bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drivers of information technology use in the supply chain
Authors: Nath Tanmoy , Standing Craig 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the drivers of information technology (IT) use in the supply chain. Given that the use of IT in the supply chain has been a popular topic of research it is timely to analyse the literature to identify patterns and key factors for success.Design/methodology/approachA grounded theory approach is used to build a conceptual model using peer‐reviewed journal articles. The selection criteria are derived from the literature review and these are used to extract suitable articles from the online databases. The term “supply chain” is used with all the selection key words to make the search more specific and relevant to the expected search outcome.FindingsThe drivers of IT use in the supply chain are related to three levels of complexity and organisational change. The first level (low) involves a less complex use of IT that is driven through a desire to reduce costs. The drivers are cost reduction, reduced lead and cycle times, increased operational capability and information quality improvement. The second level (medium) involves a medium level of complexity that is characterised by networking and collaboration. The drivers are better relationships and information accessibility. Level two requires the drivers for level one. The most complex level is aimed at organisational transformation. The drivers are market sharing expansion, risk sharing and reduction, high quality service and better decision making. Level three also requires the drivers for levels one and two.Research limitations/implicationsThe study identified that many organisations use IT in the supply chain (SC) without understanding the drivers of IT use and this impacted on their success. In addition, it found that drivers can be classified into a hierarchy of benefits.Practical implicationsA lack of understanding of the drivers of IT use in the SC can be overcome by using the list of specific drivers and how these relate to organisational change. The manager's increased understanding of these factors should improve the success rate of IT investment in the SC by being more aware of how requirements relate to benefits and improvement.Originality/valueThe study is the first of its kind to analyse a large number of research articles to determine the drivers of IT use in the supply chain.
Learning to work with interdependencies effectively: the case of the HRM forum of the suppliers teams at Volvo Cars Gent
Authors: Lambrechts Frank , Taillieu Tharsi , Sips Koen 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to profile the way in which Volvo Cars Gent (VCG) Belgium and its suppliers succeed in managing their interdependencies on HRM issues through a shared HRM collaborative, called the Suppliers Team Volvo Cars HRM forum (STVC‐HRM).Design/methodology/approachA case study approach is used to develop understanding of the critical factors that contribute to the forum's success.FindingsIt was found that the critical success factors concern the way STVC‐HRM members enacted trust, common ground, leadership, shared responsibility, and representative‐constituency dynamics.Research limitations/implicationsTo understand the Toyota system of successful collaboration and learning with suppliers, it is necessary to look into the actual assembler‐supplier relationships and practices developed.Practical implicationsBuilding lasting manufacturer‐supplier relationships is considered to be one of the elements that contribute to Toyota's competitive advantage in supply chain management. However, other organisations struggle to improve manufacturer‐supplier relationships despite applying seemingly similar principles. The paper helps in recognising and managing the main collaboration issues at hand.Originality/valueThe work suggests how to build and maintain deep mutually beneficial manufacturer‐supplier relationships through the VCG‐suppliers case. Other organisations that want to develop those much‐needed relationships may learn from the successful VCG‐suppliers way of doing things.
Inter‐organizational governance, learning and performance in supply chains
Authors: Hernández‐Espallardo Miguel , Rodríguez‐Orejuela Augusto , Sánchez‐Pérez Manuel 
Published: March 2010

PurposeInter‐firm knowledge sharing and learning constitute one of the main avenues to improve supply chains' performance in today's business environment. This paper aims to examine how effective different governance mechanisms are in promoting knowledge transfer, learning and performance in supply chains.Design/methodology/approachFollowing on from the literature in inter‐organizational learning, transaction costs economics, business‐to‐business relational marketing, and supply chain management, a model is presented and tested using structural equations modeling. Data were collected from 219 Colombian apparel manufacturers.FindingsThis paper finds that from more influential to less, social mechanisms of governance, hostages and behavioral control favor knowledge sharing, learning and performance in supply chains. Output control exerts a negative influence on learning in supply chains.Research limitations/implicationsGovernance has a key role in promoting transparency and learning in supply chains. Future research should analyze whether it impacts on the firms' learning intent.Practical implicationsKnowledge sharing and learning have a positive influence on the supply chain's performance. Results of the study suggest that the supply chain's competitiveness lies in the adequate governance of the interfirm relationships, i.e. by using trust, hostages and behavioral control to support knowledge exchange.Originality/valueCompared with studies that limit their analysis to the impact of one specific type of governance mechanism, generally trust, the paper for the first time jointly examines the role of several types of governance on knowledge‐sharing in supply chains, on learning and on performance. This allows a comparison of the different mechanisms in terms of their safeguarding and coordination role.
