Designing a ‘concept of operations’ architecture for next-generation multi-organisational service networks

Networked service organisations are increasingly adopting a ‘smarter networking’ philosophy in their design of more agile and customer-focused supply models. Changing consumer behaviours and the emergence of transformative technologies—industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, the Internet of Things—are driving a series of innovations, in terms of ‘products’ and business models, with major implications for the industrial enterprise, in their design of more ‘digitalised’ supply chains. For B2B systems, emerging ‘product-service’ offerings are requiring greater visibility, alignment and integration across an increasingly complex network of multiple partners and collaborators, in order to deliver a better service and customer ‘experience’. To support the design and operation of these multi-organisational service networks, we outline a concept of operations architecture here, underpinned by the literature and network theory, and demonstrate application using a series of exemplar case studies. Focusing on relational elements and the processes key to network integration within service supply networks, the cases inform a set of operating principles and protocols—applicable to all stakeholders ‘cooperating’, within a ‘shared’ environment. Equally critical is to understand how digital technologies may influence future operating philosophies. This article extends our theoretical understanding of network organisations, from a traditional ‘product’ perspective to that of ‘services’, and presents the case for developing a common, unified approach to designing diverse forms of multi-partner service networks.This is the final version of the article. It first appeared from Springer via https://doi.org/ 10.1007/s00146-016-0664-

Characteristics of redistributed manufacturing systems: a comparative study of emerging industry supply networks

This paper explores the characteristics of redistributed manufacturing systems within the context of emerging industry supply networks (EI SNs), with a particular focus on their structure, operations and reconfiguration dynamics. A number of factors have resulted in the redistribution of manufacturing. Within Emerging Industries, advances in process and information technologies, have changed the physical and information characteristics of components and products, and the viable production economies of scale. Further, the emergence of new specialised companies fulfilling key research, production or service roles have changed industry structure and operations, and the conventional model of value creation. Six industrial systems are examined using an Industrial System mapping methodology providing a basis for cross-case analysis, selected on the basis of representing alternative and novel evolution paths that may provide insights into the characteristics of EI SNs within a redistributed manufacturing context. Cross-case analysis suggests several generic aspects to EI SNs, including the blurring of traditional industry boundaries and the critical requirement to manage uncertainty. Alternative forms of EI SNs are observed supporting particular EI evolution paths. Further, more adaptive SNs support increased product variety, with lower inventory models enabled by enhanced production and distribution flexibility, often located closer to demand.The authors would like to acknowledge UK Research Council EPSRC, the industrial collaborators who provided access to their organisations, and their supply network, industrial and institutional partners.This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Taylor & Francis via http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2016.121476

Evaluating the potential for the continuous processing of pharmaceutical products-a supply network perspective

This paper presents an approach to evaluating the potential supply chain benefits of adopting continuous processing technologies for a diverse set of pharmaceutical products. The approach integrates upstream ‘continuous’ processing considerations for the production of active ingredients and final product formulation, with the downstream implications for packing and distribution. Currently, these upstream and downstream operations largely operate as decoupled operations with independent coordination and governance mechanisms, and the approach presented in this paper identifies opportunities for more case-specific integrated end-to-end supply chains enabled by continuous flow technologies. Three specific product (and corresponding processing technology) case studies are used to demonstrate the utility of the approach in assessing the supply network and system integration opportunities that emerge from the continuous processing of pharmaceutical products.We would like to acknowledge the support from the UK’s EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Continuous Manufacturing and Crystallisation, and the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI) programme Remedies Project.This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cep.2015.07.01

Exploring Generalisations for Sustainability Assessment in Medicine Manufacturing Networks

Generalisations or ‘rules of thumb’ are widely used in industry to make initial assessments on the sustainability impacts of products. This paper re-examines the principles underpinning these generalisations in assessing the environmental impacts of medicine manufacturing network configurations. Each principle is illustrated through the application of selected methods, tools, and data using an exemplar case of a major non-proprietary analgesic. The findings identify the kind of generalised knowledge claims that are possible using alternative approaches, and which methodological issues may aris

Understanding stages of supply network emergence in technology commercialisation

This research explores different 'modes' of supply network emergence that may exist in the process of technology commercialisation, and examines how key actors and enterprises design and re-configure their emerging and existing networks. A generic 'stages' model to better understand supply network evolution - in the context of emerging technologies - is developed, based on existing commercialisation case studies, and underpinned by industrial emergence and network theory. The aims of the model are two-fold, namely, to extend theoretical understanding of 'stages' and 'emergence' from a traditional technology and product perspective towards that of supply networks, and to inform existing network analysis approaches (applicable for 'mature' industries) so as to better 'fit' nascent and emerging contexts. Indeed, it is argued that supply networks never quite reach a stage of 'maturity', as organisations continuously look to 're-configure' elements of their legacy networks, leveraging existing capabilities where possible, in response to changes in strategic priorities and the emergence of new market opportunities and threats. At the practice level, the 'stages' model informs how best to manage critical network resources - supporting the design of alternative business models, and associated supply network strategies, for transforming new technologies into marketable products.EPSRC (EP/E001769/1) EPSRC (via University of Strathclyde) (EP/P006965/1

Pharmaceutical supply chain models: A synthesis from a systems view of operations research

