Modeling the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies in the Cypriot manufacturing industry

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.For the Cyprus Manufacturing Industry, previously committed to the production of medium quality standard products, the increased and changing nature of competitive pressures represents a fundamental challenge. The major problems the Cyprus manufacturing industry is facing appear to be labour shortages, together with low product competitiveness and poor production organization. It is widely believed that the introduction of Advanced Manufacturing technologies (AMTs) offers a means of resolving the above problems but their implementation is a risky venture. The main objective of the study was to examine the implementation of AMTs in the Cyprus Manufacturing Industry, identify the factors leading to successful application of these technologies and based on these factors develop an integrated process plan to facilitate their successful implementation. A survey was conducted on a sample of 40 companies using personal interviews based on a purpose designed comprehensive questionnaire. The questionnaire encompassed the international trends in the management and implementation of AMT. Successes and failures have been considered in terms of the Technical, Manufacturing and the Business aspects and influences of each technology. It has been found that the most important factors contributing to the successful implementation of AMT were the level of long term planning, the fitness level of AMT in the existing processes and the attention given to infrastructure preparation and human resource development. Based on the success factors identified an integrated planning model has been developed. The model incorporates all the planning procedures and implementation parameters to be followed in order to ensure successful AMT adoption and implementation. The model addresses the three main stages of AMT adoption and implementation: (a) the planning phase, (b) the selection, transfer and pre-implementation phase and (c) the post implementation phase. For each phase the steps to be followed are fully explored and analysed. Finally the usefulness of the model in facilitating the successful application of AMT is illustrated through two case studies

Factors affecting the innovation process in the Cypriot food and beverage industry

The Food and Beverage industry, a leading sector of the Cypriot manufacturing industry is under investigation in our study. The influence of innovation as a development vehicle is considered and factors affecting it have been investigated. In order to define and introduce these factors affecting innovation in the Cypriot manufacturing sector a nationwide survey is carried out. All five prefectures (Nicosia, Ammochostos, Limasol, Larnaca and Paphos) are covered and a sample of 5% of the whole Food and Beverage sector is surveyed. A closed questionnaire, made of five sections is used in order to collect information that will be used in a second stage in order to introduce the innovation factors affecting industrial development. The results illustrate the gradual adoption of a pro-innovation culture in the Cypriot Food and Beverage Industry. Among others it was shown, that companies that have proceeded with product innovation, process innovation and organizational innovation have experienced the impact of innovation on their organizational performance.peer-reviewe

Lean Supply Chain Management and its Impact on Competitiveness

Due to the increased competition in the business environment and the constant changes in consumer demands and needs, companies should be characterized by adaptability, flexibility, as well as strategic and operational alignment between the different links in their supply chain. However, knowledge is inadequate about the way in which lean supply chain management should be implemented. Such knowledge is more limited even in some developed countries. The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between the implementation of lean supply chain management and business competitiveness. To achieve this, a survey was distributed to businesses of the Greek economy that currently goes under major changes. One important finding was that lean supply chain management leads to a strong competitive advantage, especially through cost and waste reduction. Further, it was found that lean supply chain management results in meeting customer requirements, increased profitability, reduction of inventory levels, the introduction of just-in-time systems and increased sustainability. However, organizational structure, employees’ resistance to change, organization’s rules, procedures and policies, as well as lack of robust and professional relationships with suppliers, are obstacles to be overcome when implementing lean supply chain management systems

Managing household electricity consumption: a correlational, regression analysis

Managing household electricity consumption plays an important role in the overall energy management spectrum. This paper presents an analysis of the main factors that contribute to household electricity consumption. Emphasis is given on consumer behaviour in relation to household characteristics. For this purpose, primary data is collected via a survey study from a representative sample of households. The data were analysed using correlational as well as regression analysis methods. It was found that electricity consumption is a social phenomenon, with economic and technological dimensions. Further, it was verified that energy-saving techniques such as insulation, modern building materials and renewable energy make a significant difference in the electricity cost. Moreover, specific types of electrical appliances are highly correlated with electricity consumption

Modelling the outsourcing process in small and medium size enterprises

It is apparent that the organisational units enjoy competitive advantage by considering the degree of vertical integration and more specifically outsourcing as a major strategic decision. The article investigates the degree of outsourcing that exists in the Cyprus manufacturing industry and seeks to examine the management process and practices followed in this outsourcing process. Special emphasis is given to the impact of the level of outsourcing on the company competitiveness. Primary data are collected using personally administered questionnaires. The results reveal that reduction of production time, increased quality of finished goods and reduction of distribution time were indicated as the most important objectives of the outsourcing effort. The top driver for outsourcing was to reduce operational costs with focusing on core competencies coming second and the driver of enhanced flexibility coming third. As to the factors hindering the outsourcing process, the analysis suggests that dependence on the supplier was the most important factor hindering outsourcing activities. The second most important was the risk that is linked with hidden cost and third the risk linked to the service provider's deficient capabilities. The regression models indicated the importance of 'outsourcing provider characteristics' in the achievement of the competitive priorities of cost and high performance design.competitiveness; outsourcing; performance measurement; small and medium-size enterprises; SMEs; modelling; Cyprus; manufacturing industry.

Effects of air embolism size and location on porcine hepatic microcirculation in machine perfusion

The handling of donor organs frequently introduces air into the microvasculature, but little is known about the extent of the damage caused as a function of the embolism size and distribution. Here we introduced embolisms of different sizes into the portal vein, the hepatic artery, or both during the flushing stage of porcine liver procurement. The outcomes were evaluated during 3 hours of machine perfusion and were compared to the outcomes of livers with no embolisms. Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCEUS) was used to assess the perfusion quality, and it demonstrated that embolisms tended to flow mostly into the left lobe, occasionally into the right lobe, and rarely into the caudate lobe. Major embolisms could disrupt the flow entirely, whereas minor embolisms resulted in reduced or heterogeneous flow. Embolisms occasionally migrated to different regions of the same lobe and, regardless of their size, caused a general deterioration in the flow over time. Histological damage resulted primarily when both vessels of the liver were compromised, whereas bile production was diminished in livers that had arterial embolisms. Air embolisms produced a dose-dependent increase in vascular resistance and a decline in oxygen consumption. This is the first article to quantify the impact of air embolisms on microcirculation in an experimental model, and it demonstrates that air embolisms have the capacity to degrade the integrity of donor organs. The extent of organ damage is strongly dependent on the size and distribution of air embolisms. The diagnosis of embolism severity can be safely and easily made with DCEUS