scholarly journals RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT PRACTICES AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT APPROACH

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 271-276
Author(s):  
Aneta Kucińska Landwójtowicz
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Production Company

Continuous Improvement is a concept recognized in literature and management practice as essential in today's business environment. This article deals with the analysis of the importance and placement of project management in the implementation and application of Continuous Improvement (CI) practices in manufacturing companies. The first part of the article presents the conclusions resulting from the literature review of the improvement projects management. The problems appearing in this area of the organization's activity were analyzed. Then are presented the results of the empirical research carried out in the production company. A case study has allowed the characteristics of the realized projects to be determined and the identification of the factors that are conducive to and obstructive to the achievements of their objectives.

How to visualize performance measures in a manufacturing SME

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carina Larsson ◽  
Anna Syberfeldt ◽  
Kristina Säfsten
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Oral Presentation ◽  
Visual Communication ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Literature Survey ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify strengths and weaknesses in the communication of performance measures and propose guidelines for the visualization of performance measures supporting continuous improvement (CI) in manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The goal is to help manufacturing SMEs improve their communication of performance measures, thereby improving performance, and strengthening the company. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on both theoretical and empirical research. It begins with a literature review of theoretical guidelines for the visualization of performance measures. This theoretical information is then supplemented with a case study and a survey, both carried out at the Vara plant, a manufacturing SME with well-developed communication of performance measures. The case study involved all organizational levels in the company and focused on identifying strengths and weaknesses in visual communication of performance measures supporting CI. The information acquired from the literature survey and the case study was then used as the basis for a survey of the employees in one department as regards their perception, understanding and opinion of visual communication of performance measures. The analysis of the results led to the development of guidelines and a substantive proposal improving visualization of performance measures in this specific company, and in manufacturing SMEs in general. Findings A model for the visualization of performance measures supporting CI in the company was carried out. The guidelines proposed for all such visualizations are as follows: keep the visualization as simple as possible without compromising understanding, use symbols and colors consistently, use simple words and do not include too much information in the visualization. The study also shows that it is important to support a written visualization with an oral presentation to explain the results. Originality/value The originality of this paper lies in its focus on the visualization of performance measures in manufacturing SMEs and the guidelines and proposals developed.

The Role of Project Managers as Improvement Agents in Project-Based Organizations

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 376-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Sundqvist
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Project Manager ◽  
Organization Level ◽  
Management Literature

We propose that the project manager is implicitly expected to participate in and contribute to continuous improvement in project-based organizations (PBOs). This article explores how project management literature treats the project manager in relation to improving overall PBO performance. The results, supported by case study insights, indicate implicit expectations of the project manager to contribute to organization-level PBO improvement. We argue that if organization-level improvement should be part of project management practice in PBOs, as promoted in project management literature, the role of improvement agent needs to be formalized for the project manager.

scholarly journals Optimized Application of Sustainable Development Strategy in International Engineering Project Management

Mathematics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (14) ◽  
pp. 1633
Author(s):  
Zhiwu Zhou ◽  
Julián Alcalá ◽  
Víctor Yepes
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Project Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Management System ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Programming Algorithm ◽  
International Project ◽  
Engineering Project ◽  
Project Management System

The aim of this paper is to establish an international framework for sustainable project management in engineering, to make up the lack of research in this field, and to propose a scientific theoretical basis for the establishment of a new project management system. The article adopts literature review, mathematical programming algorithm and case study as the research method. The literature review applied the visual clustering research method and analyzed the results of 21-year research in this field. As a result, the project management system was found to have defects and deficiencies. A mathematical model was established to analyze the composition and elements of the optimized international project management system. The case study research selected large bridges for analysis and verified the superiority and practicability of the theoretical system. Thus, the goal of sustainable development of bridges was achieved. The value of this re-search lies in establishing a comprehensive international project management system model; truly integrating sustainable development with project management; providing new research frames and management models to promote the sustainable development of the construction industry.

