Showing papers in "International Journal of Production Research in 2015"
TL;DR: In this paper, a comprehensive review of the literature in supply chain risk management (SCRM) in the past decade is presented and a detailed review associated with research developments in SCRM, including risk definitions, risk types, risk factors and risk management/mitigation strategies.
Abstract: Risk management plays a vital role in effectively operating supply chains in the presence of a variety of uncertainties. Over the years, many researchers have focused on supply chain risk management (SCRM) by contributing in the areas of defining, operationalising and mitigating risks. In this paper, we review and synthesise the extant literature in SCRM in the past decade in a comprehensive manner. The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, we present and categorise SCRM research appearing between 2003 and 2013. Second, we undertake a detailed review associated with research developments in supply chain risk definitions, risk types, risk factors and risk management/mitigation strategies. Third, we analyse the SCRM literature in exploring potential gaps.
852 citations
TL;DR: There has been considerable academic interest in recent years in supply chain resilience (SCRES), and a timely review of the available literature on SCRES based on a three-stage systematic search that identified 91 articles/sources is presented in this paper.
Abstract: There has been considerable academic interest in recent years in supply chain resilience (SCRES). This paper presents a timely review of the available literature on SCRES based on a three-stage systematic search that identified 91 articles/sources. We provide a comprehensive definition of SCRES before strategies proposed for improving resilience are identified and the contributions to the literature are critiqued, e.g. in terms of research method and use of theory. We take stock of the field and identify the most important future research directions. A wide range of strategies for improving resilience are identified, but most attention has been on increasing flexibility, creating redundancy, forming collaborative supply chain relationships and improving supply chain agility. We also find that only limited research has been conducted into choosing and implementing an appropriate set of strategies for improving SCRES. Much of the literature is conceptual, theoretical and normative; the few available empirical studies are mainly cross-sectional and confined to a large firm, developed country context; and, there has been limited use of theory frames to improve understanding. We propose Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) theory as an appropriate lens for studying SCRES. We demonstrate that SCRES mirrors many characteristics of a CAS – including adaptation and coevolution, non-linearity, self-organisation and emergence – with implications for the direction of both future research and practice.
590 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors performed an analysis of literature review of lean production (LP) research articles published from 1988 to 2011 in selected 24 operations research journals and provided a taxonomical and integrated review of articles, puts up perspective into the conceptualisation and various critical parameters for research.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to perform the analysis of literature review of lean production (LP). The analysis involved studying 546 research articles published from 1988 to 2011 in selected 24 operations research journals. The articles are classified by: time distribution of articles, research methodology, research stream, authorship patterns, sector-wise focus, popular elements in lean literature, focus of the articles on lean waste, and implementation status and performance measurement of various existing frameworks/models. Then, the suggestions for the future scope of research possibilities and development are identified. The study provides a taxonomical and integrated review of articles, puts up perspective into the conceptualisation and various critical parameters for research. The findings include: increase in empirical approach research articles, need of applying lean principles in the field of product development and enterprise level areas, need of more interregional research collaborations, nee...
378 citations
TL;DR: The results contribute to the literature by offering a more nuanced understanding of the performance implications of supply chain agility and supply chain adaptability, thereby addressing the crucial question of why their benefits may or may not materialise under varying levels of product complexity.
Abstract: Even though research has suggested that supply chain agility and supply chain adaptability are distinct capabilities, little is known about their performance effects and about the contextual conditions under which they are effective. Based on a sample of 143 German firms, we empirically investigate the effects of supply chain agility and supply chain adaptability on cost performance and operational performance using hierarchical regression analysis. We ground our investigation in the dynamic capabilities view and contingency theory. We find that supply chain agility and supply chain adaptability positively affect both cost performance and operational performance. We further find evidence for a mediating role of supply chain agility in the links between supply chain adaptability and performance. Product complexity positively moderates the links between supply chain adaptability and cost performance, and supply chain adaptability and operational performance. The results contribute to the literature by offer...
342 citations
TL;DR: An integrated approach of rule-based weighted fuzzy method, fuzzy analytical hierarchy process and multi-objective mathematical programming for sustainable supplier selection and order allocation combined with multi-period multi-product lot-sizing problem is proposed in this paper.
