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Article
Publication date: 17 December 2024

Shemelis Nesibu Wodajeneh, Daniel Kitaw Azene and Kassu Jilcha Sileyew

This study aims to address the gap in integrating ergonomic principles with lean principles in the shoe product manufacturing process. The objective is to develop a customized…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to address the gap in integrating ergonomic principles with lean principles in the shoe product manufacturing process. The objective is to develop a customized model that effectively combines and synergizes ergonomics and lean principles.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data was collected through on-site observations, interviews and assessment of whole-body discomfort to evaluate the implementation of lean and ergonomic principles in each section of the shoe production process. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools, content analysis and software such as Microsoft Excel.

Findings

The findings of the study indicate that the case company’s underperformance, achieving only 26.96% of its designed capacity and 50.19% of its planned capacity, is primarily attributed to the poor integration of ergonomic principles with the lean philosophy model. The high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in the shoe production process significantly contributes to a loss of productivity due to increased absenteeism. The factory experiences a labour absenteeism rate of 5.59%, resulting in overtime and additional costs. To address these issues, the study proposes the adoption of 8S principles and an ergo-lean production system model. This model, conceptualized as a building construction structure, effectively eliminates waste in the shoe production process.

Practical implications

The study’s findings will greatly enhance productivity in the shoe manufacturing sector by establishing a work environment that prioritizes employee needs and well-being. This will have significant practical implications for improving overall productivity in the industry.

Originality/value

This study stands out as it investigates the proactive integration of ergonomics and lean principles in the shoe manufacturing industry, an area that has not been previously explored. By bridging the gap between these two principles, the research contributes to the existing knowledge base.

Details

International Journal of Workplace Health Management, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8351

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Article
Publication date: 26 June 2020

Wogene Tesfaye and Daniel Kitaw

Plastics waste management is a critical agenda for the global community. Recycling is the most important strategy option for recovering plastics wastes. This study aims to review…

1646

Abstract

Purpose

Plastics waste management is a critical agenda for the global community. Recycling is the most important strategy option for recovering plastics wastes. This study aims to review reverse logistics (RL) implementation practices and conceptualizing it to the plastic recycling system.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is organized after evaluating the studies related to plastics waste recycling and analyzing the available frameworks to use RL as a strategic tool.

Findings

The paper has investigated that previous research on RL implementation focused on a few stages of RL activities and did not include the most important issues. However, for successful RL implementation, taking into account the whole stage and including the most important factors is very important. To elaborate on this finding a new conceptual framework is developed.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is fully based on literature review and international reports. The developed framework is required for further empirical validation in the plastics sector.

Practical implications

The paper has considered the important issues and the applications of those factors that can improve plastics recycling performances.

Social implications

This study can enhance the active involvement of main actors (plastics producers, users, municipal and recyclers) in the plastics recycling system.

Originality/value

This paper deliberates on how RL can be conceptualized and implemented in plastics recycling systems in considering the most important factors for plastics recycling.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 17 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

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Article
Publication date: 26 July 2019

Merertu Wakuma Rundassa, Daniel Kitaw Azene and Eshetie Berhan

Ethiopia’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, but starting form 2010, the government has been determined to diversify the exports with a priority set for strategic sectors…

725

Abstract

Purpose

Ethiopia’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, but starting form 2010, the government has been determined to diversify the exports with a priority set for strategic sectors like light manufacturing in which textile and apparel manufacturing industries are included. The purpose of this paper is to measure the comparative advantages of the Ethiopian textile and apparel industry using the revealed comparative advantage (RCA) in the period from 2007 to 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purpose of the paper, secondary data were collected from the UN comtrade site, and related data sources were cited in the literature review for the purpose of triangulation (cross-checking of the analysis with theoretical background). From the theoretical background, the two indices of RCA (Balassa index and Lafay index) were used for the evaluation of the industries’ competitive advantage and to identify which industry (textiles or apparel) was of more importance in the country.

Findings

The findings of the study showed that Ethiopia was more competitive in the textile sector. However, and with reference to the Lafay index, the country has been focusing on apparel sector, because of the opportunities for job creation.

