bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of the LCA polygon framework in waste management
Authors: Georgakellos Dimitrios A. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeRecycling of non‐renewable resources serves both in reducing the consumption of virgin supplies and the discharge of associated residuals back into the natural environment. On the other hand, recycling has been criticized because of its environmental impacts. The aim of the present paper is to identify and quantify the environmental effect of recycling of a glass bottle.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, the life cycle assessment polygon framework is being used. This framework has been developed for evaluating the results of a life cycle inventory analysis using critical volume aggregation and polygon‐based interpretation.FindingsRecycling strategies can, in most cases, reduce the total environmental burden of the glass container examined. However, this reduction may considerably vary in relation to each “ecological parameter” (consumption of energy, consumption of water, air emissions, waterborne waste and solid waste), depending mainly on the “recycling mix” (the percentage of recycled material used in production and the percentage of product waste that goes for recycling).Research limitations/implicationsThe extent to which these findings could be generalized to other materials and products could be confirmed by more applications of the framework.Practical implicationsThis paper may help in developing recycling strategies.Originality/valueA conceptual framework for the environmental evaluation of recycling, considering, not only general recycling targets, but also the particular interests or conditions that may exist, is introduced.
Can the student‐t distribution provide accurate value at risk?
Authors: Lin Chu‐Hsiung , Shen Shan‐Shan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate how effectively the value at risk (VaR) estimated using the student‐t distribution captures the market risk.Design/methodology/approachTwo alternative VaR models, VaR‐t and VaR‐x models, are presented and compared with the benchmark model (VaR‐n model). In this study, we consider the Student‐t distribution as a fit to the empirical distribution for estimating the VaR measure, namely, VaR‐t method. Since the Student‐t distribution is criticized for its inability to capture the asymmetry of distribution of asset returns, we use the extreme value theory (EVT)‐based model, VaR‐x model, to take into account the asymmetry of distribution of asset returns. In addition, two different approaches, excess‐kurtosis and tail‐index techniques, for determining the degrees of freedom of the Student‐t distribution in VaR estimation are introduced.FindingsThe main finding of the study is that using the student‐t distribution for estimating VaR can improve the VaR estimation and offer accurate VaR estimates, particularly when tail index technique is used to determine the degrees of freedom and the confidence level exceeds 98.5 percent.Originality/valueThe main value is to demonstrate in detail how well the student‐t distribution behaves in estimating VaR measure for stock market index. Moreover, this study illustrates the easy process for determining the degrees of freedom of the student‐t, which is required in VaR estimation.
Best execution compliance automation: towards an equities compliance workstation
Authors: Mainelli Michael , Yeandle Mark 
Published: July 2006

PurposeForthcoming requirements in MiFID and RegNMS mean that buy‐side and sell‐side firms need to find ways of showing regulators that they are sifting through their trading volumes in a justifiable, methodical manner looking for anomalous trades and investigating them, in order to prove “best execution”. The objective was to see if a SVM/DAPR approach could help identify equity trade anomalies for compliance investigation.Design/methodology/approachA major stock exchange, a computer systems supplier, four brokers and a statistical firm undertook a cooperative research project to determine whether automated statistical processing of trade and order information could provide a tighter focus on the most likely trades for best execution compliance investigation.FindingsThe support vector machine approach worked on UK equities and has significant potential for other markets such as foreign exchange, fixed income and commodities.Research limitations/implicationsThe research has implications for risk professionals as a generic approach to trading anomaly detection. The prototype compliance workstation can be trialed.Originality/valueAutomated anomaly detection could transform the role of compliance and risk in financial institutions.