ACHIEVING MANUFACTURING FLEXIBILITY: THE ROLE OF PEOPLE, TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

2010 ◽  
Vol 07 (02) ◽  
pp. 161-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
HAIRULLIZA MOHAMAD JUDI ◽  
ROGER BEACH
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Technology Innovation ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Manufacturing Flexibility ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Electric Sector ◽  
Multiple Case

This study examines the contribution of a pair of opposite factors: technology versus people, and innovation vs. continuous improvement to obtain manufacturing flexibility. These factors are opposing as they play different roles in TQM and BPR. An exploratory multiple case study was conducted that involves three Malaysian manufacturing companies from electronic and electric sector. The results show that flexibility could not be achieved through technology solely, but by combining technology with people, the required outcome is attainable. By applying innovation and continuous improvement simultaneously, it will yield better flexibility than if only one of them was used. The contribution of these factors in the selected manufacturing setting could guide practitioners to obtain flexibility and verify the research model that could be tested further in a survey.

scholarly journals Value of project management in university–industry R&D collaborations

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 819-843
Author(s):  
Gabriela Fernandes ◽  
David O' Sullivan ◽  
Eduardo B. Pinto ◽  
Madalena Araújo ◽  
Ricardo J. Machado
Keyword(s):  
Decision Support ◽  
Project Management ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Competing Values ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Multi Stakeholder ◽  
University Industry

PurposeUniversity–industry projects provide special challenges in understanding and expressing the values required of project management (PM) in delivering stakeholder benefits. This paper presents a framework for understanding, identifying and managing the values of PM in major university–industry R&D projects.Design/methodology/approachThe value framework identifies for each of the key stakeholders, the key PM values that may require to be managed and are largely derived from research literature. Empirical research then explores, prioritises and selects key PM values that need to be managed for a specific project. A large case study is used involving one university and one industry collaborating on a multi-million Euro initiative over six years. Empirical research was conducted by researchers who observed at close quarters, the challenges and successes of managing the competing values of key stakeholders.FindingsThe value framework takes a stakeholders' perspective by identifying the respective PM values for each of six stakeholders: university–industry consortium, university, industry, R&D external entities, funding entity and society.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was performed using only one case study which limits the generalisability of its findings; however, the findings are presented as a decision support aid for project consortia in developing values for their own collaboration.Practical implicationsGuidance and decision support are provided to multi-stakeholder research consortia when selecting values that need to be managed for achieving tangible and intangible project benefits.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates a proposed framework for designing and managing the value of PM in large multi-stakeholder university–industry R&D projects.

Adoption and implementation potential of the lean concept in the petroleum industry: state-of-the-art

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 311-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andika Rachman ◽  
R.M. Chandima Ratnayake
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Petroleum Industry ◽  
Lean Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adoption And Implementation

Purpose A systematic literature review is performed to reveal the state-of-the-art in the implementation of lean principles in the petroleum industry. This paper aims to generate a conceptual framework and reveal research gaps with respect to lean concept application in the petroleum industry. Design/methodology/approach After formulating research questions, the search strategy is generated, followed by data extraction, literature review and synthesis of the results. The search covers any studies in peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference proceedings in the period 1990-2017 that discuss the implementation of the lean concept in the petroleum industry. Findings The lean concept has been used to improve operational and technical aspects, contractor/supplier relationships, team organization and project management practice in the petroleum industry. Based on the literature review, a conceptual framework is generated comprising four main elements: leadership and commitment from management, employee involvement, cooperation and trust with contractors/suppliers and lean project management. These elements are the pillars that are founded on lean philosophy and principles to support technical/operational improvement in the organization. The types of literature identified indicate that the subject of the study is still immature. Research limitations/implications This study focuses only on the upstream sector of the petroleum industry, which restricts the generalizability of the results to midstream and downstream businesses. Practical implications This paper provides knowledge and information regarding the current state of lean implementation in the petroleum industry. The developed conceptual framework provides general guidance for practitioners regarding lean implementation in the petroleum industry, and is also expected to support research on theory building. Originality/value Few studies have discussed the application of the lean concept in the petroleum industry. This paper contributes a platform for researchers and practitioners to comprehend how the lean concept has been applied in the petroleum industry, and provides a foundation for further studies on lean implementation in the petroleum industry.

