Assessing the Sustainment of a Lean Implementation Using System Dynamics Modeling

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 14-29
Author(s):  
Marc Haddad ◽  
Rami Otayek
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Cultural Resistance ◽  
Lean Implementation ◽  
Work In Process ◽  
Production Wastes ◽  
Traditional Work

The adoption of the lean approach has yet to extend to the majority of manufacturers in developing countries where traditional work practices are dominant and cultural resistance to change is high. This research consists of a case study about lean implementation at a clothing manufacturer in a developing country. Production wastes are identified and appropriate lean techniques, namely Total Productive Maintenance, Kanban and Supermarket Pull, are identified to eliminate or reduce them. The potential impacts on the manufacturing system are first assessed using a system dynamics model. The modeling results showed a “getting worse before getting better” behavior as work-in-process increased in the short-term, before a net reduction of 34% on average was achieved over the first 3 months. This result was replicated by a similar trend in the actual lean implementation on the factory floor, showing the usefulness of SD modeling for supporting the sustainability of lean interventions where short-term drawbacks can be deceptive when compared to the long-term benefits of lean.

scholarly journals Casting Long-Term and Regenerative Perspectives on Global Sustainability through Systems and Resilience Thinking

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 1230
Author(s):  
Fabricio Casarejos
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Systems Dynamics ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Exponential Behavior ◽  
Global Sustainability ◽  
Resilience Thinking ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis ◽  
To Come

The main objective of this work is to foster long-term and regenerative perspectives on global sustainability. In pursuing this goal, this study encompasses a critical analysis and synthesis of insights from the fields of systems and resilience thinking, a conceptual framework for modeling and envisioning socio-ecological systems, and the proposition of the “flourishing within boundaries” archetype, which is conceived to provide meaningful insights regarding the essential conditions that would enable global society to flourish not just safely but also fairly. Through systems dynamics modeling, portrayed scenarios emphasize that the higher the regenerative societal change achieved, the greater the exponential behavior of the system’s speed towards promising socio-ecological outcomes. Especially for longer time horizons, the overall results reveal that the pace of the transitions associated with the societal action is inherently higher than those associated with the limiting social and ecological factors. Actions taken by individuals in the local realm and short-term time horizon may not only have immediate local effects but also a variety of innumerous ones that radiate out for years, decades, and even centuries to come. Finally, the pursuit of flourishing within boundaries relies on thinking rationally, globally, and above all, through a long-term and regenerative perspective.

scholarly journals The Balanced Scorecard and the Strategic Learning Process: A System Dynamics Modeling Approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steen Nielsen ◽  
Erland H. Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Balanced Scorecard ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Quantitative Model ◽  
Strategic Learning ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
The Balanced Scorecard ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Methodological Aspects

The main purpose of this paper is to improve on the conceptual as well as the methodological aspects of BSC as a quantitative model by combining elements from traditional balanced scorecard (BSC) thinking with the Systems Thinking. This is done by combining short and long term aspects of measurements. The result is then used to build and construct a balanced scorecard model for strategic learning with the specific aim to maintain satisfied customers and motivated employees. Strategic planning, operational execution, feedback, and learning are some of the most important key features of any performance measurement model. This paper aims to address not only the conceptual domain related to BSC, that is, learning and system dynamics causality and feedback, but also the methodological domain concept of precision solved by differential equations. Our results show how a potential move from a static strategic vision map to a linked and dynamic understanding may be not fully realistic but very useful for learning purposes. The new knowledge obtained from the learning feedbacks fertilizes both decision discussion and decision-making and what may be required in order to move to the next level of BSC and system dynamics integration.

System Dynamics Modeling for China's EV Development Strategy

2013 ◽  
Vol 378 ◽  
pp. 483-486
Author(s):  
Yu Ning Wang ◽  
Hui Ming Zeng ◽  
Bin Qing Tang ◽  
Bin Xiang Hu
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Development Strategy ◽  
Electric Vehicles ◽  
Competitive Ability ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Market Demand ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Dynamic Factors ◽  
Policy Suggestions

Due to mandatory emission reduction and rising oil prices electric vehicles are about to be introduced in mass markets. This paper presents a system dynamics model of Chinas development strategy of electric vehicle industry. The focus of the paper is to study the influence of four major dynamic factors government policies, technology innovation, market demand and competitive ability. It gives an overall scenario of the development and highlights the major problems faced by Chinese electric vehicles industry, and how SD modeling can be used for the analysis of the industry developing policy. The model has been used to simulate the influence of these dynamic factors for 20 years, and a serious of policy tests and some useful policy suggestions were put forward. The result suggested that government support will still play a key role in a long-term.

scholarly journals Using Participatory System Dynamics Modeling to Address Complex Conservation Problems: Tiger Farming as a Case Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica Rieder ◽  
Lincoln R. Larson ◽  
Michael 't Sas-Rolfes ◽  
Birgit Kopainsky
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Policy Conflict ◽  
Social Ecological Systems ◽  
Social Ecological ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Tiger Conservation ◽  
Human Wildlife Conflict

