Showing papers in "Industrial Management and Data Systems in 2006"
TL;DR: The study reveals that an individual's loyalty to a web site is closely linked to the levels of trust and directly affects the effective purchasing behavior, in terms of preference, cost and frequency of visits, and therefore, the level of profitability provided by each consumer.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of privacy and perceived security on the level of trust shown by the consumer in the internet. It also aims to reveal and test the close relationship between the trust in a web site and the degree of loyalty to it.Design/methodology/approach – First, there is an explanation of the main attributes of the concepts examined, with special attention being paid to the multi‐dimensional nature of the variables and the relationships between them. This is followed by an examination of the validation processes of the measuring instruments.Findings – Specifically, the study reveals that an individual's loyalty to a web site is closely linked to the levels of trust. Thus, the development of trust not only affects the intention to buy, as shown by previous researchers, but it also directly affects the effective purchasing behavior, in terms of preference, cost and frequency of visits, and therefore, the level of profitability provided by each consumer. In ad...
714 citations
TL;DR: It is found that among the enabler: on the part of strategy and leadership; obtaining top managements' support is most important; among organization culture enablers is the forming of an atmosphere and culture of sharing, which needs to be supplemented by informational technology.
Abstract: Purpose – To analyze the crucial role that enablers play in carrying out knowledge management within the enterprise.Design/methodology/approach – This research uses the method of a case study and has directed the survey on Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc. (ASE) and VIA Technologies, Inc. (VIA). It is anticipated through the case study of these two companies that it will be possible to verify the finding of enablers concluded by other papers, thus showing the inter‐relationship between theory and business.Findings – It is found that among the enablers: on the part of strategy and leadership; obtaining top managements' support is most important; among organization culture enablers is the forming of an atmosphere and culture of sharing is most important but needs to be supplemented by informational technology; among people enablers, other than training courses and channels that provide learning, employee incentive program is one of the executing key factor; and among informational technology enablers...
356 citations
TL;DR: The paper considers OI and OL jointly to promote organizational entrepreneurship and to increase competitive advantages and empirically reflects the need to strengthen different strategic capabilities to achieve an adequate level of both organizational issues and thus improve performance.
Abstract: Purpose – To analyze a series of strategic capabilities/factors that affects organizational innovation (OI) and organizational learning (OL) (personal mastery, transformational leadership, shared vision, proactivity and environment) and demonstrate that OL and innovation are positively related to organizational performance.Design/methodology/approach – Based on prior research, the paper develops a number of testable hypotheses. It examines how personal mastery, transformational leadership, shared vision, proactivity and environment influence improvements in performance. The paper uses inter‐factor correlations matrix and multiple regressions analyses and empirically tests these hypotheses using a sample of 408 Spanish organizations.Findings – Considers OI and OL jointly to promote organizational entrepreneurship and to increase competitive advantages. Empirically reflects the need to strengthen different strategic capabilities to achieve an adequate level of both organizational issues and thus improve per...
336 citations
TL;DR: Data analysis reveals that, while MO has a strong and positive impact on the extent of TQM implementation, it has no significant impact on organizational performance.
Abstract: Purpose – The principal aim of this study is to determine the impact of market orientation (MO) and implementation of total quality management (TQM) on organizational performance of SMEs.Design/methodology/approach – Based on theoretical considerations, a model is proposed linking the MO and TQM constructs to the organizational performance construct. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses empirically verified and validated the underlying dimensions of MO, TQM and organizational performance. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the model drawing on a sample of 141 SMEs operating in the Turkish textile industry.Findings – Data analysis reveals that, while MO has a strong and positive impact on the extent of TQM implementation, it has no significant impact on organizational performance. Similarly, a strong and positive relationship was noted between the level of TQM implementation and organizational performance. It has also been found that the MO has a positive and significant impact on or...
199 citations
TL;DR: A model is proposed by which suitable supply chain strategy can be selected based on customer sensitivity and risk alleviation competency dimension and it is recommended that the model be tested for those supply chains which have established themselves as lean, agile or leagile entities.
