bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Executive insights on globalization
Authors: Munoz J. Mark
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To provide an enhanced understanding of the changing business dynamics resulting from globalization, and offer hospitality managers in emerging locations strategies for success.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was based on a descriptive survey conducted among 118 senior level travel executives in 35 countries. Based on the concepts furthered by Thomas L. Friedman, executive insights were gathered on the impact of globalization on business, technology, accounting and finance, psyche, and knowledge flows.

Findings

Research findings point out to the evolving business dynamics in a globalized environment requiring strategic operational adjustments by hospitality managers, specially those located in emerging locations.

Research limitations/implications

Though the research was conducted across several countries, the respondent number does not merit a solid basis for a generalized conclusion. Furthermore, as English was used in the survey questionnaires, respondent misunderstandings may have occurred. Being an exploratory study, a stronger theoretical foundation in future research will provide added benefit to the academic and business communities.

Practical implications

The research points out to the need for greater awareness of the impact of globalization among hospitality managers in emerging locations. Furthermore, strategies need to be fine‐tuned in accordance with the evolving nature of globalization. The study identifies salient points that need to be considered.

Originality/value

With insights gathered from travel executives from around the world, and about one‐quarter of the respondents being directly engaged in hospitality management, strategic approaches presented are valuable to industry practice.
Perceptions of service quality in North Cyprus hotels
Authors: Nadiri Halil , Hussain Kashif
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Defining and measuring quality service is of importance to providers of hotel services. This study aims to diagnose the applicability of the perceived service quality measurement scale to European customers in a new emerging market which is North Cyprus – because tourism industry in Cyprus has been significantly influenced owing to political instability of the island since 1963 and the year 2004 has been of great importance owing to the 24 April referendum for a peace solution between South and North on the island Cyprus.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of the study consists of the European tourists visiting Northern Cyprus hotels. Non‐probability convenience sampling technique is used to collect the data of survey instruments adopted from Parasuraman et al. SPSS 10.0 for windows was employed for the scale measurement. Descriptive analysis such as means, standard deviation and frequencies are calculated. Regression analysis was employed to observe the causal effect of independent variables to customer satisfaction. Reliability issues are tested and dimensionality of the scale is confirmed through an exploratory factor analysis.

Findings

Interestingly, the number of European tourists' arrivals has dramatically increased since the referendum. Apart from assessing the reliability and validity of the perceived service quality measurement scale, the results indicate that the nature of perceived service quality measurement instrument is found to two dimension tangibles and intangibles have for North Cyprus hotel services. The results reveal that tangibles and intangibles exert a significant positive effect on customer satisfaction, and European customers visiting North Cyprus are demanding improved service quality.

Research limitations/implications

This research has certain limitations: first, the sample in this study is small and is limited to a relatively specific group of tourists (European nationalities) who stayed in North Cyprus hotels. Second, measurement of customer satisfaction was carried out using a single‐item scale and thus it was not possible to estimate its reliability.

Originality/value

The year 2004 has been great importance owing to the 24 April referendum for peace between South and North Cyprus. This study provides reflections of political sensitivity on North Cyprus hotel service quality; North Cyprus is both an island and a virgin market in the Mediterranean where quality of hotels is a significant strategic issue for increasing the competitiveness of the Mediterranean islands in the European tourism market. The study explores service quality in terms of the perceived service quality in the hospitality industry and help practitioners with the real concept of service quality. The results and implications of the future research are discussed in detail.
Understanding the dynamics of the hotel accommodation purchase decision
Authors: Lockyer Tim
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To investigate the factors that influence the selection of hotel accommodation by guests. Much of the previous research into this topic used a variety of closed and open question surveys.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted using four focus groups utilizing a modified nominal group approach. It was found that the use of focus group discussion greatly assisted in producing depth of insight into the research question. TextSmart™, a content analysis software tool, was used for the analysis of the focus group data, which allowed for a visual “Spacial Map” analysis of the discussion.

Findings

The focus group discussion identified four main areas that influence the selection of hotel accommodation, those of: location, price, facilities and cleanliness. There was a much higher awareness of the importance of these factors and how different circumstances influence the selection than anticipated from previous research.

