Showing papers in "Industrial Management and Data Systems in 1990"
TL;DR: This article is taken from a report which identifies key areas which must be practised in order to improve management of information overload.
Abstract: Information is a valuable component to life and one that cannot be avoided. The ability to manage the constant flow of information received every day can enhance life itself. This article is taken from a report which identifies key areas which must be practised in order to improve management of information overload. We must remember that the quality of information far outweighs the quantity of information. Trying to acquire too much information will leave us with little time to react when truly important facts enter our lives.
32 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a monograph separately describes present practices and the problems to be solved in each of the functional areas of waste management and at the important interfaces, and strategies for more efficient control are proposed from a systems perspective.
Abstract: A systems perspective of waste management allows an integrated approach not only to the five basic functional elements of waste management itself (generation, reduction, collection, recycling, disposal), but to the problems arising at the interfaces with the management of energy, nature conservation, environmental protection, economic factors like unemployment and productivity, etc. This monograph separately describes present practices and the problems to be solved in each of the functional areas of waste management and at the important interfaces. Strategies for more efficient control are then proposed from a systems perspective. Systematic and objective means of solving problems become possible leading to optimal management and a positive contribution to economic development, not least through resource conservation. India is the particular context within which waste generation and management are discussed. In considering waste disposal techniques, special attention is given to sewage and radioactive wastes.
29 citations
TL;DR: The Halesowen Microcentre software package brings the failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) technique within the range of smaller companies as mentioned in this paper, which reduces wastage and delivers high quality standards.
Abstract: Computerised Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) reduces wastage and delivers high quality standards. Previously restricted to large companies, the Halesowen Microcentre software package brings the technique within the range of smaller companies.
14 citations
TL;DR: It is briefly explained what such computer‐based genetic algorithms are, how they can be applied in an industrial setting and their benefits.
Abstract: In the process of evolution, nature uses genetic algorithms to help with genetic selection. These algorithms can also bring immense benefit to industry. It is briefly explained what such computer‐based genetic algorithms are, how they can be applied in an industrial setting and their benefits.
10 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that the organisation of the board depends on its goals and objectives; each will require a different format and the use of committees, particularly the audit, board audit and nominating committee styles, is considered to increase the effectiveness of boards of directors.
Abstract: Today′s boards of directors are facing increasing changes regarding their accountability for the actions of their companies, and what are seen by society to be their functions. Examples of different types of board structure and methods of their composition are examined. The advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed. It is concluded that the organisation of the board depends on its goals and objectives; each will require a different format. However, the use of committees, particularly the audit, board audit and nominating committee styles, is considered to increase the effectiveness of boards of directors.
8 citations
TL;DR: Barcode as a powerful automatic identification technique in everything from retailing to heavy manufacturing is discussed, outlining the technology available to the industrial sector - industrial scanners, readers, printers and systems as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Barcode as a powerful automatic identification technique in everything from retailing to heavy manufacturing is discussed, outlining the technology available to the industrial sector – industrial scanners, readers, printers and systems. A typical factory floor data collection and production information system (ShopScan) is described as an illustrative example, though wide‐ranging applications are possible.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the strategic implications of Kanban on the large number of suppliers on whom depends the very survival of hundreds of JIT buyers are examined, and the strategic implication of this emerging management philosophy on a large scale of suppliers is examined.
Abstract: The Japanese practice of Kanban (Just‐in‐time – JIT), has won a lot of converts in recent times in the US and elsewhere. Literature is rife with success stories, though, mostly from the users′ side. The strategic implications of this emerging management philosophy on the large number of suppliers on whom depends the very survival of hundreds of JIT buyers are examined.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the inventory performance in industry in Egypt over a six-year period for a sample of 44 manufacturing companies representing five industry groups is analyzed, which will help in highlighting areas of opportunity to improve inventory management in the industrial public enterprises (IPEs) with an ultimate goal of increasing profitability and productivity.
Abstract: The inventory performance in industry in Egypt over a six‐year period for a sample of 44 manufacturing companies representing five industry groups is analysed. This will help in highlighting areas of opportunity to improve inventory management in the industrial public enterprises (IPEs) with an ultimate goal of increasing profitability and productivity. The conventional inventory turnover ratio (ITR) and the value added inventory turnover rate (ITR2) were used as measures of inventory performance in this study. Kruskal‐Wallis H‐Test was utilised to compare the different industry group means. An effort was also made to identify some independent variables that might have an effect on inventory performance at the company level. This study revealed that type of industry is a determinant factor of the achieved ITR at the firm level. When compared with some industrial nations, it was clear that manufacturing companies in Egypt were suffering from a relatively low ITR, and a very low ITR2. Another important find...
