Search results

Performance assessment of layouts requires a systematic approach because of its multi-objective nature. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework to the performance assessment of layout designs.

A layout performance assessment framework is proposed, grounded on a literature review. Then, the causal relationships and prioritization of the sub-criteria are analyzed by fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory technique in an elevator and escalator-manufacturing firm.

An integrated holistic performance assessment framework, specifically, the 7 criteria, 19 sub-criteria and 112 measures, are studied in this model which represents causal relationships and prioritization of sub-criteria.

The proposed framework can be generalized, because an integrative framework can be used in future empirical studies to analyze performance of layout design. However, the causal relationships and prioritization among sub-criteria are analyzed based on the needs and capabilities of the individual company; therefore, the results of the causal relationships are company specific.

With this framework, the companies may assess their current layout’s performance, may analyze causal relationships and prioritization of sub-criteria.

There are very few models or frameworks regarding the performance assessment of layout designs. In this paper, a new conceptual holistic framework was proposed as three-dimensional hierarchy, which includes the main criteria, sub-criteria and the measures, respectively. Cost, flow, flexibility, surrounding environment, environment quality, time and characteristics are identified as the main criteria for the layout design performance assessment. In addition, cause-effect relationships, which will be the base for improvement of the performance, are found.

The purpose of this paper is to plan the layout of the production area of an industrial kitchen of a theme restaurant through the application of the systematic layout planning (SLP) methodology and the establishment of layout indicators with a specific application in the restaurant business.

The authors applied the SLP methodology in the industrial kitchen of a theme restaurant in order to plan and develop layout alternatives. Such layout alternatives were then evaluated according to a set of specific indicators consolidated based on a literature review. Finally, a multi-criteria decision-making tool was used to support the selection of the best layout alternative and suggest to the case study area.

The main results could be highlighted as: first, an area, previously unexplored, of approximately 5.40 m² ended up being used as a productive area for the operations; second, 40 percent reduction in work-in-process by removing the refrigerators of groceries and the freezer from the production area; third, indirect indicators, such as customer satisfaction and the employee’s workplace environment, have increased their performance, since customers were better served and working environment became more conducive to a good employee performance.

Most research in layout planning is typically developed in productive industrial areas, and this paper contributes to the understanding the differences of implementing SLP methodology in a food service business, such as restaurant, and proposes the utilization of specific layout indicators.

In this study, a novel framework based on deep learning models is presented to assess energy and environmental performance of a given building space layout, facilitating the decision-making process at the early-stage design.

A methodology using an image-based deep learning model called pix2pix is proposed to predict the overall daylight, energy and ventilation performance of a given residential building space layout. The proposed methodology is then evaluated by being applied to 300 sample apartment units in Tehran, Iran. Four pix2pix models were trained to predict illuminance, spatial daylight autonomy (sDA), primary energy intensity and ventilation maps. The simulation results were considered ground truth.

The results showed an average structural similarity index measure (SSIM) of 0.86 and 0.81 for the predicted illuminance and sDA maps, respectively, and an average score of 88% for the predicted primary energy intensity and ventilation representative maps, each of which is outputted within three seconds.

The proposed framework in this study helps upskilling the design professionals involved with the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry through engaging artificial intelligence in human–computer interactions. The specific novelties of this research are: first, evaluating indoor environmental metrics (daylight and ventilation) alongside the energy performance of space layouts using pix2pix model, second, widening the assessment scope to a group of spaces forming an apartment layout at five different floors and third, incorporating the impact of building context on the intended objectives.

When a functional layout is converted to a cellular layout, the cell design is generally based on a static picture of production volume and part mix, but manufacturing environments face ongoing changes in these parameters. It is expected that, eventually, changes in production volume and part mix will cause a deterioration in cell performance to the point that a cell’s machine layout must be redesigned, marking the end of the cell’s life cycle. Tests the existence of cell life cycles and performance deterioration attributed to changes in production volume and part mix through an exploratory field study which was undertaken at 15 firms using cellular manufacturing. Finds that cell life cycles did exist, but usually either in anticipation of declining cell performance ‐ rather than in reaction to it ‐ or in anticipation of potential improvements in cell performance due to changes in the marketplace.

Modular integrated construction (MiC) is the most advanced off-site construction technology. However, the application of MiC for high-rise buildings is still limited and challenging. One critical issue is tower crane layout planning (TCLP) to guarantee safe and efficient multiple crane-lifts for module installation, which, however, has been insufficiently explored. For filling this knowledge gap, this paper aims to systematically explore the critical considerations on TCLP for high-rise MiC to support contractors in determining the optimal crane layout plan.

This study employed a multimethod strategy. First, previous studies on TCLP and critical features of MiC were reviewed to develop a conceptual model of TCLP considerations. Second, expert interviews with 15 construction planners were conducted to identify the critical TCLP considerations for high-rise MiC. Third, a multicase study with three high-rise MiC projects was undertaken to demonstrate and verify the identified considerations.

