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Book part
Publication date: 20 October 2015

Mohammad Shamsuddoha

Contemporary literature reveals that, to date, the poultry livestock sector has not received sufficient research attention. This particular industry suffers from unstructured…

Abstract

Contemporary literature reveals that, to date, the poultry livestock sector has not received sufficient research attention. This particular industry suffers from unstructured supply chain practices, lack of awareness of the implications of the sustainability concept and failure to recycle poultry wastes. The current research thus attempts to develop an integrated supply chain model in the context of poultry industry in Bangladesh. The study considers both sustainability and supply chain issues in order to incorporate them in the poultry supply chain. By placing the forward and reverse supply chains in a single framework, existing problems can be resolved to gain economic, social and environmental benefits, which will be more sustainable than the present practices.

The theoretical underpinning of this research is ‘sustainability’ and the ‘supply chain processes’ in order to examine possible improvements in the poultry production process along with waste management. The research adopts the positivist paradigm and ‘design science’ methods with the support of system dynamics (SD) and the case study methods. Initially, a mental model is developed followed by the causal loop diagram based on in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and observation techniques. The causal model helps to understand the linkages between the associated variables for each issue. Finally, the causal loop diagram is transformed into a stock and flow (quantitative) model, which is a prerequisite for SD-based simulation modelling. A decision support system (DSS) is then developed to analyse the complex decision-making process along the supply chains.

The findings reveal that integration of the supply chain can bring economic, social and environmental sustainability along with a structured production process. It is also observed that the poultry industry can apply the model outcomes in the real-life practices with minor adjustments. This present research has both theoretical and practical implications. The proposed model’s unique characteristics in mitigating the existing problems are supported by the sustainability and supply chain theories. As for practical implications, the poultry industry in Bangladesh can follow the proposed supply chain structure (as par the research model) and test various policies via simulation prior to its application. Positive outcomes of the simulation study may provide enough confidence to implement the desired changes within the industry and their supply chain networks.

Details

Sustaining Competitive Advantage Via Business Intelligence, Knowledge Management, and System Dynamics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-707-3

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2013

S. Krishnakumar, S. Prasanna Devi and K. Surya Prakasa Rao

The purpose of this paper is to design and develop a business dynamics model in entrepreneurial orientation for employees (EOE).

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design and develop a business dynamics model in entrepreneurial orientation for employees (EOE).

Design/methodology/approach

The mental model uses the casual loops, stock and flow diagrams in the business dynamics model. Hiring rate, Quit rate, Skill rate, Skill growth rate, EOE skill inventory rate, Performance rate etc. were defined and used with EOE metrics governing the model. VENSIM software package was used to simulate and validate the model using sensitivity analysis. The case study method was used to experiment a pre/post EOE training intervention with employees in an ITES organisation in India. Using a validated EOE questionnaire, data were captured from employees in an ITES organisation in Chennai, for validation of business dynamics model.

Findings

The time frame for imparting initial EOE training and retraining time after EOE training were simulated and results were summarised.

Research limitations/implications

Future researchers can extend this work and apply in other industries and geographies also. Any organisation can customise and utilise the business dynamics EOE model as per their requirements

Practical implications

The model facilitates the measurement of both individual employee performance as well as organisational performance. The EOE business dynamics model contributes to the development of two indices namely entrepreneurial orientation for employees index (EOEI) and organisational performance index (OPI). The policy planners, human resource strategists, management consultants can utilise the business dynamics EOE model for effective decision making, budgetary allocations towards training initiatives and so on.

Originality/value

The model is a novel and first of its kind using business dynamics in entrepreneurial orientation for employees. The human resource planners can use this model for forecasting the man power needs as well as skill development, employee empowerment and organisational development.

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2006

Albert Wee Kwan Tan and Arun Kumar

This paper seeks to present a decision‐making model for manufacturers to maximize their profits in reverse logistics operations.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to present a decision‐making model for manufacturers to maximize their profits in reverse logistics operations.

