European Journal of Industrial Engineering 

About: European Journal of Industrial Engineering is an academic journal published by Inderscience Publishers. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Supply chain & Computer science. It has an ISSN identifier of 1751-5254. Over the lifetime, 404 publications have been published receiving 5232 citations. The journal is also known as: EJIE.

A primal-dual method for linear programming problems with fuzzy variables

Abstract: Linear programming problems with fuzzy variables have been investigated by many researchers in the recent literature. Some methods to solve these problems, such as the primal simplex method and the dual simplex method, are based on the concept of comparison of fuzzy numbers by using ranking functions. In this paper, we give a new primal-dual algorithm for solving linear programming problems with fuzzy variables by using duality results, which was proposed by Mahdavi-Amiri and Nasseri (2007). This algorithm will be useful for sensitivity analysis when the activity vectors change for basic columns.

Quantification of risk mitigation environment of supply chains using graph theory and matrix methods

Abstract: Today supply chains leverage their partner's competencies and in the process also inherit the risks associated with various links of a supply chain. Although it is impossible to completely eliminate various risks, an environment can be created which helps to effectively mitigate risk. The most difficult part of Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) is an understanding of the variables related to risk mitigation and their relative interdependencies. This paper presents a conceptual framework which models various variables associated with risk mitigation environment along with their interdependencies. Using graph theory and matrix methods, the Risk Mitigation Environment (RME) is quantified and presented in the form of a single numerical index. The proposed model is quite versatile from the point of view that it provides an opportunity to integrate new variables which could impact the overall supply chain risk mitigation environment along with the potential to benchmark supply chains on risk mitigation dimension.

Lean Six Sigma (LSS): An Implementation Experience

Abstract: 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 the shop. An improvement event consisted of a host of activities involving five phases which were completed over an eight-week period. The first four weeks included four phases: 1planning and discovery 2training and opportunity finding 3refinement and preparation 4implementation and changes. The last four weeks included one phase: 5enhancement and transfer of ownership. The facilitator was responsible for the first phase and the workers were responsible for all other phases, although the facilitator also played an important role in those phases. With some variation, the workers spent 100% of their time in activities related to phases 2 and 4, and 20% of their time in activities related to phases 3 and 5. Important t...

Modelling and analysis of semiconductor manufacturing in a shrinking world: challenges and successes

Abstract: This paper presents a brief overview of semiconductor manufacturing followed by the results of a panel session held at the Fourth International Conference on Modeling and Analysis of Semiconductor Manufacturing (MASM) in Miami, December 10, 2008 on the role of modelling and analysis in semiconductor manufacturing in a shrinking world. Three participants are from Asia, two from Europe, and two from the USA in addition to the two panel organisers (Fowler and Monch). At least one panellist from each continent is from industry and one from academia. The statements of the panellists from industry relate to modelling and analysis problems found in their own companies. Those of the academic panellists describe the role that modelling and analysis has played and is expected to play in their semiconductor manufacturing research. Their views on the challenges and successes of modelling and analysis in a globalised world are also included. Finally, we identify some future research challenges for semiconductor manufa...

Variance-based approximations of transaction waiting times in autonomous vehicle storage and retrieval systems

Abstract: Approximation strategies for transaction waiting times are proposed for use in Autonomous Vehicle Storage and Retrieval Systems (AVS/RSs) with non-Poisson arrival rates and non-exponential service times. The proposed modelling tools dynamically adjust approximations based on the variance of the transaction inter-arrival times observed in a system. Simulation-based validation studies indicate that this strategy can reduce the magnitude of errors in estimated transaction waiting times by approximately 80% relative to static approximations. The design conceptualisation applications of the proposed technique are demonstrated over a series of realistically sized demonstration problems. (Received 8 April 2008; Revised 20 July 2008; Accepted 2 August 2008)