Internal Supply Research Articles

Development of the Q-band ECE imaging system in the large helical device

In this study, we developed the Electron Cyclotron Emission Imaging (ECEI) system with the Q-band in the Large Helical Device (LHD). ECEI measurement makes it possible to obtain the spatiotemporal structure of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) instabilities in the high-β plasma. Although there were several difficulties for realizing the multi-channelization, such as local oscillator (LO) optics and an expensive high-power LO source, we have solved these problems by developing a Local Integrated Antenna array (LIA) which has an internal LO supply, using a frequency doubler integrated circuit on each channel, instead of a conventional Horn-antenna Mixer Array (HMA) with common LOs. In addition, we have made some improvements to enhance the quality of the measurement signal. First, we developed and introduced notch filters that prevent the strong Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ECRH) stray signal from being mixed into the measurement circuit. Second, the position of the doubler built in the printed circuit board was reconsidered to prevent the mixing of higher harmonic components into the mixer. Also, we have adopted the Logarithmic detector (LOG detector) to deal with the wide dynamic range of the plasma fluctuation. After these improvements, for the first time, we could successfully obtain the initial results of the two-dimensional temperature distribution and its fluctuation distribution in the LHD.

The Packaging Index (PIX) - a proposed methodology for packaging assessment and comparison

The use of packaging and the related environmental consequences are increasingly under discussion. Despite its advantages, packaging has become the focus of public concern, mainly due to insufficient or inadequate handling of packaging waste. There is plenty of research regarding the sustainability of packaging options; however, multiple quantifiable characteristics have never been combined into a single indicator. The proposed Packaging Index (PIX) offers a tool to evaluate and compare different packaging options for the same product. To achieve these goals, the current evaluation criteria for the PIX are i) packaging quantity, ii) recyclability, and iii) environmental footprint. The resulting assessment is displayed as best to worst case scenario, with a single score for simple comparison. Using life cycle thinking, the environmental footprint of the packaging is accounted from cradle-to-grave. The suggested visualization of the PIX represents a practical comparison of diverse packaging alternatives within a defined product group. In the illustrative example, the PIX serves as an instrument to compare available bags found commonly in German online-retail. This example also shows that the PIX can analyze the packaging value chain from diverse industries and contributes to the circular economy. The usability of the PIX extends from communication (such as customer relations) to other fields like internal supply chain optimization. Lastly, we present the communication strategy of the PIX aimed at two different user groups.

Integrated Supply Chain Performance Measurement Model for the Manufacturing Industry

This study investigated supply chain performance measurement for the manufacturing industry based on the primary and the secondary data and developed Integrated Supply Chain Performance Measurement (ISCPM) model through the supply chain performance attributes in the outlook of input-process-output considering the BSC and the SCOR model at three decisions levels. In the context of the current market dynamics and uncertainties, companies need to upgrade and prepare for resilient supply chain operations, identify the gaps in new normal especially after the pandemic COVID 19, and way forward to address how companies will be organized to handle the strategic supply chain issues and maneuver promptly to ensure a smooth and flawless operation which is extremely challenging in this unpredictable moment. The integrated model incorporates ten supply chain performance measurement attributes and thirty-six performance measurement indexes as supplier relationship management (SRM), internal supply chain management (ISCM), and customer relationship management (CRM). Finally, the ISCPM model reviews and appraise the operational performance of an organization.

Enhancement of the efficiency of internal supply chain production system through process-to-process interaction

In this paper, the effectiveness of the internal supply chain consisting of production layout has been investigated based on systematic approach of implementation hybrid production system in automotive manufacturer. Traditionally, production layout was designed based on a single concept of production system such as product-based, process-based or job-shop. But in automotive manufacturer, the hybrid production is more relevant due to the finished-goods/product requiring thousands of the child-parts. Therefore the integrated system between product-based and process-based is more suitable. However, this hybrid production system raises some of the hidden issues such as miscommunication between processes. This research has been conducted by reviewing these issues, and subsequently a systematic approach has been developed to improve the processes' communication. The result shows significant impact where the production wastes were drastically minimised, waiting time was improved from 14% into 11% and line balancing had achieved the optimum rate which is 89%.

