bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The labour market in Nigeria under regulation and deregulation
Authors: Gbosi Augustus N.
Published: July 2002

Regulation in its broader sense, means the imposition of restrictions on the various sectors of an economy. For example, prior to 1986, regulatory controls were the main approach to macroeconomic management in Nigeria. On the contrary, deregulation aims at the removal of controls, thereby enhancing competition and efficiency in the allocation of resources in the economy. Since 1987, deregulation has been the central framework for macroeconomic management in Nigeria. It is often argued that deregulation is associated with high levels of unemployment. Thus, analyses developments in the Nigerian labour market during the period, 1980‐93. Available data show that Nigeria’s unemployment rate declined marginally under deregulation as opposed to regulation. Despite this development, unemployment still remains a critical issue in Nigeria today. Also shows that even industrial relations deteriorated under regulatory controls. Consequently, concludes that the labour market in Nigeria did stabilize in the period 1987‐93, as opposed to the period 1980‐86.
The cost of vocational training
Authors: Tsang Mun C.
Published: July 2002

Discusses the methodological issues in costing two common types of vocational training programmes: institutional vocational training and enterprise‐based vocational training. Points out that the survey/interview approach should be used to collect data from institutions instead of from the government in costing institutional vocational training, and that more frequent use should be made of the case‐study and survey methods in costing enterprise‐based vocational training. Based on empirical studies on both developed and developing countries, analyses the costs of different types of vocational training programmes. Shows that training costs are influenced by such factors as the technology of training, teacher costs and their determinants, programme length, extent of wastage, extent of underutilization of training inputs and scale of operation. In general, vocational/technical education is more costly than academic programmes and pre‐employment vocational training is more expensive than in‐service training. Discusses the implications of these findings for training policies.
Improving training quality in developing countries
Authors: Herschbach Dennis R.
Published: July 2002

Presents an overview of school and classroom policies and practices which contribute to the improvement of the quality and efficiency of vocational education and training (VET) in developing countries. Centres on a number of relevant factors identified by research on school and teacher effectiveness which relate to the improvement of programming and cost containment. Includes management and instructional practices, instructional organization, instructional resources, staff recruitment and training, and admission and placement policies, among others. Suggests that without acceptable levels of material and human resources, instructional quality cannot be maintained. However, resource requirements can be reduced through the more effective and efficient use of existing resources. Concludes that the chief way to improve instructional efficiency in VET is reduced training time.
The occupational wage structure in local labour markets
Authors: Hyclak Thomas , Ohn Jonathan
Published: July 2002

Examines changes in the responsiveness of occupational wages to occupational unemployment rate in Atlanta, Cleveland, Los Angeles and Philadelphia over the 1977‐1990 period. Finds evidence that the wage responsiveness to unemployment increased during the 1980s and that our model does a good job in explaining changes in the relative wage across the four occupational groups in the local labour markets. These results are consistent with the belief that the interaction of market forces, such as technical change and international competitions and institutional changes, such as the decline in unionization, played an important role in increasing relative wage dispersion during the 1980s.
The “family friendly” workplace
Authors: Strachan Glenda , Burgess John
Published: July 2002

The closer integration of work and family responsibilities has become an important element in the promotion of the decentralisation of the Australian industrial relations system. This article outlines the origins of the work and family agenda and discusses how it has come to be incorporated into the industrial relations reform agenda. A work and family typology is developed. Examples of family friendly workplace arrangements are outlined and discussed, and the extent to which these are incorporated into enterprise agreements is then outlined. There must be doubts as to how far family friendly workplace arrangements can be extended in an economy with high rates of casualisation, falling trade union densities and considerable differences in bargaining power. Indeed, many of the current family friendly arrangements are distinctly family unfriendly. Finally, there are important gender issues to consider in relation to the family friendly industrial relations agenda.
Language‐based earnings differentials on the Swiss labour market: is Italian a liability?
Authors: Grin François , Sfreddo Claudio
Published: July 2002

This paper examines wage rate differentials that set off speakers of Italian (Switzerland’s third national language community) from the rest of the population. Although second language skills are used here as control variables, the focus is on agents’ first language, which can be interpreted as a proxy for ethnicity. This paper uses a unique data set, and to our knowledge, is the first paper, to address the issue of language‐based inequality in Switzerland. Our chief aim is to provide an overview and to identify priorities for further research. The methodology is accordingly kept simple. After presenting general information on Switzerland′s Italian‐speaking community, we discuss the conceptual and methodological issues involved in the identification and operationalization of the data necessary to assess its relative socio‐economic status. Results show that outside the predominantly Italian‐language region of Tessin, male speakers of Italian are at a significant disadvantage on the labour market, even after controlling for the effect of other determinants of earnings, including competence in Switzerland’s other national languages. Therefore, the Swiss way of dealing with linguistic diversity, which relies on the territoriality principle (i.e., a one‐to‐one correspondence between language and territory, making for fairly homogeneous language regions), is not just an institutional arrangement; it also appears to be backed up by labour market outcomes, because interregional mobility may carry a significant cost.
Occupational segregation in the Israeli labour market
Authors: Neuman Shoshana
Published: July 2002

