Last Planner and Critical Chain in Construction Management: Comparative Analysis

This paper endeavours to compare the Last Planner System of production control and the Critical Chain production management method. This comparison is carried out in the context of construction management. The original prescription and the evolution of the practice are examined regarding both approaches, and the similarities and differences are noted. Based on these considerations, gaps in the two approaches are identified and the potential of a synthesis of them is explored

The Infrared Spectrum of Formyl Fluoride

Nine bands were observed in HOOF and thirteen DCOF. A rotational analysis was completed on five of the fundamental bands in each molecule. The ground state moments of inertia are internally consistent. The value of B which is quoted is actually B̅ = 1/2 (B+C). As the symmetric top approximation is used throughout, no information was obtained about the actual values of B and C themselves. We know, however, that they cannot differ by very much because symmetric top approximation gives consistent results. The moment of inertia were used to determine the approximate position of the hydrogen atom. The moments of inertia, however, are relatively insensitive to the position of the hydrogen atom. The band centers were used to determine some of the vibrational constants. Several ωi°\u27s were calculated, but none of the ωi\u27s could be determined. If the combination band ν2+ν4 could be observed, it would then be possible to find ω4. A rotational analysis could probably be completed on several of the combination bands. It seems likely that some of these, notably 2ν4, in both molecules, might require that the symmetric top approximation be abandoned. The results quoted here might be improved considerably if some of the bands could be examined under higher resolution. It seemed that the parallel component of ν5 (in both molecules) could be resolved with only a slight improvement in resolution. The unresolved regions in ν2, apparently caused by interference between the lines, might also be cleared up. It seems likely that higher resolution would force one to give up the symmetric top approximation entirely. In any case, in a complete analysis of these molecules, it would be desirable to consider their asymmetry. Tables1,2 have been made by machine calculation which may be used to calculate the rotational energy levels of the asymmetric top for J up to 40. These tables would allow the asymmetry to be considered with a minimum of labor

Addressing Food Production Planning and Control Issues through Information Visualisation: An Agile Development

Food manufacturers have a compelling requirement to address their information management needs in relation to the management of variation in their supply chain and subsequent production processes. However, many organisational information systems are not explicitly designed to address variation and uncertainty. The action research project outlined in this paper addresses a gap in the information management literature by showing how visualisation of information aided the efficacy of perishable goods production in a small food manufacturer. A user-centred, agile approach enabled the design and implementation of an integrated, dynamic visual production management system. Underpinned by a new manufacturing strategy, this system provided an information bridge between members of the organisation and in so doing facilitated improved communication and decision making across the company. The outcome of this action research project significantly enhanced the business performance. It is argued that the increased awareness of the actions and needs of others in the factory supported the enhanced efficacy in the production

Exploring the seminal origins of key operations management developments

The purpose of this paper is to explore the underlying systems approach associated with key developments in operations management, namely operations strategy, TQM, lean supply and TOC. These developments are shown to have embraced a paradigm shift in both thinking and practice which reflect a common systems perspective. However, this perspective has been interpreted in different ways to address the needs of different operations environments at different times. Through analyzing the originating literature the underlying conflicts and key developments have been explored as a means of clarifying the seminal contributions. This is then used to better understand the assumptions associated with these distinct developments providing a basis for extending such applications into other environments

Managing supply chain collaboration in high-tech aerospace industry

Step changes in supply chain performance cannot be enacted unless collaboration exists between buyers and suppliers, and encourages the right connections and commitments. We aim to improve the understanding of the supply chain collaboration and its critical success factors within the aerospace industry and the interactions and links between these factors. Upon reviewing literature, propositions are conceptualised for this industry. These are then verified through a case-study involving a series of interviews by the stakeholders and managers of a major European company in this industry. Finally, a steering model and a strategic framework are developed

Addressing food production planning and control issues through information visualisation: an agile development.

Food manufacturers have a compelling requirement to address their information management needs in relation to the management of variation in their supply chain and subsequent production processes. However, many organisational information systems are not explicitly designed to address variation and uncertainty. The action research project outlined in this paper addresses a gap in the information management literature by showing how visualisation of information aided the efficacy of perishable goods production in a small food manufacturer. A user-centred, agile approach enabled the design and implementation of an integrated, dynamic visual production management system. Underpinned by a new manufacturing strategy, this system provided an information bridge between members of the organisation and in so doing facilitated improved communication and decision making across the company. The outcome of this action research project significantly enhanced the business performance. It is argued that the increased awareness of the actions and needs of others in the factory supported the enhanced efficacy in the production

Managing the trade-off implications of global supply

The cost versus response trade-off is a growing logistics issue due to many markets being increasingly characterized by demand uncertainty and shorter product life cycles. This is exacerbated further with supply increasingly moving to low cost global sources. However, the poor response implications of global supply are often not addressed or even acknowledged when undertaking such decisions. Consequently, various practical approaches to minimising, postponing or otherwise managing the impact of the demand uncertainty are often only adopted retrospectively. Even though such generic solutions are documented through case examples we lack effective tools and concepts to support the proactive identification and resolution of such trade-offs. This paper reports on case-based theory building research, involving three cases from the UK and USA used in developing a conceptual model with associated tools, in support of such a process

Microwave transmission through a single subwavelength annular aperture in a metal plate

Matthew J. Lockyear, Alastair P. Hibbins, J. Roy Sambles, and Christopher R. Lawrence. Physical Review Letters, Vol. 94, article 193902 (2005). "Copyright © 2005 by the American Physical Society."The resonant transmission of a small annular aperture, with a diameter much smaller than the radiation wavelength, in a thin metal plate is studied at microwave frequencies. It transpires that such an annular aperture supports several resonant guided modes, including those that are not quantized in the azimuthal direction. Such modes have resonant frequencies that are largely independent of the diameter of the annular aperture, thus being supported by annular apertures that tend to zero radius. The transmittance of such a structure at microwave frequencies is detailed and compared with the predictions of a finite element method model

Rates of referable eye disease in the Scottish National Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme

Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.Peer reviewedPublisher PD