Byzantine Influences on Islamic Architecture

Byzantine Influences on Islamic Architecture Introduction The current definition of globalization incorporates the significant idealism that one’s culture supersedes that of another, regardless of any potential beneficial amalgamation. Throughout history, the idea of conquer, and more directly, the annihilation of governmental bodies and social stratification has led to the exponential growth of social resources. It is therefore, through the inclusion these alternate, yet significant diversities that growth has been most efficiently affected. One significant assimilation was that of the Byzantine architecture into the future construction of Islamic magnates. While the disintegration of Byzantine society cannot be entirely accredited to the work of the Islamic forces, it is through constant attempts at occupation and tireless warfare, coupled with the foresight of Islamic leadership to reintegrate many of the highly effective design maxims into their architecture, that the structures that remain today occupy such religious indemnifica tion among followers. Truly, the Byzantine influence in not only early, but modern Islamic architecture has shaped not only the ceiling of religious piety, but the ideology of a charismatic and well-preserved religious force. Byzantine Architecture The Byzantine Empire itself may easily be defined as a cultural melting pot, or more definitively, the globalized integration of religious and cultural views, centralized around one spectacular city: Constantinople. It is through the re-integration of revitalized world views that throughout the rein of this Empire, substantial cultural and societal gains were enacted. These gains include the remarkable architectural advances which greatly influenced the future surrounding areas and reverent incorporation of byzantine architectural masterpieces into their framework. Not to be excluded, the Roman and Greek influences within Byzantine architecture engineered significant structures, so inspiring and well defined that they would become structural affecters even to this day. Most notably, the advances towards structural engineering as well as iconography would influence religious societies for many future generations. The definitive Byzantine structure may be characterized by a uniquely architectured high dome, including theological depictions ornately carved which often represented the religious icons of the era. The re-definition of the church foundation which occurred during this timeframe eliminated the reliance on a boxed structure with four walls and incorporated structurally definitive six to eight cornered buildings which would also serve to support the dome itself. Additionally, and especially integral to future Islamic interpretation, the use of Corinthinan capitals, or remaining Roman text carved into stone and placed within the structure of the building for aesthetic purposes, would determine future scriptural formations and lettering on the outside of mosques and buildings. While the Byzantine’s themselves were primarily Christian, and especially during the first ruler’s reign, persecuted non-christian residents, often to the death, the influence that their architecture, as well as their cultural devotion would have on future Islamic nations is highly visible in many of their structures. Timely in it’s historical prescedence, the life of Mohammed would drastically influence this empire, as Muslim forces gained strength and began to attack southern Byzantine territories. â€Å"Byzantine energies focused almost entirely to the east and to the south. The western countries, the Europe that Byzantium at one time looked to for their identity and history, began to steadily fade from their horizon.†[1] In spite of the Islamic forces, Byzantine architecture represents the preservation of Roman influence which continues to affect building design to this day. Islamic Interpretation The integration of Byzantine architecture into Islamic religious structures continues to affect modern building design in this region of the world. One of the similarities between the Byzantine (Christian Majority) and Islamic societies was the lack of iconographic interpretations. Both religions severely preached the elimination of religions depictions through idolatry or stone iconography. In this format, the singular representation of religious devotion would come form the incorporation of religious words and text that would line the walls or pillars in this mosque. Additionally, the minimization of exterior flourish would encourage entrance into the spiritual dwelling. The influence of this technique of exterior minimalization, while re-defined interior actualization would greatly affect modern construction. â€Å"The multitude of decorative treatments of surfaces in Islamic architecture, the use of almost every conceivable technique and the development of a rich repertory of de signs from geometric to abstract shapes to full-scale floral patterns, from minutely executed inscriptions in a full variety of calligraphic styles to the monumental single words that serve as both religious images and decoration is without parallel in the architecture of the non-Muslim world.†[2] Reverence beneath ornately decorated structures would encourage religious piety, and incorporate the devotion of the follower through his affectation from the surrounding architecture. Further notable incorporations of Byzantine architecture include the utilization of mosaic forms, the amalgamation of colorful tile or stone to represent an image with religious significance, the high dome structure supported by multiple pillars or bases, and an extensive palate pastel and complementary colors which would flood the interior of the structure itself. In spite of the mediated exterior flair, the re-introduction of color and style into the interior of the structures themselves can be much attributed to Byzantium influence. Utilizing marble and mosaic, coupled with centuries of preservation, the Mosque of Damascus was effectively created as a second Mecca, or identified within the Islamic religion as a powerful venue of absolute worship. The unique history of this structure incorporates the identification with the Byzantine ruling religion, as â€Å"after the Islamic conquest of Damascus in 661, during the reign of the first Umayyad caliph Muawiya Ibn Abi Sufyan, the Muslims shared the church with the Christians. The Muslims prayed in the eastern section of the ancient temple structure and the Christians in the western side.