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1 – 10 of over 2000Salla Marttonen-Arola and David Baglee
Due to recent technological developments, many maintenance managers become overwhelmed by the vast amount of data available to support their decision making. The purpose of this…
Abstract
Purpose
Due to recent technological developments, many maintenance managers become overwhelmed by the vast amount of data available to support their decision making. The purpose of this paper is to discuss identifying and eliminating waste in information management processes through a value stream mapping (VSM)-based method.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical framework is constructed based upon a review of the previous academic literature. The application of the framework is demonstrated with an empirical case example of a maintenance information management process within a food manufacturing company.
Findings
The paper highlights existing examples of applying VSM in information management; however, the knowledge is fragmented and has not been extensively applied in a maintenance context. The case example shows that the suggested process offers a feasible method of mapping and evaluating the inherent waste in information management processes.
Originality/value
The paper summarizes the existing body of knowledge on lean information management in maintenance, and presents a theoretical framework on how VSM can be applied in the context. An empirical example is provided to show the method applied to a real industry case. The results will illustrate how the framework can support companies in identifying the waste and development potential in their maintenance information management.
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Salla Marttonen-Arola, David Baglee, Antti Ylä-Kujala, Tiina Sinkkonen and Timo Kärri
Big data and related technologies are expected to drastically change the way industrial maintenance is managed. However, at the moment, many companies are collecting large amounts…
Abstract
Purpose
Big data and related technologies are expected to drastically change the way industrial maintenance is managed. However, at the moment, many companies are collecting large amounts of data without knowing how to systematically exploit it. It is therefore important to find new ways of evaluating and quantifying the value of data. This paper addresses the value of data-based profitability of maintenance investments.
Design/methodology/approach
An analytical wasted value of data model (WVD-model) is presented to quantify how the value of data can be increased through eliminating waste. The use of the model is demonstrated with a case example of a maintenance investment appraisal of an automotive parts manufacturer.
Findings
The presented model contributes to the gap between the academic research and the solutions implemented in practice in the area of value optimization. The model provides a systematic way of evaluating if the benefits of investing in maintenance data exceed the additional costs incurred. Applying the model to a case study revealed that even though the case company would need to spend more time in analyzing and processing the increased data, the investment would be profitable if even a modest share of the current asset failures could be prevented through improved data analysis.
Originality/value
The model is designed and developed on the principle of eliminating waste to increase value, which has not been previously extensively discussed in the context of data management.
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Nikos Macheridis and Alexander Paulsson
This study aims to investigate how sustainability has been incorporated – or mainstreamed - in a school at one university through techniques of responsibilization and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate how sustainability has been incorporated – or mainstreamed - in a school at one university through techniques of responsibilization and accountabilization.
Design/methodology/approach
Inspired by the extended case study methodology, the authors participated, observed and analyzed two audit-inspired processes, whose aims included ensuring that sustainability was integrated into the educational process.
Findings
By following two audit-inspired processes, the authors show how teachers were asked to respond to open-ended survey questions and by doing so emerged as responsibilized subjects. Although the teachers were given lots of space to interpret the concept of sustainability and show how it was translated into the programs and courses offered, the teachers were made accountable as established organizational hierarchies were reproduced when responsibilization was formalized through techniques of accountabilization.
Research limitations/implications
The analysis moves beyond the instrumental epistemologies characterizing much of the positivist-oriented research in higher education. As with all studies, the authors study also has methodological limitations, such as involving a single higher education institution. There is a general need for more empirical research in this area in order to build theory and to understand whether the concepts of responsibilization and accountabilization can also be applied in other higher education contexts.
Practical implications
The study shows that higher education administrators engage in processes of responsibilization and accountabilization through formalized processes of interpellation, as documents and self-assessment exercises tie teachers to organizational contexts.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that introduces the concepts of responsibilization and accountabilization as social relationships in higher education governance.
