bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using simulation to assess the introduction of technology in a continuous operations process
Authors: Greasley Andrew 
Published: October 2008

PurposeTo investigate the role of simulation in the introduction of technology in a continuous operations process.Design/methodology/approachA case‐based research method was chosen with the aim to provide an exemplar of practice and test the proposition that the use of simulation can improve the implementation and running of conveyor systems in continuous process facilities.FindingsThe research determines the optimum rate of re‐introduction of inventory to a conveyor system generated during a breakdown event.Research limitations/implicationsMore case studies are required demonstrating the operational and strategic benefits that can be gained by using simulation to assess technology in organisations.Practical implicationsA practical outcome of the study was the implementation of a policy for the manual re‐introduction of inventory on a conveyor line after a breakdown event had occurred.Originality/valueThe paper presents a novel example of the use of simulation to estimate the re‐introduction rate of inventory after a breakdown event on a conveyor line. The paper highlights how by addressing this operational issue, ahead of implementation, the likelihood of the success of the strategic decision to acquire the technology can be improved.
A Petri net model for sequence optimization and performance analysis of flexible assembly systems
Authors: Ullah Hamid , Bohez Erik L.J. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a new generic Petri net (PN) model based on assembly plan for assembly sequence optimization. The model aims to allow modeling the flexible assembly system (FAS) configuration, determining the optimal work in process, lead time, throughput, and utilization of each station. Moreover, it aims to show assembly features (AFs) as being useful in assembly sequence planning.Design/methodology/approachSophisticated knowledge of AFs is used to get very few feasible assembly sequences (ASs) rather than all possible ASs for a product. A PN model is developed to find out the near optimal assembly sequence out of the sequences obtained from the AF knowledge. It is also used for design and performance evaluation of FAS. Multiple optimization criteria are used for assembly sequence optimization, keeping in view the line balancing. The PN is optimized using weighted‐WIP when the throughput is bounded by the utilization of the bottleneck machines.FindingsThe results achieved from the example show a considerable reduction in the number of feasible ASs for a product. The PN optimization gives minimum WIP corresponding to the maximum production rate. Moreover, the PN model pushes more inventories to the initial assembly phase.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed PN can be easily extended for inclusion of dualkanban, where the managers may adjust the number ofkanbancards as per the requirement.Practical implicationsManagers may use the concept of multiple AFs in order to design and operate robot assembly that will result in more efficient sequence planning. Using the PN model, the assembly manager may design, analyze, evaluate, and even optimize the layout of the FAS for minimum WIP, maximum throughput, and reduced lead time. The determination of total WIP, total number of stations in the assembly line, and the number of servers at each station may be helpful in the factory floor management. Line balancing may result in the highest efficiency and the shortest idling time along with ease of management and supervision.Originality/valueThis paper provides a clear insight into how a large reduction in the number of feasible ASs for a product can be obtained using the knowledge of AFs. It also presents a new PN model used for assembly sequence optimization and design and performance analysis of FAS.
Assessment of clustering tendency for the design of cellular manufacturing systems
Authors: Bashir Hamdi A. , Karaa Samir 
Published: October 2008

PurposeWithout reliance on results obtained from applying a cell formation method, this paper aims to describe a simple quantitative approach to testing whether an underlying pattern of relationships exists between machines of a given system, such that the machines may be rearranged into manufacturing cells. It also aims to support the approach by an index for measuring the clustering tendency.Design/methodology/approachThe eigenvalues of the similarity coefficient matrix and Kaiser's rule are used to: detect the number of clusters existing in the part‐machine matrix, and derive an index for predicting the goodness of the best possible obtainable cell formation.FindingsThe results of applying the proposed approach and the clustering tendency index to problems of different sizes taken from the literature have proven that both the approach and the clustering tendency index are powerful in performing the feasibility assessment and in predicting the right number of manufacturing cell to be formed.Practical implicationsThis study is of considerable value to practitioners because it provides them with a powerful yet very easy to apply approach for assessing the feasibility of adopting cellular manufacturing in early stages of design. Another characteristic of this approach is the possibility of using it as a decision support tool for practitioners who opt to use a cell formation method which requires specifying the number of cells in advance. Moreover, the approach does not require any special software package, since it can be easily performed using several available software packages such as MATLAB and Mathematica.Originality/valueA methodology for evaluating the adaptability of a system to cellular manufacturing has been proposed in a previous study. However, the methodology used is complex and uses a certain degree of subjectivity. In contrast, the proposed approach is simple and completely quantitative. Furthermore, a new index for measuring the clustering tendency is presented.
