Sarah Hudson

Simulation of unbalanced buffer allocation in unreliable unpaced production lines

This article presents the results of a study investigating the performance of unpaced unreliable production lines (i.e. subject to breakdown) that are unbalanced in terms of their buffer storage sizes. Simulation is carried out for five, eight and 10 station lines with mean buffer space set at two, four and six units. Buffer capacity is allocated in different configurations for each of these lines. Performance indicators on throughput, idle time and average buffer level are analysed using a range of statistical tools, and relationships between the independent and dependent variables are determined. Overall results show that the best patterns for unreliable lines in terms of generating higher throughput rates (or lower idle times) as compared to a balanced line are those where total available buffer capacity is allocated as evenly as possible between workstations. In contrast, concentrating more buffer capacity towards the end of the line gives best average buffer level results.

Unbalanced lines: where are we now?

Unbalanced unpaced serial production lines have been the subject of continued interest over the last half a century. Research into these systems taking a diversity of approaches has given rise to a variety of insights which may be of increasing relevance in a context of fast-changing production and flexibility needs. By mapping the major conclusions reached in the area of unpaced asynchronous unbalanced lines over time and from diverse sources, this review identifies some possible future avenues of research that can usefully advance knowledge in this domain.

Unpaced production lines with three simultaneous imbalance sources

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the performance of unpaced reliable production lines that are unbalanced in terms of their mean operation times, coefficients of variation and buffer capacities.Design/methodology/approach – Simulations were carried out for five‐ and eight‐station lines with various buffer capacities and degrees of means imbalance. Throughput, idle time and average buffer level performance indicators were generated and statistically analysed.Findings – The results show that an inverted bowl allocation of mean service times, combined with a bowl configuration for coefficients of variation and a decreasing order of buffer sizes results in higher throughput and lower idle times than a balanced line counterpart. In addition, considerable reductions in average inventory levels were consistently obtained when utilizing a configuration of progressively faster stations, coupled with a bowl‐shaped pattern for coefficients of variation and an ascending buffer size order.Research...

The performance of unpaced serial production lines with unequal coefficients of variation of processing times

In this paper, the behaviour of non-automated production lines in terms of their service time coefficients of variation is studied. Results from the simulation of such lines under their steady-state mode of operation with varied buffer storage sizes, number of stations, imbalance configurations and a range of coefficients of variation are presented. Extensive statistical analysis of the output shows that the best pattern (a bowl-shaped arrangement) gives simultaneously lower idle times and lower average buffer levels than those of a balanced line. Predictive formulae and design factor impacts on the endogenous variables are also presented.

The financial crisis and the gathering of political intelligence: A cross-country comparison of SMEs in France, Sweden and the UK

This article reports the findings of a study that compared cross-national differences in how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) monitored political responses to the economic and financial crisis of 2007–2009. Original, empirical data collected through an online survey of 206 small business managers in France, Sweden and the UK were analysed to explore the extent that they monitored policy responses to the crisis, their motivations for doing so, and the sources of information they used for political intelligence gathering purposes. The findings show that the monitoring of political initiatives by SMEs in response to the recession varied in accordance with the extent to which their countries are affected by the recession. Also, small business managers on the whole considered it more important, despite the international nature of the crisis, to monitor political responses in national rather than supranational political settings. Contrary to our expectations, we found that SMEs across all three countries drew on similarly wide sources of information when monitoring policy responses to the crisis. Also surprising was the finding that SME managers in the UK relied heavily on official government sources when gathering intelligence on attempts to alleviate the recession’s effects.

