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Article
Publication date: 26 August 2020

Ahmed Deif and Ahmed Mohib

This paper aims to explore a new model to manage small and medium enterprise (SME) clustering process that examines the geographical connectivity conditions within the existing…

242

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore a new model to manage small and medium enterprise (SME) clustering process that examines the geographical connectivity conditions within the existing theories on agglomeration. The presented work explores the dynamics governing the decisions related to both the duration and frequency of the different forms of these new clusters.

Design/methodology/approach

A clustering configurator tool is developed to assist managers for the best temporary cluster model. The configurator considers aspects related to the market, industry and classical clustering requirements as well as social capital (SC). Finally, the performance of various temporary clusters under different demand scenarios and operational conditions are studied using numerical simulation.

Findings

The results examined the performance of the new clusters under various internal and external defining indicators against potential economic growth, technology spillover and the new metric of SC. The results offered interesting observations suggesting various recommendations to promote these new models to SMEs as well as how to better manage them.

Research limitations/implications

The presented results are understood in the context of the suggested settings of relationships and scoring weights.

Practical implications

The new form of clusters will help SMEs overcome the feasibility challenge when considering re-locating to existing clusters while reaping many of these clusters benefits. Furthermore, different recommendations for management aimed at enhancing clustering decisions and the efficiency of SMEs in these new setups are presented.

Originality/value

This paper suggests a new clustering management approach that capitalizes on the temporal domain rather than classical space or the digital clusters domains. Also, a new management concept called dynamic matching is suggested. SC is considered among clustering objectives which was disregarded in similar studies.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 10 February 2023

Ahmed Deif

This study aims at investigating the impact of using Lego Serious Play (LSP) on the effectiveness of teaching supply chain (SC) 4.0 in higher education by going from a traditional…

674

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims at investigating the impact of using Lego Serious Play (LSP) on the effectiveness of teaching supply chain (SC) 4.0 in higher education by going from a traditional 2D approach to a 3D one. LSP in this study is explored as a gamification pedagogical approach that taps into the connection between hands and brain to inspire and engage students to build 3D models using metaphors and storytelling.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was conducted among 50 students (over two terms) who were enrolled in a SC 4.0 course and used LSP in their final project that focused on digital SC design. Two questionnaires were designed (one after the standard LSP workshop and the other upon completion of the project) to solicit feedback with respect to how LSP helped students to better understand SC 4.0 topics and fulfill their project. The results were analyzed using Bloom’s taxonomy as well as other pedagogical framework to understand the positive impact of LSP at the cognitive, motivation and social levels.

Findings

Results showed that using LSP can enhance the teaching of various SC principles and technologies beyond the abstract point of view (2D) through offering the students an opportunity to apply these principles and technologies in a futuristic project using a hands-on 3D approach. The LSP approach demonstrated its ability to help students navigate through both lower order thinking skills (LOTS) and higher order thinking skills (HOTS) in a meaningful and playful manner. Finally, improving the design skills for students was clear using LSP as it unleashes imagination and taps into internal knowledge together with collective inputs.

Research limitations/implications

The reliance on one case study can be a limitation regarding the generalization of the proposed results. This limitation is attenuated by the representativeness of the case study analyzed. Furthermore, the presented work should encourage future analyses as well as expanding the implementation of LSP to other SC 4.0 teaching contexts and applications.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the very few literatures regarding using gamification in SC education and specifically how LSP methodology can be adopted in teaching SCM 4.0.