Multi‐response optimisation using Taguchi method and super ranking concept
Authors: Besseris George J. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a simple methodology in solving multi‐response optimisation problems by employing Taguchi methods and a non‐parametric statistical technique.Design/methodology/approachThere is a continuous interest in developing effective and statistically sound multi‐response optimisation methods such that they will provide a firm framework in global product and process improvement. A non‐parametric approach is proposed for the first time in a five‐step methodology that exploits Taguchi's fractional factorial designs and the concept of signal‐to‐noise ratio in data consolidation. The distinct feature of this method is the transformation of each response variable to a single rank variable. The subsequent incorporation of the squared ranks for each of the investigated responses issues a single master‐rank response suitably referred to conveniently as a “Super Rank” (SR) response, thus collapsing all dependent product characteristic information into a single non‐dimensional variable. This SR variable is handled by standard non‐parametric methods such as Wilcoxon's two‐sample, rank sum test or Mann‐Whitney's test eliminating at the same time multi‐distribution effects and small‐sample complications expected for this type of experimentation.FindingsThe proposed methodology is tested on already published data pertaining a design problem in the electronic assembly technology field. The case study requires six‐factor simultaneous optimisation of three response variables. A second example is analyzed by the proposed method focusing on the optimisation of a submerged arc‐welding process problem due to a group of five factors. The Mann‐Whitney's test contrasts the effects of factor settings one‐to‐one on the SR response in order to assign statistical significance to the optimal factor settings.Research limitations/implicationsThe application of this methodology is tested at the same time in a real three‐response optimisation case study where each response belongs to different optimisation category.Practical implicationsThe methodology outlined in this work eliminates the need for sophisticated multi‐response data handling. In addition, small‐sample considerations and multi‐distribution effects that may be inherent do not restrict the applicability of the method presented herein by this type of experimentation.Originality/valueThis investigation provides a new angle to the published methods of multi‐response optimisation by supporting Taguchi's design of experiments methods through a multi‐ranking scheme that leads to non‐parametric factor resolution.
Socially responsible capitalism
Authors: Sweetbaum Henry 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to raise questions and contribute to discourse around the topic of socially responsible capitalism with specific reference to the need for a considered approach between the necessity to foster an entrepreneurial risk taking environment to create a vibrant economy and the need for a balanced yet rigorous regulatory environment. The paper specifically addresses the pro‐active role that academia should be encouraged to play in advising government and stake holders as to how to achieve the optimum position.Design/methodology/approachThe address juxtaposed personal insights and observations drawn from many years as an international businessman with my analysis of the events of the past 75 years (from the great depression to the current credit crises) together with legislation such as, The Glass Steagall Act 1933; The Securities Act 1933; The securities Exchange act 1934; The Fair Labor Standards Act 1938 and The US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act 1997.FindingsA 30‐minute question and answer session followed the address and allowed for extensive discussion and feedback from the audience. Certain members of the audience continued this discussion and feedback via email.Originality/valueThe Q&A evidenced that the address was considered a catalyst for possible new directions with regard to the topic and presented original ideas within the context of the objectives outlined above.
CSR or RSC? (Beyond the Humpty Dumpty syndrome)
Authors: Lozano Josep M. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeCorporate social responsibility (CSR) has often been presented as a challenge for management. This is due to the fact that the CSR debate has been associated with the business practices that are linked to it. But CSR is also an approximation to the business practices that require us to question the underlying corporate business model. Therefore, as it deals with a company's business model, the term CSR at once reveals its potential and its limitations. The ambiguity of the term “social” and the risk of not combining this with the term “economic” is by no means less significant: neither is the diversity of interpretations and approaches allowed by the term “social”. Using the words of the Lewis Carrol character, Humpty Dumpty, as a metaphor–according to which a word's meaning depends on the power of the person who uses it – the purpose of this paper is to propose a shift away from talking in terms of CSR (corporate social responsibility) to talking in terms of responsible and sustainable corporation (RSC).Design/methodology/approachThe intention is not to become bogged down with questions of semantics of terminology but, rather, to bring about a change in emphasis. The author intends this to be a means of considering a more relational vision of the company (in other words, a relational corporation), taking as the point of departure the company's relationships with stakeholders. The paper proposes an analysis of the stakeholder relationship which is not reduced to mere relationship management.FindingsOnce these relationships have been established, it can be highlighted how, in each of them, the existence of economic, social and environmental dimensions can be investigated and, as a result, how these dimensions can be integrated into management. This means that the integration process should be translated into a vision of CSR (or, as is suggested, of RSC: responsible and sustainable corporation) at the same time as being a transversal management approach and an axis of corporate identity and of understanding the company as a project.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a change of emphasis regarding the approach to CSR. The aim of the paper is to contribute towards preventing the CSR debate from becoming blocked by debate on the scope of the term “social”. It should be put forward directly in terms of business strategy, in order for CSR not to be reduced to a set of business practices but for it to become part of the vision of the company, leading to the proposal of: responsible and sustainable corporation.