Research limitations/implications

For the purpose of this study, secondary data were used and the general conclusions are limited to the corresponding sources of data.

Practical implications

Because of the labor-intensive nature, the textile and apparel sector has been one of the areas promoted by the Ethiopian Government in its industrialization policy. The finding of this paper can be used by policy makers to evaluate the competitiveness of the country.

Social implications

The findings can be used to assess social upgrading issues in the textile and apparel sector.

Originality/value

The work is the first of its kind in the sector as well as the country.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

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Article
Publication date: 11 January 2022

Daniel Ashagrie Tegegne, Daniel Kitaw Azene and Eshetie Berhan Atanaw

This study aims to design a multivariate control chart that improves the applicability of the traditional Hotelling T2 chart. This new type of multivariate control chart displays…

251

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to design a multivariate control chart that improves the applicability of the traditional Hotelling T2 chart. This new type of multivariate control chart displays sufficient information about the states and relationships of the variables in the production process. It is used to make better quality control decisions during the production process.

Design/methodology/approach

Multivariate data are collected at an equal time interval and are represented by nodes of the graph. The edges connecting the nodes represent the sequence of operation. Each node is plotted on the control chart based on their Hotelling T2 statistical distance. The changing behavior of each pair of input and output nodes is studied by the neural network. A case study from the cement industry is conducted to validate the control chart.

Findings

The finding of this paper is that the points and lines in the classic Hotelling T2 chart are effectively substituted by nodes and edges of the graph respectively. Nodes and edges have dimension and color and represent several attributes. As a result, this control chart displays much more information than the traditional Hotelling T2 control chart. The pattern of the plot represents whether the process is normal or not. The effect of the sequence of operation is visible in the control chart. The frequency of the happening of nodes is recognized by the size of nodes. The decision to change the product feature is assisted by finding the shortest path between nodes. Moreover, consecutive nodes have different behaviors, and that behavior change is recognized by neural network.

Originality/value

Modifying the classical Hotelling T2 control chart by integrating with the concept of graph theory and neural network is new of its kind.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 39 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

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Article
Publication date: 22 October 2024

Berhanu Tolosa Garedew, Daniel Kitaw Azene, Kassu Jilcha and Sisay Sirgu Betizazu

The study presented healthcare service quality, lean thinking and Six Sigma to enhance patient satisfaction. Moreover, the notion of machine learning is combined with lean service…

71

Abstract

Purpose

The study presented healthcare service quality, lean thinking and Six Sigma to enhance patient satisfaction. Moreover, the notion of machine learning is combined with lean service quality to bring about the fundamental benefits of predicting patient waiting time and non-value-added activities to enhance patient satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied the define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) method. In the define phase, patient expectation and perception were collected to measure service quality gaps, whereas in the measure phase, quality function deployment (QFD) was employed to measure the high-weighted score from the patient's voice. The root causes of the high weighted score were identified using a cause-and-effect diagram in the analysis phase.

Findings

The study employed a random forest, neural network and support vector machine to predict the healthcare patient waiting time to enhance patient satisfaction. Performance comparison metrics such as root-mean-square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and R2 were accessed to identify the predictive model accuracy. From the three models, the prediction performance accuracy of the support vector machine model is better than that of the neural network and random forest models to predict the actual data.

Practical implications

Lean service quality improvement using DMAIC, QFD and machine learning techniques can be generalized to predict patient waiting times. This study provides better realistic insights into patient expectations by announcing waiting times to enable data-driven service quality deliveries.

Originality/value

Prior studies lack lean service quality, Six Sigma and waiting time prediction to reduce healthcare waste. This study proposes lean service quality improvement through lean Six Sigma (LSS), i.e. DMAIC and machine learning techniques, along with QFD and cause-and-effect diagram.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

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Article
Publication date: 22 September 2023

Mulatu Tilahun Gelaw, Daniel Kitaw Azene and Eshetie Berhan

This research aims to investigate critical success factors, barriers and initiatives of total productive maintenance (TPM) implementation in selected manufacturing industries in…

783

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to investigate critical success factors, barriers and initiatives of total productive maintenance (TPM) implementation in selected manufacturing industries in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study built and looked into a conceptual research framework. The potential barriers and success factors to TPM implementation have been highlighted. The primary study techniques used to collect relevant data were a closed-ended questionnaire and semi-structured interview questions. With the use of SPSS version 23 and SmartPLS 3.0 software, the data were examined using descriptive statistics and the inferential Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) techniques.

