bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging risks in out‐of‐hours primary care services
Authors: Price Julie , Haslam Jonathan , Cowan Jane
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to assess the impact of recent changes to out‐of‐hours primary care services.

Design/methodology/approach

The changes to out‐of‐hours primary care services since the introduction of the new GP contract in 2004 are considered. A recent survey of out‐of‐hours providers helps to give a view of how these organisations have diversified. An analysis of recent claims and complaints handled by the Medical Protection Society highlights the risks of this new approach.

Findings

There have been significant changes in the way that out‐of‐hours care is delivered and this has led to a number of emerging risks. In particular, problems with communication skills are the most frequently occurring factor in out‐of‐hours incidents.

Practical implications

Quality standards currently focus on working practices, rather than soft skills such as communication. Training for out‐of‐hours providers in these skills is essential, particularly where children are concerned.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the areas of risk which contribute to substandard out‐of‐hours care.
Turning Point: implications for collaborative governance
Authors: Nicola Ray M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how the Turning Point Initiative to improve the health of populations by improving the USA public health system has many lessons on collaboration for governance systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The article synthesizes published literature outlining the results of a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation/W.K. Kellogg Foundation grant program to 21 USA states and 43 communities and relationships to administrative practice.

Findings

Turning Point's creation of a formalized network of public health partners across the USA has led to innovations in collaboration, increased system capacity, and alternative structures for improving health.

Originality/value

Turning Point's efficacy in community health system improvement can be mirrored in clinical governance. A major potential for improvement in clinical delivery systems is available by re‐thinking key partners, organizational structures, and system administrative capacity.
Infection control: behavioural issues for healthcare workers
Authors: Creedon Sile A.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore healthcare workers' infection control practices from a behavioural viewpoint. Major behavioural theories are explored. Findings from a study which drew heavily from the PRECEDE theoretical framework are presented. The main purpose of this quasi‐experimental study was to observe health care workers' behavioural compliance with hand hygiene guidelines during patient care in an Intensive Care Unit in Ireland before (pre test) and after (post test) implementation of a multifaceted hand hygiene program. Health care workers' attitudes, beliefs and knowledge in relation to compliance with hand‐washing guidelines were also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through non‐participant observation and survey methods. A convenience sample of nurses, doctors, physiotherapists and care assistants (n=73 observational subjects, n=62 questionnaire respondents) was used.

Findings

Data (n=314 observations, 62 questionnaires) were analysed descriptively and cross‐tabulated using Chi Square (Pearson's) and Mann Whitney statistical tests. Results revealed that a significant shift (32 per cent) occurred in health care workers' compliance with hand washing guidelines (pre‐test 51 per cent/post‐test 83 per cent, p<0.001) following the interventional hand hygiene program. Similarly, significant changes were also found in relation to health care workers' attitudes, beliefs and knowledge (p<0.05).

Originality/value

Findings from this paper are also of value to future researchers investigating any form of behavioural change. Recommendations from this study are that future research which aims to investigate behaviour should be underpinned by an appropriate theoretical framework. Only multifaceted interventions are justified.
Quantum theory and self‐managed learning
Authors: Cunningham Ian
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this viewpoint is to argue a case for self‐managed learning in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The piece is based on research carried out by Strategic Developments International on organizational learning.

Findings

The paper discovers standard assumptions by many trainers about what they need to do are shown to be faulty.

Practical implications

Organizations can look at their own practice and assess if they are responding to knowledge about learning.Originality/valueThe use of Quantum Theory as an exemplar of a paradigm shift is unique in the context of articles on organizational learning. The value of the paper is also apparent in its challenge to misguided organizational practices.
What Darwin can teach us about success
Authors: Denton D. Keith
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how Darwin's Theory of Evolution can be used to help managers and organizations adapt to change.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses Darwin's Theory of Evolution in relation to the management of organizations.

Findings

The paper finds that Darwin's Thoery has many applications in management. However, the ability to adapt also rests on other important organizational characteristics. It also takes a special kind of leadership which will accept a high level of failure while the organization learns to adapt.

Practical implications

Darwin's Theory shows us the need to create opportunity and motive for change to be effective. The paper emphasizes the need to look for a crisis so you can create a sense of adversity for change.