Abstract: Purpose – With the emergence of the concepts of lean, agile and leagile paradigms for supply chains, organizations have little idea as to which model suits them based on the their supply chain's ability to counter risks and take on the challenges of the fast changing customer preferences. This paper aims to map supply chains on these two dimensions.Design/methodology/approach – A model is proposed by which suitable supply chain strategy can be selected based on customer sensitivity and risk alleviation competency dimension. Graph theoretic approach is applied to quantify these dimensions for three case supply chains.Findings – The proposed model was tested for three Indian SMEs clusters and suitable supply chain strategy was suggested.Research limitations/implications – It is recommended that the model be tested for those supply chains which have established themselves as lean, agile or leagile entities.Practical implications – Suggested model would help organizations to select suitable supply chain strat...
186 citations
TL;DR: This paper suggests that a long‐term IT outsourcing relationship will shift focus as it matures, and identified cost stage, resource stage and partnership stage as maturity stages in outsourcing relationships.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research paper is to present a maturity model for IT outsourcing relationships.Design/methodology/approach – Based on organizational theories and outsourcing practices, this research identified cost stage, resource stage and partnership stage as maturity stages in outsourcing relationships.Findings – First, relationships focus on economic benefits, then there are concerns about access to competence, and finally the development of norms and alliance management are the main focus. Benchmark variables for each stage are suggested. Future research might apply this framework to empirically test the evolution of IT outsourcing relationships.Practical implications – Managing successful IT outsourcing relationships requires a consistent understanding of maturity stage between vendor and client in the relationship.Originality/value – This paper suggests that a long‐term IT outsourcing relationship will shift focus as it matures. The original value of the paper is the theory‐based stag...
183 citations
TL;DR: The final outcome of the instrument development process was a parsimonious, 39‐item instrument, consisting of ten scales, all with acceptable levels of content validity, reliability and construct validity.
Abstract: Purpose – To describe the development of a survey instrument designed to measure consumer perceptions of the broadband adoption within the UK households.Design/methodology/approach – A survey research approach was employed to achieve overall aim and following three objectives of this research: to identify initial items that may help to explain the broadband adoption behaviour and determine them employing an exploratory survey approach; to confirm the representativeness of items to a particular construct domain employing content validity approach; and finally, to test the instrument in order to confirm the reliability of items and construct validity.Findings – The final outcome of the instrument development process that culminated from the confirmatory study was a parsimonious, 39‐item instrument, consisting of ten scales, all with acceptable levels of content validity, reliability and construct validity.Practical implications – The developed instrument is relevant to both academic and practitioner communi...
181 citations
TL;DR: A prediction model which consists of four major factors in the adoption of online retailing by organisations, namely relative advantage, competitive pressure, channel conflict and technical resource competence revealed that relative advantage and competitive pressure have positive effects on the adopters' adoption.
Abstract: Purpose – Using the literature on innovation research, this paper proposes to establish and empirically test a prediction model which consists of four major factors in the adoption of online retailing by organisations, namely relative advantage, competitive pressure, channel conflict and technical resource competence.Design/methodology/approach – Data collected from 140 different companies indicate strong empirical support for the model. Relevant hypotheses were derived and tested by logistic regression analysis.Findings – The results revealed that relative advantage, competitive pressure and technical resource competence have positive effects on the adoption of online retailing.Research limitations/implications – The research was conducted in Hong Kong, which may limit the generalisability of the findings.Practical implications – While many studies contribute to an understanding of behaviours of the online market from a consumer perspective, there are few concrete investigations of the organisational vie...
