bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An integrated cost optimisation maintenance model for industrial equipment
Authors: Khalil Jean , Saad Sameh M. , Gindy Nabil 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated‐cost optimization maintenance model for industrial equipment, based on a balance between preventive and corrective maintenance costs.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed model is mathematically based and takes into consideration the stochastic nature of equipment failures. The output from the model is a cost distribution against time from which the minimum cost may be found for a particular period and this period is defined as the optimum lifespan of the machine part.FindingsThe output from the proposed model was constrained to the production conditions on machine level. This constrained output was then refined subject to recent failure trends in comparison with historical trends. Guidelines have also been given for a smooth completion of the maintenance actions on a machining cell level. The anticipation of the failure rate of every machine‐part is made possible as well as the improvement of the part's availability at an extra financial cost that would be clearly anticipated. The results promise improvement in equipment availability, inventory and workforce planning, along with reductions in failure rates.Practical implicationsThe implementation of the proposed model is expected to have a significant impact on an industrial organisation in terms of reducing its maintenance‐related costs, production lines backlogs and scrap rates.Originality/valueThe angle, from which the paper approaches the maintenance problem in industry, is original in nature and beneficial in result. It allows the user to have a deep understanding of his/her industrial domain without being involved in too much theoretical derivation. It also helps the user to treat only the contaminated spot (machine‐part) and not the whole assembly (the machine), which adds accuracy and potential impact to the output.
Developers and terminators in hypermarkets' relationships with Chinese customers
Authors: Stanworth James O. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify distinguishing attributes of (dis)satisfying service contacts in a Chinese cultural context. Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected in the form of critical incidents from a purposive snowball sample of hypermarket customers. Analysis of the responses revealed 277 critical judgements related (dis)satisfying determinants.FindingsFindings reveal 17 determinants with 37 sub‐determinants for all the experiences: five determinants relate to satisfactory evaluations, seven to dissatisfactory, and a further five to both. The determinants represent a marked departure from existing determinants of service quality described in the Western oriented literature.Originality/valueThe findings are related to Chinese (Confucian) culture to suggest determinants that can both develop and lead to termination of hypermarkets' relationships with their customers. A focus on the developers and terminators provides practical insights to foreign and indigenous managers of hypermarkets in the Far East for focus in service delivery.
Financial analysis of road project delivery systems
Authors: Lahdenperä Pertti , Koppinen Tiina 
Published: April 2009

PurposeA project delivery system (PDS) refers to the organizational framework of a project that defines the control mechanisms and the relationships between actors and their incentives. It is of major importance to the project owner as it, for instance, contributes to the project's level of efficiency. This paper aims to define indicative, relative cost performances of different PDSs in a road management context to support the road owner's strategy development.Design/methodology/approachThis study compares the costs of design‐bid‐build, construction management at‐fee, design‐build, design‐build‐operate and design‐build‐finance‐operate based on an international data capture focusing on the operational performance of these PDSs. A financial analysis was made to determine the systems' present costs to a road authority based on relevant market estimates. Moreover, a step towards understanding their overall efficiency was taken by focusing also on differences in speed of delivery which result in expenses or savings to the user community.FindingsAlthough the applicability of a PDS depends on project properties and constraints, the study concludes that, in general, the broader the scope of services supplied by a single contract, the lower the system's present cost to the owner. The inclusion of private finance and early commissioning advantage, however, change the ranking so that universal conclusions cannot be drawn. DBFO seems to be commonly in the middle category.Research limitations/implicationsHere, PDSs are applied to a relatively large project, minimum size €30‐60m, in well‐known conditions and involving no factors of uncertainty due to third parties. The results are not valid in smaller and/or more constrained projects.Originality/valueThe study provided new knowledge of the owner's and society's average comparable cost performances in the case of five different PDSs. Since a single‐value, exclusive solution hardly exists, the study on the sensitivity of different PDSs to key financial parameters is also valuable.
