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1 – 10 of over 15000Charlotta Harju, Katja Lähtinen, Katriina Heinola, Minna Väre, Claire Bonnefous, Anne Collin, Vasile Cozma, Saskia Kliphuis, Patricia Ann Parrott, T. Bas Rodenburg, Marina Spinu and Jarkko Niemi
The purpose of this study is to provide information on how citizens in nine countries across Europe perceive egg product quality and the importance of a product's sustainability…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to provide information on how citizens in nine countries across Europe perceive egg product quality and the importance of a product's sustainability attributes (animal welfare, country of origin and production method) in egg purchases.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were gathered in 2021 via an online survey in nine European countries (Finland, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Denmark). A total of 3,601 responses were collected. As methods of analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), independent samples t-test, paired samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted when investigating the quality dimensions of egg products and the differences amongst the sociodemographic groups.
Findings
Citizens in European countries considered animal welfare aspects, production method and country of origin important when purchasing egg products. Citizens' perceived quality of egg products was related to two dimensions (i.e. product properties and responsible production), and there were differences in perceptions by sociodemographic groups (i.e. age, gender, education and country of residence). Responsible production was most valued by younger women with higher education. Also in the Netherlands and Romania, citizens had stronger preferences for product properties compared to responsible production, whilst in Germany, responsible production was appreciated more than product properties.
Originality/value
The study provides new information on citizens' perceived egg product quality and the role of a product's sustainability attributes in egg purchases. Furthermore, the results bring novel insights on the differences in perceptions amongst citizens living in nine European countries.
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Assembly line is a common production form and has been effectively used in many industries, but the imprecise processing time of each process makes production line balancing and…
Abstract
Purpose
Assembly line is a common production form and has been effectively used in many industries, but the imprecise processing time of each process makes production line balancing and capacity forecasting the most troublesome problems for production managers. In this paper, uncertain man-hours are represented as interval grey numbers, and the optimization problem of production line balance in the case of interval grey man-hours is studied to better evaluate the production line capacity.
Design/methodology/approach
First, this paper constructs the basic model of assembly line balance optimization for the single-product scenario, and on this basis constructs an assembly line balance optimization model under the multi-product scenario with the objective function of maximizing the weighted greyscale production line balance rate, second, this paper designs a simulated annealing algorithm to solve problem. A neighborhood search strategy is proposed, based on assembly line balance optimization, an assembly line capacity evaluation method with interval grey man-hour characteristics is designed.
Findings
This paper provides a production line balance optimization scheme with uncertain processing time for multi-product scenarios and designs a capacity evaluation method to provide managers with scientific management strategies so that decision-makers can scientifically solve the problems that the company's design production line is quite different from the actual production situation.
Originality/value
There are few literary studies on combining interval grey number with assembly line balance optimization. Therefore, this paper makes an important contribution in this regard.
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“Can artificial intelligence produce architectural plan schemes?” discussion is the starting point of this study. The aim of this paper is to question whether this will be a new…
Abstract
Purpose
“Can artificial intelligence produce architectural plan schemes?” discussion is the starting point of this study. The aim of this paper is to question whether this will be a new method in architectural design by producing plans with artificial intelligence interfaces working with human–computer interaction and to create a discussion environment.
Design/methodology/approach
The main research topic is the evaluation of architectural design decisions with the text-to-image generation AI algorithms method based on shape grammar rules. First, a sample space consisting of Palladio plans or plan diagrams was created. Plan diagram production experiments were made with different interfaces (Midjourney, Dall-e2, Stable Diffusion, Craiyon, Nightcafe), and alternative plan diagrams were recorded as outputs. The discussion of the outputs has been made over architectural design and space.
Findings
In the conceptual design phase of the architectural discipline and in the production of architectural plan scheme, AI algorithms are trending. This interaction imposes a new responsibility on architects. AI can create paradigm shifts in architectural processes with its tools with high data processing potential. On the other hand, in this study, it is emphasized that architecture is not just an act of producing visuals, but a functional act of producing visuals.
