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Article
Publication date: 14 August 2023

Ariana Araújo, Anabela Carvalho Alves and Fernando Romero

This paper aims to present a conceptual model, called LOOP, an acronym for Leadership, Organization, Operation and People, regarding the pull system implementation in Lean…

216

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a conceptual model, called LOOP, an acronym for Leadership, Organization, Operation and People, regarding the pull system implementation in Lean companies. Lean should be holistically implemented to achieve the performance for what it is known. Pull is one of the Lean thinking principles, and it is the production control system underneath the Lean philosophy. However, to implement pull, an organizational transformation in companies’ different areas is needed.

Design/methodology/approach

This model was developed following up a case study of a representative example of a multinational company which has been implementing Lean for a long time but without achieving a well-succeeded pull implementation.

Findings

Based on that, the authors developed the LOOP model that is an integrated framework with the goal to promote a Lean culture, which includes four dimensions: leadership, organization, operation and people.

Originality/value

Based on the LOOP conceptual model, a different, and hopefully more effective, perspective is presented, establishing some proposals for the four dimensions and for the production and control system selection criteria to implement Lean.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

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Article
Publication date: 1 June 1998

H. Yamashina and H. Mizuyama

In most automated assembly systems, each product is inspected after every assembly operation and, if it is found to be defective, it will be repaired or scrapped immediately. This…

332

Abstract

In most automated assembly systems, each product is inspected after every assembly operation and, if it is found to be defective, it will be repaired or scrapped immediately. This ensures the quality of the outputs of the systems, but it also causes a short stop of the assembly line. This paper shows that the number of short stops can be reduced by installing inspection stations and repair stations strategically. Then, an optimizing problem of placing these stations under a given assembly sequence is formulated and an algorithm is given to this problem. Further, the problem of not only placing these stations but also determining the assembly sequence is formulated and an algorithm to solve the problem is developed. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the efficiencies of the algorithms.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 4 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

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Article
Publication date: 25 July 2024

Ying Yang, Biao Yang, George Onofrei, Hung Nguyen and Elena Hlaciuc

This study aims to delve into the mechanisms through which managers can enhance employee participation effectively.

128

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to delve into the mechanisms through which managers can enhance employee participation effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the Motivation-Opportunity-Ability (MOA) framework to identify the interrelationships among various drivers. Different levels of Continuous Improvement (CI) maturity were also considered to assess the effectiveness of these drivers on employee participation. An in-depth case study was conducted, involving the selection of four business units from a multinational manufacturer in Germany to represent varying levels of CI maturity.

Findings

This study uncovered intermediary variables that mediate the impact of drivers on the high-level MOA variables. It also revealed how the effectiveness of these drivers varies across different levels of CI maturity.

Originality/value

While different facets of CI have been scrutinized, the importance of employee participation stands out as pivotal for achieving enduring and meaningful progress. Despite this recognition, many business organizations continue to grasp with the challenge of motivating their employees to actively engage in CI initiatives. This study extends the applicability of the MOA framework and enriches the CI literature by offering deeper insights into the behavioural perspectives of employees. In practical terms, the findings of this study provide valuable guidance to decision-makers and HR department on staff training and development, enabling them to formulate more effective strategies aimed at fostering and augmenting employee participation in CI endeavours.

Details

European Journal of Training and Development, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-9012

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Article
Publication date: 11 January 2011

Lei Wang, Yajie Tian and Tetsuo Sawaragi

The purpose of this paper is to present a case‐based system for offline automatic programming in robotic assembly production. This system can reuse past learned robot programs to…

525

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case‐based system for offline automatic programming in robotic assembly production. This system can reuse past learned robot programs to generate programs for new assembly tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used in this paper is case‐based reasoning. The assembly knowledge acquired from the robot program for an assembly task is retained in a case, which is composed of the primitive task description and the corresponding robot program schema. The retained cases are retrieved by matching features of their primitive task descriptions, and are reused to automatically program for new tasks by instantiating their robot program schemata.

Findings

A case not only can be reused as a whole, but also can be reused partly by synthesizing different parts of several cases to generate a program for a new task in a variant environment.

Practical implications

The teaching time of robots can be greatly reduced. This helps to introduce robots into small and medium enterprises.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a novel system that can automatically program for assembly tasks in various environments by flexibly reusing past robot programs.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

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Article
Publication date: 25 January 2023

Simone Sartori and Sidnei Vieira Marinho

The main objective of this research was to combine the integration between two fields of knowledge – future-oriented technology analysis (FTA) and games. This study aims to…

134

Abstract

Purpose

The main objective of this research was to combine the integration between two fields of knowledge – future-oriented technology analysis (FTA) and games. This study aims to capture the stakeholders’ actions and decision-making in a procedural, interactive and collaborative way to find a vision of the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework was designed from a literature review on the related research topics, exploring elements and methods, also how we brought the two fields together. The framework was structured in four steps: exploring – deciding – matching – evaluating. For each phase, deep reflections were described to understand the current situation, identify essential future issues and provide recommendations for action.

