Showing papers in "IEEE Engineering Management Review in 2019"

Blockchain Technology, Supply Chain Information, and Strategic Product Deletion Management

Abstract: Products and associated materials are important supply chain flows. Product management greatly influences supply chain performance. Supply chain information is also critical for sound product management. Product deletion, rationalization, or discontinuation research is an important dimension often overlooked in product management. It is a critical issue for many managerial reasons, many espoused in this article. Product deletion is typically a multi-staged process including recognition, analysis and revitalization, evaluation and decision formation, and implementation. Each stage requires complicated information and data support from supply chain activities. Failure in information generating, understanding, and accuracy can prove risky for rational product deletion. Blockchain technology may help address information challenges. Blockchain technology provides traceability, transparency, security, accuracy, and smart execution, which can all contribute to the product deletion and rationalization decision. Application recommendations and managerial insights into product deletion decision making processes with blockchain technology are provided.

Addressing Industry 4.0 Cybersecurity Challenges

Abstract: Awareness is building on how managers should be involved in Industry 4.0 cybersecurity. This awareness and concern derives from heavy dependence of integrated information systems and technology for Industry 4.0. Manufacturing companies rely on data to run their operations. The Internet of Things is exponentially increasing the number of entry points for organizations to defend from nefarious actors. Complex digital value chains expose firms to risks beyond their direct control. The potential damage of cyberattacks is substantial in terms of continuity of business operations, theft of confidential information, and reputational harm. Even with this mounting sense of urgency, there is increasing confusion on what needs to be done and how. C-suite executives and entrepreneurs are puzzled due to the complexity of issues and concerns. Cybersecurity professionals, for their part, often fail to make the issue relevant and accessible to non-technical stakeholders. In this paper, we clarify why Industry 4.0 requires an evolving cybersecurity perspective. We identify where current approaches fall short and what emerging practices are gaining relevance. Our analysis is based on discussions with senior executives and an extensive literature review of academic papers and practical reports.

Ten Lessons for Managers While Implementing Industry 4.0

Abstract: Industry 4.0, commonly referred as the fourth industrial revolution, has the potential to transform the modern organization in the way the products are designed, manufactured, delivered, and serviced. The implementation of Industry 4.0 is a challenge for the organizations because there is hardly any universally accepted framework. Therefore, it is difficult for the managers to plan its implementation methodology. The purpose of this study is to answer the question what are the important lessons for managers while implementing Industry 4.0? A literature review is carried out on the implementation of Industry 4.0. This paper is based on the primary data from academic articles. This study finds ten lessons that managers can keep in mind while implementing Industry 4.0 in the organizations. Besides, some limitations and issues are also identified. This study will help the practising managers and practitioners while implementing Industry 4.0

Blockchains and the Supply Chain: Findings from a Broad Study of Practitioners

Abstract: Blockchain is an emergent technology that has attracted practitioner attention in the supply chain domain. Multiple motivators lead companies to incorporate blockchain technology into their supply chain. However, a number of barriers and challenges may impede the successful adoption of blockchains. The purpose of this paper is to explore how a variety of motivators and barriers are perceived by different companies from different industries. This paper summarizes survey data gathered from 173 respondents associated with the association of supply chain management, formerly APICS. Summary statistics on blockchain adoption by various types of companies are provided to help practitioners benchmark current practice. The paper presents preliminary findings on these dimensions with some insights provided.

Requirements and Barriers for Introducing Smart Manufacturing in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Abstract: Bigger companies have been the main adopters of Industry 4.0. However, small- and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are significant economic and employment contributors in the European Union and the United States. For a successful application of Industry 4.0, customized implementation strategies and approaches as well as adapted concepts and technological solutions are needed. The paper presents requirements and barriers for introducing smart manufacturing in SMEs. These items were identified throughout the research project “SME 4.0 – Industry 4.0 for SMEs” by using expert workshops with SMEs from the United States, Central Europe, and Northern Thailand. The results inform recommendations for managerial action to support an appropriate adaptation of Industry 4.0 technologies and concepts into SMEs.

