Advanced supply chain information for rule-based sequence adaptions on a mixed-model assembly line with unreliable just-in-sequence deliveries

The proliferation of just-in-sequence (JIS) deliveries has raised the vulnerability of assemblies to costly production stoppages or rework due to missing components. Through a comprehensive real-time supply chain monitoring systems, these supply issues can be detected early and affected orders removed from planned assembly sequences in time to avoid production disturbances. Using simulation analysis, this paper explores the impact of unreliable JIS deliveries and the mitigation potential of transparent supply chains that allow a rule-based order resequencing on a mixed-model assembly line. The results indicate that (i) rework due to unreliable JIS deliveries can be eliminated and (ii) the trade-off between schedule nervousness and optimality can be balanced, making the proposed rule a feasible approach.ISSN:1474-667

An analysis of physical distribution service quality in the online retail market

Abstract unavailable please refer to PD

A Decision Tool for Supplier Selection That Takes into Account Power and Performance

Companies select their suppliers to provide required performance while being successful partners. An important aspect of collaboration is the power relationship between the company and its suppliers. Although the significance of power in supplier selection is acknowledged, published work rarely includes assessment of power. An empirical study on selecting suppliers for new product developments in a major European diesel engine manufacturing company, supported by three smaller studies with electronic engineering companies, frames overall questions regarding the importance of incorporating power into supplier selection and how this might be achieved. This research proposes an approach that assesses both performance and power and integrates the assessment results by modelling the relative effects of power and performance. It positions the suppliers into six scenarios (ideal, satisfying, tolerable, unfavourable, risky and tough) which depict to what extent a supplier is ‘suitable’ to work with. A reverse analysis reviews the relationship when several suppliers appear suitable. An assessment method is developed incorporating both subjective and objective data for qualitative and quantitative criteria. It combines two decision making methods, AHP and TOPSIS, with triangular fuzzy numbers. Multiple judgements from several decision makers are synthesised. This method is adapted for performance assessment of single, group and cross-group suppliers. Weights are calculated for the criteria, and combined with calculations of supplier performance against each criterion to provide an overall assessment and supplier profile. Power is quantified against a set of power determinants and power relations (supplier dominance, buyer dominance and balanced) are determined. The effects of supplier perceptions (objective, optimistic and pessimistic) are estimated in the calculation. The proposed approach involves complex calculations and a prototype software tool is developed with graphical interfaces. The tool includes performance criteria and power determinants collected from literature and allows users to define new ones. Application to an agriculture case enables the sustainable performance of suppliers (farmers) to be evaluated and compared

The demand for labour in a textile local labour market with particular reference to twilight workers and homeworkers

The reasons why employers simultaneously demand different work groups with varying patterns of activity, conditions of service and earnings is inadequately understood. The demand for twilight workers and homeworkers is an under-researched area, while the appropriateness of the segmented labour market model is open to questioning. Therefore, a detailed comparison, from the viewpoint of demand, is made of the workforce groups discovered within an occupational local labour market. Data collected by employer interviews focus on worker characteristics, their different working conditions, and employer responses to change. Part A states the objectives and hypotheses, surveys the theoretical and legal contexts and reviews workgroup literature. The empirical programme is described, and brief accounts of preliminary empirical work undertaken in pre-pilot and pilot studies are reported. In Part B, organisational structures are outlined before an analysis of local labour market and workforce characteristics. An interplay is found between group characteristics and levels of supply, the latter being important to group formation and to employers' ability to exercise preference. Levels of knowledge are examined and options for mobility are assessed. The structure of the occupational local labour market is addressed by examining: firstly, the different forms of mobility; secondly, influences on the wage structure; and thirdly, the net advantages accruing to the various workgroups. Conclusions are drawn regarding the relevance of neo-classical and segmented labour market theories. It is found that segmentation exists, firstly between the male and female employees, and secondly within the female segment. This latter segmentation is brought under closer scrutiny to reveal homeworkers as an extreme example of secondary labour when pay and employment conditions are compared with those 6f full-time and part-time day workers. Preference is examined from three different standpoints; a costing analysis is undertaken to determine the importance of cost-minimisation to labour demand, and employers' stated and implied preferences judged by their actions on key conditions of service are examined for differential treatment. Employer perceptions are reviewed, as are the effects of orientations to work on performance levels which further illuminates employer preferences. The power structure emanating· from supply, collective bargaining and legislation is assessed. Part C, draws together the conclusions and uses findings to identify factors influencing employer choice. It outlines demand criteria and shows that those for twilight workers and homeworkers are similar, although reasons for using the latter group are more numerous. Many adjustment instruments are shown to be available for adapting labour input to business fluctuations so obviating the need for wage adjustment. An adjustment sequence is calculated to illustrate its implications for workgroup employment and income levels and its universal applicability is considered. A labour market paradigm is suggested in which demands and supplies are conceptualized as having two components; initial intentions and effective outcomes. It illustrates seven conflict areas which can incorporate numerous theories of labour market operation. The appropriateness of much labour market theory is discussed, and it is concluded that twilight workers and homeworkers are utilised as a mechanism for honouring implicit contracts. Policy prescriptions and further research are considered

Modelling, Monitoring, Control and Optimization for Complex Industrial Processes

This reprint includes 22 research papers and an editorial, collected from the Special Issue "Modelling, Monitoring, Control and Optimization for Complex Industrial Processes", highlighting recent research advances and emerging research directions in complex industrial processes. This reprint aims to promote the research field and benefit the readers from both academic communities and industrial sectors

Modern Industrial Services

This open access book is an outcome of several years of research, practice, and teaching experience of the authors on the challenges that underpin the successful switch to services for manufacturing firms. Ideal for a student as well as a practitioner, the book describes the industrial services ecosystem, the barriers and challenges, and a roadmap for building service excellence. Curated cases are used to describe the current approaches in practice to overcome the barriers. The book also provides several tools, each with a short introduction, that the authors have used successfully in projects to help overcome the servitization barriers. Many of these tools are from management, design thinking, or service design. The service excellence roadmap is based on the development methodology and helps current and future business leaders to create their own individual roadmaps