Showing papers in "Industrial Management and Data Systems in 1999"
TL;DR: A number of definitions of supply chain management have been proposed in the literature and in practice as mentioned in this paper, and some practical guidelines are offered for successful SMC management, including the competitive importance of linking a firm's supply chain strategy to its overall business strategy.
Abstract: Interest in supply chain management has steadily increased since the 1980s when firms saw the benefits of collaborative relationships within and beyond their own organization. Firms are finding that they can no longer compete effectively in isolation of their suppliers or other entities in the supply chain. A number of definitions of supply chain management have been proposed in the literature and in practice. This paper defines the concept of supply chain management and discusses its historical evolution. The term does not replace supplier partnerships, nor is it a description of the logistics function. The competitive importance of linking a firm’s supply chain strategy to its overall business strategy and some practical guidelines are offered for successful supply chain management.
781 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the financial performance and alignment of over 500 firms over the past five years and propose a regression equation to measure performance controlling for alignment perspective and industry classification, which provides firms with an idea of where they stand, on average, within their respective industry and among firms following the same alignment perspective.
Abstract: Strategic alignment remains a key area of focus among business executives. Methods exist with which to determine the type of alignment a firm is following and there has even been research into the factors which aid and hinder the achievement of alignment. What is currently lacking is a financial performance metric with which a firm can benchmark itself against its competition controlling for industry classification or similar alignment perspective. This paper explores the financial performance and alignment of over 500 firms over the past five years. From these data, a regression equation to measure performance controlling for alignment perspective and industry classification is proposed. Such an equation provides firms with an idea of where they stand, on average, within their respective industry and among firms following the same alignment perspective. Implications for managers are also discussed as well as general strategies for managers to facilitate and enhance information technology investment.
135 citations
TL;DR: This paper proposes a framework for selecting business process modeling methods based on modeling objectives and uses an expense claim process as an example to illustrate the application of the selection procedure.
Abstract: The techniques for representing and analyzing business processes are referred to as business process modeling. Many business process modeling methods and their associated tools have been used to capture the characteristics of business processes. However, most methods view business processes from different perspectives and have different features and capabilities. Thus, an important research question is how process designers should select appropriate modeling methods for their BPR initiatives. In this paper, we propose a framework for selecting business process modeling methods based on modeling objectives. This framework can serve as the basis for evaluating modeling methods and generating selection procedures. A general selection procedure is also described. We use an expense claim process as an example to illustrate the application of the selection procedure.
113 citations
TL;DR: The study concludes that the core areas of DSS research have shifted to group decision support systems, model management, and design and implementation, while the study of foundations and individual differences has faded away.
Abstract: This study investigates the changing intellectual structure of the decision support system (DSS) field by means of an empirical assessment of the DSS literature over two successive time periods, 1971‐1990 and 1991‐1995. A multivariate data analysis tool, cluster analysis, is applied to an author cocitation frequency matrix derived from a large database file of comprehensive DSS literature over the two consecutive periods. The study concludes that the core areas of DSS research have shifted to group decision support systems, model management, and design and implementation, while the study of foundations and individual differences has faded away. Moreover, DSS researchers have diversified their reference disciplines in an effort to improve their research. Influence of organization science has been diminished, while cognitive science and psychology have emerged as the most influential contributing disciplines.
83 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the issues related to ISO 14001/Environmental Management System (EMS) implementation in Singapore are examined using a literature review, the factors that hinder implementation, the possible benefits of such implementation and a list of critical success factors (CSFs) are identified.
Abstract: Examines the issues related to ISO 14001/Environmental Management System (EMS) implementation in Singapore. Using a literature review, the factors that hinder implementation, the possible benefits of such implementation and a list of critical success factors (CSFs) are identified. Seven case studies were conducted with companies which were either ISO 14001 certified, or in the process of certification. The case studies are used to examine the validity of the factors identified in the literature. All the listed CSFs were found to be applicable to all the ISO 14001 certified companies. However, all of these factors were not uniformly applicable to all companies. Similar to the CSFs, all the barriers to implementation that were identified in the literature review section were found to be applicable to the sample companies. However, once again, all of these factors were not uniformly applicable to all companies. The majority of the sample companies reported some form of tangible and intangible benefits from i...
