Browsing by Author "Sackett, P. J."

Now showing 1 - 11 of 11
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    Brand associations as a design driver
    (Cranfield University, 2004) Kefallonitis, E. G.; Sackett, P. J.
    This thesis presents an exploratory study over the constructive parameters of an 'emerging' brand through consumer associations. Streams of research for brand study, academic and business practice, were brought together to provide a robust basis. A number of challenges apparent in the communication processes between brand, offering (product or service) and the consumer were recognised. The aim of this research was to investigate the possibility of extending and adapting existing techniques in brand management and consumer perception to provide a theoretical framework supporting consumer associations as a design driver for the development of an'emerging' brand's experience. A sustainable holistic brand experience requires including the voice of the consumer. This has not been deployed accurately previously although there is a shift to this direction by organisations. As consumers do not always say what they actually mean, the use of visual and verbal means for understanding their associative parameters is desirable. The method of picture-aided recognition, with passenger interviews in Greece and U. K. was used. Equally important is the implementation of these findings and preferred characteristics to company communications and the offering provided through a selective semiotic analysis and use of the variables in the design process. A case study methodology, incorporating interviews, observational methods along with enabling and projective techniques were used to triangulate findings and provide an in- depth understanding. This research provides a framework linking the offering, the brand and the consumer along with presenting practical applications. This is a support system on how an organisation could organise the basis of constructing an 'emerging' brand from its 'driver' brand to initiate its sustainable value. Such a system is targeted to the brand management departments of organisations and the design departments or external agencies responsible for the visual manifestation of the brand's appearance to the outside world.
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    The Development of a Practical Framework for the Implementation of JIT Manufacturing
    (Cranfield University, 1996-03) Hallihan, A.; Sackett, P. J.; Williams, G. M.
    This research develops a framework to guide practitioners through the process of implementing Just In Time manufacturing in the commercial aircraft manufacturing industry. The scope of Just In Time manufacturing is determined through an analysis of its evolution and current use. Current approaches to its implementation are reviewed and shortcomings are identified. A requirement to allow practitioners to tailor the approach to the implementation of Just In Time manufacturing, according to the context of the particular manufacturing system, is endorsed. Three case studies of Just In Time manufacturing implementation within the commercial aircraft manufacturing industry, conducted as part of this research, are presented and analysed. The benefits of Just In Time manufacturing implementation in the cases are shown to be signficant and immediately apparent. Two key factors in the implementation of Just In Time manufacturing are identified. These are the concepts of perceived opportunity for improvement and distributed support for implementation. These concepts are supported by other researchers. They form the basis of the practical framework to guide the implementation of Just In Time manufacturing. The framework combines the concepts with existing research in the areas of: strategy formulation; performance measure selection; target setting; the nominal group technique; and, literature on the techniques of Just In Time manufacturing. The framework provides a novel and reliable mechanism that allows a practitioner to identify which of many potential approaches towards Just In Time manufacturing should be taken. This is achieved using the detailed mechanisms presented in the framework to evaluate the perceived opportunity and distributed support.
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    E-Transformation in the publishing industry
    (Cranfield University, 2006-12) Daut Mohmud, Dahlina; Sackett, P. J.
    This thesis presents the findings and conclusions of research that was undertaken with the purpose of understanding the issues and challenges of e-transformation in the publishing industry, particularly the editorial phase, and in a government controlled environment of Malaysia. The research followed an exploratory inquiry and a case study approach, was conducted in a publishing house in Kuala Lumpur. This study was based upon data collected through in depth interview with 18 editors, documentary research (manuals, house styles, General Orders of the Government of Malaysia, forms, correspondence, other in house documents, speeches and local news), physical artefacts (132 edited manuscripts involving 33 editors), archival records (project files spanning 2 years of published works) and literature research. 10 major issues were identified and grouped into 4 categories, 4 major issues from previous failed systems identified, 9 major impacts categorised into 3 different categories were identified and 7 recommendations from the editors were identified for future systems. Focusing on these issues and impacts, several measures were recommended that would improve e-transformation in the company. Guidelines were developed to streamline the transformation and a new workflow proposed towards efficiency in a new medium. Disruption is also identified in the process of transformation. The research concludes by describing the phenomena of transformation in the editorial phase, that there are issues, impacts, disruption and unsettling points before, during and after transformation that would need to be thoroughly investigated, understood and addressed, to successfully transform the editorial phase. The research contributes to both theory and practice. It also proposed a conceptual model to understand the transformation particularly in a public sector; it developed a guideline for effective transformation and developed a workflow for the editorial phase.
