COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS OF U.S. FOOD PROCESSING PLANTS

This paper presents a model-based approach for competitive analysis of manufacturing plants in the U. S. food processing industry. As part of this approach, plant competitiveness is measured using Operational Competitiveness Ratings Analysis (OCRA) -- a new non-parametric method of computing relative inefficiency. Drivers of competitiveness are identified in terms of policies related to plant structure and infrastructure. Policies related to plant structure are those decisions that are related with "bricks and mortar" and have long term implications, such as decisions related to plant size and capacity. Policies related to plant infrastructure are decisions related to how the " bricks and mortar" are used. These policies are typically under the direct control of the operations managers and have a short-term orientation, such as decisions related to equipment, quality, inventory, workforce and confusion-engendering activities (e.g. new product introductions and product variety). The empirical analysis is based on detailed cross-sectional data on 20 processed food manufacturing plants. With respect to plant structure, the results suggest that small sized food processing plants are competitive, and both capacity underutilization and overutilization are detrimental to plant competitiveness. Among the significant results with respect to plant infrastructure, equipment maintenance, quality management programs, packaging supplies inventory, workforce training and product variety are positively associated with plant competitiveness. The results also suggest that introduction of new products disrupts plant operations, at least in the short run, and is negatively associated with plant competitiveness.Agribusiness,

Conservative non-surgical management of a large periapical lesion using a calcium hydroxide based sealer for obturation: a case report

Introduction: Periapical lesions often result following dental caries, pulpal infection or trauma. Their management may include both sugicl and non-surgical endodontic management. Case report: The aim of this case report was to report the successful non-surgical management of a large periapical lesion in relation to maxillary right central and lateral incisors using calcium hydroxide based sealer Sealapex for obturation. The case was periodically reviewed and showed signs of almost complete periapical healing after six months. Discussion: Traditionally, calcium hydroxide is the material of choice for inducing periapical healing when used as an intracanal medicament or as a root canal sealer. In this case, the non-surgical healing of the large periapical lesions using a calcium hydroxide based sealer provided favorable clinical and radiographic response. Conclusion: The calcium hydroxide based sealer when used for obturation in non-surgical management of a large perapical lesion showed a successful treatment outcome

Plan to Fail

PresentationThe process industry has widely adopted the Functional Safety Standards IEC61508 [1] and IEC61511 [2] for achieving the Functional Safety. These standards lay the framework for achieving functional safety by considering the entire life-cycle of the safety instrumented system (SIS). Typical SIS safety life-cycle phases and functional safety assessment stages are illustrated in Figure-7 of IEC61511-1 [2]. The design and engineering of the SIS are most often focused on achieving the required risk reduction for the safety instrumented functions (SIF). However, with this single minded focus, the design and engineering of the SIS frequently progresses without a well thought out safety plan. “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail – Benjamin Franklin”. Taking cues from this quote, this paper, “Plan to Fail?” intends to draw attention to importance of having a well understood ‘Safety Plan’ in place. The standards provide guidance for the development of a safety plan. However it is imperative for the functional safety team to ensure that it is aligned with the particular project under consideration. This means establishing goals and concepts early in the project schedule. The plan would then be updated as more details are known and hence be more effectively deployed during each phase of the safety life-cycle

Service Characteristics and Yellow Pages Advertising Effectiveness

Advertising  in the Yellow Pages often  constitutes an important  component  of promotional  strategy for many small businesses. For some, these directories may be their sole means of advertising. This stud y examines the role of consumer Yellow Pages in the information search patterns  of  an  increasingly important market segment , young adults, for a selected group of ten services. Findings from this stud y suggest that Yellow Pages are more likely to be used as an information source when subjects are searching for certain services than for other services. Furthermore, results indicate that certain characteristics of a service may influence the likelihood of a consumer consulting these directories. Practical implications on how to make the most out of  Yellow Pages advertising are discussed