Examines gender and ethnic occupational segregation in Israel, focusing on the interaction between gender and ethnicity. Uses data from the 1983 and 1961 Population and Housing Census, and two different indices to examine three issues: ethnic versus gender segregation; gender differences in ethnic occupational segregation; and ethnicity differences in gender occupational segregation. Finds that gender segregation is much higher than ethnic segregation; that, overall, women are not more ethnically segregated than men, and that there are ethnic differences in the overall gender dissimilarity indices. Focusing on the sex composition effect, finds that there is no difference in gender segregation within various ethnic groups. Suggests that only in the kibbutz are Eastern women more sexually segregated than Western women. Also investigates and presents long‐term trends between 1961 and 1983 and comparisons with the US. Explores the linkage between educational dispersion and occupational dispersion to explain the study findings. Concludes that educational disparities are responsible for differences in ethnic occupational segregation but not in gender occupational segregation. Offers demand‐side explanations.
Ethnic discrimination: public policy and the Latvian labour market
Authors: Dobson John , Jones Graham
Published: July 2002

State‐sponsored ethnic discrimination is in danger of undermining the complex mix of indigenous ethnic minorities which make up the Latvian labour market. Systematic labour market discrimination has resulted from restrictive legislation on citizenship and language which preserves a substantial list of jobs for citizens and Latvian speakers. A naturalisation process has been introduced for permanent residents, but the procedures associated with it also discriminate against the 45 per cent of the population who are Russian speakers. This paper presents a systematic account of these developments and highlights the economic, social and political dangers inherent in the legislation, and in the recent shift in the educational system to tuition in Latvian only.
FDI and industrial relations in Central and Eastern Europe: the exceptional case of the Hungarian airline
Authors: Tóth András
Published: July 2002

Foreign direct investment was obviously going to be central to the economic regeneration of the transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe. However, the demise of the formerly centrally‐planned system was accompanied by the widespread collapse of the old union structures. While these have been replaced, at least in part, by a spontaneous growth of new unions, they have a limited membership and are fragmented in their organization. The usual result is that multinational companies need exhibit little concern regarding the views of their acquired workforce. This paper highlights the rather exceptional case of the Hungarian airline industry in which a moribund, albeit new, union was revitalised to the extent of being able to challenge successfully the overseas employer of its members. While to date unusual, the example may offer lessons for worker organizations throughout the region.
Transforming an old economy company into a new economy success: the case of NTT DoCoMo
Authors: Kodama Mitsuru
Published: July 2002

Uses a case study to discuss factors for success in the course of achieving strategic innovation in the mobile Internet business field, specifically in the creation of new markets through the deliberate and strategic maintenance and subsequent integration of paradoxical organizations and strategies under a single corporate umbrella. The corporation accepted a new organizational body imbued with an entrepreneurial spirit supported by different types of personnel and then continuously promoted entrepreneurial strategies based on time pacing. At the same time, with the aim to implement strategic innovation, the company integrated the above strategies with deliberate strategies based on event‐based pacing practiced by the existing organizational body. Behind this successful innovation lies the formation of a strategic community with both new and traditional organizations through the leadership of top and middle management and the subsequent integration of paradoxical strategies promoted by knowledge management, which led to the creation of a new market known as the mobile Internet.
Concerns about Innovations in the Workplace
Authors: Schaafsma Hank , Athanasou James
Published: July 2002

Examines the concerns profiles of 243 front‐line managers within Telecom
Australia who were engaged in implementing two related innovations: (a)
a new service policy called “Fix‐It‐First‐Time” and (b) a change in the
functional role of front‐line managers. Results were considered to be
broadly consistent with a developmental and stage model of concerns.
However, the importance of concerns for this sample of workers was
different from that suggested by previous research. The impact of
innovations on colleagues, on clients and on their job security was
paramount in this group, reflecting the fact that innovations occurred
within a period of major retrenchment and redundancy. Results also
confirmed a higher order structuring of concerns which occurs in the
workplace and which goes beyond the original seven stages to encompass
broadly defined personal concerns and impact concerns of the innovation.
The implications of these findings are examined briefly in terms of an
emerging critique of change management models for the 1990s.
Conflict resolution: a recontextualization
Authors: Banner David K.
Published: July 2002

