bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global supply chain adaptations to improve financial performance
Authors: Liao Kun , Marsillac Erika , Johnson Eldon , Liao Ying 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand and describe the conditions that compel and underscore global supply chain (SC) adaptations.Design/methodology/approachInsights from contingency theory, Porter's economic cluster theory and international factory mapping are used to analyze the SC adaptations that follow when an automotive firm moves from a domestic to a global SC.FindingsAn automotive global SC adaptation includes market entry considerations, the establishment of a three‐stage flexible time‐ and production‐based supplier network plan, and the integration of logistics partners.Research limitations/implicationsSC adaptations are an important consideration for any manufacturing expansion effort, especially international ones. Varying production levels impact supplier relationships and decisions and may result in varied supplier perspectives. Government regulations influence entry and routine decisions, while logistics issues and costs play an integral role in supplier perceptions and reactions.Practical implicationsWith the rapid expansion of the Chinese auto market, entering manufacturing firms need more information about how to strategically locate, and develop and support supplier networks. A stepped supplier network establishment approach optimizes benefits for both manufacturing firm and suppliers. Evaluating and integrating logistics issues also sets the stage for future expansion efforts at optimal cost and supplier support.Originality/valueThe internationalization of the automotive SC involves adaptations that can only be successful through advance planning, strategic supplier networking, and systematic logistics integration.
A global supplier selection process for food packaging
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Hong Qui S. , Haggerty Linae N. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeNumerous research articles and industry reports are currently available that deal with global sourcing, however, few articles and reports can be specifically found on sourcing packaging materials in the consumer packaged food (CPF) industry. The purpose of this paper is to understand and develop the supplier selection process and overall cost modeling that facilitates the selection of a high‐quality global supplier for low‐cost packaging materials used in large quantities for CPF products.Design/methodology/approachTo gain information relating to packaging material sourcing, a comprehensive literature search was conducted. Additionally, interviews with packaging material sourcing managers and directors were performed at a major global CPF products manufacturer. Knowledge gained from literature, industry interviews and available business data was used to develop a generic strategic outsourcing model and a closed loop business framework for selection of global suppliers of packaging material. This framework utilizes the proposed total cost of ownership model for global sourcing and weighted qualitative criteria matrix demonstrating how it is used in global supplier selection.FindingsThe results of this study show a standardized supplier selection process and the total cost of ownership model for a CPF manufacturer which incorporates the different logistic costs such as tariffs, duties, inventory carrying levels and cost of quality. These two models are then merged into a selection matrix to determine with which supplier to enter into a long‐term supply relationship.Originality/valueThe paper combines both the relevant closed loop supplier selection modeling framework and the total cost of ownership model in the selection of supplier for low‐cost high‐volume CPF materials. It adds rigor regarding cost of ownership and emphasizes the need for a strategic rationale when entering into long‐term global supply relationships between CPF products manufacturers and packaging material suppliers.
A model for design and performance estimation of pick‐and‐sort order picking systems
Authors: Marchet Gino , Melacini Marco , Perotti Sara 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the performances of “pick‐and‐sort” order‐picking systems (OPSs) and investigate picking efficiency and design issues as a function of the number and length of the picking waves.Design/methodology/approachAn analytical model is proposed to estimate the picking efficiency as a function of wavelength. The model, which has been tested by simulations, includes an algorithm to estimate the expected overlapping of order lines. Finally, a case study illustrates the use of the model in the initial assessment phase of OPS design, and resolves the trade‐off between picking efficiency and sorting cost.FindingsThe effect of the wavelength on picking efficiency is calculated.Research limitations/implicationsThe trade‐off analysis between picking efficiency and sorting cost refers to a specific sorting system and picking area layout.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a tool to support the design of “pick‐and‐sort” OPS, where the importance of the length of the picking wave emerges.Originality/valueThis paper presents an innovative model that can be used in the initial phase of “pick‐and‐sort” OPS design.