Originality/value

Psychology and sociology are the centerpieces of management, however, other disciplines, including biology, and specifically Darwin's understanding of evolution, can be used to improve the creativity and adaptability to change.
The problem of going from training to learning: the case of Hungary
Authors: Csath Magdolna
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aims of the research behind the paper are to understand better the present situation of the problem of going from training to learning and to try to suggest methods and solutions to improve the situation.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses her experience in teaching cross‐cultural management and interviews with top executives to find out how some typical cultural factors influence management practices and employee behavior.

Findings

The key findings of the paper are the following: cultural factors play a great role in how companies are managed and people in them handled: controlled and motivated. But it looks like there is another important group of factors that influence all these managerial elements: this is the economic and political situation of any country. In the case of Hungary, which is a cheap production site for global and multinational companies, managers manage, control and motivate differently than for example “at home”, in a highly developed country.

Research limitations/implications

Further research on a larger sample is needed to support the ideas mentioned in the article better.

Practical implications

One implication could be to write a professional textbook on the topic. A further one is to put together a proposal for the government in order to focus the attention on the importance of learning in all kinds of institutions and at all levels. One practical result of the findings is these are already being taught by the author thorugh the international management courses for foreign students studying at the Corvinus University in Budapest.

Originality/value

The paper presents a research approach of trying to find relationships between cultural factors and learning approaches and philosophies. It can be of value for those interested in cross‐cultural research, and also for companies interested in finding the best approaches to learning in a particular society.
Dialogue at work? What it is and isn't
Authors: Bokeno R. Michael
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to distinguish productive and unproductive understandings of the dialogue concept for employment in organizational practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A decade of theoretical/philosophical literature about “dialogue” in organizations both trivializes the concept and makes its accomplishment seem routine. This manuscript synthesizes that literature and separates unproductive or inauthentic understandings from those indicative of how dialogue is conceived and intended.

Findings

The paper finds that if it is to accomplish what it has the potential to accomplish in organizational life, dialogue must be understood as interpersonally tough and unfamiliar, politically challenging and psychologically disconcerting.

Originality/value

The manuscript should be of value to all those interested in employing dialogue at work, but who currently understand it in unclear ways due to the way it is talked about in the popular business press.
Affirming entrepreneurship: the best hope for organizations
Authors: Morrisette Shelley , Schraeder Mike
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The business world has long heralded the value of entrepreneurial talent. Not surprisingly, there has been tremendous growth in entrepreneurship over the past 25 years. Sustaining this momentum will depend, in part, on elevating entrepreneurship education to the next level, through the adoption of entrepreneurship into both graduate and undergraduate core curricula. This paper aims to examine this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents and investigates major points illustrating why it is necessary to more fully integrate entrepreneurship into business education.

Findings

The paper finds that the catalysts for change include: the lack of entrepreneurial talent at executive levels in most organizations; the dominance of analysis‐driven “managers” at all levels of business organizations; the fact that entrepreneurship skills and processes can be learned; and the current state of entrepreneurship education.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on the development of entrepreneurial talent through education.
Application of alternated anaerobic fixed bed reactor “AAFBR” for the treatment of saline wastewater
Authors: Abou‐Elela Sohair I. , Abdel‐Halim Hisham S. , Ibrahim Hanan S.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to provide a simple, efficient and economic system for saline wastewater treatment.

Design/methodology/approach

Industrial auditing was conducted to determine the water usage and wastewater characteristics during the manufacturing processes of pickling vegetables. In‐plant control measures were carried out prior to the end‐off‐pipe treatment. The treatment process was a simple pilot scale using two compartments alternated anaerobic fixed bed reactors (AAFBR).

Findings

The study indicated that applying the in‐plant control measures prior to final treatment of wastewater reduced the organic load and total suspended solids by almost 50 per cent. Post treatment of the end‐off‐pipe reduced the chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids and dissolved salts by 84.2 per cent, 71 per cent and 52.4 per cent, respectively.

