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1 – 10 of over 4000
Article
Publication date: 29 April 2014

Kouroush Jenab, Kourosh Noori, Philip D. Weinsier and Sam Khoury

Since technological lifecycles do not always match hardware/software (HW/SW) lifecycles, obsolescence becomes a major issue in system lifecycle management as it can cause…

Abstract

Purpose

Since technological lifecycles do not always match hardware/software (HW/SW) lifecycles, obsolescence becomes a major issue in system lifecycle management as it can cause premature and unscheduled replacement of HW/SW subsystems. The purpose of this paper is to report a dynamic model to predict the obsolescence dates for HW/SW subsystems.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic model estimates obsolescence dates for HW/SW subsystems based on graph theory concept. The model depicts the stages of subsystem obsolescence through transmittances composed of probability and time-distribution elements. The model predicts probability and mean time to obsolescence for line replaceable units (LRUs) over the lifetime of the system. An illustrative example in signaling systems used in a train control system was used to demonstrate the application of this model.

Findings

Generally, the short timespan for HW/SW subsystems, which are periodically replaced with newer technologies, results in the development of new product lines by suppliers while they try to support legacy systems for a reasonable period of time. Obsolescence of HW/SW subsystems increases operation and maintenance costs as legacy systems are typically more expensive to maintain. The costs can be reduced by an optimum time to obsolescence derived from the model.

Practical implications

This research adds to the body of knowledge on asset management and maintenance strategy. This paper may be of particular interest to reliability, maintainability and availability practitioners and project managers.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in developing a graph-based model that predicts probability and mean time to obsolescence for LRUs over the lifetime of the system.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 31 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 October 2010

Kristjan Ambroz and Alda Derencin

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how system dynamics (SD) modeling can help in cases where the management models used by an organization are not adequate for the task at…

1864

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how system dynamics (SD) modeling can help in cases where the management models used by an organization are not adequate for the task at hand.

Design/methodology/approach

Two specific cases of management model inadequacy are discussed in this paper – namely management model obsolescence and management model inappropriateness. Each of the two cases is being demonstrated with the use of a specific practical case study. SD simulation models have been constructed based on a more comprehensive view than the ones used at the outset in order to come up with more robust and reliable management models, which were appropriate to the situations at hand. The cases conducted were exploratory in the tradition of action research and the findings are preliminary.

Findings

The inadequacy of prior management models was demonstrated by the superior results obtained – as derived from the SD models – if more appropriate management models, leading to new value potentials, were used.

Practical implications

The use of complete systems models prevented the organizational obstacles hindering the assessment of management models used for their adequacy. The paper is addressed primarily to the academic research community; however, the findings are of interest to practitioners as well.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the research on management models, and the use of SD in organizations more generally.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 39 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 October 2019

Swee Kuik and Li Diong

The purpose of this paper is to present the model-driven decision support system (DSS) for small and medium manufacturing enterprises (SMMEs) that actively participates in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the model-driven decision support system (DSS) for small and medium manufacturing enterprises (SMMEs) that actively participates in collaborative activities and manages the planned obsolescence in production. In dealing with the complexity of such demand and supply scenario, the optimisation models are also developed to evaluate the performance of operations practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The model-driven DSS for SMMEs, which uses the optimisation models for managing and coordinating planned obsolescence, is developed to determine the optimal manufacturing plan and minimise operating costs. A case application with the planned obsolescence and production scenario is also provided to demonstrate the approach and practical insights of DSS.

Findings

Assessing planned obsolescence in production is a challenge for manufacturing managers. A DSS for SMMEs can enable the computerised support in decision making and understand the planned obsolescence scenarios. The causal relationship of different time-varying component obsolescence and availability in production are also examined, which may have an impact on the overall operating costs for producing manufactured products.

Research limitations/implications

DSS can resolve and handle the complexity of production and planned obsolescence scenarios in manufacturing industry. The optimisation models used in the DSS excludes the variability in component wear-out life and technology cycle. In the future study, the optimisation models in DSS will be extended by taking into the uncertainty of different component wear-out life and technology cycle considerations.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the flexibility of DSS that facilitates the optimisation models for collaborative manufacturing in planned obsolescence and achieves cost effectiveness.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 119 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2015

André Thomsen, Kees van der Flier and Nico Nieboer

In previous research publications the authors combined the available knowledge about obsolescence in a conceptual model for further research on and appliance in the decision…

Abstract

Purpose

In previous research publications the authors combined the available knowledge about obsolescence in a conceptual model for further research on and appliance in the decision making about demolition. Since evidence-based theoretical research references on obsolescence are rare, the model inevitably had an explorative character. The purpose of this paper is to test and elaborate the model.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of case studies were conducted in various residential building estates. In each estate the types of obsolescence (according to the model) and their interrelationships were identified.

Findings

The model can usefully be applied; it enables the determination of types of obsolescence. The case studies also show that several types of obsolescence occur simultaneously, and that these types can be interrelated. This touches upon the complexity of cause-effect mechanisms as already mentioned in the introduction. One of the weaknesses is that information is sometimes available for only one point in time, and that the availability of information varies with the type of obsolescence.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on a limited selection of case studies. Further, the causal relationships between the types of obsolescence could not always be revealed.

Practical implications

The current model does not distinguish between causes and effects. For further development of the model, cause-effect processes have to be further analysed.

Social implications

Actual measurement of the extent of obsolescence per type is not part of this study, but has to be carried out before social implications can adequately be indicated.

