Humberto Nuno Teixeira and Isabel Silva Lopes
This paper aims to propose a methodology to assist manufacturing companies in the implementation of condition-based maintenance (CBM) to their equipment. The developed methodology…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a methodology to assist manufacturing companies in the implementation of condition-based maintenance (CBM) to their equipment. The developed methodology intends to consider the use of sensors already installed on the equipment and, when required, to support the selection of sensors available on the market. Since CBM using sensors is not always feasible, the information gathered for the feasibility study of CBM implementation is also used to assign other maintenance strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the literature review, requirements and specifications were established for endowing the methodology with relevant and distinctive characteristics. The structure of the methodology and the associated steps were defined based on this information. Then, the methodology was validated and refined using a case study.
Findings
In the case study company, following the methodology and the respective steps, appropriate maintenance strategies were assigned to a selected manufacturing machine, considering information related to the failure modes with the most significant impact, and CBM was applied to a selected component for which the benefit outweighs the costs involved, using data acquired by sensors subsequently installed on the analyzed machine.
Practical implications
Due to its comprehensiveness, this methodology can contribute to make CBM implementation accessible to a high number of companies and encourage the application of a wide variety of monitoring techniques.
Originality/value
This new methodology can be easily integrated into a computerized maintenance management system and has the advantage of facilitating the collection, organization and standardization of technical knowledge required to support CBM implementation and define the most appropriate maintenance strategy systematically and automatically. It guides the prioritization of equipment and failure modes, and the decision-making regarding the selection of sensors and the allocation of maintenance strategies with the aim of reducing costs.
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There appears to be an ever‐insatiable demand from markets for organisations to improve their products and services. To meet this, there is a need to provide business process…
Abstract
Purpose
There appears to be an ever‐insatiable demand from markets for organisations to improve their products and services. To meet this, there is a need to provide business process improvement (BPI) methodologies that are holistic, structured and procedural. Therefore, this paper describes research that has formed and tested a generic and practical methodology termed model‐based and integrated process improvement (MIPI) to support the implementation of BPI; and to validate its effectiveness in organisations. This methodology has been created as an aid for practitioners within organisations.
Design/methodology/approach
The research objectives were achieved by: reviewing and analysing current methodologies, and selecting a few frameworks against key performance indicators. Using a refined Delphi approach and semi‐structured interview with the “experts” in the field. Intervention, case study and process research approach to evaluating a methodology.
Findings
The BPI methodology was successfully formed and applied by the researcher and directly by the companies involved against the criteria of feasibility, usability and usefulness.
Research limitations/implications
The paper has demonstrated a new knowledge on how to systematically assess a BPI methodology in practice.
Practical implications
Model‐based and integrated process improvement methodology (MIPI) methodology offers the practitioner (experienced and novice) a set of step‐by‐step aids necessary to make informed, consistent and efficient changes to business processes.
Originality/value
The novelty of this research work is the creation of a holistic workbook‐based methodology with relevant tools and techniques. It extends the capabilities of existing methodologies.
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Yousuf Al Zaabi, Jiju Antony, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes, Guilherme da Luz Tortorella, Michael Sony and Raja Jayaraman
Operational excellence (OpEx) is a proven philosophy focusing on continuous improvement in processes and systems for superior performance and efficiency. It plays a crucial role…
Abstract
Purpose
Operational excellence (OpEx) is a proven philosophy focusing on continuous improvement in processes and systems for superior performance and efficiency. It plays a crucial role in the energy sector, acting as a catalyst for safety, customer satisfaction, sustainability and competitiveness. This research aims to assess OpEx methodologies in Oman’s energy sector, examining methods, approaches, motivations and sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applies qualitative analysis methodology, involving interviews with 18 industry experts, from the energy sector in a sizeable energy country.
Findings
The analysis revealed a growing demand, particularly, in the oil and gas industry, driven by emerging business needs. Qualitative data analysis has identified 10 themes such as implemented methodologies, motivation drivers, deployment approaches, sustainability factors, benefits and challenges. Additionally, new themes emerged, including influencers to start OpEx, resource requirements, enablers for successful OpEx and systems.
