In this paper, we apply project management concepts and frameworks to the context of disaster resilience and examine how groups can increase the disaster resilience of a community. Based on our literature review and case study methodology, we develop a model that draws upon the relevant literatures in project management, operations management, disaster management, and organizational behaviour; we then compare that model with 12 disaster-related cases supported by four Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in India. Our model measures disaster resilience using both an encompassing measure we refer to as Total Cost to Community (TCC) that captures the interrelatedness of level of recovery (deliverables), speed of recovery (time), and loss minimization (cost) at a community group level, as well as through learning (single domain or alternate domain). The model indicates that the external elements of the disaster management process (scale, goal complexity, immediacy, and stakeholder variance) influence the internal characteristics of disaster project management (information demands and uncertainty), which in turn influence disaster resilience. The level of community group processes (group strength, group continuity, and group capacity) also influences learning, both directly and indirectly, through internal characteristics of project management. In addition, the relationship between the external elements of disaster recovery and the internal characteristics of disaster project management is moderated by resources available. This model provides interesting new avenues for future theory and research, such as creating operations research models to identify the trigger points for groups becoming effective and exploring the quantification of TCC, a new construct developed in this research. Ultimately, this model can provide a roadmap for NGOs and government entities B Sameer Prasad

The intense competitive manufacturing environment results in small-and medium-sized enterprises searching for strategies to drive cost reduction and increase quality. While these are goals all organizations strive for, small-and mediumsized enterprises must accomplish these continuous improvement objectives with limited resources. The integration of quality tools with the Six Sigma methodology is fundamentally important in this process. This article describes the application of the Six Sigma methodology in a North American plumbing products small-and medium-sized enterprise. In this study, a cross-functional team uses the Six Sigma tools and methodology to reduce cycle time and increase sales. This case study presents a roadmap for studying the production cycle using the DMAIC process (define, measure, analyze, improve, and control). Using a market research study, the team quantitatively defines the problem, measures the process, analyzes the supporting data, and implements a series of solutions resulting in increased customer satisfaction. In addition, strategies are implemented to control the process improvements. The results offer evidence of Six Sigma effectiveness for small-and medium-sized enterprises and offer direction for small-and medium-sized enterprises interested in implementing a similar approach.

Managing migrant supply networks is a critical issue both domestically and internationally. In this research, using a supply chain perspective, a typology is developed to provide recommendations for migration stakeholders. The typology can be used to assess factors within a migrant network including: pressure to migrate, the network agility, and the total cost of migration. The typology identifies specific investments that developmental agents can focus on to mitigate the pressure to migrate. In instances of genocide and other forms of forced migration, the model identifies ways stakeholders can support agile refugee flows to ensure faster and safer travel and to shorten transit times.

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