International Journal of Advanced Operations Management (25 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• 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, Joan Mileski, Cassia Bomer Galvao 
  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. 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.
  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.
  
  
• Analyzing Impact of Strategies Adopted by Decision Makers on Performance Parameters of Bi Criteria Transportation Problem  
  by Subhra Das 
  Abstract: The most common methodology adopted for evaluation of optimal transportation schedule is the conventional cost benefit analysis which provides decision makers with a monetary assessment of a transportation schedule. A mechanism is needed to capture the impact of strategy adopted by decision makers in case of bi criteria transportation problem on the performance parameters like cost and time. In this paper, an algorithm has been proposed to solve bi-criteria transportation problem with the objective of minimizing both cost and time which satisfies the constraints of demand and supply. The algorithm also enables one to obtain the optimal transportation schedule by incorporating the decision makers priority towards cost and time. Consequently, the algorithm provides a scope to evaluate the impact of strategy adopted by decision makers in obtaining the optimal solution on total cost & time of transportation. The algorithm is explained with the help of an elaborate illustration. The result obtained by the proposed algorithm is compared with that suggested by researchers in the past for validation. The impact of variation in decision makers strategy is assessed in terms of percentage change in total cost of transportation and maximum time taken for transportation following the optimal route.
  Keywords: Bi-criteria Transportation problem; Cost minimization; Time minimization; Impact of Strategy.
  
  
• Buffer estimation in the critical chain method by considering internal and external risks  
  by Hamed Asgari 
  Abstract: The critical chain method as a novel concept in project management has attracted most researchers and project managers' attention in recent years. In this regard, the estimation of buffer size plays an essential role in successful implementation. It has proved that if buffers in the critical chain are estimated in large quantities, the critical chain concept loss its productivity. On the other hand, lower buffer estimations cannot protect the project against unwanted events. As a result, reliability was reduced drastically. On the other hand, in most of the existing methods, only the internal risks of the project are considered. So one of the most critical risk factors which are related to outside the project is ignored. In this research, the internal and external source of uncertainty is considered simultaneously during the buffer estimation process. In this research, in order to identify the external risks of the project, the failure mode and effect analysis technique has been used. With the help of project experts, the factors that may disrupt planning have been identified in this method. Finally, the most important external risk is identified, and the amount of risk priority number of this factor is included in the buffer size estimation calculations. Additionally, the lognormal distribution function is utilized for stimulating activities duration as internal risk resources. Considering internal and external risks in a project will bring the results closer to real-world results. Finally, a real case study is experimented with to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed model. Numerical instances show that the suggested buffer estimation method can be better than the traditional cut and paste method in projects. The results of this research can be used by various organizations and individuals and, at the same time, will facilitate project management. Taking into account the internal and external risks of the project at the same time can also lead to more accurate decisions in the field of project management.
  Keywords: Project management; Buffer estimation; Internal risk resources; External risk resources; Failure mode; and effect analysis.
  
  
• THE DISSEMINATION OF OPERATIONAL CAPABILITIES IN MANUFACTURING NETWORKS: A CO-EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE  
  by Cristiane Biazzin, Ely Paiva, Kenyth Freitas 
  Abstract: Although scholars have agreed on the relevance of capabilities to operations strategy and the competitive advantage of firms, the process by which they are disseminated among networks remains mostly unexplored. Since operational capabilities are difficult to imitate or acquire, manufacturing networks represent a favorable environment for the exchange of experiences, knowledge and the speeding up of the process of capability development. Based on the co-evolutionary theoretical perspective, this research aims to understand how operational capabilities are disseminated between headquarters and the plants in manufacturing networks. The study used multiple case studies to explore four organizations in three different industries. The findings demonstrate a possible relationship between the manufacturing stages proposed by Wheelwright and Hayes (1985) and the Co-evolutionary Theory. The co-evolution of manufacturing units and the dissemination of capabilities is a gradual process, comprises cumulative motivational factors, and involves actors from different dimensions that absorb these capabilities at different speeds.
  Keywords: operational capabilities; dissemination; manufacturing networks; subsidiary; headquarters; coevolutionary theory; manufacturing stages; efficiency; complexity; maturity; case study.
  
