bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of cybernetics to manufacturing flexibility: a systems perspective
Authors: Scala Joe , Purdy Lyn , Safayeni Frank 
Published: January 2007

PurposeFlexibility continues to be key to the competitiveness of manufacturing firms. However, both in academia and industry, there still exists a lack of understanding regarding the fundamental nature of flexibility. This lack of understanding has often led to overly optimistic expectations regarding the direct transformation of technological flexibility into manufacturing flexibility. A theoretical model of the firm, based on cybernetics, is proposed in this paper.Design/methodology/approachThe model relates flexibility to the cybernetic concept of variety and examines a dynamic system in terms of its task structure.FindingsThe model proves useful both in dispelling some of the misconceptions regarding flexibility, and in providing practical insights into issues of designing flexible manufacturing organizations.Practical implicationsThe paper presents a means by which variety can be measured.Originality/valueThe conceptual model clarifies certain aspects of system flexibility. The first implication is that the flexibility required at a node is not fixed, but dependent on its connection with other nodes. The degree to which the interconnected nodes are effective regulators determines the variety impinging upon the target node. The second implication is that variety reduction is often a preferred solution over increased variety handling. The third implication is that the seemingly peculiar finding that relatively inflexible nodes in combination can be quite flexible, is easily explained using this theoretical model of the firm. System flexibility depends more on each node possessing requisite variety than on each possessing an enormous number of responses.
International shopfloor level productivity differences: an exploratory study
Authors: Steenhuis Harm‐Jan , de Bruijn Erik J. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeOperations managers need to consider where to manufacture, or outsource, their manufacturing activities. A factor in location choice is productivity differences at different locations. This study aims to focus on determining productivity at the shopfloor level since this is the place where the differences in productivity ultimately affect the international competition position.Design/methodology/approachCauses for international differences in productivity for an essentially equal production technology, with an essentially equal level of shopfloor skills are determined from case analysis.FindingsIt was found that working conditions, degree of centralization, the national attitude towards time, and the motivation of the workforce influence productivity.Practical implicationsProductivity is dependent on factors that are connected with the external environment. Consequently, companies can not assume that productivity levels will be the same when moving to another country.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates factors, some outside of the company's control, that affect productivity and therefore the cost of international production.
Dispersed network manufacturing: adapting SMEs to compete on the global scale
Authors: Noori Hamid , Lee W.B. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo develop a conceptual framework for a new form of production system unique from many perspectives. The proposed system is based on the creation of a network of plants that are electronically linked so that the participating members focus on their specialized tasks yet also share their manufacturing and production resources to create a loosely structured and flexible enterprise.Design/methodology/approachTo introduce dispersed network manufacturing (DNM) as a new business model, and to discuss dispersed manufacturing network (DMN) as a possible realization of DNM. To link DMN to complex adaptive systems and to provide a prototype as to how SMEs can form a dynamic and adaptive network to create competitive advantages on both collaborative and individual scales.FindingsThe notion of DNM advocates a reciprocal bonding among network members but calls for no obligatory egalitarian responsibility to one another. This research shows the feasibility of a network of plants that are electronically linked so that the participating members, spread geographically, focus on their specialized tasks yet also share their manufacturing and production resources to create a loosely structured and flexible enterprise.Research limitations/implicationsIn the DNM universe, because of the network's requirement to re‐form itself to the needs of each unique incoming project, SMEs have the ability to rapidly develop and enhance their internal production capabilities. Each new incoming project offers the chance to reaffirm those processes that are highly effective while discarding those that are deemed ill‐suited. The DNM world is still in its infancy and many interesting and challenging questions have yet to be investigated empirically or otherwise.Practical implicationsThe new production system discussed in this paper argues for a completely different form of SME collaboration from those already discussed in the literature.Originality/valueDNM and DMN are new concepts that are evolving into an innovative production paradigm. It is likely that many companies and many managers have some intuitive grasp of the DNM world and the opportunities provided by forming a DMN. Few, however, might understand them thoroughly. This research provides further knowledge on SMEs DNM.
