Cassandra C. Elrod

A comparative analysis of integrating lean concepts into supply chain management in manufacturing and service industries

Purpose – This paper aims to present an analysis of the effectiveness of lean techniques and their applications in the supply chain using a survey administered across multiple industries. The objective of this research is to assess the performance of lean based on the specific techniques and implementation methods used, analyze strategies for implementing lean into the supply chain, and to analyze the reasons for both their success or failure.Design/methodology/approach – Through a survey administered across multiple industries to individuals familiar with lean concepts and techniques, lean performance is assessed both within the organization and their supply chain based on the specific techniques and strategies for implementation.Findings – Organizations indicated that training their suppliers in lean methodologies provided significant time and financial benefits.Research limitations/implications – Some implications for deploying lean in the supply chain in a variety of industries are discussed. A more e...

Incorporating lean concepts into supply chain management

Lean techniques have been implemented in a variety of industries. This paper addresses the effectiveness of specific lean techniques in a variety of industries and their application in the supply chain. The objective of this research is to assess the performance of lean based on the specific techniques and implementation methods used; analyse strategies for implementing lean into the supply chain; and to analyse the reasons for both their success and failure. Data was gathered using a survey distributed to individuals familiar with lean concepts and techniques. The results of this survey were analysed with a variety of statistical techniques.

A Review of Performance Metrics for Supply Chain Management

Abstract: There are hundreds of metrics that can be used to measure supply chain performance. Supply chain managers often find it difficult to select appropriate measures for their particular business or product. It is important for managers to have meaningful performance information to avoid becoming lost in a sea of data. As businesses expand into different regions and partnerships become a necessity for survival, successful managers must measure the performance of the supply chain, as well as understand the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of the use of the supply chain. This study compiles and synthesizes important elements related to supply chain performance measurement. The results of this study can provide both managers and practitioners guidance for evaluating and measuring their supply chain effectively and, more importantly, efficiently.

Comparative Analysis of Quality Function Deployment Methodologies: A Case Study Analysis

Quality function deployment has been successfully used to capture the voice of the customer and translate it into technical design requirements. Previous researchers have employed various tools and models in this process. This paper discusses three models used to prioritize customer requirements for developing a service. This paper presents a case study based on outcomes for a service offered by a university, called a Career Opportunity Center, which serves students as its customers. This study analyzed a service dataset using the modified Kano model, SERVQUAL, and analytical hierarchy process, and identified the strengths and weaknesses of each method.

A systematic literature review of Six Sigma practices in education

Six Sigma is a continuous improvement methodology aimed at reducing process variation. As Six Sigma implementation has spread from manufacturing to service and healthcare, the need for teaching the methodology in higher education emerged to prepare students for industry. The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic review the relevant literature of Six Sigma in higher education. Insights on best practices and trends for integrating Six Sigma in higher education systems are also provided.

Analyzing Customer Requirements for the American Society of Engineering Management Using Quality Function Deployment

Abstract: Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is a systematic process for capturing and integrating the voice of the customer into every aspect of the design and delivery of products and services. Understanding customer wants or needs is crucial to the successful design and development of new products and services. QFD is a system that utilizes customer demand information to design products or services that will meet a clients mission. In addition, the process prioritizes and deploys these customer-driven characteristics throughout the product or service development to meet the customer needs, wants, and expectations. QFD determines effective development targets for the prioritized product and service characteristics. The QFD process has been used and documented extensively in product development. The service industry, however, lacks in the application of this process. The purpose of this article is to show practitioners and researchers how this process, in its entirety, can be used as a planning process to link customer requirements and service characteristics in the service industry. A case study was developed in which QFD was applied to develop recommendations for the American Society of Engineering Management (ASEM) in an effort to increase customer satisfaction and to identify opportunities to improve member benefits. The results of this study are applicable to any organization to improve the design and delivery of products and service regardless of industry.

A replication to validate and improve a measurement instrument for Deming's 14 Points

Purpose – The success of implementing Demings management method depends on the ability of managers to operationally define and measure Demings 14 Points. Tamimi et al. developed a set of operational measures for these 14 Points. They tested the validity and reliability of their instrument using a sample of firms that were involved in implementing TQM practices from one to five years out from implementation. This paper aims to examine this issue.Design/methodology/approach – In this study, which retested their measurement items, data were collected from over 100 manufacturing and service companies of all sizes across the USA and Canada. The data were analyzed using similar statistical analysis procedures and comparisons were made with the results of Tamimi et al.s study.Findings – The results replicated the study by Tamimi et al. and supported their operational definitions with two exceptions. The scales for “Eliminating slogans and targets”, and “Taking action to accomplish the transformation”, were no...

Evaluating the Engineering Management Brand Meaning

Abstract: Engineering management is not a well understood discipline in the field of engineering, especially compared to more traditional engineering. A systematic approach to evaluating an academic brand meaning was developed using Kellers model of building a strong brand. This methodology was used in a case study to evaluate the current brand, meaning the oldest and largest engineering management department in the United States at the Missouri University of Science & Technology (Missouri S&T, formerly the University of Missouri-Rolla). Results will aid the department and others in managing their brand as well as in general enrollment management by gathering an understanding of the departments brand meaning in the eyes of potential students and employers. Knowing the expectations of each will allow the department to better align itself to meet the needs of each market segment. The brand evaluation approach applied in this case study can also be used by other similar disciplines.

Supply chain dynamics relief of sudden-onset disasters

A sudden-onset disaster such as hurricane, tidal wave, or earthquake creates a nearly insurmountable challenge in bringing humanitarian relief to those who desperately need it. This paper seeks to assess the last-mile of the supply chain to ensure relief is delivered to those who need it. A model utilising a stochastic process is developed to study the supply chain distribution process as dependent on the humanitarian relief concerns. This model is analysed and critical considerations are recognised. A stochastic model was used to assess whether a last-mile relief station could run indefinitely. The answer to this question is no. The station will eventually reach a state of under-stock or overstock; both scenarios indicate ineffectiveness. Various aspects of this problem have been studied from the perspective of supply chain management to optimal facility location. This paper focuses on the last critical mile and its distribution needs.

Collaborative international education: reaching across borders

Purpose – As international boundaries fade and financial pressures increase, universities are redefining the norm in educational models. The move from a synchronous classroom to a blended classroom or a completely asynchronous environment has forced faculty to be creative in delivery while overcoming complexities in the associated infrastructure. Furthermore, geographic boundaries have diminished, leaving universities seeking ways to reach out to growing student markets, such as South‐east Asia. However, this rapid international growth and nearly constant revision of delivery has raised serious questions regarding the maintenance of the quality and reputation of the institution. This is particularly challenging for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs requiring laboratory facilities, commercial software, and detailed, highly interactive theoretical analysis. The purpose of this paper is to describe the evolution, in the aforementioned environment, of a science, technology, eng...