International Journal of Advanced Operations Management (16 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Digital collaboration within the supply chain: unlocking the hidden lean potential  
  by Jamila Alieva, Robin Von Haartman 
  Abstract: Collaboration in a supply chain plays an important role for manufacturing companies that are simultaneously implementing Lean and running enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. This research aims to discover whether the usage of ERP at a supply chain level can boost internal hidden lean potential. Empirical data were obtained from three manufacturing cases in Sweden. The results show that ERP technology usage has a significant impact on discovering hidden lean potential of three types: unlocked hidden lean potential in an unconnected ERP system, unlocked hidden lean potential in a connected ERP system, and unlocked hidden lean potential in a shared ERP system. The findings indicate manufacturers should devote more effort to ensuring active usage of ERP systems internally as well as externally with their customers and suppliers. The transparency and collaboration provided by an ERP system will help these companies become leaner.
  Keywords: lean manufacturing; digital technologies; supply chain; ERP; information exchange; waste; collaboration; business strategy.
  
  
• HOW MANAGEMENT REMAINS EXPANDING ITS THEORETICAL ROOTS TO EVOLVE SERENELY  
  by Mouna Hajjaj, Houda Lechheb 
  Abstract: Nowadays, management is constantly seeking balance and completion. It is nourishing itself from a variety of disciplines to exploit best practices. Lean and Agile concepts are no more limited to their first fields, namely manufacturing and software development. They are now extending to areas where the traditional project management model had predominated before. In this research, we performed a systematic review of theoretical and empiric studies about Lean and Agile. The content comes from a selection of peer-reviewed scientific output. This study focused mainly on hypotheses, backgrounds, and scopes of approaches in question. A qualitative text analysis software tool was run to extract and analyses data according to several dimensions. This use leads above all to a bibliometric study by developing descriptive statistics. Such an approach has made it possible to illustrate evidence on what existing literature reveals about the concepts involved in this present review. First, they revealed impacts of Lean and Agile on projects that deployed them conduct making a reliable assessment of their suitability. Second, highlighting trends and research trajectories allowed identifying future research streams from under-exploited research.
  Keywords: Agile; bibliometric study; inter-disciplinarity; managerial innovation; research trend; systematic review.
  
  
• An integrated grey-based multi-criteria optimisation approach for sustainable supplier selection and procurement-distribution planning  
  by Nidhi Bhayana, Kanika Gandhi, Akansha Jain, Jyoti Darbari, P.C. Jha 
  Abstract: Increasing pressure from government and stakeholders has led manufacturing companies to initiate sustainable practices into their Supply Chains (SCs). Integrating practices like sustainable supplier selection, performance-based order allocation and carbon efficient distribution planning can immensely improve companies sustainable image and hence provide a competitive edge. However, the integration of practices also necessitates the redesigning of SC network to ensure that the economic gains are also achieved along with the sustainable impact. Hence, the current study focusses on development of an integrated two stage multi-criteria optimization model for the selection of sustainable suppliers, optimum allocation of order and for selection of carbon efficient vehicles for transportation. In the first stage, Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique based on grey numbers is utilized to analyze the attributes influencing suppliers performance. Further, Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) is used to evaluate suppliers performances based on the identified attributes. In the second stage, a multi-objective optimization model is developed for selecting the suppliers and optimally assigning the orders. Moreover, delivery time windows has also been considered in the paper to enhance the delivery performance of suppliers, thereby, improving the performance of SC network. For obtaining a trade-off among multiple objectives of minimizing the systems total cost and carbon emission and maximizing the Total Value of Purchasing (TVP), weighted goal programming approach is utilized. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, case study of an electronics company is considered and based on the results obtained, conclusive managerial implications are drawn.
  Keywords: supplier selection; order allocation; sustainability; DEMATEL; Grey Relational Analysis; Time Windows.
  