  
• A queuing network and Markov chain approach for balancing assembly line: A case study  
  by Iraj Barati, Roya M. Ahari, Milad Asadpour 
  Abstract: Having a balanced assembly line is a strength point for any manufacturing company and results in reducing costs as well as decreasing processing time and increasing productivity. Allocating activities to workstations regarding least number of workstations and idle time of each station with respect to the prerequisite relationships of assembly line activities are the main purposes in balancing assembly line problems. Accordingly, in this study, a mathematical model has been developed and considering the assembly line as a queuing network, a Markov chain has been formed and balance rate equations added into the basic model. In addition, obtained results from a real case study in Iran, Esfahan, approved the applicability and efficiency of the proposed approach and indicated an improvement in the leveling of the idle time of resources at workstations.
  Keywords: Queuing Network; Markov Chain; Balancing Assembly Line; Idle Time.
  
  
• Application of integrated Environmentally Failure Modes and Effects Analysis and Environmentally Conscious Quality Function Deployment for sustainable product design  
  by Vimal KEK, Mathiyazhagan K, Manojkummar M, Rajyalakshmi G, John Rajan A, K. Jayakrishna 
  Abstract: The necessity to consider the environmental measures in the early product development promotes the concept of sustainable product design. This study aims at developing sustainable products by an integrated framework using Environmental Failure Mode Effective Analysis (EFMEA) with Environmentally Conscious Quality Function Deployment (ECQFD) and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). EFMEA was used to conduct an environmental defective analysis for all components and ECQFD was used for integrating the environmental aspects and expectations of the customers from a product. Based on the results of ECQFD the components were redesigned and subjected to a simple CAD model-based LCA using solid works sustainability Xpress. Using an overflow valve as a case product the integrated model was demonstrated to understand the practical applicability. The environmental impacts caused by the redesigned overflow valve were less than the existing valve and proved the feasibility of the proposed integrated model.
  Keywords: Environmental Failure Mode Effect Analysis; Environmentally Quality Function Deployment; Life Cycle Analysis; Sustainable Product Development; Overflow Valve.
  
  
• Understanding the role of Organization Culture and Supply Chain Integration in Supply Chain Performance  
  by Arsalan Najmi, Adeel Hafeez, Arsalan Zahid Piprani, Waqar Ahmed 
  Abstract: The volatility in business environment and severe market dynamism creates astounding challenges for business leaders to stay competitive in market whereas globalization in supply chain has highlighted the importance of understanding cultural practices and factors. Hence cultural alignment and understanding among the supply chain partners is emerged as one of the key predictors that influence the effectiveness of supply chain integration (SCI). Therefore the role of the organizational culture comprised of four dimensions which has been conceptualized as Competing Value Framework (CVF), in supply chain performance is evaluated on SCOR model. The study encompasses survey methodology and the data was collected from 250 supply chain professionals working in various manufacturing companies operating in Karachi, Pakistan. By Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the results of the study highlight that organization culture has a positive and significant impact on the SCI and in the same SCI has a positive and significant impact on supply chain performance. This research helps the manager to know what kind of decisions are required in order to improve the performance of supply chain in a developing market. Moreover, it also helps the managers to know that what type of culture is beneficial for the firms growth.
  Keywords: supply chain integration; supply chain performance; organization culture; SCOR; PLS-SEM.
  
  
• Analysis and assessment of divergence of final offers in Negotiation using Gamma and Beta distribution  
  by Sarin Abraham, Punniyamoorthy Murugesan 
  Abstract: The Final Offer Arbitration procedure is used to settle dispute where the parties involved propose different offers and an arbitrator choose one sides offer closer to his view of the fair offer as the final settlement. The competing parties try to guess the arbitrators view of the final settlement and then attempt to propose the same offer as that of the arbitrator. But, this prediction cannot be done exactly and most of the time the players would only expect the arbitrators preference to follow some distribution. This uncertainty about the arbitrators choice leads to a divergence between the final positions arrived by the two players. In this paper, the divergence between the equilibrium strategies has been computed for two distributions, namely, the Gamma and Beta distribution which were hereto not considered by other researchers. The computed divergence for the Gamma and Beta distributions are compared with the known divergence of other distributions to check the applicability of these distributions in the Final Offer Arbitration game.
  Keywords: Negotiation; Game theory; Final Offer Arbitration; dispersion; gamma distribution; beta distribution.
  
