This research aims to improve the performance and productivity of low-level technology organizations using lean tools – value stream mapping (VSM). In order to investigate the…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to improve the performance and productivity of low-level technology organizations using lean tools – value stream mapping (VSM). In order to investigate the application of VSM in low-level technology organizations, this study takes footwear manufacturing organizations as a case study.
Design/methodology/approach
Identifying a suitable organization was the first step for conducting the case study, followed by product family identification. Time and motion studies are used to determine the cycle time and identify the value-adding and non-value-adding activities, respectively. After making necessary observations and calculations, the current state map was developed. Different improvement proposals were identified, and the future state map was constructed.
Findings
As a result, 56.3% cycle time reduction and 69.7% reduction in lead time were obtained, confirming its application in low-level technology organizations to improve their performance and productivity. This promising result indicates that a significant improvement can be achieved if VSM is applied in low-level organizations other than footwear industries, such as the clothing and furniture industries. Speed is investigated to be one of the parameters in motion study.
Research limitations/implications
This study focuses on low-level technology organizations, specifically leather shoe manufacturing industries. But experiences gained from implementing this study are realistic and applicable in similar organizations.
Practical implications
Performance and productivity improvement are critical issues to be addressed in low-level technology organizations, especially in the leather footwear manufacturing sector. This can be achieved through VSM by identifying and removing the wastes. VSM can be applied to low-level organizations as well. VSM is a powerful tool that helps managers and practitioners in identifying wastes and opportunities for improvement.
Originality/value
The paper addresses applicability of VSM in the production process of low-level technology organizations with an original industrial case study in Ethiopia.
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Sisay Addis, Akshay Dvivedi and Birhanu Beshah
The purpose of this paper is to identify the contextual work factors in Ethiopia and to evaluate the relative influence of each of these factors on job satisfaction (JS) of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the contextual work factors in Ethiopia and to evaluate the relative influence of each of these factors on job satisfaction (JS) of employees.
Design/methodology/approach
The study draws on a sample of shop floor workers from the leather products manufacturing industry in Ethiopia. Data were collected using a structured survey questionnaire and focus group discussions. After testing scale reliability and validity, multiple linear regression was used for the analysis.
Findings
The study results suggest that the JS is mainly explained by extrinsic factors. Pay is found to influence overall job satisfaction (OJS) at least four times of other work factors. Training opportunity and ethnic diversity showed unexpected negative relationship with OJS.
Originality/value
Given the importance of understanding JS in labor-intensive industries, and paucity of research on the topic in Ethiopia, the study provides practical insights and groundwork that can guide practitioners to understand the drivers of JS in the region. Moreover, the study adds to the empirical literature that may yield important insights on organizational behavior for under-researched emerging economies, particularly for the eastern part of Africa, where nations share similar cross-cultural norms, economic and ethnic settings.
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Roshan Kumar, Pradeep Kumar, Anish Kumar and Akshay Dvivedi
The purpose of this paper is to identify the key elements of digitalization for lean and green operations and develop a conceptual framework for their implementation. The paper…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the key elements of digitalization for lean and green operations and develop a conceptual framework for their implementation. The paper focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and aims to explore the role of digitalisation in enhancing their operational efficiency and sustainability. By identifying key factors and metrics related to digitalisation, the paper seeks to provide insights for strategic management to improve lean and green practices in SMEs.
Design/methodology/approach
Interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and Matrix of Cross-Impact Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC) approaches were deployed to classify the major dimensions of digitalisation. These methods were used to analyse the direct and indirect relationships among the identified elements of digitalisation. A comprehensive literature review and expert consultations were conducted to identify 13 key elements relevant to lean and green operations. The experts also assisted in determining the contextual relationships between the variables for the ISM model.
Findings
The analysis classified the 13 identified elements of digitalisation into different levels according to their driving power and dependence. The results from the ISM model indicated three levels of classifications. At level-1, Internet of things (IoT) and smart sensors (IoT & SS), automation and robotics directly influence lean and green operations. At level-2, real-time monitoring and control system and at level-3 fundamental elements of digitalisation such as big data analytics, predictive maintenance, cloud computing, energy management systems (EMSs), additive manufacturing, blockchain, digital workflow automation and digital collaboration platform.
Originality/value
All elements are interrelated and essential for making strategic decisions. This study emphasis the significance of prioritising these attributes to attain long-term excellence through digitalisation. For the industries that seek the reward of lean and green operations for their growth, this paper has great practical utility. Identifying the key factors of digitalisation would help strategic managers in handling lean and green environment of SMEs through these aspects.
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Abhishek Kansal, Akshay Dvivedi and Pradeep Kumar
The purpose of this study to investigate the organized porous network zinc (OPNZ) scaffolds. Their mechanical characteristics, surface roughness and fracture mechanism were…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study to investigate the organized porous network zinc (OPNZ) scaffolds. Their mechanical characteristics, surface roughness and fracture mechanism were assessed in relation to their structural properties. The prospects of fused deposition modeling (FDM) for printing metal scaffolds via rapid tooling have also been studied.
Design/methodology/approach
Zn scaffolds with different pore and strut sizes were manufactured via the rapid tooling method. This method is a multistep process that begins with the 3D printing of a polymer template. Later, a paraffin template was obtained from the prepared polymer template. Finally, this paraffin template was used to fabricate the Zn scaffold using microwave sintering. The characterization of prepared Zn samples involved structural characterization, microstructural study, surface roughness testing and compression testing. Moreover, based on the Gibson–Ashby model analysis, the model equations’ constant values were evaluated, which can help in predicting the mechanical properties of Zn scaffolds.
Findings
The scanning electron microscopy study confirmed that the fabricated sample pores were open and interconnected. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the Zn scaffold contained hexagonal closed-packed Zn peaks related to the a-Zn phase, validating that scaffolds were free from contamination and impurity. The range for ultimate compressive strength, compressive modulus and plateau stresses for Zn samples were found to be 6.75–39 MPa, 0.14–3.51 GPa and 1.85–12.6 MPa by adjusting their porosity, which are comparable with the cancellous bones. The average roughness value for the Zn scaffolds was found to be 1.86 µm.
Originality/value
This research work can widen the scope for extrusion-based FDM printers for fabricating biocompatible and biodegradable metal Zn scaffolds. This study also revealed the effects of scaffold structural properties like porosity, pore and strut size effect on their mechanical characteristics in view of tissue engineering applications.