1,721,006 research outputs found
Lean Product Development Implementation Approach: Empirical Evidence from Indian Lean Manufacturers
Full text linkIntegrated production/distribution planning in the supply chain: the Febal case study
No full textPurpose – The paper seeks to investigate empirically the criticalities of a production system constrained by distribution, in order to propose a model
capable of integrating production and distribution planning for a simultaneous improvement in terms of efficiency and efficacy.
Design/methodology/approach – Starting from an overview of previous works about integrated analysis of a production-distribution system, an
exploratory case study in the Italian industry of modular kitchens has been used, with multiple levels of analysis and multiple data collection methods.
Findings – Three solutions for a better integration of production-distribution systems are proposed; the solutions are characterized by increasing levels
of benefits and complexity. The article focuses on the implementation of the less complex scenario, called “overlapping of selling areas”, proposing a
series of algorithms used for the implementation of a software prototype.
Research limitations/implications – The case study has been chosen because it is representative of the assemble to delivery logic, where production
is pulled and constrained by distribution, but it may not necessarily reflect all the firm’s experiences in the furniture market.
Practical implications – The software prototype, developed on the basis of the proposed algorithms, allows a firm with production planning severely
constrained by the distribution process to achieve better performance in terms of level of accomplishment in the delivery date promised and reduction
of the lead time of delivery.
Originality/value – This paper proposes effective solutions for customer order-driven-production constrained by the distribution process, also offering
practical help for managing and automatically assigning orders to transport carriers and for informing customers of the product’s delivery date
Virtual Visual Planning: A Methodology to Assess Digital Project Management Tools
Full text linkIn contemporary Project Management literature and practice, it is possible to distinguish two paradigms: the algorithmic-rational paradigm and the relational paradigm. The algorithmic-rational paradigm is characterized by a sequence of programming methodologies that constitute the classic corpus of knowledge on Project Management (WBS, CPM, PERT, Gantt diagrams). Following the diffusion of Agile methods, dissatisfaction with the algorithmic-rational paradigm has spread and a Visual Planning approach, based on the decentralization of planning and control and the abandonment of algorithmic techniques (such as CPM and Gantt diagrams) in favour of simpler, visual and physical tools, has become increasingly established. Visual Planning is the concrete manifestation of a relational project management paradigm.
In this work, through an analysis of the key practices characterizing Visual Planning, we have identified the five fundamental principles that define this approach to project management. Then, to structure and guide the choice of a software application that can support Visual Planning, we have (1) identified several features which allow distinguishing one software from another, and (2) created a correlation matrix between the core principles of Visual Planning and the software features. Through this matrix, it is possible to evaluate and measure the adherence of project management software applications to the logic and practices of physical Visual Planning
A supply chain resource planning system infrastructure to support value co-creation in distribution networks
No full textObjectives. The research focus of this paper is the development of an information infrastructure for managing distribution networks characterized by multiple supply chains that converge in a single final point of sale (FPS).
Methodology. Starting from a deep investigation on former collaborative initiatives in the distribution chains, a domain where collaborative distribution chains are integrated to constitute a meta-value chain is formulated and defined as Convergent Distribution Chains (CDCs). Consequently, a technological platform is proposed for the management of CDCs specific requirements. The abovementioned steps have been developed accordingly to the constructivist approach.
Findings. CDCs is very different from the traditional collaborative initiatives in the distribution chains such as ECR (Efficient Consumer Response) and CPFR (Collaborative Planning Forecasting and Replenishment). The distinguishing feature of these CDCs lies on the fact that the products offered to the final consumer are produced with a Make to Order logic and these products do not enter into competition with one another but, on the contrary, they are complementary and coherent. In this way, the final consumer finds an integrated package that makes his/her purchase more complete and efficient: the final point of sale provides an Extended Value Proposition to its customers.
Research limits. The proposed technological platform is limited by CDCs abovementioned features and needs a testing/refining phase for enhancing its structure.
Practical implications. The management of a CDCs requires the availability of adequate software tools in order to enables the stakeholders to offer to the final customer this Extended Value Proposition by the combination of their respective complementary products.
