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Article
Publication date: 14 June 2019

Ali Ahmed, John Page and John Olsen

This paper aims to compare the prognostic and visualisation capabilities of all the three simulation paradigms to identify their suitability and rigor in eliminating weaknesses…

927

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to compare the prognostic and visualisation capabilities of all the three simulation paradigms to identify their suitability and rigor in eliminating weaknesses and bottlenecks in a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) project.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an light-emitting diode (LED) factory as a business case to show the differences and advantages of using three different simulation techniques to solve a manufacturing problem.

Findings

Even though this is only one business case that shows how system dynamics (SD) can be effective in a Six Sigma manufacturing project, more examples are needed to validate this hypothesis within Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing fields. Even though, discrete-events (DE) and agent-based (AB) models are both equally well suited to develop the manufacturing processes and the choice of what to use may be arbitrarily dependent on the available software or the preference of the modeller, hybrid models seem to become extremely powerful. Therefore, more hybrid models need to be constructed within LSS (especially when a flowchart and a SIPOC ((Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customers) table are combined to develop a hybrid model) to achieve the most accurate results with accurate representation of reality.

Originality/value

There are three commonly used simulation techniques, DE, AB and SD, but choosing the right simulation methodology has often been a challenge.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

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Article
Publication date: 23 May 2019

Ali Ahmed, John Page and John Olsen

In recent times, the idea of taking advantage of the benefits of simulation techniques and Six Sigma discipline altogether has led various organizations towards implementation of…

1245

Abstract

Purpose

In recent times, the idea of taking advantage of the benefits of simulation techniques and Six Sigma discipline altogether has led various organizations towards implementation of simulation tools within Six Sigma methodology. The purpose of this study is to provide a more comprehensive literature review on the topic exploring how this amalgamation could work both in theory and practice. This precisely entailed finding dependable studies that shows how Six Sigma (DMAIC) Methodology can be enhanced by the three prevalent simulation techniques; Agent-Based (AB), Discrete-Events (DE), System Dynamics (SD).

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was considered more fitting in research because it involves rigorous and well-defined approach compared to other forms of literature review. In this case, the literature was comprehensive, well-encompassing and involved finding Six Sigma and Simulations literatures from reputable scholarly databases. The outcome of these reviews was the identification of a set of key finding compiled and classified by topics. The study follows an inductive approach and utilises a meta-synthesis review technique.

Findings

As numerous studies assert, simulation techniques including AB, DE and SD are applicable tools in almost every stage of DMAIC, especially the Analyse, Improve and Control phases, because of their capability to test and identify potential bottlenecks and improvement areas. Findings show that the simulation tools such as CLDs, Group Model Building, Dynamic Balance Scorecards and Cost of poor quality all have the potential to add value to a Six Sigma methodology.

Originality/value

The findings of this study highlight the importance of further inquiry in this area of study. The finding of this study suggests that although the study on the integration of Six Sigma and simulations is increasing, empirical evidence on its effectiveness is still limited. Therefore, this study suggests more roadmaps and investigations aimed at merging Six Sigma methodology and various simulation technique. Moreover, studies that centre on hybrid or multi-method simulations within Six Sigma are also urgently necessitated.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

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Article
Publication date: 12 October 2022

Ali Ahmed, John Olsen and John Page

The overarching objective of this research is to integrate the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) framework with computer simulation to improve the production efficiency of a light-emitting…

920

Abstract

Purpose

The overarching objective of this research is to integrate the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) framework with computer simulation to improve the production efficiency of a light-emitting diode (LED) manufacturing factory.

Design/methodology/approach

Recently, the idea of taking advantage of the benefits of Six Sigma and simulation models together has led both industry and the academy towards further investigation and implementation of these methodologies. From this perspective, the present research will illustrate the effectiveness of using LSS methodology in a real factory environment by using the combination of three simulation methods which are system dynamics (SD), discrete-event simulation (DES) and agent-based (AB) modelling.

