Theory of constraints (TOC) production and manufacturing performance

This paper is based on an empirical study of the relationship between Theory of Constraints (TOC) production and operational performance in manufacturing plants. The study uses a survey questionnaire to collect data from a sample of 61 European firms which have implemented the TOC approach. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique and regression models have been employed to test the research hypotheses. The results detect many differences and similarities in adoption of TOC practices across the countries and suggest that manufacturing managers should consider adopting some TOC practices instead of others. In particular the Drum-buffer-rope methodology, the development of a Master Production Schedule based on constraints and the use of Non-constraint resources with excess capacity are among the most important practices to enhance competitive performance of manufacturing plants

Enablers and Constraints in Implementing Lean Manufacturing: evidence from Brazilian SMEs

Lean Manufacturing has revolutionized the global manufacturing environment at an unprecedented rate. In scholarly and managerial literature, many works have reported that Lean Manufacturing is a very efficient approach and a straightforward way towards process improvements, in terms of productivity and value adding activities ratio. However, many studies on Lean Manufacturing have highlighted many problems in its implementation. The analysis carried out within the research project is aimed to the factors enabling or constraining the Lean Transformation of a firm’s production system, along with the most relevant tools or practices to be applied. The research methodology used is the so-called “Normative Delphi” with a panel formed by 32 experts coming from 16 Brazilian SMEs. Our results are partially consistent with what has already been discussed in the literature and we found that the most relevant tools/practices are: value stream mapping, 5S methodology, and Kaizen (Gemba walks); the top three enabling factors are: knowledge and sponsorship of senior management, focus on continuous improvement, and employee development fostered by the company; finally, the main critical constraints are: little support from the top management, resistance to change by middle management, and poor or non-qualified Lean training activities

Formaldehyde in Hospitals Induces Oxidative Stress: The Role of GSTT1 and GSTM1 Polymorphisms

Despite the toxicity and health risk characteristics of formaldehyde (FA), it is currently used as a cytological fixative and the definition of safe exposure levels is still a matter of debate. Our aim was to investigate the alterations in both oxidative and inflammatory status in a hospital working population. The 68 workers recruited wore a personal air-FA passive sampler, provided a urine sample to measure 15-F2t-Isoprostane (15-F2t-IsoP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and a blood specimen to measure tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα). Subjects were also genotyped for GSTT1 (Presence/Absence), GSTM1 (Presence/Absence), CYP1A1 exon 7 (A > G), and IL6 (−174, G > C). Workers were ex post split into formalin-employers (57.3 μg/m3) and non-employers (13.5 μg/m3). In the formalin-employers group we assessed significantly higher levels of 15-F2t-IsoP, MDA and TNFα (2t-IsoP (p = 0.027) and MDA (p GSTT1 Null (p = 0.038), GSTM1 Null (p = 0.031), and CYP1A1 exon 7 mutation carrier (p = 0.008) workers, compared to the wild type subjects. This study confirms the role of FA in biomolecular profiles alterations, highlighting how low occupational exposure can also result in measurable biological outcomes

A novel interpretation of Service Management in the perspective of Lean Production

The culture and the operational methods of service management (SM) have become a formidable competitive weapon even for manufacturing firms. The term "service factory" has been proposed for identifying that particular integration of products and services, achieved by the excellent manufacturing firm. On the other hand, Lean Production (LP) emerged as one of the most popular topics in business and manufacturing literature. Since the cardinal work of the International Motor Vehicle Program at MIT several companies have gained superior performances by adopting the Toyota Production System. Lean production is seen as the third step in an historical progression, which took industry from the age of the craftsman through the methods of mass production and into an era that combined the best of both. Starting from the analysis of literature related to both the concept of service management and LP practices, the authors propose a novel interpretation of Service Management in the perspective of Lean Production. In the paper a matrix-based model is developed and highlights the relationships between the main practices that characterize Lean production with four distinctive features of Service Management. The model shows how the traditional characteristics of service factory underlie the functioning of Lean Production firms

A methodology to measure the value of services provided to customers in manufacturing firms

Purpose \u2013 The purpose of this paper is to illustrate a methodology which can be used: to establish clear customer needs/expectations, draw up a range of services in order to enhance customer satisfaction and to measure the real value of the services offered. Design/methodology/approach \u2013 The proposed methodology is based on the quality function deployment (QFD) procedure but it is much more simple to implement. Findings \u2013 The paper provides detailed information about how the proposed methodology works through an in-depth case study discussion. Research limitations/implications \u2013 The proposed methodology has been tested in a limited number of cases and has proved successful. It remains to analyse its more wide applicability. Originality/value \u2013 Firms seeking to meet customer expectations and requirements with personalized, flexible and increasingly comprehensive solutions have to convert their product strategies into product and service strategies. The proposed methodology is a valuable tool to support this approach. Keywords Service industries, Quality function deployment, Case studies Paper type Case stud