The effects of unbalancing operation time variability on the performance of unreliable lines

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the performance of unpaced unreliable production lines that are deliberately unbalanced in terms of their coefficients of variation (CVs).Design/methodology/approach – A series of simulation experiments were carried out for five and eight station lines with mean buffer space set at one, two, four and six units. CVs were allocated in 12 different configurations for each of these lines.Findings – The results show that the best unbalanced CV patterns in terms of throughput rates or idle times as compared to a balanced line counterpart are those where the steadiest stations are concentrated near the centre of the line. On the other hand, either concentrating the steadier operators towards the centre or close to the end of the line gives best average buffer level results.Practical implications – The results provide guidelines for production line managers when designing unpaced unbalanced lines depending on their performance aims.Originality/value – The inve...

In Search of Sustainability? SMEs in Brittany, France

Research on the CSR practice of SMEs suggests that the activities chosen by companies strongly reflect the political, social and economic environment in which they work. This chapter investigates CSR practices among SMEs in Brittany, France, and focuses in particular on the factors which help and hinder CSR engagement. A framework for analysis is developed which reveals the different perceptions of the drivers and brakes of CSR among both active SMEs and those which do not yet engage in CSR. We conclude that in France recent governmental policies encourage engagement in activities which mainly aim at environmental sustainability. It is also found that, managers who have not yet implemented CSR activities are more optimistic regarding their environment’s support for CSR than managers with CSR experience. In addition, SMEs lack information on best practices and funding for investments in CSR.

Production line efficiency : a comprehensive guide for managers

This book covers the area of unpaced, unbalanced production lines. You will find an up-to-date discussion of how designing these lines can be made more efficient by taking advantage of inherent imbalance, for example operators who work at different speeds - a concept which has traditionally been seen as an obstacle to efficient production. A series of experiments are presented to illustrate the issues involved in improving performance through production line imbalance. This area is of interest to postgraduate and executive level students interested in the area of production, and to managers of manual or semi-automated production lines who are interested in innovative approaches to line design. In this book you will find some surprisingly easy ways to improve performance with low or zero costs. Emphasis is placed on reducing the amount of time production lines lie idle, and on reducing work in process. This is a timely contribution to the field when managers are casting around for new ways to cut waste and reduce their use of natural resources.

Nepotism and Cronyism as a Cultural Phenomenon

Abstract The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the cultural values which underpin the practice and acceptance of nepotism and cronyism in societies and organizations worldwide. We argue that there are advantages inherent in harnessing the resources of the social networks involved in nepotism and cronyism, but there are also major problems arising from the inequality and unfairness of these practices. A theoretical consideration of cultural values combined with illustrative cases is used to discuss nepotism and cronyism in different cultures. We suggest that nepotism and cronyism exist in all cultures but perception and discussion of these phenomena as well as the perceived gravity of their effects can vary according to the cultural values of egalitarianism and universalism, together with the economic development of the societies in which they occur.

Call centers: is there an upside to the dissatisfied customer experience?

Purpose This paper aims to present the triggers of negative customer emotions during a call center encounter and the impact of emotions on satisfaction and loyalty. It suggests ways of mitigating the negative effects of such emotions. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses exploratory research consisting of 33 focus groups with 121 narratives of a call center encounter. Findings Callers predominantly report frustration as the emotion arising from negative experiences in a call center encounter. Goal urgency, reduced customer control and uncertainty underlie this emotional experience. Triggers include assessments of “dehumanized”, “incompetent” or “hostile” call center employees as well as the more well-known multiple transfers and waiting time. Customer may remain loyal after a frustrating encounter if they believe that alternative services will be no better. Research limitations/implications Disembodied service encounters generate conditions of reduced control and certainty which foster negative emotions. The outcomes of negative emotions are not always negative if the call center context is managed appropriately. Focus groups took place in a European business school, so generalizability of the results to other regions may be limited. Practical implications Negative emotions can have a strong effect on loyalty, a key issue in service organizations. This paper provides insights into how to manage customer emotions effectively. Originality/value Customer satisfaction and loyalty in terms of emotions are generally overlooked in the call center industry because of the focus on performance metrics. This study shows that emotions must be taken into account to ensure customer retention and the competitive edge.