IT in lean-based manufacturing industries: systematic literature review and research issues

This systematic literature review is the first to explore the role of IT in lean manufacturing contexts, characterising literature on the field, identifying and exploring the main issues approached, and identifying potential future lines of research. Grounded on an accurate screening process, 124 papers were selected for analysis from the SCOPUS and the ISI Web of Knowledge databases. The structured content analysis process highlights five key issues approached in literature: (1) software and technologies used, (2) benefits achieved through applying IT in lean manufacturing, (3) importance of IT integration, (4) IT and lean as complementary or independent options and (5) role of human resources. Despite an apparent scepticism concerning compatibility between IT and lean, claiming that IT may lead to processes’ complexity, extra tasks, resource consuming, among other issues, among other key findings, the review shows that several different IT instruments may boost improvements, acting as a facilitator in developing lean industrial environments, especially when lean-based improvement processes are introduced first, and then IT infrastructures. Because both IT and Lean may require significant investments in terms of managerial attention, employees’ capabilities and financial resources, it is important for management to balance investment decisions. Authors point to several shortcomings in literature which represent significant opportunities for further research: (1) significant lack of integrated comprehensive frameworks, (2) lack of knowledge concerning hybrid manufacturing systems, supply chains as research unit of analysis, how organisations can respond to staff resistance, and role of IT across the distinctive stages of lean maturity.     

A systematic literature review of the capabilities and performance metrics of supply chain resilience

ABSTRACT

Research on supply chain resilience (SCRE) capabilities and its performance measurement has been growing in recent years. However, the investigation of these concepts has primarily been conducted independently despite the interdependence of these concepts. A systematic literature review of 153 papers was conducted based on the principles of rigour, transparency and replicability required by the methodology. For the first time, we structurally reviewed the 11 SCRE performance metrics categories and its capabilities in SCRE Capabilities-Performance Metrics Framework (SCPM) developed based on the three resilience dimensions (readiness, response and recovery). The framework enables researchers to seek fundamental knowledge and to pursue further research regarding SCRE assessment. This study also provides practical value offering a guidance for decision-makers considering the trade-off among different capabilities and performance metrics.     

Three decades of workload control research: a systematic review of the literature

The workload control (WLC) concept has received much attention in the past three decades; however, a comprehensive literature review has not been presented. In response, this article provides a systematic review of the conceptual, analytical, empirical and simulation-based WLC literature. It explores the evolution of WLC research, determines the current state-of-the-art and identifies key areas for further study. The research finds that the field has evolved substantially. Early research focused on theoretical development and experimental testing of order release strategies; order release was then integrated with other planning stages, e.g., the customer enquiry stage, making the concept more suitable for customised manufacturing and leading to a comprehensive concept which combines input and output control effectively; recent attention has focused on implementing the resulting concept in practice and refining theory. While WLC is well placed to meet the needs of producers of customised products, future research should include: conducting further action research into how WLC can be effectively implemented in practice; studying human factors that affect WLC; and feeding back empirical findings to simulation-based WLC research to improve the applicability of WLC theory to real-life job shops.     

Methods for mitigating disruptions in complex supply chain structures: a systematic literature review

Supply chain risk management is extremely important for the success of a company. Due to the increasing complexity of supply chains, avoiding and mitigating the effects of disruptions is very challenging. This article presents the results of a systematic literature review and content analysis in order to provide a comprehensive overview of the methods that are currently used for mitigating supply chain disruptions. The results of the review indicate that research in this field is interdisciplinary and that no common modelling language has emerged thus far. Prior research mostly redraws to graph theory and/or social network analysis, although a few methods have been developed recently specifically for supply chain risk management. We observe that prior contributions addressed risk and structure mostly separately and that only a few works focused on their intersection. The results of this review are consolidated in a research agenda that calls for research on the risk-structure-interface and the development of proxy methods.     

Blockchain applications in supply chains,transport and logistics: a systematic review of the literature

This paper presents current academic and industrial frontiers on blockchain application in supply chain, logistics and transport management. We conduct a systematic review of the literature and find four main clusters in the co-citation analysis, namely Technology, Trust, Trade, and Traceability/Transparency. For each cluster, and based on the pool of articles included in it, we apply an inductive method of reasoning and discuss the emerging themes and applications of blockchains for supply chains, logistics and transport. We conclude by discussing the main themes for future research on blockchain technology and its application in industry and services.     