Corporate social responsibility: an avenue for sustainable benefit for society and the firm?
Authors: Gyves Sharon , O'Higgins Eleanor 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to investigate the benefits arising from various corporate social responsibility (CSR) approaches, to determine which approach generated the most sustainable mutual benefit accruing both to the focal firm, as well as to society and the firm's stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachThe ethnographic case studies are based on interviews with senior managers from six companies which are members of Business in the Community Ireland, a not‐for‐profit organization comprised of companies which are active about CSR initiatives.FindingsResults show that for the companies interviewed, CSR initiatives that are voluntary and strategic, as opposed to coerced and/or non‐strategic, generate the most sustainable mutual benefit to the firm itself and its social beneficiaries.Originality/valueThe paper presents a framework to analyze approaches to CSR, using the dimensions of strategic/non‐strategic, voluntary/coerced. The study discovers ways to reconcile the conventionally competing shareholder and stakeholder mindsets. The paper concludes that if firms pursue CSR activities in a voluntary and strategic manner they can satisfy both shareholders' and stakeholders' demands.
Conjectures on systemic psychopathy: reframing the contemporary corporation
Authors: Wexler Mark N. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to explore how and why the emerging literature in clinical psychology on the “successful psychopath” precedes the escalating middle class framing of the contemporary corporation as a monster and points towards an increasingly credible version of systemic psychopathy.Design/methodology/approachDiscourse analysis is used to isolate three distinct but interrelated argument forms in which the basic assertion is that “the corporation is a psychopath”. All three argument forms insist that the corporation lacks a conscience and point to a toxic schism on the boundary between the organization and its stakeholders or publics.FindingsIn Argument Form I, successful psychopaths enter and rise to prominence in the flexible, hypercompetitive context of the contemporary corporation. Once ensconced within the corporation, in Argument Form II, the psychopath creates the conditions for a scam which, when detected, gives rise to a flurry of breathless and very public corporate scandals. Argument Form III follows from II. In it the rogues and scoundrels – those increasingly caught in the high beams of a corporate scandal – once in positions of power and authority seek out allies, stifle those who would oppose them and begin to legitimize their scams as “business as usual.” Systemic psychopathy emerges when the appeal to “business as usual” conceals scams and supports conscienceless behavior.Originality/valueThis paper explains why increasingly, members of the middle class, those who in the past stood behind the corporation, are less than shocked to hear it characterized as a psychopath. The paper concludes with the implications of the intensifying portrayal of the dark side of the corporation for researchers studying the changing relationship between society and business.
Do offshore outsourcing firms in the USA use their investments on corporate social responsibility to alleviate negative attitudes toward offshore outsourcing?
Authors: Tesfom Goitom , Birch Nancy J. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is: to determine how offshore outsourcing firms in the USA are involved in providing assistance to education and training the downsized/unemployed; and to conduct inter‐industry comparisons among offshore outsourcing firms to determine if there are differences in their degree of involvement in assisting education and training the downsized/unemployed.Design/methodology/approachThis research is based on a survey of 51 firms in the USA that are listed as major offshore outsourcers and exporters of American jobs in “CNN's Lou Dobbs Exporting America website”.FindingsThe findings show that out of eight areas of corporate social activities included in the survey, offshore outsourcing firms indicated that they were least involved in providing or supporting training programs to the downsized/unemployed. However, we also found that offshore outsourcing firms were highly involved in providing assistance to charities and supporting private and public education.Research limitation/implicationsThe response rate in this survey was similar to other response rates for research conducted on similar topics. However, the sample size for the study is relatively small and results from larger sample sizes are required to make empirical generalizations with confidence.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study are useful for USA policy makers who are dealing with the negative effects of offshoring. It also provides direction to offshoring firms on how to alleviate negative attitudes toward offshore outsourcing.Originality/valueThe paper is the first to investigate the contributions of offshore outsourcing firms to education and training the downsized/unemployed as part of their corporate social responsibility. Thus, it makes a significant contribution to the literature.
