The use of manufacturing technologies–an external influence perspective

Given the generally positive relationship between technology utilisation and performance, why do some plants use installed technologies to a lesser extent than others? Literature suggests that the extent of use of technology, as a decision of choice, is influenced by a variety of factors. Organisational and individual influences include process type, plant size, perceived usefulness of the technology, and user demographics (Zhang, P., Aikman, S.N., and Heshan, S., 2008, Two types of attitudes in ICT acceptance and use. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 24 (7), 628–648; Swamidass, P.M. and Kotha, S., 1998, Explaining manufacturing technology use, firm size and performance using a multidimensional view of technology. Journal of Operations Management, 17 (1), 23–37; Davis, F., Bagozzi, R., and Warshaw, P., 1989, User acceptance of computer technology: a comparison of two theoretical models. Management Science, 35 (8), 982–1003). External factors such as customer mandates and firm nationality have also been found to affect technology use (White, A., Johnson, M., and Wilson, H., 2008, RFID in the supply chain: lessons from European early adopters. International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, 38 (2), 88–107; Kotha, S. and Swamidass, P.M., 1998, Advanced manufacturing technology use: exploring the effect of the nationality variable. International Journal of Production Research, 36 (11), 3135–3146). In this stream of research, one external factor of potential influence–supply chain management–remains conspicuously absent. This study uses data from industry to (a) develop rationales for a relationship between the extent of use of manufacturing technologies and supply chain management; and (b) offer data-based verification and insights on the nature and management of this relationship. Results suggest that the extent of use of specific manufacturing technologies increases or declines depending on the specific supply chain management practice in use. The findings raise interesting implications for managers and scholars.     

A model for investigating cultural dimensions of communication in the car

This article explicates a theoretical framework which was designed to discover cultural features both within and about car communication. The general approach the framework provides has been used for basic research in the United States and China, and has proven useful to researchers and designers. We discuss specifically how the approach can develop and implement speech-enabled human–machine interface (HMI) systems to address cultural features of communication and interaction. The general framework unveils the cultural nature of human–machine communication, while it also opens the possibility of discovering new cultural dimensions and principles which designers may not yet have considered. The approach is adaptable to a variety of communication contexts, with our focus here on the in-car communication of drivers with a speech-enabled HMI. Specific findings are briefly discussed including implications for research and design.     

A formal control-theoretic model of a human–automation interactive manufacturing system control

This paper describes a human–automation interactive manufacturing system and presents a formal model for describing and controlling the system. The model presented in this paper considers a system from two perspectives: structural and operational perspectives. Human and an automated controller are considered agents that cooperate to achieve given goals by executing assigned tasks. A human–automation interaction is described with a particular communication model between two agents that exchanges messages. A system control schema and human tasks are modelled separately and then integrated in a formal manner using a modified communicating finite state machine framework. An interface model that coordinates the message exchanges between two agents is then introduced. An automated shop floor control system with a human material handler is modelled with the proposed framework and a simple illustrative example is provided.     

Human–machine interaction theories and lane departure warnings

A technological race toward always ever-increasing automation is engaged, a race in which automation users are hardly considered. This explains why more automation is not necessarily for the best. A variety of human–machine interaction (HMI) theories co-exist. First, those HMI theories and predictions for lane departure warnings systems (LDWS, assisted driving automation) are described. Second, a synthesis of the key questions currently addressed by empirical data on LDWS is offered. Lastly, a new model of human–machine cooperation modelling is proposed. The model has been inspired by previous theories and empirical data collected with LDWS-assisted driving. Interestingly, automation such as LDWS seems to avoid the ‘ironies of automation’ with no negative effects on human performance. However, a major issue to be addressed is poor automation acceptance. While the focus was set on LDWS to offer a complete overview for this type of device, the model may be extended to other warning assistance devices.     

The cooperative shift change: an illustration using air traffic control

We define the cooperative shift change and consider it from the perspective of four phases identified in Grusenmeyer (International Journal of Human Factors in Manufacturing, 5, 163–176, 1995): end-of-shift, arrival, meeting, and taking post. We describe the differences expected for the phases for both outgoing and incoming operators, discuss various domains that differ in their shift-change profile, and consider why those profile differences obtain. With this framework as a backdrop, we explore in detail the shift change, or position relief briefing (PRB), of air traffic control. This theoretical framework has the potential to aid in the classification and comparison of the transfer of responsibility in a variety of industrial tasks. This study could aid in the implementation of changes for air traffic control PRBs.     