Impact of business strategies of automobile manufacturers in Thailand
Authors: Phongpetra Vichak , Johri Lalit M. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate automobile manufacturers in Thailand and the effects that their business strategies had on their organizational performance.Design/methodology/approachFor empirical analysis, the method of confirmatory factor analysis and the structural modeling method were applied in order to refine business strategies, functional strategies, financial, and marketing organizational scales.FindingsThis research reveals that there are three significant business strategies of automobile manufacturers in Thailand which have a positive effect on the organization's financial and marketing performance: cost focus (the first priority), cost leadership (the second priority), and integrated cost an differentiation (the third priority). All the priorities of functional strategies that have a positive effect on the financial and marketing organization performance were subsequently analyzed as follows: manufacturing strategy (most significant), human resource management (the second most significant), marketing strategy (the third most significant), and the financial strategy (the least significant).Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should select different random samples to assess the perceptions of front line managers of automobile manufacturers, dealers and automobile part firms.Practical implicationsThe management of automobile manufacturers and automobile part firms should implement and improve their business strategies in terms of cost focus, cost leadership, and integrated cost leadership strategies achieve higher financial and marketing performance.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the existing literature by reexamining the impact of business strategies of automobile manufacturers on organizational performance.
The linkage between energy consumption and income in six emerging economies of Asia
Authors: Rafiq Shuddhasattwa , Salim Ruhul 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the short‐ and long‐run causal relationship between energy consumption and gross domestic product (GDP) of six emerging economies of Asia. The importance of identifying the direction of causality emanates from its relevance in national policy‐making issues regarding energy conservation.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs co‐integration and vector error correction modeling along with generalized impulse response functions and varience decomposition tests to check the robustness of the findings.FindingsThe empirical results show that there exists unidirectional short‐ and long‐run causality running from energy consumption to GDP for China, uni‐directional short‐run causality from output to energy consumption for India, whilst bi‐directional short‐run causality for Thailand. Neutrality between energy consumption and income is found for Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines. Both the generalized variance decompositions and impulse response functions confirm the direction of causality.Research limitations/implicationsThese findings have important policy implications for the countries concerned. The results suggest that while India may directly initiate energy conservation measures, China and Thailand may opt for a balanced combination of alternative polices.Originality/valueMany economists and social scientists are claiming that the increased demand for energy from developing countries like China and India is one of the major reasons for the energy price hikes in recent times. In this backdrop, it is justified to search causal relationship between energy consumption and national output (GDP) of some developing countries from Asia. Since the traditional bivariate approach suffers from omitted variable problems, this paper employs a trivariate demand side approach consisting of energy consumption, income and prices.
The investment development path theory: evidence from India
Authors: Verma Rakhi , Brennan Louis 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus, at the country‐specific level, on India's recent outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) surge, and more broadly test the investment development path (IDP) hypothesis for India.Design/methodology/approachA combination of descriptive and empirical analysis has been used to ascertain the relevance of the IDP theory for India. The theoretical background of this paper is the IDP hypothesis, which states that the net outward investment position (NOIP) of a country depends on its level of development. The hypothesis is tested with a time series data set from 1991 to 2006.FindingsThis paper highlights that while India's sharp rise in investments since 1991 has followed the gross domestic product driven development, its NOIP fails to exactly match the stylized IDP model.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper undertakes a macro level analysis and has not tested the hypothesis at the sectoral or bilateral levels.Practical implicationsThe paper identifies some peculiar features of Indian OFDI that cannot be explained by the IDP modelper se. Hence modifications are required for a fuller understanding of India's investment position.Originality/valueThis paper addresses an under researched topic of Indian OFDI.
The Sandals philosophy: exceeding guest expectations – now and in the future
Authors: Brown Phillip , Hassan Samer , Teare Richard 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to introduce the Sandals philosophy and how it enabled Sandals Resorts International to become the world's most celebrated ultra all‐inclusive resort company.Design/methodology/approachThe paper profiles the company's growth and approach to human resource development.FindingsThe paper concludes that an active, practical learning method is the most suitable development process to enable personal, professional and organizational development.Practical implicationsThe paper illustrates the importance of organizational learning in sustaining corporate success.Originality/valueThe paper provides a perspective on the business philosophy that underpins the development of Sandals Resorts International.