Integration and Scale in the Context of Industry 4.0: The Evolving Shapes of Manufacturing Value Chains

Abstract: The historical evolution of manufacturing value chains (VCs) has evolved in parallel with the opportunities offered by automation and communication technologies. Since the mid-1980s, advances in telecommunications simplified the coordination of production and related activities, resulting in organizational specialization on single VC activities, while being geographically dispersed. A new wave of innovation is impacting business and society today; the “Industry 4.0”. The impact on VC configuration is not yet clear. Some trajectories are taking shape. This paper focuses on the potential for Industry 4.0 for integration—activities to internalize or externalize—and scale advantages. Using an extensive literature review of academic and industry studies, complemented with insights gathered through expert workshops with managers and entrepreneurs, we present a set of five possible future trajectories supported by some practical examples.

A Literature Review on Bitcoin: Transformation of Crypto Currency Into a Global Phenomenon

Abstract: Bitcoin is a crypto-currency-based open-source technology that operates in the peer-to-peer grid as a private payment mechanism. Bitcoin works on sophisticated cryptography supported by a local community in a peer-to-peer network. This study reviews scholarly articles to understand how bitcoin is addressed in the literature. The study reports on the attributes of bitcoin through a systematic literature review. The paper is based on primary data from existing literature and secondary data from relevant case studies in the public domain. Unlike other currencies, Bitcoin seems to have faced many hurdles and with many applications in day-to-day life, created unique challenges for the end user community. When Bitcoin came into existence, it seemed to signal hope for a better future, but the growth of bitcoin is hard to predict. Bitcoin opens up an entirely new world for both practitioners and academicians. Further, this study presents an idea about the “potential” of bitcoin, highlights the prerequisites, needs, implications, and challenges faced by bitcoin in processing business transactions.

Nexus of Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data: Roadmap for Smart Management Systems (SMgS)

Abstract: Disruptive technologies are emerging at a breakneck speed and changing the characteristics of businesses by making them smart. The aim of this paper is to show how industries can use Smart Management System (SMgS) to be competitive in the 21st century. Internet of Things (IoT) will be the key to connecting and communicating among different parts of the smart industries using sensor-like devices, and big data will be continuously collected and analyzed to improve performance. The SMgS will generate new possibilities for better product design, improved qualities, agile supply chain, and enhanced customer satisfaction. It will also help industries to achieve lean and sustainable systems with fewer efforts than traditional approaches. We demonstrate how early adopters have already implemented IoT and are currently generating big data. These efforts have resulted in significant improvements in streamlining their operations. The advantages of IoT and big data applications in different sectors are discussed here with several examples from the industry leaders. The reasons behind why many companies are still waiting to adopt IoT despite being enthusiastic about it are also suggested. Embracing SMgS is crucial for companies to gain a differential competitive advantage in the era of Industry 4.0.

A Method for the Detection of Fake Reviews Based on Temporal Features of Reviews and Comments

Abstract: Online reviews and comments after product sales have become very important for making buying and selling decisions. Fake reviews will affect such decisions due to deceptive information, leading to financial losses for the consumers. Identification of fake reviews has thus received a great deal of attention in recent years. However, most websites have only focused on dealing with problematic reviews and comments. Amazon and Yelp would only remove possible fake reviews without questioning the sellers who could continue posting deceptive reviews for business purposes. In this paper, we propose a method for the detection of fake reviews based on review records associated with products. We first analyze the characteristics of review data using a crawled Amazon China dataset, which shows that the patterns of review records for products are similar in normal situations. In the proposed method, we first extract the review records of products to a temporal feature vector and then develop an isolation forest algorithm to detect outlier reviews by focusing on the differences between the patterns of product reviews to identify outlier reviews. We will verify the effectiveness of our method and compare it to some existing temporal outlier detection methods using the crawled Amazon China dataset. We will also study the impact caused by the parameter selection of the review records. Our work provides a new perspective of outlier review detection and our experiment demonstrates the effectiveness of our proposed method.