  
• Operability and Maintainability Obstacles: An Exploratory Factor Analysis Approach  
  by Nazanin Kordestani, Ehsan Saghatforoush, Ahad Zare Ravasan 
  Abstract: The economic and social growth of countries depends on the successful implementation of construction infrastructure projects. As the population grows, more infrastructure projects are required too; however, after the completion of such projects, their maintenance becomes more significant. It is essential to pay special attention to the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) to sustain the value of the invested budget in long term. Proper O&M implementation has, however, experienced some obstacles. Identifying such obstacles is an initial step in resolving them, and for that, this paper aims to identify and prioritize the O&M implementation obstacles in the construction industry in Iran. A comprehensive list of O&M implementation obstacles is prepared through a questionnaire survey. These obstacles are identified through an in-depth literature review. In total, 800 questionnaires are sent out to the respondents, 445 questionnaires are gathered, while 435 usable questionnaires are used for the data analysis. The results are analyzed using the Robust Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) method. 23 obstacles in the construction industry are categorized under 6 themes of management, structure, culture, education and learning, communication, and finance. Through identifying and classifying the significant obstacles, a valuable foundation is initiated to develop effective solutions. Results show that management of these obstacles should be considered in priority for such infrastructure projects, and by solving them, they can significantly prevent new obstacles.
  Keywords: operation and maintenance; project; obstacles; exploratory factor analysis.
  
  
• Genetic Algorithm Based Solution of Multiobjective Stochastic Transportation Problem  
  by Jaydeepkumar Mulajibhai Sosa, Jayesh M. Dhodiya 
  Abstract: In transportation problem (TP) a decision-maker (DM) always wishes to optimize the given objectives by effectively transporting a given item from several sources to several destinations. The present paper explores the genetic algorithm (GA) based hybrid approach to solve Multiobjective Stochastic Transportation Problem. By using exponential membership function, different shape parameters (SP) and aspiration levels (AL), higher degree of satisfaction for each objective function are obtained which provides more flexibility to the decision-maker (DM) for a better decision. In this approach, a multiobjective optimization problem first converted into a single optimization problem then GA is applied with operator selection, crossover, mutation, etc. The logistic distribution is used here to convert the stochastic supply and demand into the real value. Here, we consider the objective functions which are non-commensurable and conflict with each other. To interpret, evaluate, and exhibit the usefulness of the proposed method, a numerical example is given.
  Keywords: Genetic Algorithm; Exponential Membership Function; Stochastic Programming; Multiobjective Optimization.
  
  
• An Inclusive Review of Green Lean Six Sigma for Sustainable Development: Readiness Measures and Challenges  
  by Mahender Singh Kaswan, Rajeev Rathi 
  Abstract: The industrial organizations have become more rigorous towards the effect of their methods on different aspects of sustainability. The governmental policies and environmental pacts have forced the industries to adopt sustainable measures to cut their current level of emissions and wastes. To mitigate these challenges, there is immense need to develop, adopt, and implement inclusive approaches like Green Lean Six Sigma (GLS) that provides a pathway for comprehensive growth to the industry through optimum utilization of resources, reducing rejection, rework wastes, and emissions. The main aim of the present work is to review the GLS approach together with readiness measures, failure factors, integration, and implementation framework. The study explores grey areas of the GLS and provides a systematic way to integrate Green technology, Lean, and Six Sigma under the egis of GLS. Moreover, a systematic framework of GLS with the associated toolset has presented that will facilitate the industrial managers and practitioners to implement this eco-friendly approach.
  Keywords: Lean; Lean Green; Six Sigma; Lean Six Sigma; Green Lean Six Sigma; Sustainability.
  
  
• SimEvents based discrete-event simulation modeling and performance analysis for dynamic job-shop manufacturing system  
  by Om Ji Shukla, Gunjan Soni, Rajesh Kumar 
  Abstract: The present paper deals with the application of discrete-event simulation (DES) to develop simulation model for dynamic job-shop manufacturing system (DJMS). In the present time, DES software tool is very known to engineers in designing manufacturing system layout and production lines, it facilitates to get a good solution for the analysis and validation of any problem. In this research work, DES software tool SimEvents has been used for developing simulation model. Dynamic processing plus waiting time (DPPW) due date assignment method and four dispatching rules are investigated in this article. The performance of the DJMS is evaluated through di?erent measures such as mean ?ow time, mean tardiness, standard deviation of ?ow time, standard deviation of tardiness, production output and work-in-process. A combination of dispatching rules and di?erent job types is taken for simulation experiments. This paper analyses the simulation results statistically and graphically.
  Keywords: Discrete event simulation; Job-shop; Dynamic manufacturing system; Production scheduling; SimEvents.
  
