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1 – 10 of over 1000Venkataramanaiah Saddikuti, Surya Prakash, Vijaydeep Siddharth, Kanika Jain and Sidhartha Satpathy
The primary objective of this article is to examine current procurement, inventory control and management practices in modern healthcare, with a particular focus on the…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary objective of this article is to examine current procurement, inventory control and management practices in modern healthcare, with a particular focus on the procurement and management of surgical supplies in a prominent public, highly specialized healthcare sector.
Design/methodology/approach
This study was conducted in three phases. In Phase 1, the study team interacted with various hospital management stakeholders, including the surgical hospital store, examined the current procurement process and identified challenges. Phase 2 focused on selecting items for a detailed study and collected the qualitative and quantitative details of the store department of the healthcare sector chosen. A detailed study analyzed revenue, output/demand, inventory levels, etc. In Phase 3, a decision-making framework is proposed, and inventory control systems are redesigned and demonstrated for the selected items.
Findings
It was observed that the demand for many surgical items had increased significantly over the years due to an increase in disposable/disposable items, while inventories fluctuated widely. Maximum inventory levels varied between 50 and 75%. Storage and availability were important issues for the hospital. It is assumed the hospital adopts the proposed inventory control system. In this case, the benefits can be a saving of 62% of the maximum inventory, 20% of the average stock in the system and optimal use of storage space, improving the performance and productivity of the hospital.
Research limitations/implications
This study can help the healthcare sector administration to develop better systems for the procurement and delivery of common surgical items and efficient resource allocation. It can help provide adequate training to store staff. This study can help improve management/procurement policies, ordering and delivery systems, better service levels, and inventory control of items in the hospital business context. This study can serve as a pilot study to further investigate the overall hospital operations.
Practical implications
This study can help the healthcare sector administration develop better systems for procuring and delivering common surgical items and efficient resource allocation. It can help provide adequate training to store staff. This study can help improve management/procurement policies, ordering and delivery systems, better service levels and inventory control of items in the hospital business context. This study can serve as a pilot study to further investigate the overall hospital operations.
Originality/value
This study is an early attempt to develop a decision framework and inventory control system from the perspective of healthcare inventory management. The gaps identified in real hospital scenarios are investigated, and theoretically based-inventory management strategies are applied and proposed.
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Nasser Zaky, Mohamed Zaky Ahmed, Ali Alarjani and El-Awady Attia
This study aims to improve the market competitiveness of iron and steel manufacturers in developing countries by reducing their production costs.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to improve the market competitiveness of iron and steel manufacturers in developing countries by reducing their production costs.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology relies on a case study-based approach. The study relies on six steps. The first is the preparation, then the five steps of the six-sigma – define, measure, analyze, improve, control. The qualitative and quantitative data were considered. The qualitative analysis relies on the experts’ judgment of internal status. The quantitative analysis uses the job floor data from three iron and steel manufacturers. After collecting, screening and analyzing the data, the root causes of the different wastes were identified that increase production costs. Consequently, lean manufacturing principles and tools are identified and prioritized using the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method, and then implemented to reduce the different types of waste.
Findings
The main wastes are related to inventory, time, quality and workforce. The lean tools were proposed with the implementation plan for the discovered root causes. The performance was monitored during and after the implementation of the lean initiatives in one of the three companies. The obtained results showed an increase in some performance indicators such as throughput (70.6%), revenue from by-products (459%), inventory turnover (54%), operation availability (45%), and plant availability (41%). On the other hand, results showed a decrease of time delay (78%), man-hour/ton (52.4%) and downgraded products (63.3%).
Practical implications
The current case study findings can be utilized by Iron and Steel factories at the developing countries. In addition, the proposed lean implementation methodology can be adopted for any other industries.
Social implications
The current work introduces an original and practical road map to implement the lean six-sigma body of knowledge in the iron and steel manufacturers.
Originality/value
This work introduces an effective and practical case study-based approach to implementing the lean six-sigma body of knowledge in the iron and steel manufacturers in one of the underdevelopment countries. The consideration of the opinion of the different engineers from different sectors shows significant identification of the major problems in the manufacturing and utility sectors that lead to significant performance improvement after solving them.
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Jesus Vazquez Hernandez and Monica Daniela Elizondo Rojas
To redesign the spare parts (MRO) inventory management at Company XYZ's warehouse, considering the conditions after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abstract
Purpose
To redesign the spare parts (MRO) inventory management at Company XYZ's warehouse, considering the conditions after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
To address this research project, the authors integrated three methodologies: action research, Lean Six Sigma (DMAIC) and Cross Industry Standard Process for Data Mining. These methodologies integrated the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) 4.0 framework applied in this project.
Findings
The spare parts inventory value was reduced by 15%, and inventory turnover increased by 120% without negatively impacting the internal service level.
Practical implications
Practitioners leading or participating in continuous improvement projects (CIPs) should consider data quality (data available and data trustworthiness), problem-solving approach and target area involvement to achieve CIP goals. Otherwise, the LSS 4.0 could fail or extend its duration by several weeks or months.