Healthcare 4.0

Abstract: Healthcare is shifting from traditional hospital-centric care to a more virtual, distributed care that heavily leverages the latest technologies around artificial intelligence, deep learning, data analytics, genomics, home-based healthcare, robotics, and three-dimensional printing of tissue and implants. In the future, fundamental shifts will reshape the healthcare industry. Healthcare will be delivered as a seamless continuum of care, away from the clinic-centered point-of-care model and with a greater focus on prevention and early intervention.

Where the Rubber Meets the Road. Industry 4.0 Among SMEs in the Automotive Sector

Abstract: Industry 4.0 technologies play a crucial role in assisting the automotive sector maintain competitiveness. Industry 4.0 often finds uneven application among SME suppliers. As a consequence of the supplier's technological constraints, the digitalization efforts of customers may not achieve their full value creation potential. The aim of this paper is to shed light on strategic decisions that facilitate SME implementation of Industry 4.0 initiatives. We use two case studies of suppliers to a large component manufacturer operating in the automotive sector. Despite several similarities in terms of product range and markets, these firms are polar opposites when it comes to their digitalization status. Evidence points to three key factors for successful implementation of Industry 4.0: A proactive approach to innovation; development of long term partnerships with suppliers of Industry 4.0 technologies; and early involvement of workers in the process of technological change.

When is a Project Successful

Abstract: Organizations regularly execute projects to improve their performance. Yet there is little agreement in the literature or in practice on evaluating project success. As a result, managers tend to use different scales for project success measurement. Inconsistencies in project results prevail. It is difficult to apply project success measures to all project types. Discriminating between project success and project manager performance is also difficult. In this paper, we introduce a generic success measure for any project. Performance measures of two key managers are also introduced. The three dimensions are: first, project management success—the performance of the project manager in achieving the project plan; second, project ownership success—the performance of the project owner in realizing the business case; and, third, project investment success—the investment performance of the project for its funder. We provide some insights for managers and organizations in utilizing these measures.

Exploring the Value of Risk Management for Projects: Improving Capability Through the Deployment of a Maturity Model

Abstract: This paper presents a maturity model structure to support effective project risk management. The structure is based on five maturity levels and nine categories. The premise of the paper is that the goals of risk management, the practices required to implement the discipline, and the common obstacles to implementation must be reflected within a model, otherwise fully developed mature practices will not be realized. Through a literature search, the paper examines the common goals and practices of project risk management together with the challenges experienced in its implementation. A maturity model structure to support embedding effective project risk management is proposed. The model is applied to four live projects and a direct correlation is drawn between the introduction of the model and improvements in the effectiveness of risk management.

The Role of Government Support in SMEs’ Adoption of Sustainability

Abstract: In the existing literature on small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs’) sustainability adoption, research focused on the US has been limited compared to Europe. Investigating the role of government as a major driver and/or barrier to SMEs’ engagement in sustainable practices, our study uncovers findings from interviews with 75 NY State SMEs, representing a broad cross section of industries and geographical spreads across communities of various sizes. The most common sustainable solutions implemented included recycling/waste reduction, use of renewable/efficient energy, adoption of reusable materials, sourcing from local suppliers/supporting local economy, and utilizing third-party sustainability audits or achieving sustainability-related accreditations. While municipalities, states, and federal government offer incentives and impose regulations to motivate and shape SMEs’ adoption of sustainable strategies, our results indicate limited impact of such interventions. Although SMEs are adopting sustainable solutions and believe that their efforts are paying off, they also indicate that lack of guidance from government has prevented them from improving the scope of their sustainability programs. Promotion of sustainable practices by SMEs in the US, we believe, needs more deliberate and focused strategies. As self-motivated, passionate and driven as many of the owners/managers we interviewed are in adopting sustainable practices, public agencies should play a leading role in informing SME practitioners on the incentives available and how to access them as well as other types of targeted educational and consulting services. Industry associations could also help by offering similar informational and training programs.