Getting to the transfer point: cascading action learning
Authors: Brown Phillip , Teare Richard 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline the objectives for learning at work and the strategic imperative to ensure that the rate of individual and corporate learning keeps pace with change.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an interview format to reveal personal insights on the challenges, benefits and outcomes of human resource development by action learning.FindingsThe paper concludes that customized learning provides the best way of facilitating self‐actualization at work – both for employees and the organization as a whole.Practical implicationsThe paper provides senior leader insights on the potential for learning at work and the underlying themes that enable organizations to develop as authentic learning organizations.Originality/valueThe paper reveals the benefits of embedding and cascading action learning so that participants can develop themselves and at the same time, their workplace environment.
Sandals Corporate University: “the change‐included experience”
Authors: Brown Phillip , Hassan Samer , Teare Richard 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to outline the role of Sandals Corporate University (SCU) and the contribution of action learning to human resource development.Design/methodology/approachThe paper relates theme issue content to the mission and mandate for SCU as an own brand learning system.FindingsThe paper concludes that action learning is a key element of SCU's capability and effectiveness in supporting the ongoing development of Sandals Resorts International.Practical implicationsThe paper illustrates the scope and potential for own brand learning that is accessible to all employees and provides development pathways with professional certification on a career‐long basis.Originality/valueThe paper reflects detailed piloting work and the emergence of an organizational learning system that fully integrates personal and professional development with the workplace.
Application of grey theory approach to evaluation of organizational vision
Authors: Rahimnia Fariborz , Moghadasian Mahdi , Mashreghi Ebrahim 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to propose a quantitative approach for assessing the qualitative nature of organizational vision.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses grey systems method to rank and evaluate the vision of five top‐ranked universities.FindingsIt is shown in the literature that qualitative consideration of organizational vision can be quantified using a mathematical method. This method can be used as a decision‐making tool where the judgments of the decision maker are not exact.Originality/valueThis study expresses the qualitative nature of organizational vision into a quantified shape. It does it through a mathematical method called “grey systems theory”. Moreover, it seems that the application of grey systems theory to the business context has rarely been examined.
Reliability of operations of grey numbers using kernels
Authors: Yang Yingjie , Liu Si‐feng 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to advance new rules about operations of grey numbers based on kernels and greyness and analyze the reliability of these new operations.Design/methodology/approachA grey number is usually represented as a closed interval or a discrete set of numbers. Based on the definition of traditional grey number, novel rules that grey numbers can be represented as their kernels and associated degrees of greyness are proposed. In new rules, the operation between kernels of grey numbers has significance in the application of grey numbers. The reliability of operations of grey numbers using their kernels and the degrees of greyness derived from kernel operations and their corresponding interval operations are studied.FindingsThe results show that the novel rules about operation of grey numbers satisfy to the concept of grey system properly. It is useful to calculate the grey degree of grey numbers and the process of calculating is easier than traditional operation rules.Practical implicationsThe method exposed in the paper can be used to calculate each two grey numbers. The grey degree and the calculating results of two grey numbers can be given out easily. The method can also be used to calculate grey numbers more than two.Originality/valueThe paper succeeds in constructing novel operation rules of grey numbers. The reliability of novel operation rules is studied and it is new development of grey systems theory, undoubtedly.
p‐Moment exponential robust stability of grey neutral stochastic delay systems
Authors: Su Chunhua 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to obtain the criteria of p‐moment exponential robust stability for a class of grey neutral stochastic delay systems.Design/methodology/approachBy constructing a Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional and employing the decomposition technique of continuous matrix‐covered sets of grey matrix and using three key inequalities, the paper investigates the p‐moment exponential robust stability for a class of grey neutral stochastic delay systems. A numeric example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the criteria presented in the paper.FindingsThe results not only can be used to judge the p‐moment exponential robust stability of the systems researched in the paper, but also can be applied in the stability analysis of grey non‐neutral stochastic systems.Practical implicationsThe method exposed in the paper can be used in the analysis and designation of practical stochastic control systems.Originality/valueThe paper succeeds in obtaining the criteria of p‐moment exponential robust stability for grey neutral stochastic delay systems by constructing a Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional and employing the decomposition technique of continuous matrix‐covered sets of grey matrix and using three key inequalities.