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Doris Entner, Thorsten Prante, Thomas Vosgien, Alexandru-Ciprian Zăvoianu, Susanne Saminger-Platz, Martin Schwarz and Klara Fink
The paper aims to raise awareness in the industry of design automation tools, especially in early design phases, by demonstrating along a case study the seamless integration of a…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to raise awareness in the industry of design automation tools, especially in early design phases, by demonstrating along a case study the seamless integration of a prototypically implemented optimization, supporting design space exploration in the early design phase and an in operational use product configurator, supporting the drafting and detailing of the solution predominantly in the later design phase.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the comparison of modeled as-is and to-be processes of ascent assembly designs with and without design automation tools, an automation roadmap is developed. Using qualitative and quantitative assessments, the potentials and benefits, as well as acceptance and usage aspects, are evaluated.
Findings
Engineers tend to consider design automation for routine tasks. Yet, prototypical implementations support the communication and identification of the potential for the early stages of the design process to explore solution spaces. In this context, choosing from and interactively working with automatically generated alternative solutions emerged as a particular focus. Translators, enabling automatic downstream propagation of changes and thus ensuring consistency as to change management were also evaluated to be of major value.
Research limitations/implications
A systematic validation of design automation in design practice is presented. For generalization, more case studies are needed. Further, the derivation of appropriate metrics needs to be investigated to normalize validation of design automation in future research.
Practical implications
Integration of design automation in early design phases has great potential for reducing costs in the market launch. Prototypical implementations are an important ingredient for potential evaluation of actual usage and acceptance before implementing a live system.
Originality/value
There is a lack of systematic validation of design automation tools supporting early design phases. In this context, this work contributes a systematically validated industrial case study. Early design-phases-support technology transfer is important because of high leverage potential.
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Krishnadas Nanath and Shivani Ajit Kumar
This paper aims to test the effectiveness of communication platforms in conveying the importance of sustainability messages focusing on electronic waste (e-waste) recycling. While…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to test the effectiveness of communication platforms in conveying the importance of sustainability messages focusing on electronic waste (e-waste) recycling. While corporate communication has been explored well, this research explores the influence of communication medium on the shift in attitude and behavioural intention of higher education students.
Design/methodology/approach
An experimental design approach was used with quantitative data analysis to address the research questions.
Findings
The results revealed that the text form of communication was more effective in conveying the e-waste recycling message. Students demonstrated a significant shift in attitude and call for action when they read the sustainability article instead of watching a video with the same message.
Practical implications
With several universities trying to integrate sustainability in their curriculum, this research provides guidelines on effective communication methods for students. It also sheds light on the choice of platforms that can be used by organisations to reach out to their employees to convey sustainability-related messages.
Originality/value
The paper addresses sustainability communication in a university by exploring the best method of communication. The results open up new conversations on the media richness theory in the context of sustainability.
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Nadia Awang Kalong and Maryati Yusof
The purpose of this paper is to discuss a systematic review on waste identification related to health information systems (HIS) in Lean transformation.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss a systematic review on waste identification related to health information systems (HIS) in Lean transformation.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review was conducted on 19 studies to evaluate Lean transformation and tools used to remove waste related to HIS in clinical settings.
Findings
Ten waste categories were identified, along with their relationships and applications of Lean tool types related to HIS. Different Lean tools were used at the early and final stages of Lean transformation; the tool selection depended on the waste characteristic. Nine studies reported a positive impact from Lean transformation in improving daily work processes. The selection of Lean tools should be made based on the timing, purpose and characteristics of waste to be removed.
Research limitations/implications
Overview of waste and its category within HIS and its analysis from socio-technical perspectives enabled the identification of its root cause in a holistic and rigorous manner.
Practical implications
Understanding waste types, their root cause and review of Lean tools could subsequently lead to the identification of mitigation approach to prevent future error occurrence.
Originality/value
Specific waste models for HIS settings are yet to be developed. Hence, the identification of the waste categories could guide future implementation of Lean transformations in HIS settings.
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Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a step‐by‐step implementation framework for lean product development (LPD), from the marketing research on product development process, product design to the launch of final production.
Design/methodology/approach
The research approach taken in this paper is built around the primary industry cases, practical approaches and partial solutions available within the existing literature.
