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Article
Publication date: 1 August 2016

Arash Shahin, Angappa Gunasekaran, Azam Khalili and Hadi Shirouyehzad

This paper aims to propose a new approach for determining a decoupling point in leagile chain, based on Lean and agile criteria regarding market and customer demands and internal…

793

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a new approach for determining a decoupling point in leagile chain, based on Lean and agile criteria regarding market and customer demands and internal capabilities of the chain with the ultimate goal of fulfilling customer needs and increasing chain profit.

Design/methodology/approach

In the new approach, Lean and agile criteria have been defined for assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of supply chain. The efficiency and effectiveness ratios have been calculated for Lean and agile processes using input- and output-oriented Banker, Charnes and Cooper (BCC) methods, respectively. Based on the results, inefficient and ineffective units have been addressed and the decoupling point has been determined.

Findings

Findings indicate that the decoupling point can be regarded as a borderline between two strategies of Lean and agile production, and fuzzy decoupling point and lean–agile distance can provide the basis for distinguishing the two strategies.

Practical implications

Determining the decoupling point has an important role in dynamic performance of a supply chain. By the proposed approach, managers can estimate the most probable area for the decoupling point. Moreover, by appropriate determination of decoupling point, an organization can increase its public responsibility by appropriate usage of its resources and responding faster to customers’ requirements.

Originality/value

In this study, in addition to determining a decoupling point in a supply chain with the aim of increasing productivity, the subject of leagile strategy of supply chains has been developed.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

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Article
Publication date: 19 April 2013

Roberto Chavez, Cristina Gimenez, Brian Fynes, Frank Wiengarten and Wantao Yu

The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of internal lean practices on multiple operational performance dimensions, and assess the contingency perspective of these…

5065

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of internal lean practices on multiple operational performance dimensions, and assess the contingency perspective of these relationships with respect to industry clockspeed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on empirical data gathered from 228 manufacturing companies in the Republic of Ireland. The relationships between the constructs are analyzed through regression analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that the relationships between internal lean practices and quality, delivery, flexibility and cost were found to be positive and significant. Further, industry clockspeed was found to moderate the relationship between internal lean practices and quality, delivery and flexibility, but not cost.

Practical implications

While internal lean practices can improve operational performance, managers should be aware that internal lean practices are not universally applicable, and the rate of change within an industry should be considered at the time of implementing lean principles.

Originality/value

Much of the lean literature tends to be biased towards its effectiveness. However, empirical evidence shows that not all lean implementation have led to positive results, which has been attributed to the general complexity in the relationship between internal lean practices and performance. We propose to investigate further this relationship by disaggregating operational performance into four of its dimensions, namely quality, delivery, flexibility and cost, and by investigating the possible contingency effect of industry clockspeed.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 33 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

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Article
Publication date: 1 September 2000

Yanqing Duan and Russell Kinman

Small businesses play a crucial role in national and local economies, but their problems are not always accorded the same importance as those of larger organisations. Research…

930

Abstract

Small businesses play a crucial role in national and local economies, but their problems are not always accorded the same importance as those of larger organisations. Research shows that many small businesses fail from lack of management ability. It has been argued that small businesses can improve their performance and increase their competitiveness with better information and decision support systems (DSS). Study of the few research papers available reveals that the current use of computers in small and medium‐size enterprises (SMEs) is often limited, and geared to operational support rather than managerial decision making. The work discussed in this paper investigated current DSS use in small manufacturing businesses in Bedfordshire, and canvassed the views of managers as to what additional support they most needed. Conclusions are drawn from the results of interviews with managers of six small manufacturing businesses and a large‐scale self‐report survey of Bedfordshire firms.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 7 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

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Article
Publication date: 1 February 1989

D. Ding and D.J. Naylor

A derivation for the finite element equations of consolidation by the principle of virtual work and virtual complementary work is presented. This provides a simple alternative to…

109

Abstract

A derivation for the finite element equations of consolidation by the principle of virtual work and virtual complementary work is presented. This provides a simple alternative to derivation by variational principles or the Laplace transform. In the final part of the paper the equations are rearranged into a form suitable for time stepping for non‐linear applications.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 3 October 2016

Chhabi Ram Matawale, Saurav Datta and S.S. Mahapatra

In today’s ever-changing global business environment, successful survival of manufacturing firms/production units depends on the extent of fulfillment of dynamic customers’…

694

Abstract

Purpose

In today’s ever-changing global business environment, successful survival of manufacturing firms/production units depends on the extent of fulfillment of dynamic customers’ demands. Appropriate supply chain strategy is of vital concern in this context. Lean principles correspond to zero inventory level; whereas, agile concepts motivate safety inventory to face and withstand in turbulent market conditions. The leagile paradigm is gaining prime importance in the contemporary scenario which includes salient features of both leanness and agility. While lean strategy affords markets with predictable demand, low variety and long product life cycle; agility performs best in a volatile environment with high variety, mass-customization and short product life cycle. Successful implementation of leagile concept requires evaluation of the total performance metric and development of a route map for integrating lean production and agile supply in the total supply chain. To this end, the purpose of this paper is to propose a leagility evaluation framework using fuzzy logic.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured framework consisting of leagile capabilities/attributes as well as criterions has been explored to assess an overall leagility index, for a case enterprise and the data, obtained thereof, has been analyzed. Future opportunities toward improving leagility degree have been identified as well. This paper proposes a Fuzzy Overall Performance Index to assess the combined agility and leanness measure (leagility) of the organizational supply chain.