Originality/value

The proposed scheme was already implemented. The treated effluent from the factory was complying with the National regulatory standards for wastewater discharge into the public sewage network.
An alternate methodology for the evaluation of the performance of basic sanitation
Authors: Mendes de Alencar Filho Francisco , Monteiro de Abreu Lucijane
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify and examine the main factors which have explained the sanitation companies' performance and to expand the information on basic sanitation as a way of subsidizing the planners of this important component in the population's quality of life.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach used consisted of the selection of a set of 36 indicators from the 26 sanitation companies regarding the year 2003, divided into two groups, with the intent of avoiding spurious correlations. The groups were separated, taking into account their economic, financial and operational features. Subsequently, the indicators were submitted to the factorial analysis, by using the method of the main components extraction.

Findings

Based on variables examined it was possible to identify the Operational Management factors: Monitoring and control; Water demand management; Sewage coverage; Urban structure; Environmental protection; Disposition and use of the urban space; Economic and financial capacity; Tariff policies; Collection efficiency; and Liabilities quality as the most representatives ones and those which can better explain the Sanitation Companies' performance.

Practical implications

The results achieved from the factorial analysis intend to be a contribution to the formulation of management actions for the sanitation companies. They may also be used in a city or in a set of cities as a subsidy to the elaboration of various policies.

Originality/value

This article is an innovation as far as it applies the multivariate analysis for the construction of factors which explain the sanitation companies' performance.
A matrix tool for assessing the performance of intelligent buildings
Authors: Kolokotsa D. , Sutherland G. , Stavrakakis G. , Karatassou S. , Santamouris M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the analysis of a methodology for the buildings' intelligence assessment through the development of a matrix tool. Techniques and technologies for use in designing, constructing and operating intelligent buildings are well known or available on the market and many intelligent buildings have been built. However, just how intelligent these buildings actually are in comparison to conventional buildings is often a question. Due to the lack of commonly accepted methods and pertinent supporting data, the assessment of the overall performance of intelligent buildings cannot be carried out. It remains difficult, if not impossible, to carry out a fair comparison between different buildings in term of intelligence. As a result, the construction industry proceeds without adequate knowledge about the best practice in intelligent building.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purpose of the present assessment, the definition of an intelligent building has been reviewed and refined. Based on the adopted definition, a matrix tool is developed. The objective of this tool is to provide facilities managers with an effective methodology for improving the energy and indoor environmental performance of their building stock. With appropriate development, the methodology could also form the basis of voluntary or regulatory methodology for building intelligence accreditation.

Findings

The paper describes the matrix tool's global performance indicators and specific performance indicators for the intelligent buildings' assessment. Moreover the application of the matrix tool in assessing two buildings is described.

Practical implications

The paper encourages a deeper analysis of the buildings' intelligence providing the initial framework.

Originality/value

The present paper proposes an innovative methodology for intelligent buildings assessment.
Municipal solid waste management in Kanpur, India: obstacles and prospects
Authors: Zia Hina , Devadas V.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to assess the existing state of MSW in Kanpur city with the aim of identifying the main obstacles to its efficiency and the prospects for improvisation of the solid waste management system in the city.

Design/methodology/approach

The research has been conducted in three stages. The first stage involved collection of background information through various reports, publications of various organizations to understand the state of MSWM in the city, followed by interviews with various heads of the Municipal Corporation involved in SWM, municipal workers and residents of the city. Field studies were conducted in few wards of the city and official dump sites. The third stage involved conducting interviews with planning experts and representatives from NGOs to derive information on various SWM related problems and prospects for improvising the system.

Findings

The existing solid waste management system in the city appears to be highly inefficient. Only primary and secondary collection, transportation and open dumping are practiced, that too in a non‐technical manner.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need to establish a detailed database regarding the quantity and quality of the waste generated by various generators category wise. There is a need to find the exact size of the informal waste recycling sector and the economics of waste recycling in the city to integrate it with the formal sector.

Originality/value

This paper systematically assesses the obstacles in the existing solid waste management system in Kanpur city and tries to assess the potentials for its improvisation.
Stationarity and stability of underwriting profits in property‐liability insurance
Authors: Leng Chao‐Chun
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To examine the existence of underwriting cycles for the property‐liability insurance industry as a whole, and by line of business. Specifically to consider whether the combined ratio is stationary and stable.

Design/methodology/approach

The augmented Dickey‐Fuller (ADF) test is employed for unit roots, while dummy variable methods, the Chow test, and switching regression are used for stability.

