A simulation study of dispatch rules for reducing flow times in semiconductor wafer fabrication

Semiconductor wafer fabrication involves very complex process routing, and reducing flow times is very important. This study reports a search for better dispatch rules for achieving the goal of reducing flow times, while maintaining high machine utilization. We explored a new simulation-based dispatch rule and a queue prediction dispatch rule. Using simulation experiments and an industrial data set, we also compared several other dispatch rules commonly used in semiconductor manufacturing with our proposed dispatch rules. Among these rules, in addition to the simulation-based dispatching rule, the shortest-remaining-processing-time, earliest-due-date and leastslack rules also performed well in terms of reducing flow times. The reasons behind these good rules are discussed in this paper. Based on the previous works and this study, accurately predicting and effectively utilizing future flow times can improve the quality of production management decisions.     

A machine-learning approach for a sintering process using a neural network

This paper presents a machine-learning approach using a multi-layered neural network (NN) with application to a sintering process in an iron- and steel-making plant. Our method induces 'operational rules' that determine operational conditions to obtain products that meet a given quality specification. In our application, an operational condition decides the appropriate ranges of chemical composition and heat input to obtain sinter with desirable properties. Our approach consists of two stages. First, backpropagation (BP) training is performed to obtain a NN which decides whether a given condition is appropriate or not. Secondly, from the trained NN, we extract rules which explain what operational conditions are appropriate. In spite of the effective learning capability, a major drawback of a NN is 'unreadability' of the learned knowledge, or the lack of an explanatory capability, which is crucial in the second stage. We developed a rule extraction algorithm which contributes to overcoming this 'unreadability'. The extracted rules are found to agree well with the knowledge in material science.     

Generating testable socio-technical systems theory

Suggestions for enhancements to socio-technical systems (STS) theory are offered based on a multiyear development process. First, researchers engaged in an iterative process of working with socio-technical systems (STS) and non-STS practitioners of organizational design to operationalize STS theory. Second, the operationalized theory was validated using an 86-company survey. Third, the operationalized theory was field-tested to discover its usability for practitioners addressing real-world organizational design problems.     

制造控制系统领域语言设计

基于特定领域建模方法研究制造控制系统语言设计。定义了该领域语言,包括词法、语法、语义、语法及语义映射。解释了语言的组成要素和要素之间的关联。利用该领域语言搭建并解释模型可实现制造控制系统的个性定制和快速开发。     

浙江制造业发展的重点与思路——基于主导产业倒U型演进假说的分析

 本文根据1991-2004浙江、上海和中国相关统计数据，运用制造业占全国份额、产业部门增长率等方法分析了浙江省制造业发展在全国的基本情况，提出并验证了反映区域主导产业演进特征和过程的主导产业倒U型演进假说。结合浙江省经济发展的实际，确定了作为浙江当前产业发展重点的主导产业和支柱产业，提出了浙江省制造业发展的基本思路是资金密集、技术密集型产业优先发展，劳动密集型产业规划发展。浙江当前制造业发展的具体战略是“外引内孵”、“东扩西进”，注重择商引资，加强自主创新，实现区域产业的合理升级和转移。     

中国制造企业国际化的影响因素与分析框架:以TCL为例

本文在对现有企业国际化理论所涉及变量概括与归纳的基础上,运用战略管理理论,设计了中国制造企业国际化的分析框架,并通过分析TCL的国际化过程,对该框架进行了初步检验。结论如下:在中国制造企业的国际化过程中,第一,企业的国际化愿望、国际化需要和国际化能力,是影响企业国际化战略的三个主要因素;第二,企业国际化战略的制订与实施有助于企业国际化的成功;第三,企业国际化的绩效将反过来影响企业的国际化愿望、国际化需要和国际化能力。     

Measuring Market‐Manufacturing Congruence: Conceptual Reaffirmations and Mathematical Modifications

Narasimhan and Wang (2000) provide a valuable addition to the research base by identifying a limitation in two of the original equations in Bozarth and Berry (1997), which we resolve, and a possible research direction for the calibration of indifference profiles. However, they fall short in their interpretation of key conceptual and methodological issues, including the distinction between indifference and ideal profiles, the difference between individual profile dimensions and overall congruence, and firm versus industry‐level manufacturing strategy research. We use this opportunity to clear up these points of confusion, and to reaffirm the value of the methodology introduced in Bozarth and Berry (1997).     

Information Systems Adaptation and the Successful Implementation of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies*

Few plants have initial success with advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs), and adaptations are commonly required after installing new technologies. We especially know little about the outcomes of adaptations that manufacturers regularly employ in the context of AMTs. Sociotechnical theory and the technology literature suggest that AMTs commonly require four types of adaptations including those to process technologies, human resources, operational structures, and information systems. This study investigates which of these four adaptations and their interactions lead to improved operational performance. Data were collected on 104 plants that implemented a single type of manufacturing AMT. Findings indicate that information systems (IS) adaptation during the course of AMT implementation was the most important action. Surprisingly, human resource and process technology adaptations were linked to lower performance, and no interactions had any clear effects. The results also show that practitioners underestimated the relevance of IS adaptations during contemporary or “second-generation” AMT implementation projects and overemphasized the need for shop floor changes.     

Trade-offs among the elements of flexibility: a comparison from the automotive industry

Flexibility has long been recognized as a manufacturing capability that has the potential to impact the competitive position and the business performance of an organization ([1]: Cox Jr, T. Toward the measurement of manufacturing flexibility. Production and Inventory Management Journal 1989; First Quarter:68–72, [2]: De Meyer A, Nakane J, Miller JG, Ferdows K. Flexibility: the next competitive battle. Strategic Management Journal 1989;10:135–144). This recognition, however, has not led to a unanimous approach to flexibility. For example, Japanese manufacturers emphasize flexibility more than North American or European manufacturers ( [2]: De Meyer A, Nakane J, Miller JG, Ferdows K. Flexibility: the next competitive battle. Strategic Management Journal 1989;10:135–144). While this finding provides insight into the strategic choices made by these organizations in these countries, it does not provide an in-depth comparison of specific aspects of flexibility that are leveraged and emphasized differently. Such a comparison is necessary, however, if flexibility is to be more fully understood.This paper takes a step in that direction by first breaking down the concept of flexibility into its constituent elements and dimensions. Then we introduce the notion of looking at flexibility as a capability that must be planned for and built by a firm over a period of time along these constituent elements and dimensions. Questions are subsequently raised regarding whether trade-offs occur among different elements for a given flexibility dimension. We use industry wide as well as firm-specific qualitative data from the automotive industry to answer these questions, and show that several key aspects of manufacturing flexibility have been acquired and leveraged differently by American and Japanese producers. While linkages to business performance are not directly explored, our analysis reveals that even within the same industry, firms from different countries do indeed follow different strategies to developing their flexibility capability. Implications of these results for managerial practice, along with avenues for further research in this area, are also presented.     

武器装备建设管理信息集成化问题研究

提高国防实力必须加强武器装备建设,武器装备建设管理信息集成化是实现武器装备现代化建设的有效途径。本文介绍了武器装备建设信息集成化的内涵及作用,分别阐述了CALS、SBA、VR、IMS等先进的装备建设信息集成化技术和方法,给出了建设武器装备信息集成化系统的建议。