Antonio Batocchio

Business Model Development for Virtual Enterprises

Virtual Enterprise is one form of collaborative networks that allows partners to exploit emerging business opportunities in a flexible way. Moreover, in the competitive landscape of the twenty-first century, the business model innovation has become increasingly a key element for companies’ positioning in the market. Consequently, this paper aims at proposing a set of business model elements to be used by a virtual enterprise in order to explore a new business opportunity for its network. Literature review is used to identify the business model elements and evidence from a pilot case study confirms that these elements are considered in practice.

Optimization of modular structures using Particle Swarm Optimization

Highlights? An optimization model to change dedicated systems gradually into modular ones. ? The optimization consists in the selection of subsets of modules from a given set. ? Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (DPSO) is applied to the problem. ? Comparisons with Genetic Algorithm, Simulated Annealing are presented. ? Few papers were found in literature that deal with optimization of modular structures. In most configurations of modular structures, products are assumed to have a unique modular structure. However, it is well known that alternatives for constructing modular structures may exist in any level of abstraction. Explicit considerations of alternative structures invoke changes in the number of module instances so that lower costs, more independency of structures and higher efficiency can be achieved. Relatively few research papers were found in the literature that deal with the optimization of modular structures problem with alternative assembly combinations aiming at minimization of module investments. First, this paper proposes an optimization model which helps users to change their dedicated systems gradually into modular ones. The optimization is achieved through appropriately selecting the subsets of module instances from given sets. The proposed optimization model is general in the sense that products can have any number of modules and alternatives of assemblies. Secondly, the paper presents an adapted Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (DPSO), which is applied in the aforementioned problem. Comparisons with Genetic Algorithm, Simulated Annealing and total enumeration are presented. Finally performance comparisons using a set of large scale problems (for which the optimal solution is unknown) between the proposed algorithm (DPSO) and the other optimization techniques, are presented and discussed.

Integrando a promoção das metodologias Lean Manufacturing e Six Sigma na busca de produtividade e qualidade numa empresa fabricante de autopeças

Among the diverse critical success factors that the firms must consider, the pursuit of increasingly higher standards of productivity and quality stands out. In this context, the purpose of this article is to present an initiative to integrate the promotion of the Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies in seeking enhanced operational performance. This integration combines the application of Lean Manufacturing elements that aim at the streamlining of value streams by the elimination of wastes with Six Sigma elements which aim at the systematization of the analysis and control of process variation for accomplishing superior quality. This work is based on a case study on the changes undertaken for the implementation of this approach in an auto parts manufacturer. The organizational structure which was established for the promotion of this approach as well as the mode how projects for the improvement of operational performance are tackled by means of it are examined. The results accomplished reveal that the initiative of conciliating the application of these two methodologies may bring about a more wide-ranging and effective continuous improvement process.

Manufatura Virtual: conceituação e desafios

Virtual Manufacturing has been used by some companies to improve their processes, introducing more quickly new products in the market. The strategy is to create an integrated environment, composed by several software tools and systems, aiming at generating a new method to develop products. The purpose of this paper is to present the Virtual Manufacturing concept and the paradigms involved in its definition. Then the paper describes the potential application areas and the resulting benefits. In addition, the technical and social challenges in development of a Virtual Manufacturing system are discussed at the end of the text.

Towards an axiomatic framework to support the design of holonic systems

The constant domination of customer requirements has forced survival industries to become more and more agile. As a response to this necessity, the Holonic Manufacturing System (HMS) project proposed the principles of a re-configurable system constructed from autonomous and cooperative elements. The desired degree of response to market needs can be achieved by exploring concepts from the holonic paradigm and translating them into practical applications. The paper proposes a framework developed under the axiomatic design concept to aid the design of holonic systems. This framework is the Holonic System Design Deployment (HSDD). The article establishes that it is possible to focus the holonic principles when an approach based on HSDD is applied. Doing so, it is expected that an authentic holonic system is easier developed and the desired benefits achieved.

A method for evaluating business models implementation process

– The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss the reasons why business models fail, while also identifying the features necessary to develop a method that enables the evaluation of the implementation process of the business model, and is able to help in its development. , – The proposed method (roadmap for implementation of business models – RIBM) is composed of nine steps, and seven initials conditions (limitations). Such conditions reduce its complexity (e.g. performance management system is defined in the company). , – Some reasons why business models fail (alignment between value proposition and customer segment (value proposition); business model financial viability (costs and revenue); environmental constraints not fully integrated with the design of the business model (environment); business model execution (management), etc.) and made some considerations about the implementation of business models. , – This work was developed in a small business (with a small team and the external member). The business complexity level and number of processes involved are much smaller when compared with a mid-size or large company. Another factor that contributed to mitigating the problem is that the enterprise had a well-structured report once the owners had made annual analysis and discussed how to improve and expand the business. , – In this application, RIBM showed a potential tool to minimize flaws in implementation processes of business models. , – The business model concept is relatively new in the literature. And because of its strategic importance has been the target of all major schools in the area. This work, in particular, deals with the question-related failures that occur in the process of implementing business models.

Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma

Research Questions • What have we done in the past? • What must we do in the future? • How do we know these are the correct actions?

The holonic paradigm as a new metaphor for the coordination problem of virtual enterprises

Many scientific developments are based on the observation of -natural phenomena. The studies of the Hungarian journalist Arthur Koestler proposed a neologism based on a new word, holon, to describe social systems and live beings. This paper will explain the holonic paradigm as a metaphor for the coordination problem of a virtual enterprise. The intentional stance will be used as a cognitive analysis tool, lending typically human intentions (believe, desire, intention) to the individuals of a system and explaining their holonic behavior. Thus, it will be possible to discover important issues to be questioned when a virtual enterprise environment is being designed.

PROCESSO DE NEGÓCIO DA PRODUÇÃO DE AÇO: MODELAGEM DO FLUXO PRODUTIVO ORIENTADO EM EVENTOS DISCRETOS

Este artigo apresenta os modelos de processos de negocio da producao de aco feitos atraves de diagramas baseados na linguagem EPC (Event-driven process chain). Discussao e analises do resultado sao feitas e sugestoes sao propostas neste trabalho. Tambem e feito uma revisao do conceito de processo de negocio, das ferramentas de modelagem de processo e das arquiteturas de referencia, onde a arquitetura de referencia ARIS e apresentada e que foi usada para produzir os modelos de processos detalhados neste trabalho.

Proposal for a Method for Business Model Performance Assessment: Toward an Experimentation Tool for Business Model Innovation

The representation of business models has been recently widespread, especially in the pursuit of innovation. However, defining a company’s business model is sometimes limited to discussion and debates. This study observes the need for performance measurement so that business models can be data-driven. To meet this goal, the work proposed as a hypothesis the creation of a method that combines the practices of the Balanced Scorecard with a method of business models representation – the Business Model Canvas. Such a combination was based on study of conceptual adaptation, resulting in an application roadmap. A case study application was performed to check the functionality of the proposition, focusing on startup organizations. It was concluded that based on the performance assessment of the business model it is possible to propose the search for change through experimentation, a path that can lead to business model innovation.