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Industry 4.0 technologies are a trend in the organizational environments of Micro and Small Enterprises (SMEs). Identifying which technologies need to be implemented to assist the value chain is a challenge for many Micro and Small Business managers. The objective of this study was to identify the relationships between Industry 4.0 technologies and Micro and Small Enterprises. To achieve this, a systematic literature review and content analysis were conducted. A total of 60 articles from the sample were coded, using selection criteria designed to find relevant studies in the domains of Industry 4.0 and Micro and Small Enterprises. Thus, 16 Industry 4.0 technologies were identified, as well as nine possible barriers to implementing them, and eight performance outcomes after adoption in such enterprises.

The research question this study poses is how to measure the efficiency of project management activities. The purpose of this article is to quantify the efficiency of the execution of a project portfolio managed by a project management office (PMO) structure. The research subject is a PMO operating within a petrochemical manufacturing company in southern Brazil. The research method is quantitative modeling. The study employed data envelopment analysis (DEA) to calculate the relative efficiencies of projects in three classes according to complexity over a period of four years. Each project is a decision-making unit (DMU), as required by the DEA procedure. One novelty is the calculation of cost- and time-weighted efficiency values, which slightly differ from the average. The main results indicate that the average efficiency for classes of projects roughly stands between 40 and 80%. The results also indicate a learning process guided by the PMO, as the average efficiency increased over three years in two classes of projects, according to the prioritization imposed by the office. The study also pointed out that the most influential variables in determining project efficiency are accuracy in meeting deadlines and the time planned for completion. The most important implication is that, from now on, the company has a theoretical foundation to justify focusing further efforts on reducing and controlling time to completion, not only cost and scope conformity, to increase overall project efficiency. Future research should prioritize investigating management techniques that increase the likelihood of completing projects within their deadlines.

Purpose – The fashion sector is complex. It involves multiple actors with distinct and potentially conflicting interests, forming a value ecosystem. Thus, knowing the interested parties and belonging to the fashion sector may be a means to promote technological innovation, such as products with wearables. The purpose of this paper to identify the participants of the fashion ecosystem from the perspective of wearable technologies and develop a conceptual model. Design/methodology/approach – The present work aims to identify the participants (actors) and develop a conceptual model of the fashion ecosystem from the perspective of wearable technologies. The systematic literature review is the recommended method to qualitatively analyze documents and identify the interested parties (actors) in the fashion sector in order to design the proposed conceptual model. Findings – From the studies, the conceptual model of the fashion value ecosystem was designed, and the wearable product was considered its core business. The studies identified addressed ecosystems of fashion value in general but not specific to wearable products and their relations with other complementary industries. Research limitations/implications – The model was designed using secondary data only. Its validation is relevant through interviews with experts. Originality/value – In terms of relevance, when conducting a systematic literature review, there were no studies that included wearable technologies in the fashion ecosystems discussed and their relations with other industries. The topic of wearables is an emerging subject that needs further research aiming to insert this technology in productive sectors.

Abstract: Football is interrelated to several industrial and commercial segments. It generates significant economic and social results. Thus, football needs to be understood as a value ecosystem. The multiplying and systemic effects of the football chain are not known to clubs and society. The current literature has neglected them. This study aims to dynamically evaluate improvement actions aiming to add economic value to the Brazilian football value ecosystem based on a system dynamics model. It is possible to identify a dynamic relation between variables in the football ecosystem and assess the impacts of the improvement actions proposed here. We also propose and simulate scenarios demonstrating the impacts of decisions before implementing them in the real context and identify multiplying effects on the football value ecosystem. The results of the simulation show a positive impact of professional management on the football business for the club and society.

Abstract: Managers of organizations have few tools to evaluate manufacturing capabilities. Such scarcity implies in a greater difficulty to generate or maintain sustainable competitive advantages over competitors. This study aims to replicate the instrument developed by Jain et al. (2014) for the evaluation of manufacturing capabilities and analyze the results in the Brazilian business and cultural contexts. The instrument was translated into Portuguese using back-translation. After this, was performed a pre-test to verify understanding and clarity, then the instrument was distributed electronically. For data analysis, reliability analysis, face validation method, content validation, multiple regression analysis and factor analysis were performed. Subsequently, the results were compared with those of the work by Jain et al. (2014). Additionally, an exploratory factor analysis was performed to verify the convergent validity of the work. Statistical results were not adequate to validate the instrument in its current format, which requires improvements for it to be applied as a manufacturing capabilities assessment method in Brazil. The reliability index was adequate in approximately half of the instrument questions. As for multiple regression analysis, the results were not satisfactory. In addition, this research performed an exploratory factor analysis. Inconsistencies were identified. From ten expected factors, only four were obtained and had a low reliability index. These results contributed to the improvement of the instrument developed by Jain et al. (2014). It will be possible to take into account the results obtained in this study for implementations of statistical improvements and to observe questions that need to be changed in order to actually represent the 10 manufacturing decision areas of Hayes et al. (1988). Thus, it is necessary to conduct further studies and make improvements to make it a valuable tool for manufacturing.