The relationship between laboratory-based outcome measures and mortality in end-stage renal disease: A systematic review

Despite data that traditional laboratory-based outcome measures in dialysis are improving over time, population-based data indicate that mortality rates are not improving in parallel. With increased focus on performance measures based on laboratory-based outcomes (e.g., hematocrit, albumin, and parathyroid hormone), less emphasis has been placed on other markers, some of which may be stronger predictors of mortality. We performed a systematic review to interpret the predictive value of laboratory-based outcome measures in dialysis. We identified studies with data regarding the predictive value of laboratory-based outcomes for mortality in dialysis. We calculated the sample size-weighted pooled relative risk of death with dichotomized high vs. low levels of each measure. We rank-ordered predictors by scaling the pooled relative risk of each measure by its pooled standard deviation. There were 5171 titles, of which 128 (representing 44 laboratory-based outcomes) were selected. Nine were significantly associated with mortality, in order of decreasing scaled effect size: (1) tumor necrosis factor-α, (2) hematocrit, (3) interleukin-6, (4) troponin T, (5) Kt/V_urea, (6) prealbumin, (7) urea reduction ratio, (8) serum albumin, and (9) C-reactive protein. Other oft-cited measures such as calcium phosphate product and parathyroid hormone were not significantly associated with mortality in pooled analysis. Quality improvement efforts to improve traditional laboratory-based outcomes in end-stage renal disease are necessary, but likely insufficient, to improve overall mortality in dialysis. Renewed consideration of cardiovascular, inflammatory, and nutritional markers that are especially strong predictors of mortality may have important implications for risk stratification and targeted therapeutic interventions.     

A systematic review on the effectiveness of thermography in diagnosis of diseases

Collecting and analyzing appropriate information and performing comprehensive systematic studies, considering safety, effectiveness, and cost effectiveness of the technologies are prerequisites for making decisions on buying and using different diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. This study aimed to systematically identify and analyze available evidences related to the effectiveness of contact thermography technique in diagnosis of different diseases. This study was a systematic review of published and gray literature. We searched relevant databases, bibliography of related papers, and companies' websites, using appropriate search strategies and key words. The CASP tool was used by two experts to evaluate the quality of retrieved papers and inconsistencies were resolved by discussion. After removal of duplicate citations, 308 titles were identified through database searching, among which 276 were excluded on reviewing of the titles and abstracts. The full texts of the remaining papers (32) were assessed against the inclusion criteria and 14 papers were recognized qualified, which were categorized into three groups of: breast cancer, DVT, and others. The results showed although contact thermography is a safe, rapid and cheap technique to be used in screening and diagnosing different diseases, but results did not show any acceptable diagnostic value in comparison to other diagnostic techniques. It might be beneficial to use it as a complementary technique. More research is recommended in this area. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 23, 188–193, 2013     

Big data in lean six sigma: a review and further research directions

Manufacturing and service organisations improve their processes on a continuous basis to have better operational performance. They use lean six sigma (LSS) projects for process improvement. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the existing literature in LSS and the application of big data analytics (BDA) to have more confident and predictable decisions in each phase of LSS. Fifty-two articles have been identified after a careful and vigilant screening of closely related themes. Future research directions in the big data and LSS have been highlighted on the basis of organisational theories. Review presents an investigation framework consisting of BDA techniques applicable to each phase of LSS in all the dimensions such as volume, variety, velocity and veracity of big data. Review highlights the concerns of big data in LSS such as system design and integration, system performance, security and reliability of data, sustaining the control and conducting the experiments, distributed material and information flow. The review unveils the application of 8 modern organisational theories to big data in LSS with 21 key aspects of related theories and 19 distinct research gaps as opportunities for future research.     

National culture and operations management: a structured literature review

National culture has received a substantial amount of interest in the operations management literature. We present the first structured review of articles studying national culture in operations management. Our search returned 51 papers published in ten leading journals between 2000 and 2017. We sort and analyse the papers according to three focus areas of operations management (strategy, execution and improvement). We also analyse the papers according to whether they address the relevance of national culture, the impact of national culture or the actions managers can use to manage or mitigate the effects of national culture. We find that national culture appears as a relevant variable in all focus areas of operations management research but that the direction and strength of its impact remain undetermined. Only a handful of papers address how managers can actively deal with challenges related to national culture. We propose a research agenda and a guiding framework for future research.     