181 citations
TL;DR: There were significant impacts of organizational factors, including IT competence of business managers, environment uncertainty, industry type, and organization size, on the effectiveness of implementing ISM.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to examine the influence of organization factors on the effectiveness of implementing BS7799, an information security management (ISM) standard.Design/methodology/approach – Based on literature review, a research model was formulated by extracting the antecedents of ISM, and an empirical study was conducted to show how the organizational factors influence organizations in carrying out BS7799.Findings – The study result revealed that there were significant impacts of organizational factors, including IT competence of business managers, environment uncertainty, industry type, and organization size, on the effectiveness of implementing ISM.Research limitations/implications – The sample is limited to the organizational factors in Taiwan. It is suggested to replicate this study in other countries to reconfirm the result before adopting its general implications. Owing to the highly intrusive nature of ISM surveys, a cautious approach with rapport and trust is a key success factor in co...
169 citations
TL;DR: The results indicate that IT support workers attribute failure to external factors, whilst attributing success to themselves, whilst executive management took a more balanced perspective which attribute success to internal factors and only partially to themselves.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to determine how project managers attribute information technology (IT) project success and failure.Design/methodology/approach – IT personnel from large Australian organisations completed an adapted version of the Attributional Styles questionnaire, which asked them to attribute causes along a number of attribution dimensions, for IT projects which have either succeeded or failed.Findings – The results indicate that IT support workers attribute failure to external factors, whilst attributing success to themselves. On the other hand, executive management took a more balanced perspective which attribute success to external factors and only partially to themselves, whereas they attribute significant personal responsibility for failure.Practical implications – More junior professionals and operational IT employees can learn from their senior professionals in attributing success and failure. Post‐implementation reviews and debriefings conducted by senior IT profession...
164 citations
TL;DR: A comprehensive set of performance outcomes is proposed and grouped into five key dimensions and it is indicated that there are 38 outcomes from KM implementation which have garnered impressive theoretical and empirical support.
Abstract: Purpose – This research attempts to comprehensively examine the criteria for measuring knowledge management (KM) performance outcomes in organisations. To date, no studies have provided a set of widely accepted measurement criteria associated with KM efforts. This paper, therefore, aims to fill the gap.Design/methodology/approach – This study was carried out by systematically reviewing the literature on KM performance outcomes. Case studies were carried out in two organisations identified to have a KM programme in place.Findings – A review of the literature indicates that there are 38 outcomes from KM implementation which have garnered impressive theoretical and empirical support. Based on this, a comprehensive set of performance outcomes is proposed and grouped into five key dimensions. The findings from the case studies indicate that this proposition is relevant.Research limitations/implications – The use of case studies limits the generalisability of the findings, but it opens up new questions to be ex...
TL;DR: A strategic contingency model is developed to identify the interrelationships among knowledge characteristics, knowledge management (KM) strategy, knowledge integration, organizational learning, KM capability and innovation.
Abstract: Purpose – Based on theories of organizational learning and strategy, the purpose of this study is to develop a strategic contingency model to identify the interrelationships among knowledge characteristics, knowledge management (KM) strategy, knowledge integration, organizational learning, KM capability and innovation.Design/methodology/approach – This study was conducted using the survey method. A total of 800 survey questionnaires were sent to KM managers from the semiconductor, LED, precision machinery, communication, and biotech industries. ANOVA and LISREL were adopted to test 11 hypotheses as developed in this study.Findings – The research results concluded that: knowledge characteristics with higher modularity and explicitness could enhance organizational learning and knowledge integration; levels of organizational learning, knowledge integration, and KM capability had significant impact on a firm's innovation; the interaction effects of human oriented KM strategy and organizational learning, and s...
TL;DR: The ideal approach for RFID application in the printing supply chain is the item‐tagging mechanism, and this paper provides useful reference information for enterprises to evaluate the RFID implementation in the supply chain.
Abstract: Purpose – Seeks to carry out an empirical study to reveal the business characteristics of the printing industry and to accomplish a quantitative analysis of costs and benefits for RFID applications in different logistics activities.Design/methodology/approach – The business operation requirements and RFID acceptance of distinct roles in the printing supply chain are explored via interviews and questionnaires. The printing supply chain is classified into six fundamental models and RFID application scenarios for the six models are also provided.Findings – The ideal approach for RFID application in the printing supply chain is the item‐tagging mechanism.Practical implications – The decision maker can refer to the cost and efficiency look‐up tables to quickly evaluate the feasibility for RFID implementation.Originality/value – This paper provides useful reference information for enterprises to evaluate the RFID implementation in the supply chain.
