Showing papers in "Industrial Management and Data Systems in 1994"
TL;DR: In this paper, the issue of JIT implementation is addressed by integrating the findings from recently published articles from a number of professional journals. And the conclusion strongly supports the notion that a JIT process is contingent in nature.
Abstract: Several studies indicate that a JIT implementation process is contingent and a kind of “do‐it‐yourself‐procedure”. Addresses the issue of JIT implementation by integrating the findings from recently published articles from a number of professional journals. The conclusion strongly supports the notion that a JIT implementation process is contingent in nature. Despite a great diversity of elements mentioned in the JIT implementation articles, the quality‐related, the vendor‐related, and the production‐related practices seem to play an important role in JIT implementation. Also, there is an increasing number of articles that specifically deal with the human‐related practices such as communication and co‐worker relations.
77 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide a tutorial introduction to ABC and highlight the difference between ABC and conventional cost accounting by means of simulating a production environment for the user to explore.
Abstract: Many traditional cost accounting methods can result in distorted cost information as they allocate overheads in proportion to labour. This can result in a low technology product being overcosted and a high technology product being undercosted. Activity‐based costing (ABC) allocates costs more accurately and pinpoints areas of waste. Describes software which provides a tutorial introduction to ABC and highlights the difference between ABC and conventional cost accounting by means of simulating a production environment for the user to explore. The simulator should foster improved understanding of the opportunities of ABC.
21 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a group decision support system (GDSS) has been developed to improve meetings, and studies have shown that the systems can increase their efficiency and effectiveness as well as the group members' satisfaction with them.
Abstract: Group meetings are a daily component of most businesses but are often considered as unproductive or even a “waste of time” by many participants. Over the past decade, computer‐based systems called group decision support systems (GDSSs) have been developed to improve meetings, and studies have shown that the systems can increase their efficiency and effectiveness as well as the group members′ satisfaction with them. Describes this new technology with its advantages and disadvantages and shows how two corporations used GDSSs to improve their meeting productivity.
20 citations
TL;DR: Describes the design and analysis of a computer‐based information system for inventory management in a computer service company and identifies the requirements of the users and the components of the system.
Abstract: Describes the design and analysis of a computer‐based information system for inventory management in a computer service company. Studies the existing manual system for possible adaptation and necessary modifications and identifies the requirements of the users and the components of the system. To facilitate control, the parts are classified into four categories. Various quantitative models for demand forecast, economic order quantity, and safety stock are considered, and for each part type, an appropriate set of models is used depending on the relative importance of its category. The information system so designed is implemented in a modular form. The database for this application is implemented in dBASE III PLUS while the control programs are written in CLIPPER tools. Extensive user interface is provided for user‐friendliness.
17 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the organizational components deemed necessary to the development of heterogeneous self-managed work teams and explain the interrelationship between organizational structure and strategies, with emphasis on formalization, socialization, training and empowerment/decentralization.
Abstract: Explores the organizational components deemed necessary to the development of heterogeneous self‐managed work teams. Explains the interrelationship between organizational structure and strategies. Describes the organic structure, with emphasis on formalization, socialization, training and empowerment/ decentralization, as the cornerstone of the development of these teams. Outlines strategies for effective use of communication, shared values and trust.
16 citations
TL;DR: Presents a microcomputer‐based interactive decision support system (DSS) to assist managers to improve decision making for machine scheduling in a job shop environment and provides an interactive interface to the decision maker.
Abstract: Presents a microcomputer‐based interactive decision support system (DSS) to assist managers to improve decision making for machine scheduling in a job shop environment. The system downloads data from a factory information system, and schedules work into the appropriate work centres. The system produces sequences using a rule set that incorporates set‐up time reduction, shortest processing time (SPT) sequencing, downstream requirements, and job due dates. The system automatically expedites where required, and provides an interactive interface to the decision maker. A SLAM II‐based computer simulation model guides system development and provides a test bed for policy decisions with regard to implementation of the DSS.