Examining the nexus of blockchain technology and digital twins:Bibliometric evidence and research trends

The integration of Blockchain Technology(BT)with Digital Twins(DTs)is becoming increasingly recognized as an effective strategy to enhance trust,inter-operability,and data privacy in virtual spaces such as the metaverse.Although there is a significant body of research at the intersection of BT and DTs,a thorough review of the field has not yet been conducted.This study performs a systematic literature review on BT and DTs,using the CiteSpace analytic tool to evaluate the content and biblio-metric information.The review covers 976 publications,identifying the significant effects of BT on DTs and the integration challenges.Key themes emerging from keyword analysis include augmented reality,smart cities,smart manufacturing,cybersecurity,lifecycle management,Ethereum,smart grids,additive manufacturing,blockchain technology,and digitalization.Based on this analysis,the study proposes a development framework for BT-enhanced DTs that includes supporting technologies and applications,main applications,advantages and function-alities,primary contexts of application,and overarching goals and principles.Additionally,an examination of bibliometric data reveals three developmental phases in cross-sectional research on BT and DTs:technology development,technology use,and technology deployment.These phases highlight the research field's evolution and provide valuable direction for future studies on BT-enhanced DTs.     

The ConWip production control system: a systematic review and classification

In the past decade, a growing body of literature has investigated the CONstant Work In Progress (ConWip) production control system (PCS). In view of the current industrial challenges entailing adaptability, product customisation, decreasing leadtimes and customer satisfaction, ConWip seems to be an effective and adaptive PCS for manufacturers. This paper aims to update the last ConWip systematic review that dates back to 2003 and to provide a guide for understanding through an original classification method. This method enables the differentiation of papers that concentrate on ConWip sizing, performance and context as well as a comparison with other PCSs. In addition to providing a key to interpreting the research approaches, the criteria considered answers questions on how to implement, how to optimise and why and when to use ConWip. Finally, the most relevant research avenues are highlighted to provide future lines of research.     

In search for classification and selection of spare parts suitable for additive manufacturing: a literature review

This paper reviews the literature on additive manufacturing (AM) technologies and equipment, and spare parts classification criteria to propose a systematic process for selecting spare parts which are suitable for AM. This systematic process identifies criteria that can be used to select spare parts that are suitable for AM. The review found that there is limited research that addresses identifying processes for spare parts selection for AM, even though companies have identified this to be a key challenge in adopting AM. Seven areas for future research are identified relating to the methodology of spare parts selection for AM, processes for cross-functional integration in selecting spare parts for AM, broadening the spare parts portfolio that is suitable for AM (by considering usage of AM in conjunction with conventional technologies), and potential impact of AM on product modularity and integrality.     

Recent advances and opportunities in sustainable food supply chain: a model-oriented review

Faced with the challenges associated with sustainably feeding the world’s growing population, the food industry is increasingly relying on operations research (OR) techniques to achieve economic, environmental and social sustainability. It is therefore important to understand the context-specific model-oriented applications of OR techniques in the sustainable food supply chain (SFSC) domain. While existing food supply chain reviews provide an excellent basis for this process, the explicit consideration of sustainability from a model-oriented perspective along with a structured outline of relevant SFSC research techniques are missing in extant literature. We attempt to fill this gap by reviewing 83 related scientific journal publications that utilise mathematical modelling techniques to address issues in SFSC. To this end, we first identify the salient dimensions that include economic, environmental and social issues in SFSC. We then review the models and methods that use these dimensions to solve issues that arise in SFSC. We identify some of the main challenges in analytical modelling of SFSC as well as future research directions.     

Driver rehabilitation: A systematic review of the types and effectiveness of interventions used by occupational therapists to improve on-road fitness-to-drive

Objective

Driver rehabilitation has the potential to improve on-road safety and is commonly recommended to clients. The aim of this systematic review was to identify what intervention approaches are used by occupational therapists as part of driver rehabilitation programmes, and to determine the effectiveness of these interventions.