78 citations
TL;DR: Despite the extremely diversified cultural context in which Brazilian enterprises operate, the issue of cultural diversity is new in their agenda The emergence of this theme is much more related to the need of creating competitive advantages by developing diversified competences, usually following policies which are established by the headquarters of local subsidiaries, than attending to legal procedures, as happens in the USA and Canada as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Despite the extremely diversified cultural context in which Brazilian enterprises operate, the issue of cultural diversity is new in their agenda The emergence of this theme is much more related to the need of creating competitive advantages by developing diversified competences, usually following policies which are established by the headquarters of local subsidiaries, than attending to legal procedures, as happens in the USA and Canada Departing from a conceptual elaboration about cultural diversity and its management, this paper presents the results achieved in a research among leading Brazilian firms The points that emerge as conclusions can be generalized for other countries
69 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an intensive focus group study was conducted with senior IT managers and recruiters from a number of local companies in the Pacific Northwest, with the goal being to provide useful information to other employers of IT specialists.
Abstract: Notes that it has become fiercely competitive to recruit and retain information technology (IT) talent in today’s tight labor market. Cites two main reasons for IT skills shortages. First, the number of students graduating in the USA with bachelor’s degrees in computer science declined more than 40 percent in recent years. Forecasts are that this trend will grow even more during the next few years. Second, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for trained IT employees has increased in the past few years. The predicted labor shortage for skilled IT staff will be increasing by 1.3 million by year 2005. This labor crisis has forced companies to develop new strategies specifically to address recruitment and retention of scarce IT specialists. Describes effective recruitment and retention practices, as described by participants in this study, with the goal being to provide useful information to other employers of IT specialists. The information used in this study was based on an intensive focus group study conducted with senior IT managers and recruiters from a number of local companies in the Pacific Northwest.
67 citations
TL;DR: Some statistics about the growth on fraud, factors which cause fraud in the workplace, how businesses can protect their assets, and common computer‐based frauds, techniques, and controls are presented.
Abstract: Organizations today are more susceptible to computer crime and employee fraud than ever before. This paper presents some statistics about the growth on fraud, factors which cause fraud in the workplace, how businesses can protect their assets, and common computer‐based frauds, techniques, and controls. Managers of all types of organizations need to be knowledgeable about their internal control system, and make sure it has sufficient checks and balances to ward against employees committing fraudulent acts. No organization is immune today from both external and internal threats to the safety and security of their data and information. Therefore, it is imperative that managers understand the problems that fraud can cause and how they can protect the organization.
60 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors address the relationship between firm performance on 15 manufacturing attributes and the extensiveness of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) portfolios that firms adopt and find that adoption of AMT tended to result in marginal reductions in the number of operators and marginal increases in average labour costs across all technology portfolio classifications.
Abstract: Addresses the relationship between firm performance on 15 manufacturing attributes and the extensiveness of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) portfolios that firms adopt. Mail survey data obtained from 116 manufacturing firms in the USA that had adopted a variety of AMT are used in this research. On average, responding firms reported some improvements in manufacturing performance for all variables except changes in average labour cost (total labour cost/number of direct and indirect labour employees). Adoption of AMT tended to result in marginal reductions in the number of operators and marginal increases in average labour costs across all technology portfolio classifications. For all technology groups, firms recorded their highest level of improvement for product quality, and operator output rates/operator productivity. The majority of firms that had adopted both integrated process technologies and integrated information/logistic technologies reported improvements for 14 of the 15 performance attributes covered in this study.
53 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual framework has been developed to improve the effectiveness of warehousing operations and a case study has been conducted with the help of the model to minimize the through-put time in warehousing operation.