Research on generalized non‐equidistance GM(1,1) model based on matrix analysis
Authors: Xiao Xinping , Peng Kunkun 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish a new model for non‐equidistance sequence and research affine properties of the new model.Design/methodology/approachGeneralized non‐equidistance GM(1,1) model is put forward based on generalized accumulated generating operation (AGO) theory, and particle swarm optimization is used to solve the parameters of the new model, then affine properties of the new model are researched based on matrix analysis.FindingsThe results are convincing: the simulation and prediction precisions of generalized non‐equidistance GM(1,1) model are raised greatly, and it is proved that the affine transformation sequence has the same simulative accuracy with the raw sequence for generalized non‐equidistance GM(1,1) model.Practical implicationsThe method exposed in the paper can be used to model and predict for non‐equidistance sequence in the practical problem.Originality/valueThe paper succeeds in establishing a new non‐equidistance grey model and obtaining the affine properties of generalized non‐equidistance GM(1,1) model.
Research on location‐routing problem of reverse logistics with grey recycling demands based on PSO
Authors: Liu Hong , Zhang Qishan , Wang Wenping 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to realize a location‐routing network optimization in reverse logistics (RL) using grey systems theory for uncertain information.Design/methodology/approachThere is much uncertain information in network optimization and location‐routing problem (LRP) of RL, including fuzzy information, stochastic information and grey information, etc. Fuzzy information and stochastic information have been studied in logistics, however grey information of RL has not been covered. In the LRP of RL, grey recycling demands are taken into account. Then, a mathematics model with grey recycling demands has been constructed, and it can be transformed into grey chance‐constrained programming (GCCP) model, grey simulation and a proposed hybrid particle swarm optimization (PSO) are combined to resolve it. An example is also computed in the last part of the paper.FindingsThe results are convincing: not only that grey system theory can be used to deal with grey uncertain information about location‐routing problem of RL, but GCCP, grey simulation and PSO can be combined to resolve the grey model.Practical implicationsThe method exposed in the paper can be used to deal with location‐routing problem with grey recycling information in RL, and network optimization result with grey uncertain factor could be helpful for logistics efficiency and practicability.Originality/valueThe paper succeeds in realising both a constructed model about location‐routing of RL with grey recycling demands and a solution algorithm about grey mathematics model by using one of the newest developed theories: grey systems theory.
Intraspecific specialization of the generalist parasitoid Cotesia sesamiae revealed by polyDNAvirus polymorphism and associated with different Wolbachia infection
Authors: BRANCA ANTOINE , LE RU BRUNO PIERRE , VAVRE FABRICE , SILVAIN JEAN‐FRANÇOIS , DUPAS STÉPHANE 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAs a result of an intense host–parasite evolutionary arms race, parasitic wasps frequently display high levels of specialization on very few host species. For instance, in braconid wasps very few generalist species have been described. However, within this family, Cotesia sesamiae is a generalist species that is widespread in sub‐Saharan Africa and develops on several lepidopteran hosts. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that C. sesamiae may be a cryptic specialist when examined at the intraspecific level. We sequenced exon 2 of CrV1, a gene of the symbiotic polyDNAvirus that is integrated into the wasp genome and is associated with host immune suppression. We found that CrV1 genotype was more closely associated with the host in which the parasitoid developed than any abiotic environmental factor tested. We also tested a correlation between CrV1 genotype and an infection with Wolbachia bacteria, which are known for their ability to induce reproductive isolation. The Wolbachia bacteria infection polymorphism was also found as a major factor explaining the genetic structure of CrV1, and, in addition, the best model explaining CrV1 genetic structure involved an interaction between Wolbachia infection and host species. We suggest that Wolbachia could act as an agent capable of maintaining advantageous alleles for host specialization in different populations of C. sesamiae. This mechanism could be applicable to other insect models because of the high prevalence of Wolbachia in insects.