A framework of justification criteria for advanced manufacturing technology implementation in small and medium enterprises

Today in order to stay in businesses and prosper, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are seeking higher electiveness and competitiveness across the entire cycle of marketing, product design, manufacture, test and sales. SMEs play an increasingly important role in all aspects of competitiveness: both products and production techniques, but also management methods, the organization of the firm and human resources training. One of the ways by which SMEs can achieve a competitive advantage in manufacturing is through the implementation of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT). An increasing number of them have chosen and are choosing various levels of AMT as the solution. Realizing the importance of SMEs, an attempt has been made in this paper to review the application of AMT in SMEs. Also, a framework has been offered for the implementation of AMT in SMEs. Finally, a summary of findings and conclusions are presented

E-commerce and its impact in logistic management: A state of art

Logistics management is defined as that part of the supply chain process that plans, implements, and controls the efficient, effective flow and storage of goods, services, and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption in order to meet customers' requirements. Traditional logistical issues may be amplified by an e-commerce venture. Adopting e-commerce may greatly expand the marketplace. The organization needs to be concerned with its ability to deliver its product to potential customers. Realizing the importance of E-commerce in logistic management, an attempt has been made in this paper to review the existing literature with the objective to gain insights into the impact of E-commerce in logistic management. The advantages of the E-commerce in logistic management are offered. Finally, summary of findings and calculations are presented

Understanding inter-organizational decision coordination

This article develops a theoretical framework to investigate the interaction and coordination of decision-making processes in a supply chain with multiple and inter-dependent suppliers and customers. Design/Methodology/Approach: Three longitudinal case studies on the decision coordination processes between a European toy supplier and three retailers. Findings: The case studies found different mental models, decision-making behaviours, coordination behaviours and ordering behaviours even though the toy supplier and the three retailers observed quite the same material flow behaviours. The study found explanations for these diverse behaviours by analyzing the mental models and decision-making behaviours of each involved party. Originality/value: The findings explain the conditions which lead to undesirable mental models and decision-making behaviours which affect the coordination of decisions among supply chain members

Study on Precast Coconut Shell Concrete Beam-Column Junction Using M-Sand under Static Load

Coconut shell (CS) is one of the sustainable alternative aggregates and coconut shell concrete (CSC) was developed a decade earlier. Prefabricated conventional concrete (CC) and CSC using M-sand, and their research are very limited. Capacity and behavior of the joints are important in precast. Hence in this study, precast column-beam behavior of CSC elements was studied. Two different sizes 12 and 16 mm bolts and nuts connection were chosen and used to connect the precast elements. Also the same sectional details were used and specimens produced for combination with CC using M-sand (CCM). Specimen failure of both monolithic and prefabricated CSC using M-sand (CSCM) elements was typical structural failure and is comparable to that of CCM. Compared to CCM, high deflection was observed on CSCM element. No crack was developed on both CCM and CSCM prefabricated specimen. All elements were able to sustain their maximum potential for strain. Column-beam joint behavior of CSCM monolithic and prefabricated specimen behavior are comparable to that of CCM

Performance measurement of enablers of computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the industrialization process of many developed countries and play a crucial role in increasing a country's economy. To be able to survive and grow, SMEs must adopt strategic technologies and innovative management to survive. During the last two decades, several factors have forced global manufacturers to make dramatic changes in their products, markets, as well as business and manufacturing strategies. One of the way by which SMEs can achieve a competitive advantage in manufacturing is through the implementation of Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). An attempt has been made in this paper to study the performance measurement of enablers of CIM in SMEs through the empirical study conducted in the province of SIndh in Pakistan

Information technology and performance management for build-to-order supply chains