Research limitations/implications

Although there are clearly limitations in relation to the number and size of the focus groups, and that the research was only conducted in New Zealand, it does begin to move current research into a new direction.

Practical implications

This research further explains guest selection, identifying trigger points which indicate areas where practitioners may apply strategic decision making, so that resources can be best utilized.

Originality/value

The use of focus groups to further develop current understanding of the factors influencing the selection of guest accommodation.
Customers' perceptions on the importance of hotel web site dimensions and attributes
Authors: Law Rob , Hsu Cathy H.C.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Hotels at present have largely adopted e‐commerce to achieve different business goals. The existing hospitality literature, however, rarely investigates the importance of specific dimensions and attributes of hotel web sites from the perspective of web site users. In other words, what should be included on their branded hotel web sites remains unknown to hotel managers. This paper aims to report an exploratory study that investigated the perceived importance of dimensions and attributes on hotel web sites from the perspective of travellers.

Design/methodology/approach

Through personal interviews with 304 travellers who had previously visited hotel web sites in the past year, the extent to which various hotel web site dimensions and attributes were perceived as important was examined.

Findings

Empirical results indicated that respondents viewed reservation information as the most important dimension, and room rates as the most important attribute. In addition, respondents viewed that the included dimensions and attributes were more important on web sites of up‐scale hotels than on web sites of economy hotels.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this research is the non‐random sample used.

Originality/value

Findings of this study would benefit hotel managers in better understanding of the preferences of their customers on specific hotel web site dimensions and attributes, and assist hotel managers with the allocation of their efforts on e‐commerce development accordingly.
Factors influencing financial performance of small hotels in Tanzania
Authors: Sharma Amit , Upneja Arun
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the factors influencing financial performance of small hotels, particularly in developing countries like Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

This investigation used financial ratio analysis on business performance data collected from small hotels in Tanzania through face‐to‐face interviews. Currently there is no existing data on such aspects of the hotel industry in Tanzania. As a consequence, Arusha region was selected as the sample for this study due to a significant amount of hospitality industry activity in this area.

Findings

Findings of this investigation suggest that operating factors in small hotels such as inefficiencies due to lack of employee training, low investments in fixed assets and technology may be equally responsible for low profitability as are government policies that ignore appropriate emphasis on ensuring safety and security, and quick processing of licenses and permits.

Research limitations/implications

Even though this is one of the few studies that has investigated the profitability of small hotels in a developing country, its findings are based on the analysis of one (even though a prominent) tourist area of East Africa.

Practical implications

Nevertheless, findings provide preliminary evidence for professionals and policy makers to critically evaluate factors that would ensure profitability of small hotels in countries such as Tanzania.

Originality/value

As this paper highlights, this is critical because such businesses are locally owned and may truly and positively influence economic development.
Why do hotels outsource? An investigation using asset specificity
Authors: Lamminmaki Dawne
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To apply Williamson's six dimensional typology of asset specificity as a theoretical framework for appraising the nature of outsourcing activities in hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews with senior managers in large hotels.

Findings

Site specificity and brand capital appear to be the most pertinent dimensions of asset specificity in the sample investigated. Most observations support the transaction cost economics (TCE) prescription that high asset specificity results in insourcing.

Research limitations/implications

This study suffers from the normal shortcomings associated with fieldwork based on a limited sample of observations. Rather than attempting to make generalisable assertions, the study provides an exploration of the ways that asset specificity might manifest itself in hotel outsourcing decision making.

Practical implications

Asset specificity represents an important construct that should be considered when considering whether to outsource. It also provides a valuable context when considering the motivations of parties entering into a subcontracting arrangement.

Originality/value

No study applying either the asset specificity notion or the broader TCE theory has been found in the hospitality management literature. Also, there is a lack of prior research concerned with outsourcing in the hotel sector.
Controller: a viable career for hospitality students
Authors: Countryman Cary C. , DeFranco Agnes , Venegas Tanya
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This study seeks to develop a characteristic and financial profile of controllers in the hospitality industry. It also examines the differences in profiles between female and male controllers, as well as, hotel and club controllers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected as part of a biennium survey of the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) membership. The survey collects data on compensation, benefits, job characteristics, and demographics.