Strategies for Activating Innovation Ecosystems: Introduction of a Taxonomy

Abstract: Managers need to actively drive the growth of innovation ecosystems. This paper describes the obstacles companies face when commercializing innovations and identifies strategies for overcoming these barriers through activating innovation ecosystems. We explore three ecosystems at different stages of maturity, namely San Francisco, Barcelona, and Nairobi, and derive a taxonomy of strategies for activating innovation ecosystems with regard to the maturity of the ecosystem. The paper thus contributes to the wealth of knowledge concerning the commercialization of innovations in general and within innovation ecosystems in particular. We fill a gap in the understanding of the stages of maturity of innovation ecosystems, and the corresponding actions required by managers and policy makers. Policy makers and other actors can incentivize ecosystem development through adapting initiatives to the maturity of the ecosystem in question.

Can Big Data Analytics Enhance Performance Measurement Systems

Abstract: Performance measurement systems are a critical element of managing performance. Despite the potential of big data analytics (BDA) to improve performance measurement systems (PMSs), its real impact is still not entirely clear. This paper investigates the potential of BDA to enhance PMSs. We use two short case studies to investigate such impact. The results show that descriptive and predictive analytics boost performance analysis. The use of external non-structured data challenges the companies regarding the data veracity. Business and operations management professionals should pay attention to both the employees’ capability in data science and data management. They are critical issues when seeking to enhance PMS using BDA.

Extended Value Stream Mapping Method for Information Based Improvement of Production Logistics Processes

Abstract: The increasing availability of information from emergent systems and technology such as Industry 4.0 offers new possibilities for coordinating and controlling value stream processes. A six-staged procedure based on an extended value stream mapping method is introduced. This procedure systematically models and analyzes production and production logistics processes. The goal is to improve processes by applying appropriate control methods, based on harmonized information flows. Managerial lessons are introduced.

When Robots Replace Human Managers: Introducing the Quantifiable Workplace

Abstract: Is it enough to manage through just data? As emerging technology like artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent, we are shifting to a more data driven decision making process, and, perhaps, management style. Explore what this means in building a quantifiable workplace. Understand defining suitable human resource metrics and automating management styles. More importantly, what does this mean in trying to manage a robot workforce… or perhaps having a robot supervisor manage a human workforce.

Combining Industrial Symbiosis With Sustainable Supply Chain Management for the Development of Urban Communities

Abstract: Growing urban population is putting pressure on the supply of natural resources leading to global environmental impacts and calling for new ways to manage urban development. Circular economy strategies can provide the means to both increase resource productivity and generate new business opportunities. Industrial symbiosis is one such strategy. We explore an industrial symbiosis application in this paper. While most previous industrial symbiosis applications have been limited to eco-industrial parks, here we propose an adaptation of the industrial symbiosis and sustainable supply chain management concepts to urban areas in general. It is a way to develop economic clusters incorporating symbiotic links between multiple products supply chains. A proposed iterative facilitated industrial symbiosis method identifies an economic cluster focus, stakeholders, opportunities for resource exchange, and sharing of infrastructure, as well as other important elements. The method provides systematic guidance for practitioners seeking ways to grow local industry and economy, increase resource productivity, reduce wastes, and better utilize local resources. Benefits of industrial symbiosis and barriers to its implementation are also identified in the method. The method comprises five phases, each illustrated on an example drawn from our application of the method in an urban development in Gothenburg, a city in Sweden.

Positioning Your Organization to Respond to Insider Threats

Abstract: Insider threats refer to actions by trusted individuals that directly or indirectly bring harm to the organization or expose the organization to external risks. Insider threat detection research and mitigation approaches have over-relied on technical solutions that tend to miss the human behavioral aspects of the problem. This paper focuses on approaches to assemble knowledge about insider threats and to apply this knowledge in support of insider threat assessment. This information can help organizations set up or improve existing insider threat mitigation programs by promoting a greater understanding of insider threat variables of concern; facilitating sharing of the knowledge base of insider threat indicators across organizations; raising awareness of the need to examine behavioral factors in addition to the more traditional focus on technical indicators; and discussing methods and challenges in acquiring and applying expert knowledge of insider threat indicators to facilitate decisions about responding to threat assessment alerts.