Abstract: Within supply chains activities, selecting appropriate suppliers based on the sustainability criteria (economic, environmental and social) can help companies move toward sustainable development. Although several studies have recently been accomplished to incorporate sustainability criteria into supplier selection problem, much less attention has been devoted to developing a comprehensive mathematical model that allocates the optimal quantities of orders to suppliers considering lot-sizing problems. In this research, we propose an integrated approach of rule-based weighted fuzzy method, fuzzy analytical hierarchy process and multi-objective mathematical programming for sustainable supplier selection and order allocation combined with multi-period multi-product lot-sizing problem. The mathematical programming model consists of four objective functions which are minimising total cost, maximising total social score, maximising total environmental score and maximising total economic qualitative score. The prop...
285 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the relationship between risk management and project success, considering the contingent effect of project complexity and found that the soft side of risk management appears most prominently and explains 10.7% of the effect on project success.
Abstract: This study aims to elucidate the relationship between risk management and project success, considering the contingent effect of project complexity. This approach also combines aspects of soft and hard skills. This methodological approach involves a literature review to underpin the conceptual framework and a survey for empirical validation, using structural equation modelling. The hypotheses were tested based on a field study involving 263 projects distributed among eight industries. The fieldwork involved interviews with project managers and risk managers and an analysis of internal company documents about the projects’ performance. The structural model presented herein provides a means for correlating the hard and soft sides of risk management with project success, understanding the moderating effect of project complexity. The soft side of risk management appears most prominently and explains 10.7% of the effect on project success. Moreover, the soft side supports the hard side, since we found a signifi...
238 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual framework for integrating human factors into planning models of order picking activities is proposed, and the authors hypothesize that doing so improves the performance of an OP system and workers' welfare.
Abstract: Order picking (OP) activities, essential to logistics operations, are laborious and time-intensive. Humans are central actors in the OP process and determine both OP effectiveness and efficiency. Many researchers have developed models for planning OP activities and increasing the efficiencies of such systems by suggesting different warehouse layouts, OP routes or storage assignments. These studies have, however, ignored workers’ characteristics, or human factors, suggesting that they cannot be substantiated, which led to only partially realistic results. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for integrating human factors into planning models of OP activities and hypothesises that doing so improves the performance of an OP system and workers’ welfare. The framework is based on a systematic literature review that synthesises findings documented in the OP and human factors literature. The results of the paper may assist researchers and practitioners in designing OP systems by developing planning models ...
236 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the existing literature related to decision-support tools and performance measurement for sustainable supply chain management is presented, and a systematic literature review is performed using classic bibliometric techniques to analyse the relevant body of knowledge identified in 384 papers published from 2000 to 2013.
Abstract: In recent years, interest on sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) has risen significantly in both the academic and business communities. This is confirmed by the growing number of conferences, journal publications, special issues and websites dedicated to the topic. Within this context, this paper reviews the existing literature related to decision-support tools and performance measurement for SSCM. A narrative literature review is carried out to capture qualitative evidence, while a systematic literature review is performed using classic bibliometric techniques to analyse the relevant body of knowledge identified in 384 papers published from 2000 to 2013. The key conclusions include: the evidence of a research field that is growing, the call for establishing the scope of current research, i.e. the need for integrated performance frameworks with new generation decision-support tools incorporating triple bottom line (TBL) approach for managing sustainable supply chains. There is a need to identify a ...
189 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a systematic literature review of 241 peer-reviewed articles across disciplines, published between 1985 and 2014, is provided, addressing key aspects of PBC design and management: performance specification and evaluation, the design of incentives and their impact on supplier behaviour and risks allocation depending also on the risk attitudes of buyers and suppliers.
