Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management
1741-038X
1758-7786
Anh Quốc
Cơ quản chủ quản: Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.
Lĩnh vực:
Control and Systems EngineeringComputer Science ApplicationsStrategy and ManagementIndustrial and Manufacturing EngineeringSoftware
Phân tích ảnh hưởng
Thông tin về tạp chí
The journal aims to give a broad international coverage of subjects relating to the management of manufacturing technology and the integration of the design, production, marketing and supply functions of enterprises. Emphasis is placed on the publication of articles which seek to link theory with practical application or critically analyse real cases with the objective of identifying good practice in manufacturing. Articles may be based on empirical investigations, theoretical perspectives, case study analysis, or report experimental results. However, all submissions should make a significant original contribution to the field; be directly relevant to the management of manufacturing technology; and contain elements which have general application. If it is felt that a contribution, though technical in nature, will be of broad interest, it may be published under a "technical paper" heading. A paper can be considered for publication as a "research note" if it reports work-in-progress on research which has not yet reached a stage where there are any final results or conclusions. Its value will be judged by the extent to which it contributes to a debate on the research problem, methodology, techniques of data analysis, etc.
Các bài báo tiêu biểu
Evaluating existing approaches to product‐service system design Purpose The purpose of this paper is to reflect on how representative the literature is in identifying industrial practice to designing product‐service systems (PSSs). Design/methodology/approach The paper analyses literature to report on the existing approaches used to design PSSs. A single exploratory case study approach, based on semi‐structured interviews and archival data analysis, was used to understand an existing product‐service organisation's approach to designing PSSs. A total of 12 senior managers were interviewed from a cross section of the organisation, to gain multiple perspectives on the PSS design process and ten company reports were analysed. Findings The research has identified that the PSS design process reported by literature is not representative, lacking inputs and outputs to some phases and feedback. In total, 18 inputs and 11 outputs have been identified from the case study that are not reported by the literature. These create five feedback loops within the PSS design process used by the case study organisation. This suggests that the PSS design process is cyclic and iterative and not sequential, as reported by existing literature. Research limitations/implications This research is based on a single‐case study approach, limiting the ability to generalise findings, and does not provide a complete PSS design approach. Practical implications This research compares literature against industrial practice to PSS design, presenting insight to aid practitioner's design PSSs. Originality/value This paper fills a gap in the servitization and PSS literatures; evaluating the approaches reported by literature against existing industrial practice.
Tập 23 Số 3 - Trang 272-298 - 2012
Real‐time routing selection for automated guided vehicles in a flexible manufacturing system Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the development of an architecture for real‐time routing of automated guided vehicles (AGV) in a random flexible manufacturing system (FMS). Design/methodology/approach AGV routing problem is modeled using an evolutionary algorithm‐based intelligent path planning model, which handles vehicle assignments to material handling requests and makes routing decisions with the objective of maximizing the system throughput. The architecture is implemented on a 3‐layer software environment in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed model. Findings The proposed architecture, along with the evolutionary algorithm‐based routing model, is implemented in a simulated FMS environment using hypothetical production data. In order to benchmark the performance of the path planning algorithm, the same FMS model is run by traditional dispatching rules. The analysis shows that the proposed routing model outperforms the traditional dispatching rules for real‐time routing of AGVs in many cases. Research limitations/implications Future work includes expanding the scope of the current work by developing and implementing other routing models and benchmarking them against the proposed model on different performance measures. Originality/value The implementation of evolutionary algorithms in real‐time routing of AGVs is unique. In addition, due to its modularity, the proposed 3‐layer architecture can allow effective and efficient integration of different real‐time routing algorithms; therefore it can be used as a benchmarking platform.
- 2007
A model for managing the transition to a global engineering network spanning industrialized and emerging economies Purpose Product development in most industries is often done today in a global engineering network (GEN). More recently, there has been a clear shift to using development resources from the so‐called “emerging countries” (ECs) that have growing domestic market, highly skilled workforce, and low labor cost base. The integration of resources from ECs, whether from the company's own businesses there or from external suppliers, poses a new challenge for collaborative work in a GEN. This paper aims to describe these challenges. Further, the process of transition to the use of resources from ECs is fraught with business risks. Further, seeks to discuss these risks and how they can be mitigated and to propose a model, derived from practice, to manage the transition process. The model comprises a set of foundation elements and location‐dependent transformation processes. Design/methodology/approach Product development teams in three businesses were studied – an automotive supplier, a manufacturer of made‐to‐order electrical equipment and a developer of automation software – over three years. These businesses were in the process of relocating some development activities to ECs. Two of the teams were assisted in this transition and the third observed and the model presented is an outcome of this involvement. Findings Successfully starting a global development team strategy requires clarity and transparency of strategy, good communication, proper organization of effort and focus on product and process standardization. Further, a set of change management processes needs to be launched at participating locations for competence build‐up and team building. Practical implications This model can be used by organizations setting up such EC‐IC teams to avoid the possibility of failure of such critical collaborative efforts. Originality/value There is considerable literature on distributed product development and virtual teams. The coverage includes management challenges, technology enablers and organizational and multi‐cultural challenges. However, the specific challenge of teams comprising membership from advanced and ECs is not covered. Further, while the literature deals with the operation of such teams it does not cover the sensitive transition or start‐up phase. This paper deals with this issue.