This research evaluates reconfiguration opportunities in Pharmaceutical Supply Chains (PSC) resulting from technology interventions in manufacturing, and new, more patient-centric delivery models. A critical synthesis of the academic and practice literature is used to identify, conceptualise, analyse and categorise PSC models. From a theoretical perspective, a systems view of operations research is adopted to provide insights on a broader range of OR activities, from conceptual to mathematical modelling and model solving, up to implementation. The research demonstrates that: 1) current definitions of the PSC are largely production-centric and fail to capture patient consumption, and hence healthcare outcomes; 2) most PSC mathematical models lack adequate conceptualisation of the structure and behaviour of the supply chain, and the boundary conditions that need to be considered for a given problem; 3) models do not adequately specify current unit operations or future production technology options, and are therefore unable to address the critical questions around alternative product or process technologies; 4) economic evaluations are limited to direct costing, rather than systemic approaches such as supply chain costing and total cost of ownership. While current models of the PSC may help with the optimisation of specific unit operations, their theoretical benefits could be offset by the dynamics of complex upstream (supply) and downstream (distribution and healthcare delivery) systems. To overcome these limitations, this research provides initial directions towards an integrated systems approach to PSC modelling. This perspective involves problem conceptualisation and boundary definition; design, formulation and solution of mathematical models, through to practical implementation of identified solutions. For both academics and practitioners, research findings suggest a systems approach to PSC modelling can provide improved conceptualisation and evaluation of alternative technologies, and supply network configuration options.Support from the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (grant no. 35708-233529, ReMediES—Reconfiguring Medicines End-to-End Supply), and the EPSRC Future Continuous Manufacturing and Advanced Crystallisation (CMAC) Research Hub (grant no. EP/P006965/1) is gratefully acknowledged

Knowledge management in SMEs and MNCs: matching knowledge mobility mechanisms to supply network configuration profiles

While ‘knowledge mobility’ presents significantly different challenges for SMEs and MNCs, it is strongly influenced by two common factors: the type of knowledge to be integrated and the configuration of the operations network. Only by understanding the various types of knowledge and how they - and the configuration profile of the network (Nascent, Emerging, or Mature; Local, Regional, or Global; SME or MNC) – affect how knowledge is shared, can a proactive and integrated approach to knowledge management be developed. This study specifically examines knowledge transfer mechanisms in knowledge intensive manufacturing firms and across their networks. Here, both SMEs and MNCs are required to make critical decisions about the ‘level’ of collaboration and knowledge sharing with network partners - whether it should be purely transactional or more strategic. A network configuration framework is extended to incorporate knowledge-specific dimensions of analysis, derived from the academic literature on stages of emergence and knowledge transfer theory, and supported by a review of knowledge integration mechanisms in practice. This was supported by benchmarking exercises involving a series of multi-organisational network cases with different types of SME-SME and MNC-SME interactions, and gaining insights on factors that will affect future Knowledge Mobility Configurations through a series of industrial case studies. The resulting Knowledge Mobility Configuration (KMC) framework was tested and refined using five case studies indicative of a growing shift towards information and knowledge-intensive activities – involving production and supply network ‘partners’ - in both SME and MNC contexts. In terms of contribution, there has been limited empirical research to-date into the determinants of successful knowledge transfers in MNC-SME network contexts. The network configuration element of the KMC framework provides insights on how such networks evolve, and how specific knowledge mobility profiles may evolve over time. Our findings demonstrate the critical role of knowledge management in internationalisation, and that skills, knowledge, technology and organisational processes are integral to any emerging network design criteria and/or ‘capability’ acquisition assessment. The choice of integration mechanism is not only influenced by the type of knowledge being ‘mobilised’, but also by industrial context and the maturity of the network within which the knowledge is being shared. This more nuanced approach may be used as a basis for a proactive and differentiated approach to knowledge mobility and integration across SME and MNC networks

Programmed DNA destruction by miniature CRISPR-Cas14 enzymes.

CRISPR-Cas systems provide microbes with adaptive immunity to infectious nucleic acids and are widely employed as genome editing tools. These tools use RNA-guided Cas proteins whose large size (950 to 1400 amino acids) has been considered essential to their specific DNA- or RNA-targeting activities. Here we present a set of CRISPR-Cas systems from uncultivated archaea that contain Cas14, a family of exceptionally compact RNA-guided nucleases (400 to 700 amino acids). Despite their small size, Cas14 proteins are capable of targeted single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) cleavage without restrictive sequence requirements. Moreover, target recognition by Cas14 triggers nonspecific cutting of ssDNA molecules, an activity that enables high-fidelity single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping (Cas14-DETECTR). Metagenomic data show that multiple CRISPR-Cas14 systems evolved independently and suggest a potential evolutionary origin of single-effector CRISPR-based adaptive immunity

How is rape a weapon of war?: feminist international relations, modes of critical explanation and the study of wartime sexual violence

Rape is a weapon of war. Establishing this now common claim has been an achievement of feminist scholarship and activism and reveals wartime sexual violence as a social act marked by gendered power. But the consensus that rape is a weapon of war obscures important, and frequently unacknowledged, differences in ways of understanding and explaining it. This article opens these differences to analysis. Drawing on recent debates regarding the philosophy of social science in IR and social theory, it interprets feminist accounts of wartime sexual violence in terms of modes of critical explanation – expansive styles of reasoning that foreground particular actors, mechanisms, reasons and stories in the formulation of research. The idea of a mode of critical explanation is expanded upon through a discussion of the role of three elements (analytical wagers, narrative scripts and normative orientations) which accomplish the theoretical work of modes. Substantive feminist accounts of wartime sexual violence are then differentiated in terms of three modes – of instrumentality, unreason and mythology – which implicitly structure different understandings of how rape might be a weapon of war. These modes shape political and ethical projects and so impact not only on questions of scholarly content but also on the ways in which we attempt to mitigate and abolish war rape. Thinking in terms of feminist modes of critical explanation consequently encourages further work in an unfolding research agenda. It clarifes the ways in which an apparently commonality of position can conceal meaningful disagreements about human action. Exposing these disagreements opens up new possibilities for the analysis of war rape