bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
E‐mail infatuation
Authors: Parker Lee 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a satirical critique on the dominant role of e‐mail communications in business and professional life.Design/methodology/approachPoetic exposition.FindingsTakes the reader through a declining list of positive e‐mail attributes which metamorphose into increasingly dysfunctional attributes and personally stressful experiences. Highlights the addictive appeal and tensions in e‐mail usage.Research limitations/implicationsRaising awareness and pointing to issues regarding the commonly experienced advantages and disadvantages of the electronic business age.Originality/valueOpens up the dysfunctional personal and working consequences of e‐mail communications in the world of work.
Engineering cellular organisation and operation for effective healthcare delivery supply chains
Authors: Parnaby J. , Towill D.R. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive description, justification and modus operandi for implementation of cellular operations within healthcare delivery supply chains. The methodology outlined has a sound theoretical basis, has been proven in a wide range of market sectors (including hospitals) and hence qualifies for consideration as a contribution to “new management theory”.Design/methodology/approachApproach is based on the well established management‐by‐projects (MBP) methodology for analysis, design and effective implementation of change. There is detailed coverage of the five‐step MBP programme with specific applications in healthcare. The importance of “people involvement” as a core requirement is demonstrated via the set‐up of task forces to design and operate such cells. These groups integrate cognate activities so as to provide seamless patient flow within the healthcare delivery process. MBP is derived from a systems perspective. This in turn is concerned with maintaining quality, reducing uncertainty, smooth transference, synchronisation, schedule adherence, and minimisation of throughput times.FindingsThe outputs from case studies executed in a large UK teaching hospital confirm the substantial benefits accruing from cellular operation. In both materials supplies and urology admission processes significant improvements result form adoption of the MBP change methodology. This includes substantive 50 per cent reduction in patient throughput times, plus 25 per cent increase in bed utilisation. Measurable cost benefits are achieved in materials supply, especially via simplification of ordering systems.Research limitations/implicationsThe healthcare applications demonstrate the applicability of MBP within this specialised scenario. However, the solutions depend on the innovatory capability of the relevant task forces who execute the projects. Since these necessarily include participation by coal‐face “players”, i.e. doctors, nurses, support staff, etc. advised by internal “change experts” the solutions adopted are shaped to be the best and most appropriate “local” schema.Practical implicationsIt is essential that task forces be properly constituted, well trained, well advised, and actively practice the plan‐do‐check‐act cyclic route of well‐tested improvement. “Train‐Do” is the key. However, in healthcare especially, the “Elephant Must Be Eaten in Bite Sized Chunks”. In other words the organisation needs visible progressive change, unit‐by‐unit, thus avoiding saturation of scarce resources.Originality/valueBrings together the MBP methodology and cellular organisational concepts into an integrated, sustainable, systems based approach to the analysis, design and implementation of effective change.
The impact of integrating return components planning with purchasing decisions on purchasing performance
Authors: Jinhui Wu Sarah , Closs David J. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to apply a simulation experiment to investigate the impact of new components purchasing and used components recovery strategies on multiple performance measures. The research compares the effectiveness of these strategies, given different levels of uncertainty for the return flow from the contingency perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe experimental design is implemented using an ARENA simulation model. Simulation results are used to test the proposed research model. Multivariate analysis of variance is used for data analysis.FindingsThe results demonstrate that while a proactive purchasing strategy reduces total system cost, it also negatively affects service level. While there are some general conclusions, it is equally important to make decisions under specific business contexts.Practical implicationsThe primary implication is that a firm has to align its purchasing strategy and recovery strategy with its business strategy. Given the tradeoff on multiple performance dimensions, the business strategy guides the selection of the appropriate purchasing and recovery strategy.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates that using multiple performance measures is necessary to accurately assess cost and service trade‐offs related to a proactive purchasing strategy. Considering a wide range of circumstances, this paper suggests that the contingency perspective is a valid approach for investigating closed‐loop supply chains.