Findings

According to the results of descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis using PLS-SEM, the case manufacturing industries' TPM implementation initiative is in its infancy; break down maintenance is the most widely used maintenance policy; top managers are not dedicated to the implementation of TPM; and there are TPM pillars that have been weakly and strongly addressed by the case manufacturing companies.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample size is a limitation to this study. It is therefore challenging to extrapolate the research findings to other industries. The only manufacturing KPI utilized in this study is overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). It is possible to add more parameters to the manufacturing performance measurement KPI. The relationships between TPM and other lean production methods may differ from those observed in this cross-sectional study. Longitudinal experimental studies and in-depth analyses of TPM implementations may shed further light on this.

Practical implications

Defining crucial success factors and barriers to TPM adoption, as well as identifying the weak and strong TPM pillars, will help companies in allocating their scarce resources exclusively to the most important areas. TPM is not a quick solution. It necessitates a change in both the company's and employees' attitude and their values, which takes time to bring about. Hence, it entails a long-term planning. The commitment of top managers is very important in the initiatives of TPM implementation.

Originality/value

This study is unique in that, it uses a new conceptual research model and the PLS-SEM technique to analyze relationships between TPM pillars and OEE in depth.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

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Article
Publication date: 24 October 2018

Yichalewal Goshime, Daniel Kitaw and Kassu Jilcha

This study aims to improve productivity and customer satisfaction through lean manufacturing for metals and engineering industries. Its aims also to understand the concept of lean…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to improve productivity and customer satisfaction through lean manufacturing for metals and engineering industries. Its aims also to understand the concept of lean manufacturing, various tools and techniques of lean, lean implementation benefits and barrier toward its implementation. Then, on the basis of the result, a conceptual frame work was developed to reduce the existing gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

Lean thinking is one of the methods that can bring productivity and customer’s demand improvement for manufacturing and service giving industries. To arrive at the lean thinking productivity improvement and customer satisfaction of the sector (MEIs), intensive literature review and secondary data investigation were conducted.

Findings

Articles and secondary data related to the case were reviewed and found the existing gaps. The gaps identified such as missing energy waste, space waste and material waste, waste of knowledge or talents. In addition to the 5 S of kaizen, this study added safety as the sixth on the existing Kaizen’s strategies. In lean practice, managers give priority to waste reduction and ignore the product quality aspect, which lead to dissatisfaction among customers. Fragmented implementation of lean manufacturing and the conflict between human resource waste and unemployment were reconciled in this study. A model that can improve productivity and increase customer satisfaction was developed. Solutions to alleviate the problems and speed up development were forwarded.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused solely on the manufacturing industries of developing countries, specifically deals with basic metals and engineering industries. In addition to this, the research didn’t take a case study on a specific firm as it is a literature review.

Practical implications

The findings of this study emphasized that lean manufacturing is the key for wise resource utilization, which enables a firm for cost, lead time and waste reductions on one hand and productivity and flexibility improvements on the other. To the end, lean can bring sustainable development and bright images to firms, and wellbeing life to workers together with customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

The gaps that have not been identified by other researchers were clearly discussed, and on the basis of the gaps, a new conceptual model was developed. This is useful to basic metals and engineering industries in overcoming resource-limitation problems by eliminating wastes.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

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Article
Publication date: 21 November 2016

Ameha Mulugeta Gewe, Birhanu Beshah Abebe, Daniel Kitaw Azene and Fitsum Getachew Bayu

Technological outsourcing requires possessing the technological capability level by enterprises taking the outsourced activity and further mandates build-up capabilities. Small…

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Abstract

Purpose

Technological outsourcing requires possessing the technological capability level by enterprises taking the outsourced activity and further mandates build-up capabilities. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing nations such as Ethiopia are usually equipped with low level of technological capability and could benefit from government-supported or government-initiated outsourcing networks. The current study aims to preliminarily assess performance of outsourcing initiative taken by the Hibret Manufacturing and Machine Building Industry, a subsidiary of a national corporation, in developing technological capability of SMEs in Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a qualitative research approach through interviews with the parent company officials and owners of SMEs and site visit to these SMEs. Findings are organized in a way to draw lessons to be learned from technological outsourcing examined.

