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Book part
Publication date: 8 April 2005

Petri Suomala

The essential investments in new product development (NPD) made by industrial companies entail effective management of NPD activities. In this context, performance measurement is…

Abstract

The essential investments in new product development (NPD) made by industrial companies entail effective management of NPD activities. In this context, performance measurement is one of the means that can be employed in the pursuit of effectiveness.

Details

Managing Product Innovation
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-311-2

Article
Publication date: 6 January 2021

Cristina Toca Pérez and Dayana Bastos Costa

This paper proposes to apply the lean philosophy principle of minimizing or eliminating non-value adding activities combined with 4D building information modeling (BIM…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper proposes to apply the lean philosophy principle of minimizing or eliminating non-value adding activities combined with 4D building information modeling (BIM) simulations to reduce transportation waste in construction production processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts design science research (DSR) because of its prescriptive character to produce innovative constructions (artifacts) to solve real-world problems. The artifact proposed is a set of constructs for evaluating the utility of 4D BIM simulations for transportation waste reduction. The authors performed two learning cycles using empirical studies in projects A, B and C. The construction process of cast-in-place (CIP) reinforcement concrete (RC) was selected to demonstrate and evaluate 4D BIM's utility. The empirical studies focused on understanding the current transportation waste, collecting actual performance data during job site visits and demonstrating the usage of 4D BIM.

Findings

In the first cycle, 4D BIM successfully allowed users to understand the CIP-RC process's transportation activities, which were modeled. In the second cycle, 4D BIM enabled better decision-making processes concerning the definitions of strategies for placing reusable formworks for CIP concrete walls by planning transportation activities.

Practical implications

In Cycle 2, three different scenarios were simulated to identify the most suitable formwork assembly planning, and the results were compared to the real situations identified during the job site visits. The scenario chosen demonstrated that the 4D BIM simulation yielded an 18.75% cycle time reduction. In addition, the simulation contributed to a decrease in transportation waste that was previously identified.

Originality/value

The original contribution of this paper is the use of 4D BIM simulation for managing non-value adding activities to reduce transportation waste. The utility of 4D BIM for the reduction of those conflicts considered three constructs: (1) the capacity to improve transportation activity efficiency, (2) the capacity to improve construction production efficiency and (3) the capacity to reduce transportation waste consequences.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 28 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2007

Anni Lindholm and Petri Suomala

The purpose of this paper is to discuss life cycle cost management and highlight the practical challenges related to collecting adequate data and practicing long‐term cost…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss life cycle cost management and highlight the practical challenges related to collecting adequate data and practicing long‐term cost management in an uncertain environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports a case study conducted in the Finnish Defence Forces. As part of the case study, a life cycle cost model for a case product was developed.

Findings

Activity‐based life cycle cost modeling can provide relevant information for varying product management needs at different stages in the life of a product. Quantification of uncertainty is one of the elements in the modeling that can improve the feasibility of LCC both for cost estimation and tracking purposes.

Originality/value

Only a few empirical studies on life cycle costing have been reported which focus on the defence sector. The paper contributes to our understanding of how LCC can be used in a continuous manner and depicts how LCC can produce a sharpened cost image of a particular product.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 56 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 May 2014

Rinaldo Macedo de Morais, Samir Kazan, Silvia Inês Dallavalle de Pádua and André Lucirton Costa

Business process management (BPM) is an emerging research theme in management. BPM lifecycles are models that systematize the steps and activities that should be followed for…

5942

Abstract

Purpose

Business process management (BPM) is an emerging research theme in management. BPM lifecycles are models that systematize the steps and activities that should be followed for conducting BPM projects. The theoretical and empirical studies present differences regarding the number of steps and activities that should be carried out for promoting BPM. Using the BPM lifecycle model of the Association of Business Process Management Professionals (ABPMP) – an entity that proposes a common body of knowledge on BPM, as a parameter, this paper conducts a literature review to investigate lifecycle models within the academic-scientific ambit, identify convergences and variations and analyze the alignment between business strategy and processes in BPM activities in these models. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework that deals with alignment between strategy and business processes in an explicit manner.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted aimed at prospecting papers about the BPM lifecycle. For such, the Scopus, Google Schoolar and Science Direct databases were accessed. The selection process was structured in two steps: the first filtered studies based on a reading of the title, abstract and key words; the second step consisted of selecting papers based on a complete reading of those papers resulting from the first step and from the references they contained.