Findings

The proposed method has been found fruitful from managerial implication viewpoint.

Originality/value

This paper aimed to present an integrated fuzzy-based performance appraisement module in an organizational leagile supply chain. This evaluation module helps to assess existing organizational leagility degree; it can be considered as a ready reference to compare performance of different leagile organization (running under similar supply chain architecture) and to benchmark candidate leagile enterprises; so that best practices can be transmitted to the less-performing organizations. Moreover, there is scope to identify ill-performing areas (barriers of leagility) which require special managerial attention for future improvement.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 23 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

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Article
Publication date: 2 November 2022

Dharmendra Hariyani and Sanjeev Mishra

Scarcity of resources, ecological imbalance, global warming, rising energy prices and the ever-changing need for variety have attracted the government and manufacturers for…

906

Abstract

Purpose

Scarcity of resources, ecological imbalance, global warming, rising energy prices and the ever-changing need for variety have attracted the government and manufacturers for sustainable development of the industries. The integrated sustainable-green-lean-six sigma-agile manufacturing system (ISGLSAMS) provides a solid platform for meeting both the customers’ variety needs and business sustainability requirements. Many organizations opted for ISGLSAMS, but still due to various barriers organizations are not able to fully implement ISGLSAMS. The purpose of this paper is to identify the barriers to the ISGLSAMS, so that a more sustainable industrial manufacturing system and industrial symbiosis can be developed.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review, from the Web of Science and Google Scholar database, has been carried out to identify the various barriers to the implementation of ISGLSAMS in the entire value chain. A total of 168 research papers have been reviewed for identifying the ISGLSAMS barriers.

Findings

This paper elaborates the concept of the ISGLSAMS, its attributes and various barriers and contributes to a better understanding and successful implementation of ISGLSAMS to meet business’ sustainability and market performance goals in the entire value chain. The paper also projects the future research framework and directions for the ISGLSAMS, integrated sustainable-green-lean-six sigma-agile (ISGLSA) product and ISGLSA supply and value chain.

Practical implications

The study contributes to a better understanding of ISGLSAMS’ barriers. The government, stakeholders and policymakers may plan the policy, road map and strategies to overcome the ISGLSAMS’ barriers. In-depth knowledge of subclauses of ISGLSAMS’ barriers will help the practitioners to overcome the ISGLSAMS’ barriers strategically. By overcoming the ISGLSAMS barriers, a more sustainable 7 Rs based market focused manufacturing system can be designed. This will also increase the opportunities to enhance the industrial ecology, industrial symbiosis and better recovery of the product, process and supply chain residual value. This will reduce the waste to the ecosystem.

Originality/value

This work has been carried out in search of a more sustainable manufacturing system, i.e. ISGLSAMS (which is 7 Rs based, i.e. 6 Rs of sustainability with 7th R, reconfiguration) to meet the customer variety needs along with sustainability in the ever-changing customer market. This study adds value to the practitioners to identify and prioritize the ISGLSAMS’ industry-specific barriers and design the solution for the more sustainable development of (1) industries, (2) the industrial symbiosis system and (3) the ISGLSA product, process, system and supply value chain with minimum resource consumption and environmental impact. The research also contributes to the (a) ISGLSAMS (b) ISGLSA supply chain (c) reconfigurable, sustainable and modular products and (d) redesign, recovery and refurbishing of the product to increase the product life cycle.

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Article
Publication date: 5 November 2018

Mahmoud Moradi, Nima Esfandiari and Majid Keshavarz Moghaddam

This paper aims to propose a model to assess leagile strategy effectively as one of the most discussed production and supply chain strategies.

185

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a model to assess leagile strategy effectively as one of the most discussed production and supply chain strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on an integrated FLinPreRa-FQFD approach, which ranks and determines the importance of criteria and indices of the proposed model in an effective way.

Findings

“Cost” has been taken as the most important competitive advantage in the four selected industries. “Customer and market sensitiveness” has been considered as the most important enabler in three industries (“machinery and equipment,” “textile” and “food and beverage”). “Collaborative relationship” has been also considered as the most important enabler in the “material and chemical products” industry to gain leagility.

