Title: Study on productivity of homogeneous group using social network analysis

Authors: Guojun Zhang, Honghui Zhan, Xinyu Shao, Haiping Zhu

Addresses: State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment & Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, P.R. China. ' State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment & Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, P.R. China. ' State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment & Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, P.R. China. ' State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment & Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, P.R. China

Abstract: Homogeneous groups (HGs) are massively applied in industrial companies with multiple-channel production mode. An interesting fact related to HG is that such groups at same scale often present various productivity. This paper aims to empirically analyse the existence of a positive relationship between the intentional assistance relationships and HGs| productivity. A major factory of Toshiba air conditioning compressor manufacturers was selected to conduct a case study to analyse the characteristics of intentional work-assistance relations network about all operators in the procedure of processing curved surfaces of camshafts. The authors found that the intentional assistance relations among members have positive contributions for HGs| productivity using the method of social network analysis. To enhance HGs| productivity and achieve optimal performance, it is necessary to: 1) develop the intentional assistance relations among operators; 2) the work-assistance network of HG should be have moderate network density and keep appropriate distribution.

Keywords: homogeneous groups; productivity; effectiveness coefficient; network characteristics; modelling; social network analysis; case study; Toshiba; air conditioning compressors; compressor manufacturing; curved surfaces; camshafts; intentional assistance relations; work assistance networks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIMS.2010.031789

International Journal of Internet Manufacturing and Services, 2010 Vol.2 No.2, pp.186 - 202

Published online: 24 Feb 2010 *

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