Optimizing an FPR-based supplier-retailer integrated problem with an outsourcer, rework, expedited rate, and probabilistic breakdown

Internal supply chains exist in many global enterprises, where manufacturing tasks and sales jobs operate separately, but the management needs to integrate their financial performance reports. In addition, the fabrication planning must meet specific operational goals, such as meeting external clients’ requirements on quality and short order due dates, avoiding internal fabricating interruptions due to inevitable equipment breakdowns, and minimizing overall manufacturing and stock holding costs. Motivated by helping multinational corporations deal with the issues mentioned earlier, this study aims to optimize a finite production rate (FPR)-based supplier-retailer cooperative problem with multi-shipment, rework, subcontracting, probabilistic failure, and expedited rate. Wherein using an outsourcer and expedited-rate help shorten the needed batch producing time significantly; the rework of defects and corrective action on unanticipated breakdown assist in up-keeping the quality and avoiding fabricating delay. We develop an FPR-based model to cautiously represent the considered manufacturing features and activities involved in transporting end products and retailers’ stock holding. Model’s formulating and investigating assists us in gaining the function of operating costs. In addition, optimization procedures with a proposed algorithm help us verify its convexity and decide the model’s best fabricating runtime solution. Finally, we validate how this study works and what important information our model can disclose using a numerical example to facilitate management’s decision-making to end our work.

Logistics-Oriented Production Configuration Using the Example of MRO Service Providers

Providers of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for complex capital goods, such as aircraft engines, which are indispensable for the customers to perform their services, are facing increasing market dynamics as well as constantly growing, diversifying customer requirements. The ability to achieve (the required) high logistics performance is greatly determined by a suitable production configuration. From the strategic definition of goals to the design of suitable supply chain structures as well as planning, controlling and monitoring mechanisms, a multitude of interdependent configuration decisions must be made on different organisational levels at various points in time. At the same time, numerous internal and external influencing variables must be taken into account, observed and continuously examined for configuration-relevant changes. If necessary, suitable reconfiguration measures must be initiated. This article presents an approach to production configuration based on logistics modelling. To handle the multitude of effects and interactions they are translated into a framework for efficient and sustainable production configuration. It consists of four successive levels for the initial configuration as well as an additional module for long-term production configuration monitoring. It serves to review pre-existing configurations in the context of reorganisation projects and enables the target-oriented configuration of internal supply chains.

Constructing Performance Measurement Index for the Manufacturing Industry: An Empirical Study

Studies have been carried out along with literature on supply chain performance, yet manufacturing companies fail to attain a precise performance measurement evaluation due to a lack of an Integrated Supply Chain Performance Measurement (ISCPM) model and knowledge in the manufacturing industry. Though it has been widely accepted and adopted—performance evaluation through the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) and the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model, however, it needs to address a holistic approach considering the current complexity and market dynamics changes. This study formulates a conceptual Integrated Supply Chain Performance Measurement (ISCPM) model with thirty-six performance measurement index through ten attributes in the outlook of input-process-output considering the BSC and the SCOR model at three decisions levels with an application of quantitative techniques to bring synergic effect to all stakeholder issues such as supplier relationship management (SRM), internal supply chain management (ISCM), and customer relationship management (CRM). The conceptual model was tested in the manufacturing industry of Bangladesh. Finally, it recommends the urgency for an Integrated Supply Chain Performance Measurement (ISCPM) model which connects all the stakeholders aligning the organizational performance.

Government agencies overseeing municipal council funds: رقابة الأجهزة الحكومية على أموال المجالس البلدية

The research aims to identify the main internal and external monetary supplies to municipalities and their role in turning municipalities to development institutions. IN addition, this research identified the main supervision practices over the municipal councils, which are carried out by some government agencies. The effect of such practices on the adequacy of work has also been identified. the descriptive approach has been used to handle these monetary supplies based on the legislations and regulations that are related to them. the analytical approach has also been employed by analyzing some legal provisions that are related to the research. In conclusion, after having handled the surveillance of the government agencies over municipal councils funds. It is essential to show the main results that we concluded as well as stating some recommendations, which are five. Among the most important results of the study: The financial autonomy that municipalities have is not absolute and relative, which emphasizes the idea that municipalities funds are subject to control by the central authority. this can sometimes lead to imposing some restrains on the jurisdiction of the municipal councils. The study recommended Increasing the financial autonomy of the municipalities as imposing censorship over the financial autonomy may be a cause of shortage of funds.

