Polytechnic University of Milan

About: Polytechnic University of Milan is a education organization based out in Milan, Italy. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Finite element method & Population. The organization has 18231 authors who have published 58416 publications receiving 1229711 citations. The organization is also known as: PoliMi & L-NESS.

The linkage between supply chain integration and manufacturing improvement programmes

Abstract: Purpose – While the attention of most OM scholars has shifted to supply chain management, there is still a need to understand how supply chain strategies are linked with internal manufacturing strategies. The literature shows some studies in this field, but a deep investigation of the linkages between these two areas is still missing. The purpose of this study is to investigate on an empirical basis the relationship between two supply chain integration dimensions – the integration of information flows and the integration of physical flows – and two manufacturing improvement programmes – lean production and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.Design/methodology/approach – Evidence is drawn from a sample of 297 European companies from the third edition of the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey. Data are analysed using exploratory factor analysis and hierarchical regression.Findings – Results show that the adoption of the lean production model has a strong influence on the integration of both...

Innovation Through Tradition: Lessons From Innovative Family Businesses and Directions for Future Research

Abstract: In steering toward the future, innovation managers are commonly advised to dismiss the old and make way for the new. However, such “recency bias” may significantly limit a firm’s innovation potential and prevent it from realizing the benefits of past knowledge. We argue that the temporal dimension of innovation deserves more research attention. Combining prior research on innovation, dynamic capabilities, and family business, we conceptualize a new product innovation strategy called innovation through tradition (ITT) and identify its underlying capabilities of interiorizing and reinterpreting past knowledge. We analyze and discuss the illustrative cases of six long-lasting family businesses (Aboca, Apreamare, Beretta, Lavazza, Sangalli, and Vibram), exemplifying how firms that build long-lasting and intimate links with their traditions can be extremely innovative while remaining firmly anchored to the past. These examples help readers visualize theoretical concepts and recognize the potential advantages o...

Electronic Communication With Patients: Evaluation of Distance Medicine Technology

Abstract: Objective. —To evaluate controlled evidence on the efficacy of distance medicine technologies in clinical practice and health care outcome. Data Sources. —Systematic electronic database and manual searches (1966-1996) were conducted to identify clinical trial reports on distance medicine applications. Study Selection. —Three eligibility criteria were applied: prospective, contemporaneously controlled clinical trial with random assignment of the intervention; electronic distance technology application in the intervention group and no similar intervention in the control group; and measurement of the intervention effect on process or outcome of care. Data Extraction. —Data were abstracted by independent reviewers using a standardized abstraction form and the quality of methodology was scored. Distance technology applications were described in 6 categories: computerized communication, telephone follow-up and counseling, telephone reminders, interactive telephone systems, after-hours telephone access, and telephone screening. Data Synthesis. —Of 80 eligible clinical trials, 61 (76%) analyzed providerinitiated communication with patients and 50 (63%) reported positive outcome, improved performance, or significant benefits, including studies of computerized communication (7 of 7), telephone follow-up and counseling (20 of 37), telephone reminders (14 of 23), interactive telephone systems (5 of 6), telephone access (3 of 4), and telephone screening (1 of 3). Significantly improved outcomes were demonstrated in studies of preventive care, management of osteoarthritis, cardiac rehabilitation, and diabetes care. Conclusions. —Distance medicine technology enables greater continuity of care by improving access and supporting the coordination of activities by a clinician. The benefits of distance technologies in facilitating communication between clinicians and patients indicate that application of telemedicine should not be limited to physician-to-physician communication.

Experimental micromechanical analysis of a 2D granular material: relation between structure evolution and loading path

Abstract: This paper is concerned with micromechanics of Schneebeli material specimens composed of wooden roller stacks. Several laboratory tests are carried out to analyse the material behaviour under complex loading conditions, involving loading–unloading cycles and principal axes rotations. In order to characterize micromechanical deformation features and structure evolution, a series of pictures is taken during loading. Pictures are then digitized using a stereo device, obtaining the position of each roller. Starting from these data a number of computer programs, conceived for the purpose, allow us to measure micromechanical variables and to analyse their evolution. In the following, after the description of the devices employed in this research, macromechanical results are analysed to evaluate the reliability of the laboratory model. Then, local variables are introduced and the use of continuum mechanics to describe granular materials behaviour is discussed. Finally, the evolution of local kinematic variables is described, focusing interest on the evolution of specimen anisotropy. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Mech. cohesive-frictional mater. 2, 121–163 (1997)