Developmental evaluation framework for innovation and learning networks
Authors: Ramstad Elise 
Published: April 2009

PurposeDuring the past decade new types of broader networks that aim to achieve widespread effects in the working life have emerged. These are typically based on an interactive innovation approach, where knowledge is created jointly together with diverse players. At the moment, the challenge is how to evaluate these complex networks and learning processes. This paper seeks to present a developmental evaluation framework for innovation and learning networks.Design/methodology/approachThe evaluation framework is based on a systemic and complementarity view on knowledge sources and innovation activities. The framework integrates three different elements of network: structure, learning processes, and the outcomes for different actors. The basic assumption is that networks with several actors based on an expanded triple helix model (workplaces, R&D infrastructure, and policy makers) and several learning processes enable better innovation potential and broader outcomes. Here criteria for an evaluation framework are created, which are then contested with empiria, in this case learning network projects (n=17) funded by the Finnish Workplace Development Programme.FindingsThe results show that the created evaluation framework offers a useful tool to point out the networks with a best potential to broader outcomes for diverse actors. It can provide a tool for policy makers, but also for involving participants, in order to direct and coordinate innovation and generative learning more effectively. However, there is not, and cannot be, a common and strict pattern for an innovation and learning network, as one of their main goals is to create and experiment with new forms of development cooperation.Originality/valueEvaluation framework is needed in order to direct and increase the validity of innovation and learning networks.
Fuzzy multiple criteria base realignment and closure (BRAC) benchmarking system at the Department of Defense
Authors: Tavana Madjid , Bourgeois Brian S. , Sodenkamp Mariya A. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe US Government adopted the base realignment and closure (BRAC) to resolve the military, economic and political issue of excess base capacity. There have been five rounds of BRAC since 1988, and more are expected to come in the years ahead. The complexity of the closure and realignment decisions and the plethora of factors that are often involved necessitate the need for a sound theoretical framework to structure and model the decision‐making process. This paper aims to address the issues.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a multiple criteria benchmarking system that integrates the employment, environmental, financial, strategic, and tactical impacts of the closure and realignment decisions into a weighted‐sum measure called the “survivability index.” The proposed index is used to determine whether the returns generated by each military base on the Department of Defense (DoD) hit list meet a sufficient target benchmark.FindingsThere is a significant amount of evidence that intuitive decision making is far from optimal and it deteriorates exponentially with problem complexity. The benchmarking system presented in this study helps decision makers (DMs) crystallize their thoughts and reduce the environmental complexities inherent in the BRAC decisions. The presented model is intended to create an even playing field for benchmarking and pursuing consensus not to imply a deterministic approach to BRAC decisions.Originality/valueAn iterative process is used to consistently analyze the objective and subjective judgments of multiple DMs within a structured framework based on the analytic network process and fuzzy logic. This iterative and interactive preference modeling procedure is the basic distinguishing feature of the presented model as opposed to statistical and optimization decision‐making approaches.
Maintenance performance indicators (MPIs) for benchmarking the railway infrastructure
Authors: Åhrén Thomas , Parida Aditya 
Published: April 2009

PurposeFor railway infrastructure, benchmarking is an effective tool that can support the management in their pursuit of continuous improvement by the use of maintenance performance indicators (MPIs). Hence, there is a need to study the MPIs and link them with benchmarking. The purpose of this paper is to present case studies dealing with the application of benchmarking and maintenance performance indicators for the railway infrastructure.Design/methodology/approachCase studies were conducted at Banverket (the Swedish Rail Administration) and at Jernbaneverket (the Norwegian National Rail Administration), which is responsible for the Norwegian part of the Iron Ore Line between Kiruna in Sweden and Narvik in Norway. The results from the two case studies are compared and analyzed. The benchmarking data for the railway infrastructure are retrieved, classified and analyzed for best practice improvement.FindingsMPIs can successfully use benchmarking as a tool for improvement by learning from within or from other organizations for continuous improvement, which is a rather new phenomenon in the railway industry.Research limitations/implicationsEach railway infrastructure is unique due to its geographical locations and constraints, besides the organization, management and other resources. These factors need to be considered while benchmarking the railway infrastructures.Practical implicationsThe results obtained in these case studies can be used by the railway infrastructure managers for continuous improvements. Moreover, other relevant MPIs required by the railway infrastructure managers can be benchmarked in a similar manner.Originality/valueThe paper presents a structured method for continuous improvement of railway infrastructure by using MPIs for benchmarking.
