Search results

1 – 10 of 28
Article
Publication date: 3 April 2017

Yahia Zare Mehrjerdi

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new model for studying the patron’s satisfaction level over time for library systems. For this purpose, it is necessary to identify the…

1043

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new model for studying the patron’s satisfaction level over time for library systems. For this purpose, it is necessary to identify the key factors that are influential in nature. Thereafter, this paper explains and shows the procedure used for developing the causal loop diagram, the flow diagram, mathematical modelling and the simulation of the problem. A sample problem is used to show the applicability of the proposed model. Because the proposed methodology allows management to look into the patrons’ satisfaction level over time, it makes a significant contribution to the literature of the library and information management, as well as dynamic simulation modelling.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is written based on the studies and observations from scientific journals and reports. For model development purposes, the author has used the concept of systems thinking and systems dynamics to model the complex systems and simulate that using Vensim computer simulation software.

Findings

As the trend of patron’s satisfaction shows, it is possible to improve the satisfaction level over time to a level above 60 per cent from 48 per cent over the simulation running periods. Meanwhile, the level of donation is up from 10 to 40 per cent in the same period as the satisfaction level has been studied. Because this is the first paper that looks into such important variables over time using systems dynamics, it makes significant contribution to the field of library and information management.

Originality/value

In almost all library models for patron’s satisfaction calculation, the proposed models are static and can find this value for a point of time rather than over a long period of time. In this paper, a system with an initial value of patron’s satisfaction level was used, and by taking all key factors into consideration, the author has developed a system that calculates patron’s satisfaction trend over time. Also, the proposed dynamic model is able to determine the level of donations that patrons can make to the library over time.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2008

Yahia Zare Mehrjerdi

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the most important engineering and prominent technology of the day, radio frequency identification (RFID), and the RFID‐enabled systems…

6019

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the most important engineering and prominent technology of the day, radio frequency identification (RFID), and the RFID‐enabled systems from the current literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a general review of RFID systems.

Findings

RFID technologies and information systems can be used to develop new systems on of off the web. RFID is an emerging technology with full benefits to be emerged in several years to all industries worldwide. It will bring a good opportunity for improving supply chain efficiency and hence the safety of the public in return.

Research limitations/implications

RFID has the potential to change the way the business is done today.

Practical implications

Some years down the road, new ways can be introduced for the entire world to do their business within the framework of a supply chain system.

Originality/value

Reviews the current state‐of‐the‐art on the RFID‐enabled systems and its future opportunities.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2012

Yahia Zare Mehrjerdi

The aim of this article is to propose a model to study the expenses of an RFID‐based library system. For this purpose risk‐benefit factors using causal loop concepts are studied…

1466

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this article is to propose a model to study the expenses of an RFID‐based library system. For this purpose risk‐benefit factors using causal loop concepts are studied and identified. Then, a flow diagram is developed and the mathematical formulation of the proposed model is presented and used for simulation purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is written based on research and observations from scientific journals and reports. For this purpose key elements of risks and benefits of radio frequency identification in library services are identified. For model development purposes the concepts of systems thinking and system dynamics are employed. The systems thinking perspective is used as a tool to relate key factors of risks and benefits, and system dynamics are used to simulate the model of the problem.

Findings

Systems thinking can provide an efficient way to analyze the risks, benefits, and the risk‐benefit phenomena of systems. The use of system dynamics allows us to look into the behavior of the level variable that is of main concern to management. In the case of this article, it is library expenses that are studied and kept under control.

Practical implications

Library managers can benefit from this article through the development of similar models using systems thinking and simulating similar models using system dynamics to find the behaviour of one or more variables of the system to analyze system expenses and manage costs.

Originality/value

A system with a given level of expense was employed, and then by taking key factors into consideration a system is proposed that can provide lower expenses with the presence of RFID technology. Due to the fact that the proposed methodology allows management to look into the expenses of the library over coming periods and to design the system the way management feels is possible (a new expense level in a period of n years), this study makes a significant contribution to the literature.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 May 2013

Yahia Zare Mehrjerdi

The purpose of this article is to present a system dynamic model for studying the interconnections between human weight and health problems which cause various problems throughout…

1327

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present a system dynamic model for studying the interconnections between human weight and health problems which cause various problems throughout life.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews key points about system thinking, its theories, and system dynamics. Models in the form of causal loops presenting the interconnections between weight factor and health problems are developed and discussed. Thereafter, a flow model of the problem is constructed and deaths caused by heart attack are studied under two situations of regular and taught cases. The paper identifies key health problems related to weight by using causal loops that demonstrate the whole picture of the situation.