Details

International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2690-6090

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 10 January 2023

Lorenzo Lynberg and Ahmed Deif

This paper addresses a gap in research literature in the fields of blockchain technology (BC), supply chain network dynamics (SC) and network effect phenomena (NE). Extant BC and…

1774

Abstract

Purpose

This paper addresses a gap in research literature in the fields of blockchain technology (BC), supply chain network dynamics (SC) and network effect phenomena (NE). Extant BC and SC literature describes the potential benefits to be reaped through the adoption of BC technology. While BC technology does not yet meet the researched expectations of adoption, performance and efficacy, the authors analyze the three inter-related fields (BC, SC and NE) to bridge this gap in theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper begins with a research review correlating the technological fundamentals of BC technology into fundamental value propositions for SC logistics contexts. The authors review the gap between these theoretical technological functions and the current ecosystem of BC applications. With an overarching understanding of BC in SC contexts, this paper then explores the phenomena of NE and attempts to synthesize various interrelated aspects of the three fields (BC, SC and NE). Research frameworks from extant literature are used for cross-comparing legacy software/information system solutions with potential and existing BC-based solutions. Case studies are utilized to support this analysis.

Findings

Several key considerations and themes are identified to better inform practitioner and researcher decision-making. Novel insights pertain to BC platform architecture and application modularity, integrated governance and decision-making capabilities, and the automation capabilities that arise from a healthy application and smart contract ecosystem.

Originality/value

The core contribution is the synthesis of network effect theory with SC phenomena and BC theory and the exploration of how these three fields are inter-related in the maturation of BC technology. Specifically, the authors deepen insights from extant literature by contextualizing findings with relevant interdisciplinary theoretical frameworks.

Details

Modern Supply Chain Research and Applications, vol. 5 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-3871

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 31 July 2018

Mahsa Kassai, Jacob Kaspar, Ahmed Deif and Heather Smith

The purpose of this paper is to explore how to improve the contribution of farmers markets (FMs) to the local food economy and improve their management through a new temporary…

495

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how to improve the contribution of farmers markets (FMs) to the local food economy and improve their management through a new temporary clustering management approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The research encompasses 78 structured interviews with farmers’ market vendors in the central coast region of California. A descriptive statistical and exploratory analysis to capture and evaluate the extent of various clustering activities currently existing in FMs is presented.

Findings

Analysis suggested an existing clustering behavior in FMs with different degrees that would enhance the role of these markets in local food economy. The improved social capital and financial performance of these markets shown in this study outperformed other cluster metrics monitored. Furthermore, there were some positive relationships between knowledge sharing (as a cluster activity) and both integration and financial activities among FMs vendors, highlighting interesting dynamics generated by the temporary nature of these clusters.

Research limitations/implications

The study was based on an exploratory research design, investigating a selected number of vendors in the central coast region of California. The research does not claim to provide a comprehensive survey of all FMs.

Practical implications

The analysis resulted in recommendations to improve efficiency of FMs’ practices at both the management level and the strategic level. These recommendations will enhance the contribution of these markets to the local food economy. The results also expand the practical knowledge bodies of regional and local food business development. Finally, the study highlights the social role of FMs through showing social capital as one of the main clustering drivers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to theoretical knowledge concerning the impact of clusters on operation performance by exploring a new temporary proximity that can be added to the existing geographical and digital proximity enriching the clustering approaches debate. Furthermore, the analysis provides specific novel insights into potential operational improvements for current farmers’ market management to enhance their economic and social roles.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 120 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 7 August 2017

Ahmed Deif

There is no argument that using games (gamification) is an efficient way of learning in higher education. The questions, though, are which gamification approach is most suitable…

1306

Abstract

Purpose

There is no argument that using games (gamification) is an efficient way of learning in higher education. The questions, though, are which gamification approach is most suitable at that level and how to assess its suitability? This paper aims to attempt to partially answer these two questions, in the context of lean thinking education.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper offers an assessment criteria to investigate the impact of lean gamification based on the evaluation of motivational, cognitive and social processing during games. In addition, a study is conducted among selected games using these assessment criteria. The study included statistical as well as comparative analysis. The study was based on a sample of undergraduate students learning various lean thinking concepts through physical games over the course of six months.

