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Research and Consulting
ASCRMU undertakes a range of pure and applied research. ASCMRU has research and consulting expertise and experience in the following industries:
- Agriculture
- Automotive
- Food Production
- Medical and Scientific Equipment
Current Research Projects
1. Australia's Manufacturing Future
Australian manufacturing industry continues to be pressured as a result increasing imports, the resources boom and shift to a services economy. Many commentators argue that having a vibrant local manufacturing base if crucial. The key questions that the ASCMRU is addressing are:
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What kinds of industries can best exploit Australia’s natural advantages and skills?
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What capabilities do different industries need to become globally competitive?
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What kind of education and training is necessary?
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What kinds of government and industry intervention is necessary appropriate?
ASCMRU is collaborating with the Australian Industry Group to address the above questions.
2. Quality and Innovation Management
Improving the quality of products and services and the processes utilized to deliver these remains a challenge for all types of organizations. This activity has become even more challenging as many organizations are now establishing operations in Asia and other parts of the world. Past projects conducted by ASCMRU have examined the relationship between Total Quality Management and ISO 9000 Quality Systems and performance improvements. New approaches such as Six Sigma offer significant benefits to organizations but adoption often results in failure as a result of poor planning and implementation. Current ASCMRU projects are examining the integration Six Sigma and other continuous improvement strategies as well as examining the role the Six Sigma professionals within the organization and along the supply chain in successful adoption and implementation.
3. Supply Chain Integration and Performance
ASCMRU's past research has examined Supply Chain Management practices in the automotive; textiles, clothing and footwear and the cereals/food industries. The key supply chain challenges facing organizations in these sectors and the critical success factors have been identified. Australia is exposed to global competition and participates in global supply chains. Current projects address issues relating to sustainable supply chains, especially the food industry; pharmaceutical supply chains and pharmacy processes changing as a result of adopting e-business technologies; and information sharing amongst manufacturing supply chains.
4. Outsourcing and Off-shoring
Outsourcing and especially off-shoring can have a profound impact on organizational costs, quality and productivity. Also, off-shoring, because it threatens Australian jobs, has created anxiety amongst the community. ASCMRU researchers are particularly interested in the ways in which outsourcing may force companies to restructure themselves into small, more specialized organizations.
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