Karthik Rajashekar Kavuri, Srinivasa Prakash Regalla, Suresh Kurra and Prakash Narayan Shrivastava
This study aims to enhance hygiene and structural performance in additively manufactured (AM) below-knee prosthetic sockets by optimizing ventilation and structural integrity…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to enhance hygiene and structural performance in additively manufactured (AM) below-knee prosthetic sockets by optimizing ventilation and structural integrity through advanced design methodologies, including topology optimization (TO) and design for additive manufacturing (DfAM).
Design/methodology/approach
A transtibial prosthetic socket was digitally modeled from image data of the residual limb of an amputee and fabricated using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material using fused deposition modeling. TO and DfAM rules were applied to achieve the multi-objective design of ventilation, weight reduction and structural integrity by introducing geometric discontinuities. The level of this achievement was evaluated through finite element analysis (FEA) and mechanical testing using a novel lobe bending test.
Findings
This study found that TO significantly reduced stress concentrations and improved the strength-to-weight ratio of the socket. Mechanical testing revealed a critical failure load of 918.5 N, validated by FEA, which indicated peak stresses of 37.91 MPa. A 5 mm thick socket with circular discontinuities demonstrated enhanced ventilation and mechanical resilience.
Research limitations/implications
The focus on ABS material and specific socket designs may limit the generalizability of findings to other materials and designs.
Practical implications
The optimized socket design provides a cost-effective, high-performance solution for improving comfort and durability in below-knee prosthetic sockets within AM applications.
Originality/value
This research introduces innovative testing methods, including the lobe bending test and uses advanced optimization techniques, addressing challenges in ventilation and mechanical performance. The insights gained are valuable for future prosthetic socket design advancements.
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Naga Vamsi Krishna Jasti and Suresh Kurra
Supply chain management plays a vital role in deciding the final cost of products. A huge number of non-value-added activities are performed throughout supply chain process. Lean…
Abstract
Purpose
Supply chain management plays a vital role in deciding the final cost of products. A huge number of non-value-added activities are performed throughout supply chain process. Lean principles are useful to identify and eliminate waste activities across the supply chain management processes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the validity and reliability of the existing lean supply chain management (LSCM) frameworks in the Indian manufacturing industry through questionnaire survey methodology.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study collected empirical data from 180 top- and middle-level management personnel from the Indian manufacturing industry. Factor analysis was performed to check unidimensionality of LSCM frameworks by using empirical data. Cronbach’s α value of each selected LSCM framework was calculated to find out its reliability. Finally, frequency distribution analysis was performed on the selected framework to identify and reveal critical constructs of LSCM.
Findings
It was found that nine LSCM frameworks show unidimensionality. The study established that most of the selected frameworks exposed a high level of reliability. The frequency distribution analysis revealed that the larger part of the constructs had a high mean score and mode. It is concluded that there is a need for a new LSCM framework to fulfill the requirements of the Indian manufacturing industry.
Originality/value
The present study is focused on checking the suitability of existing LSCM frameworks in the Indian manufacturing sector. It is anticipated that the study will be helpful to the professionals who wish to execute appropriate LSCM framework in the manufacturing organization.
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This study aims to examine the effects of strategic sourcing (SS) on lean supply chain (LSC) and agile supply chain (ASC) strategies and investigate the role of these concepts on…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the effects of strategic sourcing (SS) on lean supply chain (LSC) and agile supply chain (ASC) strategies and investigate the role of these concepts on development of competitive performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A proposed research model and hypotheses are tested by using cross-sectional e-mail survey data collected from the manufacturing firms operating in Turkey. SS is conceptualized as a second-order factor. Structural equation modeling is used to test the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
This study reached the conclusion that SS affects LSC and ASC strategies positively. Additionally, it is seen that these concepts are effective in improvement of competitive performance.
Practical implications
The results are important in terms of emphasizing the significance of SS in improvement of the lean and agile nature of the supply chain.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence regarding the relationships among SS, supply chain strategies and competitive performance.
