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.

A directed content analysis of viewpoints on the changing patterns of Lean Six Sigma research

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 641-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan A. Rodgers ◽  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Zhen He ◽  
Elizabeth A. Cudney ◽  
Chad Laux
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Changing Patterns ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper, builds on previous studies that explored the research patterns over 15 years, is to consider the current status of the integration of Lean and Six Sigma. More specifically, this research addresses whether Lean and Six Sigma are stronger together and explores the reasons why Lean researchers and practitioners may be less likely to integrate Six Sigma in their work. Design/methodology/approach The research utilises a survey of 25 established and respected academics and practitioners from 16 countries. The questionnaire is analysed using a direct content approach and coded in NVivo. Findings The findings suggest that challenges may lie in the perception and understanding of statistics as well as short-term rather than long-term focus on improvement. The findings also suggest that academics and practitioners believe that Lean Six Sigma has developed over time and will continue to develop and improve as a methodology rather than being replaced with a new methodology. Research limitations/implications The survey has a sample size of 25, albeit all respondents are established and very experienced practitioners and academics. Practical implications For organisations that are introducing or refreshing their continuous improvement initiatives, this research identifies some of the challenges and provides the opportunity to address them to maximise the opportunities for success and sustainability. Originality/value The value of this paper is that it further addresses the debate over the integration of Lean and Six Sigma for many organisations which still employ Lean alone, but beyond this it explores how they will continue to develop and whether they are a permanent edition to the quality management landscape or a transition to something else.

Are Kenyan lecturers motivated to teach?

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 599-607
Author(s):  
Harry Kipkemoi Bett
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
General Assumption ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Current Status ◽  
General Belief ◽  
Teaching And Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a discussion on the overlooked side of motivation among Kenyan lecturers: the motivation to teach. Design/methodology/approach The paper is generally a review of the current status of lecturer motivation in Kenya in relation to their teaching and research. This has been done anchored on Herzberg’s two-factor theory. Findings While the general belief is that lecturers are more motivated to teach than to engage in research owing to immediacy of returns (from teaching), arguments are given showing that contextual factors may contribute to lecturer demotivation in their teaching. Practical implications There is need to increase the number of lecturers in higher education in Kenya so as to mitigate against the overwhelming workload affecting many faculty members. A balance between hygiene and motivators should also be borne in mind, especially in relation to teaching and research. Originality/value The general assumption in literature is that since many lecturers in Kenya are not engaging in research, they must be motivated to teach. This study, however, argues that many contextual challenges do not motivate lecturers in the country to teach.

What does “corporate governance” actually mean?

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 300-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Marie L’Huillier
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Theoretical Analysis ◽  
Agency Theory ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Connotative Meaning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dominant Meaning ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Academic Publications ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to develop a framework of connotative meanings afforded to the term “corporate governance”. Design/methodology/approach – An examination of academic publications from 1985-2012 containing the term “corporate governance” was conducted. The articles are sorted into the theoretical constructs that influence the contemporary connotative meaning of corporate governance. Findings – That a combination of a weak definitional base coupled with strong motivational forces have aided the development of competing theoretical perspectives of the meaning of corporate governance. The dominant meaning is written from an agency theory perspective. Research limitations/implications – Theoretical analysis was restricted to articles found in academic journals published since 1985. Practical implications – This study provides a very useful analysis into the connotative meanings and theoretical bases used by academic writers in the study of corporate governance. Originality/value – This paper provides an updated and developed analysis to the theoretical dimensions that underpin the contemporary use of the term “corporate governance”.