Developing an SME based six sigma strategy
Authors: Thomas Andrew , Barton Richard 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe effective implementation of the six sigma strategy within UK manufacturing industries, in particular SMEs, can be considered to be poor. SMEs cite high costs and complexity of implementation as being the major limiting factors as to its widespread use. This paper aims to describe the application of six sigma in an SME and to show how the company applied a cost‐effective six sigma methodology to eradicate a critical to quality (CTQ) issue. The paper seeks to conclude by developing a strategic framework for the widespread use of six sigma in SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThis paper applies the six sigma strategy in an SME in order to eradicate a major CTQ issue. It identifies the approach employed, the tools and techniques used and shows the savings that were made through the structured application of the DMAIC procedure, which is at the heart of the six sigma approach.FindingsThrough the correct application of experimental design approaches, this paper identifies the optimum parameter settings that enabled the company to eradicate the CTQ issue and achieve significant improvements in quality and cost from a modest financial outlay.Research limitations/implicationsThe design and implementation of an SME‐specific six sigma strategy and its application to a real engineering problem will enable companies to apply the techniques and to attain improvements in terms of cost and quality.Originality/valueThe application of the six sigma strategy and the resulting conclusions as to its effectiveness for industry are the real value of this paper. This paper will be valuable for quality professionals, design engineers and manufacturing specialists in a wide range of industries.
Critical success factors for lean implementation within SMEs
Authors: Achanga Pius , Shehab Esam , Roy Rajkumar , Nelder Geoff 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe aim of this research paper is to present the critical factors that constitute a successful implementation of lean manufacturing within manufacturing SMEs.Design/methodology/approachA combination of comprehensive literature review and visits to ten SMEs based in the East of the UK were employed in the study. The companies' practices were observed to highlight the degree of lean manufacturing utilisation within these companies. This was followed by interviewing of the relevant and key personnel involved in lean implementation. Results were analysed and validated through workshops, case studies and Delphi techniques.FindingsSeveral critical factors that determine the success of implementing the concept of lean manufacturing within SMEs are identified. Leadership, management, finance organisational culture and skills and expertise, amongst other factors; are classified as the most pertinent issues critical for the successful adoption of lean manufacturing within SMEs environment.Research limitations/implicationsContinued scepticism within SMEs about the benefits of lean to their business is one of the fundamental limitations this research faces. SMEs are, therefore, not very willing to provide useful information and data, timely for further investigation.Originality/valueThe novelty of this research project stems from the realisation of critical factors determining a successful implementation of lean manufacturing within SMEs environment. The results would provide SMEs with indicators and guidelines for a successful implementation of lean principles.
Time to market prediction using type‐2 fuzzy sets
Authors: Baguley P. , Page T. , Koliza V. , Maropoulos P. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTime to market is the essential aim of any new product introduction process. Performance measures are simple quantities that indicate the state of manufacturing organisations and are used as the basis of decision‐making at this crucial early stage of the process. Fuzzy set theory is a method for using qualitative data and subjective opinion. Fuzzy sets have been used extensively in manufacturing for applications including control, decision‐making, and estimation. Type‐2 fuzzy sets are a novel extension of type‐1 fuzzy sets. Aims to examine this subject.Design/methodology/approachThis research explores the increased use of type‐2 fuzzy sets in manufacturing. In particular, type‐2 fuzzy sets are used to model “the words that mean different things to different people”.FindingsA model that can leverage design process knowledge and predict time to market from performance measures is a potentially valuable tool for decision making and continuous improvement. A number of data sources, such as process maps, from previous research into time to market in a high technology products company, are used to structure and build a type‐2 fuzzy logic model for the prediction of time to market.Originality/valueThis paper presents a demonstration of how the type‐2 fuzzy logic model works and provides directions for further research into the design process for time to market.
How does the industry work with sourcing decisions? Case study at two Swedish companies
Authors: Brannemo Anette 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to present how two Swedish companies work, or plan to work, with sourcing decisions. The aim is furthermore to analyze if their decision process, or parts of it, can be used as a base for building a rightsourcing decision model. In this paper rightsourcing is defined as; “the process to actively apply in‐and outsourcing strategically to be competitive now and in the future”.Design/methodology/approachSince the business environment is dynamic and the global aspects are increasing, companies tend to focus on what they do best‐their core competence. The concept of outsourcing has, therefore, been growing rapidly during the last decade. Many companies seem to have a vague understanding about the risks and benefits of outsourcing, except from a general idea that it will reduce cost. Many companies hence experience that sourcing decisions are complex and the need for a model supporting sourcing decision exist within many corporations. This is accomplished through a literature overview and a multiple case study.FindingsThe results indicate that a model for sourcing decisions ought to include, or be based on, following aspects, e.g. the companies overall strategy, the companies core competence, both qualitative and quantitative data and risk analysis. The sourcing process also ought to be made with a process approach, avoiding functional sub‐optimization. The results also indicated that financial evaluation and documentation of the decision is important.Research limitations/implicationsThe multiple case study was conducted in one mechanical company and one engineering company from Sweden. The fact that the study only included two studies could affect the possibility to generalize the result.Originality/valueThis paper offers help to companies that consider sourcing decisions.
