Recruitment-based competition between industries: a community ecology

Because entrepreneurs often must recruit labor in order to launchtheir ventures, the labor market is a potential source of constraintin the entrepreneurial process. Moreover, competition in thelabor market likely does not end at the boundaries of the productmarket, as industries overlap in their needs for labor. I usean organizational ecology framework to examine how foundingrates in an industry vary with the degree of competition withother industries for labor, and thereby provides evidence ofrecruitment-based competition between industries in a communityecology. The extent of recruitment-based overlap between industriesis inferred from data on flows of employees within and betweenindustries. Analyses of founding rates in eighty-four industriesin Denmark over the period 1980–1991 suggest that newfirms are less likely to appear in industries that occupy crowdedregions of the labor market.     

'Intermediate organization' revisited: a framework for the vertical division of labor in manufacturing and the case of the Japanese assembly industries

This paper develops a framework that distinguishes five typesof organization for the vertical division of labor between manufacturingfirms: market transactions, recurrent transactions, interdependenttransactions, quasi-integration and formal integration. Theapplication of this framework to the Japanese assembly industriesshows that (i) components suppliers are quasi-integrated inJapan, in contrast to formal integration in the West; and (ii)transactions with parts makers are mostly interdependent inJapan, compared with recurrent transactions in Western countries.These findings are explained by differences in the institutionalsetting and have resulted in a competitive advantage for theJapanese assembly industries throughout several decades. Recently,however, the structural difference relative to Western countriesseems to be diminishing gradually due to the globalization ofmanufacturing firms in these industries.     

日本食品技术标准体系研究

本文介绍了日本食品技术标准体系的基本框架,标准的构成和主要特征,标准设定对象,标准的制定过程,JAS标准与国际标准的接轨等体系特征.为完善我国标准体系或制定标准提供了参考.     

How Can Lean Manufacturing Lead the Manufacturing Sector during Health Pandemics Such as COVID 19: A Multi Response Optimization Framework

Lean manufacturing has been used for the last few decades as a process and performance improvement tool. Initially known as Toyota production system (TPS), lean is now used in almost all service and manufacturing sectors to deliver favorable results such as decreased operational cost, increased customer satisfaction, decreased cycle time, and enhanced profits. During the coronavirus disease (COVID 19) pandemic, the manufacturing sector struggled immensely and could not function well even after lockdown was eased in many countries. Many companies found out there are not ready to conform with new regulations made by authorities in many countries. This paper proposes the use of simulation and multi response optimization in addition to other typical lean tools in order to arrive at optimum performance at the end of each project through an established optimization framework. The framework is used in a real case study performed at an aluminum extrusion factory. Lean manufacturing helps organizations to operate with smaller number of resources. It standardizes all processes so that most of the jobs can be done by most of the workers, but this is not enough to create a healthy, sanitized work place. Our framework utilizes the strengths of lean tools and adds pandemic readiness factor to them to ensure improvement in performance and health pandemic readiness. Implementation of the framework in the case company resulted in 50% reduction in labor, $730000 in expected annual cost savings, reduction in inventory levels, improved employee morale and the achievement of pandemic ready status.     

Cost/weight optimization of composite prepreg structures for best draping strategy

The application of hand-laid carbon fiber prepreg is very expensive from a labor perspective. Therefore the manufacturing cost should be included in the design process. In this work, we propose a novel optimization framework which contains a draping simulation in combination with a detailed cost estimation package and the calculation of the structural performance based on FE. We suggest applying the methodology in two steps. First, a draping knowledge database is generated in which combinations of seed points and reference angles are evaluated in terms of fiber angle deviation, scrap, ultrasonic cuts and material shear. Second, a cost/weight optimization framework picks the best sets of plies during the subsequent optimization. The methodology is tested by means of a curved C-spar which is designed using plain weave and unidirectional prepreg. Different objectives in the generation of the draping database lead to different design solutions.     

Estimating the regional economic impacts of retiring agricultural land: methodology and an application in California

This report is of a study to assess the efficiency and sustainability impacts of a seed-based technology for pigeonpea in semi-arid central India. The problem of integrating environmental assessment with economic and social impact assessment arises from an artificial separation of the social and natural sciences, and the ‘disciplinization’ of the social sciences. Thus sustainability must be defined in a way that pre-empts the need to integrate results obtained from different approaches. Sustainability assessment then is a dynamic not a static framework. It involves changes in labor requirements, in soil and agro-climatic conditions, and in notions and perceptions of efficiency and profitability with differential social and economic impacts. This approach requires a methodology that uses a combination of techniques — survey research, case study, and rapid/participatory rural appraisals — with the flexibility of adjustment and adaptation during the course of research.     

