Papers by Author: Anas Chafi

Abstract: Construction waste is a serious challenge that requires particular attention from construction managers to improve the performance of their projects and survive in a highly competitive market. Simulation modeling provides decision-makers with a controllable operating system and a more cost-effective environment which allows a better understanding of construction processes deficiencies. The current paper aims to assess waste in a bricklaying process using ARENA. Data used for simulation modelling were collected through field observations and video recording techniques. Using EasyFit, goodness-of-fit tests were performed to identify the best probabilistic density functions for each construction operation in the studied process. Simulation outputs show that non-value-added (NVA) activities dominate the bricklaying process with 85.2 % of the total cycle time. These results indicate a strong potential for optimizing the process under study by reducing these sources of waste especially regarding waiting time that holds the highest share of waste with 72.5 %.

Abstract: The digital transformation represents across the globe a new stage in the profound economic and social reorganization, that has been engaged for several decades under the effect of information technology [1]. Digital transformation (DT) is the use of digital advances to change customer relationships, internal processes, and value propositions [2]. The biggest future impact on revenue and EBIT growth can be generated through the digitization of supply chains [3]. In this context, the present paper proposes to apply digital transformation to supply chain, and especially to “order to cash” cycle, through an experimentation of the “Supply Chain Urbanization” model (SCU) [4, 5]. We will start in this paper by presenting the “order to cash” cycle according to various references; we will next emphasize Digital transformation before highlighting the “Digital transformation in “order to cash” cycle. We will after illuminate the different phases of the “Supply Chain Urbanization” model (SCU) [4, 5], and then experiment this model on supply chain digital transformation. The "Order to Cash" cycle will be the main link in the supply chain studied in our article.

Abstract: Because of the differences between industries and firms, the following work aims to perform an empirical analysis to investigate the relationship between firm characteristics and the sources of demand and supply risks. The survey is conducted among 32 factories in Moroccan industry from different sectors. In order to distinguish companies with a high level of risk, factories are grouped according to their characteristics, namely the business sector, the number of suppliers, the level of performance and the number of employees. To ensure the objective of our study, we performed a factorial correspondence analysis of the data using SPSS software.

Abstract: The big challenge for each company is the implementation of an appropriate risk management strategy. Through this work, we seek to draw up an inventory of Moroccan companies supply chain. The objective is to identify the main risks, their relationship with the performance of the supply chain and to establish an overview of the risk management systems. For this reason, a research model was developed and concretized by quantitative data collected from 29 Moroccan companies. The analysis of the data show that the performance of the supply chain is strongly influenced by the importance of supply chain risk in particular the supplier and demand risks, and leads to insist on the importance of integrating a device adapted to the management of these Risks, especially in the upstream part of the supply chain.

Abstract: The development of more effective management techniques has become essential for the improvement of working conditions within the company. The construction industry is characterized by unpredictable and fluctuating construction processes which increase the level of risk of accidents. In this context, this work aims at conducting a synthesis of the most reliable research in the field of safety management in order to study the contribution of Lean Construction practices in the promotion of safety. The study evaluates the potential effectiveness of Lean Construction tools such as (Last Planner System, Visual Management, 5S, Error-proofing) in promoting the safety on construction sites. This study shows that lean construction tools have a great potential to improve the safety performance. Several Lean Construction practices such as the correlation between scheduled tasks and the ability of the staff working on site, choosing of working methods in compliance with safety requirements, the incorporation of visual tools, and the Simplification of workflow could minimize the risk of accidents and promote the worker safety through minimizing hazards, motivating people involvement in the planning phase and preventing human errors.

Abstract: The growing context of globalization permanently increases pressure on the construction companies to improve their performances in order to resist to the constraints of competitiveness in the international market. It has become ineluctable to look for introducing a new alternative capable of bringing creative improvement to the traditional production system. This paper will relate mainly to the most relevant management techniques in the construction industry, and more specifically, the lean construction concept. Initially, we will determine the main characteristics of the construction industry compared to the manufacturing industry according to three levels: on-site production, one of a kind projects, and complexity. Subsequently, we will focus our attention on the main sources of waste in the construction industry. Finally, a rigorous comparative study will be carried out to show the contribution of the lean construction tools in the promotion of traditional construction especially at the level of the following factors: Creating value and eliminating waste; Planning and mutual coordination; Site organization. Lean construction as Last Planner System (LPS), Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Just-in-Time philosophy, Visual management (VM) and 5S have shown a great ability to improve the traditional production system through waste reduction, encouraging people involvement, ensuring a pull flow production, and promotion of a continuous improvement philosophy.