bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of top management team's information technology (IT) infrastructure view on new product development
Authors: Durmuşoğlu Serdar S. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper it to investigate how sophistication of top management view on information technology (IT) infrastructure influences the firm's IT infrastructure capability and the effect of IT infrastructure capability on new product development (NPD) process outcomes such as cost, cycle time, and quality.Design/methodology/approachDrawing from research‐based and knowledge‐based theories, a conceptual model on how IT infrastructure influences NPD process efficiency is developed.FindingsThe paper demonstrates that sophistication of top management view on IT Infrastructure enhances NPD process through its effect on IT infrastructure capability. IT infrastructure capability enhances the NPD process efficiency by reducing the cycle time and cost of NPD projects and improving the NPD process quality.Practical implicationsIt is useful for practitioners to know that by adopting an enabling IT infrastructure view, managers can create IT infrastructure capabilities that could improve their NPD processes significantly.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should conduct empirical analysis of this paper's propositions and could examine what moderates the relationship between the sophistication of the top management's view on the firm's IT infrastructure and IT infrastructure capability. Scholars could also include firm performance as the final outcome of the influence of IT infrastructure view when testing the proposed model empirically.Originality/valueRecent research pointed out that IT enabled the development of efficient new processes. This paper extends this argument by conceptually investigating how IT infrastructure enhances NPD process of a firm.
Benchmarking third‐party logistics providers using data envelopment analysis: an update
Authors: Min Hokey , Joo Seong‐Jong 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the comparative strengths and weaknesses of leading third‐party logistics providers (3PLs) in the USA with respect to their financial efficiencies during the period of 2005‐2007. It also intends to identify various factors that significantly affect the financial efficiency of the 3PLs over time and propose ways to improve the competitiveness of 3PLs.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposes data envelopment analysis to measure the financial efficiency of 12 leading 3PLs in the USA, relative to their key competitors. In particular, this paper develops the Charnes, Cooper, and Rhodes (CCR) model that is designed to derive weights without being fixed in advance. It also employes the Banker, Charnes, and Cooper (BCC) model to mitigate the impact of 3PL sizes on the 3PLs' financial efficiency.FindingsThe rapid expansion of the business scope can undermine the financial efficiency of 3PLs due to huge start‐up investments. In particular, business expansion through mergers and acquisitions can hurt the financial efficiency of 3PLs due to restructuring and re‐branding costs. The non‐asset based 3PLs have the less financial burden than their asset‐based counterparts due to their limited investment in assets. But, the asset‐based 3PLs such as J.B. Hunt can still overcome such a burden by streamlining their logistics services and focusing on their niche areas.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper primarily uses financial measures as the major output. Thus, it can be extended to include some non‐financial measures. Owing to the difficulty in finding some secondary data sources about the 3PL industry, only 12 leading 3PLs are compared to each other with respect to their relative financial efficiency.Practical implicationsThis paper provides several practical guidelines as to how 3PLs can cope with increasing competition, cost pressures, and changing business environments and what the future holds for the maturing 3PL industry.Originality/valueThis paper reveals the current weaknesses of the leading 3PLs and identifies challenges and opportunities for the 3PL market in the USA. In addition, it helps 3PLs formulate the future survival and growth strategies by providing the detailed picture of where they stand in terms of competitiveness. In so doing, this paper identifies important sources of 3PLs' financial inefficiencies, while uncovering the secret behind the improvement of their financial efficiencies.
Benchmarking firms' operational performance according to their use of internet‐based interorganizational systems
Authors: Hadaya Pierre 
Published: October 2009

PurposeDrawing on the concepts of benchmarking and of fit as profile deviation, the purpose of this paper is to identify the critical dimensions of usage of internet based interorganizational systems (IOISs) of the best performing firms.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical evidence is gathered through an electronic survey conducted with 228 manufacturers in the computer and electronic product manufacturing sector.FindingsData collected demonstrates that: volume of use and depth of use are the two critical dimensions of internet based IOISs usage on the supplier side; volume of use, level of integration, diversity of types and depth of use are the four critical dimensions of internet based IOISs usage on the customer side; and a deviation from these patterns of internet based IOISs usage should result in poorer operational performance. Statistical analyses also show the relative importance of each of the critical dimensions of internet based IOISs usage on both the supplier and customer sides of the supply chain.Practical implicationsThe paper findings indicate that manufacturers in the computer and electronic product manufacturing sector should not approach their supply chain management and eBusiness strategies from a single business network perspective; rather, they must take into account the specificities of their downstream supply chain to implement an internet based IOIS strategy that will satisfy the diversified needs of their customer base.Originality/valueThis paper is the only one to date that draws on both a benchmarking approach and contingency theory to assess the impact of internet based IOISs usage on a firm's operational performance.
