The use of fuzzy measures in a performance-evaluation model for ERP implementation among Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturers

Many semiconductor-related manufacturing enterprises in Taiwan have embarked upon the implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) to integrate and optimize various business processes across the entire firm. The present study proposes a performance-evaluation model of ERP implementation utilizing fuzzy measures. The paper then presents an empirical study of semiconductor-related manufacturers in Taiwan in which the proposed model is used to: (i) identify the critical implementation items requiring improvement; and (ii) rank the strategies for improving them according to weight value. A systematic approach is thus proposed to: (i) examine the performance of an ERP implementation process; (ii) determine the items to be improved; and (iii) select appropriate and feasible strategies to improve these items. The proposed model can ensure successful implementation of ERP and thus enhance its potential benefits for semiconductor manufacturers.     

Development of Run-To-Run (R2R) controller for the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system using fuzzy control theories

Run-to-Run (R2R) control has been extensively applied in semiconductor manufacturing. In particular, del Castillo, E. and Rajagopal, R., A multivariate double EWMA process adjustment scheme for drifting processes. IIE Trans., 2002, 34, 1055–1068, investigated double multivariate exponentially weighted moving average (MEWMA) controller for the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system in an attempt to adjust and maintain the linear dynamic process outputs on target. Multivariate fuzzy control, inherently different from conventional MEWMA-based control, is another promising alternative that consists of fuzzy logic and set concept. Providing the fuzzy control can structure an appropriate membership function for the R2R MIMO system, thus it can be shown a practically useful control tool in comparison to MEWMA control. In this paper, fuzzy logic is utilized to design the multivariate fuzzy controller for the type of R2R applications based primarily on the min-max-gravity method advocated by Gupta, M.M., Kiszka, J.B. and Trojan, G.M., Multivariable structure of fuzzy control systems. IEEE Trans. Sys., Man Cybern., 1986, 16, 638–656. Under a variety of disturbance models, the proposed multivariate fuzzy controller can produce quite competitive control performance when compared to MEWMA control.     

A statistical process control approach to business activity monitoring

Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques have been successfully used in manufacturing industries to trigger and identify the root cause of variations so as to promote quality improvement. This paper develops a SPC framework to identify important changes deserved in business activity monitoring. To model and track thousands of diversified customer behaviors, the proposed SPC system consists of efficient and robust profiling methods to accommodate different behavior patterns including business changes, structural breakdowns, and unnecessary errors. Several customer profiling techniques are discussed and the activity monitoring performance based on the profiling algorithms is compared in a simulation example and a customer churn detection example in a telecommunications setting. The enhanced system will allow business managers and engineers to establish successful customer loyalty programs for churn prevention and fraud detection.     

An approach of fuzzy logic evaluation and control in SPC

Quality control plays an important part in most industrial systems. Its role in providing relevant and timely data to management for decision‐making purposes is vital. A method that uses statistical techniques to monitor and control product quality is called statistical process control (SPC), where control charts are test tools frequently used for monitoring the manufacturing process. Engineers or managers can evaluate an abnormal process by using SPC zone rules in control charts. In the conventional use of the zone rules the user is only able to determine whether or not the process is out of control. What action should be taken to adjust the process is uncertain and is evaluated based on knowledge of the system and past experiences. This paper explores the integration of fuzzy logic and control charts to create and design a fuzzy–SPC evaluation and control (FSEC) method based on the application of fuzzy logic to the SPC zone rules. A simulation program implementing FSEC was written in Borland C++ 5.0 and simulation results were obtained and analysed. The abnormal processes simulated were automatically adjusted for each of the zone rules tested and showed an improved performance after the control action, thus confirming the merit of the technique as a special method with the specific numerical control action based on a quality evaluation criterion. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Criteria for a lean organisation: development of a lean assessment tool

Lean principles have long been recognised as a competitive advantage. Although there are several measures for various aspects of lean production in the literature, there is no comprehensive measure for overall lean implementation in business firms. An appropriate measurement tool is needed to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the lean implementation throughout the entire organisation. Based on lean research, a comprehensive tool called the leanness assessment tool (LAT) is developed, using both quantitative (directly measurable and objective) and qualitative (perceptions of individuals) approaches to assess lean implementation. The LAT measures leanness using eight quantitative performance dimensions: time effectiveness, quality, process, cost, human resources, delivery, customer and inventory. The LAT also uses five qualitative performance dimensions: quality, process, customer, human resources and delivery, with 51 evaluation items. The fuzzy method allows managers to identify improvement needs in lean implementation, and the use of radar charts allows an immediate, comprehensive view of strong areas and those needing improvement. Practical uses of the LAT are discussed in the conclusion, along with possible limitations.     