A framework for the alignment of new product development and supply chains
Authors: Pero Margherita , Abdelkafi Nizar , Sianesi Andrea , Blecker Thorsten 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a framework that explains how new product development and supply chain variables are related to one another and how they affect performance.Design/methodology/approachThe insights from literature and an exploratory case study are combined to develop an alignment framework, which is then tested using a multiple case study design.FindingsVariety, modularity, and innovativeness are the product features that are taken into account when studying alignment. From the supply chain viewpoint, configuration, collaboration, and coordination complexities are the variables that matter. Innovativeness is found to have a stronger effect than variety on supply chain complexity. In addition, there is evidence that matching product features with supply chains improves performance.Originality/valueThe paper provides empirical support to the relationships among the variables within the alignment framework. There is evidence that product innovativeness, a variable so far neglected in the alignment literature, can have a critical impact on the supply chain. Furthermore, supply chain complexity must be adequately adapted, depending on the product features.
Effective supply value chain based on competence success
Authors: Kayakutlu Gülgün , Büyüközkan Gülçin 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to propose a managerial decision framework for different levels of supply chain, by addressing the strategic importance of competence values in supply chain effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework for supply chain effectiveness is defined in levels of supply chain targets, knowledge management dynamics, competence levels and competence success attributes. Analysis of literature in the areas of competence management, knowledge management, supply chain and value chain management resulted in defining the factors of the model. Surveys of industrial practices were used to validate the choice of factors. The analytical network process (ANP) is used to determine the most beneficial competence success attributes in a case study performed for three companies that participate in different stages of the textile supply chain.FindingsIndividual competence in continuous learning and networking, as well as innovativeness of the team are found to be the three most important competence attributes in supply chain effectiveness.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study is executed in the regional textile industry. New case studies in other industries will help improve the framework. Further international surveys can improve the detail level of factors used.Practical implicationsThe study creates awareness of knowledge management dynamics and competence management for companies which are in need of innovation to improve their supply chain competitiveness.Originality/valueThe proposed decision framework is one of the first efforts to consider the importance of competence in supply chain success. The ANP method is used to offer an accurate analysis of interdependent factors observed in management of knowledge dynamics and competence levels.
An empirical investigation of the relationship between product nature and supply chain strategy
Authors: Lo Sonia M. , Power Damien 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the relationship between product nature and supply chain strategy, by using Fisher's model as the framework.Design/methodology/approachThe research collected quantitative data by conducting a questionnaire‐based survey, with a total of 119 respondent organisations (of which 107 were usable), at an adjusted response rate of 8 per cent. The survey results provide the basis for the testing of Fisher's model relating product characteristics to supply chain strategy.FindingsThe results indicate that the association between product nature and supply chain strategy as articulated in Fisher's model is not significant. A hybrid strategy (pursuing both efficiency and responsiveness) is found to be employed by most organisations irrespective of the nature of the primary product they supply.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis is based on survey responses gathered within the Australian manufacturing industry. The findings of the study have implications for understanding the drivers of supply chain strategy, and how other factors, in addition to product type, influence supply chain positioning.Practical implicationsThe study identifies additional factors which might be influential in the determination of supply chain strategy. It provides practitioners with guidance in choosing an appropriate strategy to deal with supply chain partners.Originality/valueThe contribution of the study lies in extending the body of knowledge of supply chain strategy. It tests an existing framework which has only very limited empirical validation, and provides a broader understanding of the influence of product nature on the choice of supply chain strategy.