5 citations
TL;DR: In this article, several examples of successful expert systems applications are presented, including process planning, operations planning, inventory control, process design, quality control and scheduling, and the performance of these expert systems is described.
Abstract: Several examples of successful expert systems applications are presented. Examples of expert systems as applied in process planning, operations planning, inventory control, process design, quality control and scheduling are covered, and the performance of these expert systems is described. Expert systems will become an essential part of computer‐integrated manufacturing (CIM) and flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) because they can perform several of the tasks mentioned above.
4 citations
TL;DR: A survey of the role and status of project management undertaken by Adaptation Ltd, for the Association of Project Managers, concludes that project management requires distinct skills and competencies and these will need to be developed by an increasing number of managers as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Project management is of growing importance as bureaucratic organisations pass through transition to be more flexible “network organisations”. Work is increasingly undertaken by groups and teams, and the focus of assessment shifts from input to output. In certain sectors, companies are coming to resemble portfolios of projects. This article considers a survey of the role and status of project management undertaken by Adaptation Ltd, for the Association of Project Managers. It concludes that project management requires distinct skills and competencies and that these will need to be developed by an increasing number of managers.
3 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a guide to assist people along the path of software package selection, helping them avoid the pitfalls (including over-enthusiastic salesmen) is presented.
Abstract: A guide to assist people along the path of software package selection, helping them avoid the pitfalls (including over‐enthusiastic salesmen) is presented. Guidelines to follow are: make sure that what you intend doing is compatible with your company′s strategic goals and plans; conduct a short feasibility study to create first estimates of scope of the project, timescales and costs; define requirements in sufficient detail for potential suppliers to give an accurate assessment of all the costs involved. Function, performance and environment should all be defined; involve all the users in agreeing this statement of requirements; identify suitable potential suppliers; prepare and issue an invitation to tender; evaluate responses against your requirements and reduce the list of potential suppliers until you are left with one. And when unsure about any part of the process – get professional help!
[...]
TL;DR: In this article, an integrated socio-technical approach secures numerous benefits from successful implementation of JIT at Cummins Engine Company and an implementation analysis technique is proposed with actual results recorded.
Abstract: An understanding of JIT is needed before a successful strategy can be developed. Reading, discussion and evaluation of experience are the starting‐points. A total JIT framework can then be developed and individual elements identified and defined. An integrated socio‐technical approach secures numerous benefits from successful implementation. People are the integrators and facilitators. An implementation analysis technique is proposed with actual results recorded. A pilot installation improves the prospect of success. The text draws on the experience of the writer during the development of JIT at Cummins Engine Company.
TL;DR: The use of Employee Assistance Programmes in the UK has seen a marked upturn in the past year as mentioned in this paper, and four main types of organisation use these programmes: those which already have them in the USA, and those concerned about safety, effects of rapid change, or staff retention.
Abstract: The use of Employee Assistance Programmes in the UK has seen a marked upturn in the past year. Four main types of organisation use these programmes: those which already have them in the USA, and those concerned about safety, effects of rapid change, or staff retention. Motivation to introduce EAPs may be influenced by the decision to have a programme either positively (gain staff welfare benefit) or negatively (avoid losses through sickness, absenteeism, staff turnover) reinforced. The basic EAP concept is to prevent performance impairment by identifying and resolving employees′ personal problems at the earliest possible stage without risk to employee′s job. Five components of the system are detailed: policy decision and programme design: training and orientation of key staff: communication to all employees and families: counselling and referral service: programme evaluation. There are three main advantages of such a system: staff benefit, manager support, cost saving giving a low‐cost programme with one‐...
TL;DR: In this article, a game plan for continual improvement is illustrated that integrates the planning, operation and evaluation of performance for the whole operation, its performance measures and procedures, and its game plan is presented.