Findings

On average, the 2004 projected salary for hospitality controllers is over $80,000. Female controllers get paid less than male controllers and while there are some minor differences between these two groups they may not be enough to explain the disparity in pay. The results of this study also suggest that the hotel industry pays better than the club industry; however, differences in these two segments may explain some of the variation in compensation.

Research limitations/implications

From the analysis, it is apparent that being a controller is a viable career path for individuals interested in working in the hospitality industry. Also, controllers have varied responsibilities which include more than just number crunching such as technology and human resources management. However, given the salary difference between female and male controllers, the industry needs to create better pay equity between the genders so that it can attract more females into this career.

Originality/value

This research aims to develop a more comprehensive profile of hospitality controllers and by so doing, help professors, counselors, students, and others be more open to the possibility of being a controller and viewing it as a career path.
Recreating cheers: an analysis of relationship marketing as an effective marketing technique for quick‐service restaurants
Authors: Robinson Camille , Abbott Je'Anna , Shoemaker Stowe
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper reviews brand equity and customer satisfaction as they relate to customer loyalty and relationship marketing in an effort to understand and mitigate some of the challenges facing quick‐service restaurants (QSRs) today.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed over 30 articles on the subjects of brand equity, customer equity, customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, communal relationships, relationship marketing, and pseudo‐relationship marketing, as well as researched and evaluated current marketing techniques used by selected QSRs.

Findings

It is concluded by the authors that customer satisfaction, brand equity, and loyalty are invaluable to the formation of customer loyalty, as is the understanding that customers' relationships with companies need to be treated with the same respect as personal relationships.

Practical implications

Customer loyalty has been shown to be beneficial to a company, both tangibly and intangibly. Companies are cautioned in their use of relationship marketing techniques used to foster customer loyalty and encouraged to use methods that benefit both themselves and their customers.

Originality/value

This paper analyzes many different factors that affect customer loyalty, as well as discusses how relationship marketing techniques can be utilized by the QSR industry.
Managing a research career
Authors: Bowen John T.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To discuss the importance of the research aspect of an academic staff member's career.

Design/methodology/approach

The viewpoint draws on the author's own experience as well as a literature review relating to the value of research.

Findings

Concludes that research is a point of differentiation and must be managed by the faculty member. Research is the international currency that a faculty members carries with them throughout his/her career.

Originality/value

Very little is published about the importance of managing a research career and how to manage one's research career.
Five secrets of successful publication
Authors: Waks Leonard J.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To reflect on experience of research and journal publication with the aim of sharing key lessons in preparing and submitting articles for publication.

Design/methodology/approach

The viewpoint draws on the author's own career‐long experience as a teacher, researcher and writer.

Findings

Draws together a series of lessons to provide guidelines for new researchers on how to write for publication.

Originality/value

Few senior academics have captured their own learning and insight on the process of initiating and sustaining a publications profile. Typically new researchers learn by trial and error and the aim here is to share key lessons that might assist them.
Competitor‐focused accounting applied to a hotel context
Authors: Anderson Sharlene , Guilding Chris
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To explore the nature and potential of competitor‐focused accounting practice (CFA) in a large hotel.

Design/methodology/approach

Unstructured tape‐recorded interviews ranging from one to one‐and‐a‐half hours' duration were conducted with 21 senior managers representing finance, marketing, hotel operations, casino, and human resource management in a large hotel.

Findings

Levels of CFA formalised application appear limited, especially when compared with a widely held managerial perception that significant benefits could derive from applying CFA. The CFA practices noted were conducted in an unstructured and ad hoc manner. The main generic use of CFA is in connection with sensitising staff with respect to competitors’ strengths and also strategy development. The hotel shared occupancy level information with competing hotels.

Research limitations/implications

The study suffers from all the limitations generally associated with a single company qualitative field study. These limitations include the degree of subjectivity that is invoked when researchers interpret qualitative field study data.

Practical implications

The paper clarifies the notion of “CFA” and provides an outline of CFA management issues arising in the context of a hotel. An outline is provided of those parts of a hotel operation that are most likely to be more active in CFA, together with empirically informed suggestions with respect to CFA uses in a hotel.

