Showing papers in "Industrial Management and Data Systems in 1996"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a practical and systematic overview of some key IT outsourcing contractual issues, exploring and highlighting management implications where appropriate, by discussing these issues systematically from a management and practical perspective.
Abstract: Presents a practical and systematic overview of some key IT outsourcing contractual issues, exploring and highlighting management implications where appropriate. Discusses issues such as service level, transfer of assets, staffing, pricing and payment, warranty and liability, dispute resolution mechanism, termination, intellectual property matters, and information security. Gives practical advice on pre‐contractual negotiation and post‐contractual management. By discussing these issues systematically from a management and practical perspective, contributes to bridging the gap between theory and practice and seeks to offer useful information to management considering IT outsourcing.
109 citations
TL;DR: Product data management (PDM) systems help to keep track of the masses of information needed to design, manufacture or build products and then to maintain them as discussed by the authors, which can be applied to a wide range of products and industries and across the whole spectrum of organizational functions.
Abstract: Product data management (PDM) systems help to keep track of the masses of information needed to design, manufacture or build products and then to maintain them. They can be applied to a wide range of products and industries and across the whole spectrum of organizational functions. Benefits extend far beyond engineering design to include cost savings in manufacturing, reduced time to market and increased product quality. Defines and describes the type of features and functions that should be found in a PDM system and addresses the following: data vault and document management; workflow and process management; product structure management; classification; project management; communication and notification; data transport and translation; image services; system administration; and PDM environments.
97 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the steps taken by Laser Inc. in the development and implementation of a statistical process control (SPC) system for two specific production lines, which included a total of 16 steps.
Abstract: Discusses the steps taken by Laser Inc. in the development and implementation of a statistical process control (SPC) system for two specific production lines. The SPC programme included a total of 16 steps. Explains each of these steps. Suggests that they are comprehensive in nature and can be used by any organization wanting to implement an SPC system.
78 citations
TL;DR: The Warwick Manufacturing Group's time-based process mapping tool as mentioned in this paper is based on the concept of "design for logistics" and can be used to identify time-sensitive management actions in the business process.
Abstract: Claims that time compression is a powerful source of competitive advantage that remains relatively underutilized in UK busineses Details the research undertaken by the Warwick Manufacturing Group’s time compression programme (TCP) on the applications of time‐based approaches with a number of partner companies Explores the nature of time compression in relation to the fundamental principles of the supply chain and the concept of “design for logistics” The implication is that the complexity of these two areas of related scope can be clarified using a time‐based approach so that required management actions can be clearly identified Highlights a new tool, time‐based process mapping, which forms part of the TCP’s standard approach to time compression, as a practical way of establishing the time‐based opportunities that exist in the business process
45 citations
TL;DR: This article conducted an investigation into SME management attitudes towards TQM in the East Midlands region of the UK and compared them with UK-based Japanese-owned companies and found that the UK-owned SMEs are better at implementing TQMs.
Abstract: Notes that while implementation of total quality management (TQM) in large organizations has been widely documented, it has received far less attention in relation to small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), in which most of the UK labour force is employed. Reports the results of an investigation into SME management attitudes towards TQM in the East Midlands region of the UK. Compares them with UK‐based Japanese‐owned companies and discovers that the UK‐owned SMEs are better at implementing TQM. Concludes that there is room for improvement in all companies in the translation of management philosophy into employee action.
40 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the level of commitment and consensus among the top management team in a New York Stock Exchange listed company with more than 1,500 employees, and present the findings.
Abstract: Asserts that top management needs to be aware of both high and low consensus among their management teams in terms of commitment to what they say they are doing in the organization. All too often leaders in organizations who are conditioned by repetitive refrains of hearing the “customer is number one” come to believe it and fail to evaluate the extent to which it is actually operative in the firm. Attempts to give a background for strategic management and organizational effectiveness and to relate a current observation to answer the question: do we do what we say we do? Emphasizes the importance of strategic management and organizational effectiveness. Presents an array of organizational effectiveness concepts that relate to strategic management processes. Uses data from a New York Stock Exchange listed company with more than 1,500 employees to investigate the level of commitment and consensus among the top management team, and presents the findings.
