bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing complexity of supply chains: evidence from wholesalers
Authors: de Leeuw Sander , Grotenhuis Ruud , van Goor Ad R. 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss complexity assessment in supply chains, to describe a methodology for measuring supply chain complexity in distributive trade and to illustrate the measurement of supply chain complexity and mechanisms to cope with supply chain complexity in distributive trade.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses literature on measuring supply chain complexity and uses five case studies among wholesale companies to illustrate a methodology to measure supply chain complexity and to discuss strategies to cope with supply chain complexity.FindingsThe study confirms the multifaceted nature of supply chain complexity. The paper identifies eight drivers of supply chain complexity and uses these to illustrate the measurement of supply chain complexity in a wholesale environment. The paper identifies six strategies used by wholesalers for coping with supply chain complexity and identifies interrelations between supply chain complexity drivers and these strategies.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on case studies in wholesale companies; future research may include survey research, including other sectors to analyze industry differences but may also focus on other parts of the supply chain.Practical implicationsThe study provides insights into how to identify and measure complexity in a supply chain and what can be done to manage supply chain complexity.Originality/valueThe measurement approach is new to supply chain management and is based on multiple drivers of supply chain complexity. The research is focused on wholesalers, which is a segment that has received limited academic attention in supply chain research to date.
Selection of tailored practices for supply chain management
Authors: Barros Ana Cristina , Barbosa‐Póvoa Ana Paula , Blanco Edgar E. 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate what hinders businesses to achieve superior supply chain performance and how this knowledge may be used in the process of selection of tailored practices for supply chain management (SCM).Design/methodology/approachLiterature review and secondary case studies were used to identify hinders of superior supply chain performance. A method for the selection of tailored practices for SCM is developed. Case study research is used to validate the value of the developed method for practice and research.FindingsThis research identifies detrimental phenomena that are observed in the management of supply chains: waste, uncertainty, vulnerability, congestion, bullwhip, diseconomies of scale and self‐interest. It develops and illustrates a method for the selection of tailored SCM practices.Research limitations/implicationsThis research did not verify the completeness of the list of phenomena identified. The implementation of the selected practices was not in the scope of the case studies.Practical implicationsResearchers may use the phenomena to study the impact of different practices in the overall supply chain performance, as well as to study the interactions between the different phenomena. Practitioners may use the proposed method as a diagnosis and continuous improvement tool for their supply chain.Originality/valueAlthough the supply chain phenomena have been explored individually in the literature, a holistic approach of the phenomena had not yet been developed to the best of our knowledge. The method developed identifies a set of tailored practices that are in alignment with the context and strategy of the business and decrease the overall effects of the detrimental phenomena.
Converging production models: the STS versus lean production debate revisited
Authors: Dabhilkar Mandar , Åhlström Pär 
Published: August 2013

PurposeAgainst the background of the often politicized debate on the advantages and disadvantages of production models based on sociotechnical systems (STS) theory and lean production (LP), this paper develops a notion of a hybrid model consisting of elements of both STS and LP and tests its validity by empirical examination.Design/methodology/approachA representative sample of manufacturing plants in Sweden was surveyed. The questionnaire measured the hybrid model in three specific constructs: STS in terms of an integrated work organizational design featuring multifunctional teams, decentralized responsibilities and integrated functions; LP in terms of adoption of lean practices such as just‐in‐time; and plant performance in terms of productivity, quality, delivery and speed. The obtained data were subjected to multiple regression analysis to test our convergence argument while controlling for plant size, order fulfilment practice and production process type.FindingsA relationship between the elements of STS and LP is found. Implementing elements of both production models together leads to better plant performance than implementing either one in isolation. Furthermore, plants having an integrated work organization are possibly more successful in adopting the principles of LP, which in turn leads to improved plant performance.Originality/valueIn contrast to earlier research, the paper argues based on empirical findings that there is no inherent conflict between STS and LP. Rather, these production models have evolved over time and converged into a hybrid. The strong relationship between work organization design and LP practices suggests a need for a broad and parallel change effort for high performance impact.