The impact of engineering changes on materials planning
Authors: Wänström Carl , Jonsson Patrik 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of the impact of engineering changes on the materials planning process.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on a conceptual discussion and empirical data from a case study of a supply chain in the automotive industry, including end producers (two OEM companies) and first, second and third tier suppliers.FindingsA framework comprising the situational dimensions of the engineering change was derived from the conceptual discussion and described in terms of product, supply, manufacturing, demand and materials planning characteristics. The empirical study shows the characteristics of the engineering change in the case company and how these have both positive and negative, as well as direct and indirect, influences on the materials scrap, administrative and transport/handling costs. The impact of the actual materials planning strategies is also shown. Another finding was that different engineering change situations exist within the same company. Thus, it is necessary to distinguish between them and to use different planning strategies for each situation. The paper discusses how such differentiated strategies could be developed in the case companies and in general.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study focused on a specific product and materials planning situation in the automotive supply chain. Other products and materials planning situations resulting from the same engineering change would have different characteristics and should, therefore, be planned and controlled accordingly. However, the developed framework is a general one.Practical implicationsThe appropriateness of a materials planning strategy differs between different engineering change situations. This calls for differentiated materials planning strategies based on the engineering change situation and materials planning characteristics. The framework developed in this paper describes the entire materials planning environment in engineering change situations in order to understand when and how to differentiate materials planning strategies.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils a need for a framework that describes the impact on materials planning from an engineering change perspective. This framework is the first step in the designing of a normative guideline for differentiated materials planning strategies in an engineering change situation.
AHP‐based evaluation of CMMS software
Authors: Braglia Marcello , Carmignani Gionata , Frosolini Marco , Grassi Andrea 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide a structured methodology to permit an optimal selection of the best suited Computer Managed Maintenance System (CMMS) software within process industries.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis has been executed adopting a multi‐attribute decision making methodology, namely the analytic hierarchic process (AHP) technique. A specific hierarchic structure has been defined considering 46 criteria outlined via questionnaires and interviews with administration, production and maintenance managers of several industries. To improve the effectiveness of the methodology, AHP has been coupled with a sound sensitivity analysis.FindingsThe application of the proposed approach allows the maintenance practitioners to concentrate on a limited subset of CMMS applications and to compare their actual capabilities in order to select the right one, rather than considering only their purchase cost.Practical implicationsThe methodology enables decision makers to restrict the selection process to a limited number of software programmes that better suit the actual requirements of the corporation's personnel and to help the managers involved in the choice to better understand what each software can offer to them to effectively help the management of maintenance‐related activities. Finally, the choice is driven by objective considerations rather than by subjective opinions, and the purchase and the following implementation of the CMMS can be better justified to the corporation top‐level managementOriginality/valueThe paper proposes a robust approach, structured and useful in practice, for the selection of a CMMS software, that takes into account multiple, often conflicting, criteria and overcomes the intrinsic limitations of subjective decisions
Perceptions of generic strategies of small and medium sized engineering and electronics manufacturers in the UK
Authors: O'Regan Nicholas , Ghobadian Abby 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo present the main findings of a study conducted in manufacturing firms in the UK to determine the applicability of generic strategies to small and medium sized firms (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThe Miles and Snow strategic orientation typology was used to examine the emphasis on the factors used to craft strategy and its subsequent impact on organizational performance. The study examined its applicability in two contrasting sectors: engineering and electronics.FindingsBased on the responses obtained from 194 SMEs, the findings indicate that the main strategic orientation types present in this study are associated with different environment types; prospectors tend to perceive their environment as “dynamic” whereas defenders perceive their environment as “stable”. Distinct differences were found in relation to the emphasis of both orientation types on leadership, culture, strategy, and performance outcomes. Finally, the findings indicate that “prospectors” perform better than “defenders” and are twice as likely to be high performing. Smaller firms are more likely to be “prospectors” compared with firms employing over 100 staff.Originality/valueThe study confirms the applicability of the Miles and Snow typology to SMEs – a domain neglected in previous studies. The findings also depict the association between the attributes of the operating environment, organizational culture, leadership and strategy on both defenders and prospectors and the path to either high or low performance.
