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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2006

Jairo R. Montoya‐Torres

To provide an overview of the most commonly used performance and productivity evaluation metrics in the semiconductor industry in order to understand both the impact of the…

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Abstract

Purpose

To provide an overview of the most commonly used performance and productivity evaluation metrics in the semiconductor industry in order to understand both the impact of the different metrics and the relationship between them, and to identify emerging opportunities for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of recently published works (1988‐2003), which aim to provide engineering‐oriented approaches for the analysis of manufacturing operations in the semiconductor industry, is reviewed and critiqued to help researchers and practitioners to well understand the impacts of implementing such performance metrics. After a background on performance management, the metrics are sorted into sections and analysed both individually and in comparison with one another.

Findings

Information about each performance index, mainly indicating how it is applied to semiconductor fabrication, as well as the internal and external factors that affect it. A list of relevant scientific works related to these topics is presented.

Research limitations/implications

This paper only focuses on a review of manufacturing performance in the semiconductor industry. Nevertheless, the analysis does not limit the applicability of some concepts to other types of manufacturing industries.

Practical implications

A very successful source of information and analysis that has general applicability as a reference tutorial for practitioners and researchers within the operations and production management community, and especially for those working with the integrated circuit semiconductor industry.

Originality/value

By adding a management dimension, this paper is a useful synthesis of practitioners' insights and of the contents of research papers that have been traditionally engineering‐oriented. This analysis has general applicability as a reference tutorial for practitioners and researchers within the operations and production management community.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 55 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 20 November 2020

Abstract

Details

Supply Chain Management and Logistics in Emerging Markets
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83909-333-3

Article
Publication date: 24 July 2019

Elyn Lizeth Solano Charris, Jairo Rafael Montoya-Torres and William Guerrero-Rueda

The purpose of this paper is to present a decision support system (DSS) for a Colombian public utility company in order to aid decision-making at the operational level regarding…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a decision support system (DSS) for a Colombian public utility company in order to aid decision-making at the operational level regarding route planning and travel time. The aim is to provide a tool to assist technicians that perform interruption and reconnection of domiciliary services for about 2,000 customers a day.

Design/methodology/approach

The real-life problem is modeled as a Single Depot Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows (SDVRP-TW), which is a well-known optimization problem in Operations Research/Management Science. A two-stage approach integrated into decision-making software is provided. The first stage considers the clustering of customers generated by a combination of the sweep and the k-means algorithms, while the second phase plans the routing of technicians using the nearest-neighbor and the Or-opt heuristics. The proposed approach is tested using real data sets.

Findings

In comparison with the current route planning approach, the proposed method is able to obtain savings in total travel times, improving operational productivity by 22.2 percent.

Research limitations/implications

Since the analysis is carried out based on mathematical modeling, assumptions about the relationships between variables and elements of the actual complex problem might be simplified. Although the proposed approach aids the route planning, decision makers make the final decisions.

Practical implications

The proposed DSS has a critical impact on actual operational practices at the company. Productivity and service level are improved, while reducing operational costs. The decision-making process itself will be improved so technicians and higher decision makers can focus on performing other tasks.

Originality/value

The real-life problem is modeled using mathematical programming and efficiently solved through a two-stage approach based on simple, quite intuitive, solution procedures that have not been implemented for such services. In addition, as actual data from the company is employed for experimental purposes, the solution approach is tested and its efficiency and efficacy are both validated in a realistic setting, hence providing realistic behavior for decision makers at the company.

Propósito

presentar un sistema de soporte a las decisiones (Decision Support System, DSS) para una empresa colombiana de servicios públicos con el fin de apoyar el proceso de toma de decisiones a nivel operativo en lo relacionado con la planeación de rutas y el tiempo de servicio. El objetivo es suministrar una herramienta que ayude a los técnicos a desempeñar el servicio de corte y reconección de servicios domiciliarios para aproximadamente 2000 clientes por día.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

el problema de una empresa real es modelado como un problema de enrutamiento de vehículos un único depósito y ventanas de tiempo (Single Depot Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows, SDVRP-TW). Éste es un problema de optimización muy conocido en Investigación de Operaciones / Ciencias de la Administración. Se presenta un enfoque de dos etapas integrado en un software de ayuda a la toma de decisiones. La primera etapa considera el agrupamiento de los clientes generado por una combinación de los algoritmos del barrido y el k-media, mientras que la segunda fase define el plan de rutas para los técnicos utilizando las heurísticas de vecino más cercano y Or-opt. El enfoque propuesto es validado empleando datos reales.

Hallazgos

en comparación con el plan de rutas actualmente utilizado por la empresa, el método propuesto es capaz de obtener ahorros en el tiempo total de viaje incrementando la eficiencia operativa en un 22.2%.

Limitaciones de la invstigación/implicaciones

puesto que el análisis se lleva a cabo a partir de un modelo matemático, los supuestos sobre las relaciones entre las variables y los elementos del sistema real complejo podrían simplificarse. Además, aunque el sistema propuesto realiza la planeación de rutas, la decisión final es tomada finalmente por las personas.