Findings
The most recent improvement of LPD, from the authors' perspective, focuses on tools and implementation for LPD. In this paper, a detailed step‐by‐step implementation is given after the framework is introduced. Led by value and waste analysis in product development, different tools and techniques which can be used to eliminate wastes were discussed briefly, and then the implementation from Doing the Right Thing to Doing the Right Thing for company transition to lean were proposed elaborately.
Research limitations/implications
Due to time and economic environment limitations, the authors have not covered and implemented this approach in all existing different environments to ensure that it is robust.
Originality/value
The approach described here seeks to overcome other frameworks' weaknesses in terms of the realistic aspect and feasibility, and combines more existing best practice from industry, consultancy and academia into a step‐by‐step framework for the achievement of effective LPD.
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Jecton Anyango Tocho and Timothy Mwololo Waema
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of e-waste management practices in Kenya and selected countries. It develops an ideal regulatory framework for e-waste…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of e-waste management practices in Kenya and selected countries. It develops an ideal regulatory framework for e-waste management in Kenya.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology adopted for this paper includes collecting data using interviews, direct observation and literature review. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are used.
Findings
Waste is an emerging stream of solid waste in Kenya. It has become a major concern due to the high volumes generated, its hazardous fractions and the lack of policies applicable to its disposal. Gaps are identified in the areas of awareness levels, e-waste management technology, financing, collection, disposal, monitoring, and stakeholder collaboration.
Research limitations/implications
The study area is limited to Nairobi and its environs. With regard to product, the paper focuses on ICT equipment.
Practical implications
The proposed framework has direct practical policy implications to manufacturers who ought to reduce e-waste from production, consumers who should adopt safe disposal practices, recyclers/informal actors who ought to use environmentally friendly methods and government agencies that enforce e-waste policies.
Social implications
Adoption of the proposed framework has positive socio-economic impacts on job creation, reduced crime and sound environmental management.
Originality/value
This paper adds to the body of knowledge on the e-waste problem from the perspective of developed as well as developing countries. It points out best practices for socio-economic development and fronts arguments for sustainable environmental management.
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JENNIFER MACDOUGALL, J. MICHAEL BRITTAIN and ROBERT GANN
This paper provides an overview of the range and development of health informatics, with examples from the literature world wide covering the types of information involved, the…
Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the range and development of health informatics, with examples from the literature world wide covering the types of information involved, the areas of application, the impact of evidence based medicine and other professional issues, integrated information systems, and the needs of the public, patients and their carers. While medical informatics certainly comprises a major part of health informatics it is not the main focus of this paper. Medical informatics is the older term and involves the use of information technology and computing specifically for medical science research, and the diagnosis and treatment of disease involving, for example, X‐rays, imaging, resonance, and magnetic scanning techniques. Rather, the scope of this review is the literature relating to the wider concept of the management of information through the interdisciplinary application of information science and technology for the benefit of patients, scientists, managers, staff, and carers involved in the whole range of healthcare activity.
Yulius Harjoseputro, Eddy Julianto, Yonathan Dri Handarkho and Yuriska Indriati Talenta Ritonga
This study aims to build a prototype of a smart waste recycling bin to transform organic waste into liquid fertilizer. The internet of things (IoT) was used as a base to develop…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to build a prototype of a smart waste recycling bin to transform organic waste into liquid fertilizer. The internet of things (IoT) was used as a base to develop this bin to offer a recycling system that convenient to the household.
Design/methodology/approach
In general, this system will integrate a microcontroller and several sensors that able to be controlled by a smartphone app to manage the decomposition process of organic waste in the bin. In the end, black-box testing was conducted to ensure all hardware and software that construct the system can perform well as expected.
Findings
All the validation testing reveals all the integration of hardware and software that constructs the smart bin satisfied the performance requirement except for the real-time clock sensor that implies the slight error for a few seconds compares to the actual time.
Originality/value
Different from the previous works, this study focused on the involvement of society to participate in the recycling garbage process by designing the smart waste recycling bin system that fits to locate in the household environment, which allows users to monitor the fertilizer making process using IoT technology.
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