  
• An Empirical Study on Effects of Risk Equity on Intercity Road Network Accessibility  
  by Abbas Mahmoudabadi, Donya Nader 
  Abstract: Since hazardous materials (Hazmat) transportation is always contaminated by transport risk, local/national authorities are dealing with the distributing of Hazmat transport risk to avoid risk aggregation over the most operational links but it affects the network accessibility which is dealt with by transport operators. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of employing risk equity techniques on network accessibility through developing a mathematical model in which the maximum transport risk associated with the network links is minimized. The proposed mathematical models run using experimental data that composes of specific nodes, edges as well as Hazmat Origin-Destination matrix in medium size of intercity road network in the Iranian northern province of Guilan. The analytical experiments revealed transport risk distribution techniques have significant negative effects on network accessibility resulted in reducing road accessibility. Therefore, in terms of application, the authorities and transport planning experts should consider the effects of employing Hazmat transport risk equity on network accessibility prior to designing Hazmat transport networks.
  Keywords: Hazardous Material Transportation; Risk Distribution and Equity; Network Accessibility; Intercity Road Network; Mathematical Modeling.
  
  
• Ant Colony Optimization for Milk-Runs in Manufacturing Systems  
  by Yilmaz Uygun, Arenco Rustemaj 
  Abstract: In an increasingly competitive environment, companies have devoted special focus on maximizing value-adding activities in order to increase the efficiency of their operations. With the increasing implementation of lean manufacturing concepts, more attention has been given to in-plant logistics. rnWhile there are many solutions that are proposed to solve the optimization problems presented by the milk run (MR) model, this paper seeks to bring the discussion to a more fundamental level. Specifically, it focuses on vehicle capacity and routing problems drawn from MR models. By bringing the MR model to the foundation, it is possible to test a multitude of solutions as well as present these solutions in more general conditions. This can provide a base comparison level for all solutions proposed for the simplified model of MR.rnThe research focuses on ant colony optimization (ACO) which will be compared with the commonly used mixed integer programming (MIP). The paper shows that it is quite difficult to pinpoint which of the two methods performs better. Looking at the load carried by each vehicle in the specific instance is not a helpful metric either. As tested in this study, MIP and ACO perform equally when compared for vehicle utilization. However, ACO outperforms MIP in all the instances that were used to benchmark both solutions. When presented with the Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (CVRP), chosen to represent the MR problem in routing and vehicle utilization, ACO yields more optimal routes without sacrificing vehicle utilization.rn
  Keywords: milk-run; ant colony optimization; mixed integer programming.
  
  
• ORGANISATIONAL CAPABABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE OF LOGISTIC COMPANIES: CASE STUDY OF NINGXIA CHINA  
  by Liang Hua, Filzah Md Isa, Shaista Noor, Hoo Ree Chan 
  Abstract: The logistic performance is considered an important economic indicator for logistics activities and depicts the firm's resources. Hence, the organisational capabilities such as operational, marketing, management, financial, and technology play a remarkable role and affect its overall logistic performance. This paper intends to highlight the issues and challenges confronted by logistic companies in China. Qualitative research methodology has been adopted, and data collection done through semi-structured interviews technique. Ten managers working in different departments of a renowned private company offering road transportation freight in China were interviewed face-to-face in March 2019 - May 2019. The results highlight that complex transitional economy, political considerations between China and other countries, and well-developed organisational capabilities influence small-and-medium-sized logistics enterprises' perspectives and practices. The internal and external factors influencing the logistic performance has been explicitly highlighted in the context of China.
  Keywords: logistic enterprise; organisational capabilities; logistic performance; firm resources logistic enterprise; organisational capabilities; logistic performance; firm resources logistic enterprise; organisational capabilities; logistic performance; firm resources.
  
