Hybrid concrete: improved processes and performance

This paper presents the results of a study of three very successful Hybrid concrete projects. Supply chain analyses are described and, in the event, the situations found are typified as networks. Problem areas are identified together with various illustrations of good practice, with a particular stress on the necessity for intensive and effective informal communications. The particular problems attendant on the design side of the process, rooted in role confusion and a lack of design fixity are highlighted. This links to the suggestion that as the knowledge of Hybrid systems becomes better understood and is more fully communicated through codification then many of these problems should evaporate. That is, Hybrid can move from being a disruptive technology and become a sustaining technology for the industry and its clients

Strategic positioning:an integrated decision process for manufacturers

Purpose – This paper describes research that has sought to create a formal and rational process that guides manufacturers through the strategic positioning decision. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology is based on a series of case studies to develop and test the decision process. Findings – A decision process that leads the practitioner through an analytical process to decide which manufacturing activities they should carryout themselves. Practical implications – Strategic positioning is concerned with choosing those production related activities that an organisations should carry out internally, and those that should be external and under the ownership and control of suppliers, partners, distributors and customers. Originality/value – This concept extends traditional decision paradigms, such as those associated with “make versus buy” and “outsourcing”, by looking at the interactions between manufacturing operations and the wider supply chain networks associated with the organisation

Inspection models for automotive parts remanufacture

Remanufacturing can be classed as the act of bringing end-of-use products back to “like new” conditions with warranty to match. The field has been steadily growing in recent years due to a cultural shift towards sustainable practices. ‘Inspection’ is the action of assessing parts in order to determine the needed actions to bring them back to standard, and is a critical factor. Previous work by Errington and Ridley in this area have shown the necessity of increased structure and tools to aid automotive remanufacturing inspection. This aim of this research was to investigate the inspection issues faced by automotive parts remanufacturers within the UK and develop tools to alleviate the lack of guidance on inspection activities. Case study methods were used at five different companies to identify the issues, this included over-reliance on inspector expertise, difficulties in knowledge share, and an aging workforce. A 4-part model was developed to combat these issues, and was later validated through both industry and academic review, and an expert panel to ensure robustness and rjgour. This research was unique in that it approached inspection by focusing on the practices and methods rather than a business or strategic perspective targeting cost effectiveness rather than operational efficacy. The beneficiaries of this research include academia and industry, with academia furthering the building of benchmarking for inspection, and a new method of investigating inspection within remanufacturing. Industry can use this research to further refine their inspection practices and in training with new staff.Remanufacturing can be classed as the act of bringing end-of-use products back to “like new” conditions with warranty to match. The field has been steadily growing in recent years due to a cultural shift towards sustainable practices. ‘Inspection’ is the action of assessing parts in order to determine the needed actions to bring them back to standard, and is a critical factor. Previous work by Errington and Ridley in this area have shown the necessity of increased structure and tools to aid automotive remanufacturing inspection. This aim of this research was to investigate the inspection issues faced by automotive parts remanufacturers within the UK and develop tools to alleviate the lack of guidance on inspection activities. Case study methods were used at five different companies to identify the issues, this included over-reliance on inspector expertise, difficulties in knowledge share, and an aging workforce. A 4-part model was developed to combat these issues, and was later validated through both industry and academic review, and an expert panel to ensure robustness and rjgour. This research was unique in that it approached inspection by focusing on the practices and methods rather than a business or strategic perspective targeting cost effectiveness rather than operational efficacy. The beneficiaries of this research include academia and industry, with academia furthering the building of benchmarking for inspection, and a new method of investigating inspection within remanufacturing. Industry can use this research to further refine their inspection practices and in training with new staff