Performance Measurement Systems, Competitive Priorities, and Advanced Manufacturing Technologies: Some Evidence from the Aeronautical Sector

Purpose – When acquiring advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT), the greatest caution should be taken regarding the performance measurement system to be used: the decision regarding new investments should not be conditioned by the excessive use of financial indicators to the detriment of the strategic objectives that motivated the investments. It is intended to analyze the aeronautical sector, for which the purchase of AMT is qualifying criteria, with two intentions: first, to identify the performance measurement systems that are used, and second, to test their correspondence with the objectives that motivated the investments. Design/methodology/approach – A survey of the 20 plants in the population was conducted via a postal questionnaire plus a structured interview. The unit of analysis has been maintained through the triangulation of data sources. Findings – The findings suggest that both financial and non-financial indicators are used, with the latter gaining predominance over the former on some occasions, even though there is no clear correspondence between strategy and the measurement of performance. In the light of the findings, the question of what inspires a company’s performance measurement system is still open, especially in those cases where there is no explicit strategy. With regard to practical implications, what seems to be indispensable is an improvement in the determination of the critical variables that should be used to measure performance. Research limitations/implications – Being valuable for academics and practitioners, this contribution relies, rather, on the possibility of a logical extrapolation to circumstances where the findings might apply, and researchers can judge whether the particular findings would be valid. Originality/value – Provides new evidence on the adaptation of the make-up and combination of the type of performance measures currently used by plants in the aeronautical industry, one of the sectors in which technological innovation is of the utmost importance.Publicad

Dinámica de sistemas, política económica y política monetaria

System Dynamics, Economic Policy, and Monetary Policy. The advances in the Systems Approach and its tools are, in our view, well-known and undeniable. Altogether, they possess a great capacity, both for the understanding of the complex reality of social systems, and for permitting computer-simulated experiments with a considerable degree of realism, at low cost and with little risk. However, traditional Economic Analysis would appear to be impervious to these advances, remaining for the most part within an analytical-reductionist framework at some distance from reality. In the present study, our aim is to use the Systems Approach, and within it the instrumentation offered by the conceptualization phase of System Dinamics modelling, in orderto inter-relate the various objectives of Economic Policy in Spain, and to relate these to Monetary Policy, whose objectives must be subordinated to the former. The transparency and clarity of this approach and its tools facilitate significantly an understanding of the complex economic reality of this country, representing, in our judgment, a powerful tool for the transmission and assimilation of knowledge in Economics.El avance experimentado por el Enfoque de Sistemas y sus instrumentos resulta, a nuestro juicio, notorio e indiscutible. El conjunto posee una gran capacidad, tanto para la comprensión de la compleja realidad de los sistemas sociales, como para permitir experimentos simulados en ordenador con un notable grado de realismo y con escaso coste y riesgo. Sin embargo, el Análisis Económico convencional parece permanecer impermeable a tales avances y se mantiene, por lo general, dentro de un marco analítico-reduccionista bastante alejado de la realidad. En el presente trabajo, pretendemos utilizar el Enfoque de Sistemas y, dentro de él, la instrumentación ofrecida por la fase de conceptualización del modelado con Dinámica de Sistemasl, para relacionar los distintos objetivos de la Política Económica en España y a éstos con la Política Monetaria, cuyas metas deben supeditarse a los primeros. La transparencia y claridad ofrecida por dicho enfoque y sus instrumentos facilitan, de forma importante, la comprensión de la compleja realidad económica de este país pudiendo constituir, a nuestro juicio, un potente utensilio para la transmisión y asimilación del conocimiento en Economía

Adopting and Implementing AMT: New Data on Key Factors from the Aeronautical Industry.

The objective of this paper is to take a greater in-depth look at which factors might be considered to be key to the performance of investments made in advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT), given their supposed positive effects, and on the influence that the time these factors are taken into account during the adoption and implementation process can have on that relationship. It provides a specially devised empirical analysis in the aeronautical sector in the south of Spain. A survey of the 20 plants in the population was conducted via a postal questionnaire between July 1999 and April 2001, with a structured interview being held at a later date. The testing of hypotheses was performed by applying the t-test to independent samples. The results show that the only factor that has a clear and positive effect on performance is the training of personnel. It can also be seen that a lack of strategic planning contributes to dampening the effects of investments. These results may be of some help to management staff and public administrators in charge of promoting the process of technological innovation, by indicating actions that need to be taken in order to successfully adopt and implement AMT.