En las siguientes líneas se plantea un artículo de reflexión que tiene en cuenta parte del marco teórico que sustenta la investigación titulada “Prácticas pedagógicas que promueven la competencia argumentativa escrita (CAE) en niños campesinos de los grados 4° y 5° del Centro Educativo Municipal La Caldera, Sede Principal de Pasto”, desarrollada en el año 2012. En él se contemplan los aportes de las ciencias del lenguaje y la comunicación, la teoría de la argumentación, la didáctica de la lengua escrita y los géneros discursivos, que dan cuenta de la necesidad de desarrollar la capacidad crítica en los estudiantes a través de la argumentación, lo cual implica transformar las prácticas pedagógicas para que se alejen de la transmisión de conocimientos y den paso a la comunicación, para que la palabra escrita sea apropiada de manera significativa

Detergency Studies of Protease F1

Protease F1, a thermostable alkaline protease extracted from Bacillus stearothermophilus strain F1 was investigated for its soil removing properties. In this study the general purity of crude Protease F1 was first determined. Protease F1 was found to be free of lipase, cellulase and a.-amylase activities. The washing performance of crude Protease F1 was measured in terms of percentage soil removal and compared to a commercial enzyme, Savinase. The effects of various factors such as types of soil, washing temperature, enzyme activity, water hardness, pH, types of surfactants and builders on the washing performance of Protease F1 were measured. The washing performance was determined by stirring a type of soiled cloths in 1 liter solution of enzyme (with a fixed amount of activity) for 10 minutes, followed by 2x3 minutes rinsing. The difference in the whiteness of the soiled cloth before and after washing indicate the degree of soil removal (or detergency). Among the various types of soiled cloth studied, the one soiled with oil, pigment and milk (AS12) gave a better contrast when washed by the enzymes than the cloihs soiled by btood or the egg. Protease Fl washed better than Savinase at an the temperatures studied. The difference in performance was found to be greatest at 70˚C. washing efficacy was found to increase with increase in concentration of the enzymes lUl1il a certain level beyond which a drop in the percentage soil removal was observed. The enzymes performed better at lower water hardnesses. Generally Protease F1 was more sensitive to water hardness than Savinase. At room temperature (RT) and 50˚C, Savinase performed better at all pH's. However, at 70°C and pH 7 and 8, Protease F1 performed better. When formulated with surfactants or builders, Protease Fl was found to enhance the performance of surfactants while Savinase, the builders. The best washing performance was when enzymes, surfactant and builders were formulated together and the washings carried out at RT and 50˚C

Thin layer chromatographic separation of lipids

A chromatographic separation in general is a technique in which a mobile phase while passing over a stationary phase transports different substances with different velocities in the direction of flow. In the case of thin layer chromatography the stationary phase (an adsorbent such as silica gel, silicic acid or cellulose) is placed on a glass support. A processed sample is spotted onto the stationary phase and then placed into a chromatographic chamber containing a relevant solvent system (mobile phase). As the solvent rises through the adsorbent by absorption and capillary action, it tends to resolve the components of the sample. Electrostatic forces of the stationary phase act to retard the component in the sample as the mobile phase rises. This and the fact that the components have different solubilities in the mobile phase cause the individual components to move at different rates below the solvent front (Stahl, 1958)

Information systems evaluation: Mini-track introduction

abreast of technological innovations. Yet, companies are becoming more aware that a competitive advantage can not be achieved, or even maintained by utilizing the latest technology. Indeed, it is becoming more apparent that a strategic competitive advantage will not be achieved through embraced technology alone but, in the way companies approach the evaluation, management and exploitation of their human, organizational and technology based assets and infrastructure. In support of this, Sohal et al. (2001) reported the results of a large-scale survey that demonstrated the limited Information Technology (IT) enabled business benefits resulting in service and manufacturing sectors. The survey highlighted that many of the benefits achieved through adopting IT/IS were limited to improvements in productivity and cost alone. Clearly, such results are surprising given the emphasis the normative literature has placed on the strategic benefits achievable from IT/IS. As a result of the far reaching conclusions reported by Sohal et al. (2001), many organisational have begun to question the scope and depth of those IT-enabled business benefits that are not achieved by those companies proactively adopting IT/IS