bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysing the effect of flexibility on manufacturing systems performance
Authors: Baykasoğlu Adil , Özbakır Lale 
Published: February 2008

PurposeIn today's very competitive, dynamic and unpredictable manufacturing environments it is critical to improve manufacturing performance in order to be able to compete. Responsiveness and agility become important characteristics of manufacturing systems and organizations. Manufacturing systems must be designed optimally by taking into account responsiveness and agility related measures in order to improve effectiveness and performance. One of the important enablers of performance improvement is flexibility. It is a known fact that flexibility has a positive effect on the manufacturing system performance if it is properly utilized by the control system (usually scheduling). However, the relationship between flexibility and manufacturing system performance through scheduling is not entirely explored in the previous literature. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of process plan and machine flexibilities on the scheduling performance of manufacturing job‐shops.Design/methodology/approachEffects of process plan and machine flexibilities on the scheduling performance of manufacturing job‐shops are analyzed at different flexibility levels by using the grammar‐based flexible job shop scheduling system that is developed by Baykasoğluet al.. Three different flexibility levels are defined for process plans and machines. Four different problem sizes are evaluated according to “makespan” “machine load balance” and “mean waiting times of jobs”. Performance differences among “process plan” and “machine flexibility” levels are determined and statistically analyzed through Taguchi experimental design methodology.FindingsIt is found out after detailed analysis that the effect of machine flexibility on job shop performance is higher than the process plan flexibility. It is also figured out that after a certain level of machine flexibility, the speed of scheduling performance improvement decreases considerably.Originality/valueThe paper presents the interaction between flexibility and scheduling performance of manufacturing job‐shops. The findings should be taken into account while designing scheduling systems for job shops that have flexible processing capabilities.
An integrated framework for ISO 9000 motivation, depth of ISO implementation and firm performance
Authors: Jang Woan‐Yuh , Lin Ching‐I 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to empirically examine whether business can benefit from ISO 9000, and examines how motivation impacts the depth of ISO 9000 implementation and how the depth of ISO 9000 implementation impacts a firm's performance in Taiwan.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire was mailed to the 1,668 companies with ISO 9000 certification, and a total of 441 usable responses were returned. Using a structural equation model, this study empirically examines the relationship between ISO 9000 motivation and ISO 9000 implementation depth and how implementation depth influences firm performance.FindingsThe results demonstrate that a positive relationship exists between the extent to which companies implement ISO 9000 and firm performance. Additionally, internal motivation fully mediates the relationship between external motivation and ISO implementation depth. Furthermore, the implementation of ISO 9000 directly and positively influences operational performance and indirectly affects market performance, in turn positively impacting business performance.Originality/valueThis study represents a first attempt to construct a conceptual framework that integrates the motivations behind implementing ISO 9000 certification, the implementation depth underlying processes, and ISO 9000 performance.
Lean manufacturing performance in China: assessment of 65 manufacturing plants
Authors: Taj Shahram 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the adaptation of lean production and assess its current state of practice in selected plants in electronics, telecommunication, wireless, computer, food/beverage, garment, pharmaceutical, chemical, petroleum, printing, A/C and heating, and a few others in China.Design/methodology/approachAn assessment tool is used to evaluate actual manufacturing practice related to key areas of inventory; team approach; processes; maintenance; layout/handling; suppliers; setups; quality; and scheduling and control. Manufacturing executives at manufacturing plants answered 40 questions in the assessment. Each response in the assessment is scored and a total score for each plant is recorded by adding average scores for all areas.FindingsApplication of lean production in China started in the late 1970s in the automotive industry, much earlier than by American and European manufacturers. The results of assessments show that the petroleum industry is in lead among all industries, followed by computer, telecommunication/wireless, and electronics industries. The findings from lean production system design‐related questions show low scores in layout design, volume/mix flexibility, setup, visual factory, and point‐of‐use delivery. However, plants earned high scores in materials flow, scheduling/control, on‐time delivery of finished goods, and overall defect rate. The findings have some similarity with recent studies about Chinese manufacturing firms' performance and competitiveness.Research limitations/implicationsResearch findings are from some selected manufacturing plants in China and they should not be interpreted as an indicator of that particular sector in China.Originality/valueThis study investigates actual lean manufacturing practice and performance in Chinese plants.