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    Information behaviour in the customer-focused small manufacturing company
    (2000) Martin, Valerie Ann; Sackett, P. J.
    This thesis explores the nature and management of information in customer focused small manufacturing companies. Small manufacturing companies (SMCs) face increasingly changing and wider customer demands. They are often power cultures, with informal information and communication flows. Informal information is no longer enough in the face of growing complexity. Formal information is often about co-ordinating processes, for example, BS EN ISO quality standards, or simply recording customer information instead of relying on memory. Academic approaches to the management of information are traditionally based in case studies of large companies and are driven by sophisticated electronic information systems. An alternative approach to identify and analyse information is adopted for small manufacturing companies, for a richer exploration of both informal and formal information. The process of data collection is explained in depth, and the findings illustrated in a conceptual model. The nature of information is discussed, showing that there are two dimensions - activities and interpretations. The findings show that information is highly systemic, and requires a qualitative, flexible approach to identifying and understanding it. The final outcomes show that informal information maintains flexibility, but there is an increasing need to support this with formal information, for traceability. The management of an information culture is crucial to this, manifested in the behaviour of people. Most significantly, it shows that there is a contention between the prevailing power culture and the uncertain and complex customer demands, and these factors sometimes prevent the effective management of information behaviour. The research explores a previously overlooked aspect of small companies - the apparent chaos and informality they operate in every day, and the vital contribution that this may play in their survival in the growing knowledge economy.
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    Intelligent flexible manufacturing system control
    (1988-09) Fan, Ip-Shing; Sackett, P. J.
    This research proposes a generic decision making system structure for real time despatch control in small Flexible Manufacturing Systems. This is to satisfy the requirement for low cost control systems that can be flexibly adapted to a wide range of production environments. A simulation environment has been developed to emulate the detail real time despatch control of flexible manufacturing systems. This environment allows analysis of the decision making process and its effects. A model of a modular type FMS is used to study decision making in real time FMS control. Real time control is dynamic, the decision criteria change with the production states of the system. Decision making is based on both quantitative and qualitative factors. Apart from production quantity and time which are quantitative, there are installation dependent and production situations better expressed in states which are non-numeric. The knowledge based representation developed from artificial intelligence work is superior in modelling both mathematical scheduling research and discrete states information. Recognising the importance of system particular knowledge to effective control of the system, system independent functions are separated out to form elements of a generic control system architecture. This generic architecture contains elements of information handling to process information to service the scheduling decision making element. A core for regulating information flow and a data interface definintion allows this control architecture to be hardware independent. The decision making mechanism dependent on machinery hardware configuration and particular production characteristics can then be designed and interface to the architecture to form a complete control system. A decision design methodology has been designed to guide the design of the scheduling decision making system. The methodology addresses the design of work queue formation timing and the characteristics for each resource in the system. These are then integrated into a complete work flow control system by the resolution of contentions between the individual queues. The application of the design methodology and control system architecture is illustrated.
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    Knowledge transfer between small manufacturing enterprises
    (Cranfield University, 1999-04) Skandalakis, Alexandros; Sackett, P. J.