  
• Development of a multi-objective stepwise data envelopment analysis method based on common set of weights to evaluate the agility of decision-making units: A case study  
  by Moosa Darijani, Amiri Maghsoud, Taghavi Fard Mohammad Taghi, Hanafizadeh Payam 
  Abstract: In the most Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models, the internal structure of production units is ignored during the evaluation process. To solve this problem, a stepwise DEA model has been considered by the researchers. Another weakness of classical DEA models is that the weights of inputs and outputs are being changed each time the model is run. In such case, the common set of weight method is one of the popular ranking methods which can well identify efficient and inefficient units based on the same criteria. In the present study, using the related studies in the literature, a conceptual model considering agility dimensions was constructed, in which the main dimensions include drivers, enablers, capabilities, and agility results. Then, a model for calculating the performance weights is presented. The model was applied to evaluate the agility performance of 11 technical and vocational training centers in Kerman province. At the end, the obtained results were analyzed and suggestions were made for interested researchers for future studies in this field.
  Keywords: Stepwise Data Envelopment Analysis; Common Set of Weights; Agility; Decision Making Units; Performance Evaluation.
  
  
• Organizational Safety Assessment Using Combined Method of FMEA and Fuzzy Inference System: A Case Study  
  by Hamideh Kamyab, Mohammad Javad Ershadi, Mehdi Mohammadi 
  Abstract: The main aim of safety assessments is to determine the potential risks on the health and safety of workers. Although, some researches have been performed on providing a model to be capable of investigating risks of organizational levels affecting the safety performance, providing a model for total appraisal of organizational safety assessment is deficient in relation to integrating all levels such as managerial or cultural level. In this study the input variables of Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) were obtained based on Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to provide a model for evaluating the safety performance by the combination of FMEA and FIS in a machine-building company. Organizational factors affecting safety performance in this research included the safety management level, the senior management level, group work level, individual level, and cultural level as input variables. The results of the present study showed that the safety performance score of the studied organization was calculated 75.3. Also, for improving safety performance score, more attention should be paid to individual and cultural levels with regards to training safety issues.
  Keywords: Case Study; FMEA; Fuzzy Inference System ,Organizational Factors; Safety Performance.
  
  
• ANALYSING ALTERNATIVES FOR LAST MILE DELIVERY PERFORMANCE: AN APPLICATION OF VIKOR  
  by Vivek Kumar Pathak, Dixit Garg, Ashish Agarwal 
  Abstract: Last mile delivery is an important part of the supply chain. It starts from distributor to end customer. Last mile has various performance parameters like routing, flexibility, strategic partnership, on time delivery, delivery cost, demand etc. which has to be prioritized and provide ranking to the alternatives based on these performance parameters/criteria. Industries always make experimental analysis to make better platform for supplier selection and their evaluation. This study analyzes the parameters and provides a better framework for warehouses/Industries. It becomes important to configure the evaluation system and optimization of the last mile delivery. The purpose of this study is to discover the performance assessment model. This article develops a performance assessment model based on demand preference for similarities with ideal solutions, VIKOR method to help industry people evaluate performance and prioritize the different criteria with respect to different alternatives/suppliers. In industry where imprecision and subjectivity are located they deal with performance values that are parameterized by using VIKOR optimization technique. This proposed framework and method allows decision analysis to better understand the full evaluation process and provide effective results, in addition to making systematic and effective decision support tools.
  Keywords: Last mile; Last mile performance; Criteria; Vikor method; Performance factors.
  
  

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 training methodology based on Virtual Reality to promote the learning-by-doing approach  
  by Fabio Grandi, Margherita Peruzzini, Sara Cavallaro, Marcello Pellicciari 
  Abstract: Virtual reality (VR) training allows companies to train their workforce thanks to virtually simulated environments, leveraging the skills of people before the system production, with the final aim to reduce the downtime of productive equipment and improve the global factory efficiency. However, the use of VR immersive training is still limited in industry due to the lack of structured methodologies to effectively implement these simulations. This paper deals with the application of VR technologies to create virtual training simulations addressing assembly or maintenance tasks. It suggests a methodology to create an interactive virtual space in which operators can perform predefined tasks in a realistic way, having dedicated instructions to support the learn-by-doing, based on Key Training Features (KTFs). This methodology was applied to an industrial case study concerning some specific tractor assembly phases. Results show that operators generally appreciate this new training process, enabling faster and more intuitive learning.
  Keywords: Virtual training; Virtual factory; Virtual Reality; Virtual Assembly; Smart factory.
  