Findings

The hybrid simulation method applied in this research was found to accurately mimic and model the existing real factory environment. The define, measure, analyse, control and improve (DMAIC)-based improvements showed that the applied method is able to improve machine utilization rates while balancing the workload. Moreover, queue lengths for several stations were shortened, and the average processing time was decreased by around 50%. Also, a weekly production increase of 25% was achieved while lowering the cost per unit by around 8%.

Research limitations/implications

While the case study used was for a LED manufacturing system, the proposed framework could be implemented for any other existing production system. The research also meticulously presents the steps carried out for the development of the multi-method simulation model to allow readers to replicate the model and tailor it for their own case studies and projects. The hybrid model enables managers to navigate the trade-off decisions they often face when choosing advanced production output ahead of continuous improvement practices. The adoption of methodologies outlined in this paper would attain improvements in terms of queue lengths, utilization, reduced costs and improved quality and efficiency of a real, small factory. The findings suggest improvements and create awareness among practitioners for the utilization of quality tools that will provide direct benefits to their companies. Although the multi-method simulation is effective, a limitation of the current study is the lack of micro details within each station. Furthermore, the results are all based on one specific case study which is not enough to suggest and generalized findings.

Originality/value

This research combines the use of the three main hybrid simulation paradigms (SD, DES and AB) in a unified framework DMAIC methodology. Choosing the right models in DMAIC is important, challenging and urgently necessary. Also, this paper shows empirical evidence on its effectiveness.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 1995

Fred Stoss, John Scialdone, Lola Olsen, Anne O'Donnell, Janet Wright, Eliot Christian, Roberta Balstad Miller, Gerald S. Barton, Walter Bogan, Barbara Rodes and Diane Harvey

What follows is a small sampling of activities that are underway. All of them are working toward contributing to the understanding of the Earth system.

105

Abstract

What follows is a small sampling of activities that are underway. All of them are working toward contributing to the understanding of the Earth system.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 13 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

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Article
Publication date: 26 August 2014

Haoyang Cheng, John Page, John Olsen and Nathan Kinkaid

– This paper aims to investigate the decentralised strategy to coordinate the reconfiguration of multiple spacecraft.

217

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the decentralised strategy to coordinate the reconfiguration of multiple spacecraft.

Design/methodology/approach

The system of interest consists of multiple spacecraft with independent subsystem dynamics and local constraints, but is linked through their coupling constraints. The proposed method decomposes the centralised problem into smaller subproblems. It minimises the fuel consumption of multiple spacecraft performing a reconfiguration manoeuvre through an iterative computation. In particular, each agent optimises its individual cost function using the most recently available local solution for the other agents.

Findings

The simulation scenarios include spacecraft formation reconfiguration and close manoeuvres around obstacles were conducted. The simulation results showed the fast convergence of the proposed algorithm, while local and inter-vehicle constraints were maintained.

Originality/value

The main advantage of this approach is that it adopts a linear form of the objective function. This allows the local optimisation problem to be formulated as a mixed-integer, linear programming problem, most of which can be quickly solved with resort to commercial software.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, vol. 86 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

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Article
Publication date: 26 July 2013

Haoyang Cheng, John Page and John Olsen

This study aims to investigate the rule‐based decentralised control framework for a swarm of UAVs carrying out a cooperative ground target engagement mission scenario.

546

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the rule‐based decentralised control framework for a swarm of UAVs carrying out a cooperative ground target engagement mission scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is to investigate the rule‐based decentralised control framework for missions which require high‐level cooperation between team members. The design of the authors’ control strategy is based on agent‐level interactions. Different to a centralized task assignment algorithm, the cooperation of the agents is entirely implicit. The behaviour of the UAVs is governed by rule sets which ultimately lead to cooperation at a system level. The information theoretic measures are adopted to estimate the value of possible future actions. The prediction model is further considered to enhance the team performance in the scenario where there are tight coupled task constraints.