Challenges one of the dominant assumptions of the current cultural
paradigm, namely that conflict is inevitable between people and groups
with differing goals, values and priorities. Given that conflict is seen
as inevitable, the field of conflict resolution has arisen to resolve
conflict through a variety of techniques and behavioural tools. Two main
schools of thought exist on the issue: (1) the traditional school, whose
approach sees conflict as “bad” and its elimination as
desirable; (2) the interactionist or modern school, whose approach sees
conflict as functional and in need of being “managed”
effectively. Virtually no one in the field would even suggest that a
conflict‐free state could be reached. Argues that the technology for
understanding and creating such a state exists and is available for use.
Project management: different gender, different culture?
Authors: Cartwright Susan , Gale Andrew
Published: July 2002

Considers the gendering of organizations and contends that gender,
as a dimension of organizational culture, is a factor responsible for
the limited participation of women in project management. Continues the
argument presented in an earlier article published in this journal and
proposes an agenda for future research in this area.
On a clear day you can have a vision: a visioning model for
everyone
Authors: Allen Richard
Published: July 2002

The familiar song lyric says, “On a clear day, you can see
forever”. It is a nice thought but, in reality, we cannot see very
far without having a clear, well‐reasoned and mutually agreed vision. It
is becoming apparent that even our most successful organizations are
amazed at their own lack of agreement concerning their corporate vision.
It seems that organizations and their members are not always aware that
they are running in different directions. In part, they seem to have
their vision (a desired end) confused with their goals and objectives
(the means to get there). Presents a model for a visioning action plan
that is intended to encompass all organizational stakeholders. The model
fosters participative agreement concerning who we are now and a vision
for who we want to be, as well as the means by which we intend to
realize that vision.
Is Belbin’s shaper really TMS’s thruster‐organizer? An empirical investigation into the correspondence between the Belbin and TMS team role models
Authors: Rushmer Rosemary K.
Published: July 2002

With the growth in teamworking, organizations are increasingly turning to team role models in the hope of enhancing the effectiveness of their teams. However, such models can be both expensive to buy‐in and administer. Examines significant similarities between the two major team role models ‐ Belbin and TMS models. Argues that if the two systems/assessments can be used interchangeably, organizations could make considerable savings in both time and money. Finds no simple, direct correspondence between the two models (despite close congruence between the role behavioural indicators). Finds a small degree of predictability in some roles (none in others, especially the “creative” and “leadership” roles). Suggests that generally, the Belbin roles do tend to gravitate towards the relevant quadrant of the TMS wheel, but not directly to an identifiable role. Proposes that further research is needed to see if this tendency is a robust and significant finding.
Dynamics of strategic change: critical issues in fostering positive organizational change
Authors: Zeffane Rachid
Published: July 2002

Examines the fundamental issues and dynamics surrounding strategic change in contemporary organizations. Outlines the main components of, and barriers to, change and discusses the alternative strategies of change. Also discusses issues surrounding the fundamental role of culture and the need for effective leadership. Argues that effective strategic change requires approaches to leadership that are more likely to enhance workplace change through employee participation, motivation and commitment. To meet new challenges, business organizations must develop attributes of corporate culture most likely to support their change strategies. On final analysis, change can only succeed if it is based solidly on an understanding of how people behave, what motivates them, and how improved positive attitudes can be developed.
Differences in leadership behaviour between expatriate and local bosses as perceived by their host country national subordinates
Authors: Selmer Jan
Published: July 2002

Presents an investigation of how host country national subordinates perceive the leadership behaviour of their expatriate bosses in foreign assignments. From a sample of 240 middle managers in Hong Kong with experience of both local Chinese bosses and expatriate bosses from a broad spectrum of Western and Asian countries, finds that the subordinate managers assessed the leadership behaviour of their expatriate bosses to be significantly different from that of their Hong Kong Chinese bosses. US bosses were perceived as the most different and Japanese bosses, as well as bosses from other Asian countries, were seen as the least different, while British bosses and bosses from other Western countries constituted a middle group. Discusses the implications of these findings for international business and future academic research.
The future of capitalism
Authors: Lloyd Bruce , Thurow Lester
Published: July 2002

In discussion with Bruce Lloyd, Lester Thurow, Professor of Management and Economics at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, talks about his new book The Future of Capitalism. Despite the end of communism, or perhaps because of it, Thurow argues that capitalism will be under considerable pressure in the years ahead. These challenges arise from demographic factors, including increased trends for more global mobility; as well as the impact on the global economy of the new knowledge‐based industries, which are going to create both new opportunities for inequality at the same time as reinforcing old inequalities. Thurow argues strongly that we need to combine an understanding of these pressures and trends, with a willingness, and ability, to intervene effectively, if we are to be optimistic about the economic development of the world as a whole in the years ahead.
Cross‐cultural attitudes towards leadership dimensions
Authors: McKenna Steve
Published: July 2002

