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1 – 10 of over 2000Vipul Gupta, Padmanav Acharya and Manoj Patwardhan
This case seeks to illustrate the specific problem of excessive defects in radial tyres produced in a renowned tyre manufacturing company in India. This paper aims to show how…
Abstract
Purpose
This case seeks to illustrate the specific problem of excessive defects in radial tyres produced in a renowned tyre manufacturing company in India. This paper aims to show how lean Six‐Sigma methodology can be used to tackle the specific issues like defects reduction.
Design/methodology/approach
The management took this problem on top priority as it is eroding their brand value and financial performance. A Mumbai‐based lean Six‐Sigma consulting group was approached to tackle the issue. One of the authors, who is pursuing research on determinants of successful lean manufacturing implementation in Indian industries, joined this project as a part of his field study and he spent considerable time in discussing and observing the issue with people of different hierarchical levels of the company. Lean Six‐Sigma methodologies were incorporated and the problem was evaluated with root‐cause analysis. This case is formulated on the basis of the initial findings of the study in an Indian tyre manufacturing organisation keeping the actual name of the company in disguise.
Findings
On the basis root‐cause analysis of the radial tyre manufacturing process, it was found that presence of foreign particles in the manufacturing environment, under‐ageing and over‐ageing of tyre components, and inefficient bead winding process, were the main culprits of defects. It was confirmed that lean Six‐Sigma methodology can serve as a major tool to reduce defects in the tyre manufacturing process in India.
Originality/value
This paper provides some key insights to the successful adoption of lean Six‐Sigma tools in an Indian industrial environment, where lean practices are still in the very nascent stage and very little literature is available in this context.
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A FEW brief words on the Total Quality Control concept where in embraced the whole brief of the Quality Engineer — the field of design (conformance with constructor's…
Abstract
A FEW brief words on the Total Quality Control concept where in embraced the whole brief of the Quality Engineer — the field of design (conformance with constructor's requirements), manufacture (conformance with specifications) and reliability (conformance with users' requirements). Ideally the Quality Engineer will liaise with both Sales and Design engineers to achieve complete drawing board conformance with customer requirements at the design stage and it is at this stage where, of course, a designer needs to know exactly what is wanted of him. More important, he needs room for manoeuvre, for alternative proposals. As far as concerns aircraft, it is not so long since the tyre designers used to be faced with the appalling difficulty of being presented with a hole of very limited dimensions in each wheel bay into which he had to fit a tyre or tyres come what may. Apart from the limited dimensions of the hole, its dimensions were usually by this time inviolable. If we were lucky we would have some idea of the aircraft take‐off and landing weights and speeds, essential parameters with which the tyre designer commences his calculations.
Vipul Gupta, Padmanav Acharya and Manoj Patwardhan
The purpose of this study is to assess the lean performance of a tyre manufacturing firm in India. The key objective is to find key strategic and operational decision‐making…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to assess the lean performance of a tyre manufacturing firm in India. The key objective is to find key strategic and operational decision‐making dimensions for developing effective lean manufacturing environment in a tyre manufacturing organization.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is empirical in nature where the opinions of a group of experts of an Indian tyre manufacturing firm were consulted to formulate an interpretive structural model (ISM) of the critical success factors of lean manufacturing implementation in a tyre manufacturing organization. The authors have developed an Excel‐based template for quantitative assessment of lean performance indicators on the basis of feedback from the operational staff.
Findings
This research work suggests that financial capability of an organization drives the top‐management commitment for incorporating lean manufacturing practices in a tyre manufacturing organization. Organizational culture and human resource management are the important enablers for developing change management paradigm, which in turn leads to performance improvement. This study also reveals that over‐processing as well as excessive defects are the most detrimental wastes in radial tyre manufacturing, which accounts for high manufacturing cost of radial tyre manufacturing in India.
Research limitations/implications
Since this study is carried out in a single (case) organization, a relatively small sample size restricts the outcome from being considered for generic industrial application. This study none the less is useful for practicing managers and academicians for the development of lean manufacturing strategy in context with the tyre industry since it encompasses insightful views of experienced lower to upper middle level managers.
Originality/value
This paper provides some key enablers for the successful implementation of lean tools in Indian tyre manufacturing, where lean practices are still in the early stage and little literature is available in this context with tyre manufacturing. Also an attempt has been made to develop a simple Excel‐based template for lean assessment in the tyre industry. This template can be used in other industries by simply modifying the key attributes.
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Jeremy Cheng and David Bennett
This paper sets out to explore the proposition that building competences is more effective than privatisation and restructuring to improve performance in the Chinese chemical…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper sets out to explore the proposition that building competences is more effective than privatisation and restructuring to improve performance in the Chinese chemical industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Case study research has been undertaken in the Chinese chemical industry. The two case companies provide representative data on the factors under investigation. The case investigations that are described were complemented by a survey, the results of which have been reported elsewhere.
Findings
Results obtained from the research show that privatisation of Chinese state‐owned enterprises is not always an effective strategy to improve performance. In the case study companies, the development of core competences was more effective in enhancing performance.