Design/methodology/approach

A system dynamic model has been developed to complement with prior models and is validated using data collected from a computer company manufacturer handling returns with volumes transacted over a period of two years.

Findings

The results from the model indicate that part replacements from suppliers are more profitable than refurbished computer parts. In addition, transportation delay and supplier delay in processing returns have a significant impact on the viability of reverse logistics regardless of return volumes.

Research limitations/implications

The current model is not designed for third‐party logistics (3PL) offering reverse logistics services. However, this can be accomplished by resetting some of the parameters in the model. The other limitations are exchange rate fluctuation and product depreciation which are not incorporated in the model. This is important in Asia where each country has its own currency which fluctuates with time.

Practical implications

This dynamic model will assist decision‐makers to test new policies related to reverse logistics, for example, liberal versus conservative return policy from supplier, shipment consolidation (longer delays) versus direct shipment, batch (longer delays) versus JIT remanufacturing, pricing of new parts versus re‐condition parts, as well as to examine its long‐term viability.

Originality/value

Using system dynamics to understand the profitability of reverse logistics for both replacement parts to suppliers and refurbished parts to manufacturers.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

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Article
Publication date: 12 February 2019

Marcelo J. Alvarado-Vargas and Keith J. Kelley

Using a phenomenon known as the bullwhip effect, the authors explore why additional uncertainty in the marketplace can create severe disruptions in global supply chains (GSCs)…

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Abstract

Purpose

Using a phenomenon known as the bullwhip effect, the authors explore why additional uncertainty in the marketplace can create severe disruptions in global supply chains (GSCs). The purpose of this paper is to analyze related risks in regional vs GSCs during low and high levels of uncertainty. The authors propose and discuss a number of potential implications alongside some tactics that may help mitigate disruptions in some cases before they become terminal problems for the supply chain sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Monte Carlo simulation is used to generate the conditions of uncertainty and various scenarios that may emerge to challenge GSCs. Vensim software is utilized as a tool for simulation purposes. The authors considered scenarios applicable to manufacturing and retail sectors specifically because of storability property of goods.

Findings

Regional supply chains, as opposed to global ones, are more stable and reliable (less risk of disruption) during low and high levels of uncertainty. During uncertain times, upstream suppliers are at greater risk in GSCs. Firms must make strategic decisions that will secure its supply chain functionality and assess the likelihood of such events since many firms entered emerging markets.

Originality/value

Building on internalization theory, it shows that risk and survival are components of decision making that are further complicated by supply chains now operating globally in emerging markets. The paper demonstrates with simulation that GSCs are riskier than regional supply chains in low and high levels of uncertainty, particular as it relates to the bullwhip effect. It also provides recommendations about supply chain restructure and investments in communication improvements to reduce the bullwhip effect in the supply chain.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

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Article
Publication date: 28 February 2020

Erma Suryani, Rully Agus Hendrawan, Philip Faster Eka Adipraja, Arif Wibisono and Lily Puspa Dewi

This paper aims to address the urban mobility and traffic congestion problem under environmental dynamics to improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion using system dynamics…

1016

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to address the urban mobility and traffic congestion problem under environmental dynamics to improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion using system dynamics (SD) simulation and scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

SD simulation was used to analyze urban mobility and traffic congestion. Data were collected from the Transportation Department of Surabaya City. Several scenarios to improve urban mobility and reduce traffic congestion were developed by modifying the structures and parameters of the model.

Findings

Several factors influence urban mobility, including modal split, trip frequency, delay performance and the ratio of public transport supply and demand. Urban mobility, daily traffic and road capacity are some factors that affect traffic congestion. Scenarios can be designed based on the assumptions of the proposed strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted at Surabaya City, East Java, Indonesia, which is the fourth most-congested city in the world.

Practical implications

By implementing several strategies (mass rapid transit and bus rapid transit development and public transport delay reduction), mobility performance is projected to be improved by 70.34-92.96%. With this increased mobility, traffic congestion is projected to decline by 52.5-65.8%.