Abstract: This paper aims to provide a review and synthesis of the performance-based contracting (PBC) literature across academic disciplines. It also seeks to examine how the operations and supply management (OSM) discipline in particular relates to PBC studies in other study fields. The research is based on a systematic literature review of 241 peer-reviewed articles across disciplines, published between 1985 and 2014. A classification framework of PBC research is proposed, addressing key aspects of PBC design and management: performance specification and evaluation, the design of incentives and their impact on supplier behaviour and risks allocation depending also on the risk attitudes of buyers and suppliers. The comparative analysis of literature by discipline helps identify current empirical and theoretical limitations of relevant OSM studies. The paper concludes that future OSM research should expand its theoretical framework and empirical focus to better understand PBC design and management. Eight specific suggestions for future OSM research are offered, e.g. examining the potential of PBC as means for managing sustainability and innovation goals of supply chains. The paper helps advance OSM research in this area by providing a structured overview of definitions, theories, conceptual frames, methods and empirical studies from other disciplines.
188 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors introduce the relationship between complexities and proactive management practices in supply chain resilience, particularly due to global sourcing (GS) strategies, and propose a GS resilience framework for future researchers to analyse the impact of GS complexity factors on supply-chain resilience with respect to three outcomes: (i) risk and innovation, (ii) benefit in terms of sales promotion and (iii) challenges and responsiveness.
Abstract: This article introduces the relationship between complexities and proactive management practices in supply chain resilience, particularly due to global sourcing (GS) strategies. The main objectives of this paper are as follows: (i) explain the various aspects of GS rather than reporting the trends and implications described in the literature, (ii) view GS in terms of complexity theory and (iii) investigate the resilience of supply chain due to GS complexity and suggest strategies to overcome complexities. We propose a GS resilience framework for future researchers to analyse the impact of GS complexity factors on supply chain resilience with respect to three outcomes: (i) risk and innovation, (ii) benefit in terms of sales promotion and (iii) challenges and responsiveness. Based on the framework, this introductory article summarises the papers appear in this special issue. This article would be useful to researchers and practitioners to further explore the role of complexities, proactive management strategies on GS resilience.
173 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a structured review of the literature on quantitative modelling for the blood product supply chain is presented, where the models are broken down into five categories: collection, production, inventory, and delivery.
Abstract: This paper presents a structured review of the literature on quantitative modelling for the blood product supply chain. This is a widely-researched topic, dating back to the 1960s, and several other reviews have been published over the years. However, this paper presents new relevant information for researchers, not only by including more recent models but chiefly because of the structured way in which the models are presented. The models are broken down into five categories. The first four categories represent the four stages (echelons) in the supply chain: collection, production, inventory, and delivery. The final category contains “integrated” models which cover more than one stage. Each section (other than integrated models, which are treated slightly differently) contains two distinct elements. The first element is a diagrammatic representation of decisions and relationships, broken down by hierarchy level (strategic – tactical – operational). The second element is a text description of the main features, contributions and gaps found in the analysed models. An additional element for each section is available online, namely a searchable table describing specific features of each echelon, together with a taxonomic key to assist the reader.
TL;DR: In this article, a distributed permutation flow shop scheduling problem is addressed, in which a set of jobs has to be scheduled over a number of identical factories, each one with its machines arranged as a flow shop.
Abstract: As the interest of practitioners and researchers in scheduling in a multi-factory environment is growing, there is an increasing need to provide efficient algorithms for this type of decision problems, characterised by simultaneously addressing the assignment of jobs to different factories/workshops and their subsequent scheduling. Here we address the so-called distributed permutation flowshop scheduling problem, in which a set of jobs has to be scheduled over a number of identical factories, each one with its machines arranged as a flowshop. Several heuristics have been designed for this problem, although there is no direct comparison among them. In this paper, we propose a new heuristic which exploits the specific structure of the problem. The computational experience carried out on a well-known testbed shows that the proposed heuristic outperforms existing state-of-the-art heuristics, being able to obtain better upper bounds for more than one quarter of the problems in the testbed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the effects of production scheduling policies aimed towards improving productive and environmental performances in a job shop system using a green genetic algorithm, which achieved a semi-optimal makespan similar to that obtained by the best of other methods but with a significantly lower total energy consumption.