TL;DR: The findings indicate that TPM not only leads to increase in efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing systems, measured in terms of OEE index, by reducing the wastages but also prepares the plant to meet the challenges put forward by globally competing economies to achieve world class manufacturing (WCM) status.
Abstract: Purpose – To examine the need to develop, practice and implement such maintenance practices, which not only reduce sudden sporadic failures in semi‐automated cells but also reduce both operation and maintenance (O&M) costs.Design/methodology/approach – A case‐based approach in conjunction with standard tools, techniques and practices is used to discuss various issues related with TPM implementation in a semi‐automated cell.Findings – The findings indicate that TPM not only leads to increase in efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing systems, measured in terms of OEE index, by reducing the wastages but also prepares the plant to meet the challenges put forward by globally competing economies to achieve world class manufacturing (WCM) status.Originality/value – The paper presents an interesting investigation of TPM implementation issues which may help the managers/practitioners to prepare their plants/units to meet the challenges of competitive manufacturing in twenty‐first century by adopting and imp...
TL;DR: It is found that IT could significantly influence a firm's competitive advantage, and the effects are nonlinear.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to examine the impact of information technology (IT) on the competitive advantages of third‐party logistics (3PL) firms in China.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire‐based mail survey was conducted in mainland China. Spline regressions were used to model the relationship between IT and competitive advantages.Findings – This study found that IT could significantly influence a firm's competitive advantage, and the effects are nonlinear.Research limitations/implications – The modeled relationship between IT and competitive advantages may not hold in different cultural environments and industrial settings. The sample size was small.Practical implications – A higher IT focus may improve a firm's competitive advantage. To achieve competitive advantages efficiently, it is essential to integrate IT, align IT strategy and business strategy, obtain IT‐related management skills, and achieve IT competency. 3PL managers can expect competitive advantages from their investments in IT ...
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TL;DR: A taxonomy of integration definitions derived from the academic and trade literature is developed, analyzed, and documented, and multiple alternative definitions are presented and explained in some detail.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to provide a clarification of the meaning of the term integration.Design/methodology/approach – A taxonomy of integration definitions derived from the academic and trade literature is developed, analyzed, and documented.Findings – Integration is a word that is commonly used when discussing enterprise applications. The term integration is inserted in technical papers, e‐mail messages, correspondence, proposals, and even causal conversations. After many years of project work, and many misunderstandings and failed meetings and workshops, it can only be stated that the word has multiple and misunderstood meanings. For technical papers (research and trade), the term must be provided with context, or it is impossible to have a meaningful conversation. Next, multiple alternative definitions (that are valid in the literature for the appropriate context) are presented and explained in some detail.Research limitations/implications – The paper is not exhaustive, since new definitions of int...
TL;DR: This study documents the design and initial deployment of a virtual community case, Innovation Information Infrastructure, based on social network concepts, and basic design principles, deployment strategy, and future directions for social network‐based virtual communities are presented.
Abstract: Purpose – To enhance an entrepreneur's business network through the integration of the social network concepts and design principles of virtual communities.Design/methodology/approach – This study documents the design and initial deployment of a virtual community case, Innovation Information Infrastructure, based on social network concepts.Findings – Basic design principles, deployment strategy, and future directions for social network‐based virtual communities are presented.Research limitations/implications – Because of resource and time constraints, only basic content service, communication tools, and transaction functions were implemented in the initial deployment. Future extensions of this study may include development of a personalized and intelligent information retrieval system utilizing data mining techniques, development of advanced communication features to promote active participation, and creation of automatic social network‐tracking tools to monitor an individual's network evolution.Practical...