Finite scheduling of collaborative design and manufacturing activity: a Petri net approach
Authors: Bareduan Salleh Ahmad , Hj. Hasan Sulaiman , Ariffin Saparudin 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to present an approach of utilizing Petri net (PN) to model and schedule collaborative design and manufacturing activities at a cyber manufacturing centre (CMC).Design/methodology/approachA conceptual PN model consisting of all activities at the CMC is drafted. This model is then simplified to generate a conflict free PN for scheduling analysis purposes. Based on this simplified PN, generalized scheduling algorithms were developed. The algorithms were used in spreadsheets to process and analyze the operation database before finally transforming it into a dynamic finite scheduling sequence in the form of Gantt chart.FindingsThe PN is found to be very useful in modelling and analysing the scheduling sequence for a CMC with collaborative activities resembling flow shop with shared resources.Originality/valueThe models and methods described in this paper are practical means of utilizing PN in managing the scheduling and manufacturing activities.
Analysing the factors responsible for effectiveness of implementation and integration of enterprise resource planning systems in the printing industry
Authors: Baray Shahneel , Hameed Shafqat , Badii Atta 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper's purpose is to examine the impact of ERP adoption in one of the most traditional sectors, namely the printing industry, within a case study of five typical large‐scale printing organisations set in the developing economy context of Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology and the analysis motivated an interpretive approach. The inductive reasoning approach has been used, since the aim was to find something new for the printing industry and to try to discover the advantages that ERP could bring about for the industry. In this research study, semi‐structured interviews were conducted along with a number of visits to the targeted printing firms selected as being prototypical of the sector in this business environment. The research questions focused on identifying and exploring the benefits related to ERP for the printing industry, and why it was needed.FindingsThe research shows that all the functional categories identified in the literature for ERP can be introduced in the printing industry. However, within each category, not all its modules can be adopted for this industry. The research has also shown that the benefits of some areas of ERP are still to be understood by the stakeholders.Practical implicationsThe enterprises under study now have an opportunity to look into ERP solutions as the basis also for first‐mover advantage within their sector.Originality/valueThere has been one previous attempt in Pakistan to restructure the largest printing press by introducing SAP, which failed due to lack of technical expertise and training support. This paper draws on the successful approaches deployed in ERP implementations in other sectors and examines the extent to which they can be adapted for the printing industry, for example which modules should be prioritised for integration and how to optimise their impact.
Predicting total quality management adoption in New Zealand
Authors: Haar Jarrod M. , Spell Chester S. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe paper seeks to understand the adoption rates of total quality management (TQM) by New Zealand firms, and the role that organisational size plays in determining adoption rates.Design/methodology/approachA survey of 997 random New Zealand firms of all sizes yielded 228 responses. Factors tested to predict TQM adoption were organisational size, workplace autonomy, performance standards, use of teams and group problem solving. In addition, organisational size was tested as a potential moderating variable on the other factors.FindingsOverall, 33 per cent of firms in New Zealand used TQM, with an addition 5 per cent no longer using TQM, indicating strong adoption rates by international standards. All the direct effects and moderating effects were supported. Consequently, firms with higher level of workplace autonomy, use of performance standards, use of teams, and use of group problem solving were more likely to have adopted TQM, and this was more likely for larger firms than smaller firms. As a result, strong support was found for the interacting effect of organisational size.Research limitations/implicationsThe implications are that TQM adoption rates are much higher in New Zealand than suggested in the international literature. A highlight of the present study is the focus on firms of all sizes, rather than being limited to only larger sized firms.Originality/valueThis paper provides much needed information on the state of TQM in New Zealand and provides a unique approach by testing the moderating effects of organisational size on predictor factors on New Zealand firms.
Performance analysis of multi‐criteria CAC for distributed access point selection in WLANs
Authors: Hwang I‐Shyan , Chen Chien‐An 
Published: February 2008

PurposeWireless local area networks (WLANs) are the predominant option for broadband wireless access network, and multiple access points (APs) will be much more available for wireless stations (WSTAs). Call admission control (CAC) on AP selection problem over 802.11 WLAN is a critical issue. In the existing architecture, strongest‐signal‐first is the default AP selection mechanism in 802.11 WLAN which uses the single criterion, received signal strength indicator, to select AP. However, this method suffers from bandwidth deficiency and unbalanced load among APs due to the uneven distribution of user load, thus degrading the system throughput. Instead, the purpose of this paper is to propose a multi‐criteria CAC on AP selection algorithms.Design/methodology/approachThe distributed multi‐criteria considered in order are RSSI, minimum required bandwidth of WSTA, estimated effective bandwidth (EEB) and AP‐WSTA distance. A semiMarkov model considering both packet retransmission limit, packet error rate and collision effect is proposed to predict the system throughput and validated through simulation results. Two multi‐criteria AP selection algorithms after EEB is evaluated are proposed and compared based on this analytical model.FindingsThe proposed algorithms outperform the traditional SSF algorithm in terms of the balance index for AP and the average system throughput.Originality/valveThe paper presents performance analysis for multi‐criteria CAC for distributed access point selection in WLANs.
