scholarly journals Test methods for robot agility in manufacturing

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 563-572 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Downs ◽  
William Harrison ◽  
Craig Schlenoff
Keyword(s):  
Industrial Robot ◽  
Test Methods ◽  
Standard Test ◽  
Simulation Environment ◽  
Robot System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Push Forward ◽  
World Environment ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to define and describe test methods and metrics to assess industrial robot system agility in both simulation and in reality. Design/methodology/approach The paper describes test methods and associated quantitative and qualitative metrics for assessing robot system efficiency and effectiveness, which can then be used for the assessment of system agility. Findings The paper describes how the test methods were implemented in a simulation environment and real-world environment. It also shows how the metrics are measured and assessed as they would be in a future competition. Practical implications The test methods described in this paper will push forward the state of the art in software agility for manufacturing robots, allowing small and medium manufacturers to better utilize robotic systems. Originality/value The paper fulfills the identified need for standard test methods to measure and allow for improvement in software agility for manufacturing robots.

The new marketing solutions that will drive strategy implementation

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 20-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Alan Grossberg
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Marketing Automation ◽  
Marketing Innovation ◽  
The Social ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Media Platform ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Delineate the strategic implications for three new marketing trends based on digital technology. Design/methodology/approach The author looks at how strategy is being affected by: Marketing automation, where artificial intelligence is used to help win a customer and optimize the search for such potential prospects. Social media, which blends the personal and the businesslike and provides opportunities for engagement with the client on an almost real-time, personalized basis. The manipulation of huge quantities of “Big Data” to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of marketing automation and of deriving value from social media. Findings Under all emerging digital technology scenarios, the marketer’s job becomes more complex and more central to the interaction between the customers and the corporation. Practical implications Social marketing will increasingly involve co-creation of product and brand story with customers, experienced-based marketing and more sophisticated management of the interface between the social media platform and automated marketing. Originality/value This article identifies the integral relationship between advances in marketing technology and strategic opportunities for marketing innovation.

Generation Z entering the workforce: the need for sustainable strategies in maximizing their talent

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 34-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bharat Chillakuri ◽  
Rajendra Mahanandia
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
Cohort Group ◽  
Generation Z ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Research Analysis

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the characteristics of the cohort Generation Z and identify strategies for maximizing their talent. The study emphasizes that it is critical for the organization to revisit their strategies so as to accommodate this cohort group. With Generation Z entering the workforce, the nature of entry-level jobs is changing; hence, HR needs to redesign their strategies to attract and engage Generation Z.Design/methodology/approachThe research design adopted for the study is exploratory in nature. The research analysis is based on the information/data collected from the journal articles, newspapers and various conferences and majorly from in-person discussions with the Generation Z cohort group.FindingsGeneration Z believes in multitasking and likes to learn everything on their own, underscoring their individuality. They believe in doing more in less time, and thus, efficiency and effectiveness are attributed to be part of their DNA.Research limitations/implicationsIt has to be accepted that very little is known about Generation Z as they have just started to enter the workforce. The next two years will have this cohort joining organizations in entry-level jobs. Organizations have to carefully watch and redesign their strategies to effectively engage this group, as they have no choice except to accept the new generation.Practical implicationsThe literature on Generation Z is scanty, as much of the scholarly research is done in isolation. However, prior studies indicate that Generation Z is tech-savvy and wants everything connected. Organizations will be forced to accept technology as the preferred medium of communication when Generation Z enters the organization.Originality/valueThe study presents an alternative for managing the Generation Z, thereby maximizing their talent in the workplace.

scholarly journals Accountability and responsibility defined

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 687-707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Keith McGrath ◽  
Stephen Jonathan Whitty
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Internal Conflict ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Physical Systems ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Governance Models ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to remove confusion surrounding the terms responsibility and accountability from the general and project management arenas by creating “refined” (with unnecessary elements removed) definitions of these terms. Design/methodology/approach A method of deriving refined definitions for a group of terms by ensuring that there is no internal conflict or overlap is adopted and applied to resolve the confusion. Findings The confusion between responsibility and accountability can be characterised as a failure to separate the obligation to satisfactorily perform a task (responsibility) from the liability to ensure that it is satisfactorily done (accountability). Furthermore, clarity of application can be achieved if legislative and organisational accountabilities are differentiated and it is recognised that accountability and responsibility transition across organisational levels. A difficulty in applying accountability in RACI tables is also resolved. Research limitations/implications Clear definition of responsibility and accountability will facilitate future research endeavours by removing confusion surrounding the terms. Verification of the method used through its success in deriving these “refined” definitions suggests its suitability for application to other contested terms. Practical implications Projects and businesses alike can benefit from removal of confusion around the definitions of responsibility and accountability in the academic research they fund and attempt to apply. They can also achieve improvements in both efficiency and effectiveness in undertaking organisation-wide exercises to determine organisational responsibilities and accountabilities as well as in the application of governance models. Social implications Refined definitions of responsibility and accountability will facilitate building social and physical systems and infrastructure, benefitting organisations, whether public, charitable or private. Originality/value Clarity resulting in the avoidance of confusion and misunderstanding together with their consequent waste of time, resources and money.