Application of benchmarking for assessing the lean manufacturing implementation
Authors: Gurumurthy Anand , Kodali Rambabu 
Published: April 2009

PurposeIn recent times, many organizations have attempted to implement or have already implemented lean manufacturing (LM). Some companies have implemented a few tools/techniques/practices/procedures (i.e. “elements” in short) of LM, while others have implemented a whole spectrum of LM elements. Under such circumstances, it becomes very difficult to gauge which organization has really embraced the lean philosophy and where it stands in comparison with other LM organizations. This paper seeks to determine the current status of benchmarking in the field of LM.Design/methodology/approachA case study, demonstrating the application of a benchmarking (BM) process is presented.FindingsThis research lists out the elements and performance measures of LM apart from highlighting the gaps in terms of performance and practices between the two organizations.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of this study are that only a preliminary BM study was carried out instead of a complete study. Similarly, not all the steps of the BM process proposed could be validated.Practical implicationsThe conceptual BM process model proposed in our earlier study has been validated using a case study. Hence, it is believed that managers will be able to apply BM in assessing the LM implementation in their organization.Originality/valueThough a few papers relating BM and LM/just‐in‐time are available in the literature, none has utilized a structured BM process. However, this paper has demonstrated the same, thereby adding value to the existing body of knowledge on LM and BM.
Six shamanic concepts: charting the between in futures work
Authors: Bussey Marcus 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis paper offers six shamanic futures concepts to augment Inayatullah's six pillars, questions and concepts of futures studies.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on Ashis Nandy's use of the shaman as a futures category that posits alterity and the unknowable as the dissenting component of futures studies, six concepts (geophilosophy, rhizome, intercivilisational dialogue, heterotopia, immanence and hybridity) from poststructural thinking are proposed to offer an account of the agency‐structure interface (context) that is of practical value to futures practice.FindingsFutures praxis is pragmatic and goal driven, seeking preferred futures outcomes for those in context. The six shamanic futures concepts further this end by outlining conceptual processes that deepen understanding of context as a co‐creative and living space.Research limitations/implicationsFutures studies is becoming increasingly sophisticated; the six shamanic concepts push practitioner's understanding of how to facilitate deep organizational change.Practical implicationsThis paper provides six concepts that enable futures practitioners to better understand the nature of their own practice.Originality/valueThis paper extends Inayatullah's mapping of the futures field by suggesting six concepts that facilitate an understanding and harnessing of the potential of context.
Emerging trends in sourcing of business services
Authors: Sharma Ajay , Loh Patricia 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine key emerging trends in sourcing of business services.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is primarily theoretical and observational. It is based on the author's review of major academic and managerial publications, extensive interactions with industry leaders and prior experience in the industry.FindingsScale and scope of sourcing of business services from across firm and national boundaries is increasing. Offshore is increasingly being leveraged for higher value activities. As business services get more industrialized, activities are being split into smaller units for servicing, and a services supply chain is beginning to emerge. With sourcing becoming more strategic, risk management has become more complex and critical.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides an overview of significant emerging trends in sourcing of business services. Further complementary research – theoretical, survey or case‐study based – on each of these identified trends will help develop a more exhaustive understanding.Practical implicationsThis paper provides business executives with a framework to view emerging changes in sourcing of business services, and to better prepare for future opportunities and challenges.Originality/valueThis paper takes a holistic view at sourcing of business services and identifies some key emerging trends. The review of academic, managerial and popular press publications, and insights gathered from the field have been summarized into this succinct overview. This perspective should guide further focused academic research as well as practical application in business projects.
Improving the business processes of a bank
Authors: Climent Cristina , Mula Josefa , Hernández Jorge E. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze the business processes of a bank by considering a graphical and a descriptive view in order to find critical processes and to improve them.Design/methodology/approachA methodology with which the business processes are modeled based on the flow diagram (FD) and integrated definitions (IDEF0) techniques.FindingsDetects the descriptive and graphical view of the main critical business processes of a bank. Allows to propose correct and effective improvements to them and considers different views and degrees of detail.Research limitations/implicationsThis study considers a static view of the processes. A future line of research includes the simulation of the critical business processes of the bank detected with the modeling techniques herein proposed.Practical implicationsThe business process modeling techniques apply to one subsidiary of a bank company, and can thus be extended to all subsidiaries to compare their performance and to apply the improvements by considering global objectives.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a structured modeling to capture the critical business processes of a bank through well‐known techniques, such as the FDs and IDEF0, and helps compare and detect these relevant aspects for the bank.
