Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the existing scenarios for 3D printing (3DP) in order identify “white space” where future opportunities have not been proposed or developed date. Based around aspects penetration points, geographical scope and type manufacturing, these gaps are identified. Design/methodology/approach A structured literature review has carried out on both academic trade publications. As end May 2016, identified 128 relevant articles containing 201 scenarios....

Purpose Flexibility is a fundamental performance objective for manufacturing operations, allowing them to respond changing requirements in uncertain and competitive global markets. Additive machines are often described as “flexible,” but there no detailed understanding of such flexibility an operations management context. The purpose this paper examine from systems perspective, demonstrating the different competencies that can be achieved factors inhibit these commercial practice....

Uncertainty affecting operations has long been recognized by researchers as a major obstacle to the delivery of customer value in supply chains. While it acknowledged that different types chain have uncertainty profiles, there is little academic literature addressing particular uncertainties relating engineer-to-order (ETO) chains which each product designed for needs specific customer. The key research question addressed this paper how substantive sources project construction can be...

By integrating the approaches of Forrester and Burbidge [Forrester, J. W. 1961. Industrial Dynamics. Pegasus Communications; Burbidge, L. "The "New Approach" to Production." Production Engineer 40: 769–784], a set five design principles have emerged which provide foundation for sound supply chain design. The 'FORRIDGE' since been shown be powerful guide effective make-to-stock chains. However, some questioned applicability generic thinking, arguing tailored approach. Hence, goal here is...

The purpose of this paper is to develop and investigate a four-step framework for achieving appropriate flexibilities mitigate the uncertainties experienced in supply chains. developed through four literature streams then investigated specific setting construction industry. empirical research based on case study design, involving two chain networks including 12 suppliers. investigation shows how can be applied, demonstrating that it provides practical route map organisations follow. steps...

An empirical study in the ship-building sector has been undertaken to understand problems associated with coordination of engineer-to-order (ETO) supply chains and reveal insights into opportunities for improvements based on application soft systems methodology. A number alternatives improve chain have proposed comparison between a model actual practice. These were summarised seven general principles that help define role individual companies coordinating ETO chains, highlighting company's...

Modularization involves breaking up a system into discrete chunks, which communicate with each other through standardized interfaces, rules, and specifications. It is broad concept various interpretations meanings across research disciplines. The complexity scope of module not captured sufficiently clearly in the construction management engineering literature, impact modularization project phases has been fully explored articulated. Therefore, main question addressed this paper relates to...

Purpose Whilst there has been much research examining risk management in construction supply chains, is a relative dearth of knowledge concerning small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) this context. SMEs are considered vulnerable economic agents due to their financial constraints reduced viability compared large firms. This study aims fill gap by providing comprehensive review, identifying key challenges the generating future agenda. Design/methodology/approach A structured literature...

Purpose The customer order decoupling point (CODP) concept addresses the issue of engagement in manufacturing process. This has traditionally been applied to material flows, but more recently engineering activities. later subject becomes particular importance companies operating “engineer-to-order” (ETO) supply chains, where each is potentially unique. Existing conceptualisations ETO are too generic for practical purposes, so there a need better understand penetration context activities,...

While it is recognised that there are varying uncertainty characteristics between industry sectors, little research directly related to engineer-to-order (ETO) systems. A novel method developed identify the factors contributing in shipbuilding first-tier suppliers inhibit effective and efficient delivery of ETO products. The empirical data set comes from case-specific workshops involving cross-disciplinary staff engineering, production, purchasing, planning sales. protocol included...

Many empirical studies exploring the impact of supply chain management on performance metrics have been undertaken in manufacturing and retail sectors, espousing positive outcomes attainable. Owing to a range industry characteristics, some questioned effectiveness such initiatives construction sector, it has noted that there is lack longitudinal data this setting. Exploiting unique dataset gathered from global company's archival records (1990–2013), following question addressed: 'what...

The construction industry is a key sector of every country and the application supply chain-related techniques holds much promise to improve performance firms in many ways. According an extended view, which encompasses industrial residential buildings, civil engineering infrastructure projects, there number major actors that must be coordinated some way reach ETO decisions, leading outcomes metrics. need co-ordinate information across chain persistent pressing challenge for companies....

Purpose The systems approach is an exemplar of design science research (DSR), whereby specific designs yield generic knowledge. DSR increasingly being adopted in logistics and operations management research, but many point to neglect the human aspects solutions developed. authors argue that it possible look back at history movement seek precedent for ‘dealing’ with social components, providing a methodologically pluralistic ‘research design’ framework. Thereby, approaches are foundational...