36 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe how a company implemented a philosophy of dynamic management reporting (DMR) that provided for a highly flexible performance reporting system, which can serve as a catalyst for organizational change, introduce new reporting concepts, incorporate a wide variety of performance measures, and encourage cross functional understanding and co-ordination.
Abstract: Points out that traditional financial systems used for internal reporting are limited in several ways. Describes how a company implemented a philosophy of dynamic management reporting (DMR) that provided for a highly flexible performance reporting system. DMR can serve as a catalyst for organizational change, introduce new reporting concepts, incorporate a wide variety of performance measures, and encourage cross‐ functional understanding and co‐ordination.
33 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the Japanese economic machine has developed into the leading economy in the world on a per capita income basis and second only to the USA in GNP, and it is argued that Japan has virtually conquered the US consumer electronics, semiconductor, and machine tool markets and would have done the same for the automotive segment.
Abstract: Within the last two decades, the Japanese economic machine has developed into the leading economy in the world on a per capita income basis and second only to the USA in GNP. Contends that Japan has virtually conquered the US consumer electronics, semiconductor, and machine tool markets and, except for quotas, would have done the same for the automotive segment. Various explanations are offered for Japan’s success and some say it is because of the Japanese ability to listen to and serve their customers by delivering quality merchandise at a low price, while others point to Japanese companies’ ability to innovate. Asks how truly innovative are the Japanese. In what ways do they struggle and prosper innovatively? Examines the notion of “innovation” and how it is accomplished in Japan; explores the positives and negatives of their innovative patterns; and discusses implications for the US and international competition.
27 citations
TL;DR: This paper considers the potential use of spreadsheets as decision‐support systems (DSS), and considers some of the models that can be easily built with modern spreadsheet packages, including models to support what‐if or scenario analysis, sensitivity analysis, goal seeking and optimization.
Abstract: Considers the potential use of spreadsheets as decision‐support systems (DSS). Commences by considering the nature of DSS and the advantages and disadvantages of spreadsheets as DSS, and then proceeds to consider and illustrate some of the models that can be easily built with modern spreadsheet packages, including models to support what‐if or scenario analysis, sensitivity analysis, goal seeking and optimization. Develops detailed examples using Excel, but most of the features used in model building in these examples are also available in recent releases of other spreadsheet packages.
20 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify empirically a few demographic variables that are associated with the ethical behaviour of information system (IS) personnel and raise a few issues for IS managers, indicating that the existing models of ethical behaviour, when used in the computing context, need to be suitably modified by including demographic variables.
Abstract: The area of computer abuse and professional ethics in computing is of interest to companies as well as ethics researchers. Expands the research in ethical behaviour of information system employees. Identifies empirically a few demographic variables that are associated with the ethical behaviour of information system (IS) personnel and raises a few issues for IS managers. In addition, indicates that the existing models of ethical behaviour, when used in the computing context, need to be suitably modified by including demographic variables.
18 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a new approach to justification of advanced factory management systems, namely activity-based costing (ABC), which is based on the traditional economic analysis techniques in justifying factory automation.
Abstract: Looks at the literature to date which has indicated some successful cases of using traditional economic analysis techniques in justifying factory automation. Points out, however, that strategic implications and integration effects of factory control systems are beyond the scope of currently available justification schemes. Presents a new approach to justification of advanced factory management systems, namely activity‐based costing (ABC). Introduces frameworks of typical advanced factory management systems and briefly discusses basic concepts, definitions and current applications of ABC. Enumerates the need for this new justification approach, the hierarchy of factory operating expenses and steps to implement ABC in acquiring advanced factory management systems. Concludes with a case study example to illustrate the application of this new approach.