The current trend among corporations to clearly identify management behavioural competencies, that would enable managers to perform more effectively, has led to many developing what are apparently the dimensions of effective management and leadership behaviour. There are many problems with this overly simplistic approach, one of which is the transferability of the definitions of competencies across cultures. In this paper, 138 middle managers were studied from a North American telecommunications corporation. They were asked to comment on the various dimensions of the overall competence “leadership”, as it was defined by the corporation’s human resource development group. It was found that there was little broad cross‐cultural agreement on these dimensions among the managers surveyed which points to the difficulty, and indeed, validity, of attempts to develop generic, global management competencies. The paper suggests that MNCs are “colonisers” through their attempts to shape the behaviour of local personnel in the context of competencies.
Emotional dissonance in organizations: a conceptualization of consequences, mediators and moderators
Authors: Abraham Rebecca
Published: July 2002

Presents a model conceptualizing the role of emotional dissonance in organizational behavior. Emotional dissonance is a form of person‐role conflict originating from the conflict between expressed and experienced emotions. Viewed within a contingency framework, the effect of emotional dissonance on its direct consequences of job dissatisfaction and emotional exhaustion may vary in their intensity depending on the existence (or lack thereof) of moderators and mediators. The study presents nine propositions hypothesizing the impact of these variables to guide future empirical research. As moderators, high levels of self‐monitoring, social support and trait self‐esteem may reduce the deleterious impact of emotional dissonance on job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion. Alternatively, emotional dissonance may induce job tension and state negative affectivity, and reduce state self‐esteem, which in turn, lead to job dissatisfaction and emotional exhaustion. Theoretical and a few practical implications are discussed.
NASA’s Robonaut
Authors: Engelberger Gay
Published: July 2002

A robotics team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, under the direction of Dr Robert Ambrose, is developing a new breed of space robots called Robonaut. Robonaut, designed to be as human‐like as possible, will be controlled by telepresence and will work in extravehicular activity (EVA) environments, allowing astronauts to remain safely inside the spacecraft.
Robots in unusual places: a look at the future
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: July 2002

Reports on a seminar entitled ‘‘Future trends in robotics'' organised by the UK's Institution of Mechanical Engineers, outlines recent developments in subsea robotics, reviews the evolution of surgical robotics, discusses the current state of application and research relating to mobile robots and looks at the progress being made in the development of climbing robots.
The role of seam tracking in robotic welding and bonding
Authors: Wilson Mike
Published: July 2002

Discusses the application of robots for automated welding and bonding in manufacturing industry, and the part that laser‐based seam tracking systems have played.
Multi‐tasking robots are central to new Range Rover bodyshop
Authors: Mortimer John
Published: July 2002

A new manufacturing plant has been installed in Solihull, UK, to manufacture the new Range Rover sports utility vehicle. An important aspect of the £80 million investment at the site is a body‐in‐white assembly shop containing 123 robots, many of which are employed in multi‐tasking roles.
An empirical analysis of the competitive dimensions of quality performance in the automotive supply industry
Authors: Curkovic Sime , Vickery Shawnee K.
Published: July 2002

This paper examines the competitive dimensions of quality for first tier suppliers in the automotive industry. A theoretically relevant set of quality variables is identified from the literature. The results of a factor analysis show that quality is a two dimensional construct in the automotive supply industry. The core dimensions of quality are: product quality, which is primarily focused on design superiority and performance of the physical product; and service quality, which comprises both pre‐ and post‐sale service. The study reveals that both product quality and service quality are related to overall firm performance, regardless of whether asset based, investment based, or market based measures are used.
The manufacturing manager’s role in NPD in Taiwanese electronics
Authors: Woodcock D.J. , Chen C.Y.
Published: July 2002

The Taiwanese Government developed a series of six‐year plans promoting its industrial strategy. Part of the emphasis of the latest plan was to increase product sophistication in ten selected industries, of which the electronics industry is a leading example. The stimulus for this effort was the then rising value of the yen and rising wage levels, making Taiwan a less cost competitive producer than some of its neighbouring countries. Since the fieldwork was completed, Taiwan’s economy has been affected by the Asian economic crisis. In a sense this has given Taiwanese industry a breathing space in which it can learn how to overcome the problems shown in this paper. The paper shows that the Government’s strategy was partly frustrated in six plants in the electronics industry by limitations within senior manufacturing management. These were deficiencies in the technologies supporting production of new products, limited skills in the pre‐production phase, and weaknesses in the relationships with managers in other functions. The need to restore quickly the levels of manufacturing yield and productivity following new product introductions was recognised as important. However, the ability to achieve these goals was constrained by weak systems.
Are BPR practitioners really addressing business processes?
Authors: Belmiro Tânia R. , Gardiner Paul D. , Simmons John E.L. , Rentes Antonio F.
Published: July 2002