Comment on ‘Technical Note – Reaching more states for control of FMS’

Uzam and Zhou (Uzam, M. and Zhou, M., 2006. An improved iterative synthesis method for liveness enforcing supervisors of flexible manufacturing systems. International Journal of Production Research, 44 (10), 1987–2030) were able to obtain a near optimal controlled model for the net S³PR with 21,562 good states. Chao's deadlock recovery scheme (Chao, D.Y., 2010. Technical Note – Reaching more states for control of FMS. International Journal of Production Research, 48 (4), 1217–1220) improves by reaching more states (21,585). However, this paper identifies a problem and proposes a solution.     

A new complexity proof for the two-stage hybrid flow shop scheduling problem with dedicated machines

This paper considers a two-stage hybrid flow shop scheduling problem with dedicated machines at stage 2. The objective is to minimise the makespan. There is one machine at stage 1 and two machines at stage 2. Each job must be processed on the single machine at stage 1 and, depending upon the job type, the job is processed on either of the two machines at stage 2. We first introduce this special type of the two-stage hybrid flow shop scheduling problem and present some preliminary results. We then present a counter example to the known complexity proof of Riane et al. [Riane, F., Artiba, A. and Elmaghraby, S.E., 2002. Sequencing a hybrid two-stage flowshop with dedicated machines. International Journal of Production Research, 40, 4353–4380.] Finally, we re-establish the complexity of the problem.     

On the integer programming formulation of production scheduling optimisation algorithm for the hot rolling processes

This note is concerned with the formulation of scheduling of the hot rolling process (SHRP). Based on the capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP), Chen et al. (Chen, A.L., Yang, G.K., and Wu, Z.M., 2008. Production scheduling optimization algorithm for the hot rolling processes. International Journal of Production Research, 46 (7), 1955–1973) proposed a nonlinear integer programming formulation of SHRP. Due to some deficiencies in the formulation, Kim (Kim, B.-I., 2010. Some comments on Chen et al. ‘Production scheduling optimization algorithm for the hot rolling processes’. International Journal of Production Research, 48 (7), 2165–2167) very recently gave some correction to the model. However, even with the correction the model has flaws. The purpose of this note is to give a complete, also based on CVRP, corrected formulation with substantial number of variables reduced.     

The RGM data structure: a nominal interpretation of an acquired high point density model for automatic tolerance inspection

In a previous paper (Di Angelo, L., Di Stefano, P. and Morabito, A., 2011. Automatic evaluation of form errors in high-density acquired surfaces. International Journal of Production Research, 49 (7), 2061–2082) we proposed an original methodology for the automation of the geometric inspection, starting from an acquired high-density surface. That approach performed a recognition process on the acquired data aiming at the identification of some intrinsic nominal references. An intrinsic nominal reference was detected when a geometric property was recognised to be common to a set of adjacent points in the 3D data set representing the acquired object. The recognition of these properties was carried out based on some rules. Starting from these concepts, a new specification language was defined, which is based on recognisable geometric entities. This paper expands the category of intrinsic nominal references to include new mutual intrinsic orientation, location and dimensional properties pertaining to 3D features. This approach involves the automatic construction of a geometric reference model for a scanned workpiece, called recognised geometric model (RGM). The domain of the representable entities within the RGM strictly depends on the rules used for the recognition of the intrinsic properties. In particular, this paper focuses on the rules for the recognition of the orientation and location properties between non-ideal features. When using the RGM, tolerances are specified according to the set of available and recognisable intrinsic nominal references. Based on the geometric product specification, the RGM data structure can be queried to capture some quantitative information concerning special intrinsic geometric parameters and/or non-idealities.     