Findings

Underwriting profits of most lines of business and all lines combined are not stationary and have structural changes. For the whole property‐liability industry, a structural change occurred in 1981. Before the change, underwriting cycles existed since combined ratios followed an AR(2) process. After the change, combined ratios are non‐stationary.

Practical implications

Without clear underwriting cycles, there is more difficulty for the insurance industry in pricing and reserving, for regulators in monitoring the financial strength of insurers, and for customers in terms of the affordability and availability of insurance.

Originality/value

The paper recognizes the non‐stationarity of combined‐ratio series, years of structural changes in the insurance industry and specific lines of business, and the possibility that underwriting profit is cointegrated with investment income.
Multi‐national underwriting cycles in property‐liability insurance
Authors: Meier Ursina B.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the existence of underwriting cycles in property‐liability insurance for Switzerland, the USA, Japan, and West Germany over a period of 40 years (1957‐1997), i.e. it looks at the question of whether the unit price of insurance coverage (given by the inverse of the loss ratio) fluctuates cyclically over time. The article serves as basis and starting point for Part II, where some of the limitations of the model presented here are dealt with.

Design/methodology/approach

Loss ratio data for the four countries are used for the recent period 1957‐1997. To test for the existence of cycles and calculate their length, the article applies autoregressive processes of second order, which were brought to a broader audience by a paper by Cummins and Outreville in 1987. The article also conducts a spectral analysis of the series.

Findings

For West Germany, much longer cycles than in earlier studies were found for the basic model. In general, the cycles get longer for the longer period, 1957‐1997. The article concludes that the hypothesis of cycles of six years in length no longer holds globally. It also finds cross‐country differences for the primary markets of the four countries.

Originality/value

Most empirical work on underwriting cycles has so far been carried out on US data. This study replicates a previous study for four countries on three continents and discusses the results and some limitations. It serves as the basis for Part II of this work.
Fuzzy random‐coefficient volatility models with financial applications
Authors: Thiagarajah K. , Thavaneswaran A.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to introduce a class of FRC (fuzzy random coefficient) volatility models and to study their moment properties. Fuzzy option values and the superiority of fuzzy forecasts over minimum mean‐square forecasts are also discussed in some detail.

Design/methodology/approach

Fuzzy components are assumed to be triangular fuzzy numbers. Buckley's data‐driven method is used to determine the spread of the triangular fuzzy numbers by using standard errors of the estimated parameters.

Findings

The fuzzy kurtosis of various volatility models is obtained in terms of fuzzy coefficients. Fuzzy option values and fuzzy forecasts are illustrated with examples. Fuzzy forecast intervals are narrower than the corresponding MMSE forecast intervals.

Originality/value

This paper will be of value to econometricians and to anyone with an interest in financial volatility models.
Approximating the growth optimal portfolio with a diversified world stock index
Authors: Le Truc , Platen Eckhard
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to construct and compare various total‐return world stock indices based on daily data.

Design/methodology/approach

Because of diversification, these indices are noticeably similar. A diversification theorem identifies any diversified portfolio as a proxy for the growth optimal portfolio.

Findings

The paper constructs a diversified world stock index that outperforms a number of other indices and argues that it is a good proxy for the growth optimal portfolio.

Originality/value

The diversified world stock index has applications to derivative pricing and investment management.
Securitization and risk: empirical evidence on US banks
Authors: Uzun Hatice , Webb Elizabeth
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a comprehensive comparison of the characteristics between banks that securitize and banks that do not and to provide evidence of the capital arbitrage theory of securitization.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the fundamental financial similarities and differences between banks that securitize assets and banks that do not participate in the securitization market are tested. Second, variables that help predict whether a bank securitizes assets are analyzed. Third, the determinants of securitization extent in banks that securitize assets are investigated – for general securitization extent and for specific type of asset securitized. Using a sample of 112 banks that securitize different assets, a matched sample of banks that do not securitize based on entity type and size is created. A quarterly panel data set of these banks dating back to 2001 is used.

Findings

The results indicate that bank size is a significant determinant of whether a bank securitizes. Further, overall securitization extent is negatively related to the bank's capital ratio (in support of capital arbitrage theory), but this result is primarily driven by credit card securitization.