Abstract: The warehouse is the interface area for production lines, market, customers and suppliers, and the business environment in general. Goods inwards (GI), constituting part of the warehouse activities, is the department responsible for booking‐in the incoming parts from external suppliers. After the production process is improved, the resources in the warehouse are balanced to link the internal/ external transfer of physical items. With a broader view of the GI activities, and a look into its future, the actual problems may become clear, understandable, and hence easy to solve. The aim of this paper is to study the problem areas in GI and provide solutions to increase the performance of warehousing operations. First, a conceptual framework has been developed to improve the effectiveness of warehousing operations. Second, a case study has been conducted with the help of the model to minimize the through‐put time in warehousing operations. Finally, a summary of findings and recommendations are presented.
48 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used an artificial neural network to predict the level of the consumer price index (CPI) with a high degree of accuracy using leading economic indicators in the USA.
Abstract: Forecasting inflation is a major concern for economists and businessmen. Most researchers have relied upon statistical techniques with their stringent data assumptions and low accuracy rates to predict changes in inflation, but only a few have investigated how neural networks can improve forecasts. Here, we show the results of Consumer Price Index (CPI) forecasts from an artificial neural network using leading economic indicator data in the USA. Results show that the neural network predicts the level of the CPI with a high degree of accuracy.
TL;DR: The authors discusses some of the techniques of database marketing, its effectiveness, and the business and social environment regarding direct database marketing and notes that the process of gathering and using the right data effectively is of primary importance if the marketer is to succeed.
Abstract: Discusses some of the techniques of database marketing, its effectiveness, and the business and social environment regarding direct database marketing. Notes that the process of gathering and using the right data effectively is of primary importance if the marketer is to succeed.
TL;DR: The security frameworks implemented in the cyberspace environment are discussed and the current developments and future trends involving this issue are discussed.
Abstract: Through the tremendous growth of Internet users during the last few years, organizations now realize the potential market of the information highway. However, these organizations now face the problem of Internet security. The open environment of the Internet contributes greatly to its success, but also plants inherent security problems. Discusses the security frameworks implemented in the cyberspace environment and the current developments and future trends involving this issue.
TL;DR: The design and development of an intelligent software agent based data analysis and mining environment called IDM is presented, which is utilized in decision making activities.
Abstract: There is a tremendous explosion in the amount of data that organizations generate, collect and store. Managers are beginning to recognize the value of this asset, and are increasingly relying on intelligent systems to access, analyze, summarize, and interpret information from large and multiple data sources. These systems help them make critical business decisions faster or with a greater degree of confidence. Data mining is a promising new technology that helps bring business intelligence into these systems. While there is a plethora of data mining techniques and tools available, they present inherent problems for end‐users such as complexity, required technical expertise, lack of flexibility and interoperability, etc. These problems can be mitigated by deploying software agents to assist end‐users in their problem solving endeavors. This paper presents the design and development of an intelligent software agent based data analysis and mining environment called IDM, which is utilized in decision making activities.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the measurement systems used in today's distribution centers and provide a cross-case analysis of a typical measurement system used in modern distribution centers, which gives a view of typical measurement systems.
Abstract: Managing supply‐chain operations is critical to any company’s ability to compete effectively. Success in today’s markets depends on the ability to balance a stream of products and processes to stay competitive. Companies are constantly evaluating every area of operations to ensure that productivity and cost objectives are realistic and attainable. Research has been carried out to investigate the measurement systems used in today’s distribution centers. Five distribution centers in the Pacific Northwest were selected for this study. The characteristics of these five distribution centers and their measurement systems are discussed in this paper. A cross‐case analysis is provided, which gives a view of a typical measurement system used in today’s distribution centers.
TL;DR: This paper analyzes the definitions, implementation, and management of groupware and focuses on the strategic considerations rather than technical solutions.