Tools without skills
Authors: Kauppi Katri , Brandon‐Jones Alistair , Ronchi Stefano , van Raaij Erik M. 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe paper examines the moderating role of a purchasing function's absorptive capacity (AC) on the relationship between the use of electronic purchasing tools and category level purchasing performance. The authors argue that an e‐purchasing tool may not in itself positively influence performance unless combined with AC as a human interface to maximise its information and transactional improvement potential.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data collected from 297 procurement executives of large companies in ten countries are analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and hierarchical moderated regression.FindingsThe results demonstrate few significant direct effects of e‐purchasing tools on category performance. All performance measures studied are enhanced when dimensions of AC and their interactions with the e‐purchasing tools are added. Specifically, buyer competence, manager competence and communications climate have performance‐enhancing effects. In some cases, AC on its own appears to increase performance more than e‐tools.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to study the moderating effects of AC on the relationship between e‐purchasing tool usage and category performance. Its findings support the view that simply implementing technology does not lead to performance improvements, but that a human interface is required to maximise the information and transactional improvement potential of e‐purchasing tools.
Testing an integrated model of operations capabilities
Authors: Ashwini Nand Alka , Singh Prakash J. , Power Damien 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the integrated model of operations strategy as proposed by Schmenner and Swink to explain whether firms trade‐off or accumulate capabilities, taking into account their positions relative to their asset and operating frontiers.Design/methodology/approachThe four major airlines based in Australia were studied. The paper is based on longitudinal data obtained from secondary sources. The four operations capabilities cost, quality, delivery and flexibility, and asset and operating frontiers, were all measured with proxy variables.FindingsThe study provides some support for the integrated model. Firms do appear to trade‐off capabilities when their asset and operating frontiers are close to each other. Firms show signs of accumulation when the asset frontiers are expanding significantly over time. There is indirect evidence that firms could be accumulating capabilities when the gap between the two frontiers is large.Practical implicationsThe study provides insights into when firms trade‐off or accumulate capabilities. A good understanding of asset and operating frontiers is important in this regard. Managers need to better identify, establish and combine their firms' capabilities in response to varying internal and external contingencies.Originality/valueThe paper provides an original and detailed empirical validation of Schmenner and Swink's integrated model. In doing so, this study contributes to informing and clarifying the debate in the operations strategy area relating to the circumstances in which firms trade‐off and/or accumulate capabilities.
Development of value stream map for achieving leanness in a manufacturing organization
Authors: Vinodh S. , Somanaathan M. , Arvind K.R. 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the practical feasibility of deploying value stream mapping (VSM) for enabling lean manufacturing.Design/methodology/approachThe literature on lean manufacturing and VSM has been reviewed. VSM has been selected as a technique for solving the problem existing in the case organization. The current state map has been developed after making necessary observations and calculations. Then various improvement proposals have been identified and the future state map has been developed. The simulation approach has been used for validating performance improvements. The practicality of the approach has been validated.FindingsTwo kinds of validation are being conducted in the case organization using questionnaire based approach. In the first stage, the practical receptivity of deploying the proposals has been gathered from the executives. In the second stage, statistical validation has been performed.Research limitations/implicationsVSM has been applied for solving the problem in the case organisation. But the organisation has implemented world class strategies such as ISO quality management system and total quality management. Hence, the experiences gained by the conduct of this implementation study are feasible and deployable in similar organisations.Practical implicationsIn order to acquire lean characteristics, modern organisations are focussed on the implementation of various lean tools/techniques. The results of the implementation study indicated significant improvement in lean characteristics.Originality/valueThe implementation study reported in this article is an original contribution of the authors which has been conducted in a typical industrial scenario. By the virtue of its research background and practical compatibility, the implementation study is considered to be highly valuable.
The effect of maintenance on the survival of medical equipment
Authors: Khalaf A.B. , Hamam Y. , Alayli Y. , Djouani K. 