Originality/value

Utilizing a unique data set of quarterly data from bank Call Reports; the panel data set is large relative to past studies. A matched sample approach was used to test fundamental financial similarities and differences between securitizing and non‐securitizing banks. In addition to aggregated securitization, an examination was made of how different classes of assets affect the banks' risk‐based capital ratios and test the capital arbitrage theory of securitization.
Mapping corporate drift towards default
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Arindam
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a hybrid logistic model by using the inputs obtained from BSM equity‐based option model described in the companion paper, “Mapping corporate drift towards default – Part 1: a market‐based approach” that can more accurately predict corporate default.

Design/methodology/approach

In a set of logistic regressions, the ability of the market value of assets, asset volatility and firm's leverage structure measures to predict future default is investigated. Next, a check is made as to whether accounting variables and other firm specific characteristics can provide additional significant information in assessing the real world credit quality of a firm in a multifactor model

Findings

From analysis of 150 publicly‐traded Indian corporates over the year 1998 to 2005 it was found that in a volatile equity market like India, one needs to enhance the BSM model with other accounting information from financial statements and develop hybrid models. The results in this paper indicate that a mix of asset volatility, market value of asset and firm's leverage structure along with other financial and non financial factors can give us a more accurate prediction of corporate default than the ratio‐based reduced form model.

Originality/value

The hybrid model developed in this paper allows us to integrate information from the structural model as well as profitability of firms, liquidity risk, other firm specific supplementary information and macroeconomic factors to predict real world corporate distress potential through a multivariate analysis.
The impact of capital structure on the performance of microfinance institutions
Authors: Kyereboah‐Coleman Anthony
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of capital structure on the performance of microfinance institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data covering the ten‐year period 1995‐2004 were analyzed within the framework of fixed‐ and random‐effects techniques.

Findings

Most of the microfinance institutions employ high leverage and finance their operations with long‐term as against short‐term debt. Also, highly leveraged microfinance institutions perform better by reaching out to more clientele, enjoy scale economies, and therefore are better able to deal with moral hazard and adverse selection, enhancing their ability to deal with risk.

Originality/value

This is the first study of its kind in the sector, especially within sub‐Saharan Africa.
Conflicts of interest chief compliance officers face in implementing compliance programs for investment funds and investment advisers
Authors: Majewski Thomas M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss some of the more significant conflicts that a chief compliance officer (“CCO”) may face in implementing a compliance program and to offer suggestions intended to reduce the conflicts and strengthen the advisory firm's compliance program.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses the CCO's degree of independence from the financial adviser, identifies the areas where conflicts of interest most frequently arise, and provides advice on managing potential conflicts.

Findings

Potential conflict‐of‐interest problem areas include security valuation, trade allocations, affiliated transactions between the firm and its clients or among the firm's clients, soft dollar transactions, investment performance reporting, and personal trading activities of investment personnel. The CCO should work with the advisory firm's senior management to identify potential violations of the firm's compliance program and establish disciplinary actions as well as escalation procedures for compliance violations. Conflicts can be reduced if the CCO reports to the board of directors of the advisory firm or that firm's parent. The CCO review process should be handled by someone other than an officer whom the CCO monitors. The CCO should seek independent outside sources to help identify and resolve compliance issues.

Originality/value

Provides a guide to potential conflicts of interest from a lawyer who advises investment funds and investment advisers.
Compensating mutual fund advisers: a return to the basics of properly structured performance fees
Authors: Thomas F. Scott , Jaye John C.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The article seeks to outline the requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”), the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”) and related US Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) rules and interpretive guidance for structuring performance‐based fees for investment advisers and sub‐advisers to registered investment companies (or mutual funds).

Design/methodology/approach

The article discusses the appropriate structure and timing for performance fees and describes in detail how SEC standards for structuring performance fees have evolved over time. The article explains recent SEC enforcement actions against investment advisers for improperly structured performance fees, and notes that the use of performance fees has once again become a focus of SEC scrutiny.

Findings

The article concludes that, despite a common perception that performance fees create an effective incentive to improve fund performance by more closely aligning the interests of the adviser and fund shareholders than traditional fee arrangements, there is minimal empirical evidence proving that the use of performance fees translates into superior fund performance. Investment advisers who charge performance fees to mutual fund clients should consider reevaluating the structure and payment process for the performance fees in light of recent SEC scrutiny and enforcement actions, adviser compliance obligations under Rule 206(4)‐7 of the Advisers Act, and fund compliance obligations under Rule 38a‐1 of the Investment Company Act.