A weighted multilateration positioning method for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Gau Yu‐He , Chu Hung‐Chi , Jan Rong‐Hong 
Published: February 2008

PurposeLocalization problem is one of the most important research issues for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The purpose of this paper is to present a two‐phase localization algorithm for WSNs.Design/methodology/approachIn the first phase, each sensor node obtains its initial position by DV‐hop method. In the second phase, each sensor node gathers the locations and distances to its neighbors, updates and exchanges these location information periodically and then operates the multilateration with different weight values.FindingsThe simulation result shows that the average position error of the proposed two‐phase method is less than 20 per cent of the radio range, and the number of sensor nodes which can be located is larger than 70 per cent of total nodes for a network with low density.Originality/valveThe paper presents a weighted multilateration positioning methods for wireless sensor networks.
A stage model of education and innovation type in China: the paradox of the dragon
Authors: Johnson William H.A. , Weiss Joseph W. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual stage model of education and innovation type. The model depicts the influence of education on innovation and the paper aims to discuss the implications of it for the national competitiveness of China.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a newly created conceptual stage model of education and innovation supported by observations and a literature review based on past and present innovation efforts in China.FindingsThe paper demonstrates the importance of linking creative education with radical innovation that is associated with higher value‐added economic activities. The findings of the empirical studies to date in China suggest that such a change will not be easy. There is a need to increase the propensity towards creative thought processes even if this is considered “undesirable behavior” both in the Chinese classroom and for the Chinese Communist party. Evidence suggests that without such creativity, self‐initiated radical innovation is not possible across a broader spectrum of the educational system, and that break‐through inventions in value‐added technology and design industries will be limited in China.Originality/valueThe model in the paper is designed to stimulate further research, initiate discussion and encourage action on driving creativity in Chinese educational policy and practices. The paper's analysis and findings will be of interest to managers and government policy makers in China that are charged with developing new programs to spur value‐added innovation. Researchers will find the ideas for further empirical research potentially valuable in helping them to design studies surrounding the phenomena of creativity, education and innovation practices.
Multimedia University's experience in fostering and supporting undergraduate student technopreneurship programs in a triple helix model
Authors: Pei‐Lee Teh , Chen‐Chen Yong 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the first three dimensions of the triple helix model. The focus of this paper is to study and develop a model for the role and functions performed by a university to nurture undergraduate student technopreneur development.Design/methodology/approachThis study provides a comprehensive understanding of the process of the technopreneurship program undertaken by Multimedia University (MMU) in 1999‐2005. The analysis is based on the self‐administered questionnaires, qualitative interviews, internal documents, web sites and direct observation. Electronic questionnaires are e‐mailed to 24 founders of start‐ups to explore their views on the entrepreneurial support structures in MMU.FindingsThe success of MMU in undertaking the technopreneurship programs is the result of the organization structure, management's policies and priorities which are concentrated on creating and sustaining the necessary support structures to foster undergraduate student entrepreneurial activities.Practical implicationsA very interesting and useful information and impartial for new university planning to establish a culture of new enterprise creation within a university. It should be noted that though this is a study of various aspects of the success of MMU in undertaking technopreneurship programs, however, this will have an implication of how triple helix strategic model can be implemented in China.Originality/valueMany universities have focused more on linkages of entrepreneurship and commercial‐valued research involving academic staff and postgraduate students rather than undergraduate student entrepreneurship. It is believed that MMU is one of the few entrepreneurial universities which focuses on undergraduate students, who, from enrollment to graduation, are offered constant encouragement, training and support for their efforts to conceive and start up business enterprises. This paper is intended to share the experiences of MMU in fostering and supporting undergraduate student technopreneurship programs in a triple helix model. This paper is intended to share the experiences of MMU in fostering and supporting undergraduate student technopreneurship programs in a triple helix model with readers in China and out of China who have interest on the effective implementation of the university ‐ government ‐ industry strategic partnership.