Creativity on Demand: How to Plan and Execute Successful Innovation Workshops

Abstract: Creativity workshops are a common way of involving employees and other stakeholders in innovative endeavors. However, not much is known about how to successfully plan and execute such innovation workshops, especially for people with no specific expertise in this field. This paper introduces a creativity workshop setup, which can serve as a blueprint for different kinds of workshops where the creation of novel ideas is the goal. In order to achieve this, a basic distinction of creativity techniques is provided, as well as a structured overview of a creativity workshop implementation structure and time plan. The paper closes by identifying typical mental barriers for decision makers that should be taken into consideration when planning such workshops.

Managing Your Supply Chain Pantry: Food Waste Mitigation Through Inventory Control

Abstract: In this paper, we report through case study findings that the food supply chain can be improved by implementing a proper inventory control policy. The case study involves an online retailer who sells predominantly food products. The improvement of the case company is shown via simulation in economic, social, and environmental aspects. The findings indicate the role of supply chain risk as an obstacle in achieving supply chain sustainability, and the benefit of effective inventory control as a cost-advantageous and easy-to-implement waste reduction method.

Integrated Data and Knowledge Management as Key Factor for Industry 4.0

Abstract: The Industry 4.0 paradigm has seen increased interest by scientific research. The emergence of new information and communication technologies (ICT) in manufacturing shop floors generates large quantities of data and information flows, leading to large databases and big data issues. To resolve these issues, there is a need of efficient data and knowledge management approaches to support the exploitation, sharing, and interpretation of useful data. This article discusses the topic of ICT implementation within an Industry 4.0 paradigm. This article identifies problems of digital chain disruption and the need for interoperability. A conceptual framework for the management and structuring of data and knowledge is proposed as a solution to address these concerns.

Best Practices Framework for Enabling High-Performing Virtual Engineering Teams

Abstract: Engineering firms continue to adopt the practice of virtual teams, which face unique challenges and require additional management considerations than co-located teams. While virtual teams offer incentives in terms of flexibility and cost savings, engineering firms should be aware of added challenges that yield low-performing teams or result in failure. These challenges, in essence, are driven by the geographic dispersion of members, core reliance on communication technology, and composition of various cultures. The subject research follows a highly practical approach, providing specific practices for mitigation of the identified challenges. A survey study was conducted to gather data from engineering practitioners at a global professional services firm involved in virtual engineering projects between 2017 and 2018. Research conducted across best practices for virtual teams, coupled with the survey results, yielded a framework of five overarching themes to enable high-performing virtual engineering teams: technology integration, management of virtual resources, project governance controls, stakeholder engagement, and organizational drivers. Resulting practices are presented across the five themes of the framework. The findings should be leveraged by engineering and technology professionals involved in virtual projects, along with leaders and firm executives seeking improved performance of their virtual teams.

A Simulation-Based Process Model for Managing Drone Deployment to Minimize Total Delivery Time

Abstract: Managers in many countries are exploring innovative solutions for last mile delivery, including using delivery drones. In fact, drone delivery is already improving logistics service in many countries. There are, however, unaddressed nuances when comparing drones with surface vehicles. An assumption often made is that delivery time is independent of delivery processes that are not typically associated with drive time, such as loading. This can be acceptable for comparing alternate types of surface delivery vehicles, but not when comparing surface delivery vehicles with drones. To address this issue, empirical store-to-consumer deliveries are collected from a retail establishment in the United States and used to design and calibrate a discrete event simulation model to match the retailer's delivery process. Using this model, drones are compared with surface vehicles under alternate changes of state. The model is given a range of post hoc tests to further define the dimensions of the model and to generalize it for research applications in multiple contexts.