Originality/value

The article provides a concise overview of the regulatory requirements for structuring performance fees charged by mutual fund advisers.
Updates on the corporate attorney‐client privilege
Authors: Brodsky David M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe and assess recent legal developments that affect the corporate attorney‐client privilege.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses and analyzes the corporate attorney‐client privilege and work product doctrine and the role of such protections in US society; discusses how recent developments including policies of the US Department of Justice and the evolving role of corporate auditors have adversely affected these protections, and shows how some of these developments can be ameliorated so as to preserve the important principles underlying the corporate attorney‐client privilege.

Findings

The upsurge of investigations into alleged corporate criminality has reignited the debate over the value of the privilege and the ability to have confidential communications between corporations and clients. Although judicial decisions do not favor adoption of a “selective waiver” doctrine, concerns have also been raised that legislative adoption of a selective waiver in this current culture‐of‐waiver environment may practically prevent companies from ever being able to assert a privilege again in governmental investigations.

Originality/value

A useful update on developments affecting the attorney‐client privilege and work product doctrine from a lawyer who specializes in securities litigation and governmental enforcement and is a member of the New York State Bar Association Task Force on the Attorney Client Privilege as well as Liaison from the Corporate Counsel Consortium to the American Bar Association Task Force on the Attorney Client Privilege.
Towards best management practices for implementing manufacturing flexibility
Authors: Boyle Todd A.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to develop a framework and an initial list of best management practices for implementing manufacturing flexibility.

Design/methodology/approach

To identify these practices, recent frameworks (i.e. 1988 and onward) for implementing manufacturing flexibility in organizations are reviewed. Based on this review, the major management practices for implementing flexibility are identified and synthesized into a new framework.

Findings

This framework suggests that manufacturing flexibility should be implemented using a three‐stage approach, labeled: identifying required flexibility (i.e. identifying and justifying the flexibility types, measurements and tools needed to achieve the required manufacturing flexibility), achieving required flexibility (i.e. acquiring and implementing the organizational and technological tools needed to achieve the required manufacturing flexibility) and managing required flexibility (i.e. monitoring and changing the required flexibility types and levels, in light of changing uncertainty and competitive, manufacturing and marketing strategies). Based on this framework, a number of potential best management practices are identified.

Research limitations/implications

This report is conceptual in nature. Future research will focus on empirically testing the practices presented in order to develop a more complete and rigorous list of best management practices for implementing manufacturing flexibility.

Practical implications

This research provides manufacturing managers with a starting point for developing a formal process for identifying, implementing, and monitoring manufacturing flexibility, thus ensuring that the manufacturing flexibility that exists is continually meeting the manufacturing and competitive strategies of the organization. Various conceptual relationships are identified by the presence of arrows in the framework. As a result, the implications of the conceptual framework for researchers is that it provides a very good starting point for conducting exploratory and confirmatory research on the process of managing manufacturing flexibility.

Originality/value

This research synthesizes existing frameworks for implementing manufacturing flexibility in organizations, and addresses a gap in the research, specifically the need to identify and empirically test best management practices for implementing manufacturing flexibility.
Lean viewed as a philosophy
Authors: Bhasin Sanjay , Burcher Peter
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to act as a meticulous conceptual paper probing the contemporary view towards lean and illustrate that, despite its discernible benefits, the implementation record suffers as the prevailing opinion fails to encapsulate that an aspiring lean enterprise shall only succeed if it views lean as a philosophy rather than another strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a thorough literature search concerning the success and failure of lean implementations and acts as a precursor for one of the authors utilising a combination of methodologies; namely, interviewing, survey questionnaire and participant observation in attempting to prove his PhD hypothesis.

Findings

Evidently, a cocktail of factors are needed for lean success; not only is it necessary to implement most of the technical tools but an organisation's culture needs transforming too. Furthermore, the alterations need to be implemented throughout an organisation's value chain. Lean has a major strategic significance, though its implementation procedure, HRM implications, general approach to the supplier base coupled with the overall universal conviction of viewing lean as a set of tactics rather than embracing it as a philosophy advocates that this contributes to the relatively low number of successful lean initiatives.