TL;DR: A new model is developed showing that selecting from a number of priority rules is not required and, using the measures of performance introduced, decides on a suitable schedule from the schedules produced under varied assumptions is shown to be much easier.
Abstract: Discusses the twofold purpose of this study, first to introduce a number of measures devised to be used in comparing and evaluating two schedules for the same project, second to present and evaluate a heuristic procedure developed in this research for solving the resource constrained project scheduling problem. Posits that the new procedure is based on the notion that a project can be partitioned into a number of sections and there is no obligation to use a single policy all the way through all the sections of project. Shows that this research is also an attempt to bridge the gap between the theory and practice by eliminating the question of which priority rule to use for which project. Develops a new model showing that selecting from a number of priority rules is not required and, using the measures of performance introduced, decides on a suitable schedule from the schedules produced under varied assumptions is shown to be much easier. Concludes with suggestions for further research.
TL;DR: In this paper, an economic model is built to evaluate the trade-offs which must be considered in the process of managing the source of these biases over the life cycle of an application.
Abstract: Suggests that the development and use of an expert consulting system is vulnerable to biases in the subject‐matter expert, knowledge‐engineer, validators, maintainers and end‐users. An expert system, developed at a large insurance company, is used to study these biases. An economic model is then built to evaluate the trade‐offs which must be considered in the process of managing the source of these biases over the life cycle of an application.
TL;DR: In this paper, a time-based approach to process mapping and the decision node analysis technique are proposed to assist in developing a tailored approach to improving new product development, together with a focus on risk management.
Abstract: Looks at the importance of product development in business and considers why, with so much attention being directed to process improvement, the success rate is still so low. Contends that while there are critical competences and a convergence towards a “best” process the problems often arise in the translation from the generic to the specific project. Identifies two new tools ‐ a time‐based approach to process mapping and the decision node analysis technique ‐ and suggests that these, together with a focus on risk management, can assist in developing a tailored approach to improving new product development.
TL;DR: The assumptions of the investigators influence what questions are asked about electronic surveillance, how inquiry is conducted, and how results are interpreted as discussed by the authors, and the assumptions influence how questions are answered.
Abstract: The growth of information technology as a means of electronic surveillance has led to a great deal of research which managers need to evaluate and apply to the workplace. To aid this process, managers should understand the perspectives that guide research agendas. The assumptions of the investigators influence what questions are asked about electronic surveillance, how inquiry is conducted, and how results are interpreted. Summarizes research that employs different organizational perspectives in studying electronic surveillance, and attempts to aid managers in applying this research on the job.
TL;DR: Evaluating the solution and final evaluation were shown to be the significantly most difficult steps to execute, and forming a team and identifying the problem were shownto be the least difficult steps; but the level of difficulty was not found to be related to the training technique used.
Abstract: A questionnaire surveying the type of training technique used (lecture, workshop, videotape, role playing, self tutorial (workbook) and self‐tutorial (computer)) for each of the seven steps in the quality improvement problem‐solving process was sent to 180 training directors in firms stating their participation in a quality improvement strategy The training directors were then queried on the degree of difficulty experienced in executing each of the problem‐solving process steps Evaluating the solution and final evaluation were shown to be the significantly most difficult steps to execute, and forming a team and identifying the problem were shown to be the least difficult steps; but the level of difficulty was not found to be related to the training technique used
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present research derived from scenarios describing the future of a wide range of industry sectors as developed by managers and professionals from more than 150 large organizations, and suggest that such organizations mainly focus on "regulation" as the factor which will be most important in determining their longer-term future.
Abstract: Discusses research, derived from scenarios describing the future of a wide range of industry sectors as developed by managers and professionals from more than 150 large organizations. Suggests that such organizations mainly focus on “regulation” as the factor which will be most important in determining their longer‐term future. At the same time, in terms of the industry their organizations operates within, they do not subscribe to many of the conventional assumptions as to what are likely to be the main drivers for change in their macro‐environment, and they focus on the nation state to which they belong rather than international developments. Posits that most surprising of all, they do not see IT as a major driver for change!