Research on Enterprise Supply Chain Optimization Model and Algorithm Based on Fuzzy Clustering

Reasonable logistics distribution network structure can not only effectively reduce the cost of logistics enterprises themselves but also reduce the social cost. Through effective supply chain management, enterprises can significantly reduce costs, improve competitiveness, and enhance their ability to resist risks. Because the single-level distribution network structure of production enterprises is not suitable for large-scale logistics distribution, this paper proposes a distribution network structure design that accords with economies of scale and establishes an enterprise supply chain optimization model based on the fuzzy clustering algorithm. Using this optimization method to optimize the inventory of enterprise logistics supply chain, the operation is fast, the result is correct and reasonable, and it can provide good decision support for the distribution network of logistics enterprises. Through information technology and modern management technology, we should effectively control and coordinate the logistics, information flow, and capital flow in the production and operation process and organically integrate the internal supply chain with the external supply chain for management, so as to achieve the goal of global optimization.

Measuring the Return on Investment of Training Modules of Electrical Protection and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Using the Corrective and AHP Approaches

The main purpose of this study is to calculate the return on investment of two training modules of electrical protection and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) using the corrective approaches applied to the basic model presented in previous research. In this study, first, the effect points of the training were identified using open questionnaires completed by experts. Then, its content validity is ensured by Lawshe, Waltz, and Basel approaches. Data on training costs were extracted through financial documentation and estimates. Details of measures, savings, internal supply, and so on were identified and cited to convert the observed effects into financial equivalents. Using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach, the role of training in comparison with other initiatives in each of the effects and achievements was determined, and the net financial achievements of the training were determined. The training return on investment for the electrical protection module was 243% and for the UPS module was 1637%.

Quantifying Crack Self-Healing in Concrete with Superabsorbent Polymers under Varying Temperature and Relative Humidity

During their service life, concrete structures are subjected to combined fluctuations of temperature and relative humidity, which can influence their durability and service life performance. Self-healing has in recent years attracted great interest to mitigate the effects of such environmental exposure on concrete structures. Several studies have explored the autogenous crack self-healing in concrete incorporating superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) and exposed to different environments. However, none of the published studies to date has investigated the self-healing in concrete incorporating SAPs under a combined change in temperature and relative humidity. In the present study, the crack width changes due to self-healing of cement mortars incorporating SAPs under a combined change of temperature and relative humidity were investigated and quantified using micro-computed tomography and three-dimensional image analysis. A varying dosage of SAPs expressed as a percentage (0.5%, 1% and 2%) of the cement mass was incorporated in the mortar mixtures. In addition, the influence of other environments such as continuous water submersion and cyclic wetting and drying was studied and quantified. The results of segmentation and quantification analysis of X-ray µCT scans showed that mortar specimens incorporating 1% SAPs and exposed to environments with a combined change in temperature and relative humidity exhibited less self-healing (around 6.58% of healing efficiency). Conversely, when specimens were subjected to cyclic wetting and drying or water submersion, the healing efficiency increased to 19.11% and 26.32%, respectively. It appears that to achieve sustained self-healing of cracks, novel engineered systems that can assure an internal supply of moisture are needed.

The contribution of business continuity management (BCM) to supply chain resilience: a qualitative study on the response to COVID-19 outbreak

PurposeThis paper investigates the relationships between the core elements of a BCM system and SCRES constituents, i.e. visibility, agility, flexibility, velocity and collaboration. An explorative multiple case studies methodology was adopted, consisting of organizations in the retail, manufacturing and humanitarian sectors that had to withstand the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (January to June 2020).Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts an interpretative approach to understand organizational behavior through observations. The source of data comes from in-depth interviews as well as the scrutiny of available official documents for triangulation. The unit of analysis is the organizations internal supply chain with a specific focus on their BCM system and SCM arrangements.FindingsThis paper shows how core BCM practices have a direct impact on supply chain resilience constituents. Specifically practices such as establishing a crisis management committee and risk assessments boost constituents such as agility and flexibility. This advances the theoretical discussion on supply chain resilience, while providing practical examples for organizations to build a response to pandemic incidents.Originality/valueThis paper validates the contribution of business continuity management to supply chain resilience, a concept that has mainly been linked to practices such as risk management. In this regard, this paper enriches the discussion. Secondly, the analysis explains how specific BCM practices worked during the first wave of the pandemic and how they were implemented, providing a clear path for supply chain resilience.

FEATURES OF THE HYDRAULIC CALCULATION OF HOUSEHOLD DRINKING WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS OF APARTMENT BUILDINGS

The article is devoted to the practical implementation of changes in the current system of legal regulation in the fi eld of water supply and sanitation of apartment buildings. The results of the analysis of operational and design standards of water consumption are presented. The necessity of adjusting the normative and technical documents in terms of improving the methodological foundations of designing indoor cold and hot water supply systems for an apartment building and creating a legitimate methodological toolkit is shown. Recommendations have been developed to supplement the norms of the set of rules 30.13330.2016 “Internal water supply and sewerage systems of buildings. Updated edition of SNiP 2.04.01-85 *».