Technology jump in the industry: human–robot cooperation in production

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 757-775
Author(s):  
Zoltan Dobra ◽  
Krishna S. Dhir
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Robot System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Academic Publications ◽  
Robot Cooperation ◽  
Human Robot Collaboration ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Recent years have seen a technological change, Industry 4.0, in the manufacturing industry. Human–robot cooperation, a new application, is increasing and facilitating collaboration without fences, cages or any kind of separation. The purpose of the paper is to review mainstream academic publications to evaluate the current status of human–robot cooperation and identify potential areas of further research. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review is offered that searches, appraises, synthetizes and analyses relevant works. Findings The authors report the prevailing status of human–robot collaboration, human factors, complexity/ programming, safety, collision avoidance, instructing the robot system and other aspects of human–robot collaboration. Practical implications This paper identifies new directions and potential research in practice of human–robot collaboration, such as measuring the degree of collaboration, integrating human–robot cooperation into teamwork theories, effective functional relocation of the robot and product design for human robot collaboration. Originality/value This paper will be useful for three cohorts of readers, namely, the manufacturers who require a baseline for development and deployment of robots; users of robots-seeking manufacturing advantage and researchers looking for new directions for further exploration of human–machine collaboration.

Peg-In-Hole search using convex optimization techniques

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 618-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamal Sharma ◽  
Varsha Shirwalkar ◽  
Prabir K. Pal
Keyword(s):  
Motion Planning ◽  
Depth Profile ◽  
Industrial Robot ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Optimization Techniques ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Search Problem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Priori Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to provide a solution to the first phase of a force-controlled circular Peg-In-Hole assembly using an industrial robot. The paper suggests motion planning of the robot’s end-effector so as to perform Peg-In-Hole search with minimum a priori information of the working environment. Design/methodology/approach The paper models Peg-In-Hole search problem as a problem of finding the minima in depth profile for a particular assembly. Thereafter, various optimization techniques are used to guide the robot to locate minima and complete the hole search. This approach is inspired by a human’s approach of searching a hole by moving peg in various directions so as to search a point of maximum insertion which is same as the minima in depth profile. Findings The usage of optimization techniques for hole search allows the robot to work with minimum a priori information of the working environment. Also, the iterative nature of the techniques adapts to any disturbance during assembly. Practical implications The techniques discussed here are quite useful if a force-controlled assembly needs to be performed in a highly unknown environment and also when the assembly setup can get disturbed in between. Originality/value The concept is original and provides a non-conventional use of optimization techniques, not for optimization of some process directly but for an industrial robot’s motion planning.

Barriers to effective use of human capital analytics

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 30-32
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Greater focus is the key to better HR analytics. The authors summarize their six recommendations that will ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of HR analytics. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Agencies, it’s time to innovate!

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klas Palm ◽  
Johan Lilja ◽  
Håkan Wiklund
Keyword(s):  
Public Management ◽  
Current Understanding ◽  
Work Processes ◽  
Administration System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Areas ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
The Government ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Different Levels

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the phenomenon of innovation in the current Swedish governmental administration system. More specifically, the paper explores the current understanding within the system of what innovation is, as well as why and how it should be achieved. Innovation is currently at the top of many agendas worldwide: not only in the private sector but also when it comes to increasing quality, efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. In Sweden, this is reflected in the recent call from the Government for innovation in public management. However, innovation has not traditionally occurred to any significant extent on the strategic level of Swedish public management. Furthermore, governmental administration is a complex system in need of coordination and alignment for this new call to be effectively realized in practice. Design/methodology/approach – This paper has been based on a qualitative approach with a case consisting of three embedded units: the Government itself, a ministry and a Government agency. The data have been collected from documents and interviews. Findings – This paper shows that there is currently a notable disparity when it comes to how aspects of innovation are understood at different levels within the Swedish governmental administration system. Furthermore, the recent business development to increase the standardization of work processes is perceived as having created poorer preconditions for working with innovations. Practical implications – The results highlight critical areas of disparity and possibilities for improvement toward a shared understanding and aligned innovation actions within the system. Originality/value – This paper contributes knowledge about the current understanding of innovation in the Swedish governmental administration system.