A methodology for integrated product development using design and manufacturing templates
Authors: Kamrani Ali , Vijayan Abhay 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe primary objective of this paper is to illustrate the development of an integrated product development environment using template‐based methodology. This system would thus act as an effective tool to reduce cost by foreseeing manufacturability constraints during concept generation phase. Concurrent engineering approach is applied to product and process development and thus the different phases of manufacturing are integrated together. The developed template system is then used for the design of a prototype using an electric motor.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, implementation of an integrated design based on templates is presented. The developed system components such as design calculations, component search, machine selection, process template retrieval and cost estimation. These components are integrated to relational databases. These databases contain all information required for integrated product and process development. Concepts used in developing the system are independent of the software used.FindingsBy using templates, the time required for new product development is drastically reduced. At the same time incorporating computer‐aided process planning into the system gives the designer a better understanding of the cost implications of the modified design with respect to manufacturing. The major challenge in implementing of such system is that any changes in the manufacturing facility have to be incorporated in the process plans stored. This can be a tedious job but can be overcome by using hybrid process planning approach instead of variant based approach.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed template systems can be further developed to be considered as infrastructure necessary for design within a collaborative engineering environment. Further research and development is necessary for implementation. Though, the result from this case is promising.Originality/valueThe paper proposes the structure necessary for the implementation of a template‐based system. The approach used in the development of the integrated systems could be used by small and mid segment industries which do not have enough resources for costly software upgrading and complex computer technologies. By using templates, the time required for new product development is drastically reduced.
Supply chains and the enterprise
Authors: Archer Norman P. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a special issue on supply chains and the enterprise.Design/methodology/approachIntroductory review and brief description of research papers in this issue.FindingsTo demonstrate the growing complexity and the multiple factors involved in structuring the enterprise effectively, references a paper by Iyer and Gottlieb that suggests an approach to enterprise architecture design. This integrates the internal and external environment, thus being highly relevant to supply chain issues.Research limitations/implicationsImplies that the broad research framework for enterprise architecture is relevant to the study of supply chain issues, but leaves the reader to discover whether this is the case by perusing the research papers in this issue.Practical implicationsLinks enterprise architecture to supply chain issues of importance to industry.Originality/valueProvides a descriptive framework for linking papers in the issue to general supply chain issues.
Implementation and management framework for supply chain flexibility
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Fantazy Kamel A. , Kumar Uma , Boyle Todd A. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to develop a conceptual framework for implementing and managing supply chain flexibility in supply chain organizations. The framework suggests that supply chain flexibility should be implemented and managed using a three‐stage approach: required flexibility identification, implementation and shared responsibility, and feedback and control.Design/methodology/approachThe major components of the proposed framework are based on a review of research in the manufacturing flexibility literature as well as the limited research in supply chain flexibility. The strengths and weaknesses of these frameworks, combined with a published empirical study were analyzed to identify the important issues that must be considered when implementing and managing supply chain flexibility, and those components that need to be incorporated into a new integrated framework.FindingsThis framework was constructed by synthesizing the strengths of other conceptual frameworks. As a result, the major components of the framework are supported by the current research on the implementation and management of manufacturing flexibility, as well as the current literature on supply chain management.Research limitations/implicationsEmpirical research is needed to examine the nature and level of responsibility sharing among different supply chain partners as suggested in this framework. It is also important to empirically investigate what constitutes flexibility in the supply chain taxonomy in various industries. Another issue of managerial interest concerns the way different supply chain flexibility types relate to one another, and whether supply chain organizations should acquire certain supply chain flexibilities as a pre‐requisite for developing others. Further studies are necessary to further explain the contribution made by key enablers, such as information technology and communication, the internet, process technology, and training and labor skills, towards the acquisition of supply chain flexibility.Practical implicationsThe implication of this new conceptual framework for managers is that it is easy to understand and is based on best practices in the research literature on manufacturing flexibility and supply chain management.Originality/valueTo researchers, this framework provides a springboard for conducting exploratory and confirmatory research on the process of implementing and managing supply chain flexibility.