Conservation practitioners routinely work within complex social-ecological systems to address threats facing biodiversity and to promote positive human-wildlife interactions. Inadequate understanding of the direct and indirect, short- and long-term consequences of decision making within these dynamic systems can lead to misdiagnosed problems and interventions with perverse outcomes, exacerbating conflict. Participatory system dynamics (SD) modeling is a process that encourages stakeholder engagement, synthesizes research and knowledge, increases trust and consensus and improves transdisciplinary collaboration to solve these complex types of problems. Tiger conservation exemplifies a set of interventions in a complex social-ecological system. Wild tigers remain severely threatened by various factors, including habitat constraints, human-wildlife conflict, and persistent consumer demand for their body parts. Opinions differ on whether commercial captive tiger facilities reduce or increase the threat from poaching for trade, resulting in policy conflict among diverse stakeholder groups. This paper explains how we are working with international conservation partners in a virtual environment to utilize a participatory SD modeling approach with the goal of better understanding and promoting coexistence of humans and wild tigers. We highlight a step-by-step process that others might use to apply participatory SD modeling to address similar conservation challenges, building trust and consensus among diverse partners to reduce conflict and improve the efficacy of conservation interventions.

scholarly journals Stochastic System Dynamics Modelling for climate change water scarcity assessment on a reservoir in the Italian Alps

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Terzi ◽  
Janez Sušnik ◽  
Stefan Schneiderbauer ◽  
Silvia Torresan ◽  
Andrea Critto
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
System Dynamics ◽  
Water Availability ◽  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Stochastic System ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Short Term ◽  
System Dynamics Modelling ◽  
Dynamics Modelling

Abstract. Water management in mountain regions is facing multiple pressures due to climate change and anthropogenic activities. This is particularly relevant for mountain areas where water abundance in the past allowed for many anthropogenic activities, exposing them to future water scarcity. To better understand the processes involved in water scarcity impact, an innovative stochastic System Dynamics Modelling (SDM) explores water stored and turbined in the S.Giustina reservoir (Province of Trento, Italy). The integration of outputs from climate change simulations as well as from a hydrological model and statistical models into the SDM is a quick and effective tool to simulate past and future water availability and demand conditions. Short-term RCP4.5 simulations depict conditions of highest volume and outflow reductions starting in spring (−16.1 % and −44.7 % in May compared to the baseline). Long-term RCP8.5 simulations suggest conditions of volume and outflow reductions starting in summer and lasting until the end of the year. The number of events with stored water below the 30th and above the 80th quantiles suggest a general reduction both in terms of low and high volumes. These results call for the need to adapt to acute short-term water availability reductions in spring and summer while preparing for hydroelectric production reductions due to the chronic long-term trends affecting autumn and mid-winter. This study provides results and methodological insights for potential SDM upscaling across strategic mountain socio-economic sectors (e.g., hydropower, agriculture and tourism) to expand water scarcity assessments and prepare for future multi-risk conditions and impacts.

A Framework for Using Dynamic Modeling to Support Lean Sustainment in a Complex Setting

2021 ◽  
pp. 91-110
Author(s):  
Marc Haddad ◽  
Rami Otayek
Keyword(s):  
Systems Thinking ◽  
System Performance ◽  
Demand Uncertainty ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Work In Process ◽  
Simulation Results ◽  
Thinking Tools

This chapter proposes a framework for integrating lean and systems thinking tools to explore the dynamics of lean implementations in manufacturing. The value of this integrated approach is in supplementing the operational level principles of lean with the strategic outlook of systems thinking to mitigate adverse impacts of operational complexity on system performance. In particular, the focus of the framework is to enable the sustainment of lean gains in the long-term, a major challenge in manufacturing settings. The application of the framework is illustrated with a case study of a lean implementation for reducing work-in-process (WIP) at a clothing manufacturer dealing with a number of operational complexities such as demand uncertainty, a high product mix and inefficient processes. The case study highlights the usefulness of system dynamics modeling in revealing counterintuitive system behaviors that could compromise the success of the lean initiative. The simulation results demonstrate the application of the framework for sustaining lean implementations in practice.

Identification and modeling of employee barriers while implementing lean manufacturing in small- and medium-scale enterprises

