Search results

Changing the product characteristics and demand quantity resulting from the variability of the modern market leads to re-assigned tasks and changing the cycle time on the production line. Therefore, companies need re-balancing of their assembly line instead of balancing. The purpose of this paper is to propose an efficient algorithm approach for U-type assembly line re-balancing problem using stochastic task times.

In this paper, a genetic algorithm is proposed to solve approach for U-type assembly line re-balancing problem using stochastic task times.

The performance of the genetic algorithm is tested on a wide variety of data sets from literature. The task times are assumed normal distribution. The objective is to minimize total re-balancing cost, which consists of workstation cost, operating cost and task transposition cost. The test results show that proposed genetic algorithm approach for U-type assembly line re-balancing problem performs well in terms of minimizing total re-balancing cost.

Demand variation is considered for stochastic U-type re balancing problem. Demand change also affects cycle time of the line. Hence, the stochastic U-type re-balancing problem under four different cycle times are analyzed to present practical case.

As per the authors’ knowledge, it is the first time that genetic algorithm is applied to stochastic U-type re balancing problem. The large size data set is generated to analyze performance of genetic algorithm. The results of proposed algorithm are compared with ant colony optimization algorithm.

Cycle time fluctuations in assembly lines are one of the important reasons of re‐balancing. As a result of re‐balancing of assembly lines, it will be necessary to change task sequences or equipment locations. The purpose of this paper is to find the task sequence which enables assembly line balancing (ALB) with minimum number of stations (NS) for different cycle times such that tasks and equipment or fixture locations remain unchanged.

In this paper a heuristic which consist of two stages is proposed to find a common task sequence for different cycle times in assembly lines.

It is shown that optimal NS for different cycle times can be achieved with a fixed task sequence.

The approach is limited to a single model case. Model variety together with cycle time variety can be investigated in further studies.

Assembly lines which require less time and cost for re‐balancing can be easily designed by the proposed approach.

ALB problem is handled with a new viewpoint. Also, it is observed that the proposed approach serves as a bridge between assembly line design and balancing. In this regard, it is thought to have an important place in the ALB literature.

The purpose of this study is to develop a new mathematical model and an exact solution method for an assembly line rebalancing problem. When an existing assembly line has to be adapted to a new production context, the line balancing, resources allocation and component management solutions have to be revised. The objective is to minimize the number of modifications to be done in the initial line in order to reduce the time and investment needed to meet new production requirements. The proposed model is evaluated via a computational experiment. The obtained results the efficacy of the proposed method.

This paper develops a new mathematical model and an exact solution method for an assembly line rebalancing problem with the objective to minimize the number of modifications to be done in the initial line to reduce the time and investments needed to meet new production requirements.

The computational experiments show the efficacy of the proposed method.

These reconfiguration costs were analysed for different part-feeding policies that can be adopted in an assembly line.

This paper outlines a dynamic domain decomposition‐based parallel strategy for combined finite/discrete element analysis of multi‐fracturing solids and discrete systems. Attention is focused on the parallelised interaction detection between discrete objects. Two graph representation models for discrete objects in contact are proposed which lay the foundation of the current development. In addition, a load imbalance detection and re‐balancing scheme is also suggested to enhance the parallel performance. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the parallel performance achieved with the current implementation.

The purpose of this paper is to present an innovative model that helps create a portfolio of m‐fixed‐income securities, each with the optimal weight, in order for the portfolio to be δ‐ and γ‐hedged against small changes in interest rates. Re‐balancing a portfolio on a periodic basis is necessary, but also very costly. The model presented in this paper minimizes the necessity of rebalancing a portfolio, by choosing the optimal δ‐hedge ratios when constructing the initial portfolio to be hedged against interest rate risk.

In this paper, a general model is developed to obtain the optimal δ hedge for a portfolio of m‐fixed‐income‐securities (a₁, a₂, a₃,…; a_i, … , a_m), each, a function of the market interest rate y, such that when the value of each of the individual securities changes up or down, because of changes in market rates y, the total value of the portfolio is unchanged. The delta hedge is developed under the constraint of a zero‐gamma, in order to avoid costs related to the re‐balancing of such portfolio.

An innovative model is developed that helps create a portfolio of m‐fixed‐income securities, each with the optimal weight, in order for the portfolio to be δ‐ and γ‐hedged against small changes in interest rates.

The model minimizes the necessity of rebalancing a portfolio, by choosing the optimal δ‐hedge ratios when constructing the initial portfolio to be hedged against interest rate risk.

An innovative model has been developed that helps create a portfolio of m‐fixed‐income securities, each with the optimal weight, in order for the portfolio to be delta‐ and gamma‐hedged against small changes in interest rates.