Dynamic outsourcing through process modularization
Authors: Wu Lifang , Park Daewoo 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a dynamic outsourcing framework for making and implementing process outsourcing decisions in a rapidly changing environment.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical framework incorporates three major concepts/techniques: the order winner concept to identify strategic level competitive priorities, the modularization concept to reconfigure enterprise organizational structure, and the analytical hierarchy process technique for linking critical demand attributes with process modules at the operational level.FindingsThe study presents a dynamic outsourcing approach through organizational modularization and shows when and how core and non‐core activities can be outsourced in a fast changing market.Research limitations/implicationsThe complexities of the framework will need facilitation and supports on issues such as organizational modularity, multi‐goal optimization, and empirical validation.Practical implicationsThis paper offers practical insights and clarifies common confusions associated with strategic outsourcing.Originality/valueThe paper tries to fill the gap between the existing outsourcing literature and the practical need for choosing specific outsourcing activities at the operational level. The dynamic framework creates a foundation for continuous process improvement on a cyclic basis.
Information requirements for managerial decisions in manufacturing
Authors: Phusavat Kongkiti , Kanchana Rapee , Lin Binshan 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe study is based on the need to improve a management process, especially the linkage between strategies, and performance measurement and analysis. This need concentrates on understanding information requirements in order to ensure high quality of managerial decisions. This study aims to develop an information‐requirement baseline when considering manufacturing and supplier‐selection strategies. The focus of this study is on selecting a supplier to provide transportation services for a manufacturer.Design/methodology/approachThe study collects the opinions given by eight top executives from three high‐performance manufacturers in Thailand. The survey has three parts: strategic objectives for manufacturing operations, supplier‐selection strategies, and possible business performance areas to be impacted. It uses a five‐point scale from 1 (least importance) to 5 (extremely important). The correlation analysis was applied.FindingsThere are altogether eight alignments reflecting positive interrelationships between manufacturing and supplier‐selection strategies. Each alignment indicates performance information needed. For examples, top executives express the need to have information on profitability, customer relation, and quality of work life under the following circumstance – management representing a strategic criterion for supplier selection and quality reflecting a manufacturing strategy.Practical implicationsThe development of this baseline appears to be helpful in prioritizing the agendas of a meeting as well as time and cost for preparing management reports. The management process would be strengthened due to better information that corresponded to strategies.Originality/valueThe study highlights the need to link between information requirements and strategies. This highlight enhances the research in the areas of a management process.
Personalising organisational knowledge and organisationalising personal knowledge
Authors: Zhang Zuopeng (Justin) 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to study the relationship between personal knowledge management (PKM) and organisational knowledge management (OKM).Design/methodology/approachBased on the proposed framework of PKM and OKM, the author has analytically modelled and studied the strategies of linking the two to manage personal knowledge for organisational purposes.FindingsApplying a framework categorising PKM and OKM from two dimensions – knowledge properties and management perspectives – the author proposes the strategies of personalising organisational knowledge (POK) and organisationalising personal knowledge (OPK) as the effective linkage between PKM and OKM. Integrating a knowledge management system (KMS) into the framework, the author determines the optimal level of KMS in facilitating the implementation of POK and OPK strategies.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research may relax some of the assumptions and empirically verify the analytical results.Practical implicationsThe research provides guidelines for matching investments in information technology with appropriate knowledge management strategies.Originality/valueWith a unique approach, the paper contributes to the missing link between PKM and OKM.
Conceptual data structures for personal knowledge management
Authors: Völkel Max , Haller Heiko 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to design a model and tools that are capable of representing and handling personal knowledge in different degrees of structuredness and formalisation, and usable and extensible by end‐users.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents the results of analysing literature and various data models and formalisms used to structure information on the desktop.FindingsThe unified data model (CDS) is capable of representing structures from various information tools, including documents, file systems, hypertext, tagging and mind maps. The five knowledge axes of CDS are identity, order, hierarchy, annotation and linking.Research limitations/implicationsThe CDS model is based on text. Extensions for multimedia annotations have not been investigated.Practical implicationsFuture personal knowledge management (PKM) tools should take the mentioned shortcoming of existing PKM tools into account. Implementing the CDS model can be a way to make PKM tools interoperable.Originality/valueThis paper presents research combining cognitive psychology, personal knowledge management and semantic web technologies. The CDS model provides a way to let end‐users work on different levels of granularity and different levels of formality in one environment.