C.J.M. Heemskerk and T.L.M. Luiten
IN THE Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems at Delft University of Technology, a research project is underway into automatic, off‐line generation of programs for Flexible Assembly…
Abstract
IN THE Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems at Delft University of Technology, a research project is underway into automatic, off‐line generation of programs for Flexible Assembly Systems (FASs). From the early stages of the project on, it was clear that some method for comparing programming systems was needed.
Remigiusz Romuald Iwańkowicz and Michał Taraska
The purpose of the paper is to develop a method of automatic classification of the components of the assembly units. The method is crucial for developing an automatic ship…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to develop a method of automatic classification of the components of the assembly units. The method is crucial for developing an automatic ship assembly planning tools. The proposed method takes into account the assumptions specific for shipbuilding technology processes: high complexity of structures, difficult expert-based classification of components, fixed priority relations between connections resulting from geometrical constraints and demands of welding processes.
Design/methodology/approach
The set of ex post determined liaisons and assembly sequences constitutes the database of structures which have been made-up earlier. The components classification problem is solved using matrix coding of graphs. Information in such form is stored in the database. The minimization of number of cycles in the graph of classes sequence and minimization of diversity of classes within all constructions has been proposed as criteria of optimization. The genetic algorithm has been proposed as a solution method.
Findings
The proposed method solves the problem of components’ classifications. It allows setting the pattern of priorities between classes of various connections. This gives a chance to determine the relationship constraints between the connections of new structures for which assembly sequences are not established.
Research limitations/implications
Mathematical formulation of the database is quite laborious. The possibility of partial automation of this process should be considered. Owing to the complexity of the problem, a relatively simple objective function has been proposed. During a ship hull assembly, additional criteria should be taken into account, what will be the direction of further research.
Practical implications
Automatic classification of components is dedicated for implementation in shipyards and similar assembly systems. Tests performed by the authors confirm efficiency of presented method in supporting management of the database and assembly of new structures planning. Suggested activity-oriented approach allows for easy conversion of any assembly unit structure to the form of a matrix.
Originality/value
The new approach for components classification according to its assembly features distinguishes the proposed method from others. The use of nilpotent matrix theory in an acyclicity of graphs analysis is also a unique achievement. Original crossover and mutation operators for assembly sequence were proposed in the article.
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K. Yokota and D.R. Brough
The ever‐increasing demand for rationalization of manufacturing activities requires closer co‐operation and integration between design and production planning. Since the impact on…
Abstract
The ever‐increasing demand for rationalization of manufacturing activities requires closer co‐operation and integration between design and production planning. Since the impact on the overall cost of production of designing a product for ease of assembly was realized, feedback from assembly planning to the design process has become important for improving the design. Traditionally, planning for assembly takes place after the design of the product has been completed. Often it proves necessary to modify a design, because some aspect is not particularly convenient or efficient under the available assembly facilities. However, considerable time and cost savings can be made by making assembly‐planning information available to design engineers, so that they can take account of assembly factors when designing a product.
P.M Pelagagge, G. Cardarelli and M. Palumbo
This article presents a study on assembly automation in small subcontracting enterprises. In this scenario the evaluated production volumes of each product limit the…
Abstract
This article presents a study on assembly automation in small subcontracting enterprises. In this scenario the evaluated production volumes of each product limit the competitiveness of flexible assembly systems. At the same time the uncertainty of the economic life of the product causes high risk factors in the use of assembly transfer lines. The proposed solution is characterized by the employment of an asynchronous line with single‐purpose automatic stations and manual stations.
Abstract
Purpose
Maintainability is a critical design characteristic that shows how well a product can be maintained; maintenance time is a comprehensive parameter of product maintainability design. This paper aims to provide an integrated methodology for complex product maintainability verification and maintenance time prediction using virtual prototypes and humans in a virtual dynamic simulation of the maintenance process.
Design/methodology/approach
An integrated platform for maintainability verification and maintenance time prediction is designed. Decomposition of maintenance tasks, corrective measurement time method, and an impact matrix of maintenance therbligs and time are presented.
Findings
The proposed methodology can efficiently conduct complex product maintainability verification and maintenance time prediction.
Practical implications
Early and effective verification and prediction of the maintainability and maintenance time program can significantly improve the maintainability and availability of a complex product.
Originality/value
A universally applicable method for product maintainability verification and maintenance time prediction is presented.
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Jeroen Veldman and Hugh Willmott
We explore the significance of social ontology and its capacity to inform the specification of organizational status, architecture and capacities. We consider how different…
Abstract
We explore the significance of social ontology and its capacity to inform the specification of organizational status, architecture and capacities. We consider how different conceptions of social ontology are critical for explicating a range of epistemological and socio-economic questions concerning organizations and develop a research agenda oriented to studying these issues from the perspective of management and organization studies.
