1,721,102 research outputs found
Optimization of a non-ferrous metal separator based on experimental evaluations
No full textThis article deals with the identification of the settings of a non-ferrous metal separator
that enables the machine to perform a high separation while maintaining a given quality of the
non-ferrous metal separated fraction.
The approach consists in running an experimental research testing an eddy current separator
(ECS) with an eccentric pole using the 2k-1 design approach, with k being the number of variables
involved in the experiment. The design of experiments approach and the statistical analysis of the
collected data used in order to know variables interaction, main effects and to obtain regression
models for both separation efficiency and quality of the separated fraction.
The proposed approach applied to the urban solid waste treatment plant of Parma (Italy), shows a
significant improvement in both quantity and quality of the non-ferrous metal separated fraction
Soluzioni AS/RS per magazzini di stagionatura di Parmigiano Reggiano
No full textL’articolo si pone l’obiettivo di presentare come sia possibile migliorare in modo sostanziale le prestazioni di un magazzino generale per la stagionatura di Parmigiano Reggiano attraverso la sua automazione. Vengono inoltre definite modalità originali di progettazione a valori medi da seguire per l’ottimizzazione del sistema di stoccaggio e per la movimentazione automatizzata del Parmigiano Reggiano.
L’attuale sistema di stagionatura per questo tipo di prodotti prevede l’utilizzo di attrezzature semiautomatiche, con significativo impiego di risorse umane, bassa utilizzazione degli spazi, tracciabilità di prodotto onerosa e approssimativa. Si propone di superare queste limitazioni attraverso l’adozione di sistemi automatizzati Automatic Storage/Retrieval Systems (AS/RS).
Viene mostrato come attraverso l’utilizzo di AS/RS sia possibile ottenere significativi benefici, tra cui la riduzione della manodopera ed i relativi costi, la separazione della zona di stoccaggio intensivo da quella di trattamento, il miglioramento dell’utilizzazione superficiale del magazzino e tracciabilità del prodotto accurata ed in tempo reale.
L’approccio presenta inoltre aspetti originali, che riguardano sia le caratteristiche dei vani e dei supporti di stoccaggio e movimentazione del prodotto, sia il calcolo a valori medi delle prestazioni del magazzino, necessari per potere adattare le tecniche di dimensionamento di sistemi AS/RS presenti in letteratura al caso di magazzini di stagionatura per Parmigiano Reggiano.
L’approccio viene quindi validato attraverso l’applicazione ad un caso reale di una primaria azienda che opera nel settore
Design and simulation of multi-CONWIP into a Make-To-Order firm with general job shop configuration
No full textThis paper presents a general approach for designing and implementing a multi-loop CONWIP system in a complex make-to-order (MTO) firm (i.e. multi-product and multi-routing). The approach was illustrated and then directly simulated in the general job shop of an Italian manufacturer of oil hydraulics products. Firstly, the approach was briefly described, and a case study follows to depict the steps of the implementation. The chosen system consists of a dual-loop CONWIP with cluster type cards and pull-from-the-bottleneck method. Also, a customized dispatching rule and the common unit to measure WIP were chosen according to the firm’s needs and strategy. After designing, this system was simulated and compared with the performances of the current one; it shows lower average values and standard deviations of WIP and flow times, without affecting throughput rate. Finally, the simulated system will also have much lower weighted lateness, to the slight detriment of job tardiness and wait-to-match times for purchase orders. However, multi-CONWIP is an appealing solution for job shop MTO environments
Assessment of human reliability factors: A fuzzy cognitive maps approach
No full textHuman reliability in industrial plants is influenced by several elements, such as environment and work factors. However, there are not many studies dedicated to the assessment of the relative importance of human factors affecting human reliability. In this paper a fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) approach is presented in order to explore the importance of these factors in industrial plants. To this purpose, industrial plants are described in terms of factors affecting human reliability and the causal relationship between them. Finally, an application of FCMs on a food-processing industrial plant is presented to provide some indications for work improvement.
