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Article
Publication date: 1 February 1986

J.W.M. Bertrand and J. Wingaard

Co‐ordination of the activities of production units is necessary to realise the required delivery performance in the market. These should not conflict with reaching the production…

364

Abstract

Co‐ordination of the activities of production units is necessary to realise the required delivery performance in the market. These should not conflict with reaching the production economics objectives of each of the units. Production structure is needed to reduce the complexity and should minimise the loss of potential flexibility. Any structure will have some elements in common — the definition of basic elements (e.g. capacities) as a first step in production control structure design; the introduction of product units and the decomposition of the total production control to Goods Flow Control and Production Unit Control; the relationship of sales and manufacturing and the interference of products and capacities as two main determining factors of the Goods Flow Control structure. The generality of these elements means it is possible to develop a small but relatively complete set of reference structures. A reference structure for Goods Flow Control in a repetitive manufacturing situation is discussed. Its main elements are master planning, material co‐ordination, workload control and work order release.

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International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 1993

Marjorie Gott and Hester Packham

Describes a study of three community nursing services provided by North Staffordshire Health Authority, which was carried out during the summer of 1991. Both the type and focus of…

65

Abstract

Describes a study of three community nursing services provided by North Staffordshire Health Authority, which was carried out during the summer of 1991. Both the type and focus of quality measurement reported here are fairly unique. While the development of quality measures is yet at an early stage, most measures to date are quantitative. These can inform about volume of use of a service, but not its quality. The measures designed for this study were qualitative. These, when combined with quantitative data (statistics, routinely collected), yield much richer and more complete information as a basis for decision making in service planning. Quality data on the use of community services are also under‐represented in the quality literature ‐ most studies to date have used hospital patient services as their source for data collection. Goes some way towards redressing the imbalance.

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International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

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Article
Publication date: 1 July 1992

Jan C. Fransoo

In a changing and more dynamic market of the 1980s, availablemathematical programming algorithms on which production planning inprocess industries was based did not provide the…

577

Abstract

In a changing and more dynamic market of the 1980s, available mathematical programming algorithms on which production planning in process industries was based did not provide the required responsiveness. Although it is suggested in the literature that a variable cycle times policy will enable the system to react to short‐term demand fluctuations, proposes the use of a fixed cycle times policy. Presents simulation results which show a considerable improvement in service level at a high level of utilization. Presents a three‐tiered hierarchical model which is based on this fixed cycle times policy, which gives insight into the influence that the demand manager has upon the results in the production department. On the other hand, it also reflects the commercial interests. Suggests that for both departments which are this strongly intertwined, a common reference is necessary to improve the general results of the business.

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International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 12 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2006

Jacob Wijngaard, Jan de Vries and Aukje Nauta

This paper seeks to explore the question of how to investigate the contribution of the operational network (comprising sales service, logistics, planning, production, etc.) to…

2121

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore the question of how to investigate the contribution of the operational network (comprising sales service, logistics, planning, production, etc.) to operational performance. In doing so, the paper aims to link concepts from organisational and social psychology to production planning and control.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces the concept “operational network”, e.g. the network of people involved in customer and production order processing. Members of the operational network need some autonomy, but this autonomy may also lead to dysfunctional behaviour, due to conflicts of interest, ambiguities and individual preferences. The contribution of the operational network seems difficult to investigate. This is illustrated by an empirical study of the role of operational people in a semi‐process industry. This study shows that concepts of organisational psychology are very applicable here. However, most results relate perceived behaviour to perceived performance; it appeared to be difficult to relate actual organisation characteristics to actual performance. This paper discusses the research approach that is necessary to be able to fill the gap between “perceived” and “actual”.

Findings

To fill the gap between “perceived” and “actual” behaviour, it is necessary to formalize the behaviour of the members of the operational network by adopting an adequate planning and control framework. In most situations such a planning and control framework is not available. Therefore, a study of the role of the operational network needs to be accompanied by a participative design of the planning and control framework.

