Multi-dimensional flexibility-complexity trade-off modeling in manufacturing systems

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 1757-1781 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nasser Javid ◽  
Kaveh Khalili-Damghani ◽  
Ahmad Makui ◽  
Farshid Abdi
Keyword(s):  
Flexible Manufacturing ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Manufacturing Systems ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa

Purpose This paper aims to propose a multi-dimensional model on the basis of the key factors of the flexibility and the complexity through structural equation modeling (SEM). Dimensions of the flexibilities and complexity, including 16 main factors and 34 sub-factors, are investigated. The sampling of the research is accomplished using both academic and industrial experts. Design/methodology/approach A huge electronic questionnaire analysis, including 1,250 samples from which 1,036 were returned, was accomplished in various universities and manufacturing companies throughout the USA, Europe and Asia. Partial least square-SEM (PLS-SEM) is used to test the hypotheses through confirmatory factor analysis. Findings The results reveal insightful information about the impacts of different dimensions of flexibility on each other and also the effect of the flexibility on the complexity. Finally, system of linear mathematical equations for flexibility-complexity trade-off is proposed. This can be applied to realize the trade-off among dimensions of flexibility and complexity. Originality/value Flexible manufacturing systems are formed to meet the needs of the customers. Such systems try to produce products in appropriate quality at the right time and at the specified quantity. These, in turn, require flexibility and will cause complexity. Although flexibility and complexity are both important, there is no comprehensive framework in which the multi-dimensional relationships of the manufacturing flexibility and complexity, as well as their dimensions, are demonstrated.

Investigating the effect of value stream mapping on operational losses: a case study

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 478-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali-Asghar Dadashnejad ◽  
Changiz Valmohammadi
Keyword(s):  
Cost Reduction ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
The Body ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Value Stream Mapping ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Value Stream

Purpose One of most important tools for lean production is value stream mapping (VSM), which identifies and reduces errors, losses, waiting time and improves value adding time, leading to enhanced product quality through empowering production unit in terms of production risk and cost reduction in the long term. This paper aims to present a general concept for production flow, such that value stream can be fully understood. For this purpose, this research investigates the effect of value stream on operational losses and analyzes the process that has been conducted in preview step operationally, using the discovered pattern. Design/methodology/approach In this research, related processes were evaluated after the review of the relevant literature and after extracting operational basics of lean approach using a questionnaire, such that all factors affecting operational losses and VSM were assessed. Then comparison between the result of current state map and the result of future state map were done and analyzed. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to test the designed questionnaire’s reliability, which resulted in an acceptable level of 0.845. The structural equation modeling method through SPSS and Smart–Partial Least Square was applied to analyze the data and test the hypotheses. Findings The results reveal that implementing required changes and corrections will lead directly to production process improvement, which, in turn, results in higher customer satisfaction because of cost reduction and quality enhancement. Also, tests of the hypotheses confirm that VSM affects six operational losses, namely, equipment failures, set-up and changeovers, idling and minor stoppages, reduced speed operation, scrap and rework and startup losses. Research limitations/implications Though this study was done in a single manufacturing company, the implementation of this study delivers important results that can be deployed in other such manufacturing companies. Practical implications This tool helps to identify loss points, make right decisions, and choose the best methods and lean tools for improvement. The surveyed company can integrate lean principles and tools and achieve better results using this tool. Also, this tool could be used to analyze the process and to define necessary changes before changing the process components. Originality/value This study contributes to the body of knowledge in manufacturing research as the study regarding the effects of improvement opportunities identified through VSM on operational losses is still something new.

From managing customers to joint venturing with customers: co-creating service value in the digital age