Originality of the study. In the paper, after providing an innovative delineation of CDCs, both the modules that form the technological platform and the specific software function of each modules, are described
Sistemi di gestione della produzione
No full textNel libro si sviluppa la gestione della produzione nelle imprese manifatturiere. Il volume è articolato nelle tre aree classiche inerenti al governo delle operations: la strategia di produzione, i sistemi di produzione, la pianificazione e il controllo della produzione. Nel testo, oltre ai contenuti tipici della disciplina, sono proposti molti temi innovativi. Ne citiamo alcuni. I modelli di produzione ispirati al Toyota Production System sono interpretati secondo uno schema unitario che ne evidenzia specificità e affinità. Sono anche descritte le distinte di pianificazione finalizzate a garantire la coerenza tra i piani di produzione. Un’efficace comparazione tra sistemi push e pull di schedulazione e movimentazione della produzione viene realizzata grazie a numerose variabili distintive differenzianti. Sono quindi presentate innovative tecniche di gestione dei materiali come il Just in Sequence (JIS) e il Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI). Il volume è rivolto in primis agli studenti di insegnamenti universitari di natura economica e gestionale presenti nei corsi di studio delle Scuole di Ingegneria, Economia, Statistica ecc. Il libro è concepito per essere utilizzato anche da allievi di corsi post lauream e di Master in Business Administration (MBA), executive, manager e consulenti di direzione che desiderano approfondire il tema dei sistemi di gestione della produzione. Nel sito web dedicato, i docenti e gli studenti troveranno i riferimenti per l’accesso a un business game, un innovativo strumento di simulazione web-based per la formazione manageriale. Il libro è dedicato alle persone che sanno interpretare e gestire il cambiamento nelle operations
Information Infrastructure for Managing Convergent Selling Chain Network
Full text linkFierce competition in today’s global markets, the introduction of products with shorter life cycles and the heightened expectations of customers have forced business enterprises to invest in and focus attention on their supply chains. These evidences, together with continuing advances in communications and transportation technologies (e.g., mobile communication, Internet, and etc.),
have motivated the continuous evolution of the supply chain and of the techniques to manage it (Simchi-Levi et al.,2004). According to the model of Slack et al. (2010), a supply chain or network may be considered a set of linked processes connecting downstream customers to upstream suppliers, factories, distribution centres and retailers. The upstream supply network (buy side also called manufacturing network) comprises companies that supply raw materials, manufacturing firms who convert the materials into parts and components and producers (focal firm) that build finished products. The downstream supply
network (sell side also called distribution supply chain network or selling chain network) is the chain of organizations or intermediaries. Through this network, a good or service passes from the place of production or manufacture, until it reaches the end consumer. Typically, a distribution channel includes wholesalers, retailers, distributors and final point of sales (FPS).
The research focus of this paper is the development of an information infrastructure for managing convergent distribution supply chains network. The scope of this information infrastructure consists in several distribution chains that converge into a single outlet, in which the products offered to the final consumer are constructed with Make to Order logic
On the relationship between Lean practices and environmental performance
Full text linkLean production has emerged in the past decades as one of the most popular topics in business and manufacturing literature and it is the most extended production paradigm currently applied in industry. Lean production is characterized by five principles (value, map the value stream, flow, pull and continuous improvement) and by the importance of reducing waste (muda). Alongside the Lean philosophy, the so-called green strategy has also gained importance in competition between firms. Many companies are trying to develop products that reduce environmental impacts throughout their life cycle. The aim is to reduce resource consumption, to replace hazardous substances, to increase recyclability, to enhance energy efficiency and to bring down CO2 emissions. Lean and Green production paradigms are both focused on waste reduction and several authors have studied the relationship between Lean and Green practices and the synergic effects of joining these two management approaches. This research carries out a literature review in order to investigate if firms which have applied Lean principles and methods have improved their environmental measures. In particular, the work seeks to highlight which green indicators are more positively affected by Lean practices adoption. The results are synthesized in a final chart which illustrates the main green indicators cited in the literature and shows how these indicators have changed after a Lean transformation program. The research is to be understood as a work in progress and is part of a larger study that the authors are conducting on this topic
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