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Article
Publication date: 14 June 2019

Ali Ahmed, John Page and John Olsen

This paper aims to compare the prognostic and visualisation capabilities of all the three simulation paradigms to identify their suitability and rigor in eliminating weaknesses…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to compare the prognostic and visualisation capabilities of all the three simulation paradigms to identify their suitability and rigor in eliminating weaknesses and bottlenecks in a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) project.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an light-emitting diode (LED) factory as a business case to show the differences and advantages of using three different simulation techniques to solve a manufacturing problem.

Findings

Even though this is only one business case that shows how system dynamics (SD) can be effective in a Six Sigma manufacturing project, more examples are needed to validate this hypothesis within Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing fields. Even though, discrete-events (DE) and agent-based (AB) models are both equally well suited to develop the manufacturing processes and the choice of what to use may be arbitrarily dependent on the available software or the preference of the modeller, hybrid models seem to become extremely powerful. Therefore, more hybrid models need to be constructed within LSS (especially when a flowchart and a SIPOC ((Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customers) table are combined to develop a hybrid model) to achieve the most accurate results with accurate representation of reality.

Originality/value

There are three commonly used simulation techniques, DE, AB and SD, but choosing the right simulation methodology has often been a challenge.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 May 2019

Ali Ahmed, John Page and John Olsen

In recent times, the idea of taking advantage of the benefits of simulation techniques and Six Sigma discipline altogether has led various organizations towards implementation of…

1101

Abstract

Purpose

In recent times, the idea of taking advantage of the benefits of simulation techniques and Six Sigma discipline altogether has led various organizations towards implementation of simulation tools within Six Sigma methodology. The purpose of this study is to provide a more comprehensive literature review on the topic exploring how this amalgamation could work both in theory and practice. This precisely entailed finding dependable studies that shows how Six Sigma (DMAIC) Methodology can be enhanced by the three prevalent simulation techniques; Agent-Based (AB), Discrete-Events (DE), System Dynamics (SD).

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was considered more fitting in research because it involves rigorous and well-defined approach compared to other forms of literature review. In this case, the literature was comprehensive, well-encompassing and involved finding Six Sigma and Simulations literatures from reputable scholarly databases. The outcome of these reviews was the identification of a set of key finding compiled and classified by topics. The study follows an inductive approach and utilises a meta-synthesis review technique.

Findings

As numerous studies assert, simulation techniques including AB, DE and SD are applicable tools in almost every stage of DMAIC, especially the Analyse, Improve and Control phases, because of their capability to test and identify potential bottlenecks and improvement areas. Findings show that the simulation tools such as CLDs, Group Model Building, Dynamic Balance Scorecards and Cost of poor quality all have the potential to add value to a Six Sigma methodology.

Originality/value

The findings of this study highlight the importance of further inquiry in this area of study. The finding of this study suggests that although the study on the integration of Six Sigma and simulations is increasing, empirical evidence on its effectiveness is still limited. Therefore, this study suggests more roadmaps and investigations aimed at merging Six Sigma methodology and various simulation technique. Moreover, studies that centre on hybrid or multi-method simulations within Six Sigma are also urgently necessitated.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2022

Ali Ahmed, John Olsen and John Page

The overarching objective of this research is to integrate the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) framework with computer simulation to improve the production efficiency of a light-emitting…

709

Abstract

Purpose

The overarching objective of this research is to integrate the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) framework with computer simulation to improve the production efficiency of a light-emitting diode (LED) manufacturing factory.

Design/methodology/approach

Recently, the idea of taking advantage of the benefits of Six Sigma and simulation models together has led both industry and the academy towards further investigation and implementation of these methodologies. From this perspective, the present research will illustrate the effectiveness of using LSS methodology in a real factory environment by using the combination of three simulation methods which are system dynamics (SD), discrete-event simulation (DES) and agent-based (AB) modelling.

Findings

The hybrid simulation method applied in this research was found to accurately mimic and model the existing real factory environment. The define, measure, analyse, control and improve (DMAIC)-based improvements showed that the applied method is able to improve machine utilization rates while balancing the workload. Moreover, queue lengths for several stations were shortened, and the average processing time was decreased by around 50%. Also, a weekly production increase of 25% was achieved while lowering the cost per unit by around 8%.

Research limitations/implications

While the case study used was for a LED manufacturing system, the proposed framework could be implemented for any other existing production system. The research also meticulously presents the steps carried out for the development of the multi-method simulation model to allow readers to replicate the model and tailor it for their own case studies and projects. The hybrid model enables managers to navigate the trade-off decisions they often face when choosing advanced production output ahead of continuous improvement practices. The adoption of methodologies outlined in this paper would attain improvements in terms of queue lengths, utilization, reduced costs and improved quality and efficiency of a real, small factory. The findings suggest improvements and create awareness among practitioners for the utilization of quality tools that will provide direct benefits to their companies. Although the multi-method simulation is effective, a limitation of the current study is the lack of micro details within each station. Furthermore, the results are all based on one specific case study which is not enough to suggest and generalized findings.