Relevance of data mining for accounting: social implications
Authors: Mraović Branka 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show that in a time of globality, companies operate in a business environment in which high speed dictates mutual interactions and, at the same time, requires a radically different approach to data collection, storage, and processing based on an integrated view of the data.Design/methodology/approachThe author believes that frauds in the corporate environment after the fall of the Berlin Wall have to be investigated through the similarity of models under which citizens are subjugated by means of financial machination by the ruling political and economic elites.FindingsThe innovativeness of data mining techniques is reflected primarily in the radical turn away from the retrospective data access that used to be typical of decision support systems, toward prospective and proactive information delivery. Data mining is a technique offering undeniable benefits by improving the quality of life and making one's life easier, and bringing more order and responsibility into the behavior of institutions. But on the other hand, data mining poses numerous questions relating to privacy, legality and ethics. The trouble is that there is a permanent threat of using data mining applications beyond the limits of its original purposes.Practical implicationsThe New Economy, whose driving force is new information and communication technologies (ICTs), requires new accounting practice which directs the measuring system to a pattern which connects the value concept and the action that will generate future profit.Originality/valueThe paper is a plea for proactive company actions aimed at strengthening control mechanisms and internal controls. The future will bring a growing demand for forensic accounting services.
Corporate social responsibility: an attitude of Ethiopian corporates
Authors: Mouly Potluri Rajasekhara , Temesgen Zelalem 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to find an attitude of Ethiopian corporate sector towards corporate social responsibility (CSR). In addition this research analyzed the opinion of employees, customers' as well the general public about the Ethiopian corporate sector's socially responsible actions.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviewed the relevant literature of CSR. Through structured questionnaires and in‐depth interviews with 50 Ethiopian companies, this study analyzed CSR towards different interest groups, e.g. owners or shareholders, employees, customers, creditors and suppliers, general public or community at large and government. To cross validate, the researcher also conducted a survey with another three questionnaires to obtain the views of 100 employees, 200 customers and another 200 general public. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel software packages.FindingsEthiopian companies expressed 100 percent positive attitude in implementing CSR towards customers, creditors and suppliers, general public and government. However, only 40 percent of companies' were positive on periodical disclosure of information to its shareholders, 80 percent believed in fair wages and security of employment, and 10 percent of companies were negative on meaningful freedom, job satisfaction and humane treatment. Related to the cross validate section, overall 69 percent employees were not happy with companies' policies, 71 percent customers thought they were manipulated and another 75 percent general public were not pleased with CSR from the Ethiopian corporate sector.Originality/valueThis research paper serves as a basis for Ethiopian managers to understand the key interest groups and their expectations from the corporate sector and also to be acquainted with the opinions of employees, customers, and general public to assess the social performance of their organizations.
Creating socially responsible systems for holistic development
Authors: Bansal Ipshita , Srivastava Jaya 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to attempt to highlight the importance of Gandhi's philosophy for creating socially responsible systems for holistic development.Design/methodology/approachIt is a qualitative analysis of Gandhi's writings and interpretation of his ideas for the creation of socially responsible systems which will result in holistic development.FindingsThe analysis of Gandhian philosophy brings about a realization that focusing on unidimensional development is detrimental to society. There is a need to integrate various elements of human civilization for the overall happiness of mankind. Gandhi identified the inter‐linkages between various aspects of human life and insisted on creating harmony between them. The authors find that he was against compartmentalization of self and society. Hence, the paper talks about holistic management and the role that organization, social systems and individuals can play in its achievement. His philosophy provides a backdrop against which socially responsible systems can be created.Originality/valueThough Gandhi's contribution in politics has been widely acknowledged, there is very little work on integration of his philosophy to all walks of life. The paper is original in the sense that instead of dividing his philosophy into narrow segments, it tries to establish the inter‐linkage between the various dimensions of human life.