PurposeTo represent the effect of ‘human factors in total quality management (TQM) environment’ in terms of a single numerical index by considering their inheritances and interactions.Design/methodology/approachVarious human factors affecting the TQM culture in an organization are identified and discussed for the sub factors affecting them. These factors are interacting with each other and their overall effect helps an organization in attaining TQM enabled needs. The paper attempts to represent the overall effect of human factors quantitatively by developing a mathematical model using graph theoretic approach. In this approach, interaction among identified human factors is represented through digraph, matrix model and a multinomial.FindingsThe extent of human aspects present in an organization, conducive to TQM culture is represented in terms of the “human index”. It provides an insight into the human factors at system and subsystem level. The developed procedure may be useful for self‐analysis and comparison among organizations.Research limitations/implicationsSince, human behaviour is difficult to predict, so are the human factors. The paper considers general factors, which may vary depending on type of organization, size of organization and geographical location. There is a scope of research in factor specific organizations.Practical implicationsIt provides a useful methodology for organizations to assess human aspects and improve upon therein. Procedure for stepwise application of methodology is given with example that may help an industry to implement it.Originality/valueThe paper attempts to quantify the intangibles through systematic approach and is of value to industries to improve upon their work environment.

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A power plant manager has to minimize operation and maintenance (O&M) expenses while ensuring the reliability, safety, and security of supply in order to remain competitive in the global market. The performance of a steam power plant (SPP) is a function of its basic structure (i.e., layout and design), availability (maintenance aspects), operation ef ciency (trained manpower), safety and security, and other regulatory aspects. Understanding of its structure will help in the improvement of performance, design, maintenance planning, and so on. A mathematical model using the graph theory and matrix method is developed to evaluate the performance of a coal-based SPP. Detailed methodology for developing a system structure graph (SSG), various system structure matrices, and their permanent functions are described for the boiler of an SPP (a macro level system). Structural interconnections between six systems of boiler are considered for developing an SSG of a boiler. To carry out complete structural modelling and analyses of the boiler, system structure graphs of its six systems and their subsystems are presented. A top-down approach for complete analysis of any system is also given.This method can be extended further for modelling a complete SPP by incorporating a turbogenerator macro system and its subsystems, thus converting real-life SPP from a block diagram into a mathematical model for analysis and synthesis of a power plant from different perspectives.

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