Showing papers in "Industrial Management and Data Systems in 1991"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on the differences of opinion between various management levels and/or functional areas over what is really important, and whether or not the system measures the strategy.
Abstract: Well over 50 per cent of a manufacturing company′s resources are found in Operations. Long‐ and short‐term success demands deploying these resources – money, time, material and people – on the right problems and their solution. Unfortunately, traditional accounting‐driven performance measurements are not doing enough to facilitate this. Nowadays, the numbers often hinder rather than help execute business strategy effectively. Frontline managers perceive, rightly, that the cognitive overload accumulating in their “in” boxes has little relevance to business success. Differences of opinion occur between various management levels and/or functional areas over what is really important, and whether or not the system measures the strategy. Resolving these differences can get the whole company executing the business strategy as a team.
34 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the application of the AHP to a strategic planning problem as faced by one local Ann Arbor business man was presented. But the analysis of the model yielded a clear cut alternative that was then implemented by the business owners.
Abstract: Since its introduction in the mid‐1970s, Saaty′s Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) has been applied to a variety of decision problems. A new area of application is introduced in this article. We present here the application of the AHP to a strategic planning problem as faced by one local Ann Arbor business man. Through an interviewing process and analysis of his operation the model was built and the data was collected. The analysis of the model yielded a clear cut alternative that was then implemented by the business owners.
9 citations
TL;DR: The Australian vehicle industry has always struggled to remain viable despite relying heavily on government protection as mentioned in this paper, and has turned to JIT as one way to reduce manufacturing costs, however, the resultant exposure of the total supply network to the effects of isolated strikes has become a major concern.
Abstract: The Australian vehicle industry has always struggled to remain viable despite relying heavily on government protection. Now it faces the prospect of competing on its own merits, and has turned to JIT as one way to reduce manufacturing costs. However, the resultant exposure of the total supply network to the effects of isolated strikes has become a major concern. This article traces relevant events since JIT became commonplace. The gravity of the situation has forced the principal union and the motor corporations to co‐operate more, but there are fewer restraints on the other unions representing small groups in a host of supplier firms. Attempts are in train to address these structural difficulties too, but they have been greeted with some scepticism.
8 citations
TL;DR: In 1990, French-based Perrier voluntarily recalled 70 million bottles of water products after detecting abnormal traces of benzene, which led to at least $40 million in lost sales as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: In February 1990, French‐based Perrier voluntarily recalled 70 million bottles of water products after detecting abnormal traces of benzene. In addition to management problems associated with regulators, a scrutinising press and the consuming public, this industrial crisis led to at least $40 million in lost sales. The stock value of Perrier also declined markedly due to the recall. Company officials acted quickly to contain the damage by launching a public relations campaign; however, residual damage in retail and restaurant sales persist.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a PC-based software package which simulates JIT manufacturing, which can be used to illustrate various JIT principles and as a valuable pedagogic tool for management.
Abstract: The implementation of Just‐in‐Time (JIT) techniques is an important issue for management The wide range of activities making up JIT has posed real problems for its implementation This fact motivated the development of a PC‐based software package which simulates JIT manufacturing The package serves as an important educational training aid which may be used to illustrate various JIT principles, and as a valuable pedagogic tool for management The simulation (or game) is interactive so that the user may make a sequence of decisions and then view the effect of these on a simulated production line Extensive use is made of the colour graphics facilities of the PC for visual displays The software is based on an existing manual version of the game
6 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present eight redesign principles and tools to support a five-step accepted approach to overall business design in engineering manufacturing, including a total quality and competitiveness achievement program, rolling over two to three years of projects in parallel and in series.
Abstract: To achieve competitive performance in engineering manufacturing may require design of a number of organisational elements. The systems approach is essential because engineering manufacturing is an integrated set of subsystems. The characteristics of an organisation that are relevant to systems redesign are described. The author then lists eight redesign principles and tools to support a five‐step accepted approach to overall business design. These are fully worked out in a detailed Appendix. One way to tackle necessary change is by adopting a total quality and competitiveness achievement programme, rolling over two to three years of projects in parallel and in series.
6 citations
TL;DR: The concept of company culture is now playing an everincreasing role in the continuing endeavour to work towards ever better company management, particularly in the industrial field as discussed by the authors, and it has to be recognised that the company culture can be subject to change and effecting this can be very difficult.