Originality/value
The technology is effective in producing architectural plans and directing them to artificial intelligence algorithms. With this study, multi-alternative architectural plan productions were tried with text-to-image bots with fast results. In this direction, a new method proposal has been developed for the conceptual design phase in architecture.
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R. Rathinamoorthy, T. Sharmila Bharathi, M. Snehaa and C. Swetha
Mycelium is an upcoming bio-based alternative material that has various applications in different industries. Mycelium materials used as composites, leather, construction…
Abstract
Purpose
Mycelium is an upcoming bio-based alternative material that has various applications in different industries. Mycelium materials used as composites, leather, construction materials and some are even available for commercial purposes. However, there was not much research found when it came to the application of mycelium as a textile alternative. The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential of mycelium in the textile industry and its possible applications.
Design/methodology/approach
This review consolidates literature that refers the two major methods used in fungal mycelium production namely; as a composite and as a pure self-grown mycelium sheet. The study compared the current research status in this respective field and reported the scope in the pure mycelium development.
Findings
The results of the review reported that several research works are performed in composite production with different feedstock. The production methods and product development steps were well established for several applications from home utilities to construction materials. Whereas, in the case of self-grown mycelium sheet production only limited research works were found. Though the possibilities of engineered composite sheets are developed with various properties, research on self-grown pure mycelium sheets are at infant stage. Sensitive production methods, lower tensile, tearing, poor handle properties with brittle structure and non-uniformity in thickness are noted as limitations. Sustainable nature, self-grown three-dimensional nano-fibril network with porous structure are found to be advantageous.
Originality/value
The solid culture method was identified as a potential method to develop a sheet-like self-grown mycelium with different dimensions. The review results clearly show the lack of research in the direct application of self-grown pure mycelium area concerning feedstock material, fungal species selection and characterization of the developed product. Addressing the existing limitations will yield a sustainable textile material for fashion and textile industry with great potential.
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Setayesh Zamanpour, Pardis Bakhtiari Jami and Asma Afshari
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a four-carbon and nonprotein amino acid, made by various microorganisms, especially lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and probiotics. GABA has various…
Abstract
Purpose
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a four-carbon and nonprotein amino acid, made by various microorganisms, especially lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and probiotics. GABA has various physiological roles, for instance, insomnia, depression, hypotensive activity as well as diuretic effects. The production of GABA-based foods is a favorable result from GABA’s biological and functional properties. The purpose of this study is to investigate different methods of improving GABA production in probiotics and LAB to select the superlative method and bacterial strain.
Design/methodology/approach
In this review paper, all articles from five electronic databases containing Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Science Direct were considered from 2000 to January 11, 2023, with keywords “Optimization” OR “Enhance” OR “Increase” AND “Gamma-aminobutyric acid” OR “GABA” AND “Probiotics” OR “Lactic acid bacteria” and selected according to the purpose of the study.
Findings
It seems that among all the investigated methods, an effective fermentation procedure with optimal conditions including fermentation medium, 5 L; glutamic acid, 295 g/L; incubation temperature, 32°C; inoculum, 10% (v/v); and agitation, 100 rpm, after 48 h of fermentation led to producing 205,800 mg/L of GABA from the effective bacterial strain Lactobacillus brevis NCL912.
Originality/value
With a simple but optimized fermentation, L. brevis NCL912 can be used for the efficient GABA production in the pharmacy and food factories.
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Nguyen Thuy Trang, Steven W. Kopp, Vo Hong Tu and Mitsuyasu Yabe
The purpose of the present research is to examine the comparative values that urban Vietnamese consumers place on attributes of rice that is produced using environmentally…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the present research is to examine the comparative values that urban Vietnamese consumers place on attributes of rice that is produced using environmentally friendly methods. The authors consider the impacts that this may have on the livelihoods of rural Vietnamese small farmers. Rice is an “impure public good” that includes both “private” and “public” attributes that consumers consider in their purchase decisions. Consumers make tradeoffs between environmentally and socially beneficial practices (public goods) and perceptions of product quality (private goods). The authors used latent class modeling to investigate the values associated with attributes of rice that is produced using sustainable farming practices.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used a discrete choice experimental design in which consumers stated their choices among combinations of rice attributes. The survey provided responses from 360 urban Vietnamese consumers and allowed to estimate the preferences and nonpecuniary values for rice grown using different levels of environmentally beneficial production methods.
