Mohammad D. Al‐Tahat and Ibrahim A. Rawabdeh
This paper aims to present a model of a multi‐phase multi‐product manufacturing system considering a CONstant work‐in‐process (CONWIP) control mechanism and using continuous‐time…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a model of a multi‐phase multi‐product manufacturing system considering a CONstant work‐in‐process (CONWIP) control mechanism and using continuous‐time Markov chain modelling approach.
Design/methodology/approach
The model includes defining a state space then constructing the rate matrix, which contains the transition rates, followed by formulating the transition matrix. The time‐dependent probabilities that a product is in a particular state at a certain time are characterized. Performance measures related to the statistics on the waiting time and average number of work‐in‐process in the production system have been determined. Consequently, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the computations of different model aspects.
Findings
The analyses explain a foundation needed for analyzing the steady state behavior of manufacturing systems. Results have shown how production data can be easily modified for what‐if analyses by the use of Excel add‐in tool.
Practical implications
The multi‐level model outlines a framework that provides a practical tool for production engineers seeking to enhance the performance of their production system by selecting the best order release mechanism.
Originality/value
A novel aspect of the work reported in this paper is the application of Chapman‐Kolmogrov mathematics and CONWIP ordering theory, which is developed for evaluating and managing CONWIP controlled production systems.
Details
Keywords
Mohammad Ta'Amnha, Mohannad Jreissat, Ghazi Samawi, Luai Jraisat, Omar M. Bwaliez, Anil Kumar, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes and Arvind Upadhyay
Lean management is a contemporary management system that firms adopt to boost their performance. Lean management can be integrated with human resources management to develop a new…
Abstract
Purpose
Lean management is a contemporary management system that firms adopt to boost their performance. Lean management can be integrated with human resources management to develop a new concept of lean human resources management (LHRM). This entails the implementation of several practices. However, the LHRM–performance paradigm remains underexplored in the literature. Hence, this study aims to examine the interrelationships between LHRM practices and the impacts of those practices on firm performance (FP).
Design/methodology/approach
Using two equal-sized samples (n = 250 each) of manufacturing firms in Jordan and Germany, this study proposes two structural equation models (i.e. a Jordanian and a German models) depicting the interrelationships between LHRM practices and the impacts of those practices on FP. After testing these models, a comparison between them is conducted, producing findings with theoretical and practical implications.
Findings
The main findings of this study indicate that the average implementation of LHRM practices among German manufacturing firms is at a higher level than the average implementation among Jordanian firms. The findings also support the proposed interrelationships between LHRM practices and the impact of those practices on FP for both the Jordanian and German models.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to highlight the proposed relationships, both in general and in the context of comparing developed and developing countries. Its findings have important implications that can enable manufacturing managers to benefit from the implementation of LHRM practices to enhance FP in different contexts. These findings provide valuable insights for human resource managers and decision-makers and open several avenues for future research.
Details
Keywords
Md Tanweer Ahmad, Mohammad Firouz and Nishit Kumar Srivastava
Increasing scarcity of natural resources and the adverse effects of unsustainable practices call for more and more efficient management strategies in the energy industry. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Increasing scarcity of natural resources and the adverse effects of unsustainable practices call for more and more efficient management strategies in the energy industry. The quality of the coke plays a significant role in the quality and durability of the output steel which is produced using the energy from the coal. This paper aims to investigate the dynamic coal blending problem under overall cost and coke quality constraints in the steel industry within a periodic cycle of operations.
Design/methodology/approach
Considering the variability of the natural properties over a periodic cycle, this study proposes a multi-period mixed-integer non-linear programming formulation to optimize the total blending costs while taking various coke quality constraints into account. Besides, this study applies factorial design to investigate about the significant effect of coal proportions as well as improvement into the overall cost of blending.
Findings
In this case study, utilizing real data from a coal blending facility in India, through a factorial design, the authors obtain optimal desirable levels of coal proportions and their criticality levels towards the total cost of blending (TCB) or objective function. This analysis reflects the role of the coke quality constraints in the objective function value while characterizing the price of sustainability for the case study among other critical insights.
Originality/value
Objective function (or TCB) includes basic coal cost, movement cost and environmental costs during the coal and coke processing at a coke-oven and blast furnace of steel industry. The price of sustainability provides managerial insights on that sacrifices the industry has to make in order to become more “sustainable”.
Details
Keywords
Ibrahim Lewis Mukattash, Ala' Omar Dandis, Robert Thomas, Mohammad B. Nusair and Tareq Lewis Mukattash
The overall objective of this research is to “explore whether shock advertising has a long-lasting positive effect on the smoking cessation among smoking Jordanians in a country…
Abstract
Purpose
The overall objective of this research is to “explore whether shock advertising has a long-lasting positive effect on the smoking cessation among smoking Jordanians in a country where smoking is a deep-rooted social norm.”