Crecimiento in vitro de Lactarius deliciosus en medio de cultivo BAF y MNM

- Chávez, D.; Pereira, G. ; Machuca, A. Laboratorio de Biotecnología de Hongos. Departamento Forestal, Campus Los Ángeles, Universidad de Concepción. J. A. Coloma 0201, Casilla 341. Los Ángeles-Chile.Lactarius deliciosus (L. Gray) es un hongo ectomicorrícico que crece asociado a Pinus radiata, constituyendo sus cuerpos fructíferos un producto muy apetecido desde el punto de vista gastronómico en la alta cocina. Desde esta perspectiva es un hongo que puede entregar valor agregado al bosque, siendo necesario entonces, conocer y caracterizar su comportamiento en laboratorio, y posteriormente, en las inoculaciones en viveros. En el presente estudio se aisló Lactarius deliciosus a partir de carpóforos jóvenes, recolectados de plantaciones de Pinus radiata de la Comuna de Ninhue, Provincia de Ñuble, VIII Región. Dicha cepa se caracterizó in vitro, en dos medios de cultivo sólido, Melin-Norkrans-modificado (MNM) y Aneurina-Acido fólico- Agar (BAF), incubándose a 24 ºC en oscuridad, en donde se determinó velocidad de crecimiento radial (mm/día), y en medio de cultivo líquido BAF, se evaluó crecimiento miceliar, variación del pH y determinación del consumo de azúcares en el medio. Todos los medios de cultivos empleados (sólidos y líquidos) fueron ajustados a pH 5,8. Los resultados del estudio muestran un mayor incremento en velocidad media de crecimiento radial en el medio de cultivo BAF, mostrando diferencias significativas respecto al medio de cultivo MNM. La producción de biomasa miceliar en el medio líquido aumentó progresivamente a medida que avanzaban los días de incubación, induciendo ello una disminución moderada del pH del medio de cultivo, y un aumento en el consumo de azúcar producto del crecimiento del hongo

An analysis of the variables that provide a supply chain with sustainable competitiveness

Objeto: Una cadena de suministro (CS) ágil, adaptable y alineada (Triple A) parece clave para la obtención de ventajas competitivas sostenibles. Sin embargo, hay escasa investigación previa sobre el tema, observándose incluso discrepancias a nivel conceptual. Por ello, el objetivo del presente trabajo es proponer un marco de referencia que determine las dimensiones y factores que definen la agilidad, adaptabilidad y alineación en la CS y facilite a los gestores e investigadores la evaluación del estado de la misma en lo que respecta a estas variables, así como el desarrollo de investigaciones empíricas que determinen su impacto en el rendimiento. Diseño/metodología/enfoque: Se realiza una revisión sistemática de bibliografía en revistas especializadas en Dirección de Operaciones, Logística, Administración y Gestión de la Cadena de Suministro utilizando la base de datos ABI/Inform. Los artículos obtenidos fueron revisados, seleccionándose los relevantes para este estudio. Con ellos se realizó un análisis cualitativo que nos llevó a la consecución del objetivo planteado. Aportaciones y resultados: En la presente investigación se establecen y agrupan, por primera vez, las definiciones, dimensiones y factores de la triple A en la CS, ofreciendo un marco conceptual que apoyará a investigadores y gestores a evaluar el desempeño de la CS. Aunque los artículos que analizan alguna de estas variables van en aumento, siguen siendo escasos. La agilidad es la variable más estudiada, siendo la adaptabilidad la menos analizada. Limitaciones / implicaciones: Se propone un marco de referencia teórico para la triple A en la CS construido a partir de estudios previos que no evalúan de manera conjunta las tres variables. El modelo será analizado empíricamente en futuras investigaciones. Originalidad / Valor añadido: La escasez de trabajos sobre agilidad, adaptabilidad y alineación en la CS, así como la falta de consenso respecto a las dimensiones y factores que las definen, hacen necesarios estudios como el que se presenta.Purpose: An agile, adaptable and aligned (Triple A) supply chain (SC) would seem to be key to obtaining sustainable competitive advantages. Little previous research has been done into the topic, however, and there are even discrepancies on the conceptual level. For this reason this study aims to propose a reference framework to determine the dimensions and factors that define agility, adaptability and alignment in the SC and to facilitate both the evaluation of its state by managers and researchers with respect to these variables and also the development of empirical research that determines its impact on performance. Design/methodology: A systematic literature review was carried out of specialist Operations Management, Logistics, Management and Supply Chain Management journals using the ProQuest (Abi/Inform Global) database. The articles retrieved were examined and those that were relevant for this study were selected. Using these, a qualitative analysis was done that led to the proposed goal being achieved. Findings: This study sets out the definitions, dimensions and factors of the three variables and groups them together for the first time, thus providing a solid conceptual frame. Although the number of articles that analyse one or other of the variables is growing, it is still low. Agility is the variable on which most research has been done, while adaptability is the least analysed. Research limitations/implications: A theoretical reference framework is proposed for the Triple A in the SC based on earlier studies which do not discuss the joint effect of three variables, as a result of which there is no tested theoretical base. The model will be analysed empirically in future research. Originality/value: The lack of papers on agility, adaptability and alignment in the supply chain and the lack of a consensus regarding the dimensions and factors to define them reveal a need for studies such as this.Peer Reviewe

