The Taiwan system of innovation in the tool machine industry: a case study

Recent evidence suggests that the Taiwan’s machine tool industry as a whole is prominent in the world, ranking sixth in output and fifth in exports. This paper explores the current status and features of Taiwan’s national systems of innovation (NSI) for its machine tool industry. It is suggested that five major elements of the NSI explain the extensive diffusion of new technologies in the industry, namely: industry clusters, educational system, bridging institutions, government policy, and global business environment. Further, the structural and institutional problems of the innovation system are identified. Future directions of technology development are also discussed.     

Manufacturing strategy: A study of machine tool companies in the UK

This paper describes findings from an empirical study carried out in a group of small to medium sized companies within the U.K. machine tool industry. Notions of manufacturing strategy are discussed and a contingency model of change within production systems is proposed. Based on the model, a research programme is described, the object of which was to determine why firms adopt particular production systems, under what conditions these are changed, and the criteria and procedures which are used. A focus for change is taken to be the make-or-buy decision. The results showed that the key criteria used by the firms in their evaluations were: capacity, utilization and process capability (technology). From the study, it is concluded that response to change was largely based upon operational considerations and that the firms lacked a framework for reviewing the strategic implications of their decisions. Hence, the need is argued for a methodology whereby firms can establish consistent functional strategies, with the plans and policies to achieve them.     

Is the Pendulum Swinging Back? Patterns of Skill Change in the Machine-Tool Industry

In this paper, we focus on the results of the Belgian Trend Study. The intention of this study was to examine the prevalence of new production concepts within the widest possible range of Belgian companies in the automobile, machine tool, chemical and clothing industries. The Trend-study aimed to answer the following questions: is the Taylorist division of labour a thing of the past ? What are the alternatives? Are shifts in the division of labour accompanied by another type of personnel policy, and do traditional industrial relations have to make way for this new approach? The methodological concept used had to guarantee that the findings at the level of each industry could be generalized. In this paper, we examine the penetration of new production concepts in the main processing fields of the machine tool industry.     

A decision support system for modelling and implementing the supply network configuration and operations scheduling problem in the machine tool industry

This paper presents a decision support system to simultaneously solve the supply network configuration problem and the operations scheduling problem for the machine tool industry. A novel database structure, which is able to consider alternative operations and alternative bills of material, has been used. An algorithm for complete enumeration to determine all the feasible solutions using stroke graphs is introduced. A multiagent-based simulator evaluates the different key performance indicators that the supply network deals with for each alternative solution (e.g. workload, profits, delivery times, etc.) to determine that ‘satisficed’ by the collaborative decision-making among its members. A case study based on a Spanish company that assembles highly customised machines and tools in several European plants is considered. From the experiments results based on data linked to this industry, it will be demonstrated that the tool is potentially useful for stakeholders and for the central decision-maker to make decisions collaboratively in a multisite context case.     

Pathways to productivity improvement

A study of productivity in the Machine Tool industry has just been published by the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF). As a member of the Productivity Steering Group, information was available to one of the authors, in an unusually detailed and validated form for the twenty or so individual companies, (though they remain anonymous). It was thought worthwhile to apply methods developed in the Economics and Statistics Department of British Aerospace to this data in order to give pointers to the factors explaining productivity differences. The particular methods referred to were those of the Diagnostic Chart, though considerably simplified to match the data available, and multiple regression analysis. Particular care is necessary in applying the latter technique in productivity analysis if spurious results are to be excluded. The conclusions were as follows: the most favoured path to improved productivity is via increased turnover; changes in productivity are reflected mainly in changes in the ‘profit’ element of value added rather than in the labour cost element; the major factor distinguishing low from high productivity companies is an excess of the manual work force in relation to turnover; increased fixed assets favours increased labour productivity; increased commitment to R & D favours increased labour productivity; these conclusions are, of course, deduced from a study of the machine tool industry in particular, but may well be of applicability to other industries.     

