Inspection strategy (IS) is a key component impacting quality costs. Although often considered an inflexible output of initial quality plans, it may require revisions given the dynamic quality situation of the manufacturing system. It is from this background that the present study aims to model and compare different IS based on the cost of quality (CoQ) approach for a case study in the automotive manufacturing industry. While many computational inspection strategy models (ISMs) are available in the literature, most of them face application challenges and struggle to incorporate real-world data. The present study addresses this gap by developing a model that not only represents a real testing station in a manufacturing line but also uses historical production data. Additionally, in relation to model inputs, this study explores the challenges and opportunities of acquiring reliable quality cost estimates in the Industry 4.0 context. Among the main contributions of this work, the developed CoQ-based ISM can be used as a decision-making aiding tool for inspection revision and improvement, while conclusions about quality cost data collection in the industrial digitalization context can help advance the CoQ approach in practice.

The problem of techno-economic approaches to evaluating energy transition pathways has been constantly reported in the literature. Existing research recognises the critical role played by social aspects in energy systems models. System dynamics (SD) has been pointed out among modelling techniques as a suitable tool to evaluate the interdisciplinary nature of energy transitions. This paper explores how energy system-related SD models have incorporated social aspects through a literature review. Models were assessed based on their geographical resolution, time horizon, methodological approach, and main themes: supply-demand, energy-economy-environment (3E), energy-transport, water-energy-food (WEF) nexus, and consumer-centric and socio-political dynamics. Social aspects considered include behaviour and lifestyle changes, social acceptance, willingness to participate, socio-economic measures, among others. As expected, the representation of social aspects was not standard among the papers analysed. Socio-economic aspects were most commonly included in supply-demand and 3E models. Energy-transport and WEF models mainly incorporated changes in travel and consumption habits, respectively. The last theme had a more diverse approach to social aspects that deserves further attention, especially for energy access and justice issues. Other research lines include modelling approaches combination, enhanced participatory and transparent processes during model development, and use of SD models in policy-aiding and stakeholders’ information processes.