†[3] The Byzantines, a predominately Christian society, were willing to share this area of significance with the Islamic followers due to the highly divine identification which was incumbent within the location to both cultures. This diversification of venue, paired with the influence of Byzantine architects, led the caliph to construct a building which has endured calamity wh ile edifying the necessity of piety through the ornate calligraphical representations and integration of inspiring color and mosaic. Additionally, the multiple pillared structure, as well as many arches and octagonal foundation clearly represents significant influence from the Byzantine era to the Islamic interpretation. Articles from the Koran have been requisitioned to the support structures of the domed ceiling as devotees may kneel and raise their eyes to remember the sacred text above them. There is a distinct lack of man or animalistic influence, as the iconography is specifically relegated to the religious features non-idolatrated. Finally, the amazing mosaic which surrounds the entire building, coupled with the engraved marble offers direct insight into the influence of Byzantine predecessors. Example 2: Dome of the Rock Currently, one of the most important structures in Islamic religion, the Dome of the Rock, represents a venue of extreme importance and, venerated by the Muslims, it is where the prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.†[4] This simple belief has served as an instrumental catapult for many different wars and battles which evolved around the structure and location of the site. Essentially, this is a monumental domed structure created by Abdul Malik ibn Marwan in approximately 685 AD. The Byzantine influence may be immediately recognized through the multiple arches, the pillars inscribed with Koranic text, and the mosaic colorization which highlights both the exterior and interior of this remarkable structure. Additionally, the layout featuring extensive foundation and lack of religious iconography represents the direct Roman influence on the Byzantine architects. In fact, this structure continues to be represented, not as an Islamic specific creation, but as a mimic to a most remark able work in Syria known as the Cathedral of Bosra, created during a time of Roman rule.[5] And, as previously identified, it was through Roman integration and inspiration that the transcendence of architecture framed the Byzantine empire. Conclusion Easily identified through didactic calligraphy, spectacular mosaic, and highly inspirational domed structures, the Islamic identification with Byzantine influence has offered society a unique example of cultural assimilation without full scale disintegration. Representatively, the Roman influence throughout the globe has offered some of the most remarkable architectural features, including dam and aqueduct construction, in addition to modern buildings and bridges. Through tri-cultural amalgamation, the Islamic Caliphs were able to integrate the most effective traits of this Byzantine interpretation and redirect those features into their own religious facilities. The bright colored, highly regimented structures remain today as a reminder of necessitated devotion for followers; they are the essential proponents of spiritual migration, and the constant belligerent behavior surrounding their maintenance offers unique perspective into a cultural clash regarding the choice of architectural foundation. The beauty and multi-cultural integration of these structures and architecture, however, is ultimately essential to preserve, as the historical implications of pre-capitalist globalization offers direct insight into the highly devout nature of mankind’s spiritual and cultural plight, the effect of which has far reaching determinations into the future. References http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.tcl?site_id=7161 http://historymedren.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Yasdn=historymedrencdn=educationtm=27gps=115_456_1436_699f=00tt=14bt=1bts=1zu=http%3A//www.wsu.edu%3A8080/%7Edee/MA/BYZ.HTM http://islamicart.com/main/architecture/intro.html http://www.sacredsites.com/middle_east/israel/jerusalem.html Kuban, Dogan. Moslem Religious Architecture: Development of Religious Architecture in Later Periods. New York, NY: Brill Academic Publishers, 1997. [1]http://historymedren.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Yasdn=historymedrencdn=educationtm=27gps=115_456_1436_699f=00tt=14bt=1bts=1zu=http://www.wsu.edu%3A8080/%7Edee/MA/BYZ.HTM [2] http://islamicart.com/main/architecture/intro.html [3] http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.tcl?site_id=7161 [4] http://www.sacredsites.com/middle_east/israel/jerusalem.html [5] Dogan Kuban, Moslem Religious Architecture, Brill Academic Publishers, 1997, p. 17

Case Study: Lean Implementation at Siemens’ Kalwa Plant Essay

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & COMPANY BACKGROUND Briefly, in this case we glimpse on Kalwa Planet-Siemens in India which improve itself from a traditional organization to lean management structure. The first Siemens work shop started on May 1st, 1955 in a small place on Mumbai with 10 employees and with very simple equipment’s. Their main business is fixing damaged switch boards and other fabrication jobs which most of their components were imported and small number of them produced inside workshop. In 2009 Siemens company in India consolidate its place rather than before this factory equipped with the most modern machinery and testing facilities and 40 percent of the India Siemens worked in Kalwa factory, not only they change their role during these years from a simple assembly site to the medium voltage switchboards (M1) producer ,medium voltage indoor and outdoor vacuum circuit breakers (MC) producer , gas insulated switcher (M2-GIS)producer in support of the main company , but also they improved their position in the market , now the company has 5 factories in Mumbai , Nasik , Calcutta ,Aurangabad and Goa , 4000 employees and 11 sales offices, 300 dealers . Furthermore their company is second Siemens factories outside of Germany after Brazil branch. Siemens improve its products in 4 sections: 1-industry 2-energy 3-healthcare 4-consumer products in India and all of the world and our case company manufactured low variety and high variety products which belong to power distribution segment, energy division. Siemens Company in India competed with ABB, Areva, Schneider electrics on the other hand Kalwa products exported to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Oman, Qatar and etc. In 2009, 60 to 65 percent of The Switchboard Factory (WSWB) area allocated to manufacturing panels (M1) and IVCBs (MC) and remain space remains for manufacturing OVCB (MC) and M2 products. This company had 400 personnel (blue and white collar) and employees worked in 2 working shifts and one additional shift (if necessary). Manufacture cycle – order planning and logistic: Initially , SOE (sales order engineering) was the first segment in M1 which had some duties like: design manufacturing ,process planning ,testing and quality package and dispatch commercial , incoming inspection and stores. Local customers ordered to the regional sales team and marketing team focused on export