TL;DR: The modified DEA approach is modified to incorporate weight constraints and is used to rank the available vendors and yields results very similar to those produced using SMART, quite satisfactory in spite of the fact that DEA requires less involvement on the part of the DM.
Abstract: Purpose – To provide decision makers (DMs) an option for addressing problems involving finite alternative sets and multiple criteria, where criterion weighting is difficult or impossible.Design/methodology/approach – The multicriteria decision problem is described, and a typically descriptive (rather than prescriptive) tool, data envelopment analysis (DEA), is summarized, along with a hypothetical but typical example of a multicriteria decision (vendor selection). The DEA approach is modified to incorporate weight constraints and is used to rank the available vendors. Results are compared with those from the use of a popular multicriteria decision tool (SMART) and a naive averaging approach.Findings – The modified DEA approach yields results very similar to those produced using SMART; these results are quite satisfactory in spite of the fact that DEA requires less involvement on the part of the DM. In addition, non‐dominant optima (a possible anomaly with DEA) are avoided, and often a single alternative, ...
TL;DR: An exploratory investigation into the BSC implementation based on a holistic view identifies a comprehensive set of potential determinants influencing the successful implementation of balanced scorecard (BSC).
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify a comprehensive set of potential determinants influencing the successful implementation of balanced scorecard (BSC).Design/methodology/approach – This research is an exploratory investigation into the BSC implementation based on a holistic view. This includes: a comprehensive scrutiny of the relevant literature; a comprehensive analysis of case studies of BSC implementations in organisations presented in the literature; and an exploratory global survey of 103 organisations in 25 countries that have already implemented or are in the process of implementing BSC.Findings – The roadmap presented in this paper has been taken from a model proposed in the study. The model contained 27 critical success factors which are expected to influence the BSC implementation. The model divides those factors into three levels, namely dominant, main, and supporting factors.Research limitations/implications – There is a need to empirically test and refine the proposed factors,...
TL;DR: Are the AMS used by SMEs aligned with their network, product and market development strategies?
Abstract: Purpose – In order to deepen knowledge and further build theory on the use of advanced manufacturing systems (AMS) in SMEs, the present research seeks to explore the following questions: are the AMS used by SMEs aligned with their network, product and market development strategies? And does the alignment of AMS contribute to the successful outcome of these strategies, that is, to the business performance of manufacturing SMEs?Design/methodology/approach – A survey of 248 Canadian manufacturers was used to collect data that were analyzed through cluster analysis and analysis of variance.Findings – Three alignment patterns of strategic development were identified and named local SMEs, transition SMEs, and world‐class SMEs. World‐class firms were found to clearly outperform local firms in terms of growth and profitability whereas transition SMEs did not perform significantly better or worse than the other two groups.Research limitations/implications – The nature of the sample imposes care in generalizing the...
TL;DR: A hierarchy decision model for assessing the priority of safety management elements in manufacturing enterprises with reference to three major industries in Hong Kong found that the top three criteria for SMS implementation were “client requirement’ “insurance company requirement” and “employee requirement“.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a hierarchy decision model for assessing the priority of safety management elements in manufacturing enterprises with reference to three major industries (i.e. textile and clothing, electronics, and printing and publishing) in Hong Kong. The identification of core decision criteria and safety management elements were addressed with respect to the effective implementation of safety management systems (SMS) in manufacturing enterprises.Design/methodology/approach – Empirical data were acquired via a conduct of personal interviews with evaluators (i.e. safety personnel, experts and professionals) in industry. Using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodology, a list of seven decision criteria and 13 safety management elements were identified and their relative importance were evaluated.Findings – It was found that the top three criteria for SMS implementation were “client requirement” “insurance company requirement” and “employee requirement”. Both “safe...