Abstract: The term groupware is widely used but not clearly defined. Owing to ongoing rapid developments, a consistent definition of the term has proved elusive. However, there is a good reason to view groupware as a technology that addresses the vast areas of collaboration, human‐computer interaction, and human‐human interaction through digital media to bring substantial improvement and transformation to organizations. This paper analyzes the definitions, implementation, and management of groupware. The focus is on the strategic considerations rather than technical solutions. Factors that contribute to the future development of groupware are also discussed.
TL;DR: The Global Manufacturing Research Group (GMRG) has developed a survey that has been administered to companies in the machine tools and non-fashion textile industries as mentioned in this paper, where the improvement programs of interest are cellular manufacturing, factory automation, just-in-time (JIT) systems, and total quality management.
Abstract: The global manufacturing research group (GMRG) is a multi‐national group of researchers who are dedicated to the study and improvement of manufacturing practices worldwide. The GMRG developed a survey that has been administered to companies in the machine tools and non‐fashion textile industries. In this study we utilize the GMRG data collected during 1993‐1995 and we focus on improvement programs and their impact on performance outcomes. Specifically, the improvement programs of interest are cellular manufacturing, factory automation, just‐in‐time (JIT) systems, and total quality management (TQM); the performance measures used were the percentage change in manufacturing cost, product quality, delivery speed, and on‐time deliveries. The relationships among the programs and outcomes were modelled and analyzed using the partial least squares (PLS) approach to structural equation modelling (SEM).
TL;DR: The authors examined cross-cultural negotiating behavior using Hofstede's criteria to see if some firms may have a cultural competitive advantage, and found that firms from some countries or cultures do better than firms from other countries.
Abstract: In this age of the global economy, negotiating across cultures is an inevitable part of doing business for firms desiring to compete internationally. What problems could cultural differences cause? Can firms from some countries or cultures do better than firms from other countries? What problems might firms from one culture encounter compared to firms from other cultures? To study these questions, cross‐cultural negotiating behaviour was examined using Hofstede’s criteria, to see if some firms may have a cultural competitive advantage. Assumptions about the effects of national cultures were proposed and tested, and differences between cultures were found. Additional research was also suggested.
TL;DR: It is concluded that in this period (1960‐1998) a shift in the OM approach has emerged, modifying the consideration rendered by the textbooks to the different topics, not affecting the orientation of the contents.
Abstract: Studies the evolution of the operations management (OM) contents in the last decades. For this purpose, a sample of 84 OM textbooks has been analysed. First, we identify the main approaches and frameworks used to organise the OM contents in the different textbooks. Thereafter, we proceed to analyse the trends in the orientation of the textbooks’ contents according to the qualitative/quantitative and long‐/short‐term dimensions of every topic. From this survey, we conclude that in this period (1960‐1998) a shift in the OM approach has emerged, modifying the consideration rendered by the textbooks to the different topics, not affecting the orientation of the contents.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a framework that would help information systems managers understand the conceptual link between BPR and TQM and the joined implications these approaches have for the management of the information systems organization.
Abstract: In an uncertain and competitive environment, organizations are forced to search for philosophies to guide performance improvement efforts. The current literature has paid considerable attention to two particular philosophies ‐ business process redesign (BPR) and total quality management (TQM). These two movements emphasize a reconfiguration of an organization’s processes to increase performance that ultimately should facilitate the recuperation of the competitive posture of the organization. The literature has treated the same two approaches, however, as substitutes. No attempt has been made to pinpoint the possible synergy between the two improvement philosophies. The thrust of this paper is to present a framework that would help information systems managers understand the conceptual link between BPR and TQM and the joined implications these approaches have for the management of the information systems organization.
TL;DR: In this article, a contingency approach is employed to analyze the formation of strategic alliances in the pharmaceutical industry, and suggestions are made regarding the empirical research needed in order to enhance our ability to explain formation of the strategic alliances.
