Survey-Guided Change in Ship Design and Production: Prospects and Limitations

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/116046/1/39015075508526.pd

Lean job design and musculoskeletal disorder risk: A two plant comparison

This study examined the relationship between lean job design and work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk factors. Repetition, force, and posture were assessed for a sample of 56 production jobs across departments at a lean automobile-manufacturing plant and compared to 56 similar jobs at a traditional automobile-manufacturing plant. The results showed greater productivity in the lean plant: less waiting ( p = .006) and walking ( p < .001); and greater repetition exposure ( p = .001). The mean rating for repetition was 5.5 in the lean plant, compared to 5.0 in the traditional plant based on the Latko (1997) hand activity level scale. However, the lean plant had significantly lower peak hand force ratings ( p = .01). When examining force and repetition combined, the lean plant had a lower percentage of jobs above the American Conference for Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)-recommended Threshold Limit Value (TLV ® ). The findings suggest that lean manufacturing does not necessarily increase workers' risk for WMSD injuries. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/63064/1/20159_ftp.pd

Technology adoption in the BIM implementation for lean architectural practice

Justification for Research: the construction companies are facing barriers and challenges in BIM adoption as there is no clear guidance or best practice studies from which they can learn and build up their capacity for BIM use in order to increase productivity, efficiency, quality, and to attain competitive advantages in the global market and to achieve the targets in environmental sustainability. Purpose: this paper aims to explain a comprehensive and systemic evaluation and assessment of the relevant BIM technologies as part of the BIM adoption and implementation to demonstrate how efficiency gains have been achieved towards a lean architectural practice. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research is undertaken through a KTP (Knowledge transfer Partnership) project between the University of Salford and the John McCall Architects based in Liverpool, which is an SME (Small Medium Enterprise). The overall aim of KTP is to develop Lean Design Practice through the BIM adoption and implementation. The overall BIM implementation approach uses a socio-technical view in which it does not only consider the implementation of technology but also considers the socio-cultural environment that provides the context for its implementation. The technology adoption methodology within the BIM implementation approach is the action research oriented qualitative and quantitative research for discovery, comparison, and experimentation as the KTP project with JMA provides an environment for “learning by doing” Findings: research has proved that BIM technology adoption should be undertaken with a bottom-up approach rather than top-down approach for successful change management and dealing with the resistance to change. As a result of the BIM technology adoption, efficiency gains are achieved through the piloting projects and the design process is improved through the elimination of wastes and value generation. Originality/Value: successful BIM adoption needs an implementation strategy. However, at operational level, it is imperative that professional guidelines are required as part of the implementation strategy. This paper introduces a systematic approach for BIM technology adoption based on a case study implementation and it demonstrates a guideline at operational level for other SME companies of architectural practices

EFFECT OF MC4R POLYMORPHISM ON PHYSIOLOGICAL STRESS RESPONSE IN PIGS

Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is a G-protein coupled receptor predominantly expressed in hypothalamic regions which are known for their roles in feeding behavior, energy homeostasis and HPA axis regulation. In this study, we analyzed the effect of a missense mutation (Asp298Asn) in the porcine MC4R gene on physiological stress response and carcass composition in pigs of two crosses: A (♀Duroc x ♂Swedish Landrace) x ♂Pietrain (n=25) and B (♀Swedish Landrace x ♂Large White) x ♂Pietrain (n=21). All pigs included in this study were heterozygous (Nn) for the stress syndrome gen. Blood samples were collected before loading and at exsanguinations to measure cortisol, lactate, glucose, serum enzymes activity and some haematological parameters. Because only one pig with AA genotype was observed, there was no indicated effect of this genotype on investigated parameters. The heterozygous (AG) pigs showed a lower increase (P<0.05) in CK and AST activity after exsanguinations as well as trend towards lower increase (P<0.10) in cortisol and lactate levels and higher increase (P<0.10) in RBC and haemoglobin content. Higher increase (P<0.05) in LDH activity was observed in GG homozygous pigs from group B, but not in pigs from group A. In addition, the heterozygous (AG) pigs had a higher backfat thickness and lower estimated lean (P<0.05) than homozygous (GG) pigs. These results may support a possible role of the MC4R Asp298Asn polymorphism in the genetic basis of stress response and economically important traits in pigs