Methods for activating the decision-making process that is used for controlling flexible manufacturing systems

This paper deals with controlling flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) operating in volatile production environments. Shnits et al. (Shnits, B., Rubinovitz, J., and Sinreich, D., 2004. Multicriteria dynamic scheduling methodology for controlling a flexible manufacturing system. International Journal of Production Research, 42 (17), 3457–3472.) and Shnits and Sinreich (Shnits, B. and Sinreich, D., 2006. Controlling flexible manufacturing systems based on a dynamic selection of an appropriate operational criteria and scheduling policy. International Journal of Flexible Manufacturing Systems, 18 (1), 1–27.) developed a multi-criteria dynamic scheduling mechanism for controlling an FMS that can cope with such environments. An important part of this mechanism functioning, which impinges directly on its performance, is the activation of its decision-making process. This study continues the research presented in the above-mentioned papers and proposes different triggering methods for activating the control system decision-making process. The operational conditions for each suggested triggering method were analysed and a comparative analysis between these methods was performed. It was revealed that the highly dynamic triggering method, which activates the decision-making process right before a resource becomes available, outperformed the triggering methods that use a predefined scheduling period.     

A state of science on highly automated driving

ABSTRACT

Technological improvements have made highly automated driving (HAD) a reality. The aims of the current contribution are to (1) clarify concepts related to vehicle automation and associated human–machine cooperation issues, (2) summarise research directions that have already been explored with HAD, (3) summarise known effects of HAD on humans’ cognitive functions and constructs, (4) discuss current and future issues and challenges for vehicle automation, and (5) extend the debate to the design and use of human tools. Both theoretical and practical insights indicate that HAD is deeply modifying drivers’ activity and could result in safety-critical difficulties for drivers under certain circumstances. Attentional processes, workload, situation awareness, behavioural adaptations, the out-of-the-loop phenomenon, acceptance of and trust in automation are the main cognitive dimensions and constructs investigated in order to describe how HAD is impacting driving. Future research directions that may help improve HAD are discussed. Finally, the fact that human tools both result from but simultaneously go beyond individual intelligence is described as the new irony of automation.     

A model of team cognition based on mutual beliefs

This article proposes a generic model of team cognition based on mutual beliefs that provide foundations for the formulation of hypotheses and predictions concerning cognitive aspects of team interactions such as team situation awareness, team communication and cooperation, as well as human–agent interactions. The proposed model describes team cognition as a set of individual cognition (processes, states and mental constructs) and beliefs on the other member's cognition and beliefs (mutual beliefs). One of the advantages of the introduction of the concept of mutual beliefs is that it can theoretically distinguish what is really shared among team members and what is only believed to be shared. This model also provides a framework to describe reasons and internal processes behind team interaction and communication in terms of team member's cognitive status and mutual beliefs.     

A technical note on ‘Analysis of closed loop supply chain using genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimisation’

This study analyses the mixed-integer linear program (MILP) proposed by Kannan et al. [Kannan, G., Noorul Hag, A., and Devika, M., 2009. Analysis of closed loop supply chain using genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization. International Journal of Production Research, 47 (5), 1175–1200] in their paper entitled ‘Analysis of closed loop supply chain using genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimisation’. Since we find inconsistencies in the model, we propose modifications to rectify the flaws. The revised model is presented and tested using a hypothetical problem.     

Navigational conversation impairs concurrent distance judgments

Dual-task performance as it relates to driving, such as tuning a radio or manipulating a cellular phone, forces drivers to divide their attention between the traffic demands and the in-car task. The present study investigated how concurrent spatial or non-spatial cognitive distractions mediated proximity judgments using vehicular stimuli. Utilizing a modified version of the task employed by [Elias, L.J., Robinson, B. in press. Drive on the right side of the road: perceptual asymmetries for judgments of automobile proximity. International Journal of Neuroscience.] the current study examined how mental navigation (spatial distraction) affected accuracy and response time for depth judgments on vehicular stimuli in each visual field. These were compared to a control condition in which no distraction was present, as well as when a semantic (non-spatial) distraction was present. We found that conversation of a navigational nature (i.e., spatial distraction) most negatively impacted accuracy and response time when processing dynamically changing vehicle proximity. Further, these deleterious effects appeared to be uniform throughout the visual field. Findings are related to driving while being distracted, with particular emphasis on the role of cerebral lateralization in dual-task performance.     