Abstract: Despite the increased frequency and major importance of strategic alliances in the pharmaceutical industry, little is known about the formation of these alliances, or factors by which these alliances affect the business practices. The present study centers on strategic alliances formation in the pharmaceutical industry. A contingency approach is employed to analyze the formation of strategic alliances. Finally, suggestions are made regarding the empirical research needed in order to enhance our ability to explain formation of strategic alliances in the pharmaceutical industry.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the diffusion of e-commerce in three wave-migration phases from current computer communications and explain why ecommerce may have a greater impact on exchanging information and optimizing existing business processes than on generating funds flow.
Abstract: Few information technology trends have received more attention from the industry than electronic (e‐) commerce – and considering the industry’s predisposition to hyperbole, that is saying a lot. This paper discusses the diffusion of e‐commerce in three wave‐migration phases from current computer communications. From an ontological perspective at the meta level, this paper explains why e‐commerce may have a greater impact on exchanging information and optimizing existing business processes than on generating funds flow. In evaluating the nature of e‐commerce applications, it is proposed that e‐commerce will replace the traditional inventory‐based model with an information‐based model and the basis of competition will shift from companies with strong distribution systems to those with strong information systems. This might help explain the predictions of triple‐digit e‐commerce market growth and stock valuations of Internet companies that defy fundamentals.
TL;DR: The authors examined computer-supported groups of four over a series of four sessions working on a collaborative writing task and found that group-related attitudes tend to change sooner and to a greater extent than media-related ones.
Abstract: Group members’ attitudes toward social processes and media properties are likely to change as members interact and gain experience with each other and technology in computer‐supported environments. Moreover, these attitudes are likely to evolve differently. This study examines computer‐supported groups of four over a series of four sessions working on a collaborative writing task. Results from this study indicate that group‐related attitudes, i.e. social perceptions, tend to change sooner, and to a greater extent, than media‐related ones. A possible explanation for these differences is that computer media have certain physical properties that cannot be easily altered by users. In contrast, group‐related structures appear to be much more malleable. These results imply that, for example, groups can, with the right assistance, develop positive group attitudes rather quickly which tend to last over time. In contrast, attitudes towards technical systems tend to evolve more slowly and, when system designs are flawed or users are not well trained on system features, managers may be faced with persistent negative user attitudes. Thus, understanding how social and technical attitudes evolve is critical for managers who want to improve group processes.
TL;DR: Insight is given into the use and understanding of some software metrics that can be critical to making effective responses in the management information systems' decision‐making processes.
Abstract: Project managers in information systems play a central role in the development, maintenance, and enhancement of software. Software metrics assist these managers in identifying opportunities for process improvement and help quantify software characteristics. Weaknesses in the traditional approaches to measuring reliability have led to the development of software metrics. The interpretation of software metrics can be critical to making effective responses in the management information systems’ decision‐making processes. This paper gives insight into the use and understanding of some software metrics.
TL;DR: In this paper, the applicability of the Web-based technology to the support of team meetings in Korean corporations is investigated, and an integrated team support system that meets the needs of Korean firms for collaborative tasks regardless of the time and location dimensions is presented.
Abstract: The Worldwide Web has recently emerged as a highly effective technology to permit individuals to exchange and share information from around the globe. This paper investigates the applicability of the Web‐based technology to the support of team meetings in Korean corporations. We first examine key cultural characteristics of Korean enterprises as they relate to the way the firms conduct team meetings, and discuss a few design issues in the context of the characteristics. We argue that the organizational culture of Korean firms calls for a merger of text‐based electronic meeting support with video conferencing capability if meetings are to be productive. Ultimately, we envision an integrated team support system that meets the needs of Korean firms for collaborative tasks regardless of the time and location dimensions.
TL;DR: In this article, the impact of information technology (IT) on the interaction between manufacturing and marketing is explored, where the application dimension of IT function is introduced as a useful tool in reducing the degree of interfunctional gap through advanced IT which in turn will reduce the conflict on the activity level.