13 citations
TL;DR: The information highway is a management issue with the same importance as information technology applications and information technology management as discussed by the authors and deals with some critical issues that arise in the evolution of an information highway age and its alignment with evolving management perspectives and strategies.
Abstract: The information highway is a management issue with the same importance as information technology applications and information technology management. Deals with some critical issues that arise in the evolution of an information highway age and its alignment with the evolving management perspectives and strategies.
13 citations
TL;DR: The Internet offers vast communication resources to enhance product development and system support, and several specific examples of business solutions in the areas of e‐mail communications, business applications software support, system design and databases are provided.
Abstract: An estimated 30 million people make use of the Internet not only for electronic mail (e‐mail), but also to peruse databases, view photographs and videos and find travel information and weather reports. Innovative data systems managers can offer business solutions by integrating the capabilities of the Internet into their business environment. The Internet offers vast communication resources to enhance product development and system support. Offers an introduction to the communication resources of the Internet and provides several specific examples of business solutions in the areas of e‐mail communications, business applications software support, system design and databases. An awareness of these global solutions by today′s managers may stimulate an increased appreciation of the power of electronic communications and an encouragement of co‐operative work, using electronic media.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe a one-process weighing systems company that has implemented a system for a leading UK manufacturer of crisps and snacks, using strategically placed data collection terminals to relay information to a management processor.
Abstract: Traceability through a process is an integral part of a total quality management philosophy. Looks at what it means in practice with reference to a one process weighing systems company that has implemented a system for a leading UK manufacturer of crisps and snacks. The system builds from the bottom up, using strategically placed data collection terminals to relay information to a management processor.
11 citations
TL;DR: A survey conducted among manufacturing and service establishments in Saudi Arabia as mentioned in this paper discusses the computerization motives of these establishments and the steps they have taken in computerization as well as their current satisfaction with computerization.
Abstract: Reports on a survey conducted among manufacturing and service establishments in Saudi Arabia. Discusses the computerization motives of these establishments and the steps they have taken in computerization as well as their current satisfaction with computerization. Also highlights future computerization plans of manufacturing and service organizations.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an auditing procedure that can monitor that just-in-time (JIT) is being implemented efficiently and correctly, and that potential benefits are being derived.
Abstract: It is not sufficient just to make the decision to implement just‐in‐time (JIT) and then let events run their course. It is important also to have in place an auditing procedure that can monitor that JIT is being implemented efficiently and correctly. These procedures should ideally monitor performance and ensure that potential benefits are being derived. Items in the present checklist are based on both entensive examination of JIT literature, in order to identify major factors, and three years′ study of JIT implementation. The procedure monitors 77 items, divided into five groups, covering all aspects of manufacturing organization.
TL;DR: A heuristic algorithm, designed for freeze‐drying operations in the food processing industry, is developed for a multistage system with parallel machines and resource constraints to generate production schedules in a microcomputer‐based operating environment.
Abstract: A heuristic algorithm, designed for freeze‐drying operations in the food processing industry, is developed for a multistage system with parallel machines and resource constraints. The system is extremely complex owing to factors such as stage capacities, resource constraints and requirements, set‐up charges, product mix, order sizes, and co‐ordination of multiple stages. The primary objectives are meeting due dates, minimizing workflow time, and maximizing equipment utilization. The system is implemented to generate production schedules in a microcomputer‐based operating environment.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify the magnitude and importance of software development costs in a modern high-technology manufacturing environment and develop a holistic feed-forward control model using the Japanese management accounting technique of target costing.
Abstract: Identifies the magnitude and importance of the level of software development costs in a modern high‐technology manufacturing environment. Analyses the variety of cost control practices as evidenced in the English‐language journals. Develops a holistic feed‐forward control model using the Japanese management accounting technique of target costing. Examines the relevance of each technique in relation to its most cost‐effective role and predicts that target costing will be widely adopted in the near future.