Research limitations/implications
The research results are limited by the scope of the study, which was carried out in the Chinese chemical industry. They are also based on in‐depth case investigations in only two companies, but are supported by a large‐scale survey reported elsewhere. The results have implications for academic researchers interested in China's privatisation programme.
Practical implications
The research has practical implications for companies outside China that are considering collaborative operations with Chinese companies or investing in joint ventures. It also has implications for suppliers or customers of Chinese companies.
Originality/value
The paper is based on original case study investigations carried out in Chinese enterprises and is supported by a survey of representative companies in China's chemical sector. Value is derived from understanding the basis of improved performance in the companies studied.
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Junghee Han and Chang-min Park
This paper aims at investigating the role of institutional entrepreneurship and corporate entrepreneurship to cope with firm’ impasses by adoption of the new technology ahead of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims at investigating the role of institutional entrepreneurship and corporate entrepreneurship to cope with firm’ impasses by adoption of the new technology ahead of other firms. Also, this paper elucidates the importance of own specific institutional and corporate entrepreneurship created from firm’s norm.
Design/methodology/approach
The utilized research frame is as follows: first, perspective of studies on institutional and corporate entrepreneurship are performed using prior literature and preliminary references; second, analytical research frame was proposed; finally, phase-based cases are conducted so as to identify research objective.
Findings
Kumho Tire was the first tire manufacturer in the world to exploit the utilization of radio-frequency identification for passenger carâ’s tire. Kumho Tire takes great satisfaction in lots of failures to develop the cutting edge technology using advanced information and communication technology cultivated by heterogeneous institution and corporate entrepreneurship.
Originality/value
The firm concentrated its resources into building the organization’s communication process and enhancing the quality of its human resources from the early stages of their birth so as to create distinguishable corporate entrepreneurship.
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Vittoria Giada Scalera, Debmalya Mukherjee, Alessandra Perri and Ram Mudambi
The purpose of this article is to provide insights into the innovation trajectory, and knowledge pipelines of mature industry multinational enterprises (MNEs). The ability to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to provide insights into the innovation trajectory, and knowledge pipelines of mature industry multinational enterprises (MNEs). The ability to innovate constantly amidst a turbulent and competitive environment is often the key force behind MNE survival and dominance.
Design/methodology/approach
This study conducts an in-depth longitudinal study of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, a global manufacturing company in the tire and rubber industry. The findings are based on USPTO patent and trademark data from 1975-2005.
Findings
The analysis reveals three crucial trends: the major role of continuous investment in innovation in the firm’s survival and turnaround; the evolution of the firm’s innovation network from a headquarters-centric model toward more geographical dispersal; and the changing mix of innovation from traditional “hard” science-based research toward a greater emphasis on “softer” competencies in design and trademarks. This third trend, in particular, opens up important new avenues for research on MNE innovation practices.
Originality/value
This study integrates historical analysis of a single firm in the context of its changing industry environment. The historical analysis is enriched by a detailed longitudinal quantitative analysis using a variegated dataset of patents and trademarks to investigate innovation.
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Lara Cristina Francisco de Almeida Fehr and Welington Rocha
This paper aims to discuss the role of open-book accounting (OBA) and trust on buyer–supplier relationship satisfaction. The objective of this paper is to analyze how OBA and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the role of open-book accounting (OBA) and trust on buyer–supplier relationship satisfaction. The objective of this paper is to analyze how OBA and trust influence satisfaction on the relationship between suppliers and buyers in the Brazilian automotive sector’s supply chain.
Design/methodology/approach
The research has been developed based on a qualitative strategy, characterized as explanatory. Data gathering has been conducted through document analysis and semi-structured interview, and content analysis has been used for discourse analysis.
Findings
Results show that OBA is unilateral, imposed by the auto manufacturer, representing a selective information process, as suppliers try to protect their information value as far as possible. Trust is partial and cooperation is not spontaneous, both driven by the search for benefits. OBA may yield a positive or a negative outcome with regard to the social and the economic overall satisfaction of suppliers, depending on how the information is used by auto manufacturer.
Originality/value
The main contribution of this article is to provide an understanding of the difficulties of applying the OBA in companies and of the factors that may influence its operation and performance, impacting on satisfaction and continuity of relationships. The paper also contributes with the proposal of a clearer and more objective definition of OBA. Being the intention that new research in this area can be developed from a delimited, clear and objective definition of OBA, allowing better understanding on the subject and comparison among research studies.
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NOWHERE IN BRITISH INDUSTRY has Barber's mini‐Budget been greeted with more relief than among tyre manufacturers. For them, the Chancellor's action in cutting purchase tax will…
Abstract
NOWHERE IN BRITISH INDUSTRY has Barber's mini‐Budget been greeted with more relief than among tyre manufacturers. For them, the Chancellor's action in cutting purchase tax will not make a new pennorth of difference to the price of their product. And only a tiny fraction are sold on hire purchase.
In March 1988, Japan's Bridgestone Corporation acquired the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company for $2.6 billion. John J. Nevin, Firestone's chairman and CEO, provides this…
Abstract
In March 1988, Japan's Bridgestone Corporation acquired the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company for $2.6 billion. John J. Nevin, Firestone's chairman and CEO, provides this behind‐the‐scenes look at the events leading up to the merger. He also discusses the effect of foreign investment on the United States.