Robot adoption and labor demand: A new interpretation from external competition

Recent research has shown that robotics has increased economic efficiency in several areas. However, there is no consensus on whether the robot adoption in production should be encouraged, as there is widespread concern about unemployment and its consequences. This study compares the labor demands of robot adopters and non-adopters using a matching method. The results show that robotics increases rather than replace human labor, particularly providing the possibility of active hiring for female employees. However, while robots are installed in firms that implement robotics strategies, workers in non-adopting firms appear to be more vulnerable to the threat. Since robotics will widen the productivity gap between adopters and non-adopters while improving firm productivity, thereby increasing the risk of market exit for non-adopters and posing threats to their workforces. In other words, attempts to limit robot adoption to protect employment may be self-defeating due to external competition. Our findings provide a new explanatory framework for employment changes caused by robotics and offer new insights into whether firms should adopt robots in production.     

IsoQuant: a software tool for stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture-based mass spectrometry quantitation

Accurate protein identification and quantitation are critical when interpreting the biological relevance of large-scale shotgun proteomics data sets. Although significant technical advances in peptide and protein identification have been made, accurate quantitation of high-throughput data sets remains a key challenge in mass spectrometry data analysis and is a labor intensive process for many proteomics laboratories. Here, we report a new SILAC-based proteomics quantitation software tool, named IsoQuant, which is used to process high mass accuracy mass spectrometry data. IsoQuant offers a convenient quantitation framework to calculate peptide/protein relative abundance ratios. At the same time, it also includes a visualization platform that permits users to validate the quality of SILAC peptide and protein ratios. The program is written in the C# programming language under the Microsoft .NET framework version 4.0 and has been tested to be compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7. It is freely available to noncommercial users at http://www.proteomeumb.org/MZw.html .     

OREX-J: towards a universal software framework for the experimental analysis of optimization algorithms

The Operations Research EXperiment Framework for Java (OREX-J) is an object-oriented software framework that helps users to design, implement and conduct computational experiments for the analysis of optimization algorithms. As it was designed in a generic way using object-oriented programming and design patterns, it is not limited to a specific class of optimization problems and algorithms. The purpose of the framework is to reduce the amount of manual labor required for conducting and evaluating computational experiments: OREX-J provides a generic, extensible data model for storing detailed data on an experimental design and its results. Those data can include algorithm parameters, test instance generator settings, the instances themselves, run-times, algorithm logs, solution properties, etc. All data are automatically saved in a relational database (MySQL, http://www.mysql.com/) by means of the object-relational mapping library Hibernate (http://www.hibernate.org/). This simplifies the task of analyzing computational results, as even complex analyses can be performed using comparatively simple Structured Query Language (SQL) queries. Also, OREX-J simplifies the comparison of algorithms developed by different researchers: Instead of integrating other researchers’ algorithms into proprietary test beds, researchers could use OREX-J as a common experiment framework. This paper describes the architecture and features of OREX-J and exemplifies its usage in a case study. OREX-J has already been used for experiments in three different areas: Algorithms and reformulations for mixed-integer programming models for dynamic lot-sizing with substitutions, a simulation-based optimization approach for a stochastic multi-location inventory control model, and an optimization model for software supplier selection and product portfolio planning.     

A comprehensive end-of-life strategy decision making approach to handle uncertainty in the product design stage

This study employs fuzzy logic to evaluate uncertain component end-of-life (EOL) options in the design stage. Determining EOL strategies during the product design stage can be complex. For example, EOL strategies for retired bicycle components are various and may change with geographic location. Thus, adopting fixed EOL strategies in the product design stage may not always be appropriate; the element of uncertainty should be considered. Limited research has examined uncertainty of EOL strategies during the design stage. Moreover, the evaluation of EOL strategies in a comprehensive manner has not been shown in a realistic case study. These facts motivate this investigation. Fourteen evaluation criteria are used to generate a comprehensive framework for assessing seven EOL strategies. The evaluation process generates the likelihood for each of these strategies by aggregating fuzzy set operations and a left–right fuzzy ranking method. Using SUMPRODUCT calculation for these weights/probabilities and input sustainability value (i.e., cost, environmental impact and labor time), expected values are derived to represent the sustainability values for each EOL strategy. A Technique-for-Order-of-Preference-by-Similarity-to-Ideal-Solution (TOPSIS) based method is employed to identify the appropriate EOL strategy for each component/product. A refrigerator is used as a case study to illustrate the methodology. This study addresses the uncertainty involved in identifying an EOL strategy for a specific product component during the design stage through the use of fuzzy logic. The method closes a gap in the current EOL strategy assessment criteria and introduces a comprehensive evaluation framework to capture multiple strategic perspectives by incorporating 14 key evaluation criteria.     