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While previous studies have focused on the role of directors in the formation of transnational interlocks, this paper argues that firm strategy can also influence the development…
Abstract
Purpose
While previous studies have focused on the role of directors in the formation of transnational interlocks, this paper argues that firm strategy can also influence the development of these relationships. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the practice of transnational interlocks by extending board interlocks theory from the national to the transnational context, and exploring aspects that are unique to the transnational level.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the experiences of four British firms, this paper develops a conceptual framework that integrates under-examined dimensions of this networking practice at the organizational level of analysis, specifically degree of internationalization (DOI) and psychic distance (PD).
Findings
The paper argues that firms will increasingly engage in transnational interlocks as internationalization intensifies, and that expansion into psychically distant countries may result in further engagement in these connections. Further, firms will tend to form transnational received interlocks at their early stages of internationalization, and transnational sent and neutral interlocks at later stages of this process. It identifies four categories of firms: locals, extenders, explorers and cosmopolitans.
Practical implications
Directors can contribute to their firms’ success by interlocking with firms located in key foreign markets. Firms should also welcome directors with transnational board appointments to secure knowledge and resources overseas.
Originality/value
The manuscript contributes to our understanding of transnational interlocks by examining the independent and joint influence of the firm’s DOI and PD on the formation of such relationships.
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Matthew Smith and Yasaman Sarabi
It has been over 20 years since the landmark publication of Mizruchi (1996) and his examination of “what do interlocks do?”. Since then, the nature of interlocks and subsequent…
Abstract
Purpose
It has been over 20 years since the landmark publication of Mizruchi (1996) and his examination of “what do interlocks do?”. Since then, the nature of interlocks and subsequent research on the subject has evolved. This paper aims to revisit the literature on interlocking directorates through a quantitative bibliometric analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
This study undertakes a bibliometric analysis of literature citing the Mizruchi (1996) to examine the state of research following up on “what do interlocks do”. This study examines 718 publications using keyword and co-word analysis, along with a thematic analysis to revisit the research that has followed Mizruchi’s topic of what do interlocks do.
Findings
This study finds that the topics of the corporate elite, capitalist economy and corporate governance have remained prominent themes in the field. Research areas that are emerging in the field of interlocking directorates include gender diversity, globalisation and advancing theoretical frameworks.
Originality/value
This paper provides a quantitative bibliometric analysis to revisit the extant literature on “what do interlocks do”, examining a high number of articles to identify areas which could be developed to advance research in the field.
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This chapter introduces readers to a complex adaptive systems approach for integrating research on genes, behavior, and social structures/institutions. Until recently, scientists…
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter introduces readers to a complex adaptive systems approach for integrating research on genes, behavior, and social structures/institutions. Until recently, scientists have resorted to reductionism as a decoding and epistemological strategy for understanding human health. The complex bonds among health’s biological, behavioral, and social dimensions, however, cannot be fully grasped with reductionist schemas. Moreover, because reducing and simplifying can lead to incomplete understanding of phenomena, the resulting deficient knowledge has the potential to be harmful.
Methodology/approach
To achieve its purpose, this primer will: (1) introduce fundamental notions from complexity science, useful for inquiry and practice integrating research on genes, behavior, and social structures; (2) outline selected methodological strategies employed in studying complex adaptive/dynamic systems; (3) address the question, “Specifically, how can a dynamic systems approach be helpful for integrating research on genes, behavior, and social structures/institutions, to improve the public’s health?”; and (4) provide examples of studies currently deploying a complexity perspective.
Originality/value
The originality/value of this primer rests in its critique of the research status quo and the proposition of an alternative lens for integrating genomic, biomedical, and sociological research to improve the public’s health. The topic of complex adaptive/dynamic systems has begun to flourish within sociology, medicine, and public health, but many researchers lack exposure to the topic’s basic notions and applications.
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Gregory Jackson, Markus Helfen, Rami Kaplan, Anja Kirsch and Nora Lohmeyer
This chapter addresses the concern that much theory building in organization and management (OM) research suffers from de-contextualization. The authors argue that…
Abstract
This chapter addresses the concern that much theory building in organization and management (OM) research suffers from de-contextualization. The authors argue that de-contextualization comes in two main forms: reductionism and grand theory. Whereas reductionism tends to downplay context in favor of individual behavior, grand theory looks at context only in highly abstract ahistorical terms. Such de-contextualization is problematic for at least two reasons. First, the boundary conditions of theories remain unexplored in ways that threaten scientific validity. Second, de-contextualization limits the potential of OM theory to fully understand the role of organizations in society and thereby address societal grand challenges. These claims are exemplified through critical reviews of four fields in OM research – gender, employee voice, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and institutional logics – and counterpoints that may help to overcome de-contextualized research are presented.