Article Reviews on 'A Framework for Evaluating Lean Implementation Appropriateness' & 'A Novel RFID Application for Realizing Lean Services Based on Customer
Chain Operations Reference Model'.
Article Reviews on 'A Framework for Evaluating Lean Implementation Appropriateness' & 'A Novel RFID Application for Realizing Lean Services Based on Customer
Chain Operations Reference Model'.
Article Reviews on 'A Framework for Evaluating Lean Implementation Appropriateness' & 'A Novel RFID Application for Realizing Lean Services Based on Customer
Chain Operations Reference Model'.
By Naveen Kumar K LOS IJK (L1) 1321021 Authors: D. Aurelio, A. Grilo, V. Cruz-Machado NAVEEN KUMAR K 1321021 (LOS - IJK) Title of the Paper: A Framework for Evaluating Lean Implementation Appropriateness Journal Name: Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IEEM) Issue: IEEE International Conference Year of Publication: 2011 Web Link: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/login.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6118022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexpl ore.ieee.org%2Fxpls%2Fabs_all.jsp%3Farnumber%3D6118022
Submitted to: Prof.R.A.Dakshina Murthy Faculty - CUIM INTRODUCTION & STRUCTURE OF THE PAPER: The article focuses on the crucial variables in industrial context that tend to limit the penetration ability of Leans methodologies, which needs considerable attention prior to Lean implementation. Author formulates a framework through extensive literature review and experts focus group in order to arrive at the optimal solution of whether to implement Lean methodologies or not. This paper includes both a strategic and operational dimension added with their relative weights. With the objective of guiding the decision maker through an evaluation process, the author derives a conclusion whether Lean Management practices will suit organizations industrial context or not, as it tend to vary according to companies industrial context. There is a strong argument that Lean Production implementation might not necessarily lead to decreased costs and there are a number of hidden factors that can be a hurdle for Lean implementation process. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY USED: This article makes its progress towards its objective through literature review initially, which is followed by a focus group of Lean experts in order to develop criteria descriptors and develop the framework design. Extensive research reveals that the framework thus developed has been validated in industrial case studies. Author quotes about the stress problems that NAVEEN KUMAR K 1321021 (LOS - IJK) may arise with the chosen strategy that highly focuses on efficiency in operational level thereby leading to mean business consequences. Conforming to Porters generic competitive advantage strategies, various attributes under the Lean Managements focus on reducing the lead time is classified as one of the types of Overall Cost Leadership strategies. MAJOR FINDINGS / RESULTS: The analysis made on the controllable external variables on operational limiting factors reveals the effect on Leans Penetration ability through: influence of variability in demand and supply influence of raw material variety and process flexibility influence of product volume and equipment type, and influence of novelty of processes, learning resistance and resistance to change Various attributes such as accounting methods, VSM, pull and flow, TPM, CRM, cellular manufacturing, continuous improvement and reducing the number of suppliers have been analyzed in lean practices with low and high penetration abilities wherein it has been concluded that the practices with lower penetration ability are the principles that could fit into any industrial organization context. Moreover, the author proves that the same logic could be observed in case of practices with medium penetration ability. Thus the criteria in order to formulate the framework that may have an effect on its success were carefully identified; taking the strategic and operational level into consideration. It has been stressed in the article that in order to apply the outlined framework, it is highly required to inquire about the starting point and understand the condition with which the solution is operated. CRITISISM: This paper could provide only the framework under which the appropriateness in Lean management implementation is evaluated in a company but it does not encompass the effects of various external conditions, in simple words, the agility of the system is not included in the analysis. This creates a huge gap in the calibration of weights in the criteria mentioned, rendering the solution not suitable for dynamic conditions of the company where Lean management implementation has taken place.
Author: Stuart. C. K. So NAVEEN KUMAR K 1321021 (LOS - IJK) Title of the Paper: A Novel RFID Application for Realizing Lean Services Based on Customer Chain Operations Reference Model Journal Name: Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IEEM) Issue: IEEE International Conference Year of Publication: 2010 Web Link: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/login.jsp?tp=&arnumber=5674478&url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexpl ore.ieee.org%2Fxpls%2Fabs_all.jsp%3Farnumber%3D5674478
Submitted to: Prof.R.A.Dakshina Murthy Faculty - CUIM INTRODUCTION & STRUCTURE OF THE PAPER: This paper incorporates the integration of value stream mapping (VSM) and customer- chain operations reference model in order to establish a structural approach of accommodating lean thinking in services by mapping operation processes. The author is particular about the practical implications to both retailers and RFID product suppliers that this emerging technology might affect the new initiatives implementation. The author of this paper mentions that, when service companies and retailers become lean enterprise, they hold the potential to improve their operations, reduce costs and can be capable to deliver the services at shortest possible lead times. These become the critical factors in design of the decision making process of customers. It is to be noted that technology enabled lean services enhance the leaner operating environment with increased agility and responsiveness. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY USED: Author of this paper states that the purpose of this research is to provide practitioners with the insights on implementing and adopting lean services in contemporary retail environment through the adoption of RFID technology that add value to the customer chain in apparel retailing. This paper presents supportive literature on the principles of lean thinking and the process of value creation based on lean principles and the CCOR model developed by the Supply-Chain Council's. NAVEEN KUMAR K 1321021 (LOS - IJK) There has been a case presentation in order to demonstrate how the convergence of VSM and customer-chain management systems can be applicable to an apparel retailer in spite of the technology being in place there. Finally, the strategic implications when on implementation of identified initiative are delivered with a purpose of delivering maximum value as a strategic tool. In order to understand the concept of improving store operations through retailing lean services with technology based on the proposed model, case study research is being used with qualitative approach that helps solicit views from end-users and management. Semi-structured interviews & informal observations are also carried out in order to involve staff in decision making. MAJOR FINDINGS / RESULTS: The importance of customer pull has been highlighted in the lean thinking principles after identifying the value stream. CCOR system of management is being followed in sales operations also in order that the needs of the customers are converted into orders, through four sub-processes viz., relate, sell, contract and assist, revealing the process in the customer chain systematically. The author contrasts firms A & S wherein analysis through background study proves that the system enhances physical security and inventory management thereby favoring the store management. It has been highlighted that the lean services are being used in order to manage the store operations in a more efficient manner as well as to bring the customers with greater experiences so that the retailer stays highly competitive in any kind of market situations. The underlying discussion is that the model demonstrates the value stream of lean services based on process mapping that has implication on streamlining the operation processes so that the customer satisfaction level as well as the bottomline are improved.! CRITISISM: Though this is a new attempt in convergence of the two management systems, the evaluation of fitness can be apt only if quantitative approach is deployed. Though it involves collection of primary data across retailers, the inferential statistics through this analysis will provide accurate fit between the system and the implications that it can deliver in order to overwhelm managements expectations.