  
• Vehicles Capacitate Two Stage Solid Transportation Problem with bi-fuzzy coefficients through Genetic Algorithm  
  by Anjana Kuiri, Dipak Barman, Barun Das 
  Abstract: This study deals a vehicles capacitate two stage solid transportation problem (VCTSSTP), where in each stage and each path there are two different capacitate vehicles. And as per the quantity of transportation, the larger and / or smaller capacitance vehicles are used. More over, the coeffcients of the model are assumed bi-fuzzy in nature. The items are breakable in nature and to reduce the breakablity rate of the item extra safety cost is introduced here. The model is justified through a numerical example by using evolutionary genetic algorithm (GA). To ensure and establish the stability of the decision, results are compared through different solving method based on GRG techniques. Also a statistical test analysis of variance (ANOVA) illustrate and signify the feasibility and validity of the proposed model and techniques with the high rate of probability.
  Keywords: VCTSSTP; bi-fuzzy; genetic algorithm; ANOVA test.
  
  
• Analysis of Patient Satisfaction in a Hospital System: Maternity of Sfax Case  
  by Mohamed Haykal Ammar, Khouloud Kallel Kammoun, Marwa Ben Maallem, Noura Beji 
  Abstract: Patient satisfaction is an important and commonly used indicator for measuring the quality in health care department. Over the past 20 years, it has gained increasing attention as meaningful and essential sources of information for identifying gaps and developing an effective action plan for quality improvement in healthcare. The objective of the study is to analyse patients satisfaction in obstetrics and gynecology department of academic Hospital of Sfax HEDI CHAKER. Methods: this study carry out a quantitative study, which was covering 450 patients selected by convenience sample. The data were collected using a patient Satisfaction Survey (questionnaire) coded via a 5-point Likert scale, data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 21.0 and AMOS software. Results: The results showed that (8.5 %) of women were educated and (66.2 %) of them owned less than 500 TND/ month. As a result, the patients seem to be satisfied by the waiting time (59.10%) and the atmosphere in the waiting rooms (54.7%). They also liked the time taken to clean the rooms (60.9%) and giving information to women who have given birth to new baby and how she should look after him until they go home (79%). On the other hand, they were less satisfied by the calm inside the service (36.6%), the cleanliness of rest rooms (21.7 %), the cleanliness and the comfort of beds (29.7 %) and by the behaviour of the staff treatment (28.6 %). Concerning the communication about medical acts, pain treatment and the respect of privacy, 50 % of patients were satisfied. Besides, the patients were not satisfied of the overall organization of rooms and beds (42.8 %). Conclusion: The results of this study have shown the strong willingness to improve the medical care for the patients within the maternity department in Hedi Chaker hospital. The actions that need to be taken aim to make each person aware about what they should do, and to pay more attention to patients requirement. Thus, they should guarantee favourable conditions for each one (they need to provide a minimum of calm and comfort to patients) in addition to well-cleaned restrooms. In addition, effective communication is necessary to ensure that patients problems and concerns are understood by those providing care.
  Keywords: hospital logistics; patient satisfaction; quantitative approaches; descriptive analysis; obstetric gynecology;.
  
  
• Blockchain Technology and Relational Gains in Business Interactions: A Fuzzyset Qualitative Comparative Analysis of Supply Chain Specialists Perceptions  
  by Fabiano Oliveira, Roberto Zanoni, Rafael Dalla Rosa, Jorge Renato Verschoore 
  Abstract: This paper studied how the adoption of blockchain technology impact the generation of relational gains. For this, we developed a Qualitative Comparative Analysis and collected evidence from 10 supply chain specialists regarding their perceptions of blockchain technology in their areas of expertise. Fuzzy set data were coded and loaded into the fsQCA v3.0 software. We also carried out a content analysis of the interviews. Our findings showed that blockchain technology contributes to the generation of relational gains. Blockchain technology impacts the four conditions of the relational view: specific assets, knowledge-sharing routines, complementarity of resources and capabilities, and effective governance. Academically, our findings connect supply chain to the relational view and reveal new perspectives and insights to the operations management studies. Managerially, our findings assist supply chain managers in developing strategies to implement blockchain technology, considering the four conditions highlighted by the relational view.
  Keywords: Blockchain Technology; Supply Chain; Relational View; Relational Gains; Qualitative Comparative Analysis; Fuzzy Set; fsQCA Software.
  