Evaluating logistics network configurations for a global supply chain
Authors: Creazza A. , Dallari F. , Melacini M. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to identify and assess different configurations to design logistics networks in global sourcing contexts. A framework to support the choice of the most suitable logistics network is developed.Design/methodology/approachStarting from an overview of previous research on global sourcing and global logistics network design, followed by a series of interviews with international freight forwarders and logistics providers, five main logistics network configurations are identified and the paper proposes a framework to evaluate their cost‐effectiveness, deriving the overall logistics cost by means of simulation.FindingsOn the basis of the analysis of different scenarios the paper develops a taxonomy for selecting the most suitable logistics network configuration, with respect to some key logistics factors and purchasing strategies.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis has been focused on ocean container shipping, the primary transportation mode for world trade.Practical implicationsIn a context characterised by the widespread adoption of direct shipment with full container load (FCL) ocean shipping (with implications on inventory levels), the provided taxonomy can represent a useful tool to support companies in choosing the most suitable combination of configurations for setting their global logistics network.Originality/valueThe impact of globalisation on logistics network configuration has received little attention from supply chain researchers to date. The originality of the present paper is twofold. First, a framework to assess the overall logistics costs is developed. Second, the paper presents an original taxonomy for the selection of the most suitable logistics network.
Nestlé Nespresso AAA sustainable quality program: an investigation into the governance dynamics in a multi‐stakeholder supply chain network
Authors: Alvarez Gabriela , Pilbeam Colin , Wilding Richard 
Published: March 2010

PurposeWithin the context of a sustainable supply chain, the purpose of this paper is to report on empirical longitudinal research on supply chain network evolution and dynamics of governance in a multi‐stakeholder supply chain sustainability initiative led by Nespresso, the speciality coffee division of Nestlé.Design/methodology/approachThe paper proposes a framework to study the creation and evolution of governance mechanisms over a five‐year period. Data from 48 semi‐structured interviews and 15 recent and historic documents were also analysed. The interviews were conducted among current and past representatives of all the organisations concerned including coffee traders, NGOs and farmers.FindingsIn contrast with literature on the subject, governance mechanisms initially relied mostly on informal mechanisms. Formal governance mechanisms were incorporated into the relationships to enable the supply chain network to grow and to provide clarity to all actors. Relational quality processes that increased trust were critical elements in the early phase, and were explicitly built into a second phase of development.Research limitations/implicationsBeing a single case study, some caution needs to be applied to generalise findings beyond the specific context studied. An additional methodological limitation is the limited number of actors involved in the overall supply chain network.Practical implicationsThe paper shows the importance of treating governance mechanisms within the supply chain not as a fixed variable to be determined once and for all in the beginning of a relationship, but rather to adapt the coordination mechanisms of the relationships.Originality/valueThe evolution of relationships over time has been “often called for but rarely chosen”. The case highlights the potential benefits of this type of research to develop an understanding of the evolution of relationships in a supply chain network.
Beyond words: testing alignment among inter‐organizational performance measures
Authors: Rey‐Marston Maria , Neely Andy 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to measure in a quantitative way the degree of alignment among a set of performance measures between two organizations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper extends Venkatraman's test of coalignment to assess the alignment of a set of performance measures governing a contractual inter‐organizational relationship. The authors applied the test and present coefficients of misalignment across three sets of measures: those used by a service provider involved in the research, those used by customers contracting the services, and those documented in 11 contracts studied.FindingsResults confirmed a high degree of alignment between target and actual operational performance in the contracts. The alignment of customers' financial objectives and contracts' operational metrics was low. Calculations show poor alignment between the objectives of the provider and the contribution received from the contracts.Research limitations/implicationsSome limitations of the conclusions include the small sample of contracts used in the calculations. Further research should include not only actual contracts, but also failed ones.Practical implicationsIt is possible that misaligned goals, represented in misaligned performance measures, lead to tensions in intra‐firm relationships. If these tensions are not addressed properly the relationship could be unstable or terminated prematurely. This method of measuring alignment could detect early potential dangers in intra‐firm relationships.Originality/valueThis paper extends Venkatraman's test of coalignment to assess the alignment of a set of performance measures governing a contractual inter‐organizational relationship. Management researchers and business professionals may use this methodology when exploring degrees of alignment of performance measures in intra‐functional and inter‐firm relationships.