Originality/value

The paper is highly original. Despite the generally accepted importance of strategy development being informed by appropriately conducted competitor analysis, there has been a paucity of research concerned with competitor analysis in the hotel industry.
Linking firm culture and orientation to supply chain success
Authors: Mello John E. , Stank Theodore P.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To date research focused on cultural dimensions and the role it plays in supply chain management (SCM) has been limited. Executives interviewed as part of the background investigation for this paper report that until an organization can bring about effective cultural change, SCM will remain an artifact of corporate myth. Prior to driving change, however, more must be known about the dimensions of supply chain oriented culture. Seeks to address this.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a framework based upon the culture literature to identify and define critical dimensions of cultural orientation that impact implementation of SCM.

Findings

The framework serves as the basis for research propositions suggesting likely dimensions of supply chain cultural orientation. Propositions also link these dimensions to behaviors that encourage successful SCM.

Research limitations/implications

The research will enable managers to identify the critical factors upon which to focus resources as they try to drive supply chain change. The research will establish a starting point for researchers interested in enhancing our understanding of the phenomena involved in cultural change.

Originality/value

The research presented in this paper was undertaken to further discussion of the role that cultural orientation plays in the successful implementation of SCM.
Searching for the optimum product service distribution channel
Authors: Nordin Fredrik
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To provide propositions regarding how product, market, and firm contextual factors influence the appropriate channel structure of product services and to examine organizational actions resulting from maladjusted channel structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on previous research, six propositions are presented regarding how the choice of direct/indirect service processes is influenced by contextual factors. A seventh proposition is suggested regarding how maladjusted service channels put pressure on the industrial firm to change the service channel, or to compensate for the maladjustment by taking other measures. Five qualitative case studies conducted at American and European companies from different industries are used to test the seventh proposition.

Findings

Provides empirical support for the seventh proposition and illustrates alternatives for how compensation for maladjustments may be carried out.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed into the mechanisms that can compensate for deviations from the appropriate service distribution channel suggested by the propositions put forth in this paper. Statistical generalization of the propositions on the other hand could be achieved through a wide survey.

Practical implications

The propositions could function as a managerial tool for identifying inappropriate channel structures, and thus also for identifying the need for change.

Originality/value

Refines and extends previous theory on the interrelationship between contextual factors and service distribution channels.
The North American third party logistics industry in 2004: the provider CEO perspective
Authors: Lieb Robert , Bentz Brooks A.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Our annual surveys seek to provide insight into important market dynamics, opportunities and problems in the North American third party logistics (3PL) industry, from the perspective of the chief executive officers (CEOs) of major logistics service companies. The information generated is not only useful to managers considering using such services, but also to provider CEOs to facilitate industry benchmarking.

Design/methodology/approach

For the past decade, that insight has been sought by conducting annual surveys of the CEOs of many of the largest 3PL companies serving North America.

Findings

The CEOs projected substantial revenue growth in the North American 3PL marketplace over the next three years. Their companies are becoming increasingly customer selective, and aggressively selling along customer supply chains. They are increasingly focusing attention on the possible large‐scale adoption of RFID technology in the industry, and seeking ways to overcome industry pricing pressures.

Research limitations/implications

This survey focused on the largest 3PL companies operating in North America. However, many small‐medium size companies now participate in that market, and little work has been done to document developments in that sector of the industry. Further, little research has been conducted concerning the provision and use of 3PL services in other geographies.

Practical implications

As previously noted, the findings not only give insight into the industry for those considering the use of 3PL services, but also give provider CEO a means of benchmarking their companies against industry averages.

Originality/value

Data generated in this survey provide a basis for comparison with that generated in our previous annual surveys, and an understanding of current 3PL market conditions.
Supplying on a modular basis: an examination of strategic issues
Authors: Doran Desmond
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to explore the strategic issues associated with the implementation and subsequent development of modular supply chains within the automotive sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the exploratory nature of this research a case study approach was adopted analysing key suppliers within a single developing modular supply chain. The key approach to the topic was to examine strategic operations management literature in order to determine the operational impact associated with the move from traditional supply chains to supplying on a modular basis.

Findings

The findings indicate that moving from the traditional approach to supplying parts to a modular approach requires suppliers to consider how they can develop their individual module offerings and to determine what operations do not add value to a modular offering and as a consequence can be transferred to downstream suppliers.