Originality/value
This project shows the importance of controlling a target area before deciding to conduct a LSS 4.0 project. To address this problem, the LSS 4.0 team implemented 5S during the measure phase of the DMAIC. Also, this project offers significant practitioner and theoretical contributions to the body of knowledge about LSS 4.0.
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Nishant Kulshrestha, Saurabh Agrawal and Deep Shree
Spare Parts Management (SPM) and Industry 4.0 has proven their importance. However, employment of Industry 4.0 solutions for SPM is at emerging stage. To address the issue, this…
Abstract
Purpose
Spare Parts Management (SPM) and Industry 4.0 has proven their importance. However, employment of Industry 4.0 solutions for SPM is at emerging stage. To address the issue, this article is aimed toward a systematic literature review on SPM in Industry 4.0 era and identification of research gaps in the field with prospects.
Design/methodology/approach
Research articles were reviewed and analyzed through a content-based analysis using four step process model. The proposed framework consists of five categories such as Inventory Management, Types of Spares, Circularity based on 6Rs, Performance Indicators and Strategic and Operational. Based on these categories, a total of 118 research articles published between 1998 and 2022 were reviewed.
Findings
The technological solutions of Industry 4.0 concepts have provided numerous opportunities for SPM. Industry 4.0 hi-tech solutions can enhance agility, operational efficiency, quality of product and service, customer satisfaction, sustainability and profitability.
Research limitations/implications
The review of articles provides an integrated framework which recognizes implementation issues and challenges in the field. The proposed framework will support academia and practitioners toward implementation of technological solutions of Industry 4.0 in SPM. Implementation of Industry 4.0 in SPM may help in improving the triple bottom line aspect of sustainability which can make significant contribution to academia, practitioners and society.
Originality/value
The examination uncovered a scarcity of research in the intersection of SPM and Industry 4.0 concepts, suggesting a significant opportunity for additional investigative efforts.
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This study aims to identify problems connected to information classification in theory and to put those problems into the context of experiences from practice.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify problems connected to information classification in theory and to put those problems into the context of experiences from practice.
Design/methodology/approach
Five themes describing problems are discussed in an empirical study, having informants represented from both a public and a private sector organization.
Findings
The reasons for problems to occur in information classification are exemplified by the informants’ experiences. The study concludes with directions for future research.
Originality/value
Information classification sustains the basics of security measures. The human–organizational challenges are evident in the activities but have received little attention in research.
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Rashmi Ranjan Panigrahi, Avinash K. Shrivastava and Sai Sudhakar Nudurupati
Effective inventory management is crucial for SMEs due to limited resources and higher risks like cash flow, storage space, and stockouts. Hence, the aim is to explore how…
Abstract
Purpose
Effective inventory management is crucial for SMEs due to limited resources and higher risks like cash flow, storage space, and stockouts. Hence, the aim is to explore how technology and know-how can be integrated with inventory practices and impact operational performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The basis of the analysis was collecting papers from a wide range of databases, which included Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. In the first phase of the process, a search string with as many as nine related keywords was used to obtain 175 papers. It further filtered them based on their titles and abstracts to retain 95 papers that were included for thorough analysis.
Findings
The study introduced innovative methods of measuring inventory practices by exploring the impact of know-how. It is the first of its kind to identify and demonstrate how technical, technological, and behavioral know-how can influence inventory management practices and ultimately impact the performance of emerging SMEs. This study stands out for its comprehensive approach, which covers traditional and modern inventory management technologies in a single study.
Research limitations/implications
The study provides valuable insights into the interplay between technical, technological, and behavioral know-how in inventory management practices and their effects on the performance of emerging SMEs in Industry 5.0 in the light of RBV theory.
Originality/value
The RBV theory and the Industry 5.0 paradigm are used in this study to explore how developing SMEs' inventory management practices influence their performance. This study investigates the effects of traditional and modern inventory management systems on business performance. Incorporating RBV theory with the Industry 5.0 framework investigates firm-specific resources and technological advances in the current industrial revolution. This unique technique advances the literature on inventory management and has industry implications.
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Mouna Zerti and Bouba Lezzar Benrachi
The region of Guelma, located in the northeast of Algeria, is characterised by its important natural and cultural heritage. This heritage is ignored and abandoned, which leads to…
Abstract
Purpose
The region of Guelma, located in the northeast of Algeria, is characterised by its important natural and cultural heritage. This heritage is ignored and abandoned, which leads to its degradation and even its disappearance. Thus, it is imperative to seek to know and understand the reasons for this situation. This study aims to reveal the constraints of heritage promotion and its staging through its insertion in the development process.
Design/methodology/approach
A hypothetical–deductive approach based on a qualitative method using surveys was carried out on the knowledge of the heritage of Guelma by the actors concerned. The laws and classification procedures were interpreted to identify the heritage's stakes to ensure sustainable local development through tourism.
Findings
The results show the lack of recognition of the natural and cultural heritage by the region's population, the cumbersome, long and complex classification procedure. The weakness of the offer in terms of tourist infrastructures constitutes a handicap to the valorisation of the heritage and prevents the enhancement and development of tourism. Systematically, heritage does not contribute to the local and territorial development of the Guelma region.