Inventory Audit and Supply Management: An Evidence of Inventory Control Practices.

Supply management is increasingly becoming a focus in this 21st century. For an organisation to compete and successfully operate in the current risky supply management atmosphere, it must apply control measures that are effective within its internal supply management. The supply management environment today is characterised by many risk factors that may have a negative impact on the inventory control operations of an enterprise. However, there is an outcry in the universities procurement sector for inadequate stock control. The paper aims to establish the relationship between inventory audit and supply management in public and private universities in Nakuru County. The study was guided by stock diffusion. The study adopted a correlation research design. The target population of this study was 115 employees drawn from the procurement department from Egerton and Kabarak University since their headquarters are found in Nakuru County. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select the respondents of the study from the two Universities. Taro Yamane’s formula was used to obtain a sample size of 89 respondents. The data were analysed using both quantitative and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that inventory audits were efficiently done. This was improved by ensuring accuracy in recording. The universities also ensure that costs are well controlled to reduce waste and mismanagement of resources in the universities. The inventory audit was also done periodically to ensure all university property and resources were secured. Hence, there existed a significant relationship between inventory audit and supply management (R = 0.836, P<0.05). The study concluded that inventory auditing had a significant influence on supply management. The study recommended that the universities had room for the elimination of shortages, losses and wastage through periodic inventory audits. The universities should also adopt an electronic inventory management system that can make tracking easy

Implementation of an intelligent supply chain control tower: a socio-technical systems case study

Despite the proliferation of Industry 4.0 technologies, there is little guidance concerning how companies can integrate them in their supply chains. This study examines the implementation of a supply chain (SC) control tower (SCCT) by a large manufacturing company aiming to create an intelligent supply chain. This study applies Socio-Technical systems (STS) theory using the technology typology (long-linked, mediating, intensive) in the context of industry 4.0. The company followed a three-phase implementation plan (I: Initiation, II: Live, III: Continuous improvement) to transit from outsourcing supply chain control to developing the SCCT control structure and then creating intelligent SC assets and capabilities. The study shows that the SCCT needs to integrate all three technology types to reflect the intelligent supply chain. Further, it shows that the interactions of technologies with the SCCT team, internal and external supply chain stakeholders are critical in managing the development, implementation, and growth of intelligent supply chains. It identifies transition barriers including system misalignment, poor socio-technical integration, and an invert of trust between internal and external supply chain stakeholders. The intelligent supply chain emerges as a result of managing socio-technical interactions systematically.

The Utilization of the Cranio-Orbital Zygomatic Approach for the Resection of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Juvenile angiofibroma is a rare benign expansive lesion typically affecting young men. Surgery is the current mainstay of treatment. Because it is a very vascular lesion, preoperative transarterial embolization can decrease intraoperative bleeding.1,2 Transmaxillary or transpalatal approaches were used for totally extracranial lesions. Endonasal endoscopic resection became wildly used for radical excision with limited morbidity.2 In large lesions with intracranial extension and cavernous sinus involvement (Fisch type 4), purely anterior approaches (endoscopic or transmaxillary) can be associated with significant carotid artery and cranial nerves injuries and excessive hemorrhage from internal carotid artery supply that cannot be eliminated by preoperative embolization.3 Subtotal resection has been preconized in such cases, but tumor progression, cranial nerves and vision compromise, and major nasal postoperative bleeding could ensue. Radiotherapy of residual tumor has been associated with long-term complications, particularly given the young age of these patients.2 The cranio-orbital zygomatic approach provides an excellent exposure to the extensions into the middle fossa, anterior fossa, cavernous sinus, paranasal sinus, and infratemporal fossa components of large angiofibromas.4-6 It is particularly advantageous in the early interruption of the cavernous carotid feeders that are not amenable to safe embolization, rendering the tumor devascularized and bloodlessly resected. This article demonstrates the details and the advantages of this approach in a 13-year-old adolescent boy operated in 1997 for giant juvenile angiofibroma with extension in the middle fossa and the parasellar space with major vascularization from the cavernous carotid artery. The guardian consented to the procedure and publication of images. Image at 3:05 reprinted with permission from Al-Mefty O, Operative Atlas of Meningiomas. Vol 1, © LWW, 1998. Image at 3:25 from Arnautović KI, Al-Mefty O, Angtuaco E. A combined microsurgical skull-base and endovascular approach to giant and large paraclinoid aneurysms. Surg Neurol. 1998;50(6):504-520; © Elsevier, 1998. Used with permission. Image at 9:21 reprinted from Kempe LG and Krekorian EA,6 with permission from John Wiley and Sons, © 1969 The Triological Society.

