scholarly journals Machine criticality assessment for productivity improvement

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 858-878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maheshwaran Gopalakrishnan ◽  
Anders Skoogh ◽  
Antti Salonen ◽  
Martin Asp
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Research ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Maintenance Planning ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Productivity Improvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Increase Productivity ◽  
Maintenance Activities ◽  
Criticality Assessment

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to increase productivity through smart maintenance planning by including productivity as one of the objectives of the maintenance organization. Therefore, the goals of the paper are to investigate existing machine criticality assessment and identify components of the criticality assessment tool to increase productivity. Design/methodology/approach An embedded multiple case study research design was adopted in this paper. Six different cases were chosen from six different production sites operated by three multi-national manufacturing companies. Data collection was carried out in the form of interviews, focus groups and archival records. More than one source of data was collected in each of the cases. The cases included different production layouts such as machining, assembly and foundry, which ensured data variety. Findings The main finding of the paper is a deeper understanding of how manufacturing companies assess machine criticality and plan maintenance activities. The empirical findings showed that there is a lack of trust regarding existing criticality assessment tools. As a result, necessary changes within the maintenance organizations in order to increase productivity were identified. These are technological advancements, i.e. a dynamic and data-driven approach and organizational changes, i.e. approaching with a systems perspective when performing maintenance prioritization. Originality/value Machine criticality assessment studies are rare, especially empirical research. The originality of this paper lies in the empirical research conducted on smart maintenance planning for productivity improvement. In addition, identifying the components for machine criticality assessment is equally important for research and industries to efficient planning of maintenance activities.

Simulation and optimization for improving performance of maintenance

Facilities ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mahdi Ershadi ◽  
Hossein Shams Shemirani
Keyword(s):  
Optimization Methods ◽  
Optimal Decision ◽  
Maintenance Planning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Simulation And Optimization ◽  
Manufacturing Organizations ◽  
Increase Productivity ◽  
Maintenance Activities ◽  
Optimal Decision Making ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to design an applied mathematical model to maximize the profits of maintenance activities in manufacturing organizations, also providing an efficient solution method for that. Design/methodology/approach Reviewing published articles in the field of maintenance planning and then trying to model the problem to optimal decision making in this field. Findings Maintenance optimization can be done more appropriately by the accurate use of mathematical programming. Research limitations/implications The existence of probabilistic parameters in this problem leads to hard stochastic programming. Practical implications Designing and organizing maintenance activities will increase productivity. This paper attempts to use mathematical models to optimize this matter. Originality/value This paper highlights the importance of using optimization methods for maintenance planning.

Machine criticality based maintenance prioritization

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 654-672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maheshwaran Gopalakrishnan ◽  
Anders Skoogh
Keyword(s):  
Study Data ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Productivity Improvement ◽  
System Productivity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Criticality Assessment ◽  
Productivity Potential ◽  
The Right

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the productivity improvement potentials from maintenance planning practices in manufacturing companies. In particular, the paper aims at understanding the connection between machine criticality assessment and maintenance prioritization in industrial practice, as well as providing the improvement potentials. Design/methodology/approach An explanatory mixed method research design was used in this study. Data from literature analysis, a web-based questionnaire survey, and semi-structured interviews were gathered and triangulated. Additionally, simulation experimentation was used to evaluate the productivity potential. Findings The connection between machine criticality and maintenance prioritization is assessed in an industrial set-up. The empirical findings show that maintenance prioritization is not based on machine criticality, as criticality assessment is non-factual, static, and lacks system view. It is with respect to these finding that the ways to increase system productivity and future directions are charted. Originality/value In addition to the empirical results showing productivity improvement potentials, the paper emphasizes on the need for a systems view for solving maintenance problems, i.e. solving maintenance problems for the whole factory. This contribution is equally important for both industry and academics, as the maintenance organization needs to solve this problem with the help of the right decision support.