Abstract: Continual improvement for competitive advantage is not the primary policy of organisations, either in theory or practice. A deductive rationale is presented for the emerging need to make “continual improvement for competitive advantage” the primary policy of any organisation. This is based on the inexorable acceleration of technical change and the Darwinian selective pressures of competition. Giving primacy to continual improvement naturally gives a different slant to company policies, strategies and objectives by subordinating them. Systematic continual improvement policy generates particular emphasis on people, planning, performance measures and procedures. Inductive study reaches similar conclusions but lacks the cogency of a rational framework. A continual improvement policy is a touchstone for the choice and use of planning and operational practices. A game plan for continual improvement is illustrated that integrates the planning, operation and evaluation of performance for the whole operation, its ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the characteristics of small and medium firms relevant to end-user computing (EUC) are examined, including organisational structure and managerial style, information systems (IS) functions, computer applications, and end users.
Abstract: The characteristics of small and medium firms relevant to end‐user
computing (EUC) are examined, including organisational structure and
managerial style, information systems (IS) functions, computer
applications, and end users. It recommends an EUC implementation
strategy based on these characteristics and presents an organisational
change orientation. Because of the greater role of EUC in those firms,
this strategy may expedite the technology transfer process and enable a
firm to reach a more mature stage of computer use. A case study of
successful EUC implementation using this strategy is discussed. The case
study includes the firm′s computing history, the EUC implementation
process, successes and the reasons. Since the environments of many
small‐to‐medium firms are comparable to the firm in this case study, a
similar approach to EUC implementation may be adopted by those firms.
TL;DR: In this paper, it is stated that any individual can fulfil his/her full potential in any sphere of life by developing the correct attitude towards life, and that there are enormous differences in individual results and performance throughout any organisation.
Abstract: There are enormous differences in individual results and performance throughout any organisation. By way of a simple formula it is stated that any individual can fulfil his/her full potential in any sphere of life by developing the correct – a positive – attitude.
TL;DR: The discussion highlights the ways in which management can use the technology to good advantage with particular emphasis on emerging technologies which could become important to industry in the future.
Abstract: Three main classes of data communications are discussed: (1) short routine messages which are sent in high volumes, although brief, usually convey vital information required in the day to day operation of modern industry; (2) longer, more interactive data exchanges, might include information such as statistics, reports, machine tool data, etc; (3) bulk transfer of data, for example, Ford uses high‐capacity links to transfer car design data and diagrams between its various plants. The discussion highlights the ways in which management can use the technology to good advantage with particular emphasis on emerging technologies which could become important to industry in the future. The possibilities being opened up by the introduction of ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and the widespread use of optical fibres are examined. The new services include concepts such as high‐speed facsimile, and the ability to transfer speech and data on one channel. With costs falling rapidly, and technology advancing e...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors address the problem of management development in the Information Technology area and identify some of the symptoms of the gulf between IT producers and consumers and various bridging strategies are proposed.
Abstract: The problem of management development in the Information Technology area is addressed. Some of the symptoms of the gulf between IT producers and consumers are identified and various bridging strategies are proposed, some of which are being put into practice in the author′s own organisation.
TL;DR: The optimal mark reader is proving to be a very much faster way of entering data into a computer system than traditional systems – one machine can enter data faster than 30 keyboard clerks working simultaneously.
Abstract: The need for accurate information is becoming increasingly crucial in modern industrial organisations, and an adequate computer system is essential to collect and organise such information. The optimal mark reader is proving to be a very much faster way of entering data into a computer system than traditional systems – one machine can enter data faster than 30 keyboard clerks working simultaneously. Originally used in the education sector more than 20 years ago, it now finds application in a variety of fields.
TL;DR: Structured techniques and computer‐aided tools are hyped as the answer to all systems development problems but are they solutions or just other ways for computer departments to spend money?
Abstract: Traditional methods of developing computer systems have left many companies without the systems they need and many potential users despairing of ever getting a system worth using. Structured techniques and computer‐aided tools are hyped as the answer to all systems development problems. Are they solutions or just other ways for computer departments to spend money?
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors advocate the need for management to rethink their attitudes to CIM: traditional strategic thinking and traditional costing and accounting systems are not a realistic means of evaluating it.
Abstract: The article strongly advocates the need for management to rethink their attitudes to CIM: traditional strategic thinking and traditional costing and accounting systems are not a realistic means of evaluating it.
TL;DR: In this article, several strategies and tools together with examples for a time-minimising assembly automation are presented, considering the trend that the duration between product design and its successful introduction into the market, also called "Time to Market", emerges along with cost and quality as one of the crucial factors that decide competition.
Abstract: The duration between product design and its successful introduction into the market, also called “Time to Market”, emerges along with cost and quality as one of the crucial factors that decide competition. Considering this trend, several strategies and tools together with examples for a time‐minimising assembly automation are presented.