Findings

With the aid of systems thinking and dynamic modeling researchers can study the impacts of weight on the generation of various health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, blood sugar, knee problems and more. This study shows that teaching people about their health will have a significant impact on the number of deaths related to heart attack.

Practical implications

With the model proposed here various studies can be carried out that relates weight to health issues. A sample situation is presented where deaths related to heart attack are simulated.

Originality/value

This article makes a significant contribution to the health study issues due to the fact that it shows how a factor such as weight can impact on hearth attacks, blood pressure, and blood sugar, to mention a few. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study that relates weight to health problems using systems thinking concepts and system dynamic and it therefore make a significant contribution to the health literature.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 January 2013

Yahia Zare Mehrjerdi

This paper aims to propose a new framework for selecting strategies from the pools of RFID strategies, Six‐Sigma strategies and supply chain strategies. To gain a better…

2155

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a new framework for selecting strategies from the pools of RFID strategies, Six‐Sigma strategies and supply chain strategies. To gain a better understanding of the proposed model, three case studies are investigated and all related strategies are presented and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

This article proposes a new framework for Six‐Sigma driven RFID‐enabled supply chain systems. Theory building is comprised of four parts where each part is discussed clearly in the content of the article. However, it is through such tools that management can identify new systems for matching the needs of his/her organization with all of the right strategies.

Findings

In a journey to business excellence, an organization is successful if specific goals for critical processes of the organization are identified. The quality management programs implemented can modernize and simplify activities towards the ultimate goal of the business. To do so, this author's discussions on Six‐Sigma strategies, supply chain strategies, and radio frequency identification are converted into a framework that can be used for developing an appropriate model for organizational strategy selection. There are some cases in the literature that can support such a model building and framework identification. Three of such cases are presented for the readers' familiarity with the subject.

Practical implications

The use of these three methodologies can bring significant changes to an organization. This can be done by taking into consideration the key strategies of supply chain management, Six‐Sigma, and RFID playing a big role in the success of the organization.

Originality/value

For each methodology considered, strategies are examined and a framework based upon such methodologies is proposed. Cases supporting the proposed framework are reviewed from the literature for clarification purposes.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 February 2009

Yahia Zare Mehrjerdi

The purpose of this paper is to review the fundamental concept of supply chain management (SCM) and discusses the facts that a road to success in the process of design…

4580

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the fundamental concept of supply chain management (SCM) and discusses the facts that a road to success in the process of design, development, implementation and operation of a supply chain (SC) is the identification of superior strategies and clear objectives. To understand important SC strategies for a complete success, main strategies need to be identified. The literature of SC is filled with a wide range of strategies applied successfully across various enterprises that reviewed briefly in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides key strategies of SCM, and discusses the fact that the vision for the excellent SCM can be built on principles as such as speed, quality, cost, flexibility, quality leadership, customer focused, collaboration, and integrated information system.

Findings

To make the excellent SCM successful, management must be committed to high standard of performance including competitive lead times to customers, significantly reduced inventories, world‐class product quality, and reduced process and product complexity.

Originality/value

Because a better management of production system is related to the full understanding of the technologies implemented and the system under consideration, the excellent SCM system including its three As are discussed and metrics used to measure performance are elaborated.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 February 2009

Yahia Zare Mehrjerdi

The purpose of this paper is to develop a computer aided decision‐making model for flexible manufacturing system (FMS) situations when multiple conflicting objectives are…

1127

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a computer aided decision‐making model for flexible manufacturing system (FMS) situations when multiple conflicting objectives are addressed by the management.