A model for managing the transition to a global engineering network spanning industrialized and emerging economies
Authors: Karandikar Harshavardhan , Nidamarthi Srinivas 
Published: January 2007

PurposeProduct development in most industries is often done today in a global engineering network (GEN). More recently, there has been a clear shift to using development resources from the so‐called “emerging countries” (ECs) that have growing domestic market, highly skilled workforce, and low labor cost base. The integration of resources from ECs, whether from the company's own businesses there or from external suppliers, poses a new challenge for collaborative work in a GEN. This paper aims to describe these challenges. Further, the process of transition to the use of resources from ECs is fraught with business risks. Further, seeks to discuss these risks and how they can be mitigated and to propose a model, derived from practice, to manage the transition process. The model comprises a set of foundation elements and location‐dependent transformation processes.Design/methodology/approachProduct development teams in three businesses were studied – an automotive supplier, a manufacturer of made‐to‐order electrical equipment and a developer of automation software – over three years. These businesses were in the process of relocating some development activities to ECs. Two of the teams were assisted in this transition and the third observed and the model presented is an outcome of this involvement.FindingsSuccessfully starting a global development team strategy requires clarity and transparency of strategy, good communication, proper organization of effort and focus on product and process standardization. Further, a set of change management processes needs to be launched at participating locations for competence build‐up and team building.Practical implicationsThis model can be used by organizations setting up such EC‐IC teams to avoid the possibility of failure of such critical collaborative efforts.Originality/valueThere is considerable literature on distributed product development and virtual teams. The coverage includes management challenges, technology enablers and organizational and multi‐cultural challenges. However, the specific challenge of teams comprising membership from advanced and ECs is not covered. Further, while the literature deals with the operation of such teams it does not cover the sensitive transition or start‐up phase. This paper deals with this issue.
A web‐based logistics management system for agile supply demand network design
Authors: Helo Petri , Xiao You , Roger Jiao Jianxin 
Published: January 2007

PurposeOnline, on‐demand and real‐time availability of information to all members of a manufacturing system enables them to be agile and in the best position to react quickly, efficiently, synchronously, and collectively to the changing market. This paper proposes an integrated web‐based logistics management system for agile supply demand network design (ASDN).Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a software system, which is distributed as open source. A case study of ABB Company in Finland has been undertaken and this demonstrates the validity of ASDN in designing and managing supply demand networks.FindingsCurrent software applications, such as ERP, WMS and EAI do not support a higher‐level decision making. There are several performance measures, which are directly connected to structure of the network.Practical implicationsThe presented software supports modeling, analyzing and limited optimizing of supply demand networks. Also discussed is the network level logistics analysis that is behind the modeling tool.Originality/valueThe paper introduces the ASDN software, which is freely available for research and commercial uses. The case example shows how this type of network architecture‐related decisions can be analyzed.
Achieving agility in supply chain through simultaneous “design of” and “design for” supply chain
Authors: Sharifi H. , Ismail H.S. , Reid I. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe two main constituting elements of the supply chains are “product” and “supply chain operations”, which are highly inter‐related across more than one dimension. Many of the drawbacks in the success and sustainability of supply chains often relate to the segregation of these dimensions. This paper seeks to examine the ideas and to propose an integrated approach to facilitate the dynamic and simultaneous design and development of products and supply chains, thus contributing to the notion of agile supply chains.Design/methodology/approachTwo critical areas of product design and development, and supply chain design and management have been studied, leading to the conceptual development of practical models for approaching the subject. The proposed framework then is examined in a field case study in which a number of issues raised in this paper are validated through observing these supply chains.FindingsA detailed view of the model of simultaneous approach to “design of” and “design for” supply chain is developed and proposed.Practical implicationsThe proposition made by this research work can lead to reconsideration of existing practices in design of products as well as management of supply chain where the decisions at each dimension could be impacted by the circumstances in the other and continued in a dynamic way.Originality/valueIt is expected that the research results will contribute to existing practices and approaches in product development as well as in supply chain development and management.