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Falkenreck ◽  
Ralf Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Joint Venture ◽  
Digital Age ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Until today, scholars claim that the phenomenon of “co-creation” of value in an “interacted” economy and in the context of positive actor-to-actor relationships has not been adequately explored. This study aims to first to identify and separate the accessible values of internet of things (IoT)-based business models for business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) customer groups. It quantifies the drivers to successfully implement disruptive business models. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered from 292 customers in Western Europe. The conceptual framework was tested using partial least square structural equation modeling. Findings Managing disruptions in the digital age is closely related to the fact that the existing trust in buyer-seller relationships is not enough to accept IoT projects. A company’s digitalization capabilities, satisfaction with the existing relationship and trust in the IoT credibility of the manufacturer drives the perceived value of IoT-based business models in B2B settings. Contrastingly, in B2G settings, money is less important. Research limitations/implications Research refers to one business field, the data set is of European origin only. Findings indicate that the drivers to engage in IoT-related projects differ significantly between the customer groups and therefore require different marketing management strategies. Saving time today is more important to B2G buyers than saving money. Practical implications The disparate nature of B2B and B2G buyers indicates that market segmentation and targeted marketing must be considered before joint-venturing in IoT business models. To joint venture supply chain partners co-creating value in the context of IoT-related business models, relationship management should be focused with buyers on the same footing, as active players and co-developers of a personalized experience in digital service projects. Originality/value Diverging from established studies focusing on the relationship within a network of actors, this study defines disruptive business models and identifies its drivers in B2B and B2G relationships. This study proposes joint venturing with B2B and B2G customers to overcome the perceived risk of these IoT-related business models. Including customers in platforms and networks may lead to the co-creation of value in joint IoT projects.

An integrated model of supply chain resilience and its impact on supply chain performance under disruption

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shih-Jung Juan ◽  
Eldon Y. Li ◽  
Wei-Hsi Hung
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Structured Equation Modeling ◽  
Logistic Issue

PurposeThis study aims to explore the relationships among the five components of supply chain (SC) resilience (SCRES): visibility, velocity, flexibility, robustness and collaboration and their impacts on the SC performance under disruption (SCPUD).Design/methodology/approachFive SCRES components are identified from the literature review and data are collected using an web survey from 113 manufacturing companies in Taiwan. The data are analyzed by structured equation modeling with the partial least square solution. Two-stage least-squares (2SLS) regression was used to test the potential endogeneity of SC collaboration (SCC).FindingsThe results reveal that SCC is an exogenous driver of SCRES; it directly affects visibility, velocity, flexibility, robustness and SCPUD. Furthermore, SC flexibility is the only component of SC agility that directly affects SCPUD; it is influenced directly by SC velocity and indirectly by SC visibility through SC velocity. SC visibility is a vital agility component that positively influences SC velocity and SC robustness.Research limitations/implicationsThe data in this study are cross-sectional and the sample size of 113 is relatively small. The relationship between SC robustness and SCPUD needs a longer observation period to reveal. The logistic issue in the shortage of carriers caused by the pandemic has been overlooked.Practical implicationsA firm should enhance its collaboration and flexibility in the SC as they both are the critical antecedents of SC performance (SCP) during the disruption period.Originality/valueThis study integrates visibility, velocity, flexibility, robustness and collaboration into a complete framework of SCRES. The dependent variable, SCPUD, measures SC performance (SCP) under the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the first study to investigate the associations of the six constructs in a research model.

Abusive supervision, supervisor undermining, and turnover intentions: mediation of quiescent silence and desire to seek revenge among Thai banking frontliners

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gul Afshan ◽  
Muhammad Kashif ◽  
Damrong Sattayawaksakul ◽  
Pimpa Cheewaprakobkit ◽  
Shanika Wijenayake
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Behavior ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Turnover Intentions ◽  
Abusive Supervision ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trickle Down

Purpose Drawing on the social exchange theory, this study aims to investigate the destructive impact of abusive supervision and supervisor undermining on quiescent silence and turnover intentions among frontline employees. Whether quiescent silence and the desire to seek revenge mediate the path from aggressive supervisory behaviors to turnover intentions is explored. Design/methodology/approach Following a time-lagged design, the authors collected data from 350 frontline banking officers in Thailand by a survey. For data analysis purposes, structural equation modeling procedures are used through Smart partial least square version 3.2.0. Findings Uniquely, findings suggest that abusive supervision does not result in any form of retaliation. Supervisor undermining has a trickle-down effect on the desire to revenge, quiescent silence and turnover intentions. For supervisor undermining, the direct path, as well as mediating roles are supported by data. Practical implications The findings of this study suggests organizational systems should discourage supervisors from undermining the subordinates. There is a need to offer regular training to supervisors. Furthermore, employees should be provided some platforms and the freedom to positively speak at work. Above all, supervisors should be more inspiring which can dilute negative perceptions of abuse. Originality/value The proposed mediation of desire to revenge and quiescent silence is unique to this study. Moreover, the challenge to the traditional trickle-down effects of abusive supervision is a unique intervention in the organizational behavior literature.

scholarly journals Exploring the role of service quality, atmosphere and food for revisits in restaurants by using a e-mystery guest approach