Originality/value
The article underlines the importance of raising awareness among the various heritage stakeholders and actors, and first, the population, of the value of their natural and cultural heritage to make it profitable and a driving force for local and territorial development.
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Smita Abhijit Ganjare, Sunil M. Satao and Vaibhav Narwane
In today's fast developing era, the volume of data is increasing day by day. The traditional methods are lagging for efficiently managing the huge amount of data. The adoption of…
Abstract
Purpose
In today's fast developing era, the volume of data is increasing day by day. The traditional methods are lagging for efficiently managing the huge amount of data. The adoption of machine learning techniques helps in efficient management of data and draws relevant patterns from that data. The main aim of this research paper is to provide brief information about the proposed adoption of machine learning techniques in different sectors of manufacturing supply chain.
Design/methodology/approach
This research paper has done rigorous systematic literature review of adoption of machine learning techniques in manufacturing supply chain from year 2015 to 2023. Out of 511 papers, 74 papers are shortlisted for detailed analysis.
Findings
The papers are subcategorised into 8 sections which helps in scrutinizing the work done in manufacturing supply chain. This paper helps in finding out the contribution of application of machine learning techniques in manufacturing field mostly in automotive sector.
Practical implications
The research is limited to papers published from year 2015 to year 2023. The limitation of the current research that book chapters, unpublished work, white papers and conference papers are not considered for study. Only English language articles and review papers are studied in brief. This study helps in adoption of machine learning techniques in manufacturing supply chain.
Originality/value
This study is one of the few studies which investigate machine learning techniques in manufacturing sector and supply chain through systematic literature survey.
Highlights
A comprehensive understanding of Machine Learning techniques is presented.
The state of art of adoption of Machine Learning techniques are investigated.
The methodology of (SLR) is proposed.
An innovative study of Machine Learning techniques in manufacturing supply chain.
A comprehensive understanding of Machine Learning techniques is presented.
The state of art of adoption of Machine Learning techniques are investigated.
The methodology of (SLR) is proposed.
An innovative study of Machine Learning techniques in manufacturing supply chain.
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The article addresses the optimization of safety stock service levels for parts in a repair kit. The work was undertaken to assist a public transit entity that stores thousands of…
Abstract
Purpose
The article addresses the optimization of safety stock service levels for parts in a repair kit. The work was undertaken to assist a public transit entity that stores thousands of parts used to repair equipment acquired over many decades. Demand is intermittent, procurement lead times are long, and the total inventory investment is significant.
Design/methodology/approach
Demand exists for repair kits, and a repair cannot start until all required parts are available. The cost model includes holding cost to carry the part being modeled as well as shortage cost that consists of the holding cost to carry all other repair kit parts for the duration of the part’s lead time. The model combines deterministic and stochastic approaches by assuming a fixed ordering cycle with Poisson demand.
Findings
The results show that optimal service levels vary as a function of repair demand rate, part lead time, and cost of the part as a percentage of the total part cost for the repair kit. Optimal service levels are higher for inexpensive parts and lower for expensive parts, although the precise levels are impacted by repair demand and part lead time.
Social implications
The proposed model can impact society by improving the operational performance and efficiency of public transit systems, by ensuring that home repair technicians will be prepared for repair tasks, and by reducing the environmental impact of electronic waste consistent with the right-to-repair movement.
Originality/value
The optimization model is unique because (1) it quantifies shortage cost as the cost of unnecessary holding other parts in the repair kit during the shortage time, and (2) it determines a unique service level for each part in a repair kit bases on its lead time, its unit cost, and the total cost of all parts in the repair kit. Results will be counter-intuitive for many inventory managers who would assume that more critical parts should have higher service levels.
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Vitória Silveira da Costa and Ariela da Silva Torres
In Brazil, the city of Pelotas experienced an economic apex between the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, reflecting in the construction of…
Abstract
Purpose
In Brazil, the city of Pelotas experienced an economic apex between the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, reflecting in the construction of several buildings. The aim of this article is to evaluate the state of degradation of the facades of the Old School of Agronomy Eliseu Maciel, using qualitative and quantitative indicators.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was divided into visual and photographic survey, damage map and subsequent application of the Degradation Measurement Method (MMD) and the Element Performance Index (Ip). Taking into consideration the evaluation of the building: through historical research and survey of damages. Finally, the building was framed at a level of degradation.
Findings
By calculating the average damage between the methods – damage map, MMD and Ip – a more faithful representation of the damage was obtained, since the values become balanced. The results show the potential of the use of the methods in the analysis of pathological manifestations in facades.
Originality/value
The originality of this article refers to the use of methods for evaluation of historical buildings. The authors believe that the methods described applied jointly provide the results about the state of degradation through nondestructive and low-cost analyses. The methods of surveying damage to Brazilian heritage are a little researched area. This work will hopefully be engaged by academics and professionals to help establish and promote broad government interest and investments.
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