Vendor rating system for an Indian start-up: a combined AHP & TOPSIS approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohit Kumar Singh ◽  
Surendra Kansara ◽  
Niraj Kumar Vishwakarma
Keyword(s):  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Pairwise Comparison ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Three Dimensional Printing ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Order Preference ◽  
Topsis Approach ◽  
Rating Model ◽  
Vendor Rating

Purpose The aim of this paper is to identify the criteria that are used for vendor or supplier rating, prioritize these criteria based on the industry inputs and develop a vendor rating model. The data were collected from an Indian start-up working in product development using three-dimensional printing (3DP). Design/methodology/approach Factors of importance for vendor rating were identified through industry visits, and interacting with the industry experts from the start-up under consideration, substantiated by extensive review of relevant literature. A questionnaire-based survey was carried out to further narrow down the factors important to the industry, prioritizing them with a pairwise comparison analysis as envisaged in the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technique along with the calculation of consistency ratios. Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) methodology was further used for data aggregation. Findings This research brought forward the criteria that are useful for rating vendors or suppliers with reference to 3DP sector. Originality/value This paper integrates AHP and TOPSIS to solve a multi-criteria vendor rating problem. The attempt was made to make vendor rating process universal so that it can encompass all the vendors of the firm.

A combined AHP and TOPSIS approach for prioritizing the attributes for successful implementation of agile manufacturing

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (7) ◽  
pp. 1395-1417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul Kumar ◽  
Kanwarpreet Singh ◽  
Sanjiv Kumar Jain
Keyword(s):  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Pairwise Comparison ◽  
Agile Manufacturing ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Leadership Support ◽  
Priority Weights ◽  
Order Preference ◽  
Topsis Approach

PurposeThe concept of agile manufacturing is becoming critically important to manufacturing industry due to rapid industrialization, fluctuating customer demand, and turbulent business environment. The aim of this study is to prioritize the attributes for successful implementation of agile manufacturing using a combined analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) approach in Indian manufacturing industry.Design/methodology/approachThe current study identifies eight agile manufacturing attributes through literature review and discussion with subject experts. The experts from different manufacturing industry have been asked to provide data for pairwise comparison of attributes. Afterward, an integrated AHP and TOPSIS approach is employed. The AHP is used to drive the priority weights of the attributes, and TOPSIS is used for prioritizing the attributes for successful implementation of agile manufacturing.Findings“Information technology,” “human resource management-related issues,” “customer-related issues,” “leadership support,” and “organizationalc related-issues” have been ranked as the top five significant and contributing attributes, which can pave the path for top management to concentrate on the critical areas and allocate significant resources to ensure successful implementation of agile manufacturing.Originality/valueThis research integrates AHP and TOPSIS to prioritize the attributes for successful implementation of agile manufacturing, which are further validated by comparing the ranks obtained through respective approach and sensitivity analysis.

Entrepreneurs’ network evolution – the relevance of cognitive social capital

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Jonsson
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Private Information ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Network Evolution ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Cognitive Dimension ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Start Up ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Cognitive Social Capital

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate entrepreneurs’ network evolution in the start-up phase. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the case studies of six fashion start-up firms, this study uses a three-dimensional perspective on social capital (structural, relational, cognitive) to investigate entrepreneurs’ network evolution (i.e. initiation of new relationships) in the start-up phase so as to acquire resources and support for firms’ goals. The study focuses particularly on the understudied cognitive dimension of social capital. The fashion industry provides a relevant research setting because it is characterised by changes in demand, which generate opportunities for entrepreneurship. Findings – The findings show that the display of cognitive attributes is important for the creation of structural social capital (the establishment of new relationships). The findings also indicate that relationships initiated based on the cognitive dimension have a high probability of developing into embedded relationships, thereby becoming high in the relational dimension and providing access to private information containing referrals to other actors. Thus, these relationships also promote the continued development of the structural dimension. Originality/value – The findings imply that the entrepreneurs’ sets of cognitive attributes constitute an important asset in the creation of social capital. They also point to the importance of signalling these values to potential resource holders. Relationships initiated through the display of cognitive attributes can provide resources without requiring immediate economic remuneration.