Short-term and stochastic variations can create negative effects on the delivery capability, and companies often adopt their processes accordingly. What is then ignored is the fact that causes for variations are often self-induced and, therefore, possible to affect. Proposed actions in current literature focus mainly on continuous improvement without explicitly emphasizing that certain behaviours, rules and routines have a direct impact on variations affecting the company. In this study, a framework of causes for self-induced variations is established with proposed actions for each cause to reduce the variations. The framework is situated relative to practice for the actions applied at six manufacturing companies. This study sought to increase the understanding of self-induced variations and where companies can apply the proposed framework for an overview of 22 causes and 60 appropriate actions to support the systematic reduction of self-induced variations that can be internally or externally generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past research has shown that assessments of engineering students' transferable skills have not been properly investigated or incorporated into the practices of higher education institutions. This study addressed this gap by proposing a System for Assessing Engineering Students' Transferable Skills (SACTEE, in Portuguese), which includes scales for assessment by self, peers, and teachers. The study also sought to provide evidence of the scale's content validity, internal consistency, and replicability. A total of 147 students, 23 professors, and 8 representatives of the academic management staff participated on the study to assure the scales' content validity and internal consistency. Two confirmatory focus groups with 15 representatives from public and private HEIs in Brazil analysed the usefulness and replicability of the system. The results demonstrated the preliminary psychometric quality of the instruments and the replicability of the SACTEE, thus contributing to engineering education research field and to assessing and developing studentś transferable skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research project challenges the status quo regarding setup reduction methods from the current difficulties faced by industries and the knowledge gaps in the literature on continuous process improvement. The purpose of this study is to examine how it is possible to combine SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die) with Presetting systems (anticipation of tools or devices adjustments) to improve production systems' productivity in practice. First, a literature review was performed to expand the understanding of SMED-related methods and the current knowledge gaps in the relevant literature. Next, a revitalised method combining SMED with Presetting systems was proposed and empirically validated in close collaboration with the industry in a longitudinal study. Qualitative and quantitative observations made before, during and after the intervention demonstrated the adequate performance of the tested method. The main results obtained include (i) 87% reduction in the setup time and a 33.8% increase in the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) of the labelling machine, (ii) 17% increase in the entire line's OEE, (iii) about 45% reduction of the lot sizes, (iv) a systemic improvement in productivity of 48.533 parts per month into production line responsible for 90.5% of the company's revenues. Overall, this study proposed theory refinements and contributes to research and practice on Lean Production implementation by expanding and revitalising the current literature on setup reduction methods and process improvements. The refined method and the prescriptive guidelines provided in this study enable industrial practitioners to increase production systems' performance in practice. The paper contributes to expanding the absorption of best practices in Production/Operations Management research results in firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I Machines i was able to uphold its high standards for published papers due to the outstanding efforts of our reviewers. [Extracted from the article]

Regardless of whether the articles they examined were ultimately published, the editors would like to express their appreciation and thank the following reviewers for the time and dedication that they have shown I Applied Sciences i : se of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). I Applied Sciences i was able to uphold its high standards for published papers due to the outstanding efforts of our reviewers. [Extracted from the article]