Findings

The simulation study evaluates the performance of the decentralised controller and compares it with a centralised controller quantitatively. The results show that the proposed approach leads to a highly cooperative performance of the group without the need for a centralised control authority. The performance of the decentralised control depends on the complexity of the coupled task constraints. It can be improved by using a prediction model to provide information such as the intentions of the neighbours that is not available locally.

Originality/value

The achievable performance of the decentralised control was considered to be low due to the absence of communication and little global coordinating information. This study demonstrated that the decentralised control can achieve highly cooperative performance. The achievable performance is related to the complexity of the coupled constraints and the accuracy of the prediction model.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Unmanned Systems, vol. 1 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-6427

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Article
Publication date: 1 December 2001

Sung‐Yong Son, Tava Lennon Olsen and Derek Yip‐Hoi

Line balancing has been an important technique for manufacturing system design, because a completely balanced system can provide maximum resource utilization at the designed…

1638

Abstract

Line balancing has been an important technique for manufacturing system design, because a completely balanced system can provide maximum resource utilization at the designed capacity. However, even if a system is completely balanced, it still has capacity waste when the entire product life cycle is considered, because real production is often significantly less than capacity. Avoiding this mismatch requires scalable systems such as reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMSs) to meet changing product demand. Stage paralleling is suggested as an approach to scalability for RMSs. By comparing the economic feasibility of such manufacturing systems with completely balanced transfer line systems with respect to station cost, it is shown that line balancing is not necessarily desirable with this approach. The effect of station cost differences for unbalanced systems is also considered.

Details

Integrated Manufacturing Systems, vol. 12 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-6061

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Book part
Publication date: 14 June 2024

Felix Wortmann, Heiko Gebauer, Claudio Lamprecht and Elgar Fleisch

Abstract

Details

Understanding Products as Services: How the Internet and AI are Transforming Product Companies
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-824-3

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Article
Publication date: 2 April 2024

Emily Goyen, Corinna Grindle, Vaso Totsika and Suzi Jayne Sapiets

Children with developmental disabilities (e.g. learning disability and autism) often struggle with handwriting skills. This study aims to implement an adapted handwriting…

148

Abstract

Purpose

Children with developmental disabilities (e.g. learning disability and autism) often struggle with handwriting skills. This study aims to implement an adapted handwriting programme for children with developmental disabilities to improve their handwriting skills.

Design/methodology/approach

Six children with developmental disabilities aged 9–15 years received an adapted Handwriting Without Tears® (HWT) programme in small groups over eight weeks. The programme was delivered by typical teaching staff (i.e. paraprofessionals) at a special education school following a brief training session and with ongoing supervision. A range of measures assessed the children’s handwriting and related skills. Social validity interviews were conducted with school staff following the intervention to evaluate the programme’s acceptability.

Findings

Typical teaching staff implemented the handwriting programme with 92.3% average fidelity and delivered a minimum of three sessions per week. Social validity interviews demonstrated the acceptability of the intervention to school staff. After eight weeks of intervention, all children improved their handwriting on various assessments. Improvements were only partially maintained at follow-up.

Originality/value

This study supports the feasibility of using an adapted HWT programme to teach handwriting to children with developmental disabilities in special education settings. Typical teaching staff can be trained to support the delivery of the programme to children in small groups.

Details

Tizard Learning Disability Review, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-5474

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Article
Publication date: 1 May 1907

THE scientist and philosopher will tell us that the mind of man cannot in a lifetime fully grasp and understand any one subject. Consequently it is unreasonable to expect that the…

41

Abstract

THE scientist and philosopher will tell us that the mind of man cannot in a lifetime fully grasp and understand any one subject. Consequently it is unreasonable to expect that the librarian—who, in spite of popular belief, is but man—can have a complete understanding of every department of knowledge relative to his work. He must, in common with his fellows in other callings, content himself with a more or less general professional knowledge, and may specialize, if he be so disposed, in certain branches of that knowledge. The more restricted this particular knowledge is, the greater will be its value from a specialistic point of view.

Details

New Library World, vol. 9 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

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