Sourcing from low‐cost countries
Authors: Ruamsook Kusumal , Russell Dawn M. , Thomchick Evelyn A. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the issues pertinent to sourcing internationally from low‐cost countries (LCCs) and to understand which issues are associated most strongly with a firm's logistics performance.Design/methodology/approachComparative examination of supply sources in developed countries and LCCs is conducted using a paired‐sample setting. Data acquired by a mail survey of US‐based manufacturing firms are analyzed using a canonical correlation analysis (CCA). CCA helps to reveal the structure of relationships within and between a set of sourcing issue variables and a set of the logistics performance variables investigated.FindingsResults indicate that the issues that should be priorities for improvement are: supplier production capability; business culture and practices; and communication infrastructure.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey data and analysis focused on US manufacturing firms importing from LCCs. However, there is increasing activity of US retailers importing from LCCs, suggesting a need for a follow‐on study which considers the retailer perspective.Practical implicationsResults not only validate the issues to be considered in sourcing from LCCs, but also provide a direction for logistics managers in allocating an organization's scarce resources to the issues of highest potential for improving logistics performance.Originality/valueThe fast emerging role of LCCs as supply sources of US firms and the cost advantages of sourcing from LCCs are widely recognized. However, challenges associated with sourcing internationally from LCCs and the extent to which they are related to a firm's logistics performance have received limited attention in existing logistics research. This study contributes valuable insights into this area of international sourcing and logistics management.
Understanding the concept of supply chain resilience
Authors: Ponomarov Serhiy Y. , Holcomb Mary C. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeIn the emerging disciplines of risk management and supply chain management, resilience is a relatively undefined concept. The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated perspective on resilience through an extensive review of the literature in a number of disciplines including developmental psychology and ecosystems. In addition, the paper identifies and addresses some of the current theoretical gaps in the existing research.Design/methodology/approachSupply chain resilience has been defined by a number of disciplines. An integrative literature review is conducted in an attempt to integrate existing perspectives. This review also serves as the basis for the development of a conceptual model.FindingsThe key elements of supply chain resilience and the relationships among them, the links between risks and implications for supply chain management, and the methodologies for managing these key issues are poorly understood. Implications for future research advocate testing the proposed model empirically.Practical implicationsSupply chain disruptions have adverse effect on both revenue and costs. Resilient supply chains incorporate event readiness, are capable of providing an efficient response, and often are capable of recovering to their original state or even better post the disruptive event.Originality/valueSupply chain resilience has yet to be researched from the logistics perspective. Even in well‐developed disciplines the unified theory of resilience is still under development. This research leverages existing knowledge and advances an interdisciplinary understanding of the concept.
Coordinating material and information flows with supply chain planning
Authors: Kaipia Riikka 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study how companies can select a supply chain planning (SCP) mechanism to improve the balance between material flow and information flow.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology of the paper is an inductive case study approach. Coordination theory is used as a background for the paper. Based on a literature survey, determinants of the selection of a SCP approach are defined. Cases of SCP are used to validate the framework presented.FindingsThe paper suggests that specific supply chain characteristics need to be balanced by selecting a coordination mechanism that uses information optimally to support the material flow. Flexible material flow needs frequent updates of the plan based on accurate information. If frequent information sharing and planning practices are used to support inflexible material flow, the result may be volatility in plans, and planning resources are wasted. If a flexible material flow is supported by inadequate information, waste may be produced in the material flow, in the form of excess inventories or capacity.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper presents a framework for finding the balance between information flows and material flows and for applying a coordination mechanism.Practical implicationsCompanies can use the framework to analyse the management of their material flow and their use of information. In future research the framework could be developed to give more support for situations with different levels and sources of uncertainty.Originality/valueThe framework provides a new perspective on the discussion how information should be used to improve supply chain performance.
Application of a decision support system to strategic warehousing decisions
Authors: Min Hokey 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to illustrate the successful development of a warehousing decision support system (WDSS) that aided the Buckeye Cable Vision Incorporated (BCV) in making its strategic warehouse expansion and re‐warehousing decisions. The WDSS utilized by the BCV can be a blue‐print for other companies which would like to improve their warehousing productivity and strengthen the warehousing link to their supply chain.Design/methodology/approachWarehousing costs make up a significant portion of a company's business expenditures. Thus, many companies are pressured to control warehousing costs by improving their warehousing productivity. However, it is not an easy task to improve warehousing productivity given the increased complexity associated with today's warehousing activities such as value‐added services and cross‐docking operations. To cope with such warehousing challenges, a specific decision support system (DSS) that incorporates several computer‐based models into the warehouse decision‐making process is proposed. These models include: a simulation model based on computer‐aided design, an analytic hierarchy process, and a forecasting technique. To demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed DSS and provide practical guidance for other companies that seek the DSS as a powerful decision‐aid tool, this paper conducted an in‐depth case analysis of the BCV that successfully exploited the WDSS.FindingsThrough the BCV's case, it was shown that the WDSS could not only enhance warehousing productivity, but could also improve supply chain visibility. Also, it was found that the WDSS success lay in the company's ability to sustain high data quality by standardizing, cleaning, and updating relevant data on a real‐time basis.Originality/valueSince the early 1970s, a DSS has attracted attention from both profit and non‐profit organizations. Despite the long history of DSS evolution, it has been rarely applied to strategic warehousing decisions. This paper is one of the first attempts to develop a specific DSS that can assist warehousing managers in documenting warehousing costs, identifying non‐value adding activities, evaluating strategic warehousing alternatives, and utilizing given warehousing resources.