Business process re‐engineering (BPR), a management tool that initially advocated a revolution in the way businesses are driven, now carries the stigma of being a major cause of job elimination. This study reveals the depth of involvement of BPR practitioners in what, advocates claim, are the fundamental ingredients of BPR – business processes. The data alert the reader to the different understandings and practices related to business process analysis held by several UK and Brazilian companies. Possible reasons are given, accounting for why some of the companies investigated seemed to lose a BPR focus in favour of more urgent restructuring matters. The authors conclude that companies often lack a basic awareness of the business process concept, and that misconceptions about these issues can lead to unrealised expectations at various levels in the organization.
A rule‐base for the specification of manufacturing planning and control system activities
Authors: Howard Alexander , Kochhar Ashok , Dilworth John
Published: July 2002

The accurate specification of user’s real requirements from manufacturing planning and control (MPC) systems is carried out very poorly throughout the industry. This paper describes a rule‐based system for the specification of MPC system activities. The rule‐base provides detailed recommendations on the suitability of system activities to individual companies based on company characteristics and management concerns. It also provides supporting reasons for the recommendations. This paper describes the development of the rule‐base from the initial conceptual framework to the fully tested and validated PC‐based application. The rule‐base has been fully tested and validated in ten small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in batch manufacturing. This paper describes the experiences of two of these case studies by way of example.
Locus of supply and global manufacturing
Authors: Ettlie John E. , Sethuraman Kannan
Published: July 2002

Interest in supply chain management has been escalating during the last decade. Using a large sample of durable goods firms located in all major regions of the world, we extend two theoretical perspectives, namely the resource‐based view and the transaction cost economics view of the firm, to better understand the issues behind global sourcing. Both theory extensions were supported in separate by statistically significant regression results. Then, pooling predictors to represent both models together, these measures independently increase the odds of predicting global sourcing. For example, building of a firm’s technological capabilities that was captured through the levels of its R&D intensity, and percentage of revenue it generated from its new products was directly related to the increased levels of a firm’s global sourcing. Transaction costs (e.g. vertical integration, inversely related; length of frozen schedules, directly related) also emerged as a significant predictor of the level of global sourcing undertaken by a firm. This suggests that firms have two alternative ways to globalize operations supply, and raises the interesting question of whether or not these two strategies might operate simultaneously.
Demand and capacity management decisions in services
Authors: Klassen Kenneth J. , Rohleder Thomas R.
Published: July 2002

Service managers are continually challenged with balancing customer demand and service capacity. Recent studies have raised awareness of various demand and capacity management practices available to services, but little numerical work has been done to identify how these decisions work together and how they relate to one another. For instance, reducing prices may attract customers during a slow period, but the extent of impact this should have on cross‐training staff is not clear. A simulation based on theoretical and empirical insights explores the impact of various decisions on profitability and operations. The decisions modelled include the impact of: automation, customer participation, cross training employees, informing customers about the operation, and others. It is shown that demand and capacity decisions do indeed impact on each other – sometimes in ways that are not initially obvious. Results provide useful thought‐starters for service managers striving to improve their operations.
Trade‐offs between multiskilling and inventory in assembly line operations under demand variability
Authors: Garg Suresh , Vrat Prem , Kanda Arun
Published: July 2002

The demand variability in case of assembly line operations can be absorbed either by multi‐skilling of operators on the line, empowering them to handle a wider mix of work‐elements or by holding finished goods inventory. This paper examines trade‐offs between these two groups of policies by developing a simulation‐based model. Four policies are evaluated and their cost implications examined to enable decision makers to choose the best policy depending upon the situation specific parameters. A case study to illustrate the proposed model is presented and results are found to be insightful. A methodology to identify training needs in case of multi‐skilling is also developed.
A Review of Empirical Manufacturing Strategy Studies
Authors: Minor Elliot D. , Hensley Rhonda L. , Robley Wood D.
Published: July 2002