基于SAPAD的同城货运服务设计研究

目的 重构同城货运服务的角色分工、服务内容与服务流程,以提高同城货运平台的服务质量与效率,提升货主使用体验。方法 综合非参与式观察法、深入访谈法和问卷调查法,对使用货运平台的货主和司机两类用户的典型交互行为流程进行调研;在此基础上,应用SAPAD理论模型,对货运服务“行为-意义-对象”三个维度之间进行映射关系研究,并通过对核心意义簇的聚类推导用户对货运服务的四个核心需求,即订单确定性、交易高效性、平台信任感和服务专业感;最后,基于需求重新规划服务的分工、内容和流程,重构了同城货运的服务框架。结论 从货主、司机双方行为切入,利用定性和定量结合的方法,可以在交互复杂的服务流程中梳理核心需求。研究结果为同城货运的设计统优化提供了新的思路和方法,丰富了SAPAD模型在多用户领域的应用实践。     

Worker Turnover in the 1920s: The Role of Changing Employment Policies

This paper examines the decline in turnover of manufacturingworkers during the 1920s as a response to new employment policieswhich increased workers' cost of voluntary (and involuntary)separation. Case studies of four firms are used to illustratethat the incentives to change employment procedures were thereduction of costly labor turnover and the motivation of workereffort. Firms' new employment practices reduced labor turnoverthrough the direct effect on their workers and the equilibriumeffect on the aggregate labor market.     

“五育并举”视角下学龄前乡村留守儿童益智玩具设计研究

目的 针对乡村留守儿童的早教问题,研究学龄前留守儿童益智玩具的设计策略。方法 基于“德、智、体、美、劳”的“五育”理念,系统分析学龄前留守儿童的教育问题及现有益智玩具的现状,并构建学龄前乡村留守儿童益智玩具设计的“五育”益智框架以及具体的设计原则,最后结合贫困乡村地区广西融水县的实地调研,对学龄前留守儿童益智玩具设计的“五育”益智设计原则进行相关设计实践。结论 从学龄前乡村留守儿童“五育”教育问题出发,提出关怀性、创造性、合作性、自然性、乐观性5个对应的设计原则,并通过实际案例验证了该设计原则具有一定指导意义。同时,也为乡村留守儿童益智产品的开发提供设计理论参考,进一步推动我国设计扶贫的工作。     

中国城市要素利用质量水平测算与研究:基于要素市场扭曲视角

基于2000-2016年期间中国30个地区260个地级及以上城市的平衡面板数据,将要素市场扭曲划分为资本要素市场扭曲和劳动要素市场扭曲两个部分,采用超越对数生产函数测算中国城市资本要素市场扭曲和劳动力要素市场扭曲水平并进行研究,在此基础上进一步分析城市生产要素扭曲水平与城市规模之间的关系。研究结果发现:2000-2016年期间,中国城市总体的资本要素市场和劳动力要素市场均处于较为严重的扭曲状态,两种要素市场上均出现了负向扭曲,且资本要素市场扭曲比劳动力要素市场扭曲程度更为严重,即城市资本—劳动相对扭曲指数显著大于1;中国260个城市的资本要素市场均出现负向扭曲,劳动力要素市场出现正向扭曲和负向扭曲的城市分别占据全部样本城市的38.5%和61.5%;中国城市要素市场扭曲水平与城市规模均呈现倒“U”型关系,当城市人口规模分别超过475.80万人和379.18万人时,城市人口规模对资本要素市场扭曲和劳动力要素市场扭曲的影响由正向变为负向。     

工程演化与产业结构优化

工程是人类有组织、有计划、有目的地利用各种资源和基本经济要素构建和制造人工实在的活动,是直接生产力。工程是在特定的自然和社会条件下,相关技术群和诸多基本经济要素组合-集成在一起的动态系统。其中,技术集成系统体现着相关、但又功能不同的异质技术群（不同的技术模块）,通过动态有序的集成过程所形成的特定结构及其动态运行的方式;而且这一特定的技术集成系统必须要与特定的自然、社会条件下诸多基本经济要素的合理配置（如资源、土地、资本、劳动力、市场、环境等）互相协同作用,通过设计、构建和运行,形成工程系统,并产生特定的、预期的功能和价值。工程与科学、技术、产业有着密切的联系,但又有所不同。对经济及其结构而言,工程是微观单元,产业是中观层次单元,而由不同产业构成的产业结构则处于宏观层次。工程是不断演化的,工程演化推动着产业的发展和产业结构的调整,甚至出现产业革命。     

Can industrial robots reduce carbon emissions? Based on the perspective of energy rebound effect and labor factor flow in China