scholarly journals Reconfigurable Manufacturing: How Shop Floor Digitalisation Supports Operators in Enhancing Diagnosability

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessia Napoleone ◽  
Ann-Louise Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Model Error ◽  
Error Reduction ◽  
Shop Floor ◽  
Reconfigurable Manufacturing ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Theoretical Results

Manufacturing companies are currently struggling with the need to deal with ever changing marker requirements and technological advances. They can develop the reconfigurability capability in their factories in order to deal with such context. Moreover, companies can implement shop floor digitalisation to enhance their reconfigurability. This paper sustains two arguments: (i) the possibility to enhance diagnosability as a critical reconfigurability characteristic through shop floor digitalisation; and (ii) the relevance of the human role in reaching diagnosability in a digitalised shop floor. The paper first presents a literature review and based on this, aspects of shop floor digitalisation supporting operators in enhancing the diagnosability are identified and synthesized in a 3-e model (error reduction, ergonomics, and easiness). Secondly, insights from a case study are interpreted through the literature-based model in order to both consolidate the theoretical results and emphasize the implications for practitioners. The findings of this paper indicate that the proposed model can support practitioners in taking specific actions in regard to shop floor digitalisation in order to improve operator-dependent diagnosability and, in turn, the reconfigurability capability.

Integrated Engineering Project Management Approach for Typical Small to Medium Manufacturing Companies

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 541
Author(s):  
Erry Yulian Triblas Adesta ◽  
Mohammed Abdullah K B ◽  
Yahya A Alazemi
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Manufacturing Industries ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Engineering Project ◽  
Engineering Project Management

<p>The aim of this paper is to identify the problem extents and successfully applying project management in SMEs with a focus on manufacturing industries. The organization of the study was mainly divided into the activity of literature study and the investigation through a survey conduct aimed to measure the awareness and implementation of project management at the selected SMEs in Malaysia. The questionnaire was designed with a section (Section A) involving project management in general and another section (Section B) involving the implementation of it. It was found that the level of awareness and implementation of project management especially in the selected small and medium manufacturing companies in Malaysia was quite satisfying. Most of the manufacturing companies were implementing project management, but the level was depending on the organization in the company itself.</p><p> </p><em></em>

Achieving success in the Digital Equalizer Program through project management

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Subrat Sarkar ◽  
Sanjay Mohapatra ◽  
Sarmistha Pattanayak
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Total System ◽  
Digital Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Set Up

Subject area The case deals with project management principles that are required for implementing a social project in India. Study level/applicability The study has been carried out at primary schools in an underdeveloped state, namely, Odisha, in India. Case overview The case illustrates a project management approach for improving primary education in a government set up. The bureaucracy set up in education in a state like Odisha, India, needs to undergo radical changes. To be effective, an education system requires an optimal integration of the three main components, namely, people, infrastructure (this includes technology) and pedagogical processes. Using a public–private partnership model, American India Foundation (AIF) through its Digital Equalizer (DE) Program has been able to make a positive impact in an underdeveloped tribal dominated district like Keonjhar. The case study also illustrates the detailed execution plan predicated on total system planning, required to achieve this amount of success. The case study also explains how to measure success through different metrics where intervention has to be at multiple levels. The learning from the case study can also be adopted for designing an implementation strategy in other states. Expected learning outcomes Expected learning outcomes are as follows: how to approach implementation of technology-based intervention with involvement of all stakeholders; learn project management techniques related to digital learning model implementation; understand the DE methodology; and understand the challenges faced while implementing the DE Program. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes. Subject code CSS 7: Management Science.

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