Towards Lean Factory-Combining Lean Thinking with Promising Manufacturing Method - A Case of Finnish Boating Industry

2011 ◽  
Vol 110-116 ◽  
pp. 4070-4075
Author(s):  
Mikael Ehrs ◽  
Anna Rymaszewska ◽  
Janne Pekkala
Keyword(s):  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Labor Cost ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Rotational Molding ◽  
Lean Thinking ◽  
Manufacturing Costs ◽  
Manufacturing Method ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Depth Interviews

The Finnish boating industry is currently facing various challenges that force it to rethink the traditional way of working. Growing manufacturing costs, competition from low labor cost countries as well as new regulations regarding styrene emissions are one of the major factors imposing a change on boat manufacturers. The article focuses on the analysis of Finnish boating industry situation and identification of possible development opportunities. The particular attention is put on lean manufacturing principles and its application in small and medium-sized companies that dominate the market. The aim is to propose a concept factory for boating industry-a factory that would put the lean thinking into practice. Only the most appropriate and promising concepts are proposed. The method for concepts selection is based on the analysis of the industry’s current situation examined with the help of in-depth interviews conducted in boating and rotational molding companies in Finland.

Simplified Version of Polymer Rotational Molding Manufacturing Method

2016 ◽  
Vol 699 ◽  
pp. 97-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurenţiu Slătineanu ◽  
Oana Dodun ◽  
Margareta Coteaţă ◽  
Gheorghe Nagîţ ◽  
Irina Beşliu
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Phase ◽  
Rotation Speed ◽  
Rotational Molding ◽  
Slow Speed ◽  
Molding Process ◽  
Manufacturing Method ◽  
Polyurethane Resin ◽  
Liquid Material ◽  
Complex Equipment ◽  
Plastic Parts

Rotational molding is a manufacturing method which supposes the rotation of the mold, during the solidification of the liquid phase material, so that finally a part having a hollow could be obtained. The method could be applied in manufacturing of metallic and nonmetallic parts. Usually, the equipment for rotational molding ensures slow speed rotating of the mold around two axes placed perpendicularly each other and this fact led to relatively complex equipment for achieving rotational molding. The capacity of the liquid material to entirely cover the internal walls of the mold depends essentially on the liquid material viscosity, on the rotation speed and on the movements applied to the mold. Simplified equipment including a single rotation movement could be materialized. In order to test such a solution, a preliminary experiment was designed and materialized, by using a device adapted on universal lathe. Thus, the objective of the research presented in the paper was to study if it is possible to achieve plastic parts made by rotational molding using a single rotation movement. A polyurethane resin obtained from two liquid components was used in order to obtain the liquid material that could be introduced in the mold. The research results proved the possibility to use simplified equipment for achieving a rotational molding process, at least in certain cases and with some technological limits.

scholarly journals Population vulnerability and disaster risk reduction: A situation analysis among the landslide affected communities in Kerala, India

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunil Damodaran Santha ◽  
Ratheeshkumar Kanjirathmkuzhiyil Sreedharan
Keyword(s):  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
The State ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Elected Representatives ◽  
Depth Interviews

Landslides affect at least 15% of the land area of India, exceeding 0.49 million km2. Taking the case of landslide affected communities in the state of Kerala in India, this paper demonstrates that the focus has seldom been placed on assessing and reducing vulnerability. From the perspective of political economy, this paper argues that vulnerability reduction has to be the main priority of any disaster risk reduction programme. This paper also demonstrates that the interactions between ecological and social systems are usually complex and non-linear in nature. In contrast, interventions to tackle landslide risks have followed a linear course, assuming that one hazard event acts independently of another. The key findings of the study show that lack of access to political power, decision making, and resources, insecure livelihoods,environmental degradation, and ine#ectiveness of the state approach to disaster risk reduction are some of the major factors that lead to increasing vulnerability. Qualitative in nature, the primary data were collected through in-depth interviews with people from different groups such as farmers affected by the landslides and secondary floods, men and women living in the temporary shelter, government representatives involved in relief activities, health authorities, and elected representatives.