Originality/value

This paper conducts a convincing investigation into the contribution of the operational network to operational performance, a subject which hitherto has been only marginally addressed.

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International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 26 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

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Article
Publication date: 17 September 2020

Beikun Zhang and Liyun Xu

The increasing energy shortage leads to worldwide attentions. This paper aims to develop a mathematical model and optimization algorithm to solve the energy-oriented U-shaped…

310

Abstract

Purpose

The increasing energy shortage leads to worldwide attentions. This paper aims to develop a mathematical model and optimization algorithm to solve the energy-oriented U-shaped assembly line balancing problem. Different from most existing works, the energy consumption is set as a major objective.

Design/methodology/approach

An improved flower pollination algorithm (IFPA) is designed to solve the problem. The random key encoding mechanism is used to map the continuous algorithm into discrete problem. The pollination rules are modified to enhance the information exchange between individuals. Variable neighborhood search (VNS) is used to improve the algorithm performance.

Findings

The experimental results show that the two objectives are in conflict with each other. The proposed methodology can help manager obtain the counterbalance between them, for the larger size balancing problems, and the reduction in objectives is even more significant. Besides, the experiment results also show the high efficiency of the proposed IFPA and VNS.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this work are twofold. First, a mathematical model for the U-shaped assembly line balancing problem is developed and the model is dual foci including minimized SI and energy consumption. Second, an IFPA is proposed to solve the problem.

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Assembly Automation, vol. 40 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

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Article
Publication date: 1 July 1993

A.Z. Keller and A. Kazazi

Examines Just‐in‐Time (JIT) from its evolution as a Japaneseconcept through to a review of its philosophy and implementation. Citesseveral techniques of implementation. Includes a…

2717

Abstract

Examines Just‐in‐Time (JIT) from its evolution as a Japanese concept through to a review of its philosophy and implementation. Cites several techniques of implementation. Includes a review of the early work of various researchers and practitioners. Concludes that JIT is a very effective manufacturing philosophy which is universal in nature encompassing all aspects of manufacturing. Suggests a few deficiencies in current literature.

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Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 93 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

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Article
Publication date: 28 September 2010

Kürşad Ağpak

Cycle time fluctuations in assembly lines are one of the important reasons of re‐balancing. As a result of re‐balancing of assembly lines, it will be necessary to change task…

769

Abstract

Purpose

Cycle time fluctuations in assembly lines are one of the important reasons of re‐balancing. As a result of re‐balancing of assembly lines, it will be necessary to change task sequences or equipment locations. The purpose of this paper is to find the task sequence which enables assembly line balancing (ALB) with minimum number of stations (NS) for different cycle times such that tasks and equipment or fixture locations remain unchanged.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper a heuristic which consist of two stages is proposed to find a common task sequence for different cycle times in assembly lines.

Findings

It is shown that optimal NS for different cycle times can be achieved with a fixed task sequence.

Research limitations/implications

The approach is limited to a single model case. Model variety together with cycle time variety can be investigated in further studies.

Practical implications

Assembly lines which require less time and cost for re‐balancing can be easily designed by the proposed approach.

Originality/value

ALB problem is handled with a new viewpoint. Also, it is observed that the proposed approach serves as a bridge between assembly line design and balancing. In this regard, it is thought to have an important place in the ALB literature.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

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Article
Publication date: 1 May 2020

Emre Cevikcan and Mehmet Bulent Durmusoglu

Rabbit chase (RC) is used as one of the most effective techniques in manufacturing systems, as such systems have high level of adaptability and increased productivity in addition…