Originality/value

This research combines the use of the three main hybrid simulation paradigms (SD, DES and AB) in a unified framework DMAIC methodology. Choosing the right models in DMAIC is important, challenging and urgently necessary. Also, this paper shows empirical evidence on its effectiveness.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 October 2018

Faqihza Mukhlish, John Page and Michael Bain

The purpose of this paper is to review the current state of proceedings in the research area of automatic swarm design and discusses possible solutions to advance swarm robotics…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the current state of proceedings in the research area of automatic swarm design and discusses possible solutions to advance swarm robotics research.

Design/methodology/approach

First, this paper begins by reviewing the current state of proceedings in the field of automatic swarm design to provide a basic understanding of the field. This should lead to the identification of which issues need to be resolved in order to move forward swarm robotics research. Then, some possible solutions to the challenges are discussed to identify future directions and how the proposed idea of incorporating learning mechanism could benefit swarm robotics design. Lastly, a novel evolutionary-learning framework for swarms based on epigenetic function is proposed with a discussion of its merits and suggestions for future research directions.

Findings

The discussion shows that main challenge which is needed to be resolved is the presence of dynamic environment which is mainly caused by agent-to-agent and agent-to-environment interactions. A possible solution to tackle the challenge is by incorporating learning capability to the swarm to tackle dynamic environment.

Originality/value

This paper gives a new perspective on how to improve automatic swarm design in order to move forward swarm robotics research. Along with the discussion, this paper also proposes a novel framework to incorporate learning mechanism into evolutionary swarm using epigenetic function.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Unmanned Systems, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-6427

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2020

Faqihza Mukhlish, John Page and Michael Bain

This paper aims to propose a novel epigenetic learning (EpiLearn) algorithm, which is designed specifically for a decentralised multi-agent system such as swarm robotics.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a novel epigenetic learning (EpiLearn) algorithm, which is designed specifically for a decentralised multi-agent system such as swarm robotics.

Design/methodology/approach

First, this paper begins with overview of swarm robotics and the challenges in designing swarm behaviour automatically. This should indicate the direction of improvements required to enhance an automatic swarm design. Second, the evolutionary learning (EpiLearn) algorithm for a swarm system using an epigenetic layer is formulated and discussed. The algorithm is then tested through various test functions to investigate its performance. Finally, the results are discussed along with possible future research directions.

Findings

Through various test functions, the algorithm can solve non-local and many local minima problems. This article also shows that by using a reward system, the algorithm can handle the deceptive problem which often occurs in dynamic problems. Moreover, utilization of rewards from the environment in the form of a methylation process on the epigenetic layer improves the performance of traditional evolutionary algorithms applied to automatic swarm design. Finally, this article shows that a regeneration process that embeds an epigenetic layer in the inheritance process performs better than a traditional crossover operator in a swarm system.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a novel method for automatic swarm design by taking into account the importance of multi-agent settings and environmental characteristics surrounding the swarm. The novel evolutionary learning (EpiLearn) algorithm using an epigenetic layer gives the swarm the ability to perform co-evolution and co-learning.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Unmanned Systems, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-6427

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Documents on and from the History of Economic Thought and Methodology
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84663-909-8

Book part
Publication date: 31 July 2008

Abstract

Details

Documents from F. Taylor Ostrander at Oxford, John R. Commons' Reasonable Value
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84663-906-7

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1993

Being in possession of the “right” information is vital in maintaining competitiveness in the modern business age. There is a mass of information “out there” in the environment…

2143

Abstract

Being in possession of the “right” information is vital in maintaining competitiveness in the modern business age. There is a mass of information “out there” in the environment, so coping with it, managing it effectively, and selecting from it that which is useful, would appear to be the key to success.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 21 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Abstract

Details

Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Educational and Clinical Interventions
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-76230-818-7

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1951

T.C. SKEAT

The aim of this publication is to list the catalogues of the Department of Manuscripts which are in regular use. Catalogues which have been superseded by later publications are…

291

Abstract

The aim of this publication is to list the catalogues of the Department of Manuscripts which are in regular use. Catalogues which have been superseded by later publications are not normally included, since whatever their historical or bibliographical interest they are no longer everyday working tools. To save space in cross‐reference, the catalogues, etc., here listed have been numbered serially in Clarendon type, thus: 31. This numeration has no other significance.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

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