Relevance to industry
The relevance of this study to industry is linked to the possibility of providing, through the use of FCMs, some indications for work improvement in industrial plants. The application of FCMs allows to discover which factors are most important in improving human reliability, and therefore decide where to concentrate resources in order to improve the work environment
An analytical method for halon alternative selection in fire suppression systems design
No full textCleanliness is the priority property of an active fire-extinguishing
agent for protection of expensive electronic equipment and high value materials. Halon 1301 was considered the most suitable clean agent to ensure industrial fire safety because it leaves no residue and allows a high level of extinction efficiency and human safety, as with many other extinguishing media. However, over 15 years ago, several studies showed that this agent damages the atmospheric ozone layer and causes global warming.
As law has ruled out halon agents, a variety of clean fire suppression alternatives has surfaced over the past decade, but none of these has become the ‘perfect’ halon substitute.
In this paper the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach is proposed as a tool to select the best halon alternative for fire protection. A hierarchical structure comprising 19 criteria is reported here to illustrate the performance and characteristics of several halon alternatives in order to define the most suitable agent for different fire risk situations
A Conceptual Framework for Project Scheduling with Multi-Skilled Resources
Full text linkThe success of a project depends, mostly, on the ability to create multi-skilled teams and to assign them to project's tasks, without creating multi-tasking and over-allocation. In this respect, the Multi-skilled Work Force Scheduling Problem has attracted a great interest, both for academicals and practitioners. Unfortunately, most of the academic works produced so far, has not yet found its way into practice, mainly because of a complex and rigid mathematical formulation, which poses a serious constraint on the precision of the input data. To solve this criticality, we abandon the over optimistic idea of a global optimum and we propose a hierarchical framework that extends the well-known Dynamic Scheduling approach. The focus is on the resource assignment phase, with the objective to allocate multi-skilled resources in a quasi-optimal way, so as to assure project quality and a harmonious development of the workforce
Performance measurement and analysis for an RFID technology application to commercial products
No full textIn this paper, the performances of radio frequency identification (RFID) and electronic product codee (EPC) Class1 Gen2 devices applied to commercial products are measured and analysed. In particular, a methodological approach is developed in order to measure the performance of the RFID system under item-level tagging in three different scenarios: (i) static case test, (ii) conveyor case test and (iii) pallet test. The tests assess the performance of RFID systems by means of commercial products, in a real production environment under typical working conditions.
The combined influence of different parameters has been investigated. Results show that the RFID technology has reached a satisfactory level of reliability, which allows its infield application
Technical and economic aspect of RFID implementation for asset tracking
No full textThis paper aims to assess the economic feasibility of a technological solution, based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, for asset management in the context of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Three case study companies are examined, respectively, operating as manufacturers of FMCG, pallet pooler and retailer, to be representative of an integrated logistics channel. Site visits and direct interviews are performed to retail the main processes assets are subjected to and the way such processes are currently managed, as well as to derive quantitative values concerning such processes. Based on the analysis, re-engineered procedures have been developed hypothesising RFID deployment for asset management. Re-engineered procedures were validated by a panel of experts, whose members operate in the logistics, sales and information technology functions of about 15 companies, either manufacturers or distributors of FMCG. On the basis of the comparison between current and re-engineered processes, a detailed economic evaluation is performed for each case study examined to assess the economic suitability of the solution proposed. Results show that RFID deployment allows both manufacturer and pallet provider to achieve an economic profitability on a 5-year period; conversely, the investment is less profitable for the distributor, mainly due to the substantial costs arising for RFID implementation at all retail stores. Outcomes of the study could serve as a guideline for the implementation of RFID technology for asset tracking
Design and simulation of multi-CONWIP into a Make-To-Order firm with general job shop configuration
No full textThis paper presents a general approach for designing and implementing a multi-loop CONWIP system in a complex make-to-order (MTO) firm (i.e. multi-product and multi-routing). The approach was illustrated and then directly simulated in the general job shop of an Italian manufacturer of oil hydraulics products. Firstly, the approach was briefly described, and a case study follows to depict the steps of the implementation. The chosen system consists of a dual-loop CONWIP with cluster type cards and pull-from-the-bottleneck method. Also, a customized dispatching rule and the common unit to measure WIP were chosen according to the firm’s needs and strategy. After designing, this system was simulated and compared with the performances of the current one; it shows lower average values and standard deviations of WIP and flow times, without affecting throughput rate. Finally, the simulated system will also have much lower weighted lateness, to the slight detriment of job tardiness and wait-to-match times for purchase orders. However, multi-CONWIP is an appealing solution for job shop MTO environments
Guest editorial From: European Journal of Innovation Management, "Green innovation management: theory and practice"
No full textThe development and management of green innovation is becoming increasingly relevant for enterprises, whilst responding to the “green” agenda has emerged as a key challenge and opportunity for enterprises, regardless of their size or the industry they belong to. The reason is threefold: it may confer legitimacy, enhance competitiveness, and highlight ecological responsibility in an environment of both regulatory and consumer sensitisation. Thus, in recent years enterprises are looking beyond their internal processes to improve the environmental profile of their products’ lifecycle, from raw materials acquisition to use by customers.