Examines empirical manufacturing strategy studies which have been
published in the refereed journal literature, and the extent to which
several conceptual premisses have been empirically tested. Presents a
methodology for the classification of empirical manufacturing strategy
which actively involves the authors of each empirical study in the
classification process. Presents and discusses classifications for 27
empirical manufacturing strategy articles. Ends with suggestions for
further research on the topic of empirical manufacturing strategy, along
with a discussion of the most current studies on the topic.
A Two‐stage Model for Structuring Global Facility Site Selection
Decisions
Authors: Hoffman James J. , Schniederjans Marc J.
Published: July 2002

A critical concern for firms pursuing global expansion strategies
involves facility site evaluation and selection. For expansion to be
successful, corporations must identify countries and facility sites that
offer a good fit with the firm′s overall corporate strategy.
Unfortunately, little has been written to aid corporations in making
these complex decisions. Presents a two‐stage model that combines the
concepts of strategic management, the management science technique of
goal programming, and micro computer technology to provide managers with
a more effective and efficient method for evaluating global facility
sites and making selection decisions. Extends the existing literature on
corporate facility site evaluation by applying a computer optimization
model to facility site acquisition in a way that has not been done
before.
Benchmarking for Strategic Manufacturing Management
Authors: Sweeney Michael T.
Published: July 2002

Benchmarking to improve strategic manufacturing management seems to be a
logical extension to benchmarking to improve operating system
performance. This assumption is, however, untested. The research
objective for this study was to learn how to benchmark the strategic
manufacturing management process. The experiences of a consortium of
non‐competing firms struggling with the problems of benchmarking
implementation constitute the base data for this research. The study has
found that inappropriate choices of key manufacturing performance
indicators were made by 50 per cent of the business units studied and
this is because of poor strategic vision for manufacturing operations.
Also evidence was found to show that 70 per cent of the firms studied
needed a better understanding of their own processes before they could
benefit from benchmarking other organizations.
The Introduction of CIM: A Strategic Analysis
Authors: Nichols Wendy , Jones Oswald
Published: July 2002

The research was carried out to identify the links between the
introduction of computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) and corporate
strategy. The study took place in an organization which manufactures car
components and is the subsidiary of a major UK company. At the
operational level there was considerable confusion about the objectives
of CIM and consequently it had been poorly utilized. A number of
suggestions were made to ensure more effective use of CIM. However, as a
result of political factors within the organization there was a shift in
emphasis from CIM to strategic sourcing.
The Effectiveness of Personal Computers in Operations Management
Education
Authors: Coye Ray W. , Stonebraker Peter W.
Published: July 2002

Examines the pervasiveness of personal computers (PCs) in business which
has encouraged expanded use in the business‐school environment. Although
the incorporation of computers in education increases realism and
facilitates computation, there are divergent views on the extent to
which their use enhances learning. Considers issues relevant to the
introduction of personal computers in the college teaching environment
and reports results of a study which evaluated learning outcomes of
groups using traditional methods and those using personal computers in
the teaching of production operations management. No differences in
learning outcomes were found, suggesting that caution is in order when
considering the nature and intensity of PC implementation programs in
the education setting.
Performance Measures: Gaps, False Alarms, and the “Usual Suspects”
Authors: Schmenner Roger W. , Vollmann Thomas E.
Published: July 2002

Using a two‐round Delphi process among 92 manufacturing managers from
around the world, assesses the appropriateness of a variety of
performance measures. The Delphi process used a survey technique that
was pioneered by Dixon, Nanni, and Vollmann to highlight gaps (high
perceived importance to the company but low weight in the performance
measurement system) and false alarms (low perceived importance to the
company but high weight in the performance measurement system). Direct
cost reduction, machine efficiency, and labour efficiency are almost
universally seen as false alarms. On the other hand, new product
introduction, customer satisfaction, and employee involvement are
frequently revealed to be gaps, although with less consistency.
Cross‐industry comparisons are a distinctive feature of this research.
A comparative analysis and review of JIT
“implementation” research
Authors: Ramarapu Narender K. , Mehra Satish , Frolick Mark N.
Published: July 2002

Compares the research done in the area of JIT implementation in the
past decade, identifies critical JIT elements, and groups the elements
into broader factors. An extensive literature search was conducted to
identify over 130 JIT implementation articles published in both
professional journals and proceedings. Initial screening process led to
the identification of 105 JIT implementation research articles published
since 1980. Each of these 105 articles was reviewed to identify 28 JIT
implementation elements. These JIT implementation elements are
subsequently grouped into five broader factors. Criteria as the measure
of importance of these elements was based on the frequency of citation.
The results obtained from this research show that elimination of waste
and production strategy are the most specific critical factors of JIT
implementation. Followed by three other critical factors: quality
control and quality improvement, management commitment and employee
participation, and vendor/supplier participation.
A heuristic scheduling algorithm for improving the duration and net
present value of a project
Authors: Ulusoy Gündüz , Özdamar Linet
Published: July 2002