Abstract: The concept of company culture is now playing an ever‐increasing role in the continuing endeavour to work towards ever better company management, particularly in the industrial field. This monograph reviews the history and development of both national and company cultures, and then goes on to demonstrate the significance of a culture to proper company management. Well‐managed companies will have both a “quality culture” and a “safety culture” as well as a cultural history. However, it has to be recognised that the company culture is subject to change, and effecting this can be very difficult. Of the many national cultures, that of Japan is considered to be the most effective, as is demonstrated by the present dominance of Japan on the industrial scene. Many industrialised nations now seek to emulate the Japanese style of management, but it is not possible to copy or acquire Japan′s cultural heritage. The text is illustrated by a large number of practical examples from real life, illustrating the way in wh...
5 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the conditions for success and barriers to worldwide marketing strategies are analysed and suggestions made for their successful implementation, against the background of a global strategic orientation, the selection of an appropriate organisational structure, the adaptation of management systems and the global reorientation of organisational culture are examined.
Abstract: The starting‐point is a discussion of the current controversy regarding globalisation strategies. The conditions for success and barriers to worldwide marketing strategies are analysed and suggestions made for their successful implementation. Against the background of a global strategic orientation, the selection of an appropriate organisational structure, the adaptation of management systems and the global reorientation of organisational culture are examined. These issues are analysed within the context of a temporal and stepwise country‐by‐country concept. Both English language and German literature are integrated in the globalisation field.
4 citations
TL;DR: It is clear that knowledge‐based systems can go some way towards replacing human resources in many areas of business and commerce and also increases the productivity and effectiveness of already experienced personnel.
Abstract: As it becomes increasingly evident that skills shortage in many areas of business and commerce is likely to grow, it is clear that knowledge‐based systems can go some way towards replacing human resources. The use of these systems also increases the productivity and effectiveness of already experienced personnel and also brings with it consistent standards of performance and reliability. A better balance is also achievable between the tasks done by employees and those performed by machines.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a pre-implementation strategy that stresses the importance of continuous improvement in processes is described, based on a systems analysis and design project procedure that extricates sources of inefficiencies and establishes a foundation of sound management practices.
Abstract: The probability of a successful CIM implementation is enhanced when the firm takes certain measures to provide the proper environment prior to implementation. A pre‐implementation strategy that stresses the importance of continuous improvement in processes is described. The pre‐implementation strategy is based on a systems analysis and design project procedure that extricates sources of inefficiencies and establishes a foundation of sound management practices.
4 citations
TL;DR: The use of contract manufacturing can make life a great deal easier for manufacturing engineering management, specially in recessionary periods as discussed by the authors, and savings in time, aggravation and, above all, costs are vital.
Abstract: Contract manufacturing as a concept will be utilised increasingly during the 1990s and beyond. The use of this facility can make life a great deal easier for manufacturing engineering management, specially in recessionary periods. Savings in time, aggravation and, above all, costs, are vital. Anyone considering the setting‐up of a new business venture would be well recommended to consider the implementation of contract manufacturing – especially those businesses in the mechanical, electronic and electrical manufacturing industries.
TL;DR: The article begins by analysing the reasons why many projects flounder, and a key feature is seen to be the inability of any single manager to keep track of all the activities involved.
Abstract: The article begins by analysing the reasons why many projects flounder. A key feature is seen to be the inability of any single manager to keep track of all the activities involved. Computerised project management systems are now relational database management systems: their increasing sophistication and use are described.
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TL;DR: In an attempt to understand student attitudes better towards production and operations management classes and P/OM careers, a pre-and post-class survey was administered to students enrolled in a required MBA-level Production and Operations Management (P/OM) class as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: In an attempt to understand student attitudes better towards P/OM (production and operations management) classes and P/OM careers, a pre‐and post‐class survey was administered to students enrolled in a required MBA‐level P/OM class Findings indicate that students do not fully understand P/OM issues or how the P/OM functional area relates strategically to other organisational areas Students had almost no interest in P/OM careers, and before participating in the strategically‐focused class, students had little desire to include a P/OM class in their core MBA course requirements Results of this study may explain general attitudes towards P/OM as well as the declining number of students choosing P/OM as a major Suggestions for changing these attitudes are discussed
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe their experience as a consultant during the adoption of project management by a world-leading solid-modeling company, which required extensive training in project teamwork and the key appointment of a project co-ordinator to stage manage developments.
Abstract: The benefits accruing from the adoption of project management are outlined with particular respect to software production. The author′s experience as a consultant during the adoption of project management by a world‐leading solid‐modelling company is described. This was a people problem: the management strategy was to plan the work of all the engineering staff. This required extensive training in project teamwork and the key appointment of a project co‐ordinator to stage manage developments. The exercise was very successful.
