Showing papers by "Maneesh Kumar published in 2011"

Six Sigma implementation framework for SMEs – a roadmap to manage and sustain the change

Abstract: Although Six Sigma has been in business lexicon for more than 20 years, research has shown the need of practical implementation framework for successful deployment of Six Sigma, especially in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This article proposes a Six Sigma implementation framework customised to the needs of SMEs by performing a critique of quality management frameworks/models for SMEs and drawing conclusion from the empirical research conducted over 3 years. If Six Sigma is poorly launched, it will be very difficult to reorganise and regain momentum. Though the framework was tested in three SMEs and revised, still its robustness needs to be checked and refined based on suggestions and comments from industry, practitioners and academics.

Addressing lot sizing and warehousing scheduling problem in manufacturing environment

Abstract: In recent years, lot sizing issues have gained attention of researchers worldwide. Previous studies devoted on lot sizing scheduling problems were primarily focused within the production unit in a manufacturing plant. In this article lot sizing concept is explored in the context of warehouse management. The proposed formulation helps manufacturer to decide the effective lot-size in order to meet the due dates while transferring the product from manufacturer to retailer through warehouse. A constrained based fast simulated annealing (CBFSA) algorithm is used to effectively handle the problem. CBFSA algorithm encapsulates the salient features of both genetic algorithm (GA) and simulated annealing (SA) algorithms. This hybrid solution approach possesses the mixed characteristics of both of the algorithms and determines the optimal/near optimal sequence while taking into consideration the lot-size. Results obtained after implementing the proposed approach reveals the efficacy of the model over various problem dimensions and shows its superiority over other approaches (GA and SA).

Lean application among European food SMEs: findings from empirical research

Abstract: Even though the literature indicates the maturity of the Lean application within process industries, its implementation within the food sector is less evident. Moreover, there are limited studies that focused on the implementation of Lean techniques within Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) operating in the food sector. The objective of this study is to analyze the status of the Lean application and its benefits and challenges among European food SMEs. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data. A total of 35 SMEs’ representatives, mostly CEOs and operation managers, participated in the survey. The finding shows that none of the food SMEs involved in this study implements Lean manufacturing in its totality. This study found that there is a clear lack of knowledge on Lean techniques. The originality of this paper lies in the analysis of the current status of the Lean application among food SMEs in Europe.