Benchmarking road freight transport
Authors: McKinnon Alan C. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a critical review of the first ten years of the UK Government's “transport key performance indicator (KPI)” programme which benchmarks the efficiency of road freight operations.Design/methodology/approachDocumentation on nine benchmarking surveys is reviewed and combined with direct experience of programme's implementation to assess the general approach, the synchronised auditing procedure used, the choice of KPIs and resulting benefits to stakeholders.FindingsThe programme illustrates how a benchmarking programme can become an instrument of government policy heightening awareness of best practice in freight transport and potential efficiency gains. It has been shown, across various industry supply chains, that similar distribution operations can have markedly different energy intensity. The programme has, nevertheless, been deficient in several respects. Too little attention has been given to the inter‐relationship with other logistical activities, the causes of observed differences in efficiency and subsequent changes in company behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsMost of the benchmarking exercises have lacked follow‐up surveys to enquire about the costs and benefits of company participation. Such surveys should become an integral part of future transport KPI projects.Practical implicationsThe UK Government has pioneered this form of transport benchmarking. Other governments and organisations can learn from its experience, particularly in dealing with the practical problems of recruiting companies, balancing government and industry requirements and ensuring consistency.Originality/valueThe government‐sponsored programme of freight transport benchmarking reviewed in this paper is unique. This is the first attempt to summarise its achievements and findings since its launch in 1997.
Supply chain performance measurement framework for small and medium scale enterprises
Authors: Thakkar Jitesh , Kanda Arun , Deshmukh S.G. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated supply chain performance measurement framework for the case of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) using set of qualitative and quantitative insights gained during the case study research.Design/methodology/approachThis paper develops the supply chain performance measurement framework using the facts revealed through case study analysis, secondary data specific to various SME clusters in India and detailed contemporary studies reported on supply chain management in SMEs. It integrates the salient features of balanced scorecard (BSC) and supply chain operation reference (SCOR) model to deliver a comprehensive performance measurement framework for SMEs.FindingsThis paper reports set of performance indicators for the supply chain processes like “source,” “make,” and “deliver” in SMEs. It also relates the measures with various supply chain cycles like “procurement,” “manufacturing,” “replenishment,” and “customer order.” As a result, paper delivers an integrated performance measurement framework for supply chain evaluation and planning in SMEs. It also outlines the detailed guideline for the implementation and use of the framework.Practical implicationsThis paper is expected that the developed framework: will help SME managers to improve the visibility of their supply chain amongst interacting partners; and will help SME firms to explain the basis of their decisions to the other supply chain partners and specifically, origingal equipment manufacturer organizations where less bargaining power exist.Originality/valueThis paper integrates the spirit of two well‐known contributions in the field of performance measurement namely BSC and SCOR. The proposed framework is deduced using the findings of real life case study research and hence establishes an adequate platform for its application. It would help the managers or decision makers in SMEs to gain a systematic insight into their supply chain problems and hence undertake the necessary improvements.
