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Article
Publication date: 8 June 2023

Hongying Shan, Mengyao Qin, Libin Zhang, Zunyan Meng, Peiyang Peng and Xinze Shan

The work efficiency and energy consumption of astronauts in the space station are the key issues in the operation of the space station, and how to evaluate the lean value of their…

Abstract

Purpose

The work efficiency and energy consumption of astronauts in the space station are the key issues in the operation of the space station, and how to evaluate the lean value of their activities is also complex and abstract. Combined with the idea of lean management, this paper aims to propose an space station dynamic value stream mapping system that can monitor and continuously improve the value flow and energy flow of astronauts in real time through lean methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Through systematic literature review, it is found that there is little research on the issue of lean management for astronauts. In manufacturing and services, value stream mapping is widely used for lean management. However, the static value stream map lacks the characteristics of real-time dynamics. This paper proposes to take the three modules of Muda detection, action recognition and energy monitoring as the basic content of the astronaut lean management framework to make the value stream and energy stream dynamic.

Findings

The theoretical framework of astronaut lean management is initially constructed, and the reasons for astronaut Muda and improvement ideas are also analyzed.

Originality/value

In fact, practitioners can use the proposed framework to identify the value of astronauts. Academically, these results collect research on dynamic value stream and lean management, providing a new way to identify value in aerospace using lean methods. Finally, the future research goals of astronaut lean management are put forward.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 95 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 June 2022

Hongying Shan, Mengyao Qin, Cungang Zou, Peiyang Peng and Zunyan Meng

To respond to customer needs and achieve customized manufacturing, the manufacturing industry, as represented by electronics assembly companies, has embarked on a path of business…

226

Abstract

Purpose

To respond to customer needs and achieve customized manufacturing, the manufacturing industry, as represented by electronics assembly companies, has embarked on a path of business model transformation (customer to manufacturer [C2M]). The purpose of this paper is to examine the practical application of assembly line-Seru conversion in a Chinese electronics assembly company during the C2M transition.

Design/methodology/approach

To begin with, this paper proposed a production line improvement scheme suitable for the conversion of C2M manufacturing enterprise assembly line-Seru based on an analysis of the difficulties encountered in the existing production line of A company in China. Then, a mathematical model was presented for the minimum value of the makespan and the maximum workers’ expenditure between Serus. Finally, the SA-NSGA-II algorithm and the entropy-weight TOPSIS approach were used to determine the optimal scheme for Seru unit, batch, product type and worker distribution.

Findings

Seru production and multiskilled workers are more suited to the C2M business model. The most effective strategy for worker allocation can reduce the number of employees and makespan in Serus. Additionally, the performance of the SA-NSGA-II algorithm and the method of selecting the optimal solution from the Pareto solution by the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method is also demonstrated.

Practical implications

Through a detailed study of how to transform the production line, other companies can apply the methods outlined in this article to shorten the delivery time, make full use of the abilities of workers and assign workers to specific positions, thereby reducing the number of workers, workers’ expenditure and improving the balance rate of production lines.

Originality/value

Given the scarcity of studies on the production method of C2M-type firms in the prior literature, this paper examined the assembly line-Seru conversion problem with the goal of minimizing the makespan and worker expenditure. To address the NSGA-II algorithm’s insufficient convergence, the simulated annealing process is incorporated into the method, which improves the optimization performance.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 42 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2024

Wenlong Cheng and Wenjun Meng

This study aims to solve the problem of job scheduling and multi automated guided vehicle (AGV) cooperation in intelligent manufacturing workshops.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to solve the problem of job scheduling and multi automated guided vehicle (AGV) cooperation in intelligent manufacturing workshops.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, an algorithm for job scheduling and cooperative work of multiple AGVs is designed. In the first part, with the goal of minimizing the total processing time and the total power consumption, the niche multi-objective evolutionary algorithm is used to determine the processing task arrangement on different machines. In the second part, AGV is called to transport workpieces, and an improved ant colony algorithm is used to generate the initial path of AGV. In the third part, to avoid path conflicts between running AGVs, the authors propose a simple priority-based waiting strategy to avoid collisions.

Findings

The experiment shows that the solution can effectively deal with job scheduling and multiple AGV operation problems in the workshop.

Originality/value

In this paper, a collaborative work algorithm is proposed, which combines the job scheduling and AGV running problem to make the research results adapt to the real job environment in the workshop.