The comparative analysis of life satisfaction among Syrian, Iranian, and Afghan refugees in Turkey: The case of Denizli

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sayed Alawadin Maqul ◽  
Sevcan GüneŞ ◽  
TuĞba Akin
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Iranian Immigrants ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Afghan Refugees ◽  
Advanced Economies ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract In this study, the survey method was used to analyse the life satisfaction of three different refugee groups that are Syrian, Iranian, and Afghan who lives in the Denizli province of Turkey. According to the outcomes of in-depth interviews and surveys conducted on 150 refugees, the most common reason for immigrating to Turkey is the civil war-factor. The survey results show that the Afghan refugees’ level of income increased compared to that of before immigration. Afghan and Syrian refugees are more satisfied with their lives in Turkey compared to Iranian immigrants. Besides, uneducated and male refugees, living in a country with the same religion as the departure country are more satisfied than other immigrants. Therefore Iranian immigrants, most of whom are not Muslim, are planning to migrate again from Turkey to more advanced economies. In sum, the results of this study indicate that the major factors affecting life satisfaction of immigrants are educational status, religion, gender, and income.

Causes of Truck and Cargo Drivers’ Fatigue in Bangladesh

2013 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mahbub Alam Talukder ◽  
Md. Shahidul Islam ◽  
Ishtiaque Ahmed ◽  
Md. Asif Raihan
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Family Care ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Family Conflicts ◽  
Working Pressure ◽  
Economic Vulnerability ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Depth Interviews

In recent studies, it has been observed that fatigue is one of the major factors contributing to fatal accidents in Bangladesh. It is increasing tremendously and alarmingly and causing the huge loss of lives and assets. In Bangladesh, heavy vehicle drivers are susceptible to frequent fatigue related accidents, thus increasing disability and social and economic vulnerability. The study aims to identify truck drivers’ causes of fatigue and other physical, socio-psychological and economic consequences on the drivers. The study was conducted during January-June 2012 in the different truck and cargo terminals of Dhaka city in Bangladesh. A total of 400 drivers were chosen purposively. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews and focused group discussion methods. The study indicates that the reasons behind fatigue led injuries were the driver’s consistent working pressure, longer non-stop driving, traffic congestions, driving in drunk condition, inadequate facilities of physical and mental rests,  family conflicts and long detachment from family care,  owners and drivers ill relationship, harassments by police, job insecurity and income frustrations etc. The study showed that above 83% of the drivers directly or indirectly suffered from fatigue related problems. The study showed that pressure from owners and businessmen and lack of mal-nutrient food consumption were the leading causes of fatigue. The owners’ and drivers’ associations, civil society, Government of Bangladesh (GOB), NGOs and development partners should address the fatal crisis by adopting appropriate interventions to reduce the said fatigue related accidents.

scholarly journals Discharge against Medical Advice at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Gujarat, India

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhanu Devpura ◽  
Pranav Bhadesia ◽  
Somashekhar Nimbalkar ◽  
Sandeep Desai ◽  
Ajay Phatak
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Medical Advice ◽  
Against Medical Advice ◽  
Breaking Bad ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Depth Interviews

Objective. We explored reasons for discharged against medical advice (DAMA) of neonates from a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) through in-depth interviews of the parents/guardians. Methods. Of 456 babies admitted to NICU during April 2014 to March 2015, 116 babies were DAMA. Parents of randomly selected 50 babies of these 116, residing within 50 kilometers, were approached for in-depth interviews at their homes. Audio recordings were done and manually transcribed, analyzed in detail to explore common threads leading to DAMA. Basic demographic information of the newborns was retrieved from hospital records. Results. The prevalence of DAMA was 25.4%. Of 50 parents approached, 41 in-depth interviews were completed. Nonaffordability (38.6%), no improvement (14.6%), poor prognosis (12%), and inappropriate behavior of the patient relation office personnel (10.6%) were major factors contributing to DAMA. Parents of 6.6% neonates wanted guarantee of survival and 5.3% parents reported poor behavior of nurses. No gender bias was observed related to DAMA. One-third of neonates (34.1%) were DAMA on first day of admission. Conclusions. The issue of DAMA needs attention. Besides nonaffordability and clinical characteristics of the baby, communication (breaking bad news, counseling, etc.) and lack of adequate infrastructure for relatives emerged as modifiable factors leading to DAMA.

scholarly journals Environmental turbulence: impact on UK SMEs’ manufacturing priorities