Utilización de inmunoreacciones para la detección de Scrapie en Óbex de ovinos provenientes de la XII Región de Chile

Scrapie is an neurodegenerative and infectious disease that affects sheep and goats. The purpose of this study is to compare both tecniques, ELISA and IHC, to determine the application factibility giving the conditions of the laboratory in the country. To develop this assay, fourty obex samples were taken from sheep of the XII Region of Chile and were processed for both techniques ELISA and IHC. The results showed 100% of the samples negative for Scrapie, using both diagnostic methods. Based in obtained and previously reported results, ELISA technique can be recommended to use in massive screening, since yields reliable and rapid test results and IHC is a confirmatory technique. Both techniques are necessary in the creation of current epidemiological surveillance programs in Chile. ELISA and IHC are easily performed given the current laboratories conditions of the Chilean country.    El Scrapie es una enfermedad infecciosa neurodegenerativa que afecta a ovinos y caprinos. Dada la importancia que tiene esta enfermedad es que se desarrolló este estudio enmarcado en la comparación de la técnica de ELISA y la de inmunohistoquímica en el diagnóstico de Scrapie, para determinar la factibilidad de aplicarlas en las condiciones de laboratorio país. Para ello se procesaron 40 muestras de óbex de ovinos en duplicado, provenientes de la XII Región de Chile, las cuales fueron sometidas paralelamente a la técnica de ELISA e IHQ. Como resultados se obtuvo un 100% de muestras negativas a Scrapie, sometidas a ambos métodos diagnósticos. Con los valores informados previamente y los obtenidos en esta investigación, es posible recomendar el ELISA como una técnica utilizable en muestreos masivos, ya que aporta resultados confiables de manera más rápida. La IHQ corresponde a una técnica confirmatoria y que ambas, son necesarias en la creación de programas de vigilancia epidemiológica activa en Chile, siendo factibles de realizar en las actuales condiciones de laboratorio país.  

Social Impact of Renewable Energy Sources in the Province of Loja

In the future energy development of the planet, renewable energies are decisive, because of the benefits that these entail in their use, besides being inexhaustible; These are used in different ways, in heating in electrical energy, electrochemistry, among others. These energy sources in its implementation have had a social impact by generating jobs, improving the quality of life in remote areas, improving health by reducing pollution; In addition to the levels of knowledge reached not only by professionals but also the population in general. In Ecuador, during the last 10 years, in the introduction of renewable energies, fundamentally hydraulic projects have been worked on. Which four are already in operation, this is how the country has been consolidated, being one of the most energy-rich in the region, in the same way, this has generated sources of work for many people; besides avoiding large pollution to the atmosphere. In the province of Loja, a wind farm, photovoltaic power plants are deployed, and public lighting with photovoltaic systems is used in some sectors of the City. The objective of the work is to demonstrate the social impact that the introduction of these technologies has had in the province of Loja, not only in the social sphere but also cultural, economic, environmental and tourist