Optimization models for the tool change scheduling problem

Traditional machine scheduling literature generally assumes that a machine is available at all times. Yet this assumption may not be accurate in real manufacturing systems. In many cases, a machine's tool must be changed after it has continuously worked for a period of time. This paper deals with a single machine scheduling problem subject to tool wear, given the allowed maximum continuous working time of the machine is _TL$T_{\mathrm{L}}$ (tool life) and the tool change time is _TC$T_{\mathrm{C}}$. Job processing and tool changes are scheduled simultaneously. In this paper, we examine this problem to minimize the total tardiness of jobs. Two mixed binary integer programming models are developed to optimally solve this problem. Computational experiments are performed to evaluate the models’ efficiency.     

UPSTREAM VOLATILITY IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN: THE MACHINE TOOL INDUSTRY AS A CASE STUDY

Cyclicality is a well‐known and accepted fact of life in market‐driven economies. Less well known or understood, however, is the phenomenon of amplification as one looks “upstream” in the industrial supply chain. We examine the amplification phenomenon and its implications through the lens of one upstream industry that is notorious for the intensity of the business cycles it faces: the machine tool industry. Amplification of demand volatility in capital equipment supply chains, e. g., machine tools, is particularly large relative to that seen in distribution and component parts supply chains. We present a system dynamics simulation model to capture demand volatility amplification in capital supply chains. We explore the lead‐time, inventory, production, productivity, and staffing implications of these dynamic forces. Several results stand out. First, volatility hurts productivity and lowers average worker experience. Second, even though machine tool builders can do little to reduce the volatility in their order streams through choice of forecast rule, a smoother forecasting policy will lead companies to retain more of their skilled work force. This retention of skilled employees is often cited as one of the advantages that European and Japanese companies have had relative to their U. S. competitors. Our results suggest some insights for supply chain design and management: downstream customers can do a great deal to reduce the volatility for upstream suppliers through their choice of order forecast rule. In particular, companies that use smoother forecasting policies tend to impose less of their own volatility upon their supply base and may consequently enjoy system‐wide cost reduction.     

Mechanization in building construction projects: assessment and views from the practitioners

Abstract

While mechanization has been widely adopted in the current construction industry, little research has been done to assess the level of mechanization in building construction projects. The aims of this study are to propose a framework that can assess the level of mechanization in building construction projects, to develop a computer-based tool that can help assess mechanization levels, and to collect the views of industry practitioners regarding mechanization. To achieve these goals, a comprehensive literature review was conducted first, and based on which a six-layer assessment framework, namely Mechanization Index for Building Construction Projects, was proposed. After that, Mechanization Index Assessment Tool, a computer-based tool that can assess the level of mechanization in building construction projects, was developed. The developed tool was adopted in 14 construction projects in Singapore. Assessment results showed that the mechanization level of the projects was 48.54 percent out of 100, which is moderate. Results also reported that ‘site preparation’ and ‘underground piping’ were two work types that are more mechanized, while work types of ‘formwork’, ‘tiling’, and ‘painting’ were relatively less mechanized. Additionally, industry practitioners perceived that the mechanization levels in the current building construction projects and industry were moderate and more efforts should be put in this regard, especially from the perspective of the industry. This study is the first piece of research work that assesses the level of mechanization in building construction projects and thus, it contributes to the body of knowledge. Furthermore, the assessment tool developed can easily be used either by industry practitioners or by construction authorities to do mechanization assessment. Thus, this study contributes to the practice as well.     

Performance measurement with classification information: an enhanced additive DEA model

This paper presents an improved measurement tool for evaluating performance of branches within a major Canadian bank. While there have been numerous previous studies of performance in the banking industry, particularly at the branch level, this study is different in a very significant way: specifically two kinds of data are used to develop the model. The first type of data is that related to standard transactions, available from any bank; such have formed the basis of numerous previous studies. The second type of data, obtained from the site studied, is classification information, based on branch consultant/expert judgment as to good and poor performance of branches. The purpose herein is to present a modified version of an existing benchmarking model, data envelopment analysis (DEA), and to show how this tool is applied in the banking industry. The mechanism used herein to incorporate expert knowledge within the DEA framework is to first apply a discriminant or classification tool, to quantify the functional relation that best captures the expert's mental model for performance. The outcome of this first phase is an orientation of variables to aid in the definition of inputs and outputs. The resulting orientation then defines the DEA model that makes up the second phase of the model.     