Findings

Results showed different interaction levels between the three evaluation criteria depending on the type and design of the lean game. The reported scores and analysis drew various lessons on how to use gamification in the context of lean teaching, outlined some best practices in lean games design and suggested recommendations in mapping lean games from industrial domain to higher education domain.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of this research was bounded by the sample size of students as well as the selected nine lean thinking games. Larger pool of students as well as other lean thinking games can offer further insights and confirm the outlined ones.

Practical implications

The presented work will help lean thinking educators in higher education to better understand the student dynamics associated with engaging them in this type pf pedagogical approach. It will help guiding lean thinking games’ designer on how to better cater for this segment of lean thinking learners. Finally, it will aid in promoting lean gamification as an effective learning tool.

Social implications

The social impact is achieved through enhancing lean thinking education to a wide number of students. This will positively impact the society through the application of the effective lean tools at different stages, levels and places in these students’ life experiences.

Originality/value

This study offers one of the very few applications in gamification assessment in the context of lean thinking. Furthermore, it integrates the social processing criterion for the first time with the classical two other criteria (motivation and cognitive) used in games education assessment. Finally, it offers new insights for lean thinking game designers for higher education learners.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 22 March 2019

Ahmed Deif and Marilyn Van Beek

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the critical relationship between talent management (TM) and manufacturing competitiveness (MC) can be better understood through…

881

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the critical relationship between talent management (TM) and manufacturing competitiveness (MC) can be better understood through national culture. The authors specifically focus on the moderation effect of the long-term orientation (LTO) culture dimension over this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The exploration of the moderation effect is carried out by comparing the impact of LTO on the hypothesized linear relationship between the Manufacturing Competitiveness Index (MCI) and different aspects of the Global Talent Management Competitiveness Index (GTCI). The authors compare whether LTO had any improvement in the ability of the different TM pillars to better explain some of the variation of MCI scores among the considered countries.

Findings

The authors found enough support for most of the proposed hypotheses, with results showing a positive relationship between MCI and GTCI. The authors conclude that differences in this relationship can be better explained using the national culture dimension of LTO. The managerial impact of such findings suggests that manufacturing strategists need to consider deeper knowledge of the regional national culture when assessing investments locations.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides a conceptual foundation for the relationship among LTO, TM and MC, but has some limitations due to its exploratory nature. These limitations are related to using secondary data that can be updated in the future, excluding other national culture dimensions that can also relate to the previous variables, and also not considering some relevant political and economic parameters.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper will help to understand the positive relationship among TM, MC and the LTO dimension of national culture; better explain variations that exist in the impact of different TM practices on MC; and give managers some knowledge for global manufacturing excellence decisions within national cultural context.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, no previous work captured the relation between MC and TM from a national culture perspective. With more manufacturing economies evolving toward being more knowledge based, research focusing on how talents and skills required for such evolution are related to national cultures is becoming more critical.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 6 June 2016

Rehab Ali and Ahmed Deif

– The purpose of this paper is to present a dynamic model to measure the degree of system’s leanness under dynamic demand conditions using a novel integrated metric.

969

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a dynamic model to measure the degree of system’s leanness under dynamic demand conditions using a novel integrated metric.

Design/methodology/approach

The multi-stage production system model is based on a system dynamics approach. The leanness level is measured using a new developed integrated metric that combines efficiency, WIP performance as well as service level. The analysis includes design of experiment technique at the initial analysis to examine the most significant parameters impacting the leanness score and then followed by examining different dynamic demand scenarios. Two scenarios were examined: one focussed low demand variation with various means (testing the impact of demand volumes) while the second focussed on high demand variation with constant means (testing the impact of demand variability).

Findings

Results using the data from a real case study indicated that given the model parameters, demand rate has the highest impact on leanness score dynamics. The next phase of the analysis thus focussed on investigating the effect of demand dynamics on the leanness score. The analysis highlighted the different effects of demand variability and volumes on the leanness score and its different components leading to various demand and production management recommendations in this dynamic environment.