Findings

Seven BPM lifecycle models were selected and analyzed. A comparison was presented between the model steps and the model proposed by ABPMP. The particularities of each model were identified and the study suggests an alignment of these models with the BPM lifecycle proposed by ABPMP, in particular with the analysis, design and modeling, implementation and monitoring and control steps. Four models do not include the planning step, whereas four others do not incorporate refining. The majority of models studied projects the automation of business processes. This study reinforces that ABPMP's BPM lifecycle is a reference model, observing that the activities in the other models studied are projected in it. However, it was observed that in the ABPMP model as well as the models studied, there is little emphasis on organization strategy and on defining process architecture. Thus, this study suggests the incorporation of activities proposed by Burlton (2010) as an additional instrument for the ABPMP BPM lifecycle model to align strategy to processes in BPM projects. For such, a framework was proposed that deals with alignment between strategy and business process in an explicit manner.

Originality/value

This study presents a typology of BPM lifecycle models, with common characteristics and peculiarities, and it analyzes the alignment between processes and strategy in the models’ activities. This study can assist professionals in the adoption of a model for implementing BPM projects and for continuous improvement.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2018

Norazira Abd Karim, Anuar Nawawi and Ahmad Saiful Azlin Puteh Salin

For a manufacturing company, inventory control and management is crucial to ensure smooth production and sustainable sales performance, as well as preventing stockout that will…

3992

Abstract

Purpose

For a manufacturing company, inventory control and management is crucial to ensure smooth production and sustainable sales performance, as well as preventing stockout that will result in customer switch to competitors. This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of cycle count activities, one of the inventory control tools to manage inventory. Beside, this study also wishes to identify any loopholes in practices and procedures in inventory control of companies.

Design/methodology/approach

One of the lubricant manufacturing companies in Malaysia was selected as a case study and mixed method data collection of document analysis and observation were used. The analysis and examination was conducted by using Committee of Sponsoring Organization of the Treadway Commission Framework 2013 as guidance.

Findings

This study found that problems in inventory control can be caused by inconsistency of practices due to incomplete or absent standard operating procedures. Furthermore, no segregation of duties and excessive reliance on one person to conduct many tasks will lead to human error and fraud.

Research limitations/implications

This paper enhances the theoretical understanding on the inventory control and management system applied in the manufacturing organization particularly. However, frequent changes of the management in the organization of the case study make the study difficult to obtain consistent information. Not all standard operating procedures were revised or updated and available for examination. In addition, some of the reports needed for investigation are confidential and requests to observe and scrutinize information from those documents are denied by the company. Thus, more in-depth analysis and verification on the issues of interest were unable to be conducted.

Practical implications

This study provides an indicator that cycle count activities need to be conducted frequently on a regular basis so that the physical inventory and recording system are accurate. Cycle count activities also must involves various related departments in the company in which regular training is essential to ensure employees are aware and understand their responsibility and accountability on the inventory.

Originality/value

This study is original as it focuses on the inventory control management of one of the largest lubricant manufacturing in Malaysia, particularly on cycle count activities which is scare in literature. Furthermore, the company allows research access to the documents and operations conducted in the company, which is usually difficult to obtain from many companies.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2000

Paloma Taltavull de La Paz

Theory and empirical research show how building cycles’ behaviour has substantial differences within countries among its different geographical areas. There is evidence of the…

Abstract

Theory and empirical research show how building cycles’ behaviour has substantial differences within countries among its different geographical areas. There is evidence of the existence of specific area leadership regarding development activity and how this influence is transmitted to the rest of the country as a locomotive effect in residential construction. This means that the aggregate building cycle could strongly depend on cycles in specific areas. This paper follows this approach and investigates the relationship between geographic areas’ intensity in housing construction, showing how activity development in some of these areas is influencing the rest of the country. This process is analysed in Spain during the 1990s, using information on house licenses of construction given by regional areas and applying cointegration methodology to identify leading areas in building activity. Some leadership effect is found in the Levante area attracting building activity from the rest of the country during this period.

Details

Journal of Property Investment & Finance, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-578X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2017

Sameh Monir El-Sayegh and Rana Al-Haj

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new framework for time–cost trade-off. The new framework provides the optimum time–cost value taking into account the float loss impact.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new framework for time–cost trade-off. The new framework provides the optimum time–cost value taking into account the float loss impact.

Design/methodology/approach

The stochastic framework uses Monte Carlo Simulation to calculate the effect of float loss on risk. This is later translated into an added cost to the trade-off problem. Five examples, from literature, are solved using the proposed framework to test the applicability of the developed framework.

Findings

The results confirmed the research hypothesis that the new optimum solution will be at a higher duration and cost but at a lower risk compared to traditional methods. The probabilities of finishing the project on time using the developed framework in all five cases were better than those using the classical deterministic optimization technique.