TL;DR: The views of 25 chief executive officers and their information systems executives on the utility of information systems in their organizations were examined and a gap was detected between these two groups of executives with regard to their satisfaction with information systems.
Abstract: The views of 25 chief executive officers and their information systems executives on the utility of information systems in their organizations were examined. A gap was detected between these two groups of executives with regard to their satisfaction with information systems and those who run them. It is concluded that such a gap must be eliminated through training and education, if information systems are to be effective in achieving a strategic competitive advantage for the organization.
TL;DR: In this paper, the extent to which world-class philosophy and methods are being adopted and utilized by North American manufacturing organizations was determined. But some weaknesses in translating philosophy into policies and methods were identified.
Abstract: Determines the extent to which world‐class philosophy and methods are being adopted and utilized by North American manufacturing organizations. Using mailing lists obtained from several US and Canadian chambers of commerce, 800 organizations were identified as a target group. Managers of 251 manufacturing organizations served as respondents to the survey (31.37 per cent response rate). Results indicate that these manufacturers are aware of and committed to the basic concepts underlying world class manufacturing status. However, some weaknesses in translating philosophy into policies and methods were identified. Future research directions are suggested.
TL;DR: A number of articles have been written, which attempt to identify and discuss the critical variable essential for successful JIT implementation as mentioned in this paper, but to date little have reported on quantitative tangible and intangible benefits of JIT.
Abstract: In competitive world markets most manufacturing companies have learned that survival is based on a commitment towards continual process, and that product improvement competes with high quality of product and low price. In today′s rapidly changing marketplace a company must deliver low cost together with high quality and reliability of product to ensure retaining adequate market share. The necessary improvements can be achieved as have already been determined first by a large number of Japanese companies and later by US and European companies with implementation of suitable JIT systems. A number of articles have been written, which attempt to identify and discuss the critical variable essential for successful JIT implementation. To date little have reported on quantitative tangible and intangible benefits of JIT. Discusses tangible and intangible benefits which European companies have derived from JIT.
TL;DR: The ANSI/X3/SPARC database framework is utilized to develop a three‐level integrated DSS framework, that enables the integration of different types of DSS in organization and suggests a knowledge‐based approach for implementing the proposed framework.
Abstract: Decision support systems (DSS) like individual DSS, group DSS, or organization DSS, have traditionally been developed separately. Attempts to integrate their separate development into a unified framework. Specifies the relationship between the decisions supported by different DSS in organization, thereby making it necessary to have an integrated approach; along with an outline of the problems in the existing DSS environment towards proper integration. The ANSI/X3/SPARC database framework is utilized to develop a three‐level integrated DSS framework, that enables the integration of different types of DSS in organization. Suggests a knowledge‐based approach for implementing the proposed framework.
TL;DR: In this article, a microcomputer software system for total productivity measurement in manufacturing organi-zations, named TOPROD, developed by the author, is described. And the results are analysed, and possible steps for improvement suggested.
Abstract: Describes a microcomputer software system for total productivity measurement in manufacturing organi‐zations, named TOPROD, developed by the author. Beginning with a discussion advocating the greater use of total productivity ratios in industry, the six main programs of the software are described. The first three modules deal with various categories of inputs: capital (including fixed and working), direct costs (such as labour and raw materials) and indirect costs. The fourth module considers all output items. The fifth and sixth algorithms compute total and value‐added productivity respectively, as well as partial productivities of the principal inputs. Describes the application of TOPROD to an Indian chemical process plant, producing high‐density polyethylene. The results are analysed, and possible steps for improvement suggested.
TL;DR: In this paper, a framework for resolving the MIS/manufacturing conflict, based on prior research in organizational diversity, is presented, where the goal is to resolve conflict by understanding and leveraging diversity.