Research limitations/implications
This study was carried out on the plant level where one person from each organization responded to the survey.
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Abdulaziz Marzouq Almutairi, Konstantinos Salonitis and Ahmed Al-Ashaab
Numerous and diverse organizations have implemented lean principles and practices, which concentrate on improving the efficiency of business processes by reducing cost, waste…
Abstract
Purpose
Numerous and diverse organizations have implemented lean principles and practices, which concentrate on improving the efficiency of business processes by reducing cost, waste, consumptions and effort. However, previous assessments have not focused on the leanness of the supply chain in a health-care setting. This paper aims to introduce a method for assessing the successful implementation of lean principles and tools in a supply chain. Furthermore, this paper validates the method in a health-care organization.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper starts with an extensive literature review on assessing leanness and using multi-grade fuzzy logic. Then, a conceptual model was developed to measure leanness. The conceptual model was validated by discussing the initial version with select academic experts, especially those who deal with leanness in health-care organizations. After responding to the experts’ valuable comments, the health-care organization that is the focus of this case study was chosen based on two criteria. The first criterion was the organization’s ability to participate in the study, and the second was the organization’s commitment to implementing lean principles. These criteria were important to ensure the organization had the necessary foundation for implementing change initiatives such as lean process improvements. Next, a multi-grade (multi-attributes) fuzzy logic was used for leanness measurement. A leanness index was calculated, and the results were validated using experts from the case study organization. Finally, the weaker areas of the organization’s processes were identified to point the way for further improvements.
Findings
The assessment indicated that the case study organization is not lean. The organization’s weaker attributes were identified, and improvements have been suggested.
Research limitations/implications
This study focused on a single health-care organization, which was selected from a limited pool of potential organizations, namely, organizations which are accredited by both the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions and the Joint Commission International. The scope of future research should be extended to multi-case studies to enhance the findings presented in this paper. This paper’s findings can be used to help decision-makers at health-care providers to implement lean thinking in supply chain processes.
Practical implications
This research may be interest to practicing supply chain managers, as it proposes what enablers, factors and attributes should be emphasized in lean implementation. The proposed model can work as an assessment tool to identify the gap between the present level of leanness and the desired leanness state so the health-care organization can identify what can be improved. This model enables decision-makers in hospital supply chain to take suitable actions for improving lean implementation level.
Originality/value
This study makes an original contribution to the body of research concerning lean principles; the study developed a conceptual model for leanness assessment that can be applied to the supply chain of health-care organizations. Indeed, the conceptual model is likely to be useful for assessing leanness outside of the health-care field, which suggests avenues for future research.
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Rajae Jemghili, Abdelmajid Ait Taleb and Mansouri Khalifa
Although many researchers have widely studied additive manufacturing (AM) as one of the most important industrial revolutions, few have presented a bibliometric analysis of the…
Abstract
Purpose
Although many researchers have widely studied additive manufacturing (AM) as one of the most important industrial revolutions, few have presented a bibliometric analysis of the published studies in this area. This paper aims to evaluate AM research trends based on 4607 publications most cited from year 2010 to 2020.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology is bibliometric indicators and network analysis, including analysis based on keywords, citation analysis, productive journal, related published papers and authors indicators. Two free available software were employed VOSviewer and Bibexcel.
Findings
Keywords analysis results indicate that among the AM processes, Selective Laser Melting and Fused Deposition Modeling techniques, are the two processes ranked on top of the techniques employed and studied with 35.76% and 20.09% respectively. The citation analysis by VOSviewer software, reveals that the medical applications field and the fabrication of metal parts are the areas that interest researchers greatly. Different new research niches, as pharmaceutical industry, digital construction and food fabrication are growing topics in AM scientific works. This study reveals that journals “Materials & design”, “Advanced materials”, “Acs applied materials & interfaces”, “Additive manufacturing”, “Advanced functional materials” and “Biofabrication” are the most productive and influential in AM scientific research.
Originality/value
The results and conclusions of this work can be used as indicators of trends in AM research and/or as prospects for future studies in this area.