  
• Construction Safety and Accident Control Measures in Industry 4.0 Era: An Overview  
  by Soumi Majumder, Debasish Biswas 
  Abstract: Throughout the world, the construction sector is one of the most hazardous industries. It includes building residential houses, roads, workplaces, bridges, highways, tunnels, etc. The job consists of risk and fatalities like working with height, excavation, dust, noise, heavy machinery, and equipment, etc. The construction work under the real estate sector is increasing in developing and underdeveloped countries over the past few years. With the development of these types of work occupational hazards, accidents are also increased in the era of Industry 4.0. In the context of maintenance of safe and healthy work culture, it is very much important for the construction sites to establish a safety management system. A safe environment is a necessity for all construction workers to make the quality of work-life better. The safety management system has been included in several policies, procedures, plans, objectives, and responsibilities related to construction site safety. In this study, we have highlighted the different parameters of occupational health and safety and its significance in the construction industry mainly focusing on the real estate sector.
  Keywords: Safety; Industry 4.0; Accident; Real estate sector; Construction sector;.
  
  
• Port Resiliency and the Effects of Hurricanes on Port Operations  
  by Dylan Folkman, Amir Gharehgozli 
  Abstract: This paper studies the negative effects of hurricanes on port operations. Hurricanes push a large amount of sediment into the port and connecting channels, thus decreasing the water depth. As a result, larger vessels need extra time to de-ballast the water from the ballast tanks in order to reduce their draft and enter the port. Arena software is used to simulate port operations before and after a hurricane. The simulation study addresses how de-ballasting can impact the port key performance indicators including the number of containers to be loaded and unloaded by vessels, the total revenue, and the average waiting time of vessels. The model before a hurricane allows ships to enter the port, unload and load containers, and leave the port, while the after-hurricane model forces the large vessels to first empty their ballast tanks before entering the port. The simulation models are used to study the case of hurricane Harvey at the Port Houston. The results show that hurricanes have detrimental impacts on the port because of extra time required for de-ballasting or smaller ships arriving at a port hit by a hurricane. Not only the number of containers decreases but also the average waiting time of vessels increases. Consequently, the total revenue plummets.
  Keywords: Hurricanes; port operations; simulation; container shipping; ballasting.
  
  
• A Hybrid Approach for Performance Evaluation and Ranking of Divisional Structure Organizations  
  by Saeed Zarghami, Maghsuod Amiri 
  Abstract: The success and survival of any organization depends on its performance. Performance evaluation is important because it monitors the system's performance and measures any organization's success in achieving goals and outputs based on inputs and used strategies. Most performance evaluation systems do not pay attention to the structure of organizations. Mechanistic structures include machine bureaucracy, professional bureaucracy, and divisional structure, which can be stated to have a functional nature. The divisional structure is multi-functional and supports multiple missions or functions. In this multi-functional structure, the overall performance of any organization is based on the aggregation of the performance of each functional section of the organization. As multi-criteria decision-making methods are very diverse and each method can produce different results, this study is based on the characteristics of the organizational structure, the views of managers, and the type of data, using axiomatic design. By answering the question of what we want to achieve and how to achieve it, the evaluation and ranking method is selected and calculation has taken place. According to the axiomatic design, each function efficiency score of division is achieved by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in stage one. The efficiency score of each function is considered as inputs the criteria values of Technique of Order Preference Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) in the second stage. In practice, the agreement between the stakeholders based on their needs in selecting the evaluation and ranking method is very important, and the axiomatic design responds well to this issue. Moreover, the results show that paying attention to the type of organization structure and rules governing it is effective in the evaluation and ranking process.
  Keywords: organizational structure; performance evaluation; axiomatic design; DEA; TOPSIS.
  