Abstract: This study is to explore the impact of information technology (IT) on the interaction between manufacturing and marketing. Literature reviews are initially conducted to understand the interfunctional goal gap and activity conflict that exist between the two departments which invariably constitute achievement on corporate competitiveness. The application dimension of IT function is introduced as a useful tool in reducing the degree of interfunctional gap through advanced IT which in turn will reduce the conflict on the activity level. Thus, the ultimate end might lead to positive effects on corporate competitiveness. In this paper, we discuss the interaction of manufacturing and marketing departments and the resulting capacity of IT in six firms, located in the HsinChu Science‐Based Industrial Park (HSIP) in Taiwan. HSIP is referred to as Taiwan’s Silicon Valley. This study’s methodology is based on a case study. Deep analysis of the six cases leads to ten hypotheses.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted a survey of information systems managers with respect to the importance of telecommunications issues and the quality of their telecommunications training, and the response of the managers identified four factors: standard or clerical applications (e‐mail and voice mail); advanced or emerging applications (conducting business on the Internet); technical issues (telecommunications terminology and equipment capability); and managerial issues (the use of telecommunications to gain a competitive advantage).
Abstract: Reports the results of a survey of information systems managers with respect of the importance of telecommunications issues and the quality of their telecommunications training. The response of the information systems managers identified four factors: standard or clerical applications (e‐mail and voice mail); advanced or emerging applications (conducting business on the Internet); technical issues (telecommunications terminology and equipment capability); and managerial issues (the use of telecommunications to gain a competitive advantage). The information systems managers rated managerial issues as more important than technical issues, thus reflecting a shift to the strategic issues of telecommunications. While the information systems managers rated training on standard applications the highest, they expressed clear dissatisfaction in all areas of their telecommunications training. Surprisingly, it was in the managerial area of telecommunication that the IS managers expressed their greatest desire for additional training. All too often technology rules the business. It is now time to revert to the core organizational emphasis and use technology to manage the business efficiently.
TL;DR: The framework is designed to go beyond conventional cost of quality and nonconformance models, as it offers a solution path which utilizes employees to improve areas of nonconformity.
Abstract: Presents a practical conceptual framework designed to determine the cost of quality based on nonconformance to a set of quality standards. This framework was implemented in a manufacturing environment. It utilizes an “open” system architecture which stresses a customer orientation. In this context, customer influence determines what is important in terms of quality. Standards are established for these elements which are used to gauge the performance and efficiency of the manufacturing process. Poor performance is then quantified in terms of relevant costs. The framework is designed to go beyond conventional cost of quality and nonconformance models, as it offers a solution path which utilizes employees to improve areas of nonconformance. Cultural, informational and technical organizational requirements needed to implement the framework advocated here are outlined.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the concept of project management in European Aerospace and its necessity if further successes are to be achieved, and provide guidance on project management performance parameters to remain successful in the global market place.
Abstract: Over the past 20 years the competition for capital equipment sales and support has intensified world wide. Europe in particular has scored some notable sales successes for aircraft, locomotives and ships. The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of project management in European Aerospace and its necessity if further successes are to be achieved. Large and complex capital equipment can only justify their considerable investment costs whilst they are working or available for work. This means ensuring that extensive management procedures are conceived and implemented not only for production of capital equipments but to ensure their support strategy is considered at the outset. This paper examines the challenge presented, reviews initial and support philosophy including dealing with subcontractors, and offers guidance on project management performance parameters to remain successful in the global market place.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on the need to ignore the many acronym-based initiatives and programs that tend to drive business performance and suggest that people must play a critical role in any performance improvement initiative.
Abstract: The series of articles focuses on the need to ignore the many acronym‐based initiatives and programmes that tend to drive business performance. The author recommends that people must play a critical role in any performance improvement initiative people working in an effective team environment and with senior management visible involvement. A tool, Cost of Quality, is described in some detail. Utilizing people and Cost of Quality can reduce cost and change an organisation’s culture. Part 2 provides a framework for use of Cost of Quality, suggesting that it can help reduce costs and increase margins.