Additive manufactured multi-material structure with directional specific mechanical properties based upon classical lamination theory

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 1212-1220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sugavaneswaran M. ◽  
Arumaikkannu G.
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Additive Manufacture ◽  
Material Structure ◽  
Loading Conditions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Three Dimensional Printing ◽  
Classical Lamination Theory ◽  
Innovative Methodology ◽  
Lamination Theory

Purpose This paper aims to additive manufacture (AM) the multi-material (MM) structure with directional-specific mechanical properties based on the classical lamination theory of composite materials. Design/methodology/approach The polyjet three-dimensional printing (3DP) process is used to fabricate the MM structure with directional-specific mechanical properties. MMs within a layer are positioned and oriented based on the classical lamination theory to achieve directional-specific properties. Mechanical behavior of the AM structure was examined under various loading conditions to justify the directional-specific properties. Findings With MM processing capabilities of the polyjet 3DP machine, AM MM structures with directional-specific mechanical properties were fabricated. From experimentation, it was observed that the AM MM structure with a quasi-isotropic laminate has superior tensile and flexural strength, and the AM MM structure with an angle ply laminate has superior shear strength. Various mechanical properties determined through testing will be useful for the selection of an appropriate layup arrangement within a structure for appropriate loading conditions. Originality/value This study presents the innovative methodology for the fabrication of AM MM structures with tailor-made mechanical properties. The developed methodology paves way for using the polyjet 3DP MM structure for applications such as the complaint mechanism, snap fits and thin features, which require directional-specific properties.

A three-dimensional shoulder protector based on ergonomics for workers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ran-i Eom ◽  
Yejin Lee
Keyword(s):  
Body Shape ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
The Body ◽  
Construction Sites ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Three Dimensional Printing ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Work Posture ◽  
Dimensional Printing

PurposeThe use of shoulder protectors is strongly recommended when carrying objects on the shoulder to ensure the health and safety of workers. Thus, this study aimed to develop and verify an ergonomic shoulder protector that considers human body shape and carrying posture from an ergonomic perspective. Ultimately, this study will present a shoulder protector with enhanced fit and safety for carrying workers at construction sites.Design/methodology/approachThe shoulder protector was designed and printed using three-dimensional printing technology with variable side neck points and shoulder point heights to reflect the human body's shoulder line shape and to position the carried object stably on the shoulder. The developed shoulder protectors were evaluated in terms of their fit according to the work posture of the carrier, adherence upon motion and durability through structural analysis.FindingsThe design of the shoulder protector for carrying workers followed the shoulder line. It is best placed above the side neck point by 1.0 cm and above the shoulder point by 2.0 cm. Its length is slightly shorter than the human shoulder for superior fit and safety.Originality/valueThe final shoulder protector (FSP) for carrying workers reflects the body curvature while enhancing fit and safety by considering activity and protective factors. As functional studies and evaluations on the need for protectors are scarce, this study provides fundamental data in the evaluation of protective gears.

Rapid manufacturing of copper-graphene composites using a novel rapid tooling technique

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 765-776 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gurminder Singh ◽  
Pulak Mohan Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Electrical Properties ◽  
Wear Rate ◽  
Coefficient Of Friction ◽  
Rate Coefficient ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Rapid Tooling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Three Dimensional Printing ◽  
Dimensional Printing