Redefining social marketing: beyond behavioural change

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen G. Saunders ◽  
Dani J. Barrington ◽  
Srinivas Sridharan
Keyword(s):  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Social Marketing ◽  
Social Transformation ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Economic Market ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Marketing Principles ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to present a definition of social marketing that considers the purpose and role of social marketing beyond behaviour change. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews present social marketing definitions and then bolsters its underlying theoretical structure with insights distilled from three schools of thought: macromarketing, transformative consumer research and the capability approach. Findings – Guided by the three theoretical streams, we introduce our definition, namely: social marketing is the application of marketing principles to enable individual and collective ideas and actions in the pursuit of effective, efficient, equitable, fair and sustained social transformation. Practical implications – We present a list of practical implications derived from our definition of social marketing. We stress that our social marketing definition better reflects the need to balance the effects (efficiency and effectiveness) and the process (equity, fairness and sustainability) of social marketing practices. By our definition of social marketing, the marketer becomes a facilitator and participant rather than a behaviour change agent. Originality/value – The paper introduces into social marketing three streams of thought that represent the most contemporary aspects of economic, market and consumer philosophy. We believe our definition can better guide social marketing in its quest to transform societies to be capable, free, equitable, fair and sustainable.

Where to direct research in lean six sigma?

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Francisco da Silva ◽  
Lukas Daniel Filser ◽  
Fernando Juliani ◽  
Otávio José de Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Research Trends ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Subject Areas ◽  
Number Of Citations ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a continuous improvement methodology used to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of processes. Although there are several articles published, only two have analyzed the literature from a bibliometrics perspective. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the LSS literature by bibliometrics, identifying its state of the art, scientific gaps and research trends. Design/methodology/approach Articles published up to 2016 in the database Scopus were investigated to identify the most significant articles, authors, journals, institutions and countries based on citation counting as well as the most frequent keywords and subject areas on LSS. Articles published in 2014, 2015 and 2016 were analyzed to point out scientific gaps and to identify eight main research trends on LSS. Findings The research trends are: “LSS implementation”, “Healthcare”, “LSS tools”, “Human factors”, “Expansion of results”, “SME”, “LSS combined with other methodologies” and “Education”. The research outcomes also point out the most significant articles, authors, journals, institutions and countries in LSS literature. Practical implications This research contributes to develop the state of the art of LSS and helps professionals as well as researchers to identify which issues new studies should address. Originality/value The performance of the literature is measured based on the number of citations and not on the number of published papers, and the bibliometric analysis covers the highest number of articles so far (319 articles). Besides, the identification of the main research trends on LSS is exclusively based on the most recent studies.

scholarly journals Exploring the benefits of service productisation: support for business processes

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 85-105
Author(s):  
Janne Harkonen
Keyword(s):  
Service Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Characteristics ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Service Offering ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe study aims to explore the benefits of service productisation to provide further understanding on the productisation concept as support for business processes and service management. The concept has been deficiently discussed regardless of the potential significance to the whole formed by service products, business processes, information technology (IT), people and data.Design/methodology/approachIn the study, the exploratory empirical evidence is presented from 16 cases, 4 of which are from companies that are globally well-known.FindingsThe key findings of the paper include an overview of the benefits of service productisation and the relation to service offering, service processes and related resources. The concept links to the management of the whole formed by service products, business processes, IT, people and data. The noted benefits seem to be applicable to productisation of different service types, whilst some service characteristics may affect the specific emphasis.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations involve using secondary data, which, however, makes the cases less biased regarding the aims. Primary data are required to gain further insights into the phenomena and the identified benefits.Practical implicationsThe findings provide support for issues that are commonly discussed by practitioners on a concept that is less studied by the scientific literature. Practitioners can work towards organisational efficiency and effectiveness by understanding the benefits of productisation. Understanding service productisation can support the effective management of business processes and work towards prosperity in the service business.Originality/valueThe study is the first one to analyse the benefits of service productisation by exploring the issue through multiple cases and attempting to identify aspects for further attention by the academic community.

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