An inexact double-sided chance-constrained model for air quality management in Nanshan District,Shengzhen, China

In this study, an inexact double-sided fuzzy-random-chance-constrained programming (IDSFRCCP) model was developed for supporting air quality management of the Nanshan District of Shenzhen, China, under uncertainty. IDSFRCCP is an integrated model incorporating interval linear programming and double-sided fuzzy-random-chance-constrained programming models. It can express uncertain information as both fuzzy random variables and discrete intervals. The proposed model was solved based on the stochastic and fuzzy chance-constrained programming techniques and an interactive two-step algorithm. The air quality management system of Nanshan District, including one pollutant, six emission sources, six treatment technologies and four receptor sites, was used to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method. The results indicated that the IDSFRCCP was capable of helping decision makers to analyse trade-offs between system cost and risk of constraint violation. The mid-range solutions tending to lower bounds with moderate α_h and q_i values were recommended as decision alternatives owing to their robust characteristics.     

Supply chain relationship quality and performance in technological turbulence: an artificial neural network approach

A well-functioning supply chain management relationship cannot only develop seamless coordination with valuable members, but also improve operational efficiency to secure greater market share, increased profits and reduced costs. An accurate decision-making system considering multifactor relationship quality is highly desired. This study offers an alternative perspective and characterisation of the supply chain relationship quality and performance. A decision-making model is proposed with an artificial neural network approach for supply chain continuous performance improvement. Supply chain performance is analysed via a supervised learning back-propagation neural network. An ‘inverse’ neural network model is proposed to predict the supply chain relationship quality conditions. Optimal performance parameters can be obtained using the proposed neural network scheme, providing significant advantages in terms of improved relationship quality. This study demonstrates a new solution with the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods for performance improvement. The overall accuracy rate of the decision-making model is 88.703%. The results indicated that trust has the greatest influence on the supply chain performance. Relationship quality among supply chain partners impacts performance positively as the pace of technological turbulence increases.     

New sampling strategies to reduce the effect of autocorrelation on the synthetic T2 chart to monitor bivariate process

In this paper, synthetic T² chart is developed to monitor bivariate process with correlated variables and autocorrelated observations. The proposed chart is a combination of the Hotelling's T² chart and the conforming run length chart. The operation and design of the chart are described when observations are autocorrelated and cross correlated. The first‐order vector autoregressive process VAR (1) is used to model the bivariate data from an autocorrelated process of interest. Using an average run length as performance measure criterion in the VAR (1) model, it is observed that autocorrelation seriously impact the performance of the synthetic T² chart. To reduce the effect of autocorrelation on the performance of the synthetic T² chart, the skip and mixed sampling strategies are implemented to form rational subgroups in the construction of synthetic T² chart. The average run length performance of the synthetic T² chart implementing these strategies is compared with that of the standard strategy of formation of rational subgroups. It is observed that implementing skip and mixed sampling strategies within rational subgroup improves the performance of the synthetic T² chart.     

Intrusion Detection System Using FKNN and Improved PSO

Intrusion detection system (IDS) techniques are used in cybersecurity to protect and safeguard sensitive assets. The increasing network security risks can be mitigated by implementing effective IDS methods as a defense mechanism. The proposed research presents an IDS model based on the methodology of the adaptive fuzzy k-nearest neighbor (FKNN) algorithm. Using this method, two parameters, i.e., the neighborhood size (k) and fuzzy strength parameter (m) were characterized by implementing the particle swarm optimization (PSO). In addition to being used for FKNN parametric optimization, PSO is also used for selecting the conditional feature subsets for detection. To proficiently regulate the indigenous and comprehensive search skill of the PSO approach, two control parameters containing the time-varying inertia weight (TVIW) and time-varying acceleration coefficients (TVAC) were applied to the system. In addition, continuous and binary PSO algorithms were both executed on a multi-core platform. The proposed IDS model was compared with other state-of-the-art classifiers. The results of the proposed methodology are superior to the rest of the techniques in terms of the classification accuracy, precision, recall, and f-score. The results showed that the proposed methods gave the highest performance scores compared to the other conventional algorithms in detecting all the attack types in two datasets. Moreover, the proposed method was able to obtain a large number of true positives and negatives, with minimal number of false positives and negatives.     