Research limitations/implications
This research was limited to Oman and the findings drawn from Omani energy companies may have limited applicability to energy companies in other regions. Therefore, if these findings were to be used, the validation of the findings in relation to other countries should be conducted, to ensure the validity of the context and outcome.
Practical implications
These findings contribute to understanding OpEx dynamics in the Omani energy sector, offering valuable insights for effective utilisation and organisational goal achievement. Furthermore, the study offers valuable insights on how to effectively employ OpEx initiatives in the energy sector to achieve their goals and create value. It addresses the lack of knowledge, offers a framework for successful OpEx implementation, bridges the theory-practice gap and provides insights for optimal utilisation.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study on assessing OpEx methodologies in the energy sector, and therefore it serves as a foundation for many future studies. The study provides a theoretical foundation for the OpEx methodologies in terms of organisational readiness for successful OpEx implementation.
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Nimbus Awhina Staniland, Diane Ruwhiu and Kiri Dell
This paper argues for the inclusion of Indigenous research methodologies in diversity scholarship to (1) adequately account for and value the identity, lived experiences and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper argues for the inclusion of Indigenous research methodologies in diversity scholarship to (1) adequately account for and value the identity, lived experiences and concerns of Indigenous Peoples and (2) to enrich diversity theorising and scholarship by proposing new ways to think about and conduct research on difference, inclusion and belonging. We further highlight the roles non-Indigenous researchers can play in supporting Indigenous methodologies.
Design/methodology/approach
We introduce EDI readers to Indigenous research methodologies through explicating two Indigenous (Maori) methodologies from Aotearoa New Zealand and demonstrating points of convergence and divergence from existing methodologies evident in diversity scholarship.
Findings
The application of Eurocentric methodologies, including postcolonial approaches, can inaccurately theorise Indigenous experience through a Western lens compounding the ongoing impacts of colonialism. Conversely, drawing primarily from cultural knowledge and traditions, Indigenous methodologies place considerable value on people and place, relationships and relational accountabilities, each underpinned by an explicit intent to produce research with positive transformative potential for participant communities. Using Kaupapa Maori and Mana Wahine research as examples, we highlight how elements of “resistance” aligns with critical theories, but the “difference” inherent in Indigenous methodologies enables a more authentic engagement with people and place that is critical to understanding issues of significance to Indigenous Peoples.
Originality/value
This paper addresses the lack of engagement with Indigenous research methodologies and priorities of Indigenous communities within diversity scholarship. We argue that Indigenous priorities make broader contributions to the diversity agenda by attributing deeper meaning to difference and resistance as enacted through the context specificity of the Indigenous world. We contend Indigenous methodologies illuminate unique perspectives and priorities that can make powerful contributions to broader discussions of equity, inclusion and belonging.
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Yaifa Trakulsunti, Jiju Antony, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes, Guilherme Luz Tortorella, Witsarut Chuayjan and Monika Foster
The aim of this study reported in this paper was to explore the application of operational excellence methodologies in a global context.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study reported in this paper was to explore the application of operational excellence methodologies in a global context.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative interview approach was used to understand the current state, benefits, challenges, success factors, tools and techniques of operational excellence methodology implementation with relevance to logistics companies worldwide. About 16 interviews were undertaken with practitioners working in leading companies and with leading academics in Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Australia.
Findings
The findings show that operational excellence methodologies including Lean, Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma and Agile can apply in logistics firms to improve operations and productivity and save costs. Top management support and involvement play an important role in the success of operational excellence projects in the logistics service.
Research limitations/implications
The findings will be of interest to top and middle managers and logistics practitioners, with a dual aim of improving logistics performance and saving costs.
Originality/value
The present study has been one of the first global study attempts to explore the implementation of operational excellence methodologies in the logistics sectors.
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This study sought to populate a concise set of guidelines for use of the case study research methodology and evaluate the adequacy with which the methodology has been used…
Abstract
Purpose
This study sought to populate a concise set of guidelines for use of the case study research methodology and evaluate the adequacy with which the methodology has been used previously within both the positivist and interpretivist domains of architectural research.