TL;DR: It is pointed out that re‐engineering techniques are used to align every area of the enterprise: people, strategy, technology and business processes to establish and maintain quality systems.
Abstract: Notes that as we move towards an information‐based society, information technologies will play a key role in establishing and maintaining economic competitiveness and that while the systems development life cycle approach has brought some order to the software development process, information engineering brings additional structure to the process. Points out that re‐engineering techniques are used to align every area of the enterprise: people, strategy, technology and business processes. Describes software re‐engineering activities and processes with a special emphasis on developing and maintaining quality systems.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compare the cross-cultural negotiation behaviour and differences in the perceived processes between product-oriented and consumer-product firms and report significant differences between the two groups and provide analysis.
Abstract: Suggests that, in this age of the global economy, cross‐cultural negotiations are becoming increasingly important in the management and marketing process of many companies. Compares the cross‐cultural negotiation behaviour and differences in the perceived processes between product‐oriented and consumer‐product firms. Reports on significant differences between the two groups and provides analysis.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that broadcast communications, including video magazines, direct satellite transmission, CD-ROM distribution to desktop PCs, is the fastest growing medium for corporate communication, both external and internal.
Abstract: Contends that broadcast communications ‐ including video magazines, direct satellite transmission, CD‐ROM distribution to desktop PCs ‐ is the fastest growing medium for corporate communication, both external and internal. Illustrates the potential of broadcast business television (BTV) to effect organizational change and deliver competitive advantage. Argues that further developments are needed to move corporate communications beyond one‐way transmission of information to achieve a genuinely interactive medium for the effective facilitation of behavioural change.
TL;DR: In this paper, a comparative case study of five Japanese multinational companies in Singapore explores their ability to use or adapt practices employed in Japan, and concludes that, on the whole, the companies successfully sought to modify features of the Singaporean environment to suit Japanese manufacturing methods, though they were forced to make some concessions to local conditions.
Abstract: Seeks to better understand the implications of Japanese management methods in non‐Japanese and non‐Western contexts. Utilizes a framework proposed by Young to assess the implementation of Japanese management practices in Singapore. Based on comparative case studies of five Japanese multinational companies in Singapore, explores their ability to use or adapt practices employed in Japan. Concludes that, on the whole, the companies successfully sought to modify features of the Singaporean environment to suit Japanese manufacturing methods, though they were forced to make some concessions to local conditions. Supports Young’s call for further research, where the ability to compare directly the experience of both Japanese subsidiaries and non‐Japanese companies seeking to adopt Japanese manufacturing techniques would be a distinct advantage.
TL;DR: In this paper, an evaluative model that can be used as a framework by management of organizations to evaluate their company's operations profile is presented by means of a case study.
Abstract: Presents an evaluative model that can be used as a framework by management of organizations to evaluate their company’s operations profile. By means of a case study, the authors demonstrate the effectiveness of the model. The data for this study was obtained through interviews, questionnaire survey, and archival sources.
TL;DR: The effects of decision unstructuralness (unstructuredness + noisiness) on decision‐support systems (DSS) adoption is examined and it is suggested that end‐users are sensitive to “unstructurals” when they select a decision support approach.
Abstract: Examines the effects of decision unstructuralness (unstructuredness + noisiness) on decision‐support systems (DSS) adoption. Suggests that end‐users are sensitive to “unstructuralness” when they select a decision support approach. Problem structuring at the intelligence phase generates the first signal about DSS usefulness. If this signal is in favour of DSS, the manager either immediately adopts the DSS, or performs problem solving at the design phase. At this phase a new signal will be generated thus, confirming or denying DSS usefulness. This confirms that problem structuring prevails in making the DSS adoption decision. That is, in making the DSS adoption decision, priority is given to problem structuring in the intelligence phase.