A fuzzy QFD program modelling approach using the method of imprecision

The use of quality function deployment (QFD) to aid decision making in product planning has gained extensive international attention, but current QFD approaches are unable to cope with complex product planning (CPP) characterized by involving multiple engineering characteristics (ECs) associated with significant uncertainty. To tackle this difficulty, in this paper, fuzzy set theory is embedded into a QFD framework and a novel fuzzy QFD program modelling approach to CPP is proposed to optimize the values of ECs by taking the design uncertainty and financial considerations into account. In the proposed methodology, fuzzy set theory is used to account for design uncertainty, and the method of imprecision (MoI) is employed to perform multiple-attribute synthesis to generate a family of synthesis strategies by varying the value of s, which indicates the different compensation levels among ECs. The proposed methodology will allow QFD practitioners to control the distribution of their development budget by presetting the value of s to determine the compensation levels among ECs. An illustrative example of the quality improvement of the design of a motor car is provided to demonstrate the application and performance of the modelling approach.     

Integrated simulation–optimisation of pull control systems

Pull policies are considered to be among the most efficient control strategy. Setting the correct parameters to maximise their efficiency is, however, not a trivial task. Simulation–optimisation techniques have received particular attention as a means to solve this problem. Nevertheless, they require the iterative solution of an optimisation model to generate the parameter values and a discrete event simulator to evaluate the resulting system performance. In the framework of simulation-optimisation, this paper proposes a combined solution of the optimisation and simulation problems for the optimal operation of pull control systems under several control strategies. Numerical experiments were performed to evaluate the performance of the proposed technique.     

变频空调多变量模糊控制

家用变频空调蒸发压缩循环各反馈回路存在强耦合,使得传统的基于模型的控制器和解耦模糊控制器控制性能受到限制.提出一种非模型多变量模糊控制器,调节蒸发压缩循环的蒸发温度和过热度以改善其控制性能. 实验结果表明所提出的MFC能有效提高系统性能和改善能效,且该控制器设计和实现简单方便.     

基于改进田口方法的轮毂装配过程质量控制研究

针对风力机轮毂装配工序的质量控制问题，结合多品种小批量生产模式的特点，提出了一种面向定位布置的轮毂装配关键工序识别与监控的方法。综合考虑轮毂装配生产中的成本因素及相对质量损失，制定装配工序的质量特性损失标准，采用改进的质量损失函数识别轮毂装配关键工序；为解决统计过程控制（SPC）方法应用于小批量生产模式的瓶颈，引入基于直觉模糊集的工序相似性分析与评定方法，通过分析工序相似性的影响因素，构建轮毂装配成组工序相似性评判指标体系及评定模型，完成工序相似性的测度。最终使用SPC方法监控管理轮毂装配关键工序，确保轮毂的装配质量。该研究为小批量生产模式中运用SPC方法管理过程质量提供了理论依据。     

An integrated approach to evaluating the production system in closed-loop supply chains

The increasing demands for environmental resource protection and sustainable development have been forcing enterprises to put sustainable supply chain management on their agendas in recent years. At the same time, intense global competition requires organisations to adopt practices that enable them to provide high-quality products and services. In this paper, we consider the problem of comprehensively evaluating the production system in closed-loop supply chains. We first propose an evaluation framework that consists of economic evaluation, product quality evaluation and ecological evaluation modules. Based on mathematical probability theory and the dynamic characteristics of reverse supply chain logistics, we then focus on the evolution dynamics in the quality evaluation dimension, where the concept of product quality, which builds on the reliability and the time-utility value of a product, is proposed. The basic production evaluation model is then extended to incorporate different sustainable procurement strategies, which take into consideration the trade-offs among cost, environment and quality. An outline and corresponding flow chart of corporate procurement strategy optimisation are provided which allow the proposed evaluation model to be implemented in computer-aided decision-making, further providing decision support for production system and supply chain management. Simulation and case studies are presented to promote a better understanding of the model approach and its managerial implications. Results also suggest that quality characteristics of components and sustainable procurement strategies are two important factors that determine the final production performance and should be paid special attention in closed-loop supply chain practice.     

