVM (Professional in Value Management) and TVM (Trainer in Value Management), official certificates with European recognition (according to requirements of EGB: Governing Board of the European Value Management Training and Certification System).

• In recent years, IAT has developed actions to improve more than 60 organizations from different sectors.
• Edition of 10 publications, and delivery of over 100 training activities at national and international level, with more than 1,100 students.

This area of specialisation includes the following lines:

• Design and Development: Conceptual, formal and/or functional design of products and processes. Design and development of components, assemblies, mechanisms, etc. Industrialization of products. 2D, 3D Modelling, parametric, solids, surfaces, complex surfaces, road maps, cuts, documentation, plans, manuals, etc.
• Analysis and simulation: Structural, linear and non-linear, static and dynamic, thermal, calculation of natural frequencies and vibration modes, computational dynamics, fluid, electromagnetism: high and low frequency, coupled physical Problems, virtual prototypes. Nanometrics: atomistic, molecular and granular.
• Tooling/Process: Design and development of tooling manufacturing, assembly, checking or testing of elementary or assemblies. Rheological analysis of injection moulding processes, including the definition of electrodes, partitions, seams, air, optimum injection, etc. Design, optimization and simulation of forming processes by stamping or hydroforming.
• CNC Programming: lathes, milling machines and machining centres (up to 5 axes). Simulation and optimization of machining, including kinematics of machinery/tools. Generation of post-processors.
• Process simulation: Analysis of production processes in order to improve production rates, resources, investments, stocks and bottlenecks.

Experience:

• Design, development and manufacture of lightweight structural elements for the manufacture of components and valid structural panels for aeronautical applications, based on the use of advanced joining technologies.
• Efficient association of the different phases and structure of the Life Cycle of products and their needs with existing CAx computer technologies (CAD, CAM, CAE, CAPP, RE, VR, CAT, RP & T, CAT & M, SCM, PDM, … ), satisfying the identified needs.
• Design and development of digital manufacturing specific procedures in order to optimize the use of these technologies in digital manufacturing in the aerospace sector, increasing manufacturing capacity, by ensuring a better profitability of the resources.
• Design and development of a measuring integrated three-dimensional system integrated in machines – generic tools with numerical control.
• Design and development of a lift for disabled people for the railway sector.
• Development of an advanced electric vehicle charging systems from the railway power grid.
• Comprehensive study on friction mechanisms associated with different conditions of pedestrian traffic.
• Real-time verification system during the machining process of the final dimensions and geometric resistances of the part in process.

IAT operates in this area through its operation centre specialized in this field, the Centre for the Promotion of Logistics in Andalusia (CPLA). Although actions are performed in all product lines of the Institute, some works can be highlighted, such as

• Evaluation and Logistic Diagnosis
• Warehouse Management (see Assessment and Improvement).
• Intralogistics (improvement of the flow and traceability of parts)
• Analytical logistics (inventory policy design, system design, planning and heuristic calculation for planning systems).
• Actions aimed at training and skill increasing and skills of people

Experience:

Some significant projects:

• Lean application to improve logistics processes in the aviation sector. Optimizing the flow of information and materials in the aviation sector through Performance Improvement in key processes of the supply chain by eliminating wastages and establishing KPI (Regional Government of Andalusia).
• Influence of the distribution and transport in the cleaner and more efficient eco-development of food products. Analysis of logistics processes operating at the stage of distribution and transport of a food product by searching in the planning possibilities of increased efficiency (Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spain).
• Design of an optimization model for school tranport with a multicriteria approach. Development of an optimization model of transport routes with a multicriteria approach: operational efficiency, energy saving, possibility of multiple centres of destination, etc. (Regional Government of Andalusia).
• Evaluation and improvement of logistic management in companies (MEJLOG and E-MEJLOG).
• Design of a recognition and characterization scheme for logistic parks in Andalusia.
• Development and validation of a model for Logistics Management System.
• Actions for the promotion of logistics in Andalusia.

The competitiveness of markets and advances in technology bring about increasing demands on the specifications associated with the products. To ensure compliance with these requirements it is necessary for the organization to carry out proper measurement processes in its facilities, to have suitable measuring equipment and also sufficiently trained staff for these tasks.

It is in this triple point where the actions from this area of specialisation are linked in order to increase the competitiveness of organizations with the efficient performance of its metrological activities.

Experience:

• National leader in evaluation of metrological management, with over 100 organizations assessed and a total of 130 evaluations.
• Over 1,000 hours of training in the subject.
• Active participation with speakers and coordinators of tables in Spanish and Andalusian Congresses on Metrology.
• In terms of information spreading: 7 publications and numerous scientific and technical articles.
• Member of the 82 Technical Standardization Committee of AENOR and member of the Metrology Committee of the Spanish Association for Quality.