Evaluation of researchers’ satisfaction with electronic resources in two universities of Pakistan

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 20-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamshad Ahmed ◽  
Anam Amjad
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Satisfaction Level ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Information Need ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Survey Response Rate ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The main aim of this paper is to evaluate the satisfaction level of researchers with electronic resources as well as the uses, purposes, reasons and problems faced by them in using of these resources in the context of Pakistani Universities. Design/methodology/approach – This paper opted for a quantitative study using a questionnaire for survey. Response rate was 80 per cent and data were analyzed from 261 researchers of two universities of Pakistan. Five-point Likert scale ranked from “Dissatisfied” (5) to “Extremely Satisfied” (1) was used to evaluate the satisfaction level of researchers. Findings – The paper found that mostly researchers were “Very Satisfied” with electronic resources though they faced problems in using of these resources. Research limitations/implications – Research scholars from Faculty of Arts, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, and Bahauddin Zakariya University of Multan, Punjab, Pakistan, were included in this paper. Practical implications – This paper advances knowledge about the current status of the use of university library electronic resources, helps librarians in Pakistani university libraries understand the information need of the researchers more specifically, and provides some guidelines for the efficient and effective use of these resources. Originality/value – This paper fulfils the identified need of researchers and indicates how researchers can utilize electronic resources in a better way.

The transformation of people, processes, and IT in e-recruiting

2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Eckhardt ◽  
Sven Laumer ◽  
Christian Maier ◽  
Tim Weitzel
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Transformation Model ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Job Market ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Influences ◽  
Longitudinal Approach ◽  
Systems Transformation ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – There is only scarce research about the transformation of e-HRM in general, and of the e-recruiting function in particular. Further, there is not much known of the transformational implications for the related people, process, and information technology (IT). The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – To analyze the transformation of e-recruiting caused by external influences outside of the organization, the authors report the results of an eight-year case with a media corporation in order to derive and describe five consecutive steps of an e-recruiting transformation model. Findings – The paper comes up with five stages (transformation of tools, transformation of systems, transformation of workflows, transformation of tasks, and transformation of communication), each influenced by external developments and market tendencies (War for Talent, increasing number of applications, job market switch, globalization of job market, changing communication behavior). Research limitations/implications – This research contributes to literature by explaining the drivers of an e-HRM transformation and the different stages of this transformation process differentiated by the affected people, processes, and IT. However, it only observes the transformation in one company, hence the transformation of further e-HRM functions in other companies might differ. Practical implications – The paper highlights both the transformation of e-recruiting and for the related people, processes, and IT, so companies could observe their current status of e-recruiting transformation. Originality/value – This paper represents the first longitudinal approach observing the transformation of e-recruiting by describing different stages and external influences.

Collections, selection, access

2014 ◽  
Vol 115 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 263-271
Author(s):  
Aline Soules
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Information ◽  
Current Thinking ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Review Current ◽  
New Strategies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review current strategies in collections, selection and the access libraries provide, to present scenarios that illustrate the roles libraries are beginning to play and to discuss viable strategies for libraries in the future. Design/methodology/approach – An extensive review of the literature was conducted to identify current strategies in collections and selection, and to explore innovations in access strategies that reveal future directions. Findings – Librarians are redefining collections and selection, implementing new strategies to provide information that is more relevant to today’s needs, focusing more intently on niche collections and experimenting in access strategies to market information and increase use. Practical implications – Libraries’ survival depends on re-thinking the philosophy and approach to collections, selection and access. Social implications – Libraries need this shift in thinking and approach to find their place in the new information world. Originality/value – The paper provides an overview of current thinking in collections, selection and access, prompts thought about new directions in this area and provides a forum for discussion.