As a result of growing importance in practice, the meaning of the term “green” has been extensively discussed in the management literature. Moreover, a number of other terms have been joined to the word green: including “green innovation” (also known as eco-innovation, environmental innovation, or sustainable innovation). This is often used to identify those innovations that contribute to a sustainable environment through the development of ecological improvements. However, and despite a proliferation of research in this area during the past few years, a general definition of “green innovation” still eludes researchers and policy makers, remaining rather broad and all-embracing concept. Focusing on its effects, Hemmelskamp (1997) defines green innovation as “an innovation that prevents or reduces environmental burdens, deals with clean-up damage, or diagnoses and monitors environmental problems”. A broader definition is that proposed by Beise and Rennings's (2003): i.e. “new or modified processes, techniques, practices, systems and products to avoid or reduce environmental harms. Eco-innovations may be developed with or without the explicit aim of reducing environmental harm. They also may be motivated by the usual business goals such as reducing costs or enhancing product quality”. More recently, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), added to the debate highlighting the two characteristics that distinguish it from innovation: first, “it is an innovation that reects the concept's explicit emphasis on a reduction of environmental impact, whether such an effect is intended or not”, second, “it is not limited to innovation in products, processes and organizational methods, but also includes innovation in social and institutional structures” (OECD, 2009).
An analysis of the extant literature on green innovation identifies two main groups of papers, according the perspective adopted in studying this issue:
studies that identify factors that drive eco-innovation and the performance outcomes arising from eco-innovation, with Kammerer (2009) and Dangelico and Pujari (2010) being the more recent examples of this category; and
studies that identify the dimensions of eco-innovation, with Hermosilla et al. (2010) as one recent article in this category.
Based on the premises reported above, it appears evident the need to clarify what are the nature and extent of the green innovation phenomenon. Both theoretical reflection and empirical studies are needed to understand what green innovation exactly is in the daily practice of organisations and how it impacts on, their functioning, and performance.
The purpose of the special issue of the European Journal of Innovation Management is to bring together papers which contribute to the understanding of the specific features of green innovation. The six papers included in this issue were selected among 20 submitted works with an overall acceptance rate of about 30 per cent. Each of these 20 papers was blind reviewed by two anonymous reviewers. The authors of papers that, according to the reviewers, merited publication were invited to submit a revised version.
The opening paper by Mohammad Yarahmadi and Peter Higgins, “Motivations towards environmental innovation: a conceptual framework for multiparty cooperation”, answers, on the basis of an extensive review of the literature, two main research questions: which are the motives that drive firms to cooperate with other organisations, and, which are the organisations that adopt, develop and implement green innovation. The main results of this review are represented in the form of a conceptual framework explaining how motivations for environmental partnerships link to different types organisations. The resulting framework identifies six types of organisations that a firm cooperates with, namely: government, non-governmental organisations, knowledge leaders, supply chain actors (i.e. suppliers and customers), competitors and industry associations. These collaborations are mainly related to compliance with environmental laws and regulations, legitimacy and the acquisition of knowledge, with exception to collaborations established with competitors and knowledge leaders that, conversely, are driven only by competency-oriented motivations.