TL;DR: Manufacturing enterprises should use both tacit knowledge about uncertainties and buffering and dampening techniques, simultaneously with the explicit knowledge that is generated by the intelligent agent, for managing uncertainty.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper proposes a knowledge management approach for managing uncertainty in manufacturing enterprises.Design/methodology/approach – The knowledge management approach consists of a knowledge‐enriched manufacturing system, which is modelled using SIMAN simulation language and programmed using Visual Basic applications. A knowledge‐based planning module and an execution platform are simulated so that signals could be transferred, and configuration to the planned parameters could be made, in order to minimise variations due to uncertainties. A reference architecture and intelligent agent are created to store tacit knowledge and create explicit knowledge, respectively.Findings – Manufacturing enterprises should use both tacit knowledge about uncertainties and buffering and dampening techniques, simultaneously with the explicit knowledge that is generated by the intelligent agent, for managing uncertainty. The design of the knowledge management approach enables easy integration with material requi...
TL;DR: An empirical case was illustrated that the POCCI model not only helps a company identify the core competency that prevails over alternative approaches but also draws more recognition from the raters.
Abstract: Purpose – This research intends to establish a model integrating the related theories in strategy management and competency in the HRM field, and to develop a systematic tool that can help a company quickly and precisely identify its core competency.Design/methodology/approach – An internal value activity chain is obtained through analyzing customers' needs. The priority of the activities is then determined via examining external factors. The critical competency needed by the activity is abstracted from a process and operation analysis. Standardized procedures and tools for applying the Process Oriented Core Competency Identification (POCCI) model are sequentially deployed.Findings – An empirical case was illustrated that the POCCI model not only helps a company identify the core competency that prevails over alternative approaches but also draws more recognition from the raters. The linkage between individual competency and organizational competitive advantage was solidified by the POCCI model and eviden...
TL;DR: The present paper proposes three essential steps to make this decision: weighing up the advantages and risks of offshore outsourcing; analysing the taxonomy of this phenomenon; and determining its current geography.
Abstract: Purpose – The present paper has as its aim to deepen in the study of information systems offshore outsourcing, proposing three essential steps to make this decision: weighing up the advantages and risks of offshore outsourcing; analysing the taxonomy of this phenomenon; and determining its current geography.Design/methodology/approach – With that objective in mind, it was decided to base the research work on the literature about this topic and the review of reports and statistics coming from different sources (consultants, the press, public institutions, etc.).Findings – Offshore outsourcing has grown vertiginously in recent years. Its advantages exceed even those of onshore outsourcing, though it also involves greater risks derived from the (cultural and physical) distance existing between customer and provider. Various types of services and customer‐provider relationships hide under the umbrella of offshore outsourcing; i.e. it is not a homogeneous phenomenon. The main offshore outsourcing customers can...
TL;DR: This study investigates management data systems technologies in terms of how they are used and the issues that are related to their effective management within the broader context of enterprise performance management (EPM).
Abstract: Purpose – Managing enterprise performance is an important, yet a difficult process due to its complexity. The process involves monitoring the strategic focus of an enterprise, whose performance is measured from the analysis of data generated from a wide range of interrelated business activities performed at different levels within the enterprise. This study aims to investigate management data systems technologies in terms of how they are used and the issues that are related to their effective management within the broader context of enterprise performance management (EPM).Design/methodology/approach – A range of recently published research literature on data warehousing, online analytic processing and EPM is reviewed to explore their current state, issues and challenges learned from their practice.Findings – The findings of the study are reported in two parts. The first part discusses the current business practices of these technologies, and the second part identifies and discusses the issues and challeng...
TL;DR: The industry trends indicate that the future of cosmetics may move towards more joint ventures between drug companies, cosmetic companies and nutritional/food companies as cosmetic companies look for new ways to be innovative.
Abstract: Purpose – The cosmetic industry is a very lucrative, innovative, and fast paced industry where product innovation is the key to success. The purpose of this paper is to present a detailed analytical (qualitative) study of cosmetic industry in the global marketplace with a focus on the four market leaders in this industry relative to their business and innovation strategies.Design/methodology/approach – Business analyses include Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT), Porter's value chain and five forces, and financial applied to the four industry leaders.Findings – Each of these cosmetic companies is unique. They each offer something different to the industry; selling method, marketing strategy, product line, and distribution channel.Practical implications – The industry trends indicate that the future of cosmetics may move towards more joint ventures between drug companies, cosmetic companies and nutritional/food companies as cosmetic companies look for new ways to be innovative.Original...