orders. Every order that transferred to the SOE marked and entered to the factory. All the orders must passed two stages: 1-Design and engineering stage , 2-order planning and execution stage. After an order received by marketing section, then SEO prepared an engineering drawing with cooperation with sales colleagues and customer (to cover customer needs), these drawing prepaid in 2 stage A and B , in stage A : they have all info except wiring diagram which completed in section B .after passing these two levels they sent their drawing to the customer to approve and then send it to the manufacturing. During these processes SEO consulted them to avoid any non standard customer requirement if all the level passed correctly the documents were passed to the manufacturing department. Technical Order Processing department (TOP) received orders and recorded it in to the production planning database according to their times then delivery committee tried to estimated the delivery date to the customer. Every order needed two type of raw materials (equipments) :1-electrical , 2- mechanical ,the top staff wrote the necessary equipments in a list that called (BOM) bill of materials list . The BOM sent by enterprise resource planning software (ERP) to the material planning department, mechanical equipments were existed inside of the company and electrical needed to order to the supplier. Then procurement cycle started next equipments release to the shop according to the requirement. The exits manufacturing system had many error, waste and inefficiencies in shop floor and logistic (they wasted long time and valuable raw materials and sometimes the manufactured panels wasted because of weak layout design) , on the other hand on 2006 customer demands increased around 75 percent and managers need to enhance their manufacturing process efficiency to reduce their costs and respond sooner to the customer demand .in October 2006 Siemens AG sent a letter regarding the implementation of lean management in Kalwa company and mentioned they eagerness to improve Kalwa factory like the other branches during the world . They expected this implementation will enhance company’s capacity to triple during five or six years. Lean management implementation steps: The lean management team visited Siemens site in Turkey which managed in lean management methods then consultant added to the team members , one of the most important duties for managers and team member is to clarify how much this implementation is vital for the company to hold its market share and all the personnel had a critical role to achieve this goal , thus managers started the Lean management process with brain storming among all the company sections , they asked which points make waste during production process ? They wanted to know and eliminate any waste of time and raw material during production line. However, changing the working methods which many person work with it for many years has some resentment among different groups. the lean team decided to divide their changes to : 1-layout 2-support system 3-vendor management 4-cultural changes , which these changes caused to improve the Kalwa company efficiency. Lean team had meeting with personnel of sections that had more errors after lean implementation, team members tried to find out problems and seek to solve the issue. 2.0 QUESTION 1 Has Siemen’s Kalwa plant been effective in achieving lean implementation? In our opinion, Siemens Kalwa Plant has been affective in achieving lean implementation. The main contributing factors for an effective lean implementation for Siemens Kalwa Plant are as follows: 1. Top Management provide a very good support and clear direction a. Lead by Global Head, Mr Gewald b. Siemens Kalwa Plant General Manager, Mr Khandekar c. Mr Khandekar, demonstrating â€Å"walk the talk† by showing his commitment by closely involved in the implementation activity to ensure the workers understood the objectives 2. Proper planning in understanding the as is process and to be process d. 6 months of impact assessment and feasibility study on Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) existing product line processes 3. Lean objectives and target was communicated clearly to the whole team in Kalwa plant e. Introduction of Gewald to the shop floor workers and office employees to clearly communicate the initiative and the lean implementation objectives f. Clearly communicate that lean implementation to be introduced to only manufacture of panels and VCB. g. Provide clear reason on why the two (manufacture of panels and VCB) was chosen 4. Formation of Implementation team to operationalize and monitor h. Siemens Kalwa Plant General Manager, Mr Khandekar as the head for both the panels and VCB implementation team i. Supported by Mr Vedak for VCB j. Working group from cross functional team managers and executives 5. Site visit to learn from a real life lean implementation k. 2-3 team members and Mr Vedak visited lean plant Maruti l. Kandekar and Vedak visited Siemens Switchboard in Turkey 6. Appointment of consultant to help on the lean implementation m. The consultant provide tangible potential benefits i. Increased productivity of labours ii. Reduction in Inventory Level iii. Improve space utilization n. Knowledge sharing and best practice based on real life lean implementation from other industries 7. Organization are highly committed and motivated in implementing lean o. Group leaders support the workers maintaining the pace of the line p. Khandekar and his management team will attend the dashboard meeting to resolve issues q. By the actions of 7.a and 7.b, the employee realizes the importance of the initiative and start to commit themselves in making it a success r. With proper training, the employee feels engage and motivated to ensure the initiatives is a success The 7 contributing factors above enable Siemens Kalwa plant to effectively implement the changes required below: 1. Layout changes a. Assembly line introduced b. Work station based on order c. Fixed â€Å"takt† time 2. Support System changes d. Introducing Dashboard – for issue escalation e. A fix time to discuss the escalated issue. The and mandatory for the f. Training to ensure the employee has the right skill-sets 3. Vendor Management g. Able to adopted Just In Time (JIT) supplies delivery h. Able to embrace â€Å"Pull† Philosophy 4. Cultural changes i. Team â€Å"belongingness† j. Uniform dress-code After 12 months of implementing lean, Siemens Kalwa Plant achieved its 3 main objectives for implementing Lean processes bases on the followings business outcome: 1. Panel throughput time on the shop floor had reduced by approximately by 30 per cent 2. First Pass Yield (FPY) had increased by approximately by 40 per cent 3. Worker productivity had increased approximately by 30 per cent Siemens Kalwa plant should further refine and improve the improved processes/functions or to include other processes/functions which not part of the original scope to be part of the lean implementation. Siemens Kalwa plant should look into implementing lean to the remaining processes/functions as shown below: 1. Design department processes/functions 2. Engineering department processes/functions 3. Vendor and supplier manufacturing processes/functions The approach above combine with the adherence to lean principles and lean steps should ensure lean implementation is sustainable. 