Various approaches and algorithms have been proposed since the 1950s to solve the assembly line (AL) balancing problem. These methods have established an AL configuration from the beginning. However, a prebalanced AL may have to be rebalanced in real life for many reasons, such as changes in the cycle time, production demand, product features or task operation times. This problem has increasingly attracted the interest of scientists in recent years. This study aims to offer a detailed review of the assembly line rebalancing problems (ALRBPs) to provide a better insight into the theoretical and practical applications of ALRBPs.

A structured database search was conducted, and 41 ALRBP papers published between 2005 and 2022 were classified based on the problem structure, objective functions, problem constraints, reasons for rebalancing, solution approaches and type of data used for solution evaluation. Finally, future research directions were identified and recommended.

Single model, straight lines with deterministic task times were the most studied type of the ALRBPs. Eighteen percent of the studies solved worker assignment problems together with ALRBP. Product demand and cycle time changes were the leading causes of the rebalancing need. Furthermore, seven future research opportunities were suggested.

Although there are many review studies on AL balancing problems, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there have been no attempts to review the studies on ALRBPs.

This paper seeks to explore one particular aspect of recent PA research: the apparently widening gap between top academic research and practitioner concerns. This topic was commissioned by the Editor of IJPSM. Evidence of this sliding away from the “real world” is presented. The reasons for it are discussed including Q1 increased measurement, competition and professionalization within academia. Whilst these trends bring significant benefits, a case can nevertheless be made for re-balancing PA research. The purpose of this paper Q2 is to sketch some ways of approaching these trends.

This paper was commissioned by the editor. The author has chosen to examine the often-cited gap between academic research and current practitioner concerns. The author has done this using as the author’s main evidence base all the main articles published by the highest impact journals over the years 2015 and 2016.

Over the past 30 years more and more of the PA research published in the highest impact journals has become further and further removed from the immediate concerns of practicing administrators and managers. At the same time publication in these journals has become more salient for academic careers.

Whilst the identified trends bring significant benefits (in terms of increasing professionalization and methodological sophistication) they also carry negative consequences for the historically important dialogue between academics and practitioners. A case can be made for attempting to re-balance PA research. Some ways of approaching this are sketched.

The academic practitioner dialogue, which, historically, has been vital for academic PA, is currently under some stress. Professionalization and competition within the academic world seem to have widened the gap between the top journals and the “real world.” A case is made that the PA academic community needs to find ways of giving this issue more systematic discussion.

If the argument is largely correct, then current trends threaten the future of academic PA research. This paper is not the first to identify this threat, but it is one of the first to give it extended consideration and systematically to consider possible causes and remedies.

Examines Spain’s problems in implementing regulatory reform and offers suggestions for addressing them. Hopes to be instructive to other countries embarking on regulatory reform. Concludes that other countries should concentrate on problems on implementation that they are likely to face and should be prepared for.

A key cause for missing strategy goals is that leaders do not invest the same amount of time, energy, and resources in managing the implementation of the strategy as they do in setting the strategy. They also do not realize that managing strategy execution requires well orchestrated management processes – letting existing business processes run the course will not drive the transformation required. So, in order for companies and business units to reach the audacious ambitions stated in their strategies, they must thoughtfully manage the way the strategy is implemented.

Our experience transforming Global 1000 companies for over 20 years has shown the “Three pillars of effective strategy execution” methodology to be powerful yet flexible in helping companies to deliver on strategy execution.

The three pillar approach addresses the direction, structure, and people required to be effective in strategy implementation over the planning horizon. It keeps companies from falling into the trap of emphasizing only one pillar or sub‐element (e.g. structural re‐organization, detailed interpretation of the strategy content, or employee communications) while neglecting others, and allows for ongoing adaptation and re‐balancing of the three pillars as they learn.

Managers should develop implementation plans that specifically address the following issues to execute their strategy effectively: direction – getting specific with strategy to the point where it is relevant for everyone and everything in the company; structure – creating an organizational architecture that shadows the strategic architecture; people – engaging and mobilizing employees for sustained commitment.

Managers must manage their progress on the three pillars in a coordinated way, ensuring that no one element gets too far ahead of the others. Many companies have failed by letting re‐organization get out in front of cascading the content of the strategy, for instance. Balance is a great virtue in implementing the three‐pillar model.

This paper is prompted by recent professional and political events and specifically the politically oriented “Manifesto for Work” recently published by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The purpose of this paper is to propose a manifesto for the broad professional sphere of higher education, skills and work-based learning.

This paper utilises a unique form of political ideology critique, applied to the CIPD’s manifesto for work, to propose alternative directions for practice, research and policy.

This paper highlights four key areas which need further research and development in the area of higher education, skills and work-based learning. These are discussed in relation to: overhauling corporate governance; inclusive workplaces, flexible working and disadvantaged groups; investment in skills, lifelong learning and well-being; and re-balancing working practices and rights.

This paper highlights areas for further research in the broad professional area of higher education, skills and work-based learning.

This paper is a unique, time-bound political respond to the current political landscape, and is the first to propose a manifesto for the professional sphere of higher education, skills and work-based learning.