Proposes a heuristic iterative scheduling algorithm for the
resource constrained project scheduling problem. Considers a general
model where activities are represented by multiple operating modes and
each operating mode is constituted of different activity durations and
resource requirements. The performance measures considered are the
minimization of project duration and the maximization of net present
value (NPV). In the cash flow model assumed, activity expenditures take
place at their start times and the project payment is made on its
completion. The iterative scheduling algorithm consists of forward/
backward scheduling passes, where consecutive scheduling passes are
linked by updated activity time windows. The iterative algorithm is
supported by a conflict‐based activity selection technique called local
constraint based analysis (LCBA). A considerable amount of improvement
in both performance criteria is observed when the results of the
iterative algorithm are compared with the results given by the initial
forward schedule.
Exploiting AMT in small manufacturing firms for global
competitiveness
Authors: Mechling George W. , Pearce James W. , Busbin James W.
Published: July 2002

Examines the adoption and strategic use of advanced manufacturing
technologies (AMTs) by small manufacturing firms. Three major issues are
explored: the differences between exporting and non‐exporting firms with
regard to why they adopt AMT; the differences between exporting and
non‐exporting firms with regard to how they adopt AMT; and the
relationship between adopting AMT and exporting to global markets. Using
multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), multiple comparison tests,
pair‐wise comparisons, regression, correlation, and partial correlation
analysis, the authors found that: exporting and non‐exporting firms
adopt AMT for different reasons; exporting and non‐exporting firms adopt
AMT in different ways; and there is a significant positive relationship
between adopting AMT and exporting to global markets.
Performance measurement system design
Authors: Neely Andy , Gregory Mike , Platts Ken
Published: July 2002

The importance of performance measurement has long been recognized
by academics and practitioners from a variety of functional disciplines.
Seeks to bring together this diverse body of knowledge into a coherent
whole. To ensure that the key issues are identified, focuses on the
process of performance measurement system design, rather than the detail
of specific measures. Following a comprehensive review of the
literature, proposes a research agenda.
A two‐stage procedure for designing a group technology system
Authors: Cheng Chun‐Hung , Goh Chon‐Huat , Lee Anita
Published: July 2002

Proposes a two‐stage procedure to design a group technology system.
Formulates a 0‐1 quadratic programming model to allocate machines to
machine cells and a criterion to form corresponding part families for
group technology. The majority of current approaches assume only one
copy of a machine type for allocation. This model allows for more than
one copy of a machine type. While many approaches use a general integer
programming package to solve the group technology problem, proposes a
two‐stage procedure based on A* algorithm. Computational
experience of the proposed algorithm is also reported.
“A simulation analysis of ordering policies under
inflationary conditions”: A critique
Authors: Wilson James M.
Published: July 2002

Mehra and Amini presented an inflation‐adjusted economic order
quantity that found order quantities were stable for a range of
inflation rates. This stability was a consequence of an arbitrary
planning horizon constraint. Presents a comparison of their
simulation‐based approach with a comparable but more simple model based
on a continuous formulation. Mehra and Amini′s model is more complex,
requires more work, and performs less well than the alternative.
Evolving production technologies
Authors: Brooking Stanley A. , Hailey William A. , Parker Hugh J. , Woodruff Charles K.
Published: July 2002

Evolving production technologies are altering the cost structures
on which many supporting inventory ordering systems are based; for
example, fixed costs compared with variable costs are increasing
significantly. Unfortunately, many inventory ordering formulations
consider only the variable portions of inventory ordering costs and
inventory holding costs. To address this deficiency, departs from
traditional categorizations and offers an inventory classification
schema based on the functional roles served by the inventory items.
Functional roles of inventory include transition, buffer, investment,
maintenance, supplies and dead stock. Extending the schema, assesses the
implications each functional role has for inventory cost containment,
emphasizing the impact of evolving production technologies on inventory
ordering policies and their relevance to functional roles.
Spreadsheet simulation to aid capacity management of batch chemical
processing using JIT pull control
Authors: Ezingeard Jean‐Noel , Race Peter
Published: July 2002

The application of just‐in‐time manufacturing techniques in batch
chemical processing environments, under conditions of variable demand,
imposes significant capacity management problems. Making decisions which
involve levels of customer service and resource untilization can be
aided by the application of the calculation methodology outlined, which
uses standard spreadsheet techniques and forecast queue analysis.
Presents a case example to clarify the links between service levels and
resource utilization which can aid management decisions regarding
timing, levels of stocks and sizing of facilities.
Use of simulation in the design of a JIT system
Authors: Welgama P.S. , Mills R.G.J.
Published: July 2002