3.0QUESTION 2 How was the organization’s change process managed? Actually this company had different sections which needed to change during lean management theory for example : shop floor , design and engineering departments, vendor and suppliers all of these sections work in traditional methods .on the other these company use two different kinds of resources 1- mechanical , 2-electical which mechanical components exist in the company warehouse. But; electrical components needs to order and buy from suppliers, this company manufacture in mass customization method. As a matter of fact  changes had started with cooperation between Mr.Kulkarni with corporate strategy department to find out feasible switchboard part for implementation lean management in process , on the other hand management replacement occurred ; Mr. Kulkarni was promoted to director of Medium voltage Division and Mr. Khandekar raised to general manager for WSWB factory . Following, Mr. Gewald worldwide person in charge of lean project in the Siemens Switch Boards arrived at the Ka lwa factory , and manager introduced him to the shop floor workers and office employees and they decided to implement lean management in the VCB company too . In the first step Vedak and some members of the team had a trip to the lean plant of Maruti and they could understood benefits of lean management at the same time some American consultants arrived to the Kalwa factory to cooperate with them in lean management process implementation. Initially consultants had a meeting with manager and explained for him benefits of lean management like: increase productivity, reduction in inventory levels and improve space utilization. In 2008 khandekar and Vedak visited Siemens site in Turkey and surprised of implement lean management results in company efficiency. Managers needed to restructure layout and process to implement lean management .obviously errors, inefficiencies and wastes were not clear before implementation, during this process managers asked every department idea to achieve efficient ways and reduce next impact between personnel. Kalwa Company needs this process because total demands enhanced for their panels. Company must changed ex ist traditional layout in operating sections that needed unity among workers and supervisors. They decided to cultivate workers with rewards if they will catch the enough production monthly. They decided to prepare six work stations along their five assembly lines and they made this process flexible to use leader worker team to help the other assembly line (if necessary). As a Mather of fact, it’s necessary to change support system for new layout, managers used a board at the beginning of every assembly line which describe who are person in charges? Production features and their quantity? And necessary raw materials this board called dashboard and help to the company to find out the mistake or weakness points during the process. Seriously, suppliers were one of the most vital parts for their JIT and lean management. Lean companies need the correct part in a correct time because they do not have inventory any more. In the beginning  there were many inconsistency between company’s operational section and suppliers which cause to direct meeting between lean team members with them and team members describe that it is possible this methods make extra cost for you but in long time this method will improve company production quantity and improve your selling. Mr. khandekar decided to gathered every line member (engineers , workers , etc ) as a team to improve their organization culture , for feeling team belonging he decided to take 30 min for their pray and sport activity daily. 3.0 QUESTION 3 What resistance did Khandekar face in implementing the change and why? Lean is consider one of the most important success factor in an organization strategy as one of its main focus is to diminish impediments to the production line in order to ensure smooth process flow by eliminating waste. As noted in the article, time waste was evident throughout the department in the value chain and this requires major changes to the process flow. Since this would involve adjustment to the process flow and directly impact the way employees had been performing their task for years, it has created resentment from various groups of employees. Eventually, most of the departments involved are becoming defensive of their own approach and the way they do their work. At the beginning of every line there were dashboards installed throughout the shop floor, SOE and right to the dispatch section. The shop engineers and workers will post all issues that occurred on the line including the names of the people involved. The errors uncovered from various departments thru lean system which are overlooked previously has formed strong resentment among the workers especially for those who weren’t at ease in admitting their mistakes. This has leads to workers blaming each other which ended out with heated arguments among the departments. Furthermore, the structure change within the team, high human intervention in team activities and lack of synchronization between departments has contributed to high numbers of errors. One of the main reasons that contributed to this resistance is because the workers view the lean system as just another initiative from the management. Furthermore, the workers bonuses were solely dependent on the line’s productivity. In the event where throughput of the line is hampered due to issues, workers’ productivity as well as their salary will be affected as they need to wait until the issue is resolve and might need to extend their working hours. Therefore, the disruption was unacceptable and was compounded by the labour union. Vendor management is considered one of the toughest issues and it posed major challenges for Kalwa plant. All this while, vendors were so used to supplying in batches the required materials and goods for a large numbers of orders by a certain date. Thus majority of the vendors could maximize the cost advantages due to supplying materials in bulk. However, with lean implementation, the material is only required once the individual panel came on the production line since there is no longer needs for materials to be delivered by batch or by customers order. The change had a vast impact to suppliers where vendors were required to be constantly reminded of the new arrangement and to deliver the goods the following day which impede their