Design/methodology/approach
Firstly, the study set out to establish, from the literature, the nature of the case study methodology. Thereafter, a set of guidelines for adequate use of the methodology was populated. The study, then, proceeded to examine selected architectural research papers that had used the case study methodology in order to evaluate the adequacy with which they had used the methodology. The research papers were randomly drawn from two major architectural research journals publishing scholarly work within the positivist and interpretivist paradigms.
Findings
Within the interpretivist domain of architectural research, the study found that there might exist some inadequacy in the way in which the case study methodology has been used.
Originality/value
Despite the popularity of the case study methodology, there have only been limited scholarly attempts at developing a set of guidelines with which to evaluate the adequacy of its usage, particularly within the context of architectural research. This lack of a concise set of guidelines might lead to inappropriate usage of the methodology. This study sought to undertake a review of the usage of the methodology within architectural research with two objectives, namely, populating a concise set of guidelines for use of the methodology and evaluating the adequacy with which the methodology has been used previously.
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Reza Esmailzadeh-Shahri and Sassan Eshghi
Nonlinear dynamic analyses are employed for seismic collapse risk evaluation of existing steel moment frame buildings. The standards, such as ASCE 41-17, often define collapse…
Abstract
Purpose
Nonlinear dynamic analyses are employed for seismic collapse risk evaluation of existing steel moment frame buildings. The standards, such as ASCE 41-17, often define collapse thresholds based on plastic deformations; however, the collapse process involves several factors, and plastic deformation is only one of them. An energy-based approach employs deformation and resistance responses simultaneously, so it can consider various factors such as excessive deformation, stiffness and resistance degradation, and low-cycle fatigue as cumulative damage for seismic assessment. In this paper, an efficient energy-based methodology is proposed to estimate the collapse threshold responses of steel moment frame buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
This methodology uses a new criterion based on the energy balance concept and computes the structural responses for different seismic hazard levels. Meanwhile, a pre-processing phase is introduced to find the records that lead to the collapse of buildings. Furthermore, the proposed methodology can detect failure-prone hinges with a straightforward probability-based definition.
Findings
The findings show that the proposed methodology can estimate reasonably accurate responses against the results of the past experiment on the collapse threshold. Based on past studies, ASCE 41-17 results differ from experimental results and are even overly conservative in some cases. The authors believe that the proposed methodology can improve it. In addition, the failure-prone hinges detected by the proposed methodology are similar to the predicted collapse mechanism of three mid-rise steel moment frame buildings.
Originality/value
In the proposed methodology, new definitions based on energy and probability are employed to find out the structural collapse threshold and failure-prone hinges. Also, comparing the proposed methodology results against the experimental outcomes shows that this methodology efficiently predicts the collapse threshold responses.
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Maria Koreti Sang Yum and Roger C. Baars
Research in critical disaster studies stresses the urgency to explore alternative ontological framings (Gaillard and Raju, 2022) that encourages researchers and practitioners…
Abstract
Purpose
Research in critical disaster studies stresses the urgency to explore alternative ontological framings (Gaillard and Raju, 2022) that encourages researchers and practitioners, especially Indigenous communities, to nurture spaces where Indigenous voices are well represented. It is imperative that research in the Pacific should be guided by Pacific research methodologies to maximize positive outcomes (Ponton, 2018) and break free from limited Eurocentric ideologies that are often ill-suited in Pacific contexts. Hazards in the South Pacific region have become more frequent and volatile. This has created a growing interest in the study of disasters in the region. However, current disaster studies in the Pacific are often problematic as they often fail to challenge the implicit coloniality of the discipline.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper will expand on these arguments, suggesting ways to overcome the limits of common Eurocentric research frameworks in disaster studies and to illustrate the significance and relevance of Pacific methodologies.
Findings
It is pertinent that critical disaster studies encapsulate Pacific worldviews and knowledge as valued and valid to reconstruct Pacific research. Decolonizing disaster research will ultimately liberate the discipline from limitations of its colonial past and allow for truly engaging and critical research practices.
Originality/value
This paper will illustrate and articulate how Talanoa, a pan-Pacific concept, could offer a more culturally appropriate research methodology to disasters, seen through a Samoan lens. Talanoa is an informal conversation that is widely shared among Pacific communities based on pure, authentic and real conversations which are crucial elements in building relationships with Pacific communities (Vaioleti, 2006).