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernhard Fabian Bichler ◽  
Birgit Pikkemaat ◽  
Mike Peters
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Food Quality ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Revisit Intention

PurposeQuality in foodservices has become essential, and new methodological ways of determining service quality enable a better representation of service processes and help to increase revisits. This paper focuses on the foodservice context and explores the relationship between staff-related service dimensions, atmosphere, food quality and revisit in a full-service setting.Design/methodology/approachThis study combines an often neglected mystery guest approach with partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to shed more light on customers' service perceptions. The mystery guest approach has been updated with a digitally supported smartphone questionnaire (e-mystery) that provides more reliable results since previous measurements experienced difficulties of feasibility in time-limited settings (N = 247).FindingsThe findings of this study confirm the direct effects of the service quality dimensions reliability, attentiveness and atmosphere on revisit intention and highlight the mediating role of food quality. In detail, the findings showed significant results for service employees' reliability and attentiveness and underlined the role of atmosphere for revisit intention.Originality/valueThe contribution of this paper supplements that mystery guest approaches represent a reliable alternative to convenience sampling, especially in combination with a digitally supported questionnaire (e-mystery). Thereby, this paper suggests the further application of e-mystery for the hospitality and tourism industry. In terms of implications, this study highlights the importance of securing food quality by fostering specialized schools and training programs for career starters. Since the findings stress the importance of service quality and atmosphere, managers need to ensure that employees are trained in culturally sensitive communication and services to excel in service-related dimensions.

Outbound medical tourism experience, satisfaction and loyalty: lesson from a developing country

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Shahed Mahmud ◽  
Md. Mahbubar Rahman ◽  
Reshma Pervin Lima ◽  
Esmat Jahan Annie
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Medical Tourism ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Destination Loyalty ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Tourism Experience

PurposeThe objective of the study is to measure outbound medical tourists' satisfaction and loyalty based on medical tourists' experience from a developing country's perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe medical tourists taken medical services from India constituted the population of this study. By applying a purposive and snowball sampling techniques, samples were selected. Based on the expectation confirmation theory (ECT) and a modified medical tourism experience model, this study empirically analyzed the research hypotheses by applying the partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS–SEM) technique.FindingsThe empirical result revealed that the experience of service quality, medical tourism infrastructure and experience of medical tourism expenses has a direct impact on medical tourists' satisfaction. Furthermore, destination appeal and culture has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between medical tourists' satisfaction and destination loyalty. Multigroup analysis (MGA) was performed to examine group differences of the model. The MGA results revealed that, based on age, the research model remains undifferentiated between groups. In contrast, based on income, the only relationship, medical tourism infrastructure and medical tourists' satisfaction significantly differ between groups, while others remain identical from each other.Practical implicationsThe study results will contribute both theoretically and practically. Theoretically, the study will be a helpful instrument to figure out medical tourists' behavior through the lens of ECT in a developing country’s perspective. Furthermore, practically this study results will assist policymakers and practitioners of medical tourism in formulating strategies and making future decisions effectively.Originality/valueThe study has uniqueness in two aspects. First, the study empirically revealed Bangladeshi medical tourists' experience and behavioral intention to Indian medical tourism destinations. Second, the study’s findings exposed quantifiable insights into the Bangladesh–India medical tourism phenomenon.

Role of market orientation in sustainable performance

Humanomics ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 352-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soheil Kazemian ◽  
Rashidah Abdul Rahman ◽  
Zuraidah Mohd Sanusi ◽  
Abideen A. Adewale
Keyword(s):  
Market Orientation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Customer Orientation ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Competitor Orientation

Purpose Without prejudice to the efficacy of other poverty alleviation mechanisms, micro-financing arguably enjoys relative prominence. However, notwithstanding the remarkable loan repayment rate that the microfinance firms report, they still face the challenge of sustainability. The paper aims to provide insights into how three dimensions of market orientation, namely, customer orientation, competitor orientation and inter-function coordination, affect the two aspects of the sustainability of microfinance institutions (MFIs; management and financial). Design/methodology/approach To achieve this goal, this study focuses on Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), a leading microfinance provider which is also the largest MFI in South East Asia. Data elicited via a survey questionnaire administered on 190 management staff of AIM across Malaysia are subjected to statistical analysis via the partial least square-structural equation modeling using SmartPLS 2.0. Findings The results provide empirical evidences that indicate that management sustainability is significantly influenced by customer orientation and inter-function coordination. However, only customer orientation affects the financial sustainability of AIM. Nevertheless, competitor orientation has non-significant effects on both aspects of sustainability of AIM. Research limitations/implications The result of the paper contributes to the literature in understanding the long-term sustainable financial and social performance-based market orientation. Originality/value Findings are useful for policy makers, management of MFIs, practitioners and academics to enhance microfinance system. Managerial implications, limitation of the study and suggestions for future research are also included.