profits since they could no longer exploit the economies of scale. Additionally, the new set up has also leave an impact to the material planning group as they need to arrange order for individual panels constantly instead of ordering in bulk and require to be in constant contact with the suppliers to ensure the material is delivered on time. 5.0QUESTION 4 How did Khandekar handle the resistant to change? The company faces several challenges despite the benefits of successful implementation were attractive. The challenges among others include restructuring the organization, getting the staff to accept the lean implementation and handling the resistance from internal and external stakeholders. One of the way Khandekar handle the resistance to change is by organizing meeting to explain to the employees the importance of adopting lean to cater the growing demand for panels. This lean was implemented at the shop floor which also requires the supporting department to adopt the lean implementation which includes layout changes, changes in the support system, changes in vendor management and cultural challenges. As for the layout change, the group leader plays a role to support the workers in maintaining the pace of the line. The workers will press an â€Å"and on† light which would then light up another â€Å"add on† lamp in the manufacturing department’s office in the event there is an issue with regards to the material or drawings. The TOP material planning or the equipment group would meet the worker to discuss the issue and subsequently the light would be switch off upon the issue is settled. Khandekar also attend meeting with a few other head of departments to discuss on the issues involve as well as those individ ual staff names which is listed on the dashboard. The meeting which is conducted every afternoon 2 pm for an half an hour provides the basis for managers to identify number of panels manufactured for the day, how the line is progressing and identify the issues that hampered the line’s progress. During the meeting, the issues are gradually addressed; the individual staffs involved were required to solve the issue by performing 6hkooa root cause analysis. Khandekar also face challenges to implement the lean as the vendors face problem to supply materials as and when required when the respective panel come on line as previously the materials were supplied in batches as per the agreed timeline. Hence, to overcome this issue, the lean team visits the vendors and presents the benefit of lean program. For short term, it was decided that vendors will manufacture the material in bulk but delivery of the materials as required by the line. Khandekar also introduce joint prayer and exercise session at each assembly line at the beginning of every shift. This concept was also introduced to the personnel in office. All the members involved in the lean project were given a T-shirt with lean logo which represents the â€Å"team effort† which was later introduced to the workers besides to the office staff and management. Khandekar also introduce key performance indicators and the workers performance bonuses are determine based on the agreed panel produced, i.e. six panels per day per line. The abovementioned solutions were identified and implemented by Khandekar to handle the resistance to change to successfully implement the lean at Siemens’ Kalwa Plant. 6.0QUESTION 5 How was the lean implementation institutionalized in the new set-up? When Siemens AG (headquarters) decided to implement lean manufacturing in the Kalwa factory, few initial steps were taken to ensure a proper foundation in terms of knowledge and understanding of lean manufacturing is first build in the Kalwa factory. Mr.Gewald, global head for spearheading lean project was brought in to the Kalwa factory to educate the top management level on what lean manufacturing is all about and how it can improve and benefit the factory. One of first few actions that Mr.Gewald took was to form a lean implementation team with Mr. Khandekar as the project leader and Mr.Vedak as the lean manager. Mr.Gewald with the help of consultants from United States held few meetings with the management to explain the potential benefits of the implementation. Through brainstorming and awareness sessions, the consultant team also gave presentation on the successful lean implementation in other companies especia lly at Toyota. Apart from that, Mr. Khandekar and Mr.Vedak also had a series of factory visits to companies which have completed the implementation of lean manufacturing. The main purpose of all this meetings, presentation and visits were to create the management’s confidence and prove how the implementation will be beneficial. Creating the belief and confidence of the management is essential in ensuring the success of the implementation. Once the lean team has been formed and the essence of lean manufacturing has been incorporated in them, the team starts the implementation process. Figure 1 show the implementation process. Observations & Analysis of Current process flow Identify Waste Area Identify Changes and Implementation Monitoring Performances Key Activities * Process Mapping to understand how the current process works * Current process flow chart is derived from the process mapping activity. Key Activities * From the derived process flow chart, waste or non value added works are identified. * Through brain storming, the ways and means to make this process efficient are discussed. Key Activities * From the analysis, changes are identified and the implementation process begins. The changes will cover:- a) Layout changes b) Changes in support system c) Changers in vendor management d) Cultural changes. Key Activities * The monitoring KPIs were defined. * A monitoring team was formed to document, analyses and report on these KPIs. Figure 1: Implementation process of lean manufacturing. As mentioned in question one, lean manufacturing by principle is the elimination of waste or non-value added works. As such, Mr.Khandekar and the lean team realized that they need to restructure both the layout and the process itself to eliminate non-value added works. Rather than blindly doing the implementation process, the team first did process mapping for the existing process to understand how it works. In the process mapping stage, the lean team held discussion with the entire department in the value chain regarding their process flow. The outcome of this activity was process flow chart. Next, the lean team analyzed the process flow chart to identify all non-value added in the flow. A brainstorming session was done with all the related personal to decide the changes that need to be made to make the process more efficient. At this stage the lean team also held meetings with  all the employees to explain what lean manufacturing is all about and why it is important for them to a dopt lean in their workplace. This was an important action by