Research limitations/implications

Given the exploratory nature of this research and its sectoral specificity one should not view the findings as applicable to other supply chains in the process of developing modular offerings. This said, the findings do correlate with earlier research which indicated that value‐transfer activity within modular supply chains is a key characteristic associated with developing supply chains (Doran, 2004)

Practical implications

In terms of practical applications, the findings demonstrate that modular activity requires the reorganisation of value‐creating activities and also requires those suppliers close to the OEM to strategically position themselves to configure their operations to accommodate the growing modular paradigm.

Originality/value

The paper explores supply chain modularization which is a fairly under‐researched area supply chain management and as such this paper provides insights into this emerging area. The originality is also evident in the approach and focus of the paper (that is examining the three key suppliers within a single automotive supply chain).
Supervisory coaching in a logistics context
Authors: Ellinger Alexander E. , Ellinger Andrea D. , Keller Scott B.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To examine warehouse worker development associated with managerial coaching in the logistics industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Examine the efficacy of this developmental approach in a logistics context, a survey method was used to provide an overview of supervisors' coaching behavior at 18 distribution centers in the United States. Warehouse workers answered questions about their interactions with their supervisors and their own job satisfaction while supervisors answered questions pertaining to the job‐related performance of warehouse workers for whom they were directly responsible.

Findings

The study findings indicate that warehouse workers at these distribution centers encounter low levels of supervisory coaching behavior. However, despite these low levels, significant positive associations were found between supervisory coaching behavior, warehouse worker job satisfaction and supervisors' perceptions of their subordinates' job‐related performance.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on the perceptions of respondents at the specific distribution centers in our study and therefore should not be interpreted as being generalizable. However, we hope that they will stimulate further empirical research on the growth, development and retention of front‐line logistics workers – an important, but relatively under‐researched, area of supply chain management.

Practical implications

The logistics industry is becoming progressively more service‐oriented and technologically‐driven and greater front‐line worker competence in these areas will be required for many firms to survive.

Originality/value

As the greatest aggregation of labor in the supply chain is in distribution center operations, our findings may encourage logistics organizations to evaluate the feasibility of adopting more people‐oriented supervisory approaches like coaching that focus on personnel development and the provision of more intrinsically‐rewarding work environments.
Is the glass half full or half empty?
Authors: Knemeyer A. Michael , Murphy Paul R.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper provides a comparison of users and providers of third‐party logistics (3PL) services with respect to relationship marketing elements, such as trust and communication, as well as relationship marketing outcomes, such as retention and recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

Constructs for the relationship marketing elements and outcomes were derived from the extant literature and modified to reflect the nature of 3PL arrangements. The relevant data were collected from separate, but consistent, mail surveys that were sent to users of 3PL services as well as providers of 3PL services.

Findings

The results indicate statistically significant differences between 3PL users and providers across eight of nine relationship marketing elements, with the lone non‐significant comparison involving the communication construct. There are also statistically significant differences between 3PL users and providers for each of the four relationship marketing outcomes.

Research limitations

Although the present study utilized previously validated relationship marketing elements and outcomes, future research could examine other relationship marketing elements and outcomes. Future research could also investigate relationship marketing issues through dyads/matched pairs of 3PL users and providers.

Originality/value

This manuscript examines 3PL with respect to theories and/or frameworks that comes from outside the logistics discipline, an approach advocated by Stock. Moreover, the paper adds to Moore's 3PL/relationship marketing research by investigating relationship elements and outcomes. The current paper adds to the rather limited literature that incorporates both 3PL user and provider perspectives.
An organisation‐level framework for the NZ food industry – its development and application
Authors: Dorling Kim , Scott John , Deakins Eric
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To identify the key determinants of successful vendor managed inventory (VMI) and strategic supply chain relationships in the New Zealand (NZ) food industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The research primarily used action research, supported by a literature review, triangulation and case studies from other industries and countries.

Findings

Eight key factors impacting the success of organisation‐level VMI and strategic supply chain relationships were identified. These were integrated into a framework that provides a model for practitioners to follow when establishing VMI and strategic supply chain relationships in the NZ food industry.

Research limitations/implications

This research was conducted using action research in the NZ food industry. As a result, these research findings may need to be modified and further adapted before applying to less concentrated food industries in other countries.