TL;DR: Networking and standardisation, two major areas of development, are described, along with the hardware, software and peripherals of microsystems.
Abstract: Microcomputer systems which are the most relevant to today′s manager are the prime focus. New developments during the last 18 months are given priority. Microprocessors used in recent microcomputer systems in relation to the RISC and CISC technologies are discussed. Networking and standardisation, two major areas of development, are described, along with the hardware, software and peripherals of microsystems. Finally, the application to managers is analysed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the effects of technological advances in the last 40 years on the speed of business communications, the distance from which information can be obtained, and the amount of information being used.
Abstract: Technological advances in the last 40 years are widely used in business communications today. The “communications revolution” has affected the speed of business communications, the distance from which information can be obtained, and the amount of information being used. These effects influence company decision making, organisation, and control processes in a variety of ways.
TL;DR: In this paper, a case study of an IT manufacturing company in transition is presented, where the authors focus on the successful management of change in people, attitudes, and organisation to achieve competitive edge in the European Single Market.
Abstract: Competitive edge will not come from cost alone in the European Single Market, nor in competition with the Far East. ICL provides a case study of an IT manufacturing company in transition. Realignment in the marketplace requires above all the successful management of change in people, attitudes and organisation.
TL;DR: In this paper, the characteristics of EIS are outlined together with a discussion of their use and possible future developments, and they are preferred to management information systems because they can supply timely, relevant and understandable data in a flexible manner.
Abstract: The characteristics of Executive Information Systems (EIS) are outlined together with a discussion of their use and possible future developments. EIS are to be preferred to management information systems because they can supply timely, relevant and understandable data in a flexible manner.
TL;DR: In this paper, a constructive dialogue between the two domains is necessary to develop a viable long-range strategic business plan, which is also a technological problem, it also requires significant changes in the business culture.
Abstract: To provide the organisational capacity to adopt information technology (IT) successfully, a partnership between technology and business managers must be established. A constructive dialogue between the two domains is necessary to develop a viable long‐range strategic business plan. The implementation of IT not only is a technological problem, it also requires significant changes in the business culture.
TL;DR: The Electronics and Business Equipment Association has published a guide, Making IT Work, to creating the right environment for information technology: it is summarised here as discussed by the authors, and is important to any business newly adopting IT, or about to expand its systems, and is directed to the need to consider work patterns, the health and safety of operators, document storage and methods of communication.
Abstract: The Electronics and Business Equipment Association has published a guide, Making IT Work, to creating the right environment for information technology: it is summarised here. The guide is important to any business newly adopting IT, or about to expand its systems, and is directed to the need to consider work patterns, the health and safety of operators, document storage and methods of communication.
TL;DR: The content of such an audit is described in stages: preaudit, setting objectives, preparation, drawing up documentation, areas to audit, data processing, reporting, implementation and post-audit review.
Abstract: The environmental audit is here to stay. The global concern about environmental damage that underlines this development is considered and ways in which some organisations are already responding and their reasons for doing so are discussed. The “green audit” can be used to demonstrate compliance with new legislation; more importantly it provides management with information on environmental performance. The content of such an audit is described in stages: pre‐audit, setting objectives, preparation, drawing up documentation, areas to audit, data processing, reporting, implementation and post‐audit review.
TL;DR: The quality of American products after decades of improvement has stopped progressing as mentioned in this paper, and a new way of addressing quality is necessary, which will motivate workers and ensure quality production, and provide a stimulus to increased competitiveness in domestic and international markets.
Abstract: The quality of American products after decades of improvement has stopped progressing. Historical trends of traditional quality management fail to motivate workers and ensure quality production. A new way of addressing quality is necessary. Innovative quality programmes provide a stimulus to increased competitiveness in domestic and international markets. Companies which adopt these approaches receive benefits in reduced costs, expanded productivity, higher employee morale, and greater customer satisfaction.
TL;DR: In this paper, a number of benefits obtainable from JIT simulation are proposed, as well as warnings of possible problems also presented and discussed are some recommendations for avoiding many of these potential problems.
Abstract: The simulation of JIT manufacturing offers a number of prospective benefits to its users Unfortunately, a number of pitfalls also await those who utilise the technique without first establishing the proper foundation A number of benefits obtainable from JIT simulation are proposed, as well as warnings of possible problems Also presented and discussed are a number of recommendations for avoiding many of these potential problems Any JIT manufacturing firm should be able to utilise simulation to its benefit provided that its use is carefully implemented