Published: August 2013

PurposeStudying the availability of medical equipment based on various maintenance types has been a major concern for hospitals. Most of the methodologies used are empirical and few are based on mathematical modelling. The objective of this paper is to present a mathematical maintenance model that analyses the effect of maintenance on the survival probability of medical equipment based on maintenance history and age of that equipment.Design/methodology/approachA global model is proposed to measure the probability of equipment being available using real data extracted from maintenance history of infusion pumps and ventilators and analysed using Matlab. To confirm the validity of the developed model, the survival analysis approach is used to develop a model that measures the survival of equipment as a function of maintenance and age of equipment. The method is first tested using simulated data and the findings confirm the validity of the proposed approach.FindingsThe analysis using survival approach reveals that conducting preventive maintenance (PM) on the selected medical equipment had an impact on survival of equipment. However, the manufacturer's recommended PM intervals do not correlate to the failure rate encountered. This will contribute to the debate on PM manufacturer's recommended intervals and might lead to the revision of maintenance strategies implemented by hospitals and clinical engineering (CE) practitioners.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the data collected for the infusion pumps were quite sufficient, that collected for the ventilators were more limited. The major difficulty is that of the availability of historical maintenance data and the effect of user errors may cause uncertainty in the analysis. A closer collaboration with the medical professional should facilitate the recording and access to such information.Practical implicationsThe use of mathematical modelling to analyse the effect of maintenance on the survival of medical equipment is a beneficial tool that is not exploited in the medical equipment industry. It will provide CE practitioners with scientific tool to analyse the effect of PM on the survival of medical equipment.Originality/valueThis paper presents a mathematical approach to analyse the effect of maintenance on the survival of medical equipment, which is crucial in the assessment of maintenance strategies implemented in the medical equipment industry.
An integrated design approach for rapid product development
Authors: Ali Fahraz , Chowdary Boppana V. , Gonzales Luis 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an integrated design approach for rapid product development (RpD) of a broken product.Design/methodology/approachReverse engineering (RE), re‐engineering (ReE) and RpD systems have been incorporated to infuse agile characteristics in the proposed design and development process. A case study involving a broken clutch shoe was selected to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed integrated approach.FindingsIntegration of RE, ReE and RpD presented an unconventional approach towards achieving reduced lead times for design and development of products. Agile characteristics have been manifested for the broken clutch shoe by retrieval of a digitized parametric computer aided design (CAD) model. Moreover, development and selection of an enhanced feasible design (M3) as well as delivery of the corresponding prototype was accomplished just in one week.Originality/valueThe proposed integrated approach for RpD can provide solutions to similar industrial situations wherein agility in the product design and development process can be infused so that the developed part can be delivered quickly to the customer at the reduced time and costs.
BIM collaboration in student architectural technologist learning
Authors: Mathews Malachy 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThis paper is the result of a qualitative case study which investigated the influence of building information modelling (BIM) collaboration on the learning of student architectural technologists based on a studio group project. The purpose of this paper is to disseminate knowledge gained into a new learning environment facilitated by the collaborative properties of a BIM application.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative case study approach has been used to undertake the examination of the learners' experiences during the project. This approach allowed the author to map the complex interaction between the participants during the stages of the collaborative design project.FindingsThis paper provides evidence of a new learning environment created in the studio setting. This learning is facilitated by the creation of a single digital building model by a student group and then worked on by the group simultaneously using the applications collaboration toolset.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was carried out on one group consisting of six student architectural technologists working with one practising architect over a 12 week period. The author was the single observer to the project.Practical implicationsThis paper will support higher education institutions proposing to introduce collaborative BIM applications into a built environment curriculum and may also act as a catalyst to encourage educators to adopt a similar approach to teaching in a range of other professions.Originality/valueThis paper identifies a potential for higher level learning facilitated by collaborative BIM technologies and methodologies. It also supports the need in higher education to provide for transition from theory to workplace practice.