Abstract: The paper investigates the effects of production scheduling policies aimed towards improving productive and environmental performances in a job shop system. A green genetic algorithm allows the assessment of multi-objective problems related to sustainability. Two main considerations have emerged from the application of the algorithm. First, the algorithm is able to achieve a semi-optimal makespan similar to that obtained by the best of other methods but with a significantly lower total energy consumption. Second, the study demonstrated that the worthless energy consumption can be reduced significantly by employing complex energy-efficient machine behaviour policies.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors defined a holistic sustainability index embedding several performance indices and established a relevant framework that would assess the current situation of an industry through aggregation of environmental, social, economical as well as manufacturing variables.
Abstract: Competition from low wage countries and the adoption of free market strategies have forced manufacturing firms to recognise and implement productivity enhancement strategies. This research defines a holistic sustainability index embedding several performance indices. The aim of this study was to establish a relevant framework that would assess the current situation of an industry through aggregation of environmental, social, economical as well as manufacturing variables. The proposition has its roots in trends and gaps in the sustainability literature of manufacturing industries and is based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. A list of indicators measuring the industry performance based on an AHP scoring methodology is proposed. The next stages include grouping industries according to common deficiencies across the four dimensions and establishing a cooperation framework. The food manufacturing industry is the main target in this study and will benefit from adopting sustainable long-term policies. By recognising the importance of social–environmental sustainability and taking the initiative to pursue it, profits will grow as a positive effect of such policies. The added value is twofold: (1) coupling all sustainability dimensions, often addressed in silos and (2) integrating manufacturing indicators which enable the analysis of interrelationships with sustainability.
TL;DR: In this article, the impact of consumers' preference to low carbon in the emission-concerned supply chain is investigated, and a novel emission-sensitive demand function is adopted, and an emission -sensitive cost function is introduced explicitly to capture the deviation production cost caused by emission reduction.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the impact of consumers’ preference to low carbon in the emission-concerned supply chain. In an emission-concerned supply chain, the consumers are assumed to prefer to low-carbon products. In an emission sensitive market, emission reduction not only brings the higher production costs but also stimulates the inverse demand function. Therefore, this may be an opportunity for players of the supply chain to coordinate their two objectives: environmental pressure (to reduce carbon emissions for environment protection) and profit-seeking, which intuitively seem to be contradictory. In order to address this research focus, a novel emission-sensitive demand function is adopted, and an emission -sensitive cost function is introduced explicitly to capture the deviation production cost caused by emission reduction. Then the decision-making of each member in the emission-concerned supply chain is investigated. We find that the decision-maker of the supply chain will choose different emission red...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a method based on QoS evaluation along with the geo-perspective correlation from one cloud service to another for transportation impact analysis, and also insure the veracity of the manufacturing time evaluation by resource availability overtime.
Abstract: Cloud Manufacturing (CMfg) ambitions to create dedicated manufacturing clouds (ie virtual enterprises) for complex manufacturing demands through the association of various service providers’ resources and capabilities In order to insure a dedicated manufacturing cloud to match the level of customer’s requirements, the cloud service selection and composition appear to be a decisive process This study takes common aspects of cloud services into consideration such as quality of service (QoS) parameters but extend the scope to the physical location of the manufacturing resources Unlike the classic service composition, manufacturing brings additional constraints Consequently, we propose a method based on QoS evaluation along with the geo-perspective correlation from one cloud service to another for transportation impact analysis We also insure the veracity of the manufacturing time evaluation by resource availability overtime Since the composition is an exhaustive process in terms of computational time
TL;DR: In this paper, a decision tool that allows decision-makers to choose the best disassembly alternative (process), for an End of Life product (EOL), and assign the corresponding disassembly tasks to the workstations of the line under precedence and cycle time constraints is presented.