Whiteboard‐based interface for collaboration in e‐manufacturing environment
Authors: Ito Teruaki 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop an environment where participants share a virtual workspace, which allows the participants to collaborate on a physical model as well as a digital model in a natural manner as if they were in a face‐to‐face meeting.Design/methodology/approachThe idea of this study was designed and implemented as BOCOLLA system based on CELAVIS system. BOCOLLA system enables users to manipulate computer software on a conventional whiteboard using a marker pen during video conference with CELAVIS system.FindingsBOCOLLA system shows the feasibility of the non‐IT interface with a conventional whiteboard as an IT‐based interface which enables telematic operation for video conferences.Research limitations/implicationsDigital models plays a critical role in e‐manufacturing, but their physical models would enhance the collaboration in e‐manufacturing if it could be shared among the collaboration members over the network.Practical implicationsThe study identifies the potential of conventional tools as an interface to the innovative technologies.Originality/valueUsing a physical model sharing example, this paper shows the feasibility of BOCOLLA to the application of e‐manufacturing.
EJB‐MVC oriented supplier selection system for mass customization
Authors: Hou Jiachen , Su Daizhong 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to develop a distributed system with an innovative supplier selection approach within a mass customization (MC) environment. The aim is to help manufacturers to identify appropriate suppliers for the components, materials and services required within the procedure of product design and manufacture.Design/methodology/approachTo identify the barriers for the supplier selection issues, current researches regarding the issues of supplier selection and MC have been reviewed. Based on the findings, the new supplier selection approach has been developed.FindingsWithin the global manufacturing environment, conventional way of appraising suppliers cannot enhance manufacturers' competitiveness advantage over their rivals. It is inevitable for manufacturers to identify appropriate competitive priorities for each of their potential market segments when designing products. Selecting appropriate suppliers is a fundamental issue to fulfill manufacturers' development strategy. The approach will enhance supplier selection efficiency and flexibility under the MC environment, enabling manufactures to avoid or minimize risks when external conditions change.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study is limited to selecting suppliers of two components for an ink cartridge, however, the general approach is applicable to other type of products.Practical implicationsThe whole concept of this selection system is to provide a supplier selection approach for MC environment by utilizing the web‐based technologies to deliver a means which enables geographically dispersed functions making supplier selection more efficiently. Manufacturers can utilize this approach to evaluate and to find most appropriate suppliers based on various situations.Originality/valueThe supplier selection approach focuses on the general supplier selection issues incorporating with product market position and development directions issues for MC, which provides a more dynamic and robust method to select and evaluate potential suppliers according to a range of conditions.
CRM collaboration in financial services networks: a multi‐case analysis
Authors: Geib Malte , Kolbe Lutz M. , Brenner Walter 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to identify key issues and successful patterns of collaborative customer relationship management (CRM) in financial services networks.Design/methodology/approachThe study takes the form of a multi‐case analysis.FindingsThe paper finds that key issues of CRM in financial services networks are redundant competencies of partnering companies, privacy constraints, CRM process integration, customer information exchange, and CRM systems integration. To address these issues, partnering companies have to agree on clear responsibilities in collaborative processes. Data privacy protection laws require that customer data transfer between partnering companies has the explicit approval of customers. For process integration, companies have to agree on process standards and a joint integration architecture. Web services and internet‐based standards can be used for inter‐organizational systems integration. Data integration requires the development of a joint data model. Either a unique customer identification number or a matching algorithm must be used to consolidate customer data records of partnering companies.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the limited number of case studies, generalizability is limited. The findings can serve as a starting point for researchers seeking to further explore the topic with quantitative methods.Practical implicationsThe findings can be used by financial services networks to improve their collaborative CRM approaches.Originality/valueThe importance of collaborative CRM in business networks is likely to increase due to the continuing deconstruction of value chains not only in the financial services industry, but in other industries as well. Nevertheless, the topic has not received much attention in research.