    This thesis illustrates that didactic and gnostic practices, identified through a structured Knowledge Transfer Framework, can effect business improvement in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises form a significant heterogeneous economic force. They strengthen the capacity of a country to generate employment and wealth for the general benefit of regional and national economies. The importance of SMEs in the prosperity of a society and their contribution to new job creation, coupled with the recognition that they seem to underperform, enhances the need to assist smaller companies improve their performance. The author investigated the essence of Small and Medium Enterprises, conducted a literature review in Benchmarking and Self-Assessment principles and asserted the importance of knowledge in sustainable business development. The author introduced the SME Knowledge Deficit, assessed its implications on business improvement, and elaborated that the Knowledge Deficit can be addressed through the establishment of a Knowledge Transfer Framework in the SME domain. The thesis establishes the characteristics of a Knowledge Transfer Process for SMEs, leading to the development of a Knowledge Transfer Framework in the domain. This supports business improvement. The framework provides diagnostic assessment of business performance, task defined specific solutions embracing better practices and innovative advances through Win-Win Benchmarking. The analysis connects to business performance, and recalibrates Small and Medium-sized Enterprises towards better practices. Improved business performance is based on knowledge sourced from superior performing companies. This is shown to be effective despite the polyonymous and indiomorphous nature of their business environment. The Knowledge Transfer Framework combines Self-Assessment and Benchmarking practices. It is implemented through Focus Group practices. This practical research was validated in a specially selected portfolio of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in the United Kingdom. It draws upon practical application in Spain and Germany. The author demonstrated that Knowledge Transfer can successfully occur amongst Small and Medium-sized Enterprises if approached through a structured methodology. The foundation of a grand Benchmarking database is not essential for Knowledge Transfer. Superior practices can be successfully sourced and disseminated via a structured Knowledge Transfer Framework and a portfolio of specially selected enterprises displaying superiority in a designated area of their business, rather than from global best practices.
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    Mechanical design support in the assembly environment
    (1991-09) Kirk, David W.; Sackett, P. J.
    This thesis proposes a workable application philosophy for state of the art tools operating at the Design/Manufacturing interface. It promotes an organisational approach in developing a framework for a strategic Design For Assembly policy. The definition of Engineering Design is explored. A proposed definition reveals a hierarchial structure. Existing generic design methodologies and specific Design For Assembly techniques are investigated and evaluated against a specific research environment. The research method considers the design/manufacturing interface as a whole. A communication model investigates a mechanism for ratifying design changes. Process control theory explains the control of this mechanism. The research has drawn upon the experience of two collaborators and several case studies are presented. The application domain is complex electro-mechanical products manufactured in a competitive mid volume environment.
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    Quality based strategy: modelling for lean manufacturing
    (Cranfield University, 1994-01) Cruz Machado, Virgilio A.; Sackett, P. J.
    The research develops and applies an integrated methodology for creating a Lean Manufacturing Environment in a traditional industry: the Portuguese Textile and Clothing Industry. This is achieved by developing a modelling tool using quality as a basis of performance assessment. In the context of the textile industry specific research objectives were: to evaluate current and potential application of Lean Manufacturing; to determine current business performance assessment criteria; to determine current practice in formulation of quality policy and metrics, and their impact on the effectiveness of new production technologies and techniques; to develop an integrated methodology to link the variables identified as important for the creation of a Lean Manufacturing environment; to apply the methodology in selected industrial test sites; and to derive quality system specifications which allow the realisation of Lean Manufacturing. The idea proposed in this thesis uses a quality approach to facilitate the application of Lean Manufacturing to the Textile and Clothing Industry. The author proposes a model for this evolution. Ile model developed includes objective variables (quality, productivity, delivery, cost, innovation, and time related elements), as well as subjective variables (flexibility, technological, and anthropocentric elements). It assesses the company performance from a Lean perspective, and not only from traditional Financial or Quality Assurance perspectives. The model development derived from applied research in 324 companies. A technique based on Data Envelopment Analysis was developed to analyse data from those companies. It assisted quantification of Lean Manufacturing assessment. The research revealed that a particular set of companies, which have implemented quality assurance systems, are closer to achieving Lean Manufacturing objectives. This research project concludes with a proposal for new quality system requirements specifically designed to facilitate the adoption of Lean Manufacturing.