Practical implication

On the one hand, the proposed research model can be used as a reference guide for firms to reach leagility. This model presents indices of leagility at different levels. On the other hand, with respect to the main activities of the Iran Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, including Qazvin’s, committed to provide requirements for economic development, this work provides an opportunity for the implementation of leagility model in 151 active companies. It also gives new insights into the leagility application in the four industries and Qazvin’s Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture.

Originality/value

This research has two main contributions. First, it presents a model of enablers and attributes of leagility, combined with four competitive advantages. Second, the research study is equipped with an integrated and consistent methodology that, first, helps decision makers prioritize their goals and agenda by means of fewer paired comparisons without the need of consistency rate and, second, allows for direct evaluation of impact of enablers on attributes of leagility.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

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Book part
Publication date: 23 August 2014

Donald K. Clancy and Francisco J. Román

Extending the work of Bayou (2001), we empirically investigate the relationship between firm size and resource productivity to assess whether the productivity of resources (value…

Abstract

Purpose

Extending the work of Bayou (2001), we empirically investigate the relationship between firm size and resource productivity to assess whether the productivity of resources (value in use) and their underlying value at sale (value in sale) vary with firm’s size.

Methodology

We use seemingly unrelated regression of revenues and equity values on assets and employees for a large sample over a wide time period and across all industries. We compare companies that are growing, declining, or continuing in size relative to their industry.

Findings

With some variability on growth, we find that smaller companies hold more productive resources based on their capacity to generate more revenues per unit of resources (assets) relative to large companies. Further, as predicted, a firm’s workforce has productive value in use, but limited value after a firm’s sale as measured by equity values.

Practical implications

Collectively, our findings suggest that firm size matters in influencing resource productivity, and a workforce has productive value in use, but low value in sale.

Details

Advances in Management Accounting
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-842-6

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Article
Publication date: 1 July 2005

Matthias Holweg

The concept of responsiveness has been widely discussed, yet so far most of this discussion has remained qualitative in nature. The purpose of this paper is to develop a…

8969

Abstract

Purpose

The concept of responsiveness has been widely discussed, yet so far most of this discussion has remained qualitative in nature. The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model identifying the key factors that determine the responsiveness of a supply chain system, which – once quantified – provide a unique profile of each supply chain setting towards the appropriate supply chain strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews existing contributions and synthesises these into a conceptual model of responsiveness. The model is applied using three case studies from the automotive and electronics industry. The case research is based on value stream mapping, semi‐structured interviews, and site visits.

Findings

Three key findings could be established: first, the concept of responsiveness has a simple logic that aligns itself to a wide range of manufacturing strategies. However, underlying this remit is a complex interaction of an array of key variables, and it was found that previous contributions largely have only addressed a subset of these. Second, these key variables can be grouped into three categories or dimensions of responsiveness – product, process and volume – to provide a holistic understanding of responsiveness and its key determinants. Third, due to the large involved, there cannot be one single “holy grail” concept of how responsiveness can be achieved, neither does one single approach apply to entire sectors.

Research limitations/implications

A great variety of variables needs to be considered in order to provide a balanced view of all three dimensions of responsiveness, thus the case analyses remain at a necessarily high level.

Practical implications

The paper provides guidelines for management on how to align their supply chain strategy to volume, product and process contingency factors in order to balance responsiveness to customer demand and supply chain efficiency.

Originality/value

The paper aims to elevate a discussion that previously has been held mostly at a conceptual level beyond the qualitative description, and thus addresses a key shortcoming in the current debate.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 25 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

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Article
Publication date: 3 December 2018

Dilupa Nakandala and H.C.W. Lau

This paper aims to investigate the characteristics of demand and supply in relation to the real-world supply chain strategies of local urban fresh food supply chains (FFSC). It…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the characteristics of demand and supply in relation to the real-world supply chain strategies of local urban fresh food supply chains (FFSC). It generates insights into how a range of strategies is adopted by urban retailer businesses in attempting to cater for the particular requirements of food-literate urban consumers and small-scale local growers.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a multiple case study method, 12 urban local fresh food retailers in Sydney were studied and interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Local fresh produce has characteristics of both functional and innovative products. Retailers with strong upstream and downstream collaborations adopt hybrid strategies for increased time efficiency and product variety. The dominance of strategies for time efficiency in downstream activities is aimed at maximising the product’s freshness and taste, while product range improvement strategies mean innovative retailers are working with growers to introduce new product types and offering new recipes to consumers that encourage a wider use of products. Urban retailers of local fresh produce leverage on their relationships with upstream and downstream supply chain entities in implementing hybrid strategies.

Implications

Policymakers will make use of the new knowledge generated about the real enablers of contemporary urban food systems in designing developmental policies; findings will inform urban FFSC retailers about how harmonious relationships can be leveraged for sustainability.

Originality/value

The study generates new knowledge on the implementation of a leagile approach by studying the adoption of innovative hybrid strategies by urban local FFSCs in relations to demand and supply characteristics and the utilization of strong vertical relationships in a short supply chain.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

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