While the first paper addresses the issue of motivations and organisations involved in the cooperation for green innovations development, second paper, by Justin Doran and Geraldine Ryan, investigates what drives green innovation and how do eco-innovators perform compared to non-eco-innovators. Specifically, the impact of four factors (i.e. regulation, perceptions, external linkages and knowledge generation) on eco-innovation performance, and, in turn, on business performances is examined. This is based on a sample of over 2,000 Irish companies. The study assesses the impact of these key drivers (and in particular of regulation and customer perception) on eco-innovation, and confirms the positive and significant impact of eco-innovation on the performance level of a company, thus providing an empirical analysis of the theory of environmental regulation and firm performance.
The purpose of the third paper by Anica Zeyen, Johanna Klewitz and Erik Hansen, “Intermediaries driving eco-innovation in SMEs: a qualitative investigation” is to identify the role that local authorities can play in an SME's pursuit for corporate sustainability with a focus on eco-innovation. The main results from this study are the identification of the main drivers and barriers for eco-innovation, as well as the effects induced through collaboration between SMEs and local authorities, and SMEs and consultancies. The research is conducted among German SMEs, and highlights that the proactive approach by a public intermediary is an essential push factor to trigger eco-innovations in SMEs with low absorptive capacity. Moreover, the study stresses that SMEs may need facilitation (i.e. customised as well as individual held support, networks, etc.) for eco-innovation from different intermediaries.
The fourth paper by Stanley Wong, “The influence of green product competitiveness on the success of green product innovation: empirical evidence from the Chinese e-industry”, has the purpose to fill the gap in green innovation theory, with particular reference to the influence of green product and process innovation on the competitive advantage and success of green products. Specifically, a model with four constructs is presented and tested on a sample of over 200 R&D project leaders of electronics firms operating in China. The model shows the positive impact of green product and process innovations on competitive advantage and success derived from green products. Similarly, it shows the mediating role of green product competitive advantage in the link between green product/process innovations and green new product success. These results thus suggest that green innovation is more than a branding support.
The fifth paper, by Thomas Cleff and Klaus Rennings, shows that the successful innovator is not necessarily the first. Specifically, the authors present the results of empirical studies that analysed which factors influence the innovation success of market pioneers or followers. This shows that the success of a timing strategy depends on different factors, namely: country-specific lead market potential, market and technology characteristics and national regulatory regimes. The paper also develops an environmental innovation strategy options for firms, leader as well as follower, under various market, technological and regulatory conditions.
Finally, the empirical research presented by Maha Mourad, and entitled “Perception of green brand in an emerging innovative market”, addresses the issues of the main factors affecting the green brand preference in an emerging innovative market. Specifically, the author, taking as example of emerging innovative market the telecom industry in Egypt, develops a conceptual framework highlighting four dimensions of the green brand preference (namely, green brand image, green satisfaction, green trust and green awareness), thus confirming on the basis of a survey conducted on over 300 mobile subscribers, that in an emerging market the first step to start using green marketing principles is to enhance the green image, satisfaction and trust as well as educating them on the importance of the green activities.
Taken together the six papers collected in this special issue develop theoretical frameworks capable of synthesising the existing body of knowledge in the field of green innovation, and report on empirical studies, case studies, surveys, thus reporting real world examples and success cases. Moreover, drawing a complex picture of the green innovation phenomenon, they advance our understanding of green innovation in two ways:
they consolidate our knowledge on the topic by providing rigorous studies in most cases based on large pools of data; and
they enrich our knowledge by providing a more articulated picture of the green innovation phenomenon, with particular reference to the motivation and factors that may impact or influence the development of green innovation.
The value added by a special issue is only as good as the contributions of the manuscripts it receives, and the quality of the feedback provided by its reviewers. We are very grateful to all the authors, who supported this special issue through their contributions. We are also indebted to the reviewers, who helped us in managing the papers received in a timely manner and provided useful and professional reports about the papers.
Finally, we would like to thank the editor-in-chief Professor Christos Kalantaridis who gave us the opportunity of organising the special issue and helped us throughout the editorial process in its successful completion
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