Does Business Group Matter for the Relationship between Green Innovation and Financial Performance? Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies

Green innovation has been an important approach for firms to achieve sustainable development in recent years; however, empirical studies on the relationship between green innovation and corporate performance have delivered mixed results. In particular, business groups (BG), which are a critical organizational form in many economies and are proven to have unique advantages for conducting green innovation, have attracted less scholarly attention. Therefore, in this study, we adopt the perspective of a business group and investigate how green innovation by BG-affiliated firms affects their financial performance, and we also explore the moderating effect of BG’s internal supply chain partnership. Based on a sample of 202 listed manufacturing enterprises in China from 2013 and 2017, the research results show that green innovation significantly improves the financial performance of firms, and this positive effect is more prominent in BG-affiliated firms than in non-BG firms. Further research found that BG-affiliated firms’ supply chain (suppliers and customers) concentration and trust positively moderate the relationship between green innovation and financial performance. This research concerns the particularity of business groups’ green innovation practices in China, which not only contributes to the research on the effect of BG’s green innovation on corporate performance in an emerging market context but also deepens our understanding of the role of its internal supply chain partnership from the perspective of concentration and trust.

CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR COVID 19 PROTOCOL’S EFFECT FOR INTERNAL SUPPLY CHAIN TO SUSTAIN COMPANY OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

Supply chain is an organizational system in which there are roles and perform various activities, including information, funds and other resources that are interrelated in the movement of a product or service from supplier to customer. One typical supply chain management is internal supply chain management, where is one of the integrated activities that plays an important role in the operational performance of the company, but in Covid-19 pandemic era every country including PT. AST Indonesia has implemented the Covid-19 health protocols along with their government role, WHO’s role also International Safety standard such as OHSA. Internal supply chain is composed strategic purchasing, production and distribution exactly will have affected by this health protocols. Some researchers have published many factors that influence the performance of the company like quality, flexibility, innovation but also important to study the relevant thing with Covid-19 health protocols. In this paper, we proposed a conceptual model consist of Covid-19 health protocols, strategic purchasing, production, and distribution to sustain company operational performance. AHP method is use in this research to find the dominant influencing protocol factor that affecting in making of ISCM sustainability strategy.

Wastewater Treatment Plants as Local Thermal Power Stations—Modifying Internal Heat Supply for Covering External Heat Demand

To counteract climate change, the application of renewable energy sources and their efficient use are of crucial importance. In this context, wastewater has also gained increased attention in recent years. For decades, wastewater treatment plants have applied the heat from digester gas combustion to supply internal demands. However, in the context of efficient energy use the question arises: can using high temperature heat for supplying low temperature demand still be considered the best option? This article presents an innovative approach to covering wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) internal demand with low temperature wastewater heat recovery, making thermal energy from digester gas combustion available for feed-in to a local high temperature district heating network. The presented feasibility study was carried out in an Austrian municipality and investigates the heat balance, the economic risk, climatic benefits and the social aspects of the suggested approach. The practical implementation of the novel approach was planned in two steps. First, the WWTP should be connected to the district heating network to enable the feed-in of excess heat. Second, the WWTP internal heat supply should be modified and based on wastewater heat recovery from the effluent. Due to the promising results of the feasibility study, the first step was realized in summer 2020. The second and final step was initiated in 2021.

Unpacking action repertoire of right-wing political parties: Findings from Germany

ABSTRACT Recent studies of right-wing political parties have stressed importance of ‘internal supply side’ of these parties leading to more party-centric explanations. Following this lead, the present paper uses an ethnographic approach to empirically explore micro-mobilisation endeavours of a German right-wing party called Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). The paper draws upon social movement studies to highlight the constitutive role of grass root AfD members in creating a position of strength for their party in Saxony. Based on original, extensive fieldwork, I argue that one of the important reasons AfD has emerged as a significant player in the eastern German state of Saxony lies in party’s skilful appropriation of standard political action repertoire. Party members not only draw upon resources embedded in their social surroundings, but by using organisational forms as frame, they are also able to shape and create favourable political opportunities for their party.