Barrios en transición

El proyecto de investigación acción participativa Barrios en Transición se enmarca en el Movimiento de transición, con origen en el Reino Unido [1], que viene generando a nivel mundial un creciente número de iniciativas ciudadanas e institucionales, articuladas en red y vinculadas a la idea de comunidades, ciudades, pueblos, barrios o bosques en transición hacia un modelo de civilización post-carbono. Esta corriente de pensamiento, que ha confluido con el movimiento del decrecimiento [2] [3], con origen en Francia, plantea un "mapa de ruta" para un futuro sostenible de la ciudad a través de una serie de adaptaciones en los ámbitos de la producción y gestión de la energía, el agua, la salud, la educación, la economía y la agricultura dirigidas a incrementar la autonomía, reducir las emisiones de CO2 e incrementar la resiliencia a los cambios de la comunidades. Estas iniciativas, que se mueven de abajo a arriba, están llamadas a encontrarse con las iniciativas que, partiendo desde el marco institucional, desde arriba hacia abajo, plantean las bases de un nuevo urbanismo sostenible y participativo con un enfoque integrado del desarrollo urbano. (Carta de Aalborg de 1994, Carta de Leipzig de 2007, Red de ciudades sostenibles). Planteamos como hipótesis que es necesaria y posible la confluencia de ambos movimientos sobre la base de una nueva generación de políticas urbanas y de revitalización de barrios basada en la cogestión entre la iniciativa social y la administración pública. Para ello la investigación plantea como metodología el estudio de casos y la puesta en marcha de una experiencia piloto de cogestión de barrios en transición en Alcosa (Sevilla) y otra en Casería de Montijo (Granada). El proyecto plantea la interacción entre siete ejes de actuación: Vivienda, Espacio público, Accesibilidad y Movilidad, Soberanía alimentaria, Soberanía financiera y económica del bien común, agua, energía y economía local, soberanía energética y mejora ambiental y educación socioambiental. Nos proponemos investigar sobre la capacidad de acciones de pequeña escala y alcance inmediato, interrelacionadas, para generar procesos de círculos virtuosos que permitan avanzar hacia barrios más habitables, más cohesionados, más vivos, más participativos, con comunidades más fuertes que emprendan medidas para mejorar sus barrios reduciendo su huella de carbono al tiempo que desarrollan la economía de barrio y fortalecen la comunidad

Thermographic imaging in sports and exercise medicine: A Delphi study and consensus statement on the measurement of human skin temperature

This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Elsevier in Journal of Thermal Biology on 18/07/2017, available online: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2017.07.006 The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.© 2017 Elsevier Ltd The importance of using infrared thermography (IRT) to assess skin temperature (tsk) is increasing in clinical settings. Recently, its use has been increasing in sports and exercise medicine; however, no consensus guideline exists to address the methods for collecting data in such situations. The aim of this study was to develop a checklist for the collection of tsk using IRT in sports and exercise medicine. We carried out a Delphi study to set a checklist based on consensus agreement from leading experts in the field. Panelists (n  =  24) representing the areas of sport science (n = 8; 33%), physiology (n = 7; 29%), physiotherapy (n = 3; 13%) and medicine (n = 6; 25%), from 13 different countries completed the Delphi process. An initial list of 16 points was proposed which was rated and commented on by panelists in three rounds of anonymous surveys following a standard Delphi procedure. The panel reached consensus on 15 items which encompassed the participants’ demographic information, camera/room or environment setup and recording/analysis of tsk using IRT. The results of the Delphi produced the checklist entitled “Thermographic Imaging in Sports and Exercise Medicine (TISEM)” which is a proposal to standardize the collection and analysis of tsk data using IRT. It is intended that the TISEM can also be applied to evaluate bias in thermographic studies and to guide practitioners in the use of this technique.Published versio