The purpose of this study is to show how Lean and Six Sigma (LSS) improvement events were implemented to improve the performance of a home furnishing manufacturing operation. Each LSS improvement event was conducted at the targeted shop by an experienced facilitator with a team of workers from...

Over the past decade, JIT approach for designing and operating lines has evolved to compete on time dimensions. Traditionally, the lines designed and operated using line balancing approach are considered optimal. Uses simulation methodology to compare each of these approaches under various...

Procedures to reduce set‐up times at individual machines have been well documented; however, very little research has been conducted on developing an effective strategy to prioritize set‐up reduction procedures in a multi‐machine facility. Describes a new and innovative way – a throughput...

Over the past decade two approaches, just‐in‐time (JIT) and theory of constraints (TOC), for designing and operating production lines have developed, each claiming to be the “correct” way. In addition there are still those who maintain that line balanced (whenever possible) is the...

This study is an evaluation of the drum-buffer-rope (DBR) control mechanism compared to the modified infinite loading (MIL) control mechanism in a job shop environment. Although previous research has shown that the MIL mechanism works well in this environment, this study finds that the DBR...

Over the years, many researchers have proposed theoretical models of problem-solving. These models work a problem in a sequential and rational manner. Through our professional experience and an action research study, we discovered fundamental differences between what these models describe and...

Supply chain managers must often trust data reported from suppliers to make decisions about sourcing and product reliability due to the costs or complexity of implementing traditional monitoring systems. Without some form of monitoring, these types of data are vulnerable to manipulation, thus...

Academic research has primarily focused on the technical factors of material handling systems, with little or no discussion of human factors. In order to improve the performance of distribution operations, we found that the implementation of material handling systems involves both human and...