278

Abstract

Purpose

Rabbit chase (RC) is used as one of the most effective techniques in manufacturing systems, as such systems have high level of adaptability and increased productivity in addition to providing uniform workload balancing and skill improving environment. In assembly systems, RC inspires the development of walking worker assembly line (WWAL). On the other hand, U-type assembly lines (UALs) may provide higher worker utilization, lower space requirement and more convenient internal logistics when compared to straight assembly lines. In this context, this study aims to improve assembly line performance by generating RC cycles on WWAL with respect to task assignment characteristics of UAL within reasonable walking distance and space requirement. Therefore, a novel line configuration, namely, segmented rabbit chase-oriented U-type assembly line (SRCUAL), emerges.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical programming approach treats SRCUAL balancing problem in a hierarchical manner to decrease computational burden. Firstly, segments are generated via the first linear programming model in the solution approach for balancing SRCUALs to minimize total number of workers. Then, stations are determined within each segment for forward and backward sections separately using two different pre-emptive goal programming models. Moreover, three heuristics are developed to provide solution quality with computational efficiency.

Findings

The proposed mathematical programming approach is applied to the light-emitting diode (LED) luminaire assembly section of a manufacturing company. The adaptation of SRCUAL decreased the number of workers by 15.4% and the space requirement by 17.7% for LED luminaire assembly system when compared to UAL. Moreover, satisfactory results for the proposed heuristics were obtained in terms of deviation from lower bound, especially for SRCUAL heuristics I and II. Moreover, the results indicate that the integration of RC not only decreased the number of workers in 40.28% (29 instances) of test problems in U-lines, but also yielded less number of buffer points (48.48%) with lower workload deviation (75%) among workers in terms of coefficient of variation.

Practical implications

This study provides convenience for capacity management (assessing capacity and adjusting capacity by changing the number of workers) for industrial SRCUAL applications. Meanwhile, SRCUAL applications give the opportunity to increase the capacity for a product or transfer the saved capacity to the assembly of other products. As it is possible to provide one-piece flow with equal workloads via walking workers, SRCUAL has the potential for quick realization of defects and better lead time performance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, forward–backward task assignments in U-type lines have not been adapted to WWALs. Moreover, as workers travel overall the line in WWALs, walking time increases drastically. Addressing this research gap and limitation, the main innovative aspect of this study can be considered as the proposal of a new line design (i.e. SRCUAL) which is sourced from the hybridization of UALs and WWAL as well as the segmentation of the line with RC cycles. The superiority of SRCUAL over WWAL and UAL was also discussed. Moreover, operating systematic for SRCUAL was devised. As for methodical aspect, this study is the first attempt to solve the balancing problem for SRCUAL design.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 40 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

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Article
Publication date: 1 October 1993

Henk Akkermans

Describes a case study in which a consultancy method based on participative business modelling was used to support strategic decision making in the field of operations. In this…

565

Abstract

Describes a case study in which a consultancy method based on participative business modelling was used to support strategic decision making in the field of operations. In this case study the Dutch client company faced serious logical and financial problems after an attempt to attain competitive advantage through drastic improvement of its delivery speed. The modelling project produced several valuable insights which have resulted in a better logistical performance at lower cost. The participative approach taken in the project has made implementation of the recommendations resulting from the project easier. It has also resulted in a better quality of systems thinking and a better understanding of the operations system throughout the company — in short, in organizational learning. This case study has been conducted within a research project aimed at the development of modelling oriented consultancy method to support strategic decision making in operations. This consultancy method is called Participative Business Modelling (PBM). Several observations made in this case study with respect to the development of this consultancy method are discussed.

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International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 13 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 1993

J.A.A. Sillince and G.M.H. Sykes

Describes both MRPII and JIT, reviews their strengths andweaknesses, and investigates their potential complementary nature.Suggests a step‐by‐step implementation of MRPII/JIT…

459

Abstract

Describes both MRPII and JIT, reviews their strengths and weaknesses, and investigates their potential complementary nature. Suggests a step‐by‐step implementation of MRPII/JIT integration. Shows that several technical problems are solvable, and that MRPII and JIT are suitable in many similar environments. Analyses justification of change using current and alternative accounting methods, and studies the implications of integration for methods of performance measurement. Suggests that JIT undermines traditional management accounting methods and demands non‐financial methods such as Activity‐Based Costing (ABC). However, also suggests that integrated schemes require major organizational and political change.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

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