Implicaciones prácticas

el DSS propuesto tiene un impacto crítico en la práctica operativa real de la empresa. La productividad y el nivel de servicio se mejoran, mientras se reducen los costos operativos. El proceso de toma de decisiones en sí mismo se verá mejorado pues los técnicos y los tomadores de decisiones pueden enfocarse en realizar otras tareas.

Originalidad/valor

el problema real es modelado utilizando programación matemática y se resuelve de forma efectiva con un procedimiento de dos etapas sencillo y básicamente intuitivo que no ha sido puesto en marcha antes para tales empresas de servicios. Además, puesto que datos reales de la empresa son utilizados en la experimentación, el enfoque de solución es validado y su eficiencia y eficacia son comprobadas en un ambiente real, suministrando así un comportamiento real para los tomadores de decisiones en la empresa.

Content available

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 62 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Article
Publication date: 16 April 2018

Luis Fernando Morales-Alzate, Clara Solano-Vanegas, Angela Carrillo-Ramos, Jairo Montoya-Torres, Ramon Fabregat and Jaime A. Pavlich-Mariscal

This paper aims to present Accomm a software implementation of Ágora-SN, a supply network (SN) customer-oriented model integrated with an Adaptation Model. Accomm serves two…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present Accomm a software implementation of Ágora-SN, a supply network (SN) customer-oriented model integrated with an Adaptation Model. Accomm serves two purposes: as an experimental validation tool to measure the impact of Adaptation on an agribusiness SN model and as a logistic and marketing operations planning assistant.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of Accomm is based on the results of the Ágora-SN model that comprises the following tasks: to characterize the SN actors’ processes ( composed of multiple first-tier suppliers, a focal company and multiple first-tier customers), identifying the ones oriented to the customer; to integrate these processes into a SN model which incorporates a supplier cooperation model; and to provide an adaptation model that implements a customer profile and a context profile to improve order fulfillment.

Findings

To validate the Ágora-SN model, a prototype Accomm was created referred to a real Colombian agribusiness sector company, specifically in the floriculture sector. This prototype was validated through two methods: a usability scale and a set of scenarios that compared the application’s behavior with and without adaptation and cooperation. The application provides a better response to demand when both adaptation and cooperation are enabled.

Research limitations/implications

This work was tested in an academic environment and was validated by different experts. Further tests in operational real-life environments are required to fully validate the approach.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this work is the integration of Adaptation into a SN model as a way to center the SN toward the customer. As an additional contribution, the validation tool Accomm is conceived as an operational planning tool for agribusiness SN.

Details

International Journal of Web Information Systems, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-0084

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 October 2013

Paolo Taticchi, Flavio Tonelli and Roberto Pasqualino

The purpose of this paper is to develop the body of knowledge in the area of sustainable supply chains by providing a critical literature review in the field of sustainable supply…

7734

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop the body of knowledge in the area of sustainable supply chains by providing a critical literature review in the field of sustainable supply chain performance measurement (SSCPM) and suggesting paths for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

At a macro level, the evolution of the research field is analysed with the use of citation and co-citation analysis techniques. Further, the evolution of research on performance measurement (PM), supply chain PM, sustainability measurement and SSCPM is presented so as to highlight the criticalities of the research field.

Findings

The paper highlights a research field that is immature, but is growing very fast. Moreover, key issues are highlighted in order to help scholars in planning future research.

Research limitations/implications

The research presented in this paper is mainly limited to work that is referred directly with PM, operations management and supply chain management. Related research, such as literature on strategy or accounting has only been partially considered, even if future researches could include it.

Originality/value

Research in this area is receiving large attention from both academic and practitioners due to the significant relevance of the sustainability debate and the key role of supply chains in this discussion. The body of knowledge is yet immature, and the paper provides an updated state of the art, a critical analysis of the available literature and guidelines for future research.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 62 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 October 2013

Uche Okongwu, Risako Morimoto and Matthieu Lauras

From a continuous improvement perspective, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the levels of maturity attained by organisations in reporting their supply chain (as well as…

3062

Abstract

Purpose

From a continuous improvement perspective, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the levels of maturity attained by organisations in reporting their supply chain (as well as non-supply chain) sustainability initiatives. It also investigates the extent to which supply chain sustainability (SCS) disclosure varies between different business sectors, as well as the degree of interconnection between various sustainability criteria. Subsequently, it proposes an improvement framework for reporting and implementing sustainability initiatives across the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

To carry out this investigation, corporate sustainability reports of selected companies in ten different industries are downloaded and assessed. The paper uses content analysis and principal component analysis to study the disclosure maturity levels of the different industrial sectors.