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    Study of the process and problems of strategic outsourcing on-going management
    (Cranfield University, 2005-10) Monteiro Duarte, Goncalo Nuno; Sackett, P. J.; Evans, Stephen
    Purpose To develop a model that describes the clients' management process of strategic outsourcing of services during its on-going phase. The study identifies and explores problems that occur during this phase and which influence outsourcing's effectiveness. The research studies an under-explored area and develops knowledge about the management of outsourcing during the on-going phase of continuous operation. Research design The investigation focused on strategic outsourcing - of industrial maintenance - in a single sector where such maintenance is of strategic importance, namely, in the pulp and paper industry; however, it is expected to be of value to other industries and services. The first part was exploratory, based on a single case study, and focused on the construction of the model in an inductive fashion. The second part further tested the ability of the model to describe the management of strategic outsourcing through three case studies. Findings Management of the strategic outsourcing of services consists of a number of activities which influence each other and operate concurrently at different hierarchical levels. The management process of this `stable' phase entails continuous learning and evolution. In each of the activities there are ineffective elements which originate in management problems. Such problems are identified and explored in the research and were found to originate in practices employed either by the clients or the suppliers. Research limitations/implications All case studies were conducted within one group of companies, though each company had independent management and the outsourcing was implemented differently. This approach enables the discussion about the appropriateness of the findings to describe what happens in the outsourcing of industrial maintenance in the pulp and paper industry. Moreover the research design enables the findings to have an expected value to the outsourcing of other services and in other industries. Finally, a research agenda based on the findings is suggested. It is expected to guide further exploration of the findings and to motivate the exploration of new tendencies in outsourcing practices. Practical implications The model can help outsourcing managers better understand the complexity, dynamism and problems of their own outsourcing management process, and improve their practices accordingly based on the findings. Originality/value The thesis addresses the on-going management of strategic outsourcing of services. Most literature provides insights into outsourcing strategy and high-level decisions (such as make/buy). Significant and dynamic activity and problems were seen to be occurring during this on-going phase.
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    Sustained growth in small enterprises: a process management approach
    (Cranfield University, 2003-03) Rose, T. J.; Sackett, P. J.
    This thesis illustrates that given the necessary resource and a structured Business Growth Framework, Small and Medium Enterprises can lay the foundation for sustained growth. The author investigated the essence of Small and Medium Enterprises, conducted a literature review in SME growth, and asserted the importance of the application of structure to business processes in achieving sustainable business growth. The author introduced the SME business process structure deficit, assessed its implications on business growth, and elaborated that the business process structure deficit can be addressed through the methodical application of six internationally accepted UK initiatives already available in the SME domain. The thesis establishes the characteristics of Business Growth for SMEs, leading to the development of a Business Growth Framework, based upon a defined set of business processes. This framework supports business growth. The framework provides diagnostic assessment of business process performance, process specific improvements embracing better practice through the innovative application of, for example DTI publications, and internal Benchmarking linking, if desired, to the UK Benchmarking Index. The resulting Business Growth Framework, along with the Business Growth Framework Implementation Methodology have evolved during this research and are the key tools for sustained business growth developed by the author and discussed in this thesis. The benefits of close integration of financial and manufacturing systems, like ERP, with Business Processes is discussed. The author demonstrated that Business Growth could successfully occur amongst Small and Medium Enterprises if approached through a structured methodology. Intentionally no new and complex business models have been proposed. The research showed that there is sufficient literature available in this area already.
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    A systems approach to empowerment in manufacturing enterprises
    (Cranfield University, 1999-09) McEwan, Anne Marie; Sackett, P. J.
    Business challenges posed by turbulcnt local and global operating conditions are driving the adoption of new manufacturing strategies. Employee empowerment is vicwcd as a key enabler of these strategies within manufacturing enterprises. Analysis of the empowerment literature revealed that empowerment is poorly conccptualiscd. Little empirical evidcncc exists on the factors that influence the rcalisation of empowerment in manufacturing production. Paralld analysis in other domains reveals knowledge that could potcntially be applicd to opcrationalise empowerment in practice. This knowledge remains unexplored within the context of empowerment. The thesis proposition is that making empowerment operational depends on a prior understanding of the dimensions of the concept, which are specific to differing organisational contexts. The research endorses the necessity of considering empowerment from a differentiated systems perspective. Organisational control is confinned as a dominant management concern in operationali sing empowerment. It was determined that the development of a conceptual framework to synthesise the diffuse elements of empowerment could enhance understanding of the implications of operational ising the concept in manufacturing production. The author develops the framework using theoretical knowledge identified following a detailed analYsis of empowerment from literature. The theoretical propositions that constitute the conceptual framework are triangulated and the framework is operationalised using domain targeted industrial trials. The conceptual framework constitutes the prime deliverable of the research. The framework provides a mechanism for envisaging possible empowerment implementation scenarios within the context of manufacturing production. It is intended to be used by senior managers as a means of reflecting on the organisational contingencies of the application domain in which empowerment is to be operationalised.