A continuous improvement assessment tool, considering lean, safety and ergonomics

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 893-916 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlene Ferreira Brito ◽  
Ana Luísa Ramos ◽  
Paula Carneiro ◽  
Maria Antónia Gonçalves
Keyword(s):  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Assessment Instrument ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Assessment ◽  
Production Areas

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present an attempt to develop an instrument containing operational measures of lean combined with safety and ergonomic conditions in a workstation or production line. This operational tool aims to help researchers and practitioners to prioritize and evaluate the lean implementations, as well as the ergonomic and safety conditions, in an integrated way. Design/methodology/approach Lean manufacturing methods and principles, as well as safety and ergonomics aspects, were exhaustively researched with the ultimate goal of finding a way to improve the workplace by taking into account the efficiency and well-being of workers. The instrument was validated in an interactive process between theory and practical insights. At the end, it was tested in several workstations/production areas. Findings The study reveals that high scores are derived from a good interaction between lean, ergonomics and safety. Research limitations/implications It would be important to validate it in different companies and different types of industries because each one has its own characteristics. Practical implications This tool helps practitioners (technicians and ergonomic practitioners from manufacturing companies) assess the implementation of lean principles and the safety issues in their processes. It also allows managers to evaluate their business and identify the priority areas to improve according to the previously defined company’s aims. Originality/value As Peter Drucker said: “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” For a successful implementation, managers should start the lean journey with a lean assessment and make it in a regular basis. To the authors’ knowledge, there are various lean assessment tools, but this work is innovative because it provides an assessment instrument to evaluate organizations’ workstations/production areas simultaneously in three dimensions: lean, safety and ergonomic aspects.

scholarly journals The Role of Digital Maturity Assessment in Technology Interventions with Industrial Internet Playground

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1134
Author(s):  
Annabeth Aagaard ◽  
Mirko Presser ◽  
Tom Collins ◽  
Michail Beliatis ◽  
Anita Krogsøe Skou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Digital Interventions ◽  
Maturity Assessment ◽  
Industrial Internet ◽  
Digital Development ◽  
Key Dimensions ◽  
The Impact

The use of digital technologies such as Internet of Things and advanced data analytics are central in digitally transforming manufacturing companies towards Industry 4.0. Success cases are frequently reported, and there is clear evidence of technology interventions conducted by industry. However, measuring the impact and effect of such interventions on digital maturity and on the organizational adoption can be challenging. Therefore, the research aim of this paper is to explore how the combination of the different methods of Industrial Internet Playground (IIP) pilots, Shadow Infrastructure (SI) and digital maturity assessment can assist in conducting and documenting the technical, as well as organisational, impact of digital interventions. Through an elaborate literature review of existing digital maturity assessment tools and key dimensions in digital transformation, we have developed a digital maturity assessment tool (DMAT), which is presented and applied in the paper to identify digital development areas and to evaluate and document the effects of digital interventions. Thus, the paper contributes with new knowledge of how the IIP pilot and SI combined with digital maturity assessment can support effective, transparent and documented digital transformation throughout an organisation, as explored through theory and a practice case.

ICT-FLAG: a web-based e-assessment platform featuring learning analytics and gamification

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Gañán ◽  
Santi Caballé ◽  
Robert Clarisó ◽  
Jordi Conesa ◽  
David Bañeres
Keyword(s):  
Learning Analytics ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Reference Model ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Software Methodology ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present an innovative web-based eLearning platform called ICT-FLAG that provides e-assessment tools with general-purpose formative assessment services featuring learning analytics and gamification. Design/methodology/approach The paper reports on the technical development of the platform driven by the Reference Model for Open Distributed Processing software methodology, which guides the platform construction, including the analysis and design steps. Findings The ICT-FLAG platform is technically tested by integrating it into a real e-assessment tool. Results are positive in terms of functional and non-functional aspects as well as user’s satisfaction on usability, emotional state, thus validating the platform as a valuable educational tool. Research limitations/implications Because of the chosen technical paper as article type, validation of the impact of the ICT-FLAG platform in the learning process is not provided. Ongoing research with this platform is to measure the learning outcomes of its use in a real context of eLearning. Practical implications The paper shows implications of the main technical issues and challenges encountered during the integration of the ICT-FLAG platform with external eLearning tools, involving relevant aspects of interoperability, security, modularity, scalability, portability and so on. Originality/value This platform can fill the gap of many e-assessment systems, which currently do not have built-in analytical and gamification tools for learning, thus providing them with the experience to improve the quality of education and learning.