Institutional conformity and technology implementation: A process model of ergonomics dissemination

This paper examines the process of implementation of work-place ergonomics within thirteen plants of the largest division of an automobile manufacturing firm. The process began as plants reacted with varying degrees of conformance to institutional pressures to utilize ergonomics in job design. While all thirteen plants to some degree "adopted" an ergonomics program, varied conformity reactions were manifested in different internal processes which in turn ledto different types and levels of implementation. A grounded theory approach was used to build an overall process model that encompasses all plants' processes. Based on the model, ergonomics adoption is viewed as a value-laden process. The internal organizational consequences are then discussed in terms of contrasting types of internal goals, strategic structures, and implementation approaches. Theoretical as well as practical implications of the model are presented. A new direction for future research in the field of technology adoption and implementation is proposed.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/29995/1/0000362.pd

Impacts of programmable manufacturing technology: A review of recent studies and contingency formulation

This paper reviews the literature on the social impacts of programmable manufacturing technology (PMT). Several perspectives on the social impact of technology are identified ranging from simple additive models that view technology as having a set of individual and independent causal impacts to a contingency perspective which views the impact of technology as dependent on technical and organizational characteristics. The paper statistically summarizes 30 empirical studies within the 1986-1990 period and finds common trends in findings as well as contradictory evidence. The common trends are that PMT tends to lead to more organic organizations, but also meets with negative employee attitudes, stress, and perceptions of reduced job security and mobility. The contradictory evidence is that most studies report simple, additive effects, while a substantial portion find that the impacts depend on a wide range of contingency variables. The authors argue that simplistic views of PMT as being a homogeneous set of technologies with uni-directional non-contingent social impacts is neither realistic nor useful. A number of future research directions in this area are suggested.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/30599/1/0000236.pd

Panel data and models of change: A comparison of first difference and conventional two-wave models

The method of first differences as an approach to modeling change is described and it is compared to more conventional two-wave panel models. Substantial advantages are found to the first-difference approach, especially if there are unmeasured, unchanging predictor variables in the model. It is also argued that there are substantial problems in the interpretation of results from the conventional two-wave models. Some of the analytic results are illustrated with a number of applications to the area of stressful life events.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/25740/1/0000300.pd

The strengths and limitations of lecture-based training in the acquisition of ergonomics knowledge and skill

A common approach to training designers of workplaces to incorporate ergonomic considerations in their designs is a two- to five-day course based primarily on lectures by experts. A quiz, designed to test the acquisition of ergonomics factual knowledge and skill in judging the degree of physical stress in various job configurations, was given to 147 participants before and after four days of a five-day short course based principally on lectures by university faculty and staff. The major findings were as follows. First, there was a considerable lack of factual knowledge and a high level of error in judging the level of stress prior to the training. Second, the training increased participants' factual knowledge but had little impact on their ability to accurately judge levels of stress in slides depicting real work situations. Third, participants' knowledge and skills before the training and their improvement as a result of the training were unrelated to prior education or training in ergonomics or experience with repetitive, manual work. These results are interpreted in light of prior research on design of effective health and safety training.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/28698/1/0000518.pd

The interaction of lean and building information modeling in construction

Lean construction and Building Information Modeling are quite different initiatives, but both are having profound impacts on the construction industry. A rigorous analysis of the myriad specific interactions between them indicates that a synergy exists which, if properly understood in theoretical terms, can be exploited to improve construction processes beyond the degree to which it might be improved by application of either of these paradigms independently. Using a matrix that juxtaposes BIM functionalities with prescriptive lean construction principles, fifty-six interactions have been identified, all but four of which represent constructive interaction. Although evidence for the majority of these has been found, the matrix is not considered complete, but rather a framework for research to explore the degree of validity of the interactions. Construction executives, managers, designers and developers of IT systems for construction can also benefit from the framework as an aid to recognizing the potential synergies when planning their lean and BIM adoption strategies