Originality/value

The objective of time–cost trade-off is to determine the optimum project duration corresponding to the minimum total cost. Time–cost trade-off techniques result in reducing the available float for noncritical activities and thus increasing the schedule risks. Existing deterministic optimization technique does not consider the impact of the float loss within the noncritical activities when the project duration is being crashed. The new framework allows project managers to exercise new trade-offs between time, cost and risk which will ultimately improve the chances of achieving project objectives.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, vol. 22 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 October 2023

Junfeng Wang

This study aims to investigate the advancement of place attachment within the bicycle tourism context. Specifically, this study seeks to ascertain whether the four attributes of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the advancement of place attachment within the bicycle tourism context. Specifically, this study seeks to ascertain whether the four attributes of bicycle tourism (tourism attractions, accessibility, amenities and complementary services) and enduring involvement can serve as predictors of tourists’ place attachment. Also, the research endeavors to examine the positive effects generated by the four attributes of bicycle tourism on enduring involvement. Additionally, the mediating role that enduring involvement plays in attribute–place attachment relationships will be clarified.

Design/methodology/approach

The final 547 samples are collected from five WeChat cycling groups in Shanghai, and the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach is used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results show that each of the four attributes has a positive impact on place attachment. Moreover, tourism attractions, accessibility and amenities can be the drivers of enduring involvement. Enduring involvement mediates the tourism attractions–place attachment relationship, the accessibility–place attachment relationship, as well as the amenities–place attachment relationship.

Research limitations/implications

This paper, to the best of the author’s knowledge, pioneeringly introduces the concept of enduring involvement and place attachment into bicycle tourism research, and the findings contribute to providing practical implications for destination managers and government policymakers.

Originality/value

This is innovative work with a comprehensive and creative research framework for place attachment.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 June 2021

Grisna Anggadwita, Leo-Paul Dana, Veland Ramadani and Reza Yanuar Ramadan

Islamic boarding schools are education institutions that have been developing in Indonesia as places for the Indonesian people to learn and gain knowledge in the perspectives of…

Abstract

Purpose

Islamic boarding schools are education institutions that have been developing in Indonesia as places for the Indonesian people to learn and gain knowledge in the perspectives of the Islamic religion and Indonesian nationalism. This study aims to explore the potential of Islamic boarding schools as places to support and to empower the economy and to increase the participation of students in entrepreneurial activities by applying the Humane Entrepreneurship approach. This study identifies the humane entrepreneurship approach by analyzing the humane cycle and the enterprise cycle in the entrepreneurship activities occurring in a single case study of an Islamic boarding school.

Design/methodology/approach

This article used a qualitative method with a case study approach through deep exploration and observation. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with the key people in one of the Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia using a purposive sampling technique. Miles and Huberman (1984) technique was used for data analysis by grouping similar text segments into codes and categorizing them for further analysis.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that the Islamic boarding school has implemented humane entrepreneurship through entrepreneurial-oriented activities as the main aspects of the humane cycle and the enterprise cycle. The implementation of humane entrepreneurship aims to achieve entrepreneurial growth, innovation and independence of the Islamic boarding school, as well as the development of the stakeholder's capabilities, knowledge and commitment. In addition, applying the spiritual approach, which is one of the important components of Islamic boarding schools, has proven to be effective in implementing humane entrepreneurship.

Research limitations/implications

This study has several limitations. First, this study only focused on one Islamic boarding school in Indonesia. Second, there is still very little research in the field of humane entrepreneurship, so the concept itself is still considered to be relatively new. Therefore, further direction is needed for future research regarding the exploration and identification of any other factors that might influence humane entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights on the implementation of humane entrepreneurship in Islamic boarding schools. This research covers the gap where the humane entrepreneurial approach can be applied not only in large organizations, but also in religious educational institutions. The spiritual approach and religious values as the principles of Islamic boarding schools have been proven to be effective in implementing humane entrepreneurship.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 27 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2007

Nick Cavill and Francine Watkins

The purpose of this paper is to explore views about cycling among members of identified community groups living near the Loop Line, a cycling and walking path in a deprived part…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore views about cycling among members of identified community groups living near the Loop Line, a cycling and walking path in a deprived part of North Liverpool, UK.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a literature review, qualitative focus group research was conducted among six groups of children, single mothers and older people living near the Loop Line.

Findings

The paper finds that one of the strongest reported barriers to cycling for young boys was fear of bicycles being stolen – especially by a peer or someone known to the bike owner who asks to borrow the bike. The existence of high levels of crime and anti‐social behaviour near the Loop Line is creating an unhealthy environment by deterring local people from exercising in their local area. For young girls in North Liverpool cycling has significant image problems, with many saying that they simply would not consider cycling as a regular mode of transport. Organising led rides along the Loop Line may be a potential solution, as this might both help to encourage cycling and increase visibility of cyclists.

Research limitations/implications

Because the research in this paper was conducted among a small self‐selected sample, it should be regarded as a pilot study. Results need to be verified with a larger sample drawn from a wider variety of community groups.

Originality/value

The study has important implications for agencies aiming to improve public health through cycling, and shows the need to consider the broader environmental and social determinants affecting health alongside more traditional health promotion approaches.

Details

Health Education, vol. 107 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

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