Originality/value

The paper would prove invaluable to lean practitioners through its summation of the intricacies towards lean enterprise success and academic researchers by focusing their attention towards the necessary cultural implications.
The effect of the government's manufacturing automation promotion policy in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Tien‐Hsiang , Chiou Chyou‐Huey , Fu Hsin‐Pin , Chao Pei
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The adoption of automation has been suggested as one source to establish the competitiveness of manufacturing industries. The importance of government's role in promoting the automation adoption has been recognized. The Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan has been promoting the “Manufacturing Automation Promotion Policy (MAPP)” for more than 10 years. From the perspective of the government agent, whether the MAPP was effective is the most concerned issue. However, there is no research on evaluating the performance of MAPP undertaken by the government. This study aims to fill the gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed survey method; and a questionnaire was delivered to prospect respondents through the IDB promotion team.

Findings

According to the analytical results, it was found that responding department has a significant impact on understanding automation policy and the need for technical personnel; enterprise size significantly affects needs for technical personnel.

Practical implications

The research findings show, by implication, that the MAPP conducted by the Taiwan's IDB has been effective to a certain degree. Several suggestions for further advancing the effectiveness of the MAPP are made.

Originality/value

This study is the first research to examine the performance effectiveness of MAPP conducted by Taiwan's IDB. After a comprehensive literature, this study suggests that the program effectiveness can be evaluated in terms of awareness of MAPP, understanding of MAPP, benefits of MAPP, perceiving automation policy as incentive, needs for policy assistance, and needs for technical personnel.
Improving a manufacturing process by mapping and simulation of critical operations
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Phrommathed P.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This study aims to demonstrate the application of process mapping and simulation, using popular software tools, by examining a paper sheet cutting operation.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated approach is utilized to model a sheeting operation at Advance Agro, PCL, Thailand, a pulp and paper manufacturer. The sheeting operation is one of the most critical operations. The redesigned sheeting operation resulted in setup time reduction. This was carried out by studying the process map, data analysis, and simulation of the redesigned operation (using Visio, Excel and Arena software) before a real implementation at the manufacturing plant. The simulation of redesigned sheeting process showed increase in productivity and annual cost savings.

Findings

Case experiences indicate that combining process mapping and data analysis with simulation is beneficial. The computer‐based integrated approach successfully reduces the risk of ineffectiveness of the redesigned critical manufacturing operation. In the new improved operation, higher machine utilization results in both reduced lead time and availability of more free time for operators to carry out quality inspections leading to better quality products.

Practical implications

The computer simulation of redesigned sheeting operation showed existing machines can handle more orders and result in higher production and lower unit cost than the existing sheeting operation. The productivity increase for the manufacturer with the new sheeting strategy was expected to be worth US $450,000 annually.

Originality/value

The study makes a business case that process improvement can be effectively accomplished with an integrated approach of using widely available inexpensive and user‐friendly computer‐based tools. It also showcases a good practice in manufacturing system redesign.
Evolution of a worldwide production network
Authors: Kuhn Joachim
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is the design of a strategic‐operational decision support to justify a specific network configuration. Based on cost/earnings equations regarding quality, time and cost restrictions, the equations on the operational level get linked to the business strategy of globalisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on literature and empirical analysis reflecting internal and external benchmarking with other European‐based car manufacturers. Thus, it combines theoretical aspects with practical evidence.

Findings

The findings include a comparison of the traditional production strategy with an agile production. As shown for this industry sector, the future concentration of production will be with third party manufacturers (3PM) or in certain cases still with the OEM.

Research limitations/implications

Further, research is embedded in comparing the agility approach with the different cultural elements like power distance or uncertainty avoidance, particularly for the automotive industry as one of the few globally favoured industry sectors. Another research field is addressed with the degree of customization: how much is really appreciated by the customer and therefore needs a flexible manufacturing approach?

