Norani Nordin

A framework for organisational change management in lean manufacturing implementation

Lean manufacturing system has been widely applied in manufacturing companies worldwide. However, the low success rate of lean transformations in many countries has given a cause for concern. Much of the literature had pointed out that the main reason is due to the failure in managing the change process during a lean manufacturing transformation. This paper presents a thorough literature review for lean manufacturing approach in the context of organisational change management. Finally, the authors have proposed an organisational change framework for lean manufacturing implementation that would serve as the basis for further empirical research and validation. The framework will further expand the body of knowledge by linking organisational change management with the transition to implementing a lean manufacturing system.

Drivers and barriers in sustainable manufacturing implementation in Malaysian manufacturing firms

Sustainable manufacturing practices seek to optimize production efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Nowadays, the implementation of sustainable manufacturing practices in companies has increased. By implementing sustainable manufacturing practices, firms can gain better access to international markets; enhance business profile, consumer perceptions and corporate reputation and increase the manufacturing capacity. However, the implementation of sustainable manufacturing practices is posed to many drivers and barriers in light of the benefits manufacturing firms stand to gain from this initiative. This paper aims to investigate the drivers and barriers of sustainable manufacturing implementation in Malaysia. In this study, data were collected by using a self-administered questionnaires. The result shows that the increment in the overall cost of implementation is regarded as the main barrier to implementing sustainable manufacturing practices while environmental regulation and top management commitment are regarded as the main drivers. This research has been able to highlight the important barriers and drivers of implementing sustainable manufacturing practices through which industries can improve the manufacturing practices to offset the negativity on the environment.

How implementing SCM affect different manufacturing companies

Presenting products with a shorter life cycle, intense competition among enterprises and the highest level of customer satisfaction, have forced organisations to invest more on their supply chain. Managers always tried to design effective business to meet customer demands better than competitors. So, understanding the main issues related to supply chain management (SCM) implementation can help managers to make an effective strategy in managing their customers’ demands and fulfilling suppliers’ requirements. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the important problematic issues which hinder companies to implement SCM. To achieve these goals implementing SCM in two important industries in Malaysia (automotive and food) have been considered. A questionnaire was used to identify the perceived problems and attitudes towards SCM. The questionnaire was distributed to 600 food and automotive organisations in Malaysia. A total of 62 usable replies were received from the automotive industry, and 140 from the food...

Technology management in lean manufacturing implementation: A case study

The demanding of globalization and the concern to remain competitive in the global economy has driven countries to actively pursue high-technology and knowledge-intensive service in industrialization strategies. To encourage the development of industrial technology, several factors must be considered such as knowledge, skills, technical development and basic infrastructure. This study attempts to investigate the technology management required in implementing lean manufacturing system in a manufacturing company. This system is useful to ensure production process in operation smoothly run without interrupted. A single-case study was employed. The three different methods for data gathering: interview, observation and documents all contributed towards the data analysis. The respondents were asked about their experience in implementing lean manufacturing in the company and also the challenges occurred. The results from the case study show that to implementing a new technology, commitment from all employees in the organization is crucial. Management also should analyze and predict the potential failure as a preparation before starting to adopt the new technology in the organization.

Suitability of online 3D visualization technique in oil palm plantation management

Oil palm industry has been the backbone for the growth of Malaysia economy. The exports of this commodity increasing almost every year. Therefore, there are many studies focusing on how to help this industry increased its productivity. In order to increase the productivity, the management of oil palm plantation need to be improved and strengthen. One of the solution in helping the oil palm manager is by implementing online 3D visualization technique for oil palm plantation using game engine technology. The potential of this application is that it can helps in fertilizer and irrigation management. For this reason, the aim of this paper is to investigate the issues in managing oil palm plantation from the view of oil palm manager by interview. The results from this interview will helps in identifying the suitable issues could be highlight in implementing online 3D visualization technique for oil palm plantation management.

Conceptual Design of Semi-Automatic Wheelbarrow to Overcome Ergonomics Problems Among Palm Oil Plantation Workers

An ergonomics problem is one of the main issues faced by palm oil plantation workers especially during harvesting and collecting of fresh fruit bunches (FFB). Intensive manual handling and labor activities involved have been associated with high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among palm oil plantation workers. New and safe technology on machines and equipment in palm oil plantation are very important in order to help workers reduce risks and injuries while working. The aim of this research is to improve the design of a wheelbarrow, which is suitable for workers and a small size oil palm plantation. The wheelbarrow design was drawn using CATIA ergonomic features. The characteristic of ergonomics assessment is performed by comparing the existing design of wheelbarrow. Conceptual design was developed based on the problems that have been reported by workers. From the analysis of the problem, finally have resulting concept design the ergonomic quality of semi-automatic wheelbarrow with safe and suitable used for palm oil plantation workers.