Phylogeny and diversification of diving beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)
Authors: Ribera Ignacio , Vogler Alfried P. , Balke Michael 
Published: February 2008

AbstractDytiscidae is the most diverse family of beetles in which both adults and larvae are aquatic, with examples of extreme morphological and ecological adaptations. Despite continuous attention from systematists and ecologists, existing phylogenetic hypotheses remain unsatisfactory because of limited taxon sampling or low node support. Here we provide a phylogenetic tree inferred from four gene fragments (cox1, rrnL, H3 and SSU, ≈ 4000 aligned base pairs), including 222 species in 116 of 174 known genera and 25 of 26 tribes. We aligned ribosomal genes prior to tree building with parsimony and Bayesian methods using three approaches: progressive pair‐wise alignment with refinement, progressive alignment modeling the evolution of indels, and deletion of hypervariable sites. Results were generally congruent across alignment and tree inference methods. Basal relationships were not well defined, although we identified 28 well supported lineages corresponding to recognized tribes or groups of genera, among which the most prominent novel results were the polyphyly of Dytiscinae; the grouping of Pachydrini with Bidessini, Peschetius with Methlini and Coptotomus within Copelatinae; the monophyly of all Australian Hydroporini (Necterosoma group), and their relationship with the Graptodytes and Deronectes groups plus Hygrotini. We found support for a clade formed by Hydroporinae plus Laccophilini, and their sister relationship with Cybistrini and Copelatinae. The tree provided a framework for the analysis of species diversification in Dytiscidae. We found a positive correlation between the number of species in a lineage and the age of the crown group as estimated through a molecular clock approach, but the correlation with the stem age was non‐significant. Imbalances between sister clades were significant for several nodes, but the residuals of the regression of species numbers with the crown age of the group identified only Bidessini and the Coptotomus + Agaporomorphus clade as lineages with, respectively, above and below expected levels of species diversity.© The Willi Hennig Society 2008.
Evolution of genomes, host shifts and the geographic spread of SARS‐CoV and related coronaviruses
Authors: Janies Daniel , Habib Farhat , Alexandrov Boyan , Hill Andrew , Pol Diego 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a novel human illness caused by a previously unrecognized coronavirus (CoV) termed SARS‐CoV. There are conflicting reports on the animal reservoir of SARS‐CoV. Many of the groups that argue carnivores are the original reservoir of SARS‐CoV use a phylogeny to support their argument. However, the phylogenies in these studies often lack outgroup and rooting criteria necessary to determine the origins of SARS‐CoV. Recently, SARS‐CoV has been isolated from various species of Chiroptera from China (e.g., Rhinolophus sinicus) thus leading to reconsideration of the original reservoir of SARS‐CoV. We evaluated the hypothesis that SARS‐CoV isolated from Chiroptera are the original zoonotic source for SARS‐CoV by sampling SARS‐CoV and non‐SARS‐CoV from diverse hosts including Chiroptera, as well as carnivores, artiodactyls, rodents, birds and humans. Regardless of alignment parameters, optimality criteria, or isolate sampling, the resulting phylogenies clearly show that the SARS‐CoV was transmitted to small carnivores well after the epidemic of SARS in humans that began in late 2002. The SARS‐CoV isolates from small carnivores in Shenzhen markets form a terminal clade that emerged recently from within the radiation of human SARS‐CoV. There is evidence of subsequent exchange of SARS‐CoV between humans and carnivores. In addition SARS‐CoV was transmitted independently from humans to farmed pigs (Sus scrofa). The position of SARS‐CoV isolates from Chiroptera are basal to the SARS‐CoV clade isolated from humans and carnivores. Although sequence data indicate that Chiroptera are a good candidate for the original reservoir of SARS‐CoV, the structural biology of the spike protein of SARS‐CoV isolated from Chiroptera suggests that these viruses are not able to interact with the human variant of the receptor of SARS‐CoV, angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). In SARS‐CoV we study, both visually and statistically, labile genomic fragments and, putative key mutations of the spike protein that may be associated with host shifts. We display host shifts and candidate mutations on trees projected in virtual globes depicting the spread of SARS‐CoV. These results suggest that more sampling of coronaviruses from diverse hosts, especially Chiroptera, carnivores and primates, will be required to understand the genomic and biochemical evolution of coronaviruses, including SARS‐CoV.© The Willi Hennig Society 2008.