Purpose The purpose of this study is to study the mechanical, tribological and electrical properties of the copper-graphene (Cu-Gn) composites fabricated by a novel rapid tooling technique consist of three-dimensional printing and ultrasonic-assisted pressureless sintering (UAPS). Design/methodology/approach Four different Cu-Gn compositions with 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 per cent of graphene were fabricated using an amalgamation of three-dimensional printing and UAPS. The polymer 3d printed parts were used to prepare mould cavity and later the UAPS process was used to sinter Cu-Gn powder to acquire free-form shape. The density, hardness, wear rate, coefficient of friction and electrical conductivity were evaluated for the different compositions of graphene and compared with the pure copper. Besides, the comparison was performed with the conventional method. Findings Cu-Gn composites revealed excellent wear properties due to higher hardness, and the lubrication provided by the graphene. The electrical conductivity of the fabricated Cu-Gn composites started increasing initially but decreased afterwards with increasing the content of graphene. The UAPS fabricated composites outperformed the conventional method manufactured samples with better properties such as density, hardness, wear rate, coefficient of friction and electrical conductivity due to homogeneous mixing of metal particles and graphene. Originality/value The fabrication of Cu-Gn composite freeform shapes was found to be difficult using conventional methods. The novel technique using a combination of polymer three-dimensional printing and UAPS as rapid tooling was introduced for the fabrication of freeform shapes of Cu-Gn composites and mechanical, tribological and electrical properties were studied. The method can be used to fabricate optimized complex Cu-Gn structures with improved wear and electrical applications.

Cranial reconstruction using prefabricated direct 3DP porous polyethylene

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 278-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pataravit Rukskul ◽  
Waraporn Suvannapruk ◽  
Jintamai Suwanprateeb
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Porous Polyethylene ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Three Dimensional Printing ◽  
Long Term Stability ◽  
Aesthetic Results ◽  
Ct Evaluation ◽  
Infection Resistance ◽  
Porous Polyethylene Implants

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the intra- and post-operative performance and safety of direct three dimensional printing (3DP) porous polyethylene implants in cranial reconstruction. Design/methodology/approach Prefabricated porous polyethylene implants were prepared by direct 3DP, and cranioplasty implantation was performed. Postoperative aesthetics, patient satisfaction, firmness of the implant, reactions to the implant and 3D computed tomography (CT) scanning were assessed after 2, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Findings No complications after surgery were encountered. Excellent aesthetic results were obtained in all cases, and all the patients were satisfied with the reconstruction outcome. Bone density structure was found to ingrowth into these direct 3DP porous polyethylene implants and the content increased with increasing follow-up times. Research limitations/implications This study was a pilot study conducted in a single group and evaluated in a short-term period. The bone formation and ingrowth were indirectly assessed by 3D CT evaluation. Originality/value This work reported the use and evaluation of direct 3DP porous polyethylene in middle- to large-sized cranial reconstructions. It evidently showed the bonding of implants to surrounding tissues which would result in the long-term stability and infection resistance of the implant.

A review of 3D concrete printing systems and materials properties: current status and future research prospects

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 784-798 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suvash Chandra Paul ◽  
Gideon P.A.G. van Zijl ◽  
Ming Jen Tan ◽  
Ian Gibson
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structural Elements ◽  
Construction Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Three Dimensional Printing ◽  
Materials Research ◽  
Printing System ◽  
Dimensional Printing

Purpose Three-dimensional printing of concrete (3DPC) has a potential for the rapid industrialization of the housing sector, with benefits of reduced construction time due to no formwork requirement, ease of construction of complex geometries, potential high construction quality and reduced waste. Required materials adaption for 3DPC is within reach, as concrete materials technology has reached the point where performance-based specification is possible by specialists. This paper aims to present an overview of the current status of 3DPC for construction, including existing printing methods and material properties required for robustness of 3DPC structures or structural elements. Design/methodology/approach This paper has presented an overview of three categories of 3DPC systems, namely, gantry, robotic and crane systems. Material compositions as well as fresh and hardened properties of mixes currently used for 3DPC have been elaborated. Findings This paper presents an overview of the state of the art of 3DPC systems and materials. Research needs, including reinforcement in the form of bars or fibres in the 3D printable cement-based materials, are also addressed. Originality/value The critical analysis of the 3D concrete printing system and materials described in this review paper is original.