Originality/value

The novel contributions of this research are: formulating relationships between several variables; modeling dynamic behavior of urban mobility and traffic congestion; and building scenario models to improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion in Surabaya. With the increase in urban mobility and the decrease in average daily traffic, traffic congestion could be reduced by a minimum of 57.6% and a maximum of 69%.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

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Article
Publication date: 8 April 2021

Jagan Mohan Reddy K., Neelakanteswara Rao A., Krishnanand Lanka and PRC Gopal

Pull production systems have received much attention in the supply chain management environment. The number of Kanbans is a key decision variable in the pull production system as…

Abstract

Purpose

Pull production systems have received much attention in the supply chain management environment. The number of Kanbans is a key decision variable in the pull production system as it affects the finished goods inventory (FGI) and backorders of the system. The purpose of this study is to compare the performance of the fixed and dynamic Kanban systems in terms of operational metrics (FGI and backorders) under the demand uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the system dynamics (SD) approach was used to model the performance of fixed and dynamic Kanban based production systems. SD approach has enabled the feedback mechanism and is an appropriate tool to incorporate the dynamic control during the simulation. Initially, a simple Kanban based production system was developed and then compared the performance of production systems with fixed and dynamic controlled Kanbans at the various demand scenarios.

Findings

From the present study, it is observed that the dynamic Kanban system has advantages over the fixed Kanban system and also observed that the variation in the backorders with respect to the demand uncertainty under the dynamic Kanban system is negligible.

Research limitations/implications

In a just-in-time production system, the number of Kanbans is a key decision variable. The number of Kanbans is mainly depended on the demand, cycle time, safety stock factor (SSF) and container size. However, this study considered only demand uncertainty to compare the fixed and dynamic Kanban systems. This paper further recommends researchers to consider other control variables which may influence the number of Kanbans such as cycle time, SSF and container size.

Originality/value

This study will be useful to decision-makers and production managers in the selection of the Kanban systems in uncertain demand applications.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

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Article
Publication date: 19 October 2018

María Paula Flórez, María Catalina Ramírez, Luisa Fernanda Payán-Durán, Mauricio Peralta and Andres Esteban Acero Lopez

This study aims to present a systemic methodological proposal for the reduction of water consumption in rural areas, based on participatory tools.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to present a systemic methodological proposal for the reduction of water consumption in rural areas, based on participatory tools.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework was constructed based on the importance of stakeholders’ participation in the adequate use of the hydro resources, technologies to save water and modeling the adoption of possible water-saving technologies. After that, it was proposed a methodology for the reduction of water consumption in rural areas. This methodology was tested in a participatory study case, including the system dynamics model.

Findings

This study proposes a participatory systemic methodology – PAWAME – participation-water waste-adoption-model-empowerment, which consists of four steps: identify stakeholders and the activities related with the waste of water in the study site and establish their values, measure the adoption that the technology would have based on the awareness generated, relate in a model the variables of the water-consuming activities and the variables of the technology and its adoption to analyze possible future behaviors and empowerment of the technology to reduce water consumption.

Practical implications

In Colombia, part of the population has the wrong perception about the abundance of the hydro resource, and for this reason, people do not use water in a correct way. The inclusion of a participatory systemic methodology was fundamental to apprehend the dynamic aspects of users’ behaviors, as well as of the management of the water resource. The model addresses the complexity of the situation, allowing exploring future scenarios of environmental protection.