Higher education institution sustainability assessment tools

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 322-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heloisa Cronemberger de Araújo Góes ◽  
Alessandra Magrini
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
International Programs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Sustainability Assessment Tools ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to gather elements to propose a sustainability assessment tool (SAT) to be used in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Brazil and the related program to be created for SAT dissemination and HEI monitoring, publication of results and benchmarking. Design/methodology/approach The characteristics of eight SATs were identified, seven of which are applied through widely known international programs to identify aspects to be considered in the definition of the Brazilian model. Findings In Brazil, stakeholders usually do not know how HEIs develop their potential to contribute with the construction of a sustainable development model. There currently is an international trend, which Brazil must join, to assess HEI sustainability through SATs. The comparison between different international SATs and respective programs yields some recommendations for a Brazilian model, such as definition of their purpose, types of questions to be used, the possibility to apply SATs to HEI sub-units, means of dissemination and others. Research limitations/implications The research limitation is the difficulty to obtain information allowing a deeper understanding of sustainability-related activities developed by Brazilian HEIs. Practical implications This paper provides a base on which to construct SAT and program models tailored for Brazil. Originality/value This is the first paper that stresses the importance of adopting a SAT tailored for Brazil, by comparing and discussing models that may be used for that purpose.

scholarly journals The development of SUCCEED: urban sustainability assessment tool for developing countries with focus on Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Job Momoh ◽  
Joseph Chelemu Kangwa ◽  
Chika Udeaja ◽  
Jin Ruoyu ◽  
Rafiu Dimeji Seidu
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Urban Sustainability ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Sustainability Indicators ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmental Evaluation ◽  
Project Sustainability

PurposeDeveloping countries are currently on the verge of adopting principles used in achieving a sustainable urban future. As the urban population increases due to factors like urban–rural migration, increase in birth rate, migration, industrialisation, commercialisation, amongst others, there is a drastic need to adopt sustainability principles within urban spaces. To understand how sustainability can be achieved, there is a need to recognise how developed countries have designed assessment tools that work within their context which can inform how developing countries can work on their assessment tool. Urban neighbourhood sustainability assessment tools are used to reflect on the overall goal of the project and the most important indicators needed to be implemented within the project. Sustainability indicators are used to measure the levels and progress at which sustainability has been implemented within a project based on the data collected and these results can be used to make informed decisions. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the development of urban sustainability assessment tool.Design/methodology/approachThis research investigates the techniques utilised in developing an urban sustainability assessment tool Sustainable Composite Cities Environmental Evaluation and Design (SUCCEED-ND) tool within the Nigerian context. The data instrument used includes a questionnaire survey that sampled 50 correspondents, and the results were used to develop an urban assessment tool tailored for the Nigerian countries.FindingsThe findings used social, environmental, economic and planning sustainability dimensions in the design of the assessment tool which composes of 21 core sustainability indicators and 105 indicators to develop SUCCEED-ND tool.Originality/valueThis work developed the first urban sustainability assessment tool for the Nigerian urban environment. The result is meant to evaluate and implement sustainability within existing and proposed neighbourhood development.

Building organisational resilience for the construction industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zulkfli Sapeciay ◽  
Suzanne Wilkinson ◽  
Seosamh B. Costello
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Community Resilience ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Post Disaster

Purpose This paper aims to explore New Zealand construction practitioners’ approaches to organisational resilience practice in built environment discipline, based on survey and interview results. The objective was to explore the resilience practice within the construction sector with the intention of developing a resilient assessment tool specifically for construction organisations. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was conducted to gather information on assessment tools for measuring organisational resilience, their characteristics and indicators. Subsequently, a set of questions was formulated to collate opinions from construction practitioners in New Zealand, using a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews. Findings This paper concludes by showing that the construction industry lacks resilience practice, especially from an organisational perspective. The findings suggest that the industry would benefit from a resilience assessment tool to help improve resilience. The adoption of such a tool could potentially enhance organisational capacity to recover quickly from crises and disasters. Practical implications Improving the resilience of construction organisations to natural disasters not only minimises the negative consequences to their organisations post-disaster and enhances their organisational performance during business as usual but also helps to improve community resilience. Originality/value Improving the resilience of construction organisations also helps to improve community resilience and overall post-disaster recovery. However, at present, little research has been conducted on how construction organisations deal with the risk of natural disasters.