REITs, the stock market and economic activity
Authors: Laopodis Nikiforos 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the linkages among real estate investment trusts (REITs), the stock market, and real economic activity for the USA for the 1971‐2007 period. In view of the fact that when the economy performs well the equity and REIT markets also do well, it is easy to see why one needs to examine the dynamic interactions among these magnitudes and understand the implications of market movements or policy changes on the returns of REIT.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical investigation is conducted via the vector autoregressive (VAR) methodology coupled with Granger causality and cointegration analyses. VAR analysis permits inferences to be drawn about how a particular variable, say, the stock market, helps to explain a REIT's return and to see how a shock from the same variable affects that return. In other words, the magnitudes which are more relevant in explaining the REIT return can be deduced so as to determine the driving forces behind the return. Finally, some robustness tests are performed and some other relative magnitudes are experimented with so as to have a more comprehensive picture of the dynamic interactions among the three variables.FindingsFirst, the equity and the mortgage REIT categories display essentially similar patterns with their interactions with the general stock market and/or industrial production movements. Specifically, in the case of the equity REIT, it is revealed that a reciprocal linkage between the two exists, whereas for the mortgage REIT a uni‐directional one run from the REIT to the stock market. Second, when substituting the general stock market returns with two sub index returns (the small‐ and the mid‐cap excess returns) it is found that the two REIT categories are more closely related to a sub index than the general stock market index. Overall, significant short‐run interactions are seen among the three magnitudes since the 1970s.Originality/valueThe results are important for investors and policymakers. For investors, the finding of the close relationship between the equity and mortgage REIT categories and the general stock market is that there may not be a profitable reallocation of portfolios within these two asset classes. For policymakers, it can be suggested that they take notice of how changes in monetary policy (via changes in interest rates or money supply) influence REIT investments and what the impact of that would be on the reallocation of such investments by professional investors and managers.
The state of play in the futures field: a metascanning overview
Authors: Slaughter Richard 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe paper aims to introduce the first iteration of an international research project into the “state of play” in the futures field (SoPiFF) using methodology developed at the Australian Foresight Institute (AFI).Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the overall approach and the methods it employed, along with some implications and emerging themes from this first iteration.FindingsThe paper casts new light on patterns of activity in the futures/foresight arena that, in turn, lead to policy questions, including those of purpose and effectiveness.Originality/valueThe SoPiFF project is of interest not only for its early results, but also for the use of the metascanning methodology outlined here. At one level it draws attention to the nature of the foresight practitioner's toolkit. At another it may also help to guide decisions about future resourcing options and the nature of training that is offered within the domain.
Understanding and resolving the global problematique: assessing the balance between progressive and socially conservative foresight
Authors: Slaughter Richard , Riedy Chris 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper draws on research undertaken for the State of Play in the Futures Field (SoPiFF) project and aims to explore the contribution of futures work to understanding and resolving aspects of the global problematique and to examine the social interests evident in futures work.Design/methodology/approachThe project used an integral meta‐scanning framework to review publicly available futures material. The framework categorizes futures work according to organizational type, social interests, methods, domains and geographic location (details of the methodology are outlined in the accompanying introductory paper as well as on the web site created for the project).FindingsThe futures field has made a series of significant contributions to understanding the global problematique and has contributed to the pre‐conditions for its resolution. However, the bulk of mainstream futures work does little to improve the preparedness of humanity for looming future crises. More innovative futures work remains marginalized and largely ignored by the powerful and the wider public. There is a strong case for more effective political engagement than has occurred hitherto.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is needed on shared definitions for the field, interactions with the media, public and other fields of enquiry and action, measurement of individual foresight capacity, strategies for achieving influence – particularly in the political sphere, the role of subcultures within the futures field and suitable publishing strategies.Practical implicationsThe paper recommends specific actions to promote and publicize good work, provide annual digests of futures‐related information, develop and use focused briefings, provide support for “cutting‐edge” futures work, further develop advanced futures methods, create new alliances, build the social capacity for foresight and strengthen the nexus between foresight and philanthropy.Originality/valueThe paper uses an integral meta‐scanning framework to provide a novel analysis of the futures field. The findings will be of value to all futures and foresight practitioners that are interested in the future success of the field.