Research limitations/implications

The presented lean management policies and recommendations are verified within the scope of similar systems to the considered company in terms of manufacturing settings and demand environment. Further research will be carried to extend the dynamic model to other dynamic manufacturing and service settings.

Practical implications

The developed metric can be used not only to assess the leanness level of the systems which is very critical to lean practitioners but also can be used to track lean implementation progress. In addition, the presented analysis outlined various demand management as well as lean implementation policies that can improve the system leanness level and overall performance.

Originality/value

The presented research develops a novel integrated metric and adds to the few literature on dynamic analysis of lean systems. Furthermore, the conducted analysis revealed some new aspects in understanding the relation between demand (variability and volume) and the leanness level of the systems. This will aid lean practitioners to set better demand and production management policies in today’s dynamic environment as well as take better decisions concerning lean technology investments.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 27 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

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Book part
Publication date: 20 August 2016

Jay Singh, Abraham B. (Rami) Shani, Hillary Femal and Ahmed Deif

This chapter explores the potential economic advantages and disadvantages of reusable plastic containers (RPCs) in the transport of fresh produce from growers to retail stores…

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter explores the potential economic advantages and disadvantages of reusable plastic containers (RPCs) in the transport of fresh produce from growers to retail stores. The empirical research linking packaging to quantifiable economic and social benefits is reviewed. This study answers the question – what are the economic and social impacts of increased standardization of bulk packaging in the North American fresh produce supply chains? Implications for the potential use of RPCs and its impact on sustainability are explored.

Methodology/approach

The chapter describes data from grocery retailers who have implemented both one-way and reusable plastic containers for fresh produce distribution. A Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TD-ABC) analysis was conducted to capture and evaluate process times and product damage associated with the typical deployment of bulk containers in the grocery retailers’ distribution centers (DC), retail stores, and asset recovery centers of the supply chain. Economic measures were implemented and together with the social dimensions provided insights about sustainability-based implications.

Findings

Fresh produce shipments using the RPC technology had significantly less waste and damage representing potential social and economic benefits. The empirical findings included results about the economic impact of RPCs on the sustainability level of a typical supply chain for fresh food products.

Originality/value

The quantification of the economic and potential social sustainability for the explored packaging types constitutes an important contribution. Much of the previous research did not contain comprehensive assessments. The impact of technological change – the introduction and use of RPC in packaging – is examined. In addition, the supply chain scope for this research included most of the major activities that involve the packaging of fresh produce commodities in its practical dynamics.

Details

Organizing Supply Chain Processes for Sustainable Innovation in the Agri-Food Industry
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-488-4

Keywords

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Book part
Publication date: 20 August 2016

Abstract

Details

Organizing Supply Chain Processes for Sustainable Innovation in the Agri-Food Industry
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-488-4

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Book part
Publication date: 10 August 2018

Susan Albers Mohrman and Stu Winby

We argue that in order to address the contemporary challenges that organizations and societies are facing, the field of organization development (OD) requires frameworks and…

Abstract

We argue that in order to address the contemporary challenges that organizations and societies are facing, the field of organization development (OD) requires frameworks and skills to focus on the eco-system as the level of analysis. In a world that has become economically, socially, and technologically highly connected, approaches that foster the optimization of specific actors in the eco-system, such as individual corporations, result in sub-optimization of the sustainability of the natural and social system because there is insufficient offset to the ego-centric purposes of the focal organization. We discuss the need for OD to broaden focus to deal with technological advances that enable new ways of organizing at the eco-system level, and to deal with the challenges to sustainable development. Case examples from healthcare and the agri-foods industry illustrate the kinds of development approaches that are required for the development of healthy eco-systems. We do not suggest fundamental changes in the identity of the field of organizational development. In fact, we demonstrate the need to dig deeply into the open systems and socio-technical roots of the field, and to translate the traditional values and approaches of OD to continue to be relevant in today’s dynamic interdependent world.

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