Abstract: “Turf Wars” between corporate management information systems (MIS) and corporate manufacturing threaten the success of computer integrated manufacturing (CIM). Co‐operation between MIS and manufacturing is essential in the planning, design and implementation of cross‐functional information systems, and it is information systems that are the biggest source of CIM failure. Takes the position that both MIS and manufacturing have been slow to recognize their contrasting corporate cultures and to deal with resolving the conflict between the two groups. In order to understand the conflict between MIS and manufacturing better, identifies the technical and organizational differences. From this, identifies seven “points of conflict” specific to identifying CIM implementation that are the focal point of the “turf wars”. Presents a framework for resolving the MIS/manufacturing conflict, based on prior research in organizational diversity. The goal is to resolve conflict by understanding and leveraging diversity, not...
TL;DR: An overview of research findings which support the use of the graphic user interface to increase user productivity is provided.
Abstract: The user interface is defined as the link between the computer and the user. With organizations striving to increase productivity, focus must be shifted from the capabilities of the machine to the ability of the user. Research has shown that the use of the graphic user interface leads to a reduced learning curve for the user as well as a resulting efficiency increase. Provides an overview of research findings which support the use of the graphic interface to increase user productivity.
TL;DR: The basics of today′s dynamic database management systems are presented and it is concluded that systems now are more user‐friendly.
Abstract: Data processing has undergone evolutionary changes in the past 30 years. Processing with a database management system offers a number of advantages. Presents the basics of today′s dynamic database management systems. Reviews the relevant professional magazines and concludes that systems now are more user‐friendly.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the relationship between BS 7750 on Environmental Management Systems (version of 1992) and BS 5750 on Quality Systems and make some judgements regarding the relative difficulty of implementing the standards and on the best order to do this.
Abstract: Examines the relationship between BS 7750 on Environmental Management Systems (version of 1992) and BS 5750 on Quality Systems (version of 1987) and the relationship between BS 7750 and the EC′s Eco Management and Audit Regulation (draft version of March 1993). Makes some judgements regarding the relative difficulty of implementing the standards and on the best order to do this, given that an organization wishes to implement more than one. Discusses the merits and problems of replacing BS 5750 with BS 7750 for some industries and the possible conflicts that could arise from the simultaneous implementation of BS 7750 and BS 5750. Concludes that the natural progression should be from registration under BS 5750, then BS 7750 and finally the European Scheme, and that conflicts between the different requirements of the standards are unlikely to arise.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the necessity of exposing future managers to the four areas of technology planning and forecasting, technology project management, the impact of technologies on the social system, as well as the impact on different world economies.
Abstract: Planning technology development and making use of available technologies are an integral part of a successful strategic business plan. Businesses have neglected their role in training and updating their potential managers in the area of technology management. Universities, in general, have not yet integrated technology awareness and forecasting with management training. Deals with the necessity of exposing future managers to the four areas of technology planning and forecasting, technology project management, the impact of technologies on the social system, as well as the impact of technologies on different world economies.
TL;DR: This work examines how allowing individuals discretion in selecting among various production scheduling techniques, combined with real‐time feedback, affects their job‐scheduling performance.
Abstract: Many organizations are analysing the feasibility of using Japanese production methods and concepts. Examines how allowing individuals discretion in selecting among various production scheduling techniques, combined with real‐time feedback, affects their job‐scheduling performance. The results of the experiments involving sequencing jobs through work centres, illustrate that when discretion was afforded, performance improved. This result suggests that providing employees with discretionary leeway and real‐time feedback enables them to improve the production system continuously.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that expert systems can preserve and distribute knowledge, enhance standardization, improve service and reduce costs, and that they can provide a competitive edge for companies in the service sector.
Abstract: The highly competitive service sector of the economy is important and growing. Expert systems can provide a competitive edge for companies in the service sector. Reasoning from examples in health care, education, financial services, transport and marketing, argues that expert systems can preserve and distribute knowledge, enhance standardization, improve service and reduce costs.