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 467-486 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Ramadas ◽  
K.P. Satish
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Cultural Resistance ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Lean Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Specification Search ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the factors associated with the employee barriers while implementing lean manufacturing within the small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach The structural equation modelling approach is employed to develop the initial model drawing a sample survey of 133 small and medium enterprises. The result of the study shows that the lack of well-trained and experienced staff, lack of knowledge about existing specialist, cultural resistance to change are acting as the employee barriers while implementing lean manufacturing in SMEs. Then, a further study has been conducted to develop the employee barrier model with these three factors and its contributing variables using specification search representing the sample of 117 small and medium enterprises using the following fit function criteria: Chi-square (C), Chi-square-df (C-df), Akaike information criteria, Browne-Cudeck criterion, Bayes information criterion, Chi-square divided by the degrees of freedom (C/df) and significance level (p). Findings The lack of well-trained and experienced staff, lack of knowledge about existing specialist, and cultural resistance to change with 19 associated elements were considered in the questionnaire. Specification search was carried out to build up the model on the collected data from 117 SMEs. The results of the specification search identified that these three factors with 15 key variables are significant to employee barrier while implementing lean manufacturing in SMEs. Research limitations/implications The limitation of the study was that the sample size of the study was relatively small for further research, large sample size more than 117 are to be expected. Practical implications The present study has explored an unfocused area of lean implementation in small and medium enterprises. The results obtained from the study are expected to help researchers, academics, and professionals for the further studies in the domain of lean manufacturing. Social implications To implement and understand the lean manufacturing system, government of the many countries around the world are helping and encouraging by providing financial assistance for training professionals and establishing professional associations. However, many industries are not successful in lean implementation. This research work provides to develop a strategy to tackle employee barriers for successful lean implementation. Originality/value Very little research has been carried out exploring employee barriers while implementing lean manufacturing in SMEs. This paper will provide value to academics, researchers and practitioners of lean by way of providing insight into significant employee barriers for lean implementation, especially in Indian industries.

System Dynamics Modeling for China's EV Development Strategy

2013 ◽  
Vol 765-767 ◽  
pp. 278-281
Author(s):  
Yu Ning Wang ◽  
Hui Ming Zeng ◽  
Bing Qing Tang ◽  
Bin Xiang Hu
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Development Strategy ◽  
Electric Vehicles ◽  
Competitive Ability ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Market Demand ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Dynamic Factors ◽  
Policy Suggestions

Due to mandatory emission reduction and rising oil prices electric vehicles are about to be introduced in mass markets. This paper presents a system dynamics model of Chinas development strategy of electric vehicle industry. The focus of the paper is to study the influence of four major dynamic factors government policies, technology innovation, market demand and competitive ability. It gives an overall scenario of the development and highlights the major problems faced by Chinese electric vehicles industry, and how SD modeling can be used for the analysis of the industry developing policy. The model has been used to simulate the influence of these dynamic factors for 20 years, and a serious of policy tests and some useful policy suggestions were put forward. The result suggested that government support will still play a key role in a long-term.

Modeling Long-Term Highway Staffing Requirements for State Transportation Agencies

2017 ◽  
Vol 2612 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-84
Author(s):  
Ying Li ◽  
Timothy R. B. Taylor ◽  
Gabriel B. Dadi ◽  
Roy E. Sturgill
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Formal Model ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Highway Infrastructure ◽  
Staffing Levels ◽  
Long Term Forecasting ◽  
Temporary Staffing ◽  
Staffing Requirements ◽  
Transportation Agencies

State transportation agencies (STAs) across the country face many challenges in repairing and enhancing highway infrastructure to meet rapidly increasing transportation needs. One of these challenges is maintaining an adequate and efficient agency staff. To effectively plan for future staffing levels, STAs need a method for forecasting long-term staffing requirements. However, the methods currently in use cannot function without well-defined projects; therefore, making long-term forecasts is difficult. This paper seeks to develop a dynamic model that captures the feedback mechanisms within the system that determines highway staffing requirements. The system dynamics modeling method was used to build the forecasting model. The formal model was based on dynamic hypotheses derived from a literature review and interviews with transportation experts. Qualitative and quantitative data from literature and federal and state databases were used to support the values and equations in the model. The model integrates STAs’ strategic plans, funding situations, and staffing strategies and determines future staffing levels and will hopefully fill the absence of long-term forecasting tools at STAs. Standard system dynamics validation procedures were used to test the model, after which input data specific to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet were used to calibrate the model and to simulate an expected retirement wave and search for solutions to address temporary staffing shortages.

scholarly journals A System Dynamics Modeling and Computer-based Simulation in Forecasting Long-term Sufficiency: A Philippine Chicken Meat Sector Case Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 5406-5411 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. T. M. Espino ◽  
L. M. Bellotindos
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
System Modeling ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Chicken Meat ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Strategic Issues ◽  
Proper Actions ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Meat Sector

As the human population continues to grow, the global growth of the livestock sector will continue to rise as well. In the Philippines, the demand for chicken meat is projected to triple by 2050. In this study, the increasing consumption and long-term sufficiency were evaluated with the use of the system dynamics concept. With system modeling and computer-based simulation techniques, the available data on chicken meat supply chain were processed considering that factors behave dynamically. The simulated model facilitated the forecasting of key variables which may drop sufficiency from 87% in 2015 to 60% by 2050 if no proper actions take place in the areas of production and consumption. As a whole, this study developed and demonstrated preliminary system dynamics-based and computer based-approaches in order to understand the chicken meat sector. This showed that a dynamic systems-based paradigm shift in food and agricultural systems analysis can help address operational and strategic issues regarding food security.

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