China is a major robot-use and carbon-emitting country, and it is imperative to explore industrial robots' impact on carbon emissions to achieve the nation's planned low-carbon transition. Previous studies have neglected to consider the energy rebound stimulating effect of adopting industrial robots. To address this gap, we explored the relationships between industrial robots, carbon emissions, and the energy rebound effect by applying a fixed-effects model that considers cross-sectional dependence, using data from 2008 to 2019. We also analyze the moderating effect of labor factor mobility on industrial robots and regional differences in conjunction with the labor substitution effect of industrial robots. Three relevant conclusions are obtained. First, although using industrial robots reduces carbon emissions, it also leads to an energy rebound effect, partially offsetting industrial robots' carbon reduction performance. Second, the resulting emissions reduction and energy rebound effects in the western region are greater than those in eastern and central regions. This suggests that the use of industrial robots in less industrialized regions could yield better emissions reduction effects but requires awareness and mitigation of potential increased energy consumption. Third, labor factor flow negatively moderates the impact of industrial robots on carbon emissions, indicating that labor flow between cities reinforces the emissions reduction effect of industrial robots. The negative moderating effect of labor factor flow is greatest in the western region compared to eastern and central regions. Thus, we need adequate awareness of the energy rebound effect in the use of industrial robots. Meanwhile, removing barriers to labor flow between cities could further stimulate the carbon reduction effect.     

Integrating production-transportation planning decision with fuzzy multiple goals in supply chains

This work presents a novel fuzzy multi-objective linear programming (f-MOLP) model for solving integrated production-transportation planning decision (PTPD) problems in supply chains in a fuzzy environment. The proposed model attempts to simultaneously minimise total production and transportation costs, total number of rejected items, and total delivery time with reference to available capacities, labor level, quota flexibility, and budget constraints at each source, as well as forecast demand and warehouse space at each destination. An industrial case demonstrates that the proposed f-MOLP model achieves an efficient compromise solution and overall decision maker satisfaction with determined goal values. Additionally, the proposed model provides a systematic framework that facilitates decision makers to interactively modify the fuzzy data and parameters until a satisfactory solution is obtained. Overall, the f-MOLP model offers a practical method for solving PTPD problems with fuzzy multiple goals, and can effectively improve producer–distributor relationships within a supply chain.     

社会创新视角下马路劳务市场服务设计研究

马路劳务市场自发形成于城市街道中,作为非正规劳务市场,它积累了大量社会问题,被视作城市乱象,影响农民工就业质量。基于一个典型的街头市场案例进行实地研究,将服务设计理念和方法引入城市非正规劳动力市场的研究。通过以用户为中心和以行动为导向的研究方法,解析农民工与雇主等市场参与者的具体需求,提出马路劳务市场服务的综合设计,并讨论了非正规劳务市场服务的可持续发展方法。研究指出,马路劳务市场虽是自发形成的社会现象,但它的运转机制和参与者的社会关系,能够使其成为一个可创新的城市公共服务系统。将服务设计思维与社会创新方法引入马路劳务市场问题的解决方案中,能够为解决农民工灵活就业问题扩宽思路,也为城市公共服务系统的创新与发展提供了新的参考。     

The future of labor unions in the age of automation and at the dawn of AI

The COVID-19 crisis has accelerated an already-ongoing process of massive digitalization in economic production and services. AI and robotics are getting, for the first time, autonomous and self-learning, with human-like capabilities. The discussion about digitalization and the future of work has become even more imperative. So far, labor unions were the leading institutions representing employees. However, the rising possibility of human substitution by intelligent machines puts in question the feasibility of labor unions’ policies. This development undermines their traditional power sources, which depend on the membership of masses of paid workers and on their ability to stop production. In this context, this paper aims to discuss the challenges confronting unions in capitalist democracies. Most scholarly literature on labor relations has embraced the assumption that the digital revolution will eventually bring new, better jobs. We suggest considering an alternative scenario, namely, a digital revolution that causes mass replacement of human workers and structural, technological unemployment, which might expand our point of view, particularly for designing public policy. We suggest that unions now have two crucial roles. The first is to safeguard workers' rights and interests in the transition from an economy based on paid labor to an economy based on automated-autonomous production; and second, they should transform their primary calling from representing employees to representing the social rights of all citizens, and particularly the material interests of lay people.     

标准化作业的价值分析

本文创建了自然态劳动作业模型,对自然态劳动作业模型的特点进行了分析,创建了标准化的劳动作业模型,对标准化劳动作业模型的特点作了深入的分析,建立了工业生产的机群模型和流水模型,并进行了对比分析,对自然态劳动作业模型和标准化作业模型进行了对比分析,讨论了标准化作业的价值作用和效果。