TL;DR: This system has several attractive features which make it very appealing to users without much computer background and executives of large firms as well as individual investors can use this system to time the market right.
Abstract: Presents an application of an expert system in the commodities market. The system is designed to facilitate decision making with regard to when to buy and sell. This system has several attractive features which make it very appealing to users without much computer background. Executives of large firms as well as individual investors can use this system to time the market right.
TL;DR: The Industrial Development Bureau of the Republic of China has enhanced its reputation owing to a high level of performance and user satisfaction at low cost of a computer‐based document management system (DMS) with the innovative use of information technology in the IDB case.
Abstract: Documentation has endowed us with the practice of putting all our records into file folders with serial modes; thus the liability of minding them is generated We may try to shrink the space and to minimize the labour of document keeping, but the performance of information workers and the people beyond will significantly improve only if we think of the documentation as a corporate fixed asset As a pioneer of computer‐based document management for the Taiwanese Government, the Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) of the Republic of China has enhanced its reputation owing to a high level of performance and user satisfaction at low cost of a computer‐based document management system (DMS) Describes some key issues and practical experience on designing, measuring, and justifying a DMS with the innovative use of information technology in the IDB′s case Also provides the steps for guiding decision‐making success and the process flow chart for a DMS These issues should provide guidance to develop a DMS
TL;DR: The information system downsizing trend has been on the increase during the last five years because of extreme pressures brought about by the slow economy and intense global competition as mentioned in this paper, though reports of downsizing show that not all companies have achieved projected cost savings; while some have gained the savings predicted, others have cut short their efforts to downsize, the project ending in total disenchantment.
Abstract: The information system downsizing trend has been on the increase during the last five years because of extreme pressures brought about by the slow economy and intense global competition. The major benefit of downsizing is cost saving or cost avoidance, though reports of downsizing show that not all companies have achieved projected cost savings; while some have gained the savings predicted, others have cut short their efforts to downsize, the project ending in total disenchantment. Reports on a survey which uses companies, ranked as the top 100 information users. These “best users” were selected as the basis for determining: the motivation for downsizing; how cost effective downsizing is; and the degree of satisfaction after downsizing was attempted. Results indicate that cost saving and effective information technology utilization are the principal motives for downsizing. Less than 50 per cent of respondents indicated cost‐reduction due to downsizing, while the rest indicated otherwise or were not sure. ...
TL;DR: A system that measures the degree to which specific LAN features meet end‐user needs and contribute to profitability is described, which reveals that, in the analysis, the features file security and remote access had positive effects on the overall LAN price.
Abstract: Suggests that, though local area networking is one of the fastest growing segments in the computer industry, the selection of appropriate features for inclusion in local area networks (LANs) can be confusing for both vendors and end‐users. Describes a system that measures the degree to which specific LAN features meet end‐user needs and contribute to profitability. Reveals that, in the analysis, the features file security and remote access had positive effects on the overall LAN price. Provides a methodology for selecting the most profitable features, such as remote access and gateways to PC networks, to include in a contemplated LAN product line.
TL;DR: It is high time that the matter of integrating advanced information systems (AIS) be seriously addressed and addressed towards making order out of what otherwise would be chaos.
Abstract: With major technical change taking place every two years, the control of old scientific management is now seriously challenged. This situation presents either an opportunity or frustration and must be addressed towards making order out of what otherwise would be chaos. It is high time that the matter of integrating advanced information systems (AIS) be seriously addressed. Over the short history of computer‐based information systems, professionals have gone through a series of generations which were initially based on heavy technical developments of hardware, soon followed by software, and later by peopleware. Information systems (IS) soon became a feature of major courses of action in carrying out business functions. A greater demand for applications led to the need for integrated systems where business processes were facilitated and enhanced by information technology (IT). Technology and systems are changing; opportunities for success as well as competitive pressures are cascading on management; and man...