International case studies
Authors: Fink Dieter , Disterer Georg 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to overcome previous research limitations by examining both macro (industry, country) and micro (functions, enterprise) level phenomena within the information communication technologies (ICT) use of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Australia and Germany were chosen because both recognise the importance of SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted an interpretivist philosophy and a qualitative case study method that enables gathering data which are rich in detail. Semi‐structured, on‐site interviews were carried out in eight firms of various classifications.FindingsThe study found that, for micro enterprises, ICT is only emerging in the form of systems that have the potential to facilitate the interactions with the outside. Small enterprises rely heavily on personal interactions, which they supplement with the use of ICT. In medium enterprises, ICT is more extensively used in interactions, both internally and with the environment. The differences between Australian and German firms do not significantly affect the extent to which ICT is infused into observed SMEs.Research limitations/implicationsThe study used the interpretivist research paradigm which is based on the assumption that reality is socially constructed. Findings indicated the need for increased organisational competencies and greater scope to use ICT to facilitate interaction with the external environment, especially customers and suppliers and forming alliances.Originality/valueThe case studies provided rich stories of ICT infusion in the important SME sector on an international scale and produced context‐aware institutionalised expectations that can help other SMEs understand ICT use. They can use the findings as benchmarks against which to measure their own endeavours.
Uncertainty and contingency plans in ERP‐controlled manufacturing environments
Authors: Koh S.C.L. , Simpson M. , Lin Y. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis research aims to determine to what extent uncertainties affected manufacturing enterprises' delivery performance, to analyse the performance of their contingency plans in dealing with uncertainties and to explore what technical and organisational factors affected managers' decisions to implement an uncertainty‐diagnosing model.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology included a literature review, postal questionnaire survey and telephone interviews.FindingsA total of 30 companies responded to the questionnaire, 56 per cent of which thought their systems worked well and 80 per cent reported that material shortages were responsible for tardy delivery performance. Tardy delivery was directly or indirectly caused by poor supplier delivery performance in the opinion of 92 per cent of respondents. Seven companies had developed an uncertainty‐diagnosing model. Not all companies needed to adopt the model.Research limitations/implicationsUncertainty and contingency plans were investigated in UK and Chinese organisations using MRP/MRPII/ERP systems. Therefore, the findings will be directly relevant to the organisations, but may be adapted to other similar organisations.Practical implicationsA detection method was proposed to determine the steps required for organisations to adopt the uncertainty‐diagnosing model.Originality/valueThe paper provides some empirical data on uncertainty and the contingency plans used in ERP‐controlled manufacturing environments in organisations in the UK and China. Data on uncertainty are scarce and this research gives further insights into the ways managers perceive and handle uncertainty.
Levels of abstraction in human supervisory control teams
Authors: Stanton N.A. , Ashleigh M.J. , Roberts A.D. , Xu F. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to report a study into the levels of abstraction hierarchy (LOAH) in two energy distribution teams. The original proposition for the LOAH was that it depicted five levels of system representation, working from functional purpose through to physical form to determine causes of a malfunction, or from physical form to functional purpose to determine the purpose of system function. The LOAH has been widely used throughout human supervisory control research to explain individual behaviour. The research seeks to focus on the application the LOAH to human supervisory control teams in semi‐automated “intelligent” systems.Design/methodology/approachA series of interviews were conducted in two energy distribution companies.FindingsThe results of the study suggest that people in the teams are predominantly operating at different levels of system representation, depending on their role. Managerial personnel work at functional purpose and abstract function levels, whereas operational personnel work at physical function and physical form levels. It is argued that both types of personnel are part of the wider distributed problem‐solving system, which includes both people and technology.Originality/valueThe research provides useful information on the application of the LOAH to human supervisory control teams in semi‐automated “intelligent” systems.
The critical need for coverage of quality decision making in professional and management education
Authors: Rausch Erwin 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to explain the need for inclusion of a segment on criteria for decision quality in management and leadership education and in management development programs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a conceptual base for the use of criteria to achieve high‐quality decisions. It explains the two aspects of all decisions (technical and leadership/management) and discusses some examples of research into a limited set of criteria and then offers an overview of a comprehensive set of criteria.FindingsThe paper expands on conclusions from previous work by providing solid reasons for the use of decision criteria.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper points to the need for extensive research to validate the criteria and offers specific suggestions on research objectives.Practical implicationsThe use of comprehensive criteria for the management/leadership aspects of decisions can significantly improve the quality of decisions in work situations, and also in many family and other private life situations.Originality/valueIn addition to the criteria themselves, a major value of the paper is the emphasis on the importance of recognizing that there are two aspects to all decisions and that comprehensive criteria for the technical decisions are provided by education and training in all fields and disciplines, while none are provided in management and leadership programs.