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Article
Publication date: 30 March 2010

Yahaya Makarfi Ibrahim

The desire to improve efficiency has led both academics and practitioners to embrace various technologies to aid managers to discharge their functions. Recently, there has been a…

2341

Abstract

Purpose

The desire to improve efficiency has led both academics and practitioners to embrace various technologies to aid managers to discharge their functions. Recently, there has been a growing interest amongst construction researchers on the use of computer vision and image‐processing techniques to automatically capture work in progress. Reported findings are promising; however, those previous studies fall short of providing a reporting mechanism to aid decision making. The purpose of this paper is to develop a reporting model based on progress captured using computer vision.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first presents trends in research relating to use of computer vision in the monitoring of work in progress. It then employs the unified modelling language to present the conceptual development of the model. The computerised reporting model is developed using the visual basic programming language.

Findings

The key elements of the model are computations of cost‐schedule variances, payments and cash flows. Results of a test on a hypothetical case show that the model accurately computes the metrics.

Originality/value

The reporting model serves to provide managers with a quick and easy means of interpreting work progress captured using computer vision. It reinforces the value of already existing work on the application of computer vision techniques to the measurement of work in progress on construction sites.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1993

Samuel Wathen

The Profit Impact of Marketing Strategy (PIMS) database was used totest the relationship between production process type (small batch,large batch/assembly, and continuous) and…

Abstract

The Profit Impact of Marketing Strategy (PIMS) database was used to test the relationship between production process type (small batch, large batch/assembly, and continuous) and eight organizational policy decisions (new products, new plant and equipment, finished goods inventory, raw materials/work‐in‐process inventory, capacity utilization, fixed capital assets, manufacturing costs, gross margin). In addition, the effect of six broad industry types on the proposed relationships was also investigated. Overall industries, raw materials/work‐in‐progress, capacity utilization, manufacturing costs, fixed assets, and gross margin varied with production process type while new products, new plant and equipment, and finished goods inventory did not vary. Within each industry, the findings showed less support for the relationships between production process type and the eight organizational policy decisions. Further analysis showed that most of the industries are dominated by a production process type. Suggests a movement away from the traditional differentiation of production process technologies and a shift of research emphasis to the differing uses of a particular production process technology within an industry.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1975

D.W. Hardy

One of the most important principles that accountants apply when determining trading profit is the matching of costs against related revenues—a principle that in practical terms…

Abstract

One of the most important principles that accountants apply when determining trading profit is the matching of costs against related revenues—a principle that in practical terms requires the identification of those costs incurred prior to and during the accounting period under review which have to be charged against the revenue brought into the profit and loss account and those which have to be carried forward as a charge against the revenues of future accounting periods. In the case of manufacturing and trading enterprises many of the problems associated with this matching process arise in relation to the valuation of stocks and work in progress. Expenditures incurred in bringing these stocks of raw materials, work in progress and finished goods to their present state at the balance sheet date, after taking into consideration the possibility of deterioration, pilferage, obsolescence and factors of a similar nature, are treated as a charge against the revenues of future accounting periods and are accordingly carried forward in the balance sheet under the classification of “current assets”. It is thus that the values ascribed to trading stocks become a key factor in determining the trading profit for the period. It is not surprising, therefore, that the methods of valuing stocks and work in progress should have formed the subject of one of the most significant of the Statements of Standard Accounting Practice that have been issued by the Accounting Standards Steering Committee under the sponsorship of the major accountancy bodies. Even less surprising is the strength of feeling that has been aroused by some of the views expressed by individuals and organisations in giving evidence to the ASSC and to the Sandilands Committee, which has also been considering the problems of stock valuation in relation to its inquiry into inflation accounting. In this article the finance director of Tate & Lyle Limited argues the case for the “base stock” method of stock valuation. Although this method has a limited range of applications and is not widely used, it has got valid arguments in its favour in certain circumstances—despite failing to find favour with the ASSC in its Statement of Standard Accounting Practice No. 9. He contends that for his company to use the “first in—first out” method that finds favour with many accountants as an “all purpose” basis, the outcome would be to produce trading results that bear little reality to the true position.

Details

Managerial Finance, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4358

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1977

Niall Lothian

In all the debates and discussion papers on the accounting profession's proposed new rules for current cost accounting, the emphasis, not unnaturally, has been on the accountant's…

Abstract

In all the debates and discussion papers on the accounting profession's proposed new rules for current cost accounting, the emphasis, not unnaturally, has been on the accountant's and auditor's role in the implementation of the recommendations. Very few discussants have addressed themselves to the problems and issues which will confront the manager if the accounting profession decide to go ahead with current cost accounting; this article considers some of the major areas of corporate activity to which the manager will need to give attention.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 15 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1988

L.C. Lee and K.H.W. Seah

There is considerable interest in the Just‐in‐Time production method and the potential benefits that can be realised, particularly in a reduction in the work‐in‐progress

