S. Sahu

Multiobjective facility layout using simulated annealing

Abstract This paper addresses the problem of multiobjective layout planning. The simulated annealing algorithm which has now become a very useful tool in solving a variety of combinatorial optimization problems is made use of here. The advantage of using this approach lies in the fact that the algorithm tries to prevent the solution from getting trapped in a local minimum by accepting uphill moves with a limited probability. Another very important feature of simulated annealing is the nondependence of the final solution on the initial solution. Solutions obtained using the proposed algorithm compare favourably with the best known results.

Productivity Management in India: A Delphi Study

Concepts underlying productivity management and other measures of organisational performance are discussed. Expert opinions can clarify many “misunderstood” concepts which need an interdisciplinary approach for exploration. The Delphi technique, as a structured group communication process employing the group process or participative approach, has been recommended with a view to formulating appropriate policies. Four issues, namely organisational objectives related to productivity improvement, productivity measures, problems faced in implementing productivity improvement techniques or tools, and recommendations to overcome the problems in manufacturing organisations in India are extensively investigated through a Delphi study, conducted during 1987‐88.

The Measurement and Evaluation of White‐collar Productivity

Critical analysis of previously developed white‐collar productivity management techniques focuses on the existing shortcomings of several measurement and evaluation methodologies of white‐collar personnel and functions. An analytical method of defining and measuring various pertinent characteristics of both routine and non‐routine white‐collar jobs helps in the development of a more suitable productivity management methodology. A systematic procedure is described for the measurement and evaluation of white‐collar productivity for an individual, a group of individuals or a department. The recommended measures, viz, operations‐based productivity measures for routine and non‐routine jobs, explain in detail the relationship of different white‐collar job characteristics and individual and group productivity at the middle management level. A case example is cited which illustrates the proposed approach. The advantages, along with some limitations, of the methodology are also highlighted.

Complexity of single model assembly line balancing problems

Abstract This paper describes a method for generating assembly line balancing problems randomly and measuring their complexities. In this present study, a measure for complexity of assembly line balancing problem, TF-ratio (ratio of the sum of total number of followers of each element and maximum possible number of ordering relations among them) is used. A complex problem will need more CPU time for its solution. Some of the factors, such as, work content (W), cycle time (C), standard deviation (SD) of elemental times, TF-ratio, etc., which are responsible for the complexity of the line balancing problem, are identified and their effect on the complexity of the problem is discussed.

Interpretive structural modelling for critical success factors of R&D performance in Indian manufacturing firms

Purpose – In order to enhance the performance of R&D in manufacturing organizations, the R&D managers need to identify the internal as well as the external factors that affect the R&D performance of manufacturing organizations in India. They need to understand the inter‐dependencies of these factors. This paper seeks to identify the critical success factors for R&D in Indian manufacturing firms.Design/methodology/approach – There may be a number of factors that are critical for achieving acceptable R&D performance and these factors have been identified by a number of instruments or means, such as questionnaire surveys, brainstorming, and consolidation by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). A total of 14 factors have been identified by using principal component analysis and finally we have developed a structure of interrelationship among the identified critical success factors using an interpretive structural model.Findings – The results show that R&D vision and direction and R&D oriented culture are the m...

Productivity measurement in multi-product manufacturing firms: Evaluation and control through sensitivity analysis

Abstract The usefulness of available productivity measurement models arises from the fact that they consist of a large number of important production factors. However, in a complex manufacturing situation, such as a multi-stage multi-product production system, monitoring and controlling of all these factors of the productivity model may be difficult and uneconomical. Selection and control of the important factors could be a right step in application of productivity models in the industries. In this paper, the details of the sensitivity analysis of the factors considered in the Ray-Sahu model of productivity measurement for multi-product manufacturing firms have been provided. The proposed methodology, with all its simplicity and reasonable assumptions under a given condition, has been applied in a manufacturing firm producing four products. In particular, the effect of incremental change in the values of three output-related factors and total inputs for each product has been considered. The information obtained through sensitivity analysis determines the possible combinations of production factors with which management would be able to increase the total productivity of each of the products.

Factors governing R&D practices in Indian manufacturing firms: structural equation modelling

The objective of the study is to identify the factors that contribute to the research and development practices in Indian manufacturing firms, to categorise the dominating factors into different constructs, and to establish a causal relationship among the constructs. The structural equation modelling methodology using the AMOS 4.0 program has been adopted as the primary methodology for the study to possess causal relationship among five constructs, such as innovative competency, market focus, financial measures, R&D management strategy, and roadblocks to R&D. The results indicate that R&D management strategy holds the key to achieve the innovative competency in Indian manufacturing firms.

Productivity measurement in multi-product manufacturing firms

Abstract In this paper, a systematic procedure has been described for developing a productwise productivity measurement model in a complex and dynamic multi-product multi-stage manufacturing firm. As the interdependency among various stages of production in a manufacturing firm is to be taken care of for effective monitoring and controlling various “input” factors, a “stagewise” productivity measurement is possible and is developed. A hypothetical manufacturing firm has been considered for illustrating the proposed model. Also highlighted are benefits of the resulting model, along with some limitations, with particular reference to conditions prevalent in India.

Performance measurement of R&D is a vaccine for innovation capability: evidence from Indian manufacturing organisations

The purpose of this study is to explore the barriers and critical success factors that affect the R&D organisational performance in Indian manufacturing scenario. Reviewing the literatures on R&D performance measurement in manufacturing organisations, this paper first brings out a number of key factors contributing to the R&D organisational performance. Based on these factors, a questionnaire survey was conducted among the different manufacturing sectors. An analysis of the responses to the questionnaire survey, together with the use of principal component analysis and factor analysis, helped in framing five constructs: R&D productivity, TQM index, roadblocks to R&D, technical competency, and effectiveness of R&D. Using these constructs, seven hypotheses were developed and tested in the framework of structural equation modelling. The results indicate that technical competency and TQM index are the key drivers to encourage the performance of R&D, which enhance effectiveness of R&D in manufacturing sectors ...

Cell formation in cellular manufacturing: an AHP-based framework for evaluation of various techniques

The cell formation problem in cellular manufacturing has been addressed by a wide range of different techniques, and by a large number of researchers. Whilst algorithms capable of addressing a number of different concerns have been developed, there is a strong need for the development of a comprehensive framework with which to evaluate the performance of these algorithms and to provide guidelines to determine their appropriateness. In this paper, the need for an evaluation framework is stressed, and an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) based framework for evaluation of the cell formation techniques is proposed, and illustrated with an example.