the lean team as there were signs of resentment and scepticism among the employees. From the first two stages of the implementation process, changes that are required to eliminate waste were identified. The changes are as below:- Layout Changes The lean team realized that physical structure of the layout needed to be changed, as there were wastage in terms of workers movement and the flow of the product or material. For the layout changes, the assembly line concept was adopted. Assembly lines with workstations were formed. The time per workstation was fixed and their work content was adjusted. An efficient flow of the products and worker movement were also considered in the new layout. Apart from that a communication system between worker level and the executive level was also created to improve response time. Changes in support system Apart from layout changes, lean team also made changes in support system for the production line. The main idea here is to introduce ownership concept to the production line whereby the owner has to be answerable to all problem that arise under his ownership. Dashboards were introduced at the beginning of each assembly line. Any issues in the production line will be highlight in the board with name of the related personal. Meetings will be held on daily bases to oversee all the issues. The dashboard also will display daily out of each assembly line to show progress in each line. Apart from that skill assessment of the employees and top management were also done continuously to identify skill gaps and appropriate training are arranged. Change in Vendor Management. Implementing lean manufacturing in the Kalwa factory alone would not be sufficient to eliminate waste. With vendors continuously supplying material or part in bulk orders, wastage of storage or inventory space occurs in the factory. With the availability of extra material or parts, manufacturing mistake will go unnoticed. As such, vendor management was also needed to be  changed. The main idea here is to have the right quantity of parts available at the right time with the right quality. Vendor will have to supply each order quantity accordingly rather that supplying in batch. Because of some difficult faced with the vendors, short term and long term plans were made. Long term plans are to implement lean principle at the vendor’s end. As for short term plans are the implementation of pull philosophy of the lean system whereby vendors will manufacture material in bulk but deliver it to factory as needed by the line. This is to reduce storage and inventory space in the factory . Occurs of manufacturing mistake or defects will come to the knowledge of the line managers or supervisors. Cultural Changes Activities such as joint prayers and exercise session were introduced to instil a sense of team belongingness among employees. Apart for that uniform dress code are also introduced for the lean implementation member to send the message of team effort to all workers and management staff. Once all the changes have been implemented according to the plan, the next important step that was taken is to monitor the effectiveness of the changes. With the help of Mr.Gewald, the monitoring KPIs were defined to analyze the effectiveness of lean system on the overall performance of the factory. A monitoring team was formed to continuously document, analyze and report on these KPIs to the Siemens AG (headquarters) on monthly bases. To summary, we can say several key actions have been taken to institutionalize the lean implementation in the new set-up of the Kalwa Factory. i) Before implementation process was started, a proper foundation was built in the company by educating the top management on the lean principles. ii) A sound implementation plan was made by the lean team by first, analyzing the existing process to identify inefficiencies. Then determine ways and means to improve them. iii) The lean team continued to educate all employees from staff level to worker level to ensu re all of them understood the lean principles. iv) Proper monitoring was done to know the effectiveness of all the changes made. v) Mr.Khandekar and his team also continuously come up with creative solutions for problem such as resentment and worker issues. What more does Khandekar need to do so that the changes are not reversed? There are several actions that Mr.Khandekar can take to make sure that the changes are not reversed. i) Continuous training on lean principles. People tend to fear things they don’t understand and in the case of Kalwa plant, it is proven to be true. When lean implementation was first announced to all Kalwa’s employees, there were signs of resentment and scepticism among the employees. This happened because employees didn’t understand what is lean, why the management wanted to implemented it and what benefit do they and the company get. Proper training must be provided to all the employees to ensure their understanding of lean principles. The implemented changes can only last if the employees willing to work according to the changes and this can only be achieved through understanding. The lean principles must also be integrated in to the company’s training programs for new employees. Continuous assessment must also be done to measure the level of understanding of the employees especially workers as it is always difficult to reach them because of their education background. An establishment of lean culture among all the employees in the company is important to ensure the sustainability of all the implemented changes. ii) Proper documentation. Proper documentation must be made regarding all the implemented changes. This is important because there is a possibility that a future improvement can unintentionally reverse the change made now. Believe me; this tends to happen more often than not in the manufacturing line. As such proper documentation can function as reference to future employees especially engineers when they are making some improvement. Changes made in the method of working must also be documented as work standard as it can function as training tool for workers. iii) Regular Auditing. Regular auditing is important to ensure that all the changes in terms of process flow and work standard are followed accordingly. Regular audit must also be done to all related supplier and vendors to ensure their compliance with the lean principles. iv) Continuous Monitoring & Improvement. Lean manufacturing is designed in such a way that it will not leave any room for problems and mistakes to hide if it is implemented correctly. As such implementation of lean manufacturing will force all wastage, problem and mistakes to surface. The monitoring team must be assign to continuously monitor for such case and appropriate action must be taken to solve or improve. Continuous sustainability can only be achieved if improvements are carried out continuously by capable people truly understand the way of lean.