How organizations support distributed project teams
Authors: Drouin Nathalie , Bourgault Mario 
Published: August 2013

PurposeWork in distributed project teams is always a challenge for organizations. Many researchers have studies different aspects of distributed project teams, as witnessed by the impressive number of papers published in the last decade. However, it appears that the dimensions related to organizational support have still not received much attention in empirical studies. This study investigates the dimensions of organizational support in distributed project teams that contribute most to the quality of the decision‐making process and teamwork effectiveness in distributed project teams.Design/methodology/approachThe initial intent of this research was to test a theoretical model on the basis of data from the field, namely real‐life situations. A two‐step approach (qualitative and quantitative method) was used. The research model was tested in a sample of experienced project managers on distributed project teams.FindingsThe results suggest that strategic staffing and training and tools provided to team members have a positive impact on the quality of decision making and teamwork effectiveness. Team autonomy is more salient and influential in fostering decision quality in a highly culturally diverse context. Our findings also re‐confirm the link between the quality of decision making and team effectiveness. Thus, teams are perceived as vehicles for identifying and integrating various individual viewpoints and combining knowledge.Practical implicationsThis study underscores the importance of selecting practices that enhance the recognition of team members’ contributions in the context of distributed project teams. It is now clear that managers cannot treat these distributed project teams in the same way as conventional teams. Several intervention and support methods are possible. This research contributes to identifying which of them are the most appropriate in this context.Originality/valueThis study contributes to research on distributed project teams and on organizational support theory. It highlights the importance of understanding the processes or dimensions underlying the consequences of perceived organizational support. It bolsters the need to select practices that enhance the recognition of team members’ contributions and treat them favourably in the context of distributed project teams.
Belbin role diversity and team performance: is there a relationship?
Authors: Batenburg Ronald , van Walbeek Wouter , in der Maur Wesley 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to test the relationship between team role diversity and team performance, as one of the main assumptions behind the highly cited and used Belbin model and test.Design/methodology/approachData were collected among 24 teams of 144 students that participated in different rounds of a management game. All students performed a Belbin role self‐test prior to the management game. Performance of the teams was measured by the grade they received for the year‐end report written, and the financial results they achieved at the end of the management game.FindingsNo relationship was found between team role diversity and team performance. Also, it was found that the Belbin role of the team leader was not related to team performance as well. The only significant relationship found was between the individual study results of the team members and the grade they received for the year‐end report.Research limitations/implicationsResults might change if team performance is measured by other indicators, such as the level of in‐team collaboration or collective motivation.Practical implicationsIt should not be expected that creating diversity of roles within teams automatically leads to better performance. Continuous improvement, recognizing the phase team development is in, should also be in place to balance team members and support their performance.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the empirical testing of assumptions and ideas behind Belbin's model and test. Given its limitations, it provides new triggers to conduct more, similar empirical research.
Identity struggle, professional development and career
Authors: Peticca‐Harris Amanda , McKenna Steve 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThrough a single‐person career/life history of a human resource (HR) manager, the purpose of this paper is to illuminate the relationship between professional identity and “being” a manager in the context of a “whole life”.Design/methodology/approachThe approach of this paper is to use an extended interview with a single HR management professional to consider the complexities and discontinuities of managing a professional and personal life. The interview is considered in light of Alvesson's seven images of self‐identity.FindingsManagers are constantly negotiating a professional identity, “being” a manager and a career in the context of their whole life. In developing managers in an increasingly stressful and competitive environment, the intersection between the various elements of a manager's life should be taken into account.Research limitations/implicationsCloser attention should be paid to the lives of managers in the context of their identity and careers. Research should more closely consider, in detail, the lived experiences of managers and professionals.Practical implicationsManagement development should focus on lived experiences of managers rather than competency and skill development. Managerial performance is related to the coping and sensemaking that occurs within specific contexts and management development professionals should focus more on these aspects of a “managerial life”.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is in highlighting the importance of very focussed and very personal management development.