The influence of futures work on public policy and sustainability
Authors: Riedy Chris 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to draw on a global scan of futures literature undertaken for the State of Play in the Futures Field (SOPIFF) project to investigate the contribution of futures work to averting looming sustainability challenges and suggest new strategies for influencing policy and practice.Design/methodology/approachThe SOPIFF project used an integral meta‐scanning framework to review publicly available futures material, providing a rich source of material to use in assessing the influence achieved by futures work. The framework categorizes futures work according to organizational type, social interests, methods, domains and geographic location.FindingsOn the whole, the influence achieved by futures work is disappointing given that many futurists are strongly committed to bringing about more desirable futures. Some qualified success stories include science and technology foresight, getting sustainability challenges onto the social agenda and small‐scale, distributed initiatives.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of the scanning process include heavy reliance on publicly available material, prioritization of breadth over depth of analysis and the physical and cultural location of the researchers. Future iterations of the research should go beyond public material, undertake deeper analysis of scanning hits and draw in more non‐western and non‐English work.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes four strategies for increasing the influence of futures work: methodological renewal, political engagement, individual capacity building and participatory approaches.Originality/valueThe paper uses the recently developed integral meta‐scanning framework to provide a novel view of the futures field. The findings will be of value to foresight practitioners that are seeking to influence public policy and sustainability.
Foresight and futures in Europe: an overview
Authors: May Graham H. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeAs part of the State of Play of the Futures Field project this paper attempts to assess the nature of futures in Europe.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents internet‐based research.FindingsThe paper reveals an overview of futures work in Europe.Research limitations/implicationsThe review is based on web‐based information mainly in English.Originality/valueThe paper is part of a global study assessing the level of futures work.
Futures schools of thought within the integral futures framework
Authors: Morgan Dennis Ray 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to expand on the findings of the SOPIFF project by identifying eight futures schools of thought, and then analyze and critique these through the integral futures (IF) framework. This paper, Part I, also aims to focus on the upper quadrants of the IF framework.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adapts Wilber's integral theory to clarify various philosophical orientations towards the future. It also adapts Polak's approach to futures as a matter of “social critique and reconstruction”; however, here the approach is global, civilizational, and integral, so it proposes civilizational critique and integral reconstruction as a method for evaluating futures schools of thought.FindingsThe IF framework has proved to be a valuable theoretical and analytical tool since it clarifies not only orientations to the future but also demonstrates the dynamic lines of development and interactions throughout all four quadrants, illustrating how the four‐quadrant approach is an effective framework for understanding the crisis of civilization and the response needed at this time in history to bring about a preferred future.Research implications/limitationsThe paper draws and expands upon the findings of the SOPIFF project as a way to better understand the “global problematique.” Thus, this paper suggests some implications of that research and proposes the integral futures framework as a way to interpret research findings. Future research should attempt to develop and apply the IF framework similarly in order to realize a sustainable, integrally‐informed image of the future of human civilization.Practical implicationsAn integrally‐informed approach to futures and foresight studies should help develop and improve futures methodology/practices in general. The IF framework helps to understand philosophical orientations underlying practices and applications.Originality/valueThis application of the IF framework to various mainstream futures schools of thought is original. It should help futurists to see and interpret the bigger picture regarding images of the future in a civilizational context by revealing the “crack” in the modern image of the future, how it relates to the current world crisis, and what is needed to heal the crack so that a new, more integrally‐informed, sustainable image of the future can emerge.
Standardising wholesale super‐fast broadband access: the public role
Authors: Onwurah Chinyelu 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to set out a framework for assessing whether and how to intervene in the standardisation of new technologies, based on the experience of Ofcom, the UK converged communications regulator.Design/methodology/approachAs part of its duties to promote the interests of consumers and citizens, Ofcom needed to decide whether or not to intervene in the standardisation of wholesale access to superfast broadband, in the context of the roll out of the next generation of telecommunications access networks.FindingsOfcom found that the case for intervention was finely balanced between, on the one hand, the risk to innovation and, on the other, the consumer welfare generated by the right combination of standardisation and network effects. Ofcom identified four basic models of intervention: take no formal action; require that infrastructure providers use open standards, without specifying which standards should be used; mandate a particular standard to be used; and specify the standard to be used. Ofcom developed a policy framework that assesses interventions in terms of prospects for innovation and network effects. This led it to choose an approach that initially involves no formal action. Instead, Ofcom facilitates industry leadership of standardisation whilst monitoring the emerging competitive environment and signalling both its desired outcomes and its determination to take action if competition does not develop.Practical implicationsIt is too early to say whether this approach will ultimately prove successful, however the framework allows for progressive strengthening of intervention if competition is not forthcoming.Originality/valueThe paper delivers value in conceptualising and clarifying the overall approach to standardisation.