TL;DR: The results show that the organizations are aware of the importance of all the KM factors but fall short of implementation, and the implemented factors consist of business strategy, organizational structure, and knowledge team.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims assess to the perceived importance (PI) and actual implementation (AI) of five preliminary knowledge management (KM) success factors, i.e. business strategy, organizational structure, knowledge team, knowledge audit, and knowledge map in the Malaysian telecommunication industry.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey was conducted on telecommunication organizations located in the capital of Malaysia. Data were analyzed using indices and parametric statistics.Findings – The results show that the organizations are aware of the importance of all the KM factors but fall short of implementation. The implemented factors consist of business strategy, organizational structure, and knowledge team. Knowledge audit and knowledge map are perceived as important but are the least implemented factors.Research limitations/implications – This study was conducted in only one industry in Malaysia. Furthermore, it focuses on the preliminary success factors of KM implementation rather th...
TL;DR: A method of how to analyse sales configuration models by using a design structure matrix (DSM) tool to sequence the product configuration questions and organize the connection to production is introduced.
Abstract: Purpose – Product configurator is a sales and production‐planning tool that helps to transform customer requirements into bills‐of‐materials, lists of features and cost estimations. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a method of how to analyse sales configuration models by using a design structure matrix (DSM) tool. By applying the DSM techniques, the sales configuration managers may sequence the product configuration questions and organize the connection to production.Design/methodology/approach – First, the paper explains a sales configuration system structure from published academic and non‐academic works. These sources employ both theoretical and practical views on the topic of computer‐based sales expert systems. Second, the paper demonstrates an application of using DSM for configuration modelling.Findings – The current sales configuration approaches include constraint‐based, rules‐based, and object‐oriented approaches. Product description methods vary, but the general problem remains the sam...
TL;DR: Overall, the research finds that OEM suppliers in the automotive, electronics, and aircraft sectors have shown mixed results in the impact JIT implementation has had on inventory performance measures.
Abstract: Purpose – To analyze the impact of the adoption of just‐in‐time (JIT) production systems by different equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on the inventory profiles of their suppliers.Design/methodology/approach – The research is designed to examine five financial measures of inventory management performance over the years 1994‐2004. Three specific industry sectors where OEMs have adopted and implemented JIT principles are studied. These sectors include the automotive, electronics, and aircraft industries. A one factor analysis of variance is employed to the five hypotheses and Tukey's post‐hoc test is used to interpret statistical pairwise differences between level means.Findings – Overall, the research finds that OEM suppliers in the automotive, electronics, and aircraft sectors have shown mixed results in the impact JIT implementation has had on inventory performance measures.Research limitations/implications – The research focuses on three industrial sectors over approximately a ten year time frame that may...
TL;DR: It is concluded that the style of the upper management team and the leadership of the R&D manager are the main forces that determine R&d management practice, but that the educational background, work experience, and expertise of R& D managers do not distinguish the level of discipline or the sophistication of R &D management practice.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to identify the variables that affect the innovation performance of R&D teams, and to investigate the interactions between these variables.Design/methodology/approach – A research framework is first established through a literature review, and is then adjusted according to case studies of five high‐tech companies in Taiwan. The adjusted model is then tested through a survey of high‐tech companies in Taiwan.Findings – It is concluded that the style of the upper management team and the leadership of the R&D manager are the main forces that determine R&D management practice, but that the educational background, work experience, and expertise of R&D managers do not distinguish the level of discipline or the sophistication of R&D management practice. Some aspects of R&D management practice, for example, the generation and utilization of technical reports and the cultivation of professional knowledge, can be reinforced by office support and alliance. With adequate resource support, mo...