Ismail W. R. Taifa

Bio: Ismail W. R. Taifa is an academic researcher from University of Dar es Salaam. The author has contributed to research in topics: Business & Quality (business). The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 19 publications receiving 155 citations. Previous affiliations of Ismail W. R. Taifa include G H Patel College Of Engineering & Technology & University of Manchester.

Cycle time reduction for productivity improvement in the manufacturing industry

Abstract: Cycle time is one of the viable parameters which needs to be optimised as much as possible whenever the manufacturing industry is trying to improve efficiency, cost base and customer responsiveness. This systematic study presents on the reduction of cycle time for productivity improvement in the manufacturing industry. In industries, cycle time should be focused due to the high need of balancing man, machine, materials, methods and management. It must be renowned that the reduction of cycle time is not an easy task. Productivity improvement process involves many factors in achieving the maximum reduction of unnecessary time for higher improvement. The appropriate approaches to be implemented includes lean manufacturing tools, value stream method, method-time measurements, just in time for inventory control, motion study, process study, VAT plant classification, total productive maintenance, improved MRP (material requirements planning)-based production planning, theory of constraint, linear programming and other simulation related techniques. The V, A or T types of plant classification can also be classified using optimisation production technology (OPT).

User requirements customization and attractive quality creation for design improvement attributes

Abstract: The aim of this paper was to customize user requirements and quality creation for design improvement of furniture. The major purpose has been achieved with the use of Quality Function Deployment technique and Kano Model. The study involved 564 students from 3 engineering colleges. Extensive user requirements were identified with the help of Questionnaires. The use of House of Quality, Kano Model and Pareto Diagram helped in prioritizing all important features which are needed in customizing user requirements. The prioritized requirements include ergonomic design, desk adjustability, comfortability, product corners (sharp corners) and latest material. All these factors both got high relative and absolute weight. Therefore, more engineering efforts need to be directed towards these requirements for achieving user customization for design improvement. The developed House of Quality with the help of Kano Model results has proved to be a good tool in customizing user requirements.

The development of an ergonomically designed product through an integrated product team approach

Abstract: Purpose. This article discusses the process of developing an ergonomic desk for students through an integrated product team approach. Methodology. Using an integrated product team approach, numerou...

Information Rules: A Strategic Guide to the Network Economy

Abstract: The article reviews the book “Information Rules: A Strategic Guide to the Network Economy,” by Carl Shapiro and Hal R. Varian.

Addressing the Challenges to Sustainable Initiatives in Value Chain Flexibility: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract: The value chain refers to the source of competition to facilitate organizations to maximize and sustain value for their consumers. Value chain flexibility is necessary to build sustainable initiatives in addressing ambiguity. In the literature, there is a lack of framework to highlight the challenges to sustainable initiatives in value chain flexibility. This study fills this research gap by suggesting a framework for challenges to sustainable initiatives in value chain flexibility. In this study, thirteen potential challenges to sustainable initiatives in value chain flexibility are identified and an integrated model is developed. It adopts the modified Total Interpretive Structure Model and the Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification methodology. The mixed approach is used as the modified Total Interpretive Structure Model organizes the binary interactions among the challenges, while Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification analysis organizes specific precise assessments of the driving power and dependence of the challenges. The results of the study reflect that (i) lack of supplier commitment to sustainable products and (ii) lack of knowledge toward sustainability in value chains are the challenges that achieved the highest driving power. The challenge ‘inadequate communication among the suppliers in the value chain’ is at the highest level in the analysis. The proposed framework could help government and non-government bodies to formulate policies to efficiently address challenges to sustainable initiatives in value chain flexibility.

The Use of the Kano Model to Enhance Customer Satisfaction

Abstract: Background/purpose: The interest of measuring customer satisfaction is reflected in its ability to gain customer loyalty, enhance favourable word of mouth, lead to repeat purchases and improve a company’s market share and profitability. The issue of integrating the Kano model of customer satisfaction with other models and tools to support development or improvement of a product, or to determine market strategies, is relatively unexplored in the Slovenian sector. This research aims to construct the Kano model in order to enhance customer satisfaction in the case of home appliances. Design/Methodology/Approach: Data was collected using an online survey amongst randomly selected individuals from the service interventions for an end users database. Principal component factor analysis was first used to identify the underlying factors of home appliance characteristics. In the next phase we calculated the derived and stated importance of customer satisfaction, which was then used to construct the Kano model of customer satisfaction. We further analysed which factors are the strongest drivers, or predictors, of repeat purchase using multiple regression analysis. Results: In the study we identified the underlying home appliance factors. The results show that these factors are: sales environment, price, user features, design features and technical features. The results were then used to construct the Kano model where the analysis goes beyond the qualitative analysis by implementing two approaches, stated and derived importance approach. According to the Kano model, marketers should concentrate on delight characteristics such as: wider knowledge of the salesperson, professional skills of the salesperson, design of home appliance, brand of home appliance. What is more, factors called ‘user features’ are the strongest predictors of repeat purchase. Conclusion: This paper links the Kano model with measuring customer satisfaction and presents a contribution for marketing research theory. Therefore, the results could be used to support optimization of business decision-making, as well as for further scientific research.