Details

Robotic Intelligence and Automation, vol. 44 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-6969

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 August 2019

Hongying Wang and Bing Sun

The purpose of this paper is to undertake research on the relationship of firm heterogeneity and innovation diffusion performance, and the role of absorptive capacity in this…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to undertake research on the relationship of firm heterogeneity and innovation diffusion performance, and the role of absorptive capacity in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the diffusion of innovation theory, enterprise heterogeneity directly affects the evaluation stage (considering whether to adopt it) and the experimental stage (observing whether it is suitable for one’s own situation) of the diffusion process. Therefore, the paper uses a structural equation model to construct the influencing factors model of enterprise heterogeneity on technology diffusion. Furthermore, questionnaires were distributed to 236 enterprises with different scales, nature and location to explore the impact of heterogeneity on technology diffusion with scientific, objective and comprehensive data.

Findings

Firm heterogeneity has a positive effect on absorptive capacity and absorptive capacity has a positive effect on technological innovation diffusion performance. Thus, absorptive capacity plays an intermediary role in the effect on enterprise heterogeneity and technological innovation diffusion performance. More interestingly, the authors get some results that are not entirely consistent with the theoretical assumptions.

Practical implications

Firm heterogeneity plays a central role in the process of innovation diffusion. Enterprises should build internal management platforms to enhance cooperation among employees, and establish links with other enterprises for opportunities for win-win cooperation. In addition, enterprises should control the frequency of internal activities, which will undermine the enthusiasm of enterprise members to participate in technology sharing.

Originality/value

This paper explores the interaction between technology potential, cooperation frequency and absorptive capacity from the perspective of systems theory. The findings enrich the theory of innovation diffusion, and explore the inherent reasons why enterprise heterogeneity affects innovation diffusion. Furthermore, the theory that intra-firm cooperation promotes innovation diffusion is not always correct.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 58 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 7 December 2016

Karen Hughes

Effective interpretation of Australia’s unique landscapes has the potential to contribute to international tourists’ understanding of natural processes, as well as enhance their…

Abstract

Effective interpretation of Australia’s unique landscapes has the potential to contribute to international tourists’ understanding of natural processes, as well as enhance their perceptions and appreciation of this environment. Research indicates that mystery, familiarity, and comprehension all influence how humans view landscapes and that preferences and perceptions are likely to be culturally determined. This chapter explores human perceptions of landscapes and highlights key differences in Western and Chinese approaches to experiencing and interpreting natural environments. It presents results of a study that used photo-elicitation to explore Chinese students’ perceptions of, and preferences for, six Australian landscapes. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the implications and recommendations for interpreting Australian landscapes for Chinese audiences.

Details

The World Meets Asian Tourists
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-219-1

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 December 2015

Fang Ma

The purpose of this paper is to assess the application of the nascent corporate opportunity doctrine in China by comparison with its well-established English counterpart; in…

1231

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the application of the nascent corporate opportunity doctrine in China by comparison with its well-established English counterpart; in particular, it evaluates whether the fine balance between business integrity and business efficiency has been struck.

Findings

It is argued that the scope of application of the corporate opportunity doctrine in China should be extended, and the rules on the burden of proof should be amended. Moreover, a stricter approach should be adopted by the Chinese judiciary for the purpose of protecting the company’s interests and enhancing business integrity.

Research limitations/implications

This paper mainly focuses on the corporate opportunity doctrine. It does not discuss other duties of directors in detail.

Practical implications

It is useful for directors in balancing business integrity and business efficiency.

Originality/value

It is an original piece of work which assesses the corporate opportunity doctrine by making comparison with English law.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2018

Chaolei Ban, Shuqin Zhu, Jie Ma, Fangreng Wang, Zhengfeng Jia and Jie Wang

Ni coating was electroplated on carbon steel substrate to protect carbon steel.

Abstract

Purpose

Ni coating was electroplated on carbon steel substrate to protect carbon steel.

Design/methodology/approach

During electroplating, the ultrasonic irradiation (UI) (1 kHz) action was in situ used with different frequency. The influence of UI on the microstructure, mechanical and electrochemical performance of the coating was studied with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, microhardness measurement, polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Findings

The results show that comparing that without UI imposition, UI during electroplating can refine the coating grain and decrease the micro-pores in the coating, resulting in improvement of the coating corrosion and hardness.

Originality/value

The imposition of UI action during electroplating Ni coating can remove intrinsic pores in the coating and compact the coating. The potential bimetallic cell between substrate and plating layer can be insulated to enhance the corrosion resistance of Ni coating. The imposition of UI action during electroplating Ni coating can refine Ni coating grain size and improve the coating haredness.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 65 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

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