Findings

The paper's results show that the disclosure maturity level is higher in business-to-consumer industries than in business-to-business industries on both the social and environmental dimensions. The paper also shows that the highly polluting energy sector is the least advanced in disclosing SCS initiatives. Generally speaking, there is no clear pattern in the way organisations disclose sustainability information. The conclusion is that sustainability disclosure is not yet homogeneously structured across different business sectors and organisations are yet to attain the “adult” maturity age.

Originality/value

Very few researchers can claim to have investigated the maturity levels of SCS disclosure from a continuous improvement perspective. This is probably due to the absence of a universally accepted framework that clearly defines the scope of sustainability. The paper tries to fill this gap by proposing a framework that would not only help researchers to study SCS and stakeholders to read sustainability reports, but would also enable practitioners to improve the quality and reliability of the data disclosed, especially as they apply to the supply chain.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 62 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 October 2013

Hendrik Reefke and Mattia Trocchi

Supply chains (SCs) are integral to the globalized economy and offer many business opportunities but can also lead to unintended social and environmental impacts. Accurate…

5667

Abstract

Purpose

Supply chains (SCs) are integral to the globalized economy and offer many business opportunities but can also lead to unintended social and environmental impacts. Accurate performance assessments are crucial for SC control and are also a cornerstone for sustainable development. Hence, procedural, technological, and operational support is needed to facilitate a balanced approach to performance measurement for sustainable SCs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combines concepts derived from literature on performance measurement in SCs and sustainability with the balanced scorecard (BSC). Synthesis of these related approaches leads to the proposal of a customized scorecard design and development processes which are further elaborated through illustrations and practical examples.

Findings

A scorecard design customized for sustainable SCs is proposed along with development and implementation processes.

Research limitations/implications

The organization and synthesis of related performance measurement approaches advances the theoretical understanding of how a BSC can be operationalized in sustainable SCs. Research opportunities are derived based on the presented findings. The results are limited due to their mainly conceptual development.

Practical implications

The BSC is illustrated by practical examples in an attempt to demonstrate the feasibility and practical value of the conceptual approach.

Originality/value

The field of sustainable supply chain management continues to be beset by little guidance in terms of principles and applicable tools for performance assessment. The paper provides structure in this regard, integrates concepts central to the performance of sustainable SCs, and supports the practical application of a BSC approach.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 62 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 October 2013

Zhihong Wang and Joseph Sarkis

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether companies’ environmental and social supply chain activities are associated with their financial performance.

10291

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether companies’ environmental and social supply chain activities are associated with their financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample from the top 500 US companies based on Newsweek's green ranking is used. Data from the Bloomberg environmental, social and governance (ESG) and COMPUSTAT financial database are used for an empirical analysis of the relationships.

Findings

Integrated sustainable supply chain management, jointly including social and environmental supply chain management, efforts is positively associated with corporate financial performance measured by return on assets and return on equity, and the positive effects can have a time lag of at least two years.

Research limitations/implications

By adopting the ESG database, the paper only tests corporate sustainability supply chain management using a binary 0-1 valuation. Three-year data period is also a limitation for an extensive time study. A research implication is that win-win benefits may accrue, but additional nuances may exist such as indirect influences that need to be studied.

Practical implications

Two major implications of this study are that organizations may wish to implement both environmental and social supply chain management simultaneously to get the greatest benefit, and that managers need to be patient about reaping the rewards of these initiatives.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the sustainability management literature by being the first to use publicly available data to investigate the financial benefits associated with individual and joint environmental and social supply chain management activities. The paper also uses a relatively large data set from US-based companies that have not been widely studied in the supply chain management literature.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 62 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 October 2013

Ali Pazirandeh and Hamid Jafari

The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate whether or not greening efforts are dependent on a higher level company-wide sustainability strategy to be carried out and…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate whether or not greening efforts are dependent on a higher level company-wide sustainability strategy to be carried out and whether or not greening efforts lead to any changes in logistics effectiveness and logistics efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on empirical data collected via a survey sent to logistics managers and transport purchasers at Nordic multinationals. The results were analysed using structural equation model as to validate the anticipated relationships between the designed constructs.

Findings

Within this research, the authors have tried to validate the existence of relationships between a company's sustainability strategy, its transportation greening efforts and logistics performance.

Research limitations/implications

The paper investigates the possible effect the sustainability strategy of the firm will have on its decision to green its transportation, and the possible effect these measures will have on logistics efficiency and effectiveness. The empirical data gathered for this research are regionally restricted to the Nordic region. Further research could empirically test these relationships with empirical data from other countries or industries, perhaps using other performance constructs, to see if the results hold true.

Practical implications

It is shown that companies with a sustainability strategy are focusing on greening their transportation both from purchasing and operations perspectives to improve their entire environmental performance. The results from this paper fail to support the assumption that company-wide sustainability strategies are imperative for supply chain greening.

Originality/value

The paper is among the first attempts in analysing the relationships between a company's sustainable strategy and its logistics performance through greening the transportation activities.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 62 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

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