印刷电路板组装生产线调度优化问题建模

印刷电路板(printed circuit board,PCB)组装是电子制造的基础,其核心生产过程包括电子元器件的表面贴装。分别基于典型的表面贴装机(CM402)、以及由高速贴片机(CM402)与多功能贴片机(DT401)组成的流水线的机械特征与生产特性,对上述组装机及组装流水线的调度问题建立优化模型,为进一步的算法开发以及电子制造生产调度的智能化提供理论支持。     

Manufacturing bill-of-material planning

The bill-of-material BOM in the machine tool industry takes two different forms in design and manufacturing functions: Engineering BOM E BOM , which is used by the design engineer to represent designed product structure; and manufacturing BOM M BOM , which is used by MRPII system for MRP explosion. The designer constructs the E BOM after the product has been designed. Next, the E BOM is transformed into the M BOM by considering assembly sequence and constraints. Constructing a M BOM simply involves compressing the E BOM into a three-level M BOM. Planning of a M BOM still depends primarily on the experience input of a manufacturing engineer and is performed manually. This trial and error and time consuming approach creates an inconsistent method for planning the M BOM. Therefore, in this study, a three-stage M BOM planning method is developed. Stage one plans the initial M BOM, stage two improves the M BOM and stage three tunes the M BOM. Concepts and algorithms of each stage are highlighted in this study. Moreover, an illustration is presented to demonstrate the feasibility of M BOM planning.     

The Industry-Level Impact of Information Technology: An Empirical Analysis of Three Industries*

As noted by several observers, information technology (IT) has rapidly evolved from “part of the organizational overhead” into a strategic resource capable of changing patterns of competition within industries [8, p. 275]. However, while this evolution has become part of the fabric for literature exploring the strategic impact of IT, very few studies have been undertaken to determine the specific influence(s) of technology-based competition on industry structure. The development of analytical frames for capturing aspects of industry behavior provides a potentially powerful tool for evaluating the influence strategic IT initiatives may have on current bases of competition. Drawing from the theoretical disciplines of industrial economics and strategic management, this study develops a framework for analyzing longitudinal changes in industry structure. Working within this frame, the study then analyzes the nature and change of structure in three industries during and after the introduction of strategic information technology. The findings suggest that in each of these industries structural characteristics were dramatically altered subsequent to the introduction of competitive-based IT. In two of the industries (airlines and industrial chemicals), early adopters broke away from other industry participants, in effect, forming unique bases of competition. In the remaining industry (drug wholesalers), previously distinct bases of competition consolidated, resulting in a more competitive industry structure than that which existed prior to the technological innovation.     

More skills of the change master

What are the skills of the change master? How can you become better prepared to deal with the change and ambiguity that has become the trademark of the health care industry? From shifting focus, to being able to act in uncertainty, to having a capacity for paradox, here are nine skills to help you deal with change effectively. These are not easy skills to acquire if they are not a natural part of your tool kit already. You can't pick them up in a few hours at a conference, or by reading a few books. It calls for a long-term, passionate commitment to becoming a learning organization, and a willingness on the part of everyone in management to follow that path even when it gets uncomfortable, difficult, and surprising.     

With a little help from my fans: the transformative role of the consumer in music co-production

This paper examines how the transformative role of the consumer in co-production is affecting key stakeholders within the music industry. The study explores the changing consumer role in co-production, how it is affecting content quality, the implications for music artists and record labels, and how they are approaching (and should approach) co-production. The research methodology consists of a three-stage interview design of 52 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with senior members of music organisations (including artist managers and major labels). An inductive, data-driven four-phase constant comparison analysis technique is used to analyse the data. The findings contribute to the co-production research domain by offering new insights from a music industry context and presenting new theoretical models for how co-production is affecting industry stakeholders. Implications for industry, policy and future research are also provided.     