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 1239-1264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eustathios Sainidis ◽  
Andrew Robson
Keyword(s):  
Research Strategy ◽  
Environmental Turbulence ◽  
Manufacturing Strategy ◽  
Process Technology ◽  
Manufacturing Costs ◽  
Competitive Priorities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Manufacturing Priorities

Purpose This paper aims to assess the impact of 2008 recession (Great Recession)-led environmental turbulence on the manufacturing small and medium enterprise (SME) sector and its related competitive priorities. Design/methodology/approach A mixed methods research strategy, consisting of a survey of 104 manufacturing SMEs located in the UK, complemented by 17 in-depth interviews with senior management representatives from this survey group. Findings Senior managers have prompted a realignment of competitive manufacturing priorities accounting for external financial and market conditions. Differing competitive priorities post-recession are given to various areas of manufacturing decision-making, the greatest impact being on manufacturing costs. Manufacturing flexibility, performance in meeting customer deliveries and enhancing supplier selection are merited to increase priority with relatively little change for process technology, quality and environmental practices. Research limitations/implications The sample of survey participants was relatively small, therefore prohibiting an assessment of differences in competitive priorities by sub-sectors of manufacturing SMEs. This was offset by a healthy number of informative, in-depth interviews that provided a richness of examples and insight into the shifting priorities for the sector. Practical implications Clear priorities have emerged around reducing manufacturing costs, being more flexible in manufacturing and improving outward performance relating to customers and suppliers. Originality/value This builds on established manufacturing strategy constructs and points to necessary competitive priority realignment focused on the performance areas listed above.

scholarly journals Agrochemicals Use Practices and Health Challenges of Smallholder Farmers in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 117863022110430
Author(s):  
Suleyman M Demi ◽  
Suzanne R Sicchia
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Major Health ◽  
Health Implications ◽  
Environmental Consequences ◽  
Health Quality ◽  
Reported Health ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background: Globally, Africa is one of the continents that uses the lowest quantity of agrochemicals in farming. However, unsafe chemical use practices are high among farmers in Africa, posing serious health and environmental consequences. This study seeks to address three questions: (1) What factors motivate/compel smallholder farmers in Ghana to use agrochemicals? (2) What safety precautions or unsafe chemical use practices can be found in the communities? (3) What are the health implications of agrochemical use among smallholder farmers in Ghana? Methodology: The study used purposive and simple random sampling techniques to select 136 individuals for the survey, out of which 31 individuals were eliminated, and 105 participants were selected for in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Additionally, participants’ observations were collected, workshops were facilitated, and documents analyses were conducted. Qualitative data were analyzed using NVivo software and the quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Findings: The study found that environmental challenges, activities of NGOs, government policy, lack of or high cost of labor, and competition among farmers were major factors influencing farmers’ decisions to use agrochemicals. Present agrochemical use in Ghana poses a risk to health and the environment. Finally, the study discovered chemical poisoning and low self-reported health quality as major health implications of agrochemical use in the communities.

scholarly journals Benchmarking the Efficiency of Transplanting Plant Cuttings at Large Young Plant Greenhouse Operations

HortScience ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (8) ◽  
pp. 1133-1138
Author(s):  
Yai Ulrich Adegbola ◽  
Paul R. Fisher ◽  
Alan W. Hodges
Keyword(s):  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Labor Cost ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Major Type ◽  
Young Plant ◽  
Bedding Plants ◽  
Herbaceous Perennials ◽  
Labor Efficiency ◽  
Manufacturing Optimization ◽  
Plant Operations