The paper characterises critical considerations on TCLP as performance criteria and influencing factors and identifies 7 critical performance criteria and 25 influencing factors for high-rise MiC. Specifically, the features of MiC (e.g. various modularised layout design, heavyweight and large size of modules) were found to significantly affect the crane layout performance (i.e. technical feasibility, safety and economic efficiency).

The paper is the first-of-its-kind study on crane layout planning for high-rise modular buildings, which contributes a two-stage multicriteria decision-making framework integrated with systematic TCLP considerations. The findings should help contractors determine safe and efficient tower crane layout plans for high-rise MiC projects.

Proposes a virtual cellular manufacturing approach to implementing cellular manufacturing systems that combines the set‐up efficiency typically obtained by traditional cellular manufacturing or group technology systems with the flexibility of a job shop. Unlike traditional cellular systems in which the shop is physically designed as a series of cells, cells are formed within a shop utilizing a process layout using scheduling mechanisms. The result is the formation of cells that are temporary and logical (virtual) in nature, allowing them to be more responsive to changes in demand patterns. Simulation runs comparing this approach to production using traditional cellular and job shop approaches indicate that this new approach yields significantly better shop performance over a range of operating conditions.

This study aims to explore the impact of retail facilities’ (RF) characteristics on customers' spatial cognition and accessibility to products, which inherently affect the facility's performance. Namely, the ratios of the facilities’ dimensions and the shelving configurations are investigated.

The visual attributes of RF are used as the method of assessment, relying on the principles of the Space Syntax theories; several design alternatives of RF are generated which represent different characteristics and compared using computer software (Depthmap X). The perceived variance in performance sheds light on the influence of the investigated characteristics.

The results have pointed out that dimension ratios can affect the facilities’ performance, especially with the shelving configuration considered. Furthermore, certain shelving layouts are more advantageous compared to other layouts. Other design features have been concluded, shedding light on measures for optimizing performance.

Due to the endless number of possibilities of retail facility designs, the study has focused on simplified designs only, excluding intricate designs which can possibly offer an additional important perspective on design influences.

The findings benefit the RF sector by producing customer-centered designs through optimizing layouts and configurations, improving product visibility and enhancing accessibility. This potentially enhances costumers' experiences and promotes satisfaction, thus attracting more consumers and increasing sales.

Although the Space Syntax principles are long-established, their application to RF is novel. This is also true for the findings which can represent a guide for retail facility designs.

This study aims to present an integrated approach based on resilience engineering (RE) for layout optimization of a maintenance workshop in a large transmission unit.

Moreover, optimum facility layout design (FLD) is identified by RE, fuzzy simulation and fuzzy data envelopment analysis.

RE is considered in context of flexibility and redundancy. Results indicated that U-Shaped layout with flexible facilities increases the efficiency of the maintenance workshop.

This is the first study that considers RE for optimization of FLD in a gas transmission unit. RE significantly increases safety features of hazardous systems such as a gas transmission unit.

Cellular and functional layouts were investigated under a variety of real‐world conditions via a two‐stage computer simulation study. In the first stage, simulation models were developed for three actual companies. Six different cell formation procedures were used to develop the cellular layouts and CRAFT was used to develop the functional layout. The following six variables were used to measure shop performance: average flow time, maximum flow time, average distance travelled by a batch, average work‐in‐process level, the maximum level of work‐in‐process, and the longest average queue. Factors observed in the first stage of the study that appear to make cellular manufacturing less beneficial than might otherwise be expected were found to be small batch sizes, a small number of different machines the parts require in their processing, short processing times per part, the existence of bottleneck machines (i.e. machines with insufficient capacity), and the absence of natural part families (i.e. sets of parts with similar processing requirements). In the second stage of this study, earlier assumptions associated with sequence‐dependent setup times and move time delays were relaxed. These two parameters were identified as important factors as well.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) on organizational effectiveness. Specifically, it investigates the impact of helping behaviour on a group where members withhold the effort on job.

Results are drawn from an agent‐based simulation model of a workgroup that has to accomplish some tasks for a specific duration.

When there are group members withholding effort, OCB decreases organizational effectiveness; on the contrary, when individuals provide much effort in the job, OCB enhances group performance. High performance is reached by the group who are able to learn when OCB is appropriate and fitting.

Limitations of this paper are strictly linked to the absence of empirical analysis. The simulation model provides a logical and consistent theory that needs an empirical validation.

This paper helps workers and supervisors since it warns them on the OCB gap and suggests that in the place of a blind OCB, the groups need to share a smart OCB to cultivate altruism with people who work hard, and to exclude the others.

In the study of OCBs determinants and consequences, the academy has almost exclusively assembled on positive factors. This paper shows the OCB dark side and it asserts that citizenship effects on organization performance are not predetermined as a conceptual assumption. Effectiveness is assured by a dynamic and selective OCB only toward good workers.