3PL provider selection by AHP and TOPSIS methodology

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 235-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Augusto Bianchini
Keyword(s):  
Third Party ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Order Preference ◽  
Complex Decision ◽  
Human Effort ◽  
Topsis Approach ◽  
Reliable Solution ◽  
First Time ◽  
Hierarchy Process

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a two-phase analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach that is a multi-criteria decision-making methodology (MCDM) in the evaluation of third-party logistics (3PL) providers. Design/methodology/approach After the description of the selection criteria of 3PL providers that are determined by company management, the weights of criteria are calculated by applying the AHP method. The TOPSIS method is then employed to achieve the final ranking results. A sensitivity analysis is developed for a deeper comprehension of results reliability. Findings The paper shows the complexity of a real 3PL provider change. At the same time, a simple MCDM methodology is provided to assure the success of this activity in which many other companies have failed. Research limitations/implications The proposed MCDM methodology represents a very good compromise between a reliable solution and reasonable computational and human effort. 3PL provider selection or change is an extremely complex decision that could be investigated in greater detail with other more complex methodology, with a consequently higher investment, that is not so affordable for all budgets. Originality/value It is the first time that a two-phase AHP and TOPSIS methodology is applied to an Italian biscuit company for a 3PL provider change together with the analysis of logistics performance after two years. The paper shows a detailed methodology application that could be very useful for managers for their specific application.

scholarly journals Remanufacturing of end-of-life glass-fiber reinforced composites via UV-assisted 3D printing

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 981-992
Author(s):  
Andrea Mantelli ◽  
Marinella Levi ◽  
Stefano Turri ◽  
Raffaella Suriano
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Fiber Reinforced Composites ◽  
Reinforced Composites ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Three Dimensional Printing ◽  
Glass Fiber Reinforced ◽  
Complex Shapes ◽  
Dimensional Printing

Purpose The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the potential of three-dimensional printing technology for the remanufacturing of end-of-life (EoL) composites. This technology will enable the rapid fabrication of environmentally sustainable structures with complex shapes and good mechanical properties. These three-dimensional printed objects will have several application fields, such as street furniture and urban renewal, thus promoting a circular economy model. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, a low-cost liquid deposition modeling technology was used to extrude photo-curable and thermally curable composite inks, composed of an acrylate-based resin loaded with different amounts of mechanically recycled glass fiber reinforced composites (GFRCs). Rheological properties of the extruded inks and their printability window and the conversion of cured composites after an ultraviolet light (UV) assisted extrusion were investigated. In addition, tensile properties of composites remanufactured by this UV-assisted technology were studied. Findings A printability window was found for the three-dimensional printable GFRCs inks. The formulation of the composite printable inks was optimized to obtain high quality printed objects with a high content of recycled GFRCs. Tensile tests also showed promising mechanical properties for printed GFRCs obtained with this approach. Originality/value The novelty of this paper consists in the remanufacturing of GFRCs by the three-dimensional printing technology to promote the implementation of a circular economy. This study shows the feasibility of this approach, using mechanically recycled EoL GFRCs, composed of a thermoset polymer matrix, which cannot be melted as in case of thermoplastic-based composites. Objects with complex shapes were three-dimensional printed and presented here as a proof-of-concept.

What drives the growth of start-up firms? A tool for mapping the state-of-the-art of the empirical literature

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Pugliese ◽  
Guido Bortoluzzi ◽  
Marco Balzano
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factors ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Potential Growth ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Research Stream

PurposeThis study aims to enrich the current theoretical debate on the growth of start-up firms by extensively investigating the ongoing empirical studies in this research stream. Moreover, this study identifies drivers whose support roles are confirmed in the literature and recommends further research opportunities.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, we analysed the results of 316 empirical studies on start-up firms and growth and also identified and categorised 66 growth drivers. We presented these drivers in three-dimensional charts: 1) the frequency of using each driver in the 316 studies, 2) the consistency of each driver as measured by the number of studies supporting its statistical significance and 3) the net effect (positive or negative) of each driver on growth.FindingsOur analysis compares extant studies on growth drivers and shows some under-explored growth factors of start-up firms.Practical implicationsBoth start-up managers and policymakers can benefit from this study. This study provided managers with a fine-grained tool on the main growth drivers and can guide policymakers in supporting policies for start-up firms.Originality/valueThis study provides a rich, fine-grained and coherent picture of several potential growth drivers of start-up firms. Moreover, we extended our analysis to various potential drivers more than previous studies on this topic, thereby providing fruitful insights into the critical growth factors for start-up firms.

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