Method

Six electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and OTDBase) were searched. Two authors independently reviewed studies reporting all types of research designs and for all patient populations, provided the interventions could be administered by occupational therapists. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the ‘Downs and Black Instrument’, and the level of evidence for each intervention approach was established using ‘Centre for Evidence Based Medicine’ criteria.

Results

Sixteen studies were included in the review. The most common type of intervention approach used was computer-based driving simulator training (n = 8), followed by off-road skill-specific training (n = 4), and off-road education programmes (n = 3). Car adaptations/modifications were used in one of the included studies. There was significant variability between studies with regards to frequency, duration, and total number of intervention sessions, and the diagnoses of the participants. Of the four intervention approaches, there is evidence to support the effectiveness of off-road skill-specific training (with older clients), and computer-based driving simulator training (with both older clients and participants with acquired brain injury).

Conclusion

Three types of intervention approaches are commonly reported, however, there is limited evidence to determine to effectiveness of these in improving fitness-to-drive. Further research is required, with clients from a range of diagnostic groups to establish evidence-based interventions and determine their effectiveness in improving these clients’ on-road fitness-to-drive.     

Risk of road accident associated with the use of drugs: A systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence from epidemiological studies

This paper is a corrigendum to a previously published paper where errors were detected. The errors have been corrected in this paper. The paper is otherwise identical to the previously published paper. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that have assessed the risk of accident associated with the use of drugs when driving is presented. The meta-analysis included 66 studies containing a total of 264 estimates of the effects on accident risk of using illicit or prescribed drugs when driving. Summary estimates of the odds ratio of accident involvement are presented for amphetamines, analgesics, anti-asthmatics, anti-depressives, anti-histamines, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, opiates, penicillin and zopiclone (a sleeping pill). For most of the drugs, small or moderate increases in accident risk associated with the use of the drugs were found. Information about whether the drugs were actually used while driving and about the doses used was often imprecise. Most studies that have evaluated the presence of a dose-response relationship between the dose of drugs taken and the effects on accident risk confirm the existence of a dose-response relationship. Use of drugs while driving tends to have a larger effect on the risk of fatal and serious injury accidents than on the risk of less serious accidents (usually property-damage-only accidents). The quality of the studies that have assessed risk varied greatly. There was a tendency for the estimated effects of drug use on accident risk to be smaller in well-controlled studies than in poorly controlled studies. Evidence of publication bias was found for some drugs. The associations found cannot be interpreted as causal relationships, principally because most studies do not control very well for potentially confounding factors.     

Effects of average speed enforcement on speed compliance and crashes: A review of the literature

Average speed enforcement is a relatively new approach gaining popularity throughout Europe and Australia. This paper reviews the evidence regarding the impact of this approach on vehicle speeds, crash rates and a number of additional road safety and public health outcomes. The economic and practical viability of the approach as a road safety countermeasure is also explored. A literature review, with an international scope, of both published and grey literature was conducted. There is a growing body of evidence to suggest a number of road safety benefits associated with average speed enforcement, including high rates of compliance with speed limits, reductions in average and 85th percentile speeds and reduced speed variability between vehicles. Moreover, the approach has been demonstrated to be particularly effective in reducing excessive speeding behaviour. Reductions in crash rates have also been reported in association with average speed enforcement, particularly in relation to fatal and serious injury crashes. In addition, the approach has been shown to improve traffic flow, reduce vehicle emissions and has also been associated with high levels of public acceptance. Average speed enforcement offers a greater network-wide approach to managing speeds that reduces the impact of time and distance halo effects associated with other automated speed enforcement approaches. Although comparatively expensive it represents a highly reliable approach to speed enforcement that produces considerable returns on investment through reduced social and economic costs associated with crashes.     

On the effect of geometrical designs and failure modes in composite axial crushing: A literature review

Composite materials have been known for its low density, ease in fabrication, high structural rigidity, and wide range applications, i.e. aeronautic applications and automotive industry. Due to this, extensive studies had been conducted to evaluate its axial crushing ability to replace metallic materials. In this paper, it reviewed the usage of fibre reinforced plastic composite (FRP) as an energy absorption application device. Failure modes and geometrical designs such as shapes, geometry and triggering effect have been studied where these factors affected on peak load and specific energy absorption significantly. Accordingly, numerical analysis for axial crushing of affected factors had been simulated to predict the failure mechanisms of FRP composites.