The relationship between strategic orientation, service innovation, and performance
Authors: Grawe Scott J. , Chen Haozhe , Daugherty Patricia J. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine how a firm's strategic orientation affects service innovation capability and the resulting impact on market performance.Design/methodology/approachA survey was administered to supply chain executives. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationships among the following constructs: customer orientation, competitor orientation, cost orientation, service innovation, and market performance.FindingsAlthough the relationship between cost orientation and service innovation is not supported, the relationships between customer orientation and competitor orientation and service innovation are supported. Additionally, the relationship between service innovation and market performance is supported.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is one of a limited number of studies which has empirically addressed service innovation. Additional research is needed to address the impact of a firm's strategic orientation on product innovation capability.Practical implicationsThe study found that firms seeking to develop a service innovation capability should employ customer orientation, competitor orientation, or a combination of the two different types of strategic orientation.Originality/valueService innovation has received very little empirical attention in the current innovation literature. This paper fills in some of the gaps in the literature.
Managing the product design‐supply chain interface
Authors: Khan Omera , Creazza Alessandro 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the interface between product design and the supply chain and to develop a roadmap to the design centric business through better management of this interface.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach is adopted. This enabled the development of a roadmap to inform businesses on how to develop a design centric business integrated with the extended supply chain.FindingsThe research shows that successful companies will be those which seek to extend and develop the contribution of design into all aspects of their business. The roadmap to a design centric business enables firms to better position product design within their business processes and helps facilitate better integration between product design and the supply chain.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings from this research have been derived from a scoping study of a relatively small sample. However, the findings are grounded by a structured literature review and are generalisable to other industry sectors.Originality/valueDesign for the supply chain is an under‐explored area. The conceptual framework highlights the importance of the product design‐supply chain management interface and offers a roadmap for companies to develop a more design centric business.
Extending landed cost models to improve offshore sourcing decisions
Authors: Young Richard R. , Swan Peter F. , Thomchick Evelyn A. , Ruamsook Kusumal 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the components required for more robust landed cost models given the now widespread interest in sourcing finished goods, components for assembly, and basic raw materials from global sources. This study also seeks to establish the need for broad‐based participation in operationalizing such models.Design/methodology/approachInterviews are conducted with several major firms that import a range of merchandise into the USA to develop in‐depth case studies. A taxonomy of variables found in increasingly comprehensive forms of landed cost models is developed from the case studies. These variables are assembled into modules and analyzed with the use of an expert panel consisting of executives responsible for import activities at major firms.FindingsMost major firms are relatively unsophisticated in their approach to making offshore sourcing decisions. Few employ models that are sufficiently detailed and some do not even embrace the basic logistical elements of price, transportation, and inventory. The administrative overhead required for offshoring is seldom considered nor are the potential risks associated with sourcing globally that may result.Research limitations/implicationsThe study considered only imports into the USA. Even with a relatively broad range of industries represented and the in‐depth research design, there are very few data points. Hence, this is theory building research upon which a more broad‐based methodology will be found.Practical implicationsWith firms of all sizes and industries seeking to employ offshore sources of supply, a rational approach needs to be developed to support such decisions. Historically, such actions were taken on the basis of price alone; however, such an approach is clearly suboptimal. Many firms need to develop the ability to collect the requisite data, allow sufficient time to conduct proper analysis, and establish the cross‐functional mechanism for decision making.Originality/valueThis paper provides a range of modules, the more sophisticated potentially useful for supporting effective offshore sourcing decisions. It also advances the idea that while cost advantages may be present, there may be certain risk factors that obviate offshore sourcing alternatives.
