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Objectives. Although various studies have examined the relationship between ergonomic factors and employee well-being, the impacts of ergonomic factors on workers' capability for innovation have not yet been studied in the manufacturing industry. This study advances understanding of the relationship between ergonomic risk factors and employees' capability to innovate and to feel good at work in the manufacturing sector. Methods. The analysis uses the structural equation modeling technique based on cross-sectional data collected from 200 experienced workers in manufacturing industries using self-administered close-ended questionnaires. Results. Findings from this research show that the main ergonomic factors influencing the well-being and innovation capability of employees in the manufacturing industry are neutral awkward posture, psychological risk factors and effective utilization of information and communications technology infrastructures. Thus, ergonomic factors are significantly correlated to the innovation capability of employees. Conclusion. As there have been no studies addressing the integration of ergonomic risk factors and the capability for innovation of employees in the manufacturing industry, this study provides a unique contribution to the body of knowledge. Further research is also required to develop an in-depth understanding of the relationship among components of each ergonomic risk factor, and the well-being and innovation capability of employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional value stream mapping (VSM) has played substantial role in reducing lean wastes in the manufacturing sector overall as well as specifically within automotive companies. However, it provides only a static view of linear production systems with limited process details. This research is conducted in the case of leather industry. The case study is challenged with work -in- progress inventory, unnecessary processes, long waiting time, and long lead time. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to address literature gaps and challenges faced by a case leather company and enhance operational efficiency by combining VSM with discrete event simulation. Product matrix analysis is used to categorize leather goods into product families and select a representative product. Data collection involves direct observation (Gemba-walk) and report reviews. Numerical results from the enhanced current state VSM (ECSVSM) quantify value-added time, non-value-added time, value-added ratio, Takt Time, and total production lead time as 2198.24 s, 14.59 d, 0.54%, 230.1 s, and 14.67 d, respectively. This ECSVSM data is then applied to develop a simulation model of the As-Is system. Based on findings from the ECSVSM and As-Is simulation, shop floor wastes are identified. Alternative scenarios are proposed to mitigate these wastes, with one scenario selected along with additional proposals involving 5S, supermarkets, and layout adjustments. A future state VSM incorporates these solutions. Results demonstrate major improvements, including enhanced operational efficiency up 8.16%, and reductions in non-value-added time by 42.9%, lead time by 42.72%, alongside increased value-added ratio by 55.56% and lowered key waste categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the adoption of blockchain technology within the Ethiopian National Quality Infrastructure (NQI). Data from 178 professionals representing various organizations and roles were collected to investigate key adoption factors. By integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, external factors (Technology Compatibility, Relative Advantage, Government Support, and Policy) and internal factors (perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and intention to use) were examined. A dual-stage analytical approach involving partial least square-based structural equation model (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN) analyses was employed. The findings emphasize the significance of technological compatibility, perceived usefulness, and top management support as determinants of blockchain adoption in the NQI. Particularly, the compatibility of the existing system emerges as the most influential factor in adopting blockchain technology within the Ethiopian NQI. This study enhances the understanding of blockchain adoption within the NQI context, providing valuable insights for successful implementation. It contributes to the existing knowledge in this area and offers practical implications for quality infrastructure management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the relationship between project planning processes and project success. Four planning input factors (human, management, technical and organizational factors) are considered which is believed to affect the quality of planning. The study is based on data obtained from different construction projects performed in Ethiopia and includes an analysis on statistical correlation between planning input factors and planning processes, and between planning processes and project success. The study used Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to identify the key determining factors of project planning on success. The finding suggest that planning processes are insensitive to human factor. Moreover, only three project planning processes (time, cost and risk) are positively associated with the project success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]