A phase-wise approach to implement lean manufacturing

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gulshan Chauhan ◽  
Viral Chauhan
Keyword(s):  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Productivity Improvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Flexible System ◽  
Cumulative Score ◽  
Mixed Approach ◽  
Practical Constraints

Purpose Today, manufacturing companies are facing a fierce competition and are under great pressure to cut costs for survival in the market. So emphasis is given to enhance quality, minimize waste, customer delight and increasing productivity through reduction in wastage of resources. But, most companies hesitate to implement all measures simultaneously to acquire lean manufacturing because of some practical/ capital constraints. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop a phase-wise approach to implement lean manufacturing. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for an exploratory study using the qualitative flexible system methodology framework proposed by Sushil (1994) and options field methodology proposed by Warfield (1982, 1990) including rigorous group discussion comprising the employees representing middle and senior management with productivity improvement backgrounds. The response of experts was recorded using a specially designed instrument in the light of the parameters suggested in group discussion. The measures/ actions were arranged in the decreasing order of their cumulative score. Findings The paper provides a phase-wise approach to implement lean manufacturing. Mixed approach is preferred over the other three approaches to implement lean manufacturing. Thirty measures/actions contributing to mixed approach are identified to implement lean manufacturing in three phases. A three-phase approach is developed: 10, 14 and six measures in the first, second and third phases, respectively, are identified to implement lean manufacturing after considering the practical constraints faced by the companies. Research limitations/implications All the measures/actions suggested to implement lean manufacturing are focused on the engineering manufacturing industry. Thus, the research results may lack generalizability and are limited to engineering manufacturing industry. The model developed in this research is based upon experts’ opinions. The experts’ opinion may be biased. The results of the model may vary in the real-world setting. Practical implications The present paper provides guidelines to practitioners for implementing lean manufacturing in phases. Hopefully, this study will motivate the firm’s management for implementing lean manufacturing and limiting the effect of practical constraints and scarcity of resources. Originality/value This paper fulfills and identifies the need to develop an approach to implement lean manufacturing phase wise because of practical constraints.

Development of a sustainability rating tool for heritage buildings: future implications

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abobakr Al-Sakkaf ◽  
Tarek Zayed ◽  
Ashutosh Bagchi ◽  
Sherif Mahmoud ◽  
David Pickup
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scales ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Global Rating ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Assessment ◽  
Heritage Buildings ◽  
Heritage Building

PurposeHeritage buildings are significant for their historical and architectural value. Due to the lack of rating systems designed specifically for heritage buildings, it is essential to develop and validate a heritage building assessment tool that considers its specific characteristics. The purpose of this study is to provide an extensive review of research on Sustainability of Heritage Buildings (SHBs).Design/methodology/approachThis review highlights methodologies applied in SHBs research and analyzes major global rating systems in order to identify their deficiencies for SHBs assessment. A systematic review was employed and articles from the top 10 high impact factor journals were studied. Twelve major global rating systems and their assessment criteria were identified.FindingsSignificant variability was observed among the assessment tools since each tool assesses several criteria, factors and indicators that fit its local context. Part of this variability can also be seen in the rating scales, threshold values and accreditation titles. As a result, the final sustainability ranking for a given building cannot be compared among the 12 rating systems. Most importantly, these systems fail to analyze some factors such as energy that are considered important with respect to heritage building assessment.Originality/valueSince no specific rating system could be identified in this review as the most appropriate for heritage buildings, a new sustainability assessment tool that is specific to heritage buildings should be developed. Such a tool will enable facility managers to evaluate and improve the sustainability of their heritage buildings while preserving them.

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