Findings

One attractive aspect of the FTA-games is the characteristics of each field but combined made it possible to evaluate future developments and trends. The elements present in games can boost FTA activities through interaction, engagement, experiences, collaboration and motivation, among other elements. Systematically, we seek to ensure traceability by identifying challenges, solutions, execution and results achieved and using tools and elements that make prospecting practical.

Originality/value

This article systematizes the connection between two fields in the form of a framework. At each stage of the framework, participants and strategists are challenged to seek solutions to future challenges, allowing these participants to engage in a common cause and make actions tangible. Game elements can be shaped to explore new avenues in FTA activities, as they are used in games in specific subject domains. These fields tend to be fragmented and are not integrated.

Details

foresight, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

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Article
Publication date: 5 February 2018

Ann-Louise Andersen, Thomas Ditlev Brunoe, Kjeld Nielsen and Mads Bejlegaard

The purpose of this paper is to present a decisions support tool that can be applied in initial stages of design, for evaluating the investment feasibility of changeable and…

560

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a decisions support tool that can be applied in initial stages of design, for evaluating the investment feasibility of changeable and reconfigurable manufacturing design concepts, based on future demand predictions and their uncertainties. A quantitative model is proposed, which evaluates the discounted value of capital and operating costs of changeable manufacturing design concepts, based on essential characteristics regarding their type and extent of changeability.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative empirical modeling is applied, where model conceptualization, validation, and implementation are central elements, using two Danish manufacturing companies as cases.

Findings

The applicability of the model is demonstrated in the two case companies, highlighting differences in type, extent, and level of feasible changeability, as a result of differences in product and production characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies of changeability implementation should be conducted across industrial fields in order to generalize findings.

Practical implications

There is currently limited support for the conceptual design phase of changeable and reconfigurable manufacturing, where critical decisions regarding type, extent, and level of changeability must be made, regardless of high degrees of uncertainty about future demand scenarios.

Originality/value

This paper expands previous research on design for changeability and reconfigurability, by explicitly considering changeability as a capability that can be enabled in various ways for various purposes in different industrial contexts. The proposed model and the case implementations provide important knowledge on the transition toward changeability in industry.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

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Article
Publication date: 11 April 2018

Ann-Louise Andersen, Jesper Kranker Larsen, Thomas Ditlev Brunoe, Kjeld Nielsen and Christopher Ketelsen

During design of reconfigurable manufacturing systems, manufacturing companies need to select and implement the right enablers of reconfigurability in accordance with the specific…

602

Abstract

Purpose

During design of reconfigurable manufacturing systems, manufacturing companies need to select and implement the right enablers of reconfigurability in accordance with the specific requirements being present in the manufacturing setting. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate enablers of reconfigurability in terms of their importance in industry, current level of implementation in industry, and significant differences in their implementation and criticality across different manufacturing settings.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey is conducted, in order to provide generalizable empirical evidence across various industries and manufacturing types.

Findings

The findings indicate that the level of implementation of the reconfigurability enablers is rudimentary, while their criticality is perceived higher than the current level of implementation. Moreover, significant differences regarding implementation and criticality of mobility, scalability, and convertibility were found for companies with varying degrees of manual work, make-to-stock production, and varying production volume, industry type and organization size.

Research limitations/implications

Main limitations of the research cover the relatively small sample size and non-random sampling method applied, primarily limited to one country, which could be increased to further extent the findings reported in this paper.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that the importance and implementation of reconfigurability enablers is contingent on the manufacturing setting. Thus, the research presented in this paper provides valuable knowledge in regard to aiding a paradigm shift in industry and help companies design manufacturing systems with the right reconfigurability enablers.

Originality/value

This paper expands research on manufacturing system design for changeability and reconfigurability, by explicitly considering these as capabilities that can be enabled in various ways for various purposes in different manufacturing contexts.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 29 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

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Article
Publication date: 14 December 2020

Laura Purvis, Andrew Lahy, Robert Mason and Mike Wilson

The aim of the paper is to explore the changing role of a logistics service providers (LSPs) to better support their supply chain (SC) partners on their journey of advancing their…

671

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to explore the changing role of a logistics service providers (LSPs) to better support their supply chain (SC) partners on their journey of advancing their product-service systems through distributing manufacturing around the world. The purpose of this paper is to investigate a novel route towards service growth followed by the LSP by integrating upstream into the value chain and the resultant consequences in the configuration of the servitisation strategy, SC structure and allocation of roles.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal exploratory case study design is followed. The case company is one of the world’s largest LSPs.