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This research aims to examine the challenges of recruiting participatory action research (PAR) in managing innovation projects. An enhanced methodology based on PAR was developed…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to examine the challenges of recruiting participatory action research (PAR) in managing innovation projects. An enhanced methodology based on PAR was developed to mitigate the challenges related to recruiting PAR in managing innovation projects. The proposed methodology was evaluated by comparing it to established methodologies/frameworks such as Scrum, Design Thinking (DT) and The Lean Startup (TLS). The evaluation aimed to determine the advantages and limitations of the proposed methodology in managing innovation projects.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed enhanced methodology consists of eight steps, ranging from developing an understanding of the industry and business structure to learning and knowledge management. In addition, the enhanced methodology uses other techniques, such as Force field analysis and 12 boundary questions.
Findings
The research findings indicate that using the proposed methodology can improve the formalization of collaboration in PAR, enabling the organization to respond better to market changes. It helps define the project scope more clearly, encouraging innovation, addressing communication barriers and considering different worldviews and practical issues. Based on the findings, the proposed enhanced methodology could complement other methodologies/frameworks such as Scrum, DT and TLS.
Research limitations/implications
The current research adds to the existing literature by identifying the challenges of recruiting PAR in managing innovation projects. A deductive reasoning process was utilized because there is no comprehensive research concerning the challenges of recruiting PAR in managing innovation projects. On the other hand, the PAR 4-phase cycle has been reviewed and enhanced to manage innovation projects.
Practical implications
The proposed methodology was used in a new product development project. The case study was done on one of the payment service provider companies that design, develop and deploy a digital product for marketing, installation, repair and maintenance of electronic funds transfer at point of sale devices.
Originality/value
No research has yet sought to identify the challenges of using PAR in innovation project management (IPM). Identifying the challenges associated with applying PAR in the IPM and providing an enhanced methodology to mitigate the challenges could fill a gap in IPM studies.
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Alaa Mashan Ubaid and Fikri T. Dweiri
This research paper aims to develop and validate an enhanced business process improvement methodology (EBPIM) by integrating the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and…
Abstract
Purpose
This research paper aims to develop and validate an enhanced business process improvement methodology (EBPIM) by integrating the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) and the comprehensive business process management (CBPM) methodologies.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review and analysis were conducted to prove the novelty of the research approach and identify the similarities, differences, strengths and weaknesses of the DMAIC and the CBPM methodologies. The EBPIM was proposed based on the analysis results. Then, a focus group approach was used to evaluate and validate the methodology.
Findings
The EBPIM consists of nine activities: preparation, selection, description, quantification, modeling, enactment, improvement opportunities selection, analysis and improvement and monitoring. The proposed methodology adopted the systematic and structured process of the DMAIC methodology by having one tollgate between every two activities to check the progress and authorize the team to go to the next activity. At the same time, it has the ability of the CBPM methodology to enhance the interaction between human activities and business process management systems (BPMS).
Research limitations/implications
The EBPIM was evaluated and validated by a focus group of academic professors. However, the main limitation of the proposed methodology is that it is still theoretical and needs to be empirically tested. Therefore, future work will focus on testing the EBPIM in different industries and organization sizes.
Practical implications
From the theoretical perspective, the proposed methodology adds value to the knowledge in the scope of business processes improvement methodologies (BPIMs) by integrating the DMAIC and the CBPM methodologies. It takes advantage of and combines the strengths of the DMAIC and CBPM methodologies. From the practical perspective, the proposed methodology presents a valuable tool that can facilitate the organization’s mission to improve the areas that need improvement using a systematic improvement methodology that will effectively enhance organizational performance (OP).
Originality/value
The BPIMs literature analysis proved that most of the reviewed methodologies could not support all phases of the business process improvement (BPI) activities. It was concluded that integrating the DMAIC and the CBPM methodologies is a novel approach. The proposed methodology will enhance the efficiency of both methodologies, fill the gaps that may exist in both of them and lead to better results in terms of BPI.