Abstract: The purpose of this work is to efficiently design disassembly lines taking into account the uncertainty of task processing times. The main contribution of the paper is the development of a decision tool that allows decision-makers to choose the best disassembly alternative (process), for an End of Life product (EOL), and assign the corresponding disassembly tasks to the workstations of the line under precedence and cycle time constraints. Task times are assumed to be random variables with known normal probability distributions. The case of presence of hazardous parts is studied and cycle time constraints are to be jointly satisfied with at least a certain probability level, or service level, fixed by the decision-maker. An AND/OR graph is used to model the precedence relationships among tasks. The objective is to minimise the line cost composed of the workstation operation costs and additional costs of workstations handling hazardous parts of the EOL product. To deal with task time uncertainties, lower and upper-bounding schemes using second-order cone programming and approximations with convex piecewise linear functions are developed. The applicability of the proposed solution approach is shown by solving to optimality a set of disassembly problem instances (EOL industrial products) from the literature.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present three optimisation models to determine the remanufacturing quantity that maximises the total profits under three common carbon emission regulation policies: (a) mandatory carbon emissions capacity, (b) carbon tax and (c) cap and trade).
Abstract: Policy-makers are developing regulation policies to drive down carbon emissions from industries. Independent remanufacturers (IRs), which remanufacture recycled products/components/parts, must manage and evaluate economic costs generated by the production under future carbon emission regulations. We present three optimisation models to determine the remanufacturing quantity that maximises the total profits under three common carbon emission regulation policies: (a) mandatory carbon emissions capacity, (b) carbon tax and (c) cap and trade. These models include sales revenue, remanufacturing cost, disposal cost, inventory holding cost, shortage cost and carbon emission cost. The max–min approach is used to solve the models, which assume limited information on demand distribution. We investigate how the three regulation policies affect remanufacturing decision-making for IRs and we also solve some numerical examples where we vary the magnitudes of incentives, penalties and stringency of constraints to provid...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a synthesis of the literature on operational warehouse performance, providing the definitions for the performance indicators and a framework to demonstrate their boundaries and, finally, based on the literature analysis, they also provide some discussions on current trends in warehouses and propose future...
Abstract: As the supply chains get more complex, the variety of indicators and tools to measure warehouse performance has also increased. Furthermore, the metrics that are used for performance evaluation are assessed in different manners and hence there is not clear definition for some of these metrics. To address these issues, this literature review focuses on operational warehouse performance measurement, for which the warehouse managers need to carry out periodic analysis. Using the content analysis method, performance indicators are acquired from selected papers and are classified according to time, cost, quality and productivity dimensions. The contributions of this literature review are as follows: we present a synthesis of the literature on operational warehouse performance, we provide the definitions for the performance indicators and a framework to demonstrate their boundaries and, finally, based on the literature analysis, we also provide some discussions on current trends in warehouses and propose future...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a method to build an energy consumption model for printing stage of the Binder-Jetting (BJ) process, which provides a tool to optimize part geometry design with respect to energy consumption.
Abstract: Considering the potential for new product design possibilities and the reduction of environmental impacts, Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes are considered to possess significant advantages for automotive, aerospace and medical equipment industries. One of the commercial AM techniques is Binder-Jetting (BJ). This technique can be used to process a variety of materials including stainless steel, ceramic, polymer and glass. However, there is very limited research about this AM technology on sustainability aspect. This paper presents a method to build an energy consumption model for printing stage of BJ process. Mathematical analyses are performed to find out the correlation between the energy consumption and geometry of the manufactured part. Based on the analyses, total energy consumption is calculated as a function of part geometry and printing parameters. Finally, test printing is performed to check the accuracy of the model. This process model provides a tool to optimize part geometry design with respect to energy consumption.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a world-class sustainable manufacturing (WCSM) framework using a structured questionnaire, which was developed using extant literature and pretested to check content validity.
Abstract: Sustainable manufacturing has been the subject of debate in the last few years, amongst both researchers and industrialists. Manufacturing activities have been regarded as amongst the most important factors which have caused major damage to planet. The aim of this paper is to scientifically develop a world-class sustainable manufacturing (WCSM) framework. The study uses a structured questionnaire, which was developed using extant literature and pretested to check content validity. The data was collected following a modified version of Dillman’s total design method to improve the quality of response. The psychometric properties of the instrument including reliability and construct validity were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis for hypotheses testing, and partial least squares approach for testing goodness of fit. We find that the scale and items of our theoretical framework meet the criteria. The multiple regression analysis output suggests that all our hypothese...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine how purchasing's strategic participation influences supply management activities via the choice of appropriate operational and strategic criteria, and provide support for the tenet that purchasing participation in strategic planning influences purchasing performance directly as well as through the mediating effects of supplier selection criteria and supplier performance evaluation.