Findings

The study highlights how companies can transition towards the development of service solutions when not following a uni-directional, downstream pattern of integration in the value chain. The findings challenge the established model of servitisation as a forward uni-directional process across the continuum from goods to a service-focussed logic. They illustrate how companies can also move in a reversed direction, move possible back-and-forth or extend and restrict their position along the servitisation continuum.

Originality/value

The study reveals that service transition involves a deliberate developmental process to build capabilities as firms shift the focus of their product-service offering. It provides novel empirical evidence of how the service growth journey can manifest itself in practice. With insights into the benefits and challenges of distributed manufacturing, it also highlights some of the opportunities available to LSPs to expand their product-service offerings and some of the potential threats.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

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Article
Publication date: 12 October 2012

Don Jyh‐Fu Jeng and Thomas Bailey

As wireless penetration continues to increase worldwide, competitors in the mobile telecommunication industry are changing their strategies from a growth model to a value‐added…

7911

Abstract

Purpose

As wireless penetration continues to increase worldwide, competitors in the mobile telecommunication industry are changing their strategies from a growth model to a value‐added one. The companies that can attract and retain customers in this highly competitive and increasingly saturated market stand poised to make considerable gains, and thus customer retention is an important field of study in this maturing market. Using the Canadian mobile phone market as an example, this work aims to study the major motivators of customer retention and their interrelationships, and assess the value that customers perceive with regard to the related advertising.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review and expert validation, the motivators of customer retention are divided into three dimensions and eight criteria. A systematic hybrid multiple criteria decision‐making (MCDM) method that combines the decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique and the analytic network process (ANP) is used to examine the customer retention framework and to evaluate the promotional strategies used by various market players.

Findings

The interdependence relation shows that phone service quality, customer service quality, and phone plan quality are three major motivators in terms of causality with regard to brand image, customer service quality, and complaint management, while phone service quality has become a hygiene factor with regard to customer satisfaction and retention. The findings from an assessment of the promotional strategies used by the major players in the Canadian mobile telecoms industry suggest that well‐financed foreign entrants pose a risk to the major domestic carriers, and that successful promotional strategies will require strong leverage of their existing price and quality advantages.

Originality/value

This work adopted a hybrid MCDM approach to examine a major strategic issue in mobile telecoms, – i.e. customer retention – and demonstrated the strengths of using this method to investigate rapidly changing markets. The relative importance of the motivators of satisfaction and retention is investigated, and a strategy for customer retention in the mobile telecoms industry is provided to managers.

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Article
Publication date: 22 January 2018

Johannes Wollenburg, Alexander Hübner, Heinrich Kuhn and Alexander Trautrims

The advent of grocery sales through online channels necessitates that bricks-and-mortar retailers redefine their logistics networks if they want to compete online. Because the…

10309

Abstract

Purpose

The advent of grocery sales through online channels necessitates that bricks-and-mortar retailers redefine their logistics networks if they want to compete online. Because the general understanding of such bricks-and-clicks logistics systems for grocery is still limited, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the internal logistics networks used to serve customers across channels by means of an exploratory study with retailers from different contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 12 case companies from six European countries participated in this exploratory study. Face-to-face interviews with managers were the primary source for data collection. The heterogeneity of the sample enabled the authors to build a typology of logistics networks in grocery retailing on multiple channels and to understand the advantages of different warehousing, picking, internal transportation and last-mile delivery systems.

Findings

Bricks-and-mortar grocery retailers are leveraging their existing logistics structures to fulfill online orders. Logistics networks are mostly determined by the question of where to split case packs into customer units. In non-food logistics, channel integration is mostly seen as beneficial, but in grocery retailing, this depends heavily on product, market and retailer specifics. The data from the heterogeneous sample reveal six distinct types for cross-channel order fulfillment.

Practical implications

The qualitative analysis of different design options can serve as a decision support for retailers developing logistics networks to serve customers across channels.

Originality/value

The paper shows the internal and external factors that drive the decision-making for omni-channel (OC) logistics networks for previously store-based grocery retailers. Thereby, it makes a step toward building a contingency and configuration theory of retail networks design. It discusses in particular the differences between grocery and non-food OC retailing, last-mile delivery systems and market characteristics in the decision-making of retail networks design.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 48 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

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