Practical implications

Practical guidelines are provided for practitioners who wish to improve their organisation's supply chain activities through VMI and strategic supply chain relationships.

Originality/value

The key outcome was a working model that identifies the key determinants of successful VMI and strategic supply chain relationships in the NZ food industry, at an organisation‐level. A secondary outcome was the contribution to knowledge from an action research perspective.
3PL practices: an Indian perspective
Authors: Sahay B.S. , Mohan Ramneesh
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To carry out a comprehensive survey on 3PL practices in India and to establish the impact of usage of third party logistics services on business results.

Design/methodology/approach

Begins by analysing the studies carried out on 3PL practices and establishing a research framework. The input variables to the research framework depict the organization‐specific characteristics, such as the extent of usage of 3PL services, the reasons for outsourcing and the impact of the usage of 3PL services. The output function of future usage of 3PL services is influenced by the three input variables. Data collected through survey questionnaire on the input and output variables are used to establish impact of usage of 3PL services on business performance through statistical analysis.

Findings

The usage of 3PL services reveals positive and significant impact on business performance though 3PL practices are still at a nascent stage in India. Additionally, results clearly indicate that significant increase in outsourcing has been planned across all activities of the logistics function in the next 2‐5 years.

Research limitations/implications

Further research work should focus on managing 3PL relationships; selection and contract management of 3PL service providers for building collaborative supply chain partnerships; and identifying critical success factors for 3PL implementation and establishing performance measures for long‐term 3PL relationships.

Practical implications

Detailed study to motivate supply chain managers to outsource and use 3PL services to focus on the core business, drive logistics cost reduction, and improve supply chain efficiency. These indicators should also help the 3PL service providers plan the depth and scope of their service offerings to user organizations in India.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the current 3PL and supply chain practices and the emerging trends in 3PL services for achieving improved business results and supply chain efficiencies.
A multi‐objective 3PL allocation problem for fish distribution
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Vrat Prem , Shankar Ravi
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The primary objective of this paper is to show how mathematical modeling can be used for solving a third party logistics (3PL) allocation problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The solution approach consists of finding a compromise solution for the six different strategies, defined in the paper by using lexicographic goal programming involving three objectives under some realistic constraints related to capacities of the markets.

Findings

This study investigates the usefulness and efficacy of the proposed method for a 3PL allocation problem for a case example of a typical fish supply network. The decision‐makers can evaluate the alternative solutions with respect to a set of decision criteria. The result indicates substantial improvement by reducing the number of 3PL service providers and reallocating them to the case fish markets.

Practical implications

The work provides a useful decision model for practicing managers, policy makers and researchers of this area.

Originality/value

This model would help a decision maker to resolve the issues related to selection of 3PL under a set of conflicting multi‐objective criteria.
RFID: from concept to implementation
Authors: Spekman Robert E. , Sweeney Patrick J.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive overview of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. The goal is to provide insights regarding the implementation and use of RFID by focusing on its advantages and its problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses, what RFID is, how its parts fit; what role management plays in its implementation, and where the pitfalls are.

Findings

RFID is discussed as the latest technology to help manage the logistics and inventory problems faced by all companies. Not only has RFID been shown to provide benefits for the firm in its internal operations; its greatest contribution lies in its ability to improve information and materials flows throughout the entire supply chain. With RFID technology visibility in materials flow (from raw material to finished goods) among all supply chain members is improved and the accuracy of the information shared is greatly enhanced. Equally important is the role played by RFID in the development of more collaborative relations among supply chain members.

Practical implications

For practicing managers the paper offers suggestions for improving the probability of a successful RFID implementation. The paper discusses implications ranging from dealing with the physics of the aligning the equipment, to validity and reliability testing, to integrating a complete RFID system inside the firm, to developing the requisite metrics, mindset, and managerial systems to link all members of the supply chain.

Originality/value

The paper combines practice and theory to demonstrate the potential benefits of RFID and provides insight into how to manage the problems that plague the rapid adoption of this new technology.
Buyer‐supplier relationships
Authors: Kannan Vijay R. , Choon Tan Keah
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To analyze the impact of supplier selection and buyer‐supplier engagement on the performance benefits attributable to buyer‐supplier relationships, and the effect of these benefits on broader measures of buyer performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis is conducted using a structural equation model using survey data.