Originality/value

The paper presents a conceptual classification of obsolescence that turns out to be workable when tested in practice.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2001

Laurie Larwood, Sergei Rodkin and Dean Judson

The need to maintain up-to-date technological skills despite an aging workforce makes it imperative that organizations increasingly focus on retraining older employees. This…

Abstract

The need to maintain up-to-date technological skills despite an aging workforce makes it imperative that organizations increasingly focus on retraining older employees. This article develops an adult career model based on the acquisition of technological skills and gradual skill obsolescence. The model suggests the importance of retraining and provides practical implications to the development of retraining programs. Suggestions for future research are also offered.

Details

International Journal of Organization Theory & Behavior, vol. 4 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1093-4537

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2020

Ali Asghar Sharifi and Amir Hossein Farahinia

This study aims to render a pattern for heritage restoration in the context of reusing historic buildings, to assist the authorities with decision-making process on the most…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to render a pattern for heritage restoration in the context of reusing historic buildings, to assist the authorities with decision-making process on the most appropriate time during the building’s life cycle. Here, the adaptive reuse potential (ARP) model is used to find the most appropriate time for adaptive reuse and calculating the useful life as well as the potentiality of the Amir Nezam House so a viable solution can be put forward.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, a quantitative and qualitative method is adopted to evaluate the useful life and potentiality of the Amir Nezam House of Tabriz to determine the most appropriate time for next intervention.

Findings

Results show that the potential (ARP score) of the Amir Nezam House is increasing, the value of which will be greater than 50 percent by the next few years. Evaluations show that the most appropriate time for further intervention is the year 2035.

Originality/value

The significance of this research lies within the objective of proposing a preventive and protective schedule for historic buildings before they reach their life expectancy with an emphasis on environmental, economic, social and functional sustainability as well as environmental impacts. ARP model has been applied to implement this concept in the Amir Nezam House, Tabriz, Iran.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 38 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1974

MAURICE B. LINE and A. SANDISON

The term ‘obsolescence’ occurs frequently in the literature of librarianship and information science. In numerous papers we are told how most published literature becomes obsolete…

Abstract

The term ‘obsolescence’ occurs frequently in the literature of librarianship and information science. In numerous papers we are told how most published literature becomes obsolete within a measurable time, and that an item receives half the uses it will ever receive (‘half‐life’) in a few years. ‘Obsolescence’ is however very rarely defined, and its validity, interest, and practical value are often assumed rather than explained. Before reviewing studies on ‘obsolescence’, therefore, it is necessary to look at the concept and to identify the reasons why it should be of interest.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1983

JO M.F. Box

Examines methods to extend the product lifetime of everyday items. Stresses the importance of attempting to extend product lifetimes – e.g. as a solution to waste management and…

Abstract

Examines methods to extend the product lifetime of everyday items. Stresses the importance of attempting to extend product lifetimes – e.g. as a solution to waste management and environmental pollution. Analyses the results of a survey conducted in the Hague‐Delft‐Rotterdam area amongst consumers who recently replaced one of the following products – washing machine, refrigerator, TV furniture or car. Outlines six main areas in the study: Consumer characteristics; Usage situation characteristics; Purchase situation characteristics; Product characteristics; Replacement motives; Product retention times. Concludes that with careful thought, products could be reconditioned instead of discarded – the functioning of second‐hand markets would be stimulated, and the practical lifetime of products would be extended.

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 May 2021

Shuting Chen and Dengke Yu

The authors aim to measure the effects of ambidextrous innovation and its mix strategy on organizational obsolescence with the moderating roles of environmental turbulence.

Abstract

Purpose

The authors aim to measure the effects of ambidextrous innovation and its mix strategy on organizational obsolescence with the moderating roles of environmental turbulence.

Design/methodology/approach

Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses on the basis of the survey data of 198 firm employees in China.

Findings

Both exploratory and exploitative innovations significantly restrain organizational obsolescence. The complementary strategy of ambidextrous innovation is negatively correlated to organizational obsolescence, but the impact of balanced strategy is not significant. Environmental turbulence negatively moderates the relationship between exploratory innovation and organizational obsolescence, whereas it cannot moderate the effect of exploitative innovation.

Originality/value

The empirical and conceptual findings have important implications for organizations countering obsolescence through the construction of a mix strategy of ambidextrous innovation. This study enriches and extends obsolescence theory by introducing the joint mechanism of ambidextrous innovation and environmental turbulence.

Article
Publication date: 3 October 2018

Zoraya Roldán Rockow, Brandon Ross and Anna K. Black

The purpose of this paper is to present a review of existing models and tools for evaluating the adaptability of buildings. A baseline of the current state of the art in…

1017

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a review of existing models and tools for evaluating the adaptability of buildings. A baseline of the current state of the art in adaptability evaluation and adaptation decision support is established; from this baseline, gaps for future research are recommended.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted to identify papers describing adaptability models and tools. The identified models were characterized based on their focus (new buildings, existing buildings, building life cycle), considered variables (physical and/or context features) and degree/type of validation.

Findings

Models can be grouped as those focusing on: evaluating adaptation decisions for existing buildings; the design of new buildings for future adaptation; and understanding adaptation throughout a building life cycle. Models focusing on existing building evaluation are further in development and validation than the other model types; as such, they are more suitable for use by practitioners. Another finding is that modeling of adaptability in buildings is still in its nascent stage and that data-driven quantitative modeling is a prime area for future research.

Originality/value

This paper is the first comprehensive review of models and tools for evaluating adaptability. Other works have evaluated the topic of adaptability more broadly, but this is the first paper to systematically characterize existing models and tools. Based on the review future, research topics are recommended.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 37 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

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