The use of 5-WHYs technique to eliminate OEE’s speed loss in a manufacturing firm

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Jebaraj Benjamin ◽  
M. Srikamaladevi Marathamuthu ◽  
Uthiyakumar Murugaiah
Keyword(s):  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Quality Loss ◽  
Manufacturing Firm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reduce or eliminate the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE’s) speed loss in a lean manufacturing environment. Design/methodology/approach – This action research study uses the lean manufacturing 5-whys analysis technique to reduce or eliminate the speed loss. Findings – The application of the 5-whys analysis technique in a manufacturing industry (XYZ Corporation) completely eliminated its top speed loss and resulted in a valuable savings of USD 32,811.5 per annum. Practical implications – The 5-whys analysis technique which has been primarily known to improve the OEE’s quality loss and changeover loss has been proven to be an effective approach to also tackle speed loss; a loss which has been regarded as the most dominating loss among all the types of OEE’s losses and a difficult one to eliminate. Originality/value – Little or no attempt has been made to date to expand the use of the 5-whys analysis technique beyond its originally intended purpose. The lessons learnt in this study could be applied to other organizations. The outcome of the study has also opened the possibility of widening the horizon of the use of the 5-whys analysis technique beyond its original intended objective and could be applicable to solve other losses of OEE and non-value added activities of lean philosophy in general.

Getting involved in innovation: how High-Involvement HRM practices support employee’s to be innovative

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Workplace Behavior ◽  
High Involvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Functional Flexibility ◽  
Hrm Practices ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
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 Based on research from the manufacturing industry in Pakistan, the authors find that high-involvement HR practices have a direct positive impact on individual employee functional flexibility and innovative workplace behavior 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.

Searching for a theory of dark social entrepreneurship

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig Allen Talmage ◽  
Jocelyn Bell ◽  
Gheorghe Dragomir
Keyword(s):  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Perceptions ◽  
Empirical Methods ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Entrepreneurship Theory ◽  
Perceived Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper aims to extend social entrepreneurship theory by investigating the darker sides of innovation and enterprise. Entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship theories regarding shifting equilibriums are considered alongside other traditions. This research presents how individuals see enterprises as dark and light and discusses how such perceptions are important to building emerging theories of light and dark social entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a survey of public perceptions (n= 631) regarding the social and economic impact of a total of 15 different enterprises to create a map of the darker variations of enterprises. An 11-point scale was used to evaluate perceived impact.FindingsThe mapping of each enterprise on a coordinate plane resulted in four thematic areas: traditional enterprises (light social, light economic), taboo enterprises (dark social, light economic), dark enterprises (dark social, dark economic) and alternative enterprises (light social, dark economic). Some enterprises crossed between the thematic areas.Research limitations/implicationsThis study opens up new directions for research on dark social entrepreneurship and research on enterprises that influence social equilibriums.Practical implicationsThis study provides guidance for practitioners and policymakers to better understand phenomena such as dark, taboo and alternative enterprises and their nuances.Social implicationsThis study allows for a broader look at social entrepreneurship, innovation and enterprise to better understand dark and light nuances. Similarities between the lighter and darker forms of enterprises are noted.Originality/valueThis study builds on dark entrepreneurship and dark social entrepreneurship theories and concepts using empirical methods.

The glass ceiling: what have we learned 20 years on?

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 306-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary N. Powell ◽  
D. Anthony Butterfield
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Effectiveness ◽  
Glass Ceiling ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Women In Management ◽  
Empirical Field ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Status Of Women

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the current status of women in management and explanations offered for this status in light of a rare empirical field study of the “glass ceiling” phenomenon the authors conducted about 20 years ago. Design/methodology/approach – The authors review the study’s key arguments, unexpected results, and implications for organizational effectiveness (which have been largely ignored). The authors then review what has transpired and what has been learned about the glass ceiling phenomenon since. Findings – The nature of glass ceilings has remained essentially stable over a 20-year period, although further explanations for them have flourished. Research limitations/implications – More scholarly examinations of ways to shatter glass ceilings and thereby enhance organizational effectiveness are recommended. Practical implications – Organizations, human resources directors, and internal decision makers need to adopt practices that foster “debiasing” of decisions about promotions to top management. Social implications – Societies need to encourage organizations to adopt ways to shatter glass ceilings that continue to disadvantage women. Originality/value – A systematic review and analysis of the present-day implications of an early study of the glass ceiling phenomenon has not previously been conducted.

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