Industry 4.0 technologies are a trend in the organizational environments of Micro and Small Enterprises (SMEs). Identifying which technologies need to be implemented to assist the value chain is a challenge for many Micro and Small Business managers. The objective of this study was to identify the relationships between Industry 4.0 technologies and Micro and Small Enterprises. To achieve this, a systematic literature review and content analysis were conducted. A total of 60 articles from the sample were coded, using selection criteria designed to find relevant studies in the domains of Industry 4.0 and Micro and Small Enterprises. Thus, 16 Industry 4.0 technologies were identified, as well as nine possible barriers to implementing them, and eight performance outcomes after adoption in such enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modularity-in-design (MID) and modularity-in-production (MIP) relationship has been gaining the attention of scholars and practitioners along the years. However, the literature does not specify how this connection occurs and its implications. This paper analyzes the relationship between MID and MIP within the automotive scenario and investigates its main technical and organizational implications. Through an abductive, matched pair case study carried out in two large automakers, the study gathered data from interviews, on-site observations, and field notes from all interactions within the plants. The paper indicates that (i) both automakers prioritize modular design before modular production, characterizing a product-related approach, and (ii) the investigated automotive companies have different approaches when developing MID. One automaker focuses on product functionalities to develop the modules; the other company dedicates efforts towards a MID-MIP relationship through the industrial condominium concept. Results indicate significant propositions to be tested regarding MID-MIP connection, with original insights from two make-to-order (MTO) automotive companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relations in the Marketing/Operations interface through the analysis of data of the operational reality of a Brazilian company with a low technological intensity. The study aims to quantify and determine the impacts of marketing decisions on delivery performance and on flexibility of the operations area. Design/methodology/approach: A longitudinal case study was conducted and the variables used in the model were derived from established theories and were evaluated with artificial neural networks. The case of a food manufacturing company was selected to reflect the relations in the marketing/operations interface of a low technological intensity enterprise. Findings: The results show that the decisions on Place/Channel, Price and Product dimensions of marketing exert a significant impact on flexibility and delivery performance of the operation area. Research limitations/implications: The findings of the case study cannot be generalised and the outcomes are specific to just one firm. However, the approach lends itself to replication, particularly within low technological intensity companies. Originality/value: Prior studies have focussed on coordination among functional areas as marketing and operations at higher levels of abstraction. The study contemplate empirical propositions through the data analysis of a company with a low technological intensity that can be used to improve managers' decisions and alignment in the Marketing/Operation Interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Drum-Buffer-Rope (DBR) is a method to adjust production flows, synchronize the release of materials and enable a process of focused improvement in production systems. Literature on DBR applications in engineer-to-order (ETO) production systems, where customers participate in product design decisions and, consequently, in the way production is planned and executed, is rare. However, the interest in improving production management in ETO systems has received attention from the scientific and business communities. The goal of this research was to evaluate the implementation of DBR in an ETO productive system, critically analyzing the necessary adaptations for its use. Design/methodology/approach: This research was conducted through a case study in a company that manufactures electronic equipment, known as avionics, in the aerospace sector. Findings: In this context, the contribution of this study consists of evaluation of the implementation of DBR in an ETO productive system, describing the implementation and the necessary adaptations of the DBR to the ETO productive system explored, comparing it with the DBR theoretical proposals and Simplified Drum-Buffer-Rope (S-DBR) methods. Originality/value: The study contributes to knowledge by expanding the field of the DBR application to make it more precise, and by applying the theory of constraints, in a general manner, to this type of productive environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industry 4.0 is one of the most heterogeneous waves of global industrialisation and the impact of new technologies in the industry is not clear. The present research aims to explore the perception of professionals from the Brazilian manufacturing sector regarding the main enabling technologies of Industry 4.0, their priority and difficulty level of implementation. A survey was carried out and collected data were analysed using a Fuzzy-TOPSIS approach. The results were summarised into a final ranking and it was possible to understand the perception of professionals regarding Brazilian manufacturing. For them, companies for aforementioned sector need to prioritise investments in shop-floor digitalisation (common fact in developing countries) and focus on understanding cybersecurity requirements (which hinders the implementation process). Understanding of Industry 4.0 phenomena in emerging countries is essential to grasp its particularities at a global level, helping researchers, decision-makers and policymakers to leverage Industry 4.0 in the context of a globalised economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The fashion sector is complex. It involves multiple actors with distinct and potentially conflicting interests, forming a value ecosystem. Thus, knowing the interested parties and belonging to the fashion sector may be a means to promote technological innovation, such as products with wearables. The purpose of this paper to identify the participants of the fashion ecosystem from the perspective of wearable technologies and develop a conceptual model. Design/methodology/approach: The present work aims to identify the participants (actors) and develop a conceptual model of the fashion ecosystem from the perspective of wearable technologies. The systematic literature review is the recommended method to qualitatively analyze documents and identify the interested parties (actors) in the fashion sector in order to design the proposed conceptual model. Findings: From the studies, the conceptual model of the fashion value ecosystem was designed, and the wearable product was considered its core business. The studies identified addressed ecosystems of fashion value in general but not specific to wearable products and their relations with other complementary industries. Research limitations/implications: The model was designed using secondary data only. Its validation is relevant through interviews with experts. Originality/value: In terms of relevance, when conducting a systematic literature review, there were no studies that included wearable technologies in the fashion ecosystems discussed and their relations with other industries. The topic of wearables is an emerging subject that needs further research aiming to insert this technology in productive sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper aims: The present study aims to identify the limitations of the artifacts used in the decision-making process in the adoption of energy efficiency measures in productive systems, using non-intensive energy companies as a delimitation. Originality: Identifies authors and connections, the relationships between them and how these interactions contribute to the advancement of knowledge on the subject. Regarding energy efficiency, studies show that the real investment in initiatives in the industrial sector is below the full potential and that the artifacts used in the decision-making process have severe limitations when used in a complex and dynamic context. Research method: In this paper a systematic literature review was conducted from the Literature-Grounded Theory. Additionally, social network analysis was used. Main findings: It concludes that the approaches are limited to technical and financial factors and does not consider a systemic and dynamic understanding of different internal and external variables to the organization. Implications for theory and practice: The contribution of this study is that it identifies the initiatives that help in the process of decision-making for the adoption of energy efficiency measures in productive systems. Specifically, the focus of this study is on non-intensive energy companies. Scientific articles published in the main databases of management were selected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Producao Online is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Engenharia de Producao and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to identify and measure economically the losses related to inventory management in an oil refinery. Design/methodology/approach: An exploratory case study was conducted to search for a better understanding of a phenomenon and its implications. Findings: The results obtained based on the case study suggest the need to observe this phenomenon in other contexts and take managerial actions that will eliminate waste as one of the forms of generating value for the company. The results were related to each other and to the traditional metrics of inventory management and can be used as a base to improve mathematical and computational models for production planning and scheduling and also performance indicators. Originality/value: No studies have been found that attempt to measure the economic losses derived from inventory management and their capacity in this environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Global Journal of Economics & Business is the property of Refaad for Studies, Research & Development and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)