Introducing General Topics for Essay

Introducing General Topics for Essay There's a selection of essay types, and every one of them are able to assist you in developing your abilities and widening your knowledge. By doing this you may easily finish the descriptive paper. Ultimately, however, remember that great writing doesn't happen by accident. Alternately, you can explore how Lady Macbeth does precisely something similar in pursuing her targets. Writing about nuclear weapons is always a great idea. When you're writing, attempt to prevent employing the exact words and phrases over and over again. The New Angle On General Topics for Essay Just Released Other folks think that such competition seriously limits the standard of genuine learning. Inspiration to make your own advertising or media argumentative essay topics isn't challenging to discover. You might also want to incorporate a brief discussion of more research which should be completed in light of your work. Moral argumentative essay topics are a few of the simplest to get carried away with. This region of the essay shouldn't be too broad or narrow. You've approached the last portion of your essay. Though the essay questions change, the topic of the essays often stays the same. You see, the conventions of English essays are somewhat more formulaic than you may think and, in a variety of ways, it can be as easy as counting to five. Writing about poems requires a unique approach. Writing an intriguing essay about trendy topics is an opportunity to reveal your knowledge of earth. Firstly, you have to know the right format of essay writing. Last, make certain your essay is organized. No matter the quantity or variety of research involved, argumentative essays must set a very clear thesis and follow sound reasoning. An argumentative essay requires you to choose a topic and have a position on it. Inside this essay, attempt to remain positive. Each topic is broken into subtopics that you should prepare. If you would like to compose a controversial essay, you definitely must look for the greatest social issues topics or satire topics. You don't need to acquire super technical with legal argumentative essays, but make certain to do your homework on what the recent laws about your preferred topic actually say. When writing this essay, choose a subject of interest. The main purpose of topic choice for a proposal essay is to demonstrate the idea can be put into place in practice. The conclusion provides the general verdict of the argument. The central goal of any introduction is presenting the most important idea of your definition essay, in different words, you are to state clearly what it is you are likely to define. A nation should require all its students to study exactly the same national curriculum till they enter college. Creative Essay writing is currently recognized among the most helpful activity for kids for their general personality development. The increasing number of essay writing services is totally overwhelming. There are a lot of excellent essay collections readily available on the internet. If you're looking for assistance with your essay then we provide a comprehensive writing service given by fully qualified academics in your area of study. Informative essays are somewhat more descriptive. Your writing for communications won't only be about the subject, but in addition about yourselfwhy you care about the subject, the way that it affects you, etc.. The introduction should offer general information which will be included in the write-up. Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for General Topics for Essay The employer is attempting to observe how you're motivated. It's important to select debatable argumentative essay topics since you need opposing points you may counter to your own point s. Ethics in business is only a fad. Go over both views and provide your own opinion.