Practical implications

The practical implication lies in the decision support to design a global network of manufacturing locations. Moreover, the practitioner gets an insight for the limits of agility in the automotive sector.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is given by bridging the scientific approach and practical constraints resulting in a state‐of‐the‐art decision‐making for network design in the automotive industry.
Managing product variety in multinational corporation supply chains
Authors: Er Mahendrawathi , MacCarthy Bart
Published: January 2007

Purpose

For manufacturing enterprises, today's business environment is characterised by globally dispersed supply and manufacturing networks. In addition, the level of variety in products continues to increase in almost all sectors. Greater understanding of the management of product variety in international operations is required. Aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A generic simulation model representing a multinational corporation (MNC) supply chain is used to investigate the impact on supply chain performance of increasing product variety in combination with supply lead‐time and demand uncertainty in an international setting. The simulation focuses on the upstream activities of production planning, inbound supply and manufacturing. The structure and logic of the simulation model are based on insights obtained from an empirical study of real MNC supply networks.

Findings

The study shows that increasing the level of product variety has a detrimental impact on supply chain performance. In the presence of supply lead‐time and demand uncertainty, high levels of variety result in much longer flow times and much higher system inventory relative to more stable conditions. The impact is greatest when variety involves critical materials which are required early in the production process and that entail long set‐up times.

Research limitations/implications

The study could be extended to incorporate more advanced inventory control models, the inclusion of downstream activities, multiple manufacturing sites and multiple potential supply routes.

Practical implications

Implications for the selection of suppliers and for inventory control policies are discussed in the context of international operations. The potential value of postponement strategies and the need in some cases for fundamental product and process redesign to mitigate the negative impacts of variety are highlighted.

Originality/value

Managing product variety in the context of international operations has received very little attention to date in the research literature. This study quantifies the potential impact of increasing product variety on supply chain performance in an international setting.
A hierarchical model for e‐supply chain coordination and optimisation
Authors: Feng Yin Xiao , Pheng Khoo Li
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The integration of e‐business and supply chain enables seamless information flow from suppliers to customer service network via the internet. It also enables better‐coordinated materials flow from customer order to production, storage, distribution and delivery. The purpose of this paper is to describe the work that leads to the realisation of a hierarchical model for e‐supply chain coordination and optimisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is based on an e‐business information flow network in order to respond rapidly to the dynamics of e‐supply chain and market. It can be used to realize management level strategies, and facilitate the planning and control of detailed operation schedules of supply chain units in an e‐supply chain environment. Three main modules are discussed. They are routing and sequence optimiser (RSO) with the aid of a GA and TS‐based multiple population search strategy (MPSS); supply chain virtual clustering (SCVC) based on fuzzy virtual clustering; and supply chain order scheduling (SCOS) using an agent‐based distributed scheduling system.

Findings

These modules enable: the generation of preferred routings, transportation modes and work order plan under such constraints as customer service level, cycle time and cost; the formation of supply chain's unit‐transportation‐work order families using a clustering approach to down‐size supply chain problems and increase computation efficiency; and the integration of scheduling with supply chain optimisation in order to facilitate the control of a supply chain with the aid of an agent‐based distributed scheduling approach.

Originality/value

This paper proposed a hierarchical model for e‐supply chain coordination and optimisation that is capable to solve large‐scale problems. A MPSS using GA and TS was depicted in detail to expedite the RSO.
Development of an online quality information system for e‐manufacturing
Authors: Jianxin Jiao Roger , Pokharel Shaligram , Kumar Arun , Zhang Lianfeng
Published: January 2007

Purpose

In an e‐manufacturing environment, the acquisition of real time quality data and information is paramount for distributed collaborative manufacturers to make quick and correct actions towards quality problems in a manufacturing process. This paper attempts to assist manufacturers in obtaining such data and information and further to make decisions regarding quality control.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, an online quality information system (OQIS) for quality control in an e‐manufacturing environment is presented. The common object request broker architecture standards and client‐server technologies are applied to obtain real time data and information whenever required at different locations. In addition, several modules, responsible for product design, process planning, quality control and data input, are developed within a coherent OQIS information model.

Findings

Preliminary results show advantages of the OQIS for companies to obtain real time quality data and information. It can also suggest possible improvements pertaining to quality control towards e‐manufacturing.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed OQIS can be further developed to solve such issues as explanation of complex quality information and deployment costs in the enterprise. Further research should be directed to the evolution of OQIS.

Originality/value

The OQIS can provide consistent quality data and information, based on which manufacturers can make timely and correct decisions in solving quality problems in an e‐manufacturing environment.