- 2006
Integrated risk minimization methodology for high volume manufacture Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology to reduce the potential risk of failures in high‐volume manufacturing. Design/methodology/approach The research documented here represents an even balance of theoretical and practical development, with validation of the methodology – referred to as integrated risk minimisation (IRM). Findings The success of the IRM is measured in terms of reduced defect rates, through either prediction or earlier detection of defects. The combination of an inline design and immediate operator feedback on all detected defects was a critical design element. Practical implications The electroplating process was chosen as a suitable case study to provide the platform from which the IRM could be developed and tested. Implementation into industry has generated the proof to support the IRM as a methodology that can successfully reduce potential risks in high‐volume manufacturing. Originality/value In a unique approach, failure modes and effects analysis is built into the IRM methodology, thus establishing a “closed loop” process. The IRM methodology is suitably generic, to allow the achievement of similar results for any high‐volume process.
- 2007
Information enabling production ramp‐up Purpose This paper seeks to identify information enabling and supporting production ramp‐up processes, by exploring critical events and the role of information in such events. Design/methodology/approach The research approach was based on empirical and theoretical investigations. A selection of 30 events, considered the most critical for production ramp‐up realization and/or performance at one Swedish automotive company, were categorized and constituted the base for the analysis which focused information types and sources enabling event handling. Findings Information enabling event handling is a balanced combination of problem and domain information, regardless of event category. However, a differentiation concerning preference and usage of information types between experienced and less experienced personnel is identified. Problem‐solving information has the character of pragmatic information, composed of complementary parts of confirmation and novelty in terms of domain and problem information. The preferred information source in all event categories was “other people”. Research limitations/implications The study focuses on the application of information in relation to critical events during production ramp‐up. General information theory is not addressed in depth. Practical implications Information type and information source are not dependent on certain event categories, which allows a general information strategy enabling production ramp‐up. To facilitate production ramp‐up and event handling managers and key personnel need to apply a holistic perspective and need to be updated on domain information of the products, the equipment, and the production process during production ramp‐up. Originality/value The originality is in the focus and role of information to achieve an efficient production ramp‐up performance. A supporting model is developed which describes the structure of pragmatic information for personnel with various levels of experience, regardless of event category.
- 2009
The importance of collaborative frontloading in automotive supply networks Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how research and development (R&D) collaboration takes place for complex new products in the automotive sector. The research aims to give guidelines to increase the effectiveness of such collaborations. Design/methodology/approach The methodology used to investigate this issue was grounded theory. The empirical data were collected through a mixture of interviews and questionnaires. The resulting inducted conceptual models were subsequently validated in industrial workshops. Findings The findings show that frontloading of the collaborative members was a major issue in managing successful R&D collaborations. Research limitations/implications The limitation of this research is that it is only based in the German automotive industry. Practical implications Practical implications have come out of this research. Models and guidelines are given to help make a success of collaborative projects and their potential impacts on time, cost and quality metrics. Originality/value Frontloading is not often studied in a collaborative manner; it is normally studied within just one organisation. This study has novel value because it has involved a number of different members throughout the supplier network.
Tập 19 Số 3 - Trang 315-331 - 2008
How does the industry work with sourcing decisions? Case study at two Swedish companies Purpose The objective of this paper is to present how two Swedish companies work, or plan to work, with sourcing decisions. The aim is furthermore to analyze if their decision process, or parts of it, can be used as a base for building a rightsourcing decision model. In this paper rightsourcing is defined as; “the process to actively apply in‐and outsourcing strategically to be competitive now and in the future”. Design/methodology/approach Since the business environment is dynamic and the global aspects are increasing, companies tend to focus on what they do best‐their core competence. The concept of outsourcing has, therefore, been growing rapidly during the last decade. Many companies seem to have a vague understanding about the risks and benefits of outsourcing, except from a general idea that it will reduce cost. Many companies hence experience that sourcing decisions are complex and the need for a model supporting sourcing decision exist within many corporations. This is accomplished through a literature overview and a multiple case study. Findings The results indicate that a model for sourcing decisions ought to include, or be based on, following aspects, e.g. the companies overall strategy, the companies core competence, both qualitative and quantitative data and risk analysis. The sourcing process also ought to be made with a process approach, avoiding functional sub‐optimization. The results also indicated that financial evaluation and documentation of the decision is important. Research limitations/implications The multiple case study was conducted in one mechanical company and one engineering company from Sweden. The fact that the study only included two studies could affect the possibility to generalize the result. Originality/value This paper offers help to companies that consider sourcing decisions.