Design/methodology/approach

It is assumed that the problem is the managerial level schedule rather than the operational schedule. As a tool, goal programming has been employed for measuring the trade‐offs among the objectives. As a safeguard, the level of the reliability of the constraints associated with the random coefficients is taken into consideration. As an optimization technique, the approach of chance constrained programming which has been an operational way for introducing probabilistic constraints into the collection of the linear programming and goal programming problem constraints is stated and mathematically formulated.

Findings

The approach of chance constrained programming is suitable to introduce management concerns about the reliability of the constraints of the problem in the FMS.

Originality/value

The paper gives an overview of the FMS and proposes a goal programming model for the analysis of problem. The proposed model acknowledges the randomness of customer demands for better standardization of production planning and inventory management systems. By the fact that customer demands are not always deterministic the hypothesis that sale level for each period is normally distributed is imposed. A sample example problem is provided to show how the proposed model can work.

Article
Publication date: 12 April 2011

Yahia Zare Mehrjerdi

The purpose of this paper is two‐fold: first, to deliver a review of the researches conducted on the topic of radio frequency identification (RFID) adoption and the key factors…

3218

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is two‐fold: first, to deliver a review of the researches conducted on the topic of radio frequency identification (RFID) adoption and the key factors that play a big role in its adoption and second, to develop a systems thinking perspective of RFID adoption through its profitability power generation and engagement. The author illustrates the concepts drawing on the experience of five case studies already presented in the literature, all the way from service industries to highly developed technological industries. Thereafter, a list of key variables from proposed case studies are identified. Then, a causal diagram relating identified variables in some circulars is constructed and modeled.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper identifies key elements of RFID through the review of six case studies. It obtains appropriate data from second sources, for some of these case studies, to make the analysis possible.

Findings

To make management systems functional and successfully operational RFID solutions can be used to reduce operating costs through decreasing the labor costs, including automation, improving tracing and tracking, and preventing the lost of materials under any circumstances. RFID is an appropriate technology for profit generation, efficiency improvement, and productivity enhancement.

Originality/value

The emphasis is put on delivering business values through effective variables and from there RFID can be related to profitability using systems thinking concepts. Since, to the best of this author's knowledge, this is the first paper that relates RFID technology to profitability using systems thinking concepts, it makes a significant contribution to the RFID literature.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2009

Yahia Zare Mehrjerdi

The purpose of this paper is to review key points about the radio frequency identification (RFID) and the fundamental concepts of supply chain management (SCM). To understand…

1907

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review key points about the radio frequency identification (RFID) and the fundamental concepts of supply chain management (SCM). To understand important supply chain (SC) strategies for a complete success, main strategies are identified. Some applications of RFID in SC are briefly reviewed and three large cases of RFID implementation in SC are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides key elements of SCM, a brief background on RFID, and the integration of SC and RFID to generate new systems with higher level of profitability and efficiency. Three cases using computer simulation techniques for system evaluation are reviewed.

Findings

The paper finds that to make the SCM functional and successfully operational, management must be committed to high standard of performance including competitive lead times to customers, significantly reduced inventories, world‐class product quality, and reduced process and product complexity.

Originality/value

Owing to the fact that a better management of a production system is related to the full understanding of the technologies implemented and the system under consideration, sufficient background on the RFID technology is provided and a SCM system including its appropriate strategies are discussed.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2011

Yahia Zare Mehrjerdi

The paper seeks to give some reviews of quality function deployment and by using a systems thinking perspective to show how QFD can be a useful and profit‐making tool for business…

1728

Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to give some reviews of quality function deployment and by using a systems thinking perspective to show how QFD can be a useful and profit‐making tool for business decision making in general.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to show that QFD is a tool that brings profit to the organization the paper has designed various loops using systems thinking perspectives and fundamentals theorems for discussion purposes and facts verification.

Findings

The task of successful product development must encompass the management commitment in giving value to the voice of the customer by using quality function deployment. This is because this quality function tool can make a significant contribution to business success through profit generation and competiveness enhancement.

Practical implications

This research helps the pros and cons of quality function deployment in getting a better understanding and usefulness of the QFD.

Original/value

This paper helps management in getting a better understanding of the quality function deployment, its power of profit‐making and productivity enhancement and the role that systems thinking can have in better describing the problem to the middle and top management.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 28 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Access

Year

Content type

Article (28)
1 – 10 of 28