Many manufacturing organizations are switching over to JIT
manufacturing systems following the success of Japanese industries.
Presents a case study of a simulation modelling approach in the design
and analysis of a proposed JIT system for an Australian chemical
company, which currently operates on a traditional system. The approach
was used to compare two cell designs, and to estimate utilization levels
for operators and materials handlers under the new system, and to
determine reorder levels for raw materials at the work stations in order
to operate the JIT system successfully.
The role of management accounting in the development of a
manufacturing strategy
Authors: Fry Timothy D. , Steele Daniel C. , Saladin Brooke A.
Published: July 2002

A well developed manufacturing strategy is becoming increasingly
important to many manufacturing organizations. A major feature of such a
strategy is the definition of a manufacturing infrastructure that is
consistent with how products and services compete in the selected
market. The managerial accounting system is a key component of this
infrastructure. Reports the results of a survey of 85 manufacturing
companies. Finds that many companies use an accounting system that
appears to be inappropriate. The systems are often ill suited to their
marketplace and inconsistent with an appropriate manufacturing strategy.
Discusses recommendations for change for companies currently developing
a manufacturing strategy.
The application of queuing theory in the analysis of plant layout
Authors: Wainwright C.E.R.
Published: July 2002

In certain manufacturing categories the type of plant layout to adopt is determined by the type of production process. However, within multi‐product mid‐volume environments the type of plant layout to select is not as obvious, with recent trends indicating that the more traditional functional layout is being replaced by a cellular approach. Aims to provide an insight into the performance of contrasting approaches to plant layout by developing generic mathematical models, based on queuing theory, to examine the limitations and ability of each layout. Subsequently optimizes the models in terms of cost, size and scheduling effectiveness, within a common framework.
Squaring lean supply with supply chain management
Authors: Lamming Richard
Published: July 2002

Lean supply ‐ the system of purchasing and supply chain management required to underpin lean production ‐ has been characterized as “beyond partnership”. Re‐examines this idea, comparing the techniques which constitute lean supply with those contained in supply chain management, partnership sourcing, and strategic purchasing. The observations and conclusions are based on research principally in the automotive and electronics industries in the UK, Italy, Scandinavia, the USA and Japan.
Planning for advanced manufacturing technology
Authors: Chen Injazz J. , Small Michael H.
Published: July 2002

While some reports on successes of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT) have been glowing, many companies have tossed millions of dollars worth of fancy equipment into their factories and wound up with little to show for it. It is becoming clear that many of the AMT failures today can be attributed to an inadequate planning process. Proposes a four‐stage research framework that addresses issues in: planning the manufacturing system; planning for an appropriate infrastructure; planning for new relationships with the external environment; and justifying investment in AMT. Assesses the strengths and weaknesses of selected contributions in each stage, and identifies gaps in knowledge where research is needed. The framework devised should help tomorrow’s research build on the past and increase the research’s acceptance by industry, since it draws on both research‐ and practitioner‐based literature along with findings of the field study.
Strategic manufacturing effectiveness
Authors: Hum Sin‐Hoon , Leow Lay‐Hong
Published: July 2002

Hayes and Wheelwright, in postulating a more proactive strategic role of manufacturing, provided a four‐stage framework for the evaluation of manufacturing effectiveness. Reports on some results of an empirical study on the assessment of manufacturing effectiveness based on the Hayes‐Wheelwright (H‐W) framework. Highlights the operationalization of the H‐W framework as a strategic manufacturing audit tool and applies this tool to the manufacturing operations within a specific industry, namely the electronics industry. Aggregates and reports the results of the strategic manufacturing audits. In this way, provides an industry‐wide summary average of the strategic thinking and practices of manufacturing operations. This can then be used as the industry benchmark against which specific operations may be compared. Adds to the empirical database of manufacturing strategy and strategic manufacturing effectiveness as reported in the open literature. Provides a pragmatic strategic manufacturing audit tool that is based on the previously reported works of Hayes and Wheelwright.
Do companies need to measure their production flexibility?
Authors: Primrose Peter L.
Published: July 2002

Although there is a vast body of literature that attempts to define production flexibility, managers are still unable to measure the flexibility they require. However, managers currently are investing in flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) and planning their manufacturing strategies despite this. Discusses the flexibility and economic viability of FMSs, and concludes that managers do not need to measure the flexibility of an FMS in order to select the correct technical specification. Describes the factors that enable a company to achieve its strategic objectives and suggests that, although increasing flexibility is often quoted as a strategic objective, managers do not need to define or measure flexibility in manufacturing strategy planning. Flexibility just happens to be a convenient word that helps describe the fact that manufacturing facilities must be able to deal with change and uncertainty.