Managing for performance in New Zealand's public service – a loosely coupled framework?
Authors: Dormer Rodney , Gill Derek 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the institutional factors that impact on the integration of the formal model of performance management in New Zealand's public service and the model, or models, in use within different agencies and at different levels within those agencies.Design/methodology/approachThe research involved semi‐structured interviews with managers within three agencies of New Zealand's central government as well as a review of their external accountability documents and internal management reports. These data were then interpreted in the context of new institutional sociology. In particular, the institutional carriers identified by Scott (2001) Scott were used to map the characteristics within each agency that support more or less integration, and common use, of performance measures.FindingsIt is concluded that an integrated framework of performance objectives, that drops down from the Government's priorities, to Ministers' purchase of goods and services, to managers' objectives at each layer of the agency, does not always exist. Institutional arrangements that emphasise regulative controls are more likely to result in the decoupling of nationally defined frameworks from those used locally by operational managers. Conversely, institutional arrangements that emphasise culturally and cognitively based controls are more likely to support tight coupling of performance management frameworks and practices.Originality/valueWhile much has been written about public sector management and what has been referred to as “the New Zealand model”, this has largely been concerned with the management of the public sector as a whole. This research provides an empirical insight on management practices within individual public sector agencies.
Internal performance management with UK higher education: an amorphous system?
Authors: Broad Martin , Goddard Andrew 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the internal performance management of UK universities.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured interviews were undertaken with numerous staff within each university, attendance at key meetings and reviews of documentation. Grounded Theory was adopted to analyse the information obtained to understand how the strategy and accounting interacted with performance systems in the universities studied.FindingsAn amorphous, decoupled system was identified with poor feedback loops resulting in a lack of accountability and ownership of the system.Research limitations/implicationsThe research reported on the experiences of two universities through case study analysis. Further research is required to understand the extent to which the issues reported here are more widespread and the implications of such.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that the challenge for policy makers/university management is to facilitate a change in the managerial weltanshauung to one where the environment is more conducive to performance management in a constructive mannerOriginality/valueThe notion of managerial weltanshauung in universities is developed and discussed in relation to nurturing performance management. The paper will be of interest to university managers and policy makers.
An engagement framework for managing the Crown's ownership interests in the New Zealand tertiary education sector
Authors: Galwey Doug , Ogilvie Barry 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the theoretical foundations and lessons learned in the development and implementation of an institutional engagement framework for monitoring and managing the Crown's ownership interests in the New Zealand tertiary education sector.Design/methodology/approachThe core analytics and tasks comprise financial stress testing, the Baldrige assessment approach and capability benchmarking, integrated into an overall risk management system using many of the elements of Robert Simons' “Levers of Control”.FindingsThe approach has been useful in identifying institutions most at risk and requiring higher levels of direct engagement, including statutory management intervention by the Crown.Practical implicationsIt is considered there are ample performance measurement tools available and that ultimately success is through system design and management of the performance management process itself, with the capability of those undertaking the activity being as equally important as those whose capability is being assessed.Originality/valueThis paper shares insights on framework design and deployment with fellow practitioners.
Synthesizing management control frameworks
Authors: O'Grady Winnie , Rouse Paul , Gunn Cathy 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the holistic nature of control systems to understand how they operate across organizational levels and manage change.Design/methodology/approachThis paper takes an analytical approach using the viable system model (VSM) to assess the two main frameworks of control reported in the accounting literature.FindingsThe VSM provides an elegant framework for management control systems with explicit consideration of: multiple levels of control, communication channels, interactions with the environment, and the mechanisms for attaining balance between stability and change.Practical implicationsThe evaluation of current management control systems produces specific suggestions for improving the levers of control frameworkOriginality/valueThe VSM has not previously been aligned with management control frameworks.