Prediction of turbulent flow and heat transfer in channels with array of detached and alternative attached‐detached ribs
Authors: Raisee Mehrdad , Rokhzadi Arman 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate turbulent fluid flow and heat transfer through passages with an array of either detached or alternative attached‐detached ribs of square cross‐section.Design/methodology/approachThe finite‐volume method in a partially staggered grid system has been applied. For the modeling of turbulence, the zonal as well as the linear and non‐linear low‐Reynolds number k  −  ε models have been employed.FindingsThe numerical results show that the presence of the ribs produces a very complex flow in the channel. The mean flow predictions for the channel with detached ribs show that the low‐Re k  −  ε models are able to reproduce most of the experimentally observed flow features away from the ribbed wall, but return lower stream‐wise velocities close to the wall. Additionally, all low‐Re k  −  ε models underpredict the stream‐wise turbulence intensity whilst producing correct cross‐stream turbulence intensity levels close to the measured data. All three turbulence models fail to completely reproduce the distribution of Nusselt number. Among three turbulence models examined in this work, the zonal k  −  ε model produces the best heat transfer predictions.Originality/valueThe work contributes in understanding of the flow and thermal development in passages with detached ribs. The present set of 2D and steady heat and fluid flow comparisons establishes a base‐level for more realistic three‐dimensional and unsteady computations. The results of this study may be of interest to engineers attempting to re‐design the internal cooling system of gas turbine blades and to researchers interested in the turbulent flow‐modification aspects of heat transfer enhancement of forced convection in ribbed passages.
Network modelling of unsteady natural convection flow over a vertical plate submitted to surface temperature oscillation
Authors: Zueco Joaquín 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe unsteady natural convection flow of a viscous dissipative fluid along a semi‐infinite vertical plate subjected to periodic surface temperature oscillation is investigated.Design/methodology/approachAn electrical‐network model based on the Network Simulation Method is developed to solve the governing equations. The accuracy and effectiveness of the method are demonstrated.FindingsThe increasing of the viscous dissipation and the decreasing in the Prandtl number lead to a decrease in Nusselt number and an increase in the local skin‐friction. Also, it is found that the oscillations of the Nusselt number and of the local skin‐friction depend on the frequency and amplitude of the oscillating surface temperature. For Pr = 1,000 and ε = 0.005 (realistic case) the effect of the viscous dissipation is appreciable at large distances from the leading edge.Research limitations/implicationsThe inclusion of viscous dissipation in the energy equation, except of the theoretical interest, has applications in very special cases, for example, gases at very low temperature and also for high Prandtl number liquids.Originality/valueThe influence of the non‐uniformity of wall temperature on the heat transfer by natural convection along of the plate together with the viscous dissipation of the fluid are analysed by means of a new numerical technique based on the electrical analogy.
Entropy generation analysis for the free surface turbulent flow during laser material processing
Authors: Chatterjee Dipankar , Chakraborty Suman 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to carry out a systematic energy analysis for predicting the first and second law efficiencies and the entropy generation during a laser surface alloying (LSA) process.Design/methodology/approachA three‐dimensional transient macroscopic numerical model is developed to describe the turbulent transport phenomena during a typical LSA process and subsequently, the energy analysis is carried out to predict the entropy generation as well as the first and second law efficiencies. A modified k–ε model is used to address turbulent molten metal‐pool convection. The phase change aspects are addressed using a modified enthalpy‐porosity technique. A kinetic theory approach is adopted for modelling evaporation from the top surface of the molten pool.FindingsIt is found that the heat transfer due to the strong temperature gradient is mainly responsible for the irreversible degradation of energy in the form of entropy production and the flow and mass transfer effects are less important for this type of phase change problem. The first and second law efficiencies are found to increase with effective heat input and remain independent of the powder feed rate. With the scanning speed, the first law efficiency increases whereas the second law efficiency decreases.Research limitations/implicationsThe top surface undulations are not taken care of in this model which is a reasonable approximation.Practical implicationsThe results obtained will eventually lead to an optimized estimation of laser parameters (such as laser power, scanning speed, etc.), which in turn improves the process control and reduces the cost substantially.Originality/valueThis paper provides essential information for modelling solid–liquid phase transition as well as a systematic analysis for entropy generation prediction.