  
• Innovative Framework for Lean & Green Complex Manufacturing Systems Using Value Stream Mapping  
  by Shyamal Samant, Ravi Prakash 
  Abstract: Lean manufacturing helps companies to enhance their productivity, quality, and reduce wastage. Value stream mapping (VSM) is an important tool for reducing lean wastes in the value stream. It is a very useful tool, however, it suffers from several shortcomings. VSM is a pencil and paper tool that gives only a static snapshot of the production value stream. It cannot be easily applied for a complex value stream involving multi-level bill of materials (BOM), or for the complete product. Moreover, VSM fails to analyze environmental impact caused due to the value stream. In order to address these limitations, this paper proposes a framework which integrates VSM, life cycle assessment (LCA), lean and green box score, and discrete event simulation (DES). LCA has been used for environment impact assessment. The lean and green box score has been used to monitor the operational, financial, resource capacity, and environment performance of the value stream. Discrete event simulation (DES) has been used for resource optimization. DES also helps in dynamic visualization of the production system. The proposed framework will help the manufacturers to improve their lean performance, and sustainability performance. It will also help in lean implementation in a complex production system. This framework has been explained through a case study of the supply chain of a gearbox manufacturing firm.
  Keywords: Value stream mapping; Life Cycle Assessment; lean and green box score.
  
  
• Developing the structural model for barriers associated with the CSR using ISM to help in creating the brand image of the manufacturing industry  
  by Rajender Kumar, Rahul Sindhwani, Ritu Arora, Punj Lata Singh 
  Abstract: Corporate social responsibility in the present-day insinuates the business strategies towards brand managing especially for big corporate. In the Indian context, it is revealed that by doing CSR, there is no clear picture comes out as resulting in brand management. So, it becomes pertinent to have a look at the factors linked with CSR activities that can directly contribute to brand management. The present paper discusses those barriers, by working on them an industry can reveal its acumen and later on can manage the brand. An attempt has been made to explore the barriers associated with CSR, and the structural model is developed with the ISM Approach to prioritizing the barriers. The outcomes of the present work reveals that the promotion regarding CSR Activity is an important barrier while looking for the brand image. Besides that the research study also define the importance of consumer expectations from the CSR activities. If CSR activity meet with the consumer expectation, it will leave an image towards the industry brand in the consumer mindset or vice-versa. The MICMAC Analysis of the study reports that the barriers such as planning of CSR, Price of the product/service offered under CSR and the people involved in CSR are the main drivers who can efficiently derive the brand image through CSR for any industry.
  Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility; CSR practices; Brand Management; Sustainable Growth.
  
  
• Development of Fuzzy Inference System in Predictive Maintenance Architecture for Broadcasting Chain  
  by Reza Radfar, Rezvaneh Sahba, Ali Rajabzadeh Ghatari, Alireza Pourebrahimi 
  Abstract: This paper offers an innovative Predictive Maintenance (PdM) framework based on advanced Reference Architecture Model Industry 4.0 (RAMI 4.0) to decrease maintenance costs and time based on Design Science Research (DSR) in real-time monitoring cases. The offered framework endures the predictable failures in similar manufacturing by utilizing a combination of the Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) method and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) based on root cause experts knowledge. Most very high critical alerts are related to communication link stability. Practical investigates have been developed in the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcastings (IRIB) high-power station to appraise the functionality and compatibility of the proposed predictive maintenance framework. Practical outcomes emphasize the importance of asset layer and communication link healthy in predictive maintenance management.
  Keywords: predictive maintenance; industry 4.0; design science research; broadcasting; fuzzy inference system.
  
  
• 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.