Punctuated and Continuous Change: The UK Water Industry

Punctuated change is usually defined as a discontinuity in organizational development and is traditionally associated with environmental turbulence; it is also associated with step changes in the performance of an organization. Starting from Gersick (1991), we discuss the foundations of the punctuatedà incremental change paradox, and lay out hypotheses regarding the moments when such change is adopted and its economic effect. We explore these ideas through a study of the UK water industry: a contrived macro experiment. Following privatization, the ten major companies all faced similar pressures to adjust, but adopted widely differing responses. We find that the response to privatization was not always punctuated change, and that punctuated change processes were not necessarily superior to continuous processes. We contrast our findings with Romanelli and Tushman (1994), exploring the reasons why our results are so dissimilar.     

加权折扣单机排序干扰管理模型和算法研究

为解决机器排序中由于干扰事件的发生使初始最优加工时间表无法按计划执行的问题,构建同时考虑原目标和扰动目标的双目标干扰管理模型,对初始最优加工时间表进行调整并对未完工工件进行重排序;在双目标干扰管理模型中,原目标由所有工件的加权折扣完工时间和来度量,扰动目标由重排序后工件完工时间的变化来度量;结合量子比特在表示解的多样性方面的优点和非支配排序遗传算法在处理多目标排序问题上的优点,设计一种量子遗传算法和非支配排序遗传算法相结合的启发式进化算法对构建的模型进行求解。在数值算例中,通过比较若干项针对有效解集的性能指标发现,该混合算法求得的有效解集在多样性和与最优有效前沿的邻近性等方面优于目前得到广泛应用的非支配排序遗传算法,验证了构建的模型和算法对于求解机器排序干扰管理问题的有效性。     

Improving productivity of automated tissue converting lines: an empirical model and a case study

This study is focused on minor stoppages as sources of variance within automated production lines in industrial environments, and it suggests the handling of the problem through a combined phenomenon–mechanism analysis and simulation approach. The resulting seven-step methodological pattern has been applied to a real-life case study of a tissue converting line: the product type and the machine speed have been identified as causal factors for minor stoppages and the wrapper machine has been chosen to exemplify the methodology.

Results point out that the speed of the wrapping machine–which allows the daily throughput of line to be maximized–changes when products change, thus highlighting a trade off between minor stoppages and wrapper speed. However, in some other cases, minor stoppages are more detrimental than the machine speed is useful.     

无人零售业态下自动售卖机联合补货策略研究

研究无人零售业态下自动售卖机的多产品联合补货问题，建立由补货成本、库存持有成本、缺货成本构成的平均补货成本模型，分析容量约束与固定补货阈值下的最优补货策略。结果表明，企业会倾向于在剩余较少产品时进行补货，剩余的产品往往是投影面积最小使得相同面积可容纳最多数量的产品；比较最优补货时间与平均补货成本发现，延长补货时间可以降低平均补货成本，在补货阈值越大、固定补货成本越低或售卖机容量越小时，最优补货时间会降低，反之，平均补货成本会增加。此外，分析不同成本变动对平均成本的影响发现，单位成本变动均会引起平均补货成本的增加，且在单位库存持有成本变动时，最优补货策略会发生转移，向单位库存持有成本降低至一定程度的产品或向投影面积最低即相同面积可容纳数量最小的产品转移。     

A Nuclear Utility's Views on the Use of Probabilistic Risk Assessment

Probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) is a relatively new tool in the nuclear industry. The Reactor Safety Study started the present trend of conducting PRAs for nuclear power plants when it was published in 1975. Now, nine years later, those in the industry currently using PRA techniques are frequently asked the same question: Why should the nuclear utility industry, with so many accepted analytical tools already available, invest the time and manpower to develop a new technique with so many uncertainties?