Abstract: In this article, we examine how purchasing’s strategic participation influences supply management activities via the choice of appropriate operational and strategic criteria. Specifically, the study focuses on supplier selection and monitoring ongoing supplier performance evaluation based on operational and strategic criteria. A combination of choosing appropriate supplier selection criteria and monitoring supplier performance ensures that the benefits of purchasing’s participation in strategic planning translate into better purchasing performance of cost, quality, delivery, flexibility and innovation. We test the hypotheses using survey data collected from manufacturing companies in the US by means of a path model. Our results provide support for the tenet that purchasing’s participation in strategic planning influences purchasing performance directly as well as through the mediating effects of supplier selection criteria and supplier performance evaluation. We discuss the theoretical and managerial impl...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored two key attributes constituting green operations practices (i.e. internal green management and green product/process design) and examined the links of adopting green operation practices with its antecedent factors (stakeholder pressures) and consequent performance outcomes (environmental performance).
Abstract: This study explores two key attributes constituting green operations practices (i.e. internal green management and green product/process design) and examines the links of adopting green operations practices with its antecedent factors (stakeholder pressures) and consequent performance outcomes (environmental performance). Data collected from 167 manufacturing firms in the UK were analysed using structural equation modelling. The results reveal that stakeholder pressures have a significant positive effect on internal green management, and that internal green management significantly affects green product/process design. The two attributes of green operations practices are significantly and positively related to environmental performance. More specifically, we find that internal green management fully mediates the relationship between stakeholder pressures and green product/process design and the relationship between stakeholder pressures and environmental performance.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model combining DEMATEL based on ANP (DANP) with preference ranking Organisation METHod for Enrichment Evaluations.
Abstract: The advent of increasing industrialisation and globalisation has put pressure on Indian enterprises to increase the integration of environmentally conscious manufacturing practices into their operations. Numerous studies have explored this strategy but there are significant gaps in the existing literature, particularly in environmental practices specific to India. In this connection, there is a need to explore green manufacturing practices (GMP) in an Indian context. The purpose of this article is to select the best GMP based on dimensions and relevant criteria with the assistance of a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model combining DEMATEL based on ANP (DANP) with Preference Ranking Organisation METHod for Enrichment Evaluations. A methodological framework is proposed to evaluate GMP and the same is validated within a particular single case industry situated in the southern part of India, who is the leading manufacturer of rubber tyres and tubes. By virtue of these findings, industries can identify...
TL;DR: In this paper, a literature survey was conducted on 16 risk classifications, which included 56 risk types, and the risk types were sorted according to existing conceptual similarities and then related to the five management processes intrinsic in a functional supply chain (plan, source, make, deliver and return), which are mainly advocated by the supply chain operations reference model.
Abstract: The supply chain management philosophy has often been used by organisations to achieve a competitive advantage, but it increases the vulnerability of these supply chains (SC) to certain risks. This dialogue between competitive advantage and risk generation has increased the number of studies related to the topic of ‘supply chain risk management’. Aiming to contribute to this field of research, a literature survey was conducted on 16 risk classifications, which included 56 risk types. These risk types were sorted according to existing conceptual similarities and then related to the five management processes intrinsic in a functional SC (plan, source, make, deliver and return), which are mainly advocated by the supply chain operations reference model. This literature review also highlights the lack of consensus among the surveyed authors concerning the risk types that affect a SC, a gap which this paper seeks to close by proposing a supply chain risk classification.
TL;DR: The analysis demonstrates that the maturity models with certain characteristics, promote organisational learning as well as enabling efficient and effective assessment of the performance management practices of the organisations.