Design/methodology/approach
This research is an exploratory qualitative research. A purposeful sampling technique was used to select participants from a mall intercept and randomly divided into groups of seven. Each group was interviewed in two different focus group sessions (four weeks apart). All focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Findings
A total of 41 participants took part in the focus group session. Most participants were smokers or second-hand smokers. “Three overarching themes were generated from the focus groups: previous anti-smoking campaign experience, shock advertising (SA) impact and drawbacks of SA. All participants reported that they have never been exposed to shocking adverts, and the shock appeal has never been applied in any of the anti-smoking or health awareness campaigns in Jordan. This research revealed that incorporating images of children with a mixture of emotional and fear appeals is effective in targeting Jordanian parents' negative consumptive behaviors, which may harm other individuals, especially children. Moreover, most participants commented that the effects of shock adverts would be very short term and would not likely change behaviors”.
Originality/value
This research contributes both “theoretically and practically to the value and effectiveness of shock advertising. This research area is overlooked in MENA countries, particularly Jordan”.
Details
Keywords
Hassan Younis, Omar M. Bwaliez, Mohammad Hamdan Garibeh and Balan Sundarakani
This study aims to investigate the impact of implementing various robotic systems in logistics and supply chain management on corporate performance in Jordanian manufacturing…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of implementing various robotic systems in logistics and supply chain management on corporate performance in Jordanian manufacturing companies, focusing on environmental, operational, economic, and social dimensions.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a quantitative approach, data was collected through a survey questionnaire to measure the relationship between robotic systems and several performance dimensions. Various established constructs were employed, and the structural relationships were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess the complex interdependencies within the model.
Findings
The results of this study indicate that the adoption of robotic systems has a positive influence on the environmental, operational, economic, and social performance of Jordanian manufacturing companies. In contrast to prior research that revealed inconsistencies in the social dimension, our findings align with previous studies highlighting the benefits of robotics in logistics and supply chain management. However, it’s worth noting that this study did not uncover similar inconsistencies, particularly in terms of the impact on social performance.
Practical implications
The study provides valuable insights for manufacturing companies considering the implementation of robotic systems, highlighting the need to evaluate the environmental, operational, social, and economic consequences. This understanding can help organizations make informed decisions to leverage the benefits of robotics for sustainable growth.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the growing literature on robotics in logistics and supply chain management, specifically focusing on the unique context of Jordanian manufacturing companies. By examining the multifaceted impact of robotic systems, this study extends the understanding of the role of technology in enhancing corporate performance.
Details
Keywords
Many future research proposals of Lean Manufacturing (LM) are presented in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to determine these future research proposals of LM which…
Abstract
Purpose
Many future research proposals of Lean Manufacturing (LM) are presented in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to determine these future research proposals of LM which are country-related and classify them.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review (SLR) of peer-reviewed journal articles in LM was conducted. A total of 145 articles published in 34 journals during 2010–2020 were collected from four major management science publishers namely, Emerald Online, Elsevier/Science Direct, Springer Link and Taylor and Francis. The country-related future research proposals of LM identified in the literature were classified according to, firstly, the continent of the country of reference, and secondly, some form of natural affinity of these proposals creating meaningful themes. The quality tool “affinity diagram” was applied to classify the country-related future research proposals of LM.
Findings
The country-related future research proposals of LM, which are increasing in the literature over time, refer mostly to studies to be conducted in several continents/countries and to multinational studies. Conducting studies specifically in Asia, Europe, South and North America, Africa and Australia–New Zealand is also suggested. The plethora of the country-related future research proposals of LM were classified, based on the affinity of their content, into 18 meaningful themes. These themes were also classified based on their affinity into two broad categories, namely “themes concerning the LM approach itself” and “themes concerning factors outside the LM approach”.
Research limitations/implications
The restricted number of the databases searched and the subjectivity of classifying the large number of the country-related future research proposals into themes are the main limitations of the present SLR. Based on these limitations, future literature review studies can be carried out.
Practical implications
Useful proposals are provided to researchers of several countries for conducting original and country-specific research studies which can enrich the knowledge of the implementation of LM under the specific circumstances of a country for the benefit of practitioners.
Originality/value
This study goes beyond previous literature review studies on LM by focusing exclusively on the LM future research agenda which is country related. The analytical presentation of the country-related future research proposals as well as the formulation of clusters of these proposals make the present SLR study substantially different from those carried out worldwide so far.