A routine-based framework implementing workload control to address recurring disturbances

Abstract

This research focuses on responsiveness in high variety manufacturing environments. To achieve it, the article proposes to develop Dynamic Response Capabilities (DRCs) of the manufacturing system defined as the abilities to readjust the planned operating parameters of workload, capacity, and lead time, in the wake of disturbances. To inform their development, built on the Workload Control theory, a routine-based framework is proposed. The framework supports an integrated approach for the implementation of adaptive decision-making routines for workload, capacity, and lead time readjustments at different stages in the order fulfilment process. Findings from two empirical cases show the appropriateness of the framework to develop and utilise DRCs in different settings of disturbances. Results of a simulation study, with one of the case companies, also shows the effectiveness of the framework to drive performance improvements in presence of recurring disturbances leading to demand variability.     

Bayesian analysis of elapsed times in continuous‐time Markov chains

The authors consider Bayesian analysis for continuous‐time Markov chain models based on a conditional reference prior. For such models, inference of the elapsed time between chain observations depends heavily on the rate of decay of the prior as the elapsed time increases. Moreover, improper priors on the elapsed time may lead to improper posterior distributions. In addition, an infinitesimal rate matrix also characterizes this class of models. Experts often have good prior knowledge about the parameters of this matrix. The authors show that the use of a proper prior for the rate matrix parameters together with the conditional reference prior for the elapsed time yields a proper posterior distribution. The authors also demonstrate that, when compared to analyses based on priors previously proposed in the literature, a Bayesian analysis on the elapsed time based on the conditional reference prior possesses better frequentist properties. The type of prior thus represents a better default prior choice for estimation software.     

Weber on anomie

InGesammelte Aufsätze zur Religionssoziologie, Max Weber discussed the anomic potential of some non-Western religious doctrines. This paper provides an analysis of Weber's writings on anomie and attempts to show the relevance of Weber's work to contemporary anomie research. First, I locate Weber's treatment of anomie within his discussion of great world religions, highlighting its significance in a cross-cultural context. Second, I compare Weber's notion of anomie with current evaluations of anomie and discuss a typology of usages of the term. Finally, I explore the suggested usefulness of Weber's work on anomie for contemporary purposes.     

Knowledge Transfer between For‐Profit Corporations and Their Corporate Foundations

This article investigates the impact of knowledge transfer (Goh 2002) from founder firms to the corporate foundations (CFs) on the CFs’ effectiveness. Starting from a typology of CFs’ effectiveness (Ostrower 2006a), we conducted a survey addressed to a sample of Italian CFs to address the impact of different knowledge transfer methods (KTMs) on three dimensions of CFs’ orientation to effectiveness: proactive orientation, social advocacy, and capacity building. The research identified four different KTMs and, using a linear regression, pointed out that the methods adopted by founder firms have a significant influence on proactivity, competences, and on social advocacy of CFs.     

Developing an Index to Measure Sub-municipal Level Urban Sprawl

The present study aims to develop an index composed of different spatial variables to measure the urban sprawl levels of a municipality located in Southern Spain. According to the findings, urban sprawl can be measured not only on the metropolitan level but also on a more detailed and precise level, such as sub-municipal. A group of experts chosen for their suitability in measuring urban sprawl select six spatial variables (population density, net residential density, coverage ratio, land use types, percentage of residential land use, and average year of construction). These variables are aggregated using Choquet integral, a technique that combines interactions between those variables providing greater coherence to the complexity that is inherent in the creation of composite sprawl indexes. This methodology has been demonstrated to be valid and appropriate in evaluating urban expansion at sub-municipal level, but can also be applied to other scales once it is clearly a phenomenon in which interaction between criteria exists. The resulting composite index allows the assignment of different levels of sprawl to the urban areas consistent with their morphology and landscape.     

Applying the Consensual Method of Estimating Poverty in a Low Income African Setting

Social Indicators Research - We present the first study of multidimensional poverty in Benin using the consensual or socially perceived necessities approach. There is a remarkable level consensus...