Judaism Religion And Religion - 965 Words

Assignment: Judaism in America For many religions, there exists a thin line for the individual people balancing what their faith requires and influences of the outside world. Judaism is deeply rooted and rich with traditions, many of which are fundamental to the religion itself. Sometimes these cultural traditions appear to create difference and conflict with those outside the faith. Fortunately, to live in America means that we citizens of this nation by law are granted individual rights and liberties to conduct our lives as we see fit. The free exercise of religious is protected expressly under the first amendment, so long as they do not infringe on the rights and liberties of others. These rights extend to all races, ethnic groups, religions, and cultures in America, a protected melting pot of ways to live out our lives. Including the liberty to integrate and connect with a closed community, like Hasidic Judaism, which from the outside may appear alien. Judaism or Israel, the descendants of Abraham, is an ancient religion with a long history of being persecuted, whether it was capture and enslavement by the nearby Levant societies to be exploited as servants and slaves. Occupied and ruled by other Mediterranean nations to be eventually decimated and scattered from their homeland in Palestine. Jews as a scattered people existed in the societal shadows of Europe through the medieval and Reformation periods maintaining their cultural identity and faith often inShow MoreRelatedJudaism : Race, Religion, Or Religion? Essay1004 Words   |  5 PagesJudaism: Race, Religion, or Both If your religion is Judaism you will most definitely encounter an instance of someone claiming that Judaism is a race. While to practicing Jews Judaism is a religion, outsiders sometimes see it as something that is racial. Judaism is quite the conundrum, is it a race or is it a religion? The answer to this question is that it is both. It’s a religion in the technical sense because it is something people can join into and is the central belief system for a groupRead MoreJudaism : A Religion Of Today2023 Words   |  9 PagesJudaism, a religion of today, dates all the way back around 3500 years. Having been founded in the 1800’s B.C in the Middle East; it is known as one of the world s oldest religions. Being the original of the three Abrahamic faiths, the others being Christianity and Islam. It is the most ancient â€Å"monotheistic† religion. As opposed to polytheistic religions, monotheism is the belief in a singular entity as a God. The core beliefs of this religion can be found in The Torah. The Torah is composedRead MoreAbrahamic Religion: Judaism1538 Words   |  6 PagesJudaism is one of the three Abrahamic religions that started 3,500 years ago in southern Mesopotamia. According to Tracey R. Rich, it all started when God asked Abraham to leave his home and, travel to a new place. Rich also said, although, many people say Moses was the founder of the religion but, traced back to Abraham. Jews are monotheistic, which means that they believe only in God and that they should worship him for all that he has done for them. Judaism was spread through trade and travelingRead MoreReligion, Judaism, And Islam1389 Words   |  6 Pagesbecause of its significance to three religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam (â€Å"History of Jerusalem†). While Jerusalem is considered â€Å"the holy land†, it is also a place that has endured countless wars, bloodshed, and controversy. The city has been ruled by infamous leaders an d praised individuals, it is a city with a very rich history, and its history allows one to understand the vital role it plays in the Palestine-Israel conflict. Abraham, the father of Judaism, is the root of Jerusalem’s holinessRead MoreThe Religions Of Christianity And Judaism1934 Words   |  8 Pagesis kindness. Religion shouldn t be a complicated topic. Religion requires the adherent to use their brain and heart as if it was their place of worship. The adherent s actions take place in the brain; their actions would be part of the worship. Religion is often associated with philosophy, which is unnecessary. Religion is not complicated. The adherent of Christianity or Judaism should have the mindset of kindness and nothing else. Although the religions of Christianity and Judaism are similar inRead MoreJudaism Is A Monotheistic Religion Essay2010 Words   |  9 PagesJudaism is a monotheistic religion, which means they believe in one God. The Jewish Bible is called the Hebrew Bible. It consists of the Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim, and when referring to all three it is called the Tanakh. The Torah is first five books of the He brew Bible meaning â€Å"Law,† Nevi’im is a Hebrew word for â€Å"Prophet,† and Ketuvim is a Hebrew word for â€Å"sacred writing.† The sacred texts of the Hebrew Bible were transliterated into English. The Jewish â€Å"church† is referred to as a synagogue,Read MoreReligion Comparison: Judaism and Christianity771 Words   |  4 PagesReligion has been taught as a set of beliefs that relates to the forces of nature, a cause, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a deity and/or associates. It would often contain a moral pull to themselves and onto others and creates the goodness they believe in and what they think what is right and what is wrong. Whatever the religion they worship, many of them strongly believes on their beliefs and their ties would become so powerful, it could give hope toRead MoreJudaism And Islam : Abrahamic Religions Essay2387 Words   |  10 PagesPhilosophy of Religion Judaism Islam Abrahamic Religions/Religions of the Book It may be common to think of each religion as something completely separate from every other religion, however, this is far from true. In a similar way that Buddhism evolved from the previously established Hinduism, there are three â€Å"Abrahamic Religions† that are said to stem from the patriarch Abraham: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The three (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) are also regarded as â€Å"religions of the book†Read MoreJudaism : The Religion Of The Jewish People826 Words   |  4 PagesEliza Snape Wednesday, September 3rd 2014. Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people. It is a monotheistic religion meaning that the Jews believe in one, all powerful God. Jewish people were among the first convicts and settlers to Australia. Over many years the Jewish population in Australia grew making Judaism a more popular and known practiced religion in Australia. Judaism is a minority religion making up for around 0.3% of the Australian population. In the 2011 census 97, 335 AustraliansRead MoreJudaism : The Oldest Monotheistic Religion1002 Words   |  5 PagesJudaism is the oldest monotheistic religion, a religion that includes many rules and guidelines that guide the Jewish adherent to keep the right relationship with God and the right relationship with family and neighbours as well. The Torah refers to the first five books of the Jewish scriptures, or the Pentateuch. It is the sacred Jewish book of commandments given to Moses from God at the top of Mount Sinai, which contains all of the 613 mitzva that guide Jewish adherents to be faithful to the covenant