Transferring knowledge from universities to organizations by business students

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 199-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed Ali Raza ◽  
Arsalan Najmi ◽  
Nida Shah
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Survey Methodology ◽  
Business Students ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Employees ◽  
Functional Value ◽  
Interactive Case Study

Purpose This paper aims to explore the significance of knowledge transfer (KT) from universities to organizations by employing in-service employees, who are working in organizations and at the same time studying in the universities, as the channel. Design/methodology/approach By using survey methodology, data were collected from 216 in-service business students via self-administered questionnaires and partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied. Findings The results revealed that intrinsic motivation, psychological hardiness, functional value and innovative culture significantly predict the acquired knowledge which henceforth positively affects KT. Research limitations/implications Data from business students of the single university were extracted which limits the findings, and hence directed future researchers to explore further. Practical implications Interactive, case study-based training and others implications are discussed to effectively transfer the knowledge from universities to organizations. Originality/value The role of in-service employed students is of significant importance, as students exist as an intermediary between organizations and universities, and so both universities and organizations should make maximum use of the said channel for an effective KT.

A study on the effectiveness of aesthetically appealing print recruitment advertisement

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 506-520
Author(s):  
Muruganantham Ganesan ◽  
Esther Princess George
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Organizational Attraction ◽  
Job Seekers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Job Advertisement ◽  
Recruitment Advertising ◽  
Job Ads

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the nature of intervention of job seeker’s perception of organizational attraction and attitude toward ad and organization in the application intention produced by aesthetics of print job ads. Design/methodology/approach An aesthetically appealing faculty-opening job advertisement was used as stimuli and around 250 responses to an administered questionnaire were collected from among job seekers in the academic domain. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypothesis. Findings According to the results of the study, aesthetic features of print recruitment ad, even though insignificant in directly inducing job seeker intention to apply, significantly enhanced their organizational attraction and attitudes, and thereby, their application intention. Therefore, job seeker’s perception of organizational attractiveness and attitude were found to full mediate this relationship, regardless of the job seekers’ degree of familiarity with the organization. Practical implications This study encourages recruiters in the academic job sectors to design and administer aesthetically appealing job advertisements to maximize the high talent pool of applicants from which to choose. Originality/value This study is the first of its kind in the Indian context in terms of print recruitment advertising. This study is also original in reporting organizational attraction and attitude towards ad and organization as mediators of application intention produced by ad aesthetics.

scholarly journals Millennials' attitude toward chatbots: an experimental study in a social relationship perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (11) ◽  
pp. 1213-1233
Author(s):  
Roberta De Cicco ◽  
Susana Costa e Silva ◽  
Francesca Romana Alparone
Keyword(s):  
Social Presence ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Social Relationship ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Interaction Style ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceived Enjoyment ◽  
Task Oriented

PurposeChatbots represent an innovative channel for retailers to meet young customers' needs anywhere and at any time. Being an emergent technology, however, it is important to investigate more thoroughly how users perceive it, and which are the variables that enhance a positive attitude towards this technology. On this premise, this study applies a social relationship perspective to the design of chatbots addressed to younger consumers.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a between-participants factorial design to investigate the effects of visual cues (avatar presence vs avatar absence) and interaction styles (social-oriented vs task-oriented) on social presence and how this, in turn, enhances millennials' perceived enjoyment, trust and, ultimately, attitude towards the chatbot. A survey experiment was employed to conduct the study on data collected from 193 Italian millennials.FindingsThe results show that applying a social-oriented interaction style increases users' perception of social presence, while an insignificant effect was found for avatar presence. The partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis further confirms the hypothesised model.Originality/valueThe adoption of new digital technologies such as chatbots is likely to have a far reaching effect on retailers, consumers, employees and society. For this reason, a broad understanding of the phenomenon is needed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to provide results from an experimental design in which both interaction style (social- vs task-oriented) and avatar (presence vs absence) of a chatbot are manipulated to directly explore social presence and its effect on trust, perceived enjoyment and millennials' attitude towards a chatbot applied for retailing purposes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document