Reaching more states for control of FMS

Uzam and Zhou (Uzam, M. and Zhou, M., 2006. An improved iterative synthesis approach for liveness enforcing supervisors of flexible manufacturing systems. International Journal of Production Research, 44 (10), 1987–2030) synthesised a near optimal controlled model for a well-known S³PR with 21,562 good states, 19 states short of the optimal one (21,581). It is non-trivial and interesting to synthesise an optimal controlled model as we will present it in this paper.     

A note on the application of the data envelopment analytic hierarchy process for supplier selection

In a very recent paper by Sevkli et al. (Sevkli, M., Koh, S.C.L., Zaim, S., Demirbag, M. and Tatoglu, E., 2007. An application of data envelopment analytic hierarchy process for supplier selection: a case study of BEKO in Turkey. International Journal of Production Research, 45 (9), 1973–2003), the data envelopment analytic hierarchy process (DEAHP) was claimed to outperform the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method and provide a better decision for supplier selection. This note illustrates the weaknesses of the DEAHP, demonstrating the invalidity of the above claim. The case study of BEKO in Turkey is re-examined and shows that extra verification is needed to come to a decision.     

A note on: an optimal batch size for an imperfect production system with quality assurance and rework

In [Ojha, D., Sarker, B.R., and Biswas, P., 2007. An optimal batch size for an imperfect production system with quality assurance and network. International Journal of Production Research, 45 (14), 3191–3214] three models are introduced in the context of imperfect production systems. By analysing the proposed models we identify some problems. In particular we focus on six issues of the models developed in Ojha et al. and propose some modifications. All corrections are presented in detail and the numerical example of Ojha et al. is used to show the influence of the issues addressed in this paper.     

A note on “Modelling an industrial strategy for inventory management in supply chains: the ‘Consignment Stock’ case”

Braglia and Zavanella [2003, Modeling an industrial strategy for inventory management in supply chains: the ‘consignment stock’ care, International Journal of Production Research, 41 (16), 3793–3808] proposed an analytic formulation of consignment stock (CS) policy and made a comparison with Hill [1999, The optimal production and shipment policy for a single-vendor, single-buyer integrated production-inventory problem. International Journal of Production Research, 37 (11), 2463–2473] model. Through dividing per unit holding cost into a financial and a storage one the present note extends their conclusion and shows whether the CS model offers lower costs depends on the comparative result of buyer's and vendor's storage costs.     

Technical note: production allocation,lot-sizing,and shipment policies for multiple items in multiple production lines

Kim, T., Hong, Y. and Lee, J., Joint economic production allocation and ordering policies in a supply chain consisting of multiple plants and a single retailer. International Journal of Production Research, 2005, 43, 3619–3632, discuss the joint production allocation and ordering policies of a single item in a supply chain consisting of multiple production lines in parallel. In this note, we extend their paper and develop joint economic production allocation, lot-sizing, and shipment policies in a supply chain where a manufacturer produces multiple items in multiple production lines and ships the items to the respective retailers.     

A comprehensive assessment of measurement equivalence in operations management

This paper provides a comprehensive framework for treating equivalence both prior to data collection and during subsequent analyses, and assesses the extent to which equivalence is considered in survey research in six leading empirical Operations Management (OM) journals (Decision Sciences, International Journal of Operations & Production Management, International Journal of Production Research, Journal of Operations Management, Management Science and Production and Operations Management). Measurement equivalence of latent variables in survey data is an important condition that should be met in order to meaningfully pool and/or compare data stemming from apparently heterogeneous sub-groups. We assess 465 survey articles from a six-year period from 2006 to 2011 and document these articles in relation to the four main stages of our comprehensive framework: identifying sources of heterogeneity; maximising equivalence prior to data collection; testing measurement equivalence after data collection; and dealing with partial and non-equivalence. We conclude that pooling of data from heterogeneous sub-groups is common practice in OM, but that awareness and testing of equivalence remains limited. Given these findings, we further elaborate the best practices detected in those few OM studies that do address equivalence in some way. We conclude that to improve the quality of OM survey research, authors, editors and reviewers should pay greater attention to equivalence, and we provide a pragmatic checklist of measurement equivalence issues across the four stages.