Abstract: Over the last 20 years, the field of performance measurement (PM) has evolved from measurement to management. Investigations demonstrated the relevance of PM in management of organisations’ results. Although maturity model concept was widely used, the value of maturity models in PM has not been purposefully investigated. To address this gap, this research formulated three research questions: (1) How do maturity models in the field of performance measurement and management (PMM (2) research team adopted one of the available maturity models and facilitated self-assessments with the management teams of the same 12 companies. Results from both the studies were compared and high levels of congruence were identified. The analysis demonstrates that the maturity models with certain characteristics, promote organisational learning as well as enabling efficient and effective assessment of the performance management practices of the organisations.
TL;DR: In this article, the incentive for a firm's sustainable pricing and production policies with carbon dioxide emissions tax policy was studied, and two competing firms who have different operation efficiencies and produce a same product to the end-users were derived based on game theory models.
Abstract: This paper studies the incentive for a firm’s sustainable pricing and production policies with carbon dioxide emissions tax policy. We consider two competing firms who have different operation efficiencies and produce a same product to the end-users. Based on game theory models, we derive the competing firms’ optimal pricing and production policies, and show that the high-efficiency firm will set a lower retail price than that of the low-efficiency firm, either with same carbon emissions tax or without carbon emissions tax. When the two competing firms absorbed same carbon emissions tax, we show that both of them will set higher retail price than that without carbon emissions tax, and the high-efficiency firm’s both profit reduction and carbon emissions reduction percentages are lesser than that of low-efficiency firm. In addition, we find that when a firm incurs a higher carbon emissions tax, the firm gains a higher carbon emissions reduction percentage, but the competing firm gains a lower carbon emissi...
TL;DR: In this paper, a systematic literature review was used to study soft total quality management practices and their impacts on firm performance, and a theoretical framework was developed and research hypotheses were formulated.
Abstract: The aim of the paper is to study soft total quality management practices and their impacts on firm performance. In the research, the systematic literature review was used. After identifying a research gap, a theoretical framework was developed and research hypotheses were formulated. We have further checked the validity and reliability of measurement items using confirmatory factor analysis. The research framework was tested using multiple linear regressions under the effect of controllable variables (i.e. size of employees, supply uncertainty and demand uncertainty) of firm performance. The research hypotheses are well supported, which is consistent with previous extant literature.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors introduce a framework for managing barriers to lean production implementation in specific companies, which is comprised of five stages: (i) description of the context; (ii) identification of the barriers; (iii) analysis of the influence of context on the barriers, (iv) relationship among the barriers using interpretive structural modelling; (v) a feedback meeting to discuss the results of data collection, which also informs on the development of an action plan to control the barriers.
Abstract: As the barriers to lean production implementation (LPI) are influenced by the context, the search for generalisable barriers, relationships, priorities and control measures is to some extent elusive. This study introduces a framework for managing barriers to LPI in specific companies, which is comprised of five stages: (i) description of the context; (ii) identification of the barriers; (iii) analysis of the influence of the context on the barriers; (iv) analysis of the relationships among the barriers using interpretive structural modelling – this sets a basis for prioritising the barriers; and (v) a feedback meeting to discuss the results of data collection, which also informs on the development of an action plan to control the barriers. The use of the framework is illustrated by a case study of a manufacturing plant. Data collection involved interviews, observations and document analysis. A follow-up visit to the company was conducted 18 months after the initial data collection, in order to identify ch...
TL;DR: In this paper, a methodology based on Bow-Tie analysis and optimisation techniques is proposed to quantify and mitigate supply chain risks, taking into consideration risk interconnections, and it identifies the best combination of mitigation strategies under budget constraints.
Abstract: In today’s global competitive environment, supply chains are more susceptible to vulnerability due to the increasing occurrence of internal and external risk events. In addition, the trend associated with lean management, which involves reducing inventory, leads to more dependency of supply chain partners on each other which exacerbates risk exposure of companies in the supply chain. This creates the need for more effective management of supply chain risks. In this research, a methodology based on Bow-Tie analysis and optimisation techniques is proposed to quantify and mitigate supply chain risks. The proposed methodology takes into consideration risk interconnections, and it identifies the best combination of mitigation strategies under budget constraints. A real case study from a high-end server manufacturing environment is presented. Results from the case study showed that the proposed methodology for risk modelling and mitigation can effectively be used to quantify the risks and achieve the required r...