Findings
The results identify two segments of rice consumers: one group of consumers who are sensitive to price and the other group who are sensitive to environmental issues. The individual characteristics are reflected in the choices of production methods and in the willingness to pay for environmentally beneficial outcomes of those methods.
Research limitations/implications
Given the number of independent variables measured, the sample was relatively small, such that confirmatory statistical methods were inconclusive. However, the authors used multiple analytical tools that provide corroboration of the significant determinants of the utility functions for the two segments.
Practical implications
The results provide directions for production of rice at a national level, as well as practical implications for consumer-oriented communications.
Social implications
Results suggest that the emerging middle class of Vietnamese consumers are willing to pay more for rice that is produced using methods that are beneficial to the environment. Results also indicate challenges to provide sustainably-produced rice to poorer groups of consumers.
Originality/value
The study provides important context for consumer preferences within emerging economies. This also adds to a growing literature that uses the choice experiment method to estimate consumer valuation of the outcomes of various agricultural practices.
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Panagiotis Tsarouhas and Niki Sidiropoulou
In a packaging olives manufacturing system, the drained weight of the product plays a decisive role in customer’s satisfaction as well as in financial saving for the organization…
Abstract
Purpose
In a packaging olives manufacturing system, the drained weight of the product plays a decisive role in customer’s satisfaction as well as in financial saving for the organization. The purpose of this study is to minimize the variation of the drained weight of olives in the production system to avoid the negative consequences.
Design/methodology/approach
The research develops a practical implementation step-by-step of Six Sigma define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) in reducing the variation of the drained weight of olives.
Findings
Data analysis was used at various phases of the project to identify the root causes of rejection and rework. As a result of the necessary interventions and actions to optimize the manufacturing process, the standard deviation of drained weight was significantly reduced by 51.02%, with a 99.97% decrease in the number of parts per million defectives. Thus, the yield of the production process was improved by 8.24%. The estimated annual savings from this project were US$ 228,000 resulting from reduced rejection and rework.
Practical implications
This research may be used in packaging olives production systems as a tool for managers and engineers planning to increase productivity and efficiency while also improving product quality. The study also provided the organization with helpful actions that will be used to guide future Six Sigma operations management on the system. Thus, practical guidelines and solutions are provided.
Originality/value
In this project, for the first time, the Six Sigma methodology has been applied to solve a real-world problem in the packaging olives manufacturing system and to show that the DMAIC approach may assist to improve the efficiency of their operations and hence contribute to their quest toward continuous improvement.
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Juliano Endrigo Sordan, Pedro Carlos Oprime, Márcio Lopes Pimenta, Paolo Chiabert, Franco Lombardi and Per Hilletofth
The aim of this paper is to identify some specificities of production planning and control (PPC) activities in the one-of-a-kind-production (OKP) process through an extensive…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to identify some specificities of production planning and control (PPC) activities in the one-of-a-kind-production (OKP) process through an extensive literature review. Relevant aspects related to systems and PPC activities in the context of OKP environment are discussed, and six opportunities for future research are highlighted.
Design/methodology/approach
The following research is based on a review of 53 articles published in peer-reviewed journals over the past three decades. After an initial descriptive analysis based on bibliometric indicators, a cluster analysis of 15 most cited articles was carried out using multivariate data analysis techniques and in-depth analysis.
Findings
The results reveal some specificities inherent to the clusters featured in the research, including aspects of planning, control and systems for OKP process. This cluster addresses information regarding next-generation manufacturing systems, scheduling and design science, computer simulation and project approach. On the other hand, the authors point out six topics for future research regarding contemporary issues associated with PPC in the context of OKP.
Originality/value
This paper fills an important gap regarding OKP production planning and control practices. The results provide a theoretical overview of different PPC practices suitable for the OKP environment. Furthermore, it can provide insights for scientific developments in order to manage the complexity inherent in the OKP process.
