Dongqing Yao

Bio: Dongqing Yao is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Information technology & Information system. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 5 citations.

Impact of Information Systems on Quick Response Programs

Abstract: A quick response (QR) program is a proven system to deal with the ever changing customer's demand and requirements. Effective information system is one of the backbones to have a successful QR program. This paper discusses how each of the recent technological developments in information technology (IT) has impacted QR program. This paper also discusses the steps that companies need to take in order to take complete advantage of these IT developments, as well as the directions of where IT and QR are heading.

An integer linear programming model of reviewer assignment with research interest considerations

Abstract: In the regular work process of peer review, editors have to read and understand the entire set of submissions to choose appropriate reviewers. However, due to a large number of submissions, to select reviewers manually becomes error-prone and time-consuming. In this research, a framework that considers different indispensable aspects such as topical relevance, topical authority and research interest is presented and, an integer linear programming problem is formulated with practical considerations to recommend reviewers for a group of submissions. Specifically, the topical relevance and the topical authority are utilized to recommend relevant and accredited candidates in submission-related topics, while the research interest is to exam the willingness of candidates to review a submission. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, categories of comparative experiments were conducted on two large scholarly datasets. Experimental results demonstrate that, compared with benchmark approaches, the proposed approach is capable to capture the research interest of reviewer candidates without a significant loss in different evaluation metrics. Our work can be helpful for editors to invite matching experts in peer review and highlight the necessity to uncover valuable information from big scholarly data for expert selection.

Multi objective optimization for humanitarian logistics operations through the use of mobile technologies

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the development and implementation of a multiobjective optimization model and information system based on mobile technology, to support decision making in humanitarian logistics operations. Design/methodology/approach The trade-off between economic and social (deprivation) costs faced by governmental and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) involved in humanitarian logistics operations is modeled through a Pareto frontier analysis, which is obtained from a multiobjective optimization model. Such analysis is supported on an information system based on mobile technology. Findings Results show useful managerial insights for decision-makers by considering both economic and social costs associated to humanitarian logistics operations. Such insights include the importance of timely and accurate information shared through mobile technology. Research limitations/implications This research presents a multiobjective approach that considers social costs, which are modeled through deprivation functions. The authors suggest that a future nonlinear approach be also considered, since there will be instances where the deprivation cost is a nonlinear function throughout time. Also, the model and information system developed may not be suitable for other humanitarian aid instances, considering the specific characteristics of the events considered on this research. Practical implications The inclusion of several types of goods, vehicles, collecting points off the ground, distributions points on the ground, available roads after a disaster took place, as well as volume and weight constraints faced under these scenarios, are considered. Social implications Deprivation costs faced by affected population after a disaster took place are considered, which supports decision making in governmental and NGOs involved in humanitarian logistics operations toward welfare of such affected population in developing countries. Originality/value A numerical illustration in the Latin American context is presented, the model and information system developed can be used in other developing countries or regions that face similar challenges toward humanitarian logistics operations.

Fast fashion: supply-chain management as the basis for disruptive business model innovation - a case study in the context of the theory of the firm

Abstract: Supply Chain Management has been traditionally understood as the management and optimisation of logistic processes regarding the management of flows of goods. Business research recognises the Supply Chain as mainly a support service for its key activities, and which is generally examined in regard to the technical and engineering aspects with the sole objective of finding the minimum cost solution. This research argues instead that, in the fashion industry at least, Supply Chain Management becomes a key activity in Value Chain management and therefore in the business model. As a consequence, this study is not a Supply Chain Management Study in the traditional sense but rather examines the disruptive fashion business model focusing on innovation, starting with the restructuring of the Supply Chain, based on information technology revolutionising the retail business and, particularly, the fashion industry. Information technology has generated a completely new Supply Chain Management model, leading to disruptive competitive advantage. This research focuses on the exploration of the Supply Chain at the level of the theory of the firm and the concept of the business model, rather than at a technical or operational level. The theoretical lens is at firm level examining the concept of the business model. The empirical part of this study applies qualitative and quantitative methods, as indicated. The main quantitative method is financial analysis, which enables the examination of fifteen industry-leading companies within the fashion industry. Additionally, descriptive and bivariate statistical analysis are applied to examine the statistical strength and significance of relationships between Supply Chain and business performance variables. The second part of the empirical research uses expert interviews with industry professionals to verify or falsify the findings of the statistical analysis, and to develop the findings further. The classical Supply Chain research approach is also questionable and should be revisited; typical Supply Chain research variables include efficiency, effectiveness, cycle time, postponement, whereas the main objective of Supply Chain research is the optimum configuration and design of a Supply Chain. This research study makes a unique contribution to knowledge situating the supply chain within the context of the theory of the firm and provides evidence that the Supply Chain is more than a support function, it represents a key business activity to increase competitiveness providing the infrastructure for disruptive business model innovations. The overall result of the industry case study and the expert interviews is that digitalisation changes the possibilities in the Supply Chain configuration considerably. New Supply Chain configurations enabled by digitalisation have led to disruptive business model innovations, so that Supply Chain Management has become a key business activity because it is the basis of the reorganising of the relationship between the firm’s purchase markets, product development, manufacturing, distribution channels, and the consumer market. This development represents a restricted change at a lower level of business operations but a major one at the strategic level, with implications for the theory of the firm and the theory of a firm’s growth. In this regard, the main issues of future Supply Chain research may therefore be the challenges of delivering the right goods at the right time to the right location and how to deliver the right data regarding commodity flows to the right decision maker, within the right time. The Supply Chain department may gradually become a Value Chain Management department, the business model development department, at least in the industrial firm. However, the term management may be somewhat misleading in this context because management means controlling, implementing and supervising network-centric operations in which defined production processes, reporting, distribution processes and decisions almost always initiated by real-time POS data leading to a highly responsive value chain.

Waste not, want not

Abstract: Encouraged by legislation, producing power through waste burning is on the increase in Europe. But in spite of its ability to reduce landfilling, environmental groups remain sceptical towards waste to energy technology such as that used by Sydkraft in Sweden.