Tập 17 Số 5 - Trang 547-560 - 2006
The evolution of production systems and conceptual frameworks Purpose The development of a conceptual framework for the study of production systems in general derived from the analysis of the telecommunications industry; since this industry is considered as one of the pillars of the coming information society and knowledge economy, the application of that framework to other industries and production systems brings insights as to their recent changes and future trends. This paper looks at the stream of frameworks proposed for production and operations management, with the intent of contributing to the debate by addressing the following question: would an analytical framework derived from the telecommunications industry have distinct features relative to the analytic frameworks currently in use? Design/methodology/approach Following a literature review of the evolution of the telecommunications industry, the framework (TbF for telecommunications‐based framework) was built from scratch, using grounded theory, case studies and Delphi methods. The field for research was the Brazilian Telecommunications industry, considered as a microcosm of the whole industry. The TbF was then applied to the automobile and textile/apparel industries for illustration purposes. Findings The TbF is composed by six types of companies, characterised by distinct profiles of organisational competences, interacting according to some specific patterns of relationships. Compared to the most commonly used conceptual frameworks, the TbF allows for critical assessments in regards to their basic assumptions and reveals ways to evolve in direction of more dynamic approaches to the study of production systems. Research limitations/implications As all other conceptual frameworks, the TbF is a simplification of reality and so its use requires a clear view of its assumptions. In regards to generalisation, the main assumption of the TbF is that other industries and production systems are accelerating their “clockspeeds” over time. As to the TbF's limitations, the main drawback relates to its development being derived from the most “traditional” segment of the telecommunications industry. This led to the exclusion of the internet‐enabled industries which promise a great impact in the near future. Practical implications The main contribution is for practical work in the academic and consultancy spheres, because what is under investigation is the way in which knowledge about production systems is being produced. The use of the TbF might disclose the limitations of the most commonly used conceptual frameworks and reveal ways to produce knowledge which is more aligned to the dynamism and complexity of production systems now and in the future. Originality/value The TbF is original in its structure. Its value in the creation of knowledge which is relevant and applicable still depends on further development.
Tập 18 Số 8 - Trang 949-965 - 2007
Product Service Systems and supply network relationships: an exploratory case study Purpose In recent years there has been increasing interest in Product Service Systems (PSSs) as a business model for selling integrated product and service offerings. To date, there has been extensive research into the benefits of PSS to manufacturers and their customers, but there has been limited research into the effect of PSS on the upstream supply chain. This paper seeks to address this gap in the research. Design/methodology/approach The research uses case‐based research which is appropriate for exploratory research of this type. In‐depth interviews were conducted with key personnel in a focal firm and two members of its supply chain, and the results were analysed to identify emergent themes. Findings The research has identified differences in supplier behaviour dependent on their role in PSS delivery and their relationship with the PSS provider. In particular, it suggests that for a successful partnership it is important to align the objectives between PSS provider and suppliers. Originality/value This research provides a detailed investigation into a PSS supply chain and highlights the complexity of roles and relationships among the organizations within it. It will be of value to other PSS researchers and organizations transitioning to the delivery of PSS.
Tập 22 Số 3 - Trang 293-313 - 2011
Agility through rapid prototyping technology in a manufacturing environment using a 3D printer Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adoption of rapid prototyping (RP) technology using three dimensional (3D) printer for infusing agility in traditional manufacturing environment. Design/methodology/approach The computer aided design (CAD) model of a knob of an electronics switch is developed using Pro/E software. Keeping this model as a reference, CAD models of new six knobs are developed. A 3D printer is used to build the prototypes of five of those CAD models. The receptivity of the practitioners over adopting CAD models and 3D printer for achieving agility is investigated. Findings The sensitisation of the industry captains and employees of traditional manufacturing sector is the imperative for exploiting the power of 3D printer and achieving mass customisation. Originality/value The paper reports an original research in which the practicality of using 3D printer is investigated with the objective of enabling the traditional manufacturing companies to imbibe agile characteristics.
Tập 20 Số 7 - Trang 1023-1041 - 2009