A fuzzy fractional chance-constrained programming model for air quality management under uncertainty

A fuzzy fractional chance-constrained programming model (FFCCPM) was developed for dealing with air quality management under uncertainty. FFCCPM integrates a fractional programming model and a double-sided fuzzy chance-constrained programming model. It considers the ratio between total treated pollutant amounts and system cost in the objective function; the constraints with fuzzy variables can be satisfied under some predetermined confidence levels and reliability scenarios. The air quality management system in Fengrun district, Tangshan City, China, was used to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method. The obtained results indicated that the proposed model was suitable in describing and providing an overview of a studied management system for decision makers, generating various cost-effective air pollution-abatement alternatives. The strategy with a balance between system economy and reliability was recommended for decision makers. The successful application of FFCCPM in Fengrun district provides a good example of real-world regional air quality management.     

A novel fuzzy group decision-making approach to prioritising engineering characteristics in QFD under uncertainties

In new product development, design teams commonly need to define engineering characteristics (ECs) in a quality function deployment (QFD) planning process. Prioritising the engineering characteristics in QFD is essential to properly plan resource allocation. However, the inherent vagueness or impreciseness in QFD presents a special challenge to the effective calculation of the importance of ECs. Generally, there are two types of uncertain input in the QFD process: human perception and customer heterogeneity. Many contributions have been made on methods to prioritise ECs. However, most previous studies only address one of the two types of uncertainties that could affect the robustness of prioritising ECs. To address the two types of uncertainties simultaneously, a novel fuzzy group decision-making method that integrates a fuzzy weighted average method with a consensus ordinal ranking technique is proposed. An example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Results of the implementation indicate that the robustness of prioritising ECs based on the proposed approach is better than that based on the method of Chen et al. (Chen, Y., Fung, R.Y.K., Tang, J.F., 2006. Rating technical attributes in fuzzy QFD by integrating fuzzy weighted average method and fuzzy expected value operator. European Journal of Operational Research, 174 (3), 1553–1556).     

Fuzzy adaptive preventive maintenance in a manufacturing control system: a step towards self-maintenance

In this paper, a framework of integrating preventive maintenance (PM) and manufacturing control system is proposed. Fuzzy-logic control is used to enable an intelligent approach of integrating PM and a manufacturing control system. This will contribute to the novel development of an integrated and intelligent framework in those two fields that are sometimes difficult to achieve. This idea is based on combining work on an intelligent real-time controller for a failure-prone manufacturing system using a fuzzy-logic approach (Yuniarto, M.N. and Labib, A.W., Optimal control system of an unreliable machine using fuzzy logic control: from design to implementation. Int. J. Prod. Res. (in press a); Yuniarto, M.N. and Labib, A.W., Intelligent real time control of disturbances in manufacturing systems. Integr. Manuf. Syst.: Int. J. Manuf. Technol. Manage. (in press b) and the work on PM proposed by Labib et al. (Labib, A.W., Williams, G.B. and O’Connor, R.F., An intelligent maintenance model (system): an application of analytic hierarchy process and a fuzzy logic rule-based controller. J. Oper. Res. Soc., 1998, 49, 745–757)). The aim of the research is to control a failure-prone manufacturing system and at the same time propose which PM method is applicable to a specific failure-prone manufacturing system. The mean time to repair and mean time between failures of the system are used as integrator agents, by using them to couple the two areas to be integrated (i.e. a maintenance system and manufacturing system).     

面向多品种、小批量制造环境的SPC实施模型的研究

 系统地分析和总结了适合于多品种、小批量制造环境的三类典型的ＳＰＣ方法,并对它们进行了分析与比较,进而提出适应于这一复杂环境的ＳＰＣ实施模型。     

A hierarchical fuzzy TOPSIS approach to assess improvement areas when implementing green supply chain initiatives

Implementing green supply chain management (GSCM) initiatives can generate more business opportunities for firms. It also requires changes in firms’ operational capabilities and resources that may have an adverse effect on firms’ operations performance. In order to achieve sustainable economic and environmental performance, it is essential for companies to evaluate different green initiatives and assess improvement areas when implementing green initiatives. This study proposes a fuzzy hierarchical TOPSIS approach to support such an assessment. It enables decision makers to better understand the complete evaluation process and provide a more accurate, effective and systematic decision support tool. An illustrative case is presented to help researchers and practitioners understand the importance of developing an appropriate organisation strategy in implementing green practices.     

基于SD的战略人力资源管理与企业绩效作用机理

应用系统动力学方法建立了战略人力资源管理各功能与企业绩效指标之间的关系模型.通过模型进行分析,发现了战略人力资源管理中对企业绩效具有影响的各种因素.有些因素对企业绩效具有促进作用,而另一些则限制企业绩效的提升.这些发现有益于战略人力资源管理的改进.