Transplanting of unrooted cuttings into trays filled with root substrate is an initial process in the production of rooted cuttings. There is potential for companies producing transplants to decrease production costs and increase profit margins by improving the labor efficiency of this process; however, benchmarking between firms is lacking. This study focused on benchmarking labor productivity for transplanting cuttings at young plant operations and identifying key factors that differentiate efficiency between businesses. Data were collected on the transplanting process of 14 U.S. young plant greenhouse companies during their peak production week in 2016. Companies surveyed included nine operations producing bedding plants (BPs) as the major type of transplant. The total weekly labor allocated to transplant cuttings averaged 2109 ± 449 hours (mean ± se) at a labor cost of $26,392 ± $5842 to transplant 1,316,111 ± 273,377 cuttings, resulting in a labor cost of $0.023 ± $0.003 per cutting. For steps within the process of assembling a transplanted tray of cuttings, receiving and handling unrooted cuttings was 3% of the total labor cost, filling trays with root substrate was 8%, inserting cuttings into the root substrate was 70%, supervising was 10%, and moving assembled trays to the greenhouse bench was 8%. The labor cost per cutting varied nearly 5-fold between growers, from $0.010 to $0.049, indicating potential for improved efficiency in higher cost locations. Differences in the labor cost between firms resulted from factors including the plant type produced in each location, with greater handling and grading required for tissue culture and herbaceous perennials compared with BP cuttings, and differences in the hourly labor cost to the business which ranged from $9.23 to $18.66 between locations. Although other factors such as training, available labor pool, and lean manufacturing optimization were observed to affect labor efficiency at individual locations, it was not possible to quantify these effects using the survey approach taken. Benchmarked figures can be used to highlight opportunities to improve labor efficiency and decrease production costs, and to evaluate return on investment for alternative labor-saving approaches including robotic transplanting.

scholarly journals A Model of Lean Management for Organizational Innovation: Cases in Visegrád and AFTA

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 532-541
Author(s):  
Tuan-anh Tran ◽  
Rajab Ghabour ◽  
My Nguyen ◽  
Miklós Daróczi
Keyword(s):  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Production Management ◽  
Organizational Innovation ◽  
Free Trade Area ◽  
Labor Cost ◽  
Lean Management ◽  
Managerial Decision ◽  
Management Philosophy ◽  
Trade Blocs ◽  
Trade Area

AbstractOriginated as a production management philosophy, Lean Manufacturing has successfully transferred and implemented globally. Lean genealogy studies have been conducted, indicating the essential concept now evolves to Lean Management (LM), which is applicable to many branches of production and services management, viz quality and productivity, human resources, knowledge and technology, etc. Innovation has been made to ensure a smooth customization of knowledge and principles, tailored to each organization who is eager to implement this state-of-the-art management system. However, failures are becoming commonplace due to the lack of understanding the core values, and insufficient intensification of compensation for cultural differences. In this paper, cases of implementing LM across the Visegrád group (V4) and the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) from previous literature are taken into consideration. Factors that differentiate the characteristic of LM are brought to discussion. Therefore, the discovered gap between the two trade blocs urges the in-depth amendment and modification of employed concepts, tools, etc. A model is consequently elaborated, which aims at facilitate the managerial decision-making process regarding knowledge transfer of LM between V4 and AFTA, based on critical factors related to human, technology and culture, i.e. Labor cost, Manual requirement, Awareness, Continuous Improvement culture. This model can be used to predict the change should be made, or the criterion should be fulfilled to transfer the implementation and knowledge of LM effectively.

What Makes SMEs Entrepreneurs in Central Java Adopt E-Commerce?

2021 ◽  
pp. 17-36
Author(s):  
Tusyanah Tusyanah ◽  
Wijang Sakitri ◽  
Fentya Dyah Rahmawati ◽  
Lita Citra Dewi ◽  
Fransisca Rahcmawati Indira
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Individual Difference ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Trading Partner ◽  
Competitive Pressure ◽  
Perceived Service Quality ◽  
Perceived Trust ◽  
Central Java ◽  
Major Factors

The adoption of e-commerce by SMEs is inevitable given the changing disruptive era where marketplaces innovation opens opportunities for SMEs to become partners if they want to promote their products through marketplaces. This study uses an integrated framework of TAM, TPB, and TOE on food processing MSMEs in Semarang. There are 10 variables that affect the adoption of e-commerce; the largest to smallest influencing variables are competitive pressure, current situation, social influence, perceived trust, perceived ease for use, perceived usefulness, individual difference factors, trading partner readiness, perceived service quality, and consumer readiness. Competitive pressure is the variable with the biggest effect (26.1%) on the adoption of e-commerce. Furthermore, based on three major factors, technology, organization, and environment, the influencing factors are environment and organization; they give an effect of 56.2% on the adoption of e-commerce. Thus, the adoption of mobile-applications (GOJEK, Shopee, Grab, Tokopedia, Bukalapak) is needed to increase sales.

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