Findings

Technological learning, acquisition of new technologies, market access and process innovation are few capabilities achieved by the involved SMEs. To facilitate and harness these opportunities and further assist in policy ratification, a conceptual framework has been presented and elaborated.

Research limitations/implications

Further investigation into outsourcing procedure and biases are expected to shed further light onto the outsourcing initiative by the parent company. This study drew results from investigation of the SMEs involved. Additional investigation of other SMEs is expected to reveal additional insights.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of literature focusing on exploration of technological outsourcing in low-income developing countries, such as Ethiopia, to build SMEs’ technological capabilities. This research presents insightful contribution to strategic outsourcing to build local technological capability in developing economies.

Details

Strategic Outsourcing: An International Journal, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8297

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Article
Publication date: 23 June 2023

Belaynesh Teklay and Belete Jember Bobe

In this study, the authors investigate how institutions influence the adoption and implementation of a quality management practice (QMP) that was originally developed for Western…

538

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, the authors investigate how institutions influence the adoption and implementation of a quality management practice (QMP) that was originally developed for Western developed countries but is being used in sub-Saharan African firms. The authors’ aim is to contribute to the literature on how local and broader institutions in sub-Saharan African firms impact the adoption of QMP (specifically ISO 9001:2015) and how the firm's situated rationalities shape the associated change in management accounting practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors applied the extended Burns and Scapens framework and employed a case study research approach. The authors collected empirical data through semi-structured interviews and secondary sources and used direct content analysis to analyse the data.

Findings

The authors’ findings suggest that although personal values and commitments to modernising the business are the main drivers of change, the continued dominance of traditional accounting logic restricts the necessary change in management accounting to support effective QMP implementation.

Practical implications

This study emphasises the importance of aligning institutional logics to fully realise the benefits of new strategies and identifies technical competencies, access to information and communication technology, and clarity about the role of management accounting in modernising management practices as critical success factors.

Originality/value

This study is original in that it provides insights into the impact of contextual factors in less developed countries on institutionalising QMP and management accounting change, demonstrating the importance of aligning management accounting change with proposed organisational strategies to fully realise their benefits.

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Article
Publication date: 31 March 2020

Stéphane Le Queux and Adrian T.H. Kuah

This paper provides insights as to how a Confucian-inspired Junzi style of leadership translates into initiatives toward human capital development in Singapore. After reviewing…

501

Abstract

Purpose

This paper provides insights as to how a Confucian-inspired Junzi style of leadership translates into initiatives toward human capital development in Singapore. After reviewing tripartite governance in Singapore, we discuss the character of Confucian leadership: how does this value system inform the moral economy of the Singaporean corporatist model and inherently come to impact upon the conception and significance of human capital.

Design/methodology/approach

The case approach was employed using multiple sources of secondary data, supplemented by interviews with high-profile informants in Singapore. Multiple sources led to data triangulation in presenting a mutually consistent set of evidence. The paper also draws from a longitudinal observation of Singapore's industrial relations and human resource development (HRD) policies over the last 10 years since the Global Financial Crisis.

Findings

Organized along two thematic areas: governance and human capital development, this paper proposes and finds that governance in Singapore displays an institutionalized form of Junzi leadership that translates into policymaking toward human capital development.

Originality/value

This paper brings about an Asian perspective of Junzi leadership toward management and governance. The Confucian value system intrinsic to tripartite governance provides an original heuristic lens that helps shed a light on the significance of human capital development in Singapore.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 40 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

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