Findings

Results demonstrate the positive influence of engagement and supplier selection on relationship performance. They also demonstrate that the success of the relationship directly and positively affects buyer performance.

Research limitations/implications

Additional analysis is required to examine whether the results hold for specific industry or purchase scenarios, and to identify other dimensions of the constructs of interest.

Practical implications

Buyers should pay attention to selecting the right suppliers and developing the infrastructure that will enable successful buyer‐supplier relationships.

Originality/value

The paper provides empirical evidence of the impact of cultivating buyer‐supplier relationships on relationship success, and how this directly impacts business performance.
Drivers and obstacles of outsourcing practices in China
Authors: Hung Lau Kwok , Zhang Jianmei
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To explore the key factors that motivate organizations in China to outsource and the obstacles these companies are facing in comparison with the situation in Western developed countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was adopted with primary data collected through in‐depth interviews with six companies in China and secondary data aggregated from company reports and documents. Research findings were analyzed within and across all case studies to identify key drivers and obstacles of outsourcing.

Findings

Economic factor is a strong motivation for outsourcing in China, of which cost reduction, cost saving, and capital investment reduction are the main concerns. Strategic considerations, such as the use of outsourcing to accelerate re‐engineering benefits, to focus on core competence, to increase flexibility, and to facilitate market penetration, are identified. Environmental factors like information technology (IT) development and capability of supplier can influence organizations' decisions to outsource. Meanwhile, companies in China have encountered obstacles and problems in the outsourcing process. They include the lack of capable service providers, loss of control, poor transportation and IT infrastructure, presence of local protection regulations, and lack of overall post‐outsourcing measurement.

Originality/value

This paper presents a systematic exploration of the drivers and the obstacles of outsourcing in China and provides a framework that may guide business organizations to make better outsourcing decisions. It may assist organizations to clearly define their expectations, develop strategic outsourcing plans, and make appropriate decisions to achieve outsourcing objectives.
Strategic postures of third‐party logistics providers in mainland China
Authors: Wang Qiang , Zantow Kenneth , Lai Fujun , Wang Xiaodong
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To examine the strategic posture of third‐party logistics (3PLs) providers in mainland China.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample survey, obtained by mail, of 3PLs firms in mainland China. Key informant data are used to operationalize Porter's competitive strategy and provides a framework to identify logistics strategies pursued by 3PLs providers. Various aspects of 3PLs providers are compared by different strategy types.

Findings

Identified four logistics strategies pursued by 3PLs providers in mainland China. Differentiation strategy outperforms cost leadership strategy. Companies pursuing cost leadership are shifting towards differentiation strategy to cope with the intense competition faced in mainland China's immense logistics markets.

Research limitations/implications

Bias may exist due to the mail survey. In‐depth studies on strategy formulation of 3PLs providers could be carried out to examine what factors influence the strategy formulation and explore the strategy evolution path.

Practical implications

This study is a very insightful source of information about 3PLs in mainland China for logistics managers, investors and policy‐makers. It provides guidance for 3PLs executives to formulate logistics strategy, adjust business objectives and prioritize operations, and for logistics users to select appropriate logistics providers. There are also suggestions for government to improve the business environment for the logistics industry. The study provides a basis for research on logistics management in mainland China.

Originality/value

This study is a pioneer and comprehensive study of mainland China's 3PLs providers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine 3PLs providers in mainland China.
B2B e‐marketplaces: a typology by functionality
Authors: Petersen Kenneth J. , Ogden Jeffrey A. , Carter Phillip L.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to develop a typology of e‐marketplace functionality and then link the typology to the associated value creation potential of differing types of e‐marketplaces.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews with the executives of 50 e‐marketplaces, a web/mail‐based survey of another 350 e‐marketplaces and interviews with several e‐marketplace customers were conducted.

Findings

B2B e‐marketplaces offer a variety of different value propositions. Leading e‐marketplaces have a well‐developed strategy for reaching a particular segment of the buying community, based on service needs. Developing e‐marketplaces do not demonstrate the same focus. On one hand, only a few e‐marketplaces had developed the same winning constellations of services, while on the other hand, most were planning a roll‐out of a wide variety of services that would carry them far beyond a focused strategy. The success of this approach seems problematic.