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Juan Du, Yan Xue, Vijayan Sugumaran, Min Hu and Peng Dong
For prefabricated building construction, improper handling of the production scheduling for prefabricated components is one of the main reasons that affect project performance…
Abstract
Purpose
For prefabricated building construction, improper handling of the production scheduling for prefabricated components is one of the main reasons that affect project performance, which causes overspending, schedule overdue and quality issues. Prior research on prefabricated components production schedule has shown that optimizing the flow shop scheduling problem (FSSP) is the basis for solving this issue. However, some key resources and the behavior of the participants in the context of actual prefabricated components production are not considered comprehensively.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper characterizes the production scheduling of the prefabricated components problem into a permutation flow shop scheduling problem (PFSSP) with multi-optimization objectives, and limitation on mold and buffers size. The lean construction principles of value-based management (VBM) and just-in-time (JIT) are incorporated into the production process of precast components. Furthermore, this paper applies biogeography-based optimization (BBO) to the production scheduling problem of prefabricated components combined with some improvement measures.
Findings
This paper focuses on two specific scenarios: production planning and production rescheduling. In the production planning stage, based on the production factor, this study establishes a multi-constrained and multi-objective prefabricated component production scheduling mathematical model and uses the improved BBO for prefabricated component production scheduling. In the production rescheduling stage, the proposed model allows real-time production plan adjustments based on uncertain events. An actual case has been used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model and the improved BBO.
Research limitations/implications
With respect to limitations, only linear weighted transformations are used for objective optimization. In regards to research implications, this paper considers the production of prefabricated components in an environment where all parties in the supply chain of prefabricated components participate to solve the production scheduling problem. In addition, this paper creatively applies the improved BBO to the production scheduling problem of prefabricated components. Compared to other algorithms, the results show that the improved BBO show optimized result.
Practical implications
The proposed approach helps prefabricated component manufacturers consider complex requirements which could be used to formulate a more scientific and reasonable production plan. The proposed plan could ensure the construction project schedule and balance the reasonable requirements of all parties. In addition, improving the ability of prefabricated component production enterprises to deal with uncertain events. According to actual production conditions (such as the occupation of mold resources and storage resources of completed components), prefabricated component manufacturers could adjust production plans to reduce the cost and improve the efficiency of the whole prefabricated construction project.
Originality/value
The value of this article is to provide details of the procedures and resource constraints from the perspective of the precast components supply chain, which is closer to the actual production process of prefabricated components. In addition, developing the production scheduling for lean production will be in line with the concept of sustainable development. The proposed lean production scheduling could establish relationships between prefabricated component factory manufacturers, transportation companies, on-site contractors and production workers to reduce the adverse effects of emergencies on the prefabricated component production process, and promote the smooth and efficient operation of construction projects.
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Sofi Perikangas, Harri Kostilainen and Sakari Kainulainen
The purpose of this article is to show (1) how social innovations are created through co-production in social enterprises in Finland and (2) how enabling ecosystems for the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to show (1) how social innovations are created through co-production in social enterprises in Finland and (2) how enabling ecosystems for the creation of social innovations can be enhanced by the government.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is a descriptive case study. The data comprises focus group interviews that were conducted during a research project in Finland in 2022. The interviewees represented different social enterprises, other non-profit organisations and national funding institutions.
Findings
Social enterprises create social innovations in Finland through co-production, where service innovation processes, activism and networking are central. Also, to build an enabling ecosystem, government must base the system upon certain elements: enabling characteristics of the stakeholders, co-production methods and tools and initiatives by the government.
Originality/value
The authors address an important challenge that social enterprises struggle with: The position of social enterprises in Finland is weak and entrepreneurs experience prejudice from both the direction of “traditional” businesses and the government which often does not recognise social enterprise as a potential partner for public service delivery. Nonetheless, social enterprises create public value by contributing to the co-production of public services. They work in interorganisational networks by nature and can succeed where the traditional public organisations and private businesses fail.
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