Lawrence O. Jenicke

A framework for applying six sigma improvement methodology in an academic environment

Purpose – The six sigma methodology has been successfully implemented in many organizations leading to tremendous quality improvements in products manufactured and services delivered. However, academic institutions have lagged other organizations in implementing six sigma. The purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges of implementing the methodology in academia and proposes a framework that serves as a guide for implementing six sigma in academic institutions.Design/methodology/approach – Several unique aspects that differentiate an academic environment from a manufacturing setting for six sigma are identified. A three‐tiered framework to organize the six sigma improvement methodology and related academic performance indicators into a hierarchy fitting academic institution governance levels is proposed. Examples of strategic objectives and performance indicators by levels of implementation for the DMAIC process are also provided.Findings – The findings suggest that the unique structure of an acad...

Regression models of decision rules in unstable environments

Abstract Bowman and others have shown that a decision-makers performance in a stable environment can be improved by using a regression model to make decisions. However, when the environment changes, a regression model based on past behavior may no longer be appropriate for future decisions. Whether or not regression models are appropriate for unstable environments is examined in this article. The research used an aggregate production and work-force scheduling problem. After 12 periods the cost function was changed; the subjects rapidly adapted to this change. Even during the adaption, the regression rules performed better than the subjects actual decisions. Thus, this study supports the use of regression models in unstable environments.

A Framework for Six Sigma Project Selection in Higher Educational Institutions, Using a Weighted Scorecard Approach.

Purpose – This paper discusses the importance of the Six Sigma selection process, describes a Six Sigma project in a higher educational institution and presents a weighted scorecard approach for project selection. Design/methodology/approach – A case study of the Six Sigma approach being used to improve student support at a university computer help desk was used. An error related to the timeliness of service was defined and improved over the course of the project. Findings – The Six Sigma approach was useful for improving timely service, but a methodology for selecting the project was needed by the project leader. Using such a methodology would have ensured higher probability of project success. Practical implications – This framework provides directions for selecting a Six Sigma project in a higher educational setting. The weighted scorecard method is presented and may be used for selecting a project which would likely be the most efficient use of time and resources. Originality/value – While project sel...

A Knowledge‐based Simulation System for Manufacturing Scheduling

The development of computer technology, artificial intelligence, and simulation modelling has become increasingly complex, and yet the application of these techniques is necessary for a company to be effective and competitive. However, the end users may not have the necessary sophistication to apply these technologies effectively on their own. Combining these technologies to provide intelligent interfaces may be beneficial to the non‐expert user. Discusses a conceptual knowledge‐based simulation system and illustrates its applicability using a hypothetical manufacturing example. The example focuses on interfacing knowledge from an expert with a simulation model to make scheduling decisions in a manufacturing environement. The knowledge system is constructed using the M.1 expert system package and the simulation is performed using SLAM II.

Risk assessment and security measures in supply chain networks

In the recent past, the management of an extended supply chain network (SCN) in terms of risk and security has become very complex. Recent occurrences of earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes and innumerable man-made disruptions such as terrorist attacks, strikes, power blackouts, energy shortages and institutional failures have adversely affected the normal functioning of supply chains world-wide. This paper primarily focuses on the security issues in supply chain networks and is organised in three major sections: security risks, security risk assessment and security measures. These three sections discuss existing issues in supply chain security and present several frameworks for improving the overall security in supply chain networks.

Approaching the Challenge of Student Retention through the Lens of Quality Control: A Conceptual Model of University Business Student Retention Utilizing Six Sigma:

Student retention in higher education is a major issue as academic institutions compete for fewer students and face declining enrollments. A conceptual model of applying the quality improvement methodology of Six Sigma to the problem of undergraduate student retention in a college of business is presented. Improvement techniques such as cause and effect analysis, process maps and failure models, and effects analysis are illustrated with representative student retention variables and outcomes from a large midwestern university. The use of Six Sigma in academic settings is rare and its utilization to improve student retention is a novel application.

Expert Systems Technology Applied to Marketing Decision Making: An Interdisciplinary Term Project

Expert systems used as decision support tools have resulted in significant improvements in marketing decision making effectiveness and efficiency. This article provides a rationale for incorporating expert system technology into the marketing curriculum, presents an interdisciplinary expert system term project, and suggests guidelines for expert system term project development.

The roles of ISO 14001, research institutions and professional organisations in environmental performance

Firms continue to face many challenges with managing global supply chain operations and environmental performance. This paper presents a conceptual relationship framework that associates government, enterprises, industry standards, professional organisations, research institutions and individuals that operate and influence environmental performance. Industry case studies and standards define the various roles and relationships of these major entities in environmental performance and demonstrate the impact that different constituent interactions have on organisations and the environment. This paper aims to advance a greater understanding of environmental programmes, standards and performance through consideration of complex relationships and strategic motives of agents and constituents that interact within these systems. This study illustrates several interactions of various entities related to environmental performance and provides a framework for further research.

The Expert System as a Decision Support Tool

The commercial application of expert systems indicates a role for this technology as a competitive tool in a wise variety of business activities. The ability of an expert system to duplicate the problem‐solving process of a human expert can be utilized in the managerial decisions process. Two potential roles of expert systems in this function are examined: a direct role in decision support and an indirect role in systems support. A discussion of the limitations of current expert systems technology yields several observations concerning the function of expert systems in a decision support environment. A strategy is presented to assist in identifying potential areas for developing expert system applications and evaluating their feasibility.

The role of UN Environment Programme and the US Environmental Protection Agency in global Supply Chain Networks performance

Environmental degradation has been a major issue for all nations and societies since the Industrial Revolution. Various organisations promote awareness and help to design and manage Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) in supply chain networks as delineated in the Macro Environmental Management Model. In this paper, the authors discuss the role and activities of two influential organisations, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), and briefly overview environmental performance of China and India. The above-mentioned organisations have had significant impact on global supply chains, and are illustrated with selected case studies and data.