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Modeling and Worker Motivation in JIT Production Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Kenneth L. Schultz

    (Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47401)

  • David C. Juran

    (Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47401)

  • John W. Boudreau

    (Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47401)

  • John O. McClain

    (Graduate School of Business, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027)

  • L. Joseph Thomas

    (S. C. Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853)

Abstract

This paper concerns the modeling of low inventory lines. Currently, most models assume that processing times are independent. We consider the differences in behavior of workers in low- and high-inventory production lines. Using a laboratory experiment we show that workers speed up when they are the cause of idle time on the line. This means that processing time distributions are not independent of the size of the buffer, of the processing speed of co-workers, or of the amount of inventory in the system. We show that the direction of these effects is predictable and that the magnitude is significant. In particular, there is less idle time and higher output than would be predicted using assumptions of independence. In this experiment the effect completely canceled productivity loss due to blocking and starving. This work is important in understanding both the motivation of workers in low-inventory systems and the implications of models of manufacturing flow lines.

Suggested Citation

  • Kenneth L. Schultz & David C. Juran & John W. Boudreau & John O. McClain & L. Joseph Thomas, 1998. "Modeling and Worker Motivation in JIT Production Systems," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 44(12-Part-1), pages 1595-1607, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormnsc:v:44:y:1998:i:12-part-1:p:1595-1607
    DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.44.12.1595
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Richard Conway & William Maxwell & John O. McClain & L. Joseph Thomas, 1988. "The Role of Work-in-Process Inventory in Serial Production Lines," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 36(2), pages 229-241, April.
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