Abstract

There is considerable interest in the Just‐in‐Time production method and the potential benefits that can be realised, particularly in a reduction in the work‐in‐progress inventory. The article reviews some of the salient prerequisites necessary for successful implementation of the JIT system. Two major factors are examined using a simulation model. Results indicated that contrary to widespread conjecture it is not necessary to maintain a balance in the process times between work stations. With the choice of a suitable scheduling rule, such as SPT/LATE, the system performance can be superior to that for constant process times. It is also found that the pull system is relatively unresponsive to a heavy imposed loading and process utilisation is generally low. Finally, smaller batches give better system effectiveness but the improvement is less significant than for the conventional push system.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1992

Kurt Rosander

Companies using production of small batches, with a large number ofproducts made in a number of variants, often have a high level of workin progress. Much has been published…

Abstract

Companies using production of small batches, with a large number of products made in a number of variants, often have a high level of work in progress. Much has been published recently about production flow groups and balancing of flow to solve the problems experienced in these companies and production flow groups seem to be regarded as a panacea. This means that the cost of fixed assets for this type of industry will increase, but less capital will be tied up in products and work in progress. Assesses whether production flow groups are in reality the optimal way of organizing batch production and gives some assistance in the design of systems for batch production in order to achieve shorter lead times and decreased costs. The results of case studies show that there is not a single solution to the problems, although a large number of advantages are realized. Compared to the traditional way of organizing production this way of operating breaks down the organization into small units, adapts the production organization to prevailing conditions and unites the different parts into a functioning whole, together with the planning function.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1978

J. Fisher

As we have seen from the previous chapter it is not possible to consider the latest proposals for accounting for inflation (the Hyde Guidelines) in isolation. We must keep in mind…

Abstract

As we have seen from the previous chapter it is not possible to consider the latest proposals for accounting for inflation (the Hyde Guidelines) in isolation. We must keep in mind that these proposals have been developed from the earlier recommendations put before the accounting profession in recent years. In order to consider fully the practical aspects of accounting for fixed assets and stock it is my intention in this chapter to concentrate on the proposals contained in Exposure Draft 18 on Current Cost Accounting and then to compare them with the Hyde Guidelines.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 16 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1988

THIS YEAR — that seemed like a New Year (as indeed it was) not so long ago is already a third gone. We can wonder at its speed of passing, and wonder, too, what it will have in…

Abstract

THIS YEAR — that seemed like a New Year (as indeed it was) not so long ago is already a third gone. We can wonder at its speed of passing, and wonder, too, what it will have in store for us for the rest of the time before us.

Details

Work Study, vol. 37 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0043-8022

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2011

Guo Cai‐fen and Jing Ran‐zhe

The purpose of this paper is to apply the proportional integral (PI) control algorithm in discrete manufacturing enterprises to maintain lower and steadier work in progress so as…

662

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply the proportional integral (PI) control algorithm in discrete manufacturing enterprises to maintain lower and steadier work in progress so as to improve on‐time delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

A sensitivity constrained optimization model is designed on the frequency domain, whose optimum algebraic solutions are then obtained easily. Two controllers, a backlog controller and an input‐rate controller, are devised, which correspond to the integral control and the proportional control of PI controllers, respectively. Interacting with each other, these controllers have made the engineering implementation of PI controllers a reality.

Findings

Simulation is carried out in certain motorcycle production lines. Results confirm that PI controllers also possess good control effects in the discrete manufacturing industry, as well as in the process industry.

Research limitations/implications

A continued departure from the nominal may happen repeatedly if the root causes of changing are not detected and identified. Moreover, PI controllers can mask process defects, failures, and drifts, and this may lead to eventual catastrophic failures. So, statistical process control should be utilized in PI controlled processes to detect significant changes for long‐term process improvement.

Practical implications

PI controllers possess potential in discrete enterprises.

Originality/value

PI controllers are tried for process improvement in discrete manufacturing enterprises.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 40 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 July 2010

Christine van Winkelen and Richard McDermott

This paper seeks to develop understanding of how competent practitioners develop into experts through learning expert thinking processes and how knowledge management initiatives

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to develop understanding of how competent practitioners develop into experts through learning expert thinking processes and how knowledge management initiatives can be used to structure this development.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review‐derived research model underpinned the semi‐structured interviews with 21 acknowledged experts from a wide variety of disciplines and sectors. A qualitative exploratory research design was used to study how the experts go about developing other professionals in the field through showing them how they learn themselves and making visible their own thinking processes. The implications for KM programs were developed in conjunction with KM practitioners.

Findings

The experts used various methods to make their thinking visible through demonstration of practice and direction of structured learning activities. KM's contribution to this form of expertise development lies in structuring approaches to making work in progress more visible (through technology and process) and through introducing a coaching framework that enables and supports reflection on practice.

Research limitations/implications

The specific context of expertise development that has been studied is those situations where generalized principles and explicit knowledge cannot be readily captured in artifacts. Further research is needed to show how this can be combined with other approaches to developing and retaining expertise. Confirmatory research is also needed to refine and further validate the proposed recommendations for KM practice.

Practical implications

The paper prepares the ground for integrating an important aspect of expertise development within KM programs.

Originality/value

The paper extends KM's contribution to expertise retention and development to include structured support for the development of expert thinking processes.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

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