TL;DR: Explores the concept of the “office” in today’s changing business and technological environment, and further evaluates whether groupware can lead to truly flexible and co‐operative working by identifying some of the philosophical and managerial issues this topic raises.
Abstract: Notes that the phenomenon of office automation (OA) is continually evolving and that groupworking and computer‐supported co‐operative working, supported by groupware products such as Lotus Notes, are seen as the next phase in the OA saga. Explores the concept of the “office” in today’s changing business and technological environment, and further evaluates whether groupware can lead to truly flexible and co‐operative working by identifying some of the philosophical and managerial issues this topic raises.
TL;DR: The UK car industry has been revitalized by transferring Japanese manufacturing processes and management techniques to their UK facilities as mentioned in this paper, leading other producers to emulate these practices, and the UK automobile industry is world-class once again.
Abstract: 1996 marks the centenary of car production in the UK. Once a by‐word for inefficiency, contends that the UK car industry has been revitalized. The political environment of the 1980s rendered the UK an attractive location for Japanese “transplants”. Explains how Japanese producers have transferred their highly competitive manufacturing processes and management techniques to their UK facilities, prompting other producers to emulate these practices. The UK automobile industry is world‐class once again.
TL;DR: Reports that EDI systems differ from traditional computer systems and, therefore, have special disaster recovery issues that need to be addressed; the main difference being thatEDI systems cross organizational boundaries.
Abstract: Reports that EDI systems differ from traditional computer systems and, therefore, have special disaster recovery issues that need to be addressed; the main difference being that EDI systems cross organizational boundaries. Explains that this crossing of boundaries means that an organization must look beyond its own walls when constructing a disaster recovery plan. Identifies various concerns for inter‐enterprise systems. Presents a framework based on how the phases for disaster recovery planning can be used to address and plan for these concerns.
TL;DR: An industrial case study is detailed which shows how information obtained during the product development process can be used to produce predictive metrics, and the impact that concurrent engineering approach has on the ability to provide these metrics.
Abstract: The benefits associated with implementing concurrent engineering mean that more and more companies are looking to use it for their new product introduction process. Previously, methods for monitoring product development have included the use of metrics. “Predictive” metrics have also been used, but have mainly tended to focus on the software and firmware aspects of a product. Outlines metric ideas, but takes a holistic view of the product under development. Details an industrial case study which shows how information obtained during the product development process can be used to produce predictive metrics. These can be used as a means to make the development process more efficient. Discusses the benefits of predictive metrics and the impact that concurrent engineering approach has on the ability to provide these metrics.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the capabilities and applications of new, cost-effective advanced planning systems software designed to run alongside and improve the value and performance of existing manufacturing resource planning (MRPII) systems by adding comprehensive, iterative and accelerated simulation to achieve optimization of all factors before committing to business critical decisions.
Abstract: Describes the capabilities and applications of new, cost‐effective advanced planning systems software designed to run alongside and improve the value and performance of existing manufacturing resource planning (MRPII) systems by adding comprehensive, iterative and accelerated simulation to achieve optimization of all factors before committing to business‐critical decisions.
TL;DR: The use of neural network technology is used to decrease the number of rules needed and to improve the efficiency of the decision‐making process in an expert system in a paper mill plant of a large Fortune 500 company.
Abstract: Focuses on the development and implementation of an expert system in a paper mill plant of a large Fortune 500 company. A noteworthy issue in the development of this expert system is the use of neural network technology to decrease the number of rules needed and to improve the efficiency of the decision‐making process. Outlines problems that occurred in development and implementation along with remedies used by the company. In addition, gives benefits that the company enjoyed from the expert system. Finally, provides guidelines, drawn from experience, for other companies that are interested in expert system development.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors look at the automotive component industry today and how it is reacting to this and find that although all the motor manufacturers require different responses from suppliers, the real answer is closer communication and better relationships.
Abstract: Looks at the pressures on the automotive component industry today and how it is reacting to this. Posits that although all the motor manufacturers require different responses from suppliers the real answer is closer communication and better relationships.