Reducing the Scrap Rate in Manufacturing SMEs Through Lean Six Sigma Methodology: An Action Research

Abstract: The aim of this project was to investigate operational benefits of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology to reduce the scrap rate in an automated production line of a first tier supplier of automotive sector. This is an action research case study using LSS methodology in fully automated sub-process of the manufacturers. The implementation of LSS methodology had an effective and significant impact on the scrap rate reduction with increased first run yield and waste reduction leading to significant financial impact at this scale. The research investigation needs to be fully controlled by the team in order to correctly gauge the effect of any changes made to the process. This action research can be replicated in other sub-processes of the production line and other processes of the company. This project addresses novelty about effectiveness of LSS methodology to reduce scrap rate and add value to automated processes in first-tier manufacturing small to medium––sized enterprises supplying automotive sector. The project had greater saving than expected by the managers at £98k per annum. The approach of this research project combines proven statistical tools with some basic but effective lean tools to be applied in an original sequence in order to design robust product and match manufacturing capabilities. Article Classification: Focus on practice

Risk Management in the Service Supply Chain: Evidence From the Healthcare Sector

Abstract: Service supply chain management is more and more complex and managers find that old-style methods fall short in effectively addressing many associated challenges. Although risk management in supply chains is continuing to obtain momentous attention in the extant literature, investigation on risk aspects connecting to tactical sourcing crossways various industry segments from a transnational viewpoint is scant. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of social ties, institutional support and inter-agency collaboration in mitigating service supply chain risk in the healthcare sectors. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to collect data from 171 respondents from Ethiopia. Partial least squares structural equation model is applied to examine the association among these latent variables and the dependent variable. The result of the study indicates inter-agency collaboration plays a critical role in managing service supply chain risk, especially in volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity environment. As for practical contributions, results may be helpful to policymakers, managers and organizations to do their jobs better or build competitive advantage by responding the issues and problems related to healthcare individual managers, organizations, and their partners.

A Technology Roadmap to Uncontested Market Space Using Autonomous Vehicles in the Transportation Industry

Abstract: This paper presents a conceptual technology roadmap for autonomous vehicles. The roadmap analysis results indicate that standardization and computerization of business processes continues from previous years. Deeply connecting organizations allow for fast economic development. Hyper-competition begins when development reaches a plateau. The escape from this situation is a breakthrough in knowledge, requiring operations to become knowledge intensive. There is continuing development of inexpensive machine-to-machine communication that facilitates the exchange of vital data. This data enables machines to make good business decisions and execute them in various spaces. We also forecast that standards will continue to be created and implemented, enabling new autonomic and organic computing processes to be tested and integrated with other systems. After these systems are released for widespread use, emergent patterns will be revealed where humans will utilize them to create value by connecting these patterns to other spaces. None of these technologies are possible without inexpensive and instantaneous machine-to-machine communication. Standard technologies from the beginning of the twenty-first century will serve as a low-level communication and decision making a layer for holonic systems and organic computing.

Big Data Technology: Challenges, Prospects, and Realities

Abstract: We attempt to demonstrate the value of big data to enterprises by interweaving the perceptions, challenges, and opportunities of big data for businesses. While enterprises are aware of the value of big data to their businesses, there are challenges of exploiting big data in terms of data quality and usage. Executives might lack knowledge on how applications are related to one another in the big data ecosystem and the business benefits to reap. We summarize the results of a research study that explores emerging business perceptions of big data. We examine the current practice in 20 large enterprises, each having an annual revenue of more than USD 0.5 billion and present our findings related to executive perceptions. We provide insights on how firms can develop their big data expertise along various dimensions and identify critical ideas to be further investigated to better understand the issues that practitioners and researchers might be equally grappling with.

Entrepreneurial Persistance: Entprepreneurial Virtues as Dynamic Constraints Over the Entire Lifepath

Abstract: In this paper, we encourage a widespread expansion of entrepreneur development beyond its current focus on the tools and skills associated with venture startup and development. Although important, this skills-based paradigm fails to provide guidance to entrepreneurs—perhaps the majority—who are not currently engaged in venture development or are reeling in the aftermath of an initial failure. To address this gap, we draw from three complementary streams of psychological research (identity theory, ecological psychology, and positive psychology) to posit a more holistic view of entrepreneur development across the entire lifepath—including the “white spaces” before, after, and between venture building. Specifically, we develop a distinction between venture development activities that are primarily skills based, and entrepreneur development activities (EDAs) that are primarily virtues based. We posit that increasing our understanding and dissemination of EDA insights can both guide entrepreneurs through psychologically amorphous interregnums along the entrepreneurial lifepath and encourage greater persistence following venture failures.