Originality/value

This study advances the knowledge in participatory systemic methodology to design and adopt a local technology to save water.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 48 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 October 2023

Xiangchun Li, Yuzhen Long, Chunli Yang, Yinqing Wang, Mingxiu Xing and Ying Jiang

Effective safety supervision plays a crucial role in ensuring safe production within coal mines. Conventional coal mine safety supervision (CMSS) in China has suffered from the…

Abstract

Purpose

Effective safety supervision plays a crucial role in ensuring safe production within coal mines. Conventional coal mine safety supervision (CMSS) in China has suffered from the problems of power-seeking, excessive resource consumption and poor timeliness. This paper aims to explore the Internet+ CMSS mode being emerged in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The evolution of CMSS systems underwent comprehensive scrutiny through a blend of qualitative and quantitative approaches. First, evolutionary game theory was used to analyze the necessity of incorporating Internet+ technology. Second, a system dynamics model of Internet+ CMSS was crafted, encompassing a system flow diagram and equations for various variables. The model was subsequently simulated by taking the W coal mine in Shanxi Province as a representative case study.

Findings

It was revealed that the expected safety profit from the Internet+ mode is 296.03% more than that from the conventional mode. The precise dissemination of law enforcement information was identified as a pivotal approach through which the Internet+ platform served as a conduit to foster synergistic collaboration among diverse elements within the system.

Practical implications

The outcomes of this study not only raise awareness about the potential of Internet+ technology in safety supervision but also establish a vital theoretical foundation for enhancing the efficacy of the Internet+ CMSS mode. The significance of these findings extends to fostering the wholesome and sustainable progress of the coal mining industry.

Originality/value

This research stands out as one of the limited studies that delve into the influence of Internet+ technology on CMSS. Building upon the pivotal approach identified, to the best of authors’ knowledge, a novel “multi-blind” working mechanism for Internet+ CMSS is introduced for the first time.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2021

Edward Trevillion

The purpose of this paper is to outline the benefits of using system dynamics modelling as a research tool to understand the dynamics of commercial property markets in the UK and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the benefits of using system dynamics modelling as a research tool to understand the dynamics of commercial property markets in the UK and their long-term behaviour. It highlights areas for future work.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a concept paper that outlines a simple systems model of rental change in UK commercial property markets as a way of illustrating how a systems approach can be used to describe and model the market. The model concentrates on the user market and offers a view of market operation, according to which development activity is initiated by demand (linked to economic growth) and to which supply responds by producing development.

Findings

The model demonstrates how a systems approach can be used to model the impact of a wide range of market variables on rental growth. The approach allows non-linear modelling of the complex relationships and behavioural factors that are difficult to include in existing econometric models of the market. It highlights where existing knowledge is deficient, especially with regard to price elasticity of demand, the relationship between economic activity and take up, the potential impact of redevelopment on the supply of new property and rental growth and response times of various parts of the market development process to market signals. It outlines where further research is needed to incorporate real market data.

Originality/value

Despite the wide application of the systems theory to business and other related areas, its use in commercial property research has been limited and has not gained much traction as a research tool. The work represents one of a very few studies applying the systems theory to the UK commercial property market.

Details

Journal of European Real Estate Research, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-9269

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Article
Publication date: 26 July 2013

Amir H. Khataie and Akif A. Bulgak

The purpose of this article is to introduce a novel cost of quality (COQ) decision support model (DSM), which can help management to track the effect of changing each incorporated…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to introduce a novel cost of quality (COQ) decision support model (DSM), which can help management to track the effect of changing each incorporated value added (VA) and non‐value added (NVA) activity on each other's cost as well as on the quality costs in real time.

Design/methodology/approach

System dynamics (SD) is used as the modelling tool due to its dynamic characteristic and its advantages; such as the possibility of integrating qualitative factors and defining learning loops. In order to enhance the performance of the model, activity‐based costing (ABC) cost structure has been integrated.

Findings

Lean manufacturing (LM) focuses on the methodologies and approaches that can help an enterprise to reduce the waste factors in its processes. Few studies have proven the capability of ABC in providing valuable cost information for LM implementation due to its activity‐oriented nature. This study is another step towards showing the advantages of ABC in controlling the COQ via using a novel SD modelling methodology.

Originality/value

The model can guide management to establish an LM‐oriented quality policy and control the incorporated costs effectively.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 30 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

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