  

Special Issue on: FLAME - 2020 Industry 4.0 and Sustainable Manufacturing

• Exploratory Study on Design Principles and Key Technologies of Industry 4.0  
  by PRAMOD KUMAR, Jagdish Bhadu, Dharmendra Singh, Jaiprakash Bhamu 
  Abstract: The fourth industrial revolution or Industry 4.0 mainly focused on digital transformation of manufacturing scenario that combines information and communication technologies to create quick responsive networking of systems for the organization. Design principles and key technologies are collective terms and main pillars of Industry 4.0 which are significantly changing the manufacturing landscape from distant, esoteric concept to real and tangible. The current industries have to understand the design principles and advanced technologies with sustainability aspects for transforming their business towards the competitive environment. The manufactures need to develop skills regarding these set of the design principles and technologies to align with current transformation. Therefore, this paper explores the design principles and key technologies with the discussion about sustainability aspects of these two main pillars of Industry 4.0. Articles from renowned journals and conferences were thoroughly studied and key points extracted to design the presented work. The authors elaborated concepts, emerging trends, applications and contributions of these building blocks in changing the current manufacturing scenario with the implications of interaction of design principles and key technologies in context of Industry 4.0. Major contributions of Industry 4.0 for sustainable manufacturing also elaborated at the end of the paper.
  Keywords: Fourth Industrial Revolution; Industry 4.0; Design principles; Technologies; Digitization; Sustainable Manufacturing.
  
  
• An empirical study of the merit-order effects in the Texas energy market via quantile regression  
  by Mary Rudolph, Paul Damien, Jay Zarnikau 
  Abstract: The merit-order effect is the tendency for non-dispatchable renewable energy generation (wind and solar), or baseload generation (nuclear), to lower wholesale market prices by shifting supply curves. To better quantify real-time pricing, we examine how the merit-order effects varies with the level of wholesale electricity prices in all the eight zones that comprise the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). To accomplish this goal, we quantify the merit-order effects due to nuclear, wind and solar energy resources. Among other results, we find that when wind generation increases by 10% median prices ($/MWH) in the North region of ERCOT decline by 1.47%, 1.04% and 1.24% for hours 3am, 11am and 4pm, respectively. The corresponding decline in median prices in the West region are 1.86%, 1.34% and 1.73%. These impacts vary considerably within ERCOT; moreover, transmission bottlenecks could mitigate energy transfer across the eight zones. Policy implications from our analysis are discussed.
  Keywords: Energy prices; Kurtosis; Real time prices; Renewable energy; Skewness.
  
  
• A Framework for Implementing Sustainable Supply Chain Management  
  by Mahmoud Al-Odeh, Jim Smallwood, M. Affan Badar 
  Abstract: Considering environment friendly practices in a supply chain management (SCM) is known as Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM). SSCM is an important strategy not only to reduce the harm on the environment but also it supports organizations in becoming more efficient and this impacts their overall performance. This article provides a framework strategy to help managers apply SSCM to their organizations and partners. The methodology employed in this study is based on the literature search and on the current status, best practices, and needs of regional large, medium and small manufacturing companies regarding SSCM. For the first part of the methodology, a brief background of the SSCM practices and strategies from the literature has been presented. For the second part, companies located in and around the city of Terre Haute, Indiana, USA were visited to observe their sustainable initiatives as well as employees responsible for supply chain management were interviewed. The companies included large size companies: company S (950 employees) and company B (710 employees); medium size companies: company T (425 employees) and company TKP (439 employees); and small size companies: Company J (250 employees), Company CG (165 employees) and Company Tr (135 employees). As a result of the literature survey and the observations and interviews of the companies, a framework has been developed for SSCM implementation. The practical implication of this research is that this framework can be used in any manufacturing company regardless of their size with some adjustment due to the regional consideration.
  Keywords: Supply Chain; Sustainability; Operations Management; trends; framework; Industry practices.