Practical implications

The prudent customer of an e‐marketplace should weigh their requirements against the functionality found across the broad set of e‐marketplaces as well as against the constellations of functionality (and value creation potential) developed in this research. Only after a careful assessment of needs, can companies make rational decisions about how to effectively use e‐marketplaces.

Originality/value

This research employs a strong research method to create a unique typology of e‐marketplace functionality. This research also links the typology of e‐marketplace functionality to its value creating potential.
Consumer response to stock‐out in the online supply chain
Authors: Dadzie Kofi Q. , Winston Evelyn
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Consumer response to merchandise shortage in the online supply chain outlet is an interesting and important issue for e‐vendors because of the high risk associated with the online environment. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the online environment on consumer out‐of‐stock behaviors. In addition, it aims to examine the relative impact of non‐web site situational factors on consumer out‐of‐stock behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The study proposed an expectation confirmation‐disconfirmation framework based on the utility maximization principle in consumer research. This framework was validated with data from online shopping transactions gathered in two field studies.

Findings

The occurrence of a stock‐out had a pervasive negative impact on consumers' assessment of their online transactional experience and repurchase intentions. Furthermore, item substitution behavior was positively linked with merchandise information content, vividness of web site content, and service speed and a few situational factors. Overall, it was found that consumers' reaction to the “shock” effect of a stock‐out was best explained by an expectation confirmation‐disconfirmation model rather than a performance‐only or expectation‐only model.

Research limitations/implications

While the focus on the total expectation confirmation‐disconfirmation process limited the scope of the study to a single stock‐out event, future research should examine multiple stock‐out events to further validate the proposed framework.

Practical implications

Managers can take advantage of the positive linkage between web site design features and item substitution behavior by tracking the online consumers' expectation confirmation‐disconfirmation evaluative process and its effect on how consumers respond to high priced versus low priced items during a stock‐out event. Design features for low priced items such as CDs and books require product specific information to reduce item switching or exit from the e‐supply chain during a stock‐out event.

Originality/value

Scholars need a systematic framework for examining consumer response to a stock‐out that is applicable in the e‐commerce context because of the effects of abundant information access, low switching cost and the high service expectations of online customers.
Functional/dysfunctional supply chain exchanges
Authors: Davis‐Sramek Beth , Fugate Brian S. , Omar Ayman
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a means‐end value chain framework to understand two supply chain party's values by presenting a value‐matching framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Using means end theory, qualitative data from third party logistics (3PL) providers and manufacturers were used to construct means end value hierarchies to demonstrate how values between buyers and sellers can be mismatched.

Findings

In comparing the responses from the 3PLs and manufacturers, examples were found of exchange‐specific value matches and exchange‐specific value mismatches. The analysis showed that the 3PL managers interviewed were seeking to provide the value of being “market‐driven” (refers to a reactive business logic, which favors incremental adjustments to changes in the business environment), while the manufacturers desired their 3PLs to be “market‐driving” (refers to innovative business logic by providing break‐through ideas, practices and processes).

Research limitations/implications

This research focuses more attention on an important objective of the marketing concept often overlooked in the business‐to‐business relationship literature: fulfilling the local firm's needs. This paper extends the use of the MEVHM and expands its applicability beyond understanding the focal firm's values to all exchange parties, including suppliers, third parties and cooperative alignments with competitors. Additionally, this paper contributes to the literature by suggesting that exchange values are a type of value important in achieving functional exchanges, and the concept of “value matching”.

Practical implications

Applying the MEVHM to both the focal firm and their supply chain exchange party provides a decision analysis tool for the management of exchanges. Additionally, this paper's model can be a guiding mechanism for managers to assist in the exchange party search and selection process.

Originality/value

The literature and the qualitative study suggest that the MEVHM could be a useful tool in understanding supply chain partners. However, this should be performed while fulfilling the firm's need (e.g. at a profit). In order for a focal firm to fulfill these needs from a particular exchange, it must understand the value it desires from that exchange. Not only is the MEVHM applicable to gain understanding of the exchange party's values of a particular exchange, but it is also an appropriate tool to gain understanding of the focal firm's exchange values.