Showing papers in "International Journal of Logistics-research and Applications in 1998"
TL;DR: According to the survey, the most important dynamics operating in the marketplace are growing customer interest in outsourcing a broader array of logistics services, downward pressure on prices and increased customer desire for one-stop shopping as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: This study reports the findings of a survey of the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of 16 large third-party logistics companies in Europe. It provides data concerning the evolution, status and future prospects of the industry. The CEO responses give insight into such matters as company size, service offerings, geographical coverage, marketing strategies and revenues. The CEOs are fairly conservative with respect to the growth prospects of their companies and the industry. According to the CEOs, the most important dynamics operating in the marketplace are growing customer interest in outsourcing a broader array of logistics services, downward pressure on prices and increased customer desire for one-stop shopping. They believe the most important problems faced by the industry are systems development costs, and matching promises with performance. They also believe that continued internationalisation provides the industry's greatest opportunity.
59 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined lean production and its treatment of inventory and time buffers as waste, and the concept of process dynamics was introduced to demonstrate their use in the management of uncertainty and complexity in operations.
Abstract: The management of uncertainty and complexity is necessary for improved performance in the management of operations. This paper examines lean production and its treatment of inventory and time buffers as waste. The minimisation of such waste improves operational flexibility and responsiveness, aiding the management of uncertainty and complexity. It is observed, however, that lean production also incorporates an alternative buffer, that of excess operational capacity, to provide further capability in the management of uncertainty and complexity Buffers are therefore considered necessary, and the concept of process dynamics is introduced to demonstrate their use in the management of uncertainty and complexity in operations Building projects require the provision of choice and variation (complexity) under conditions of considerable uncertainty. Strategies, such as process dynamics, that provide means of better accommodating, rather than eradicating uncertainty and complexity, can improve performance ...
32 citations
TL;DR: The principle of modular production has been applied internally by companies since the 1960s as discussed by the authors, and the automotive industry is now experimenting with the application of the concept in a supply chain setting.
Abstract: The principle of modular production has been applied internally by companies since the 1960s. Innovative companies in the automotive industry are now experimenting with the application of the concept in a supply chain setting. Modular production makes it possible to further involve both distributors and suppliers in the manufacturing process and create a new tier of suppliers: the “zero-level suppliers”. Expected benefits of the increased (physical) integration in the inbound and the outbound flow of goods are increased responsiveness to customers and preserved efficiency. It can be questioned, however, to what extent OEMs can increase the amount of control over operational activities based on networking, as opposed to control based on ownership, without becoming an “empty” design and marketing company.
24 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an insight into the European food multiples' strategies during the internationalization process and identify a number of factors that may have an effect on the retailers' logistics strategies during their international expansion.
Abstract: This paper provides an insight into the European food multiples' strategies during the internationalisation process. More specifically, the paper tries to link transaction-costs theory with the food multiples' logistics strategies at the national and international levels, and identifies a number of factors that may have an effect on the retailers' logistics strategies during their international expansion. Additionally, organisational modes available to retailers concerning the externalise (contract-out)/internalise (own-account) dilemma for their logistics operations are also examined, as retailers face this dilemma at the international level as well. Finally, a framework is provided that positions European food multiples according to the externalise/internalise dilemma for logistics operations in the course of international expansion.
20 citations
TL;DR: In this article, issues in reverse logistics are addressed from an operational research perspective, and recent contributions related to the areas of distribution planning and inventory management are discussed, and compared with traditional logistical settings.
Abstract: The recovery of used products and materials is receiving growing attention as a result of depleted landfill and incineration capacities. From a logistical point of view these reuse opportunities give rise to a goods flow from the user back to the sphere of the producers. “Reverse logistics” is concerned with the management of this “reverse” goods flow. In this paper issues in reverse logistics are addressed from an operational research perspective. Recent contributions related to the areas of distribution planning and inventory management are discussed, and compared with traditional logistical settings.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a new model of generic value streams was proposed and information was concluded to be the key determinant of supply chain effectiveness in the majority of these generic value stream.
Abstract: This paper summarises the findings of the author's research into the role of information as a determinant of supply chain effectiveness. This research was conducted as a part of the Supply Chain Development Programme (SCDP)—Lean Information Project. The applied methodology was a derivative of the Value Stream Mapping framework, modified by the author for the information domain. Significant levels of waste were found. A value-added contribution of up to 1% was suggested as the norm in the information domain. The major causes were attributed to dependent decision cycles, unsynchronised push-pull triggers and complex external supplier relationships. The “Five Lean Principles” were confirmed to be equally applicable in the information domain. A new model of generic value streams was proposed and information was concluded to be the key determinant of supply chain effectiveness in the majority of these generic value streams. It was also concluded that a supply chain's physical and information managemen...
15 citations
TL;DR: A review of the existing literature on the subject of Co-Managed Inventory (CMI) and its antecedents, placing CMI within the wider lexicon of Efficient Consumer Response (ECR), is presented in this article.
Abstract: This paper reviews some of the existing literature on the subject of Co-Managed Inventory (CMI) and its antecedents, placing CMI within the wider lexicon of Efficient Consumer Response (ECR). It then moves on to consider the background and circumstances of the adoption of CMI by a number of leading players in the UK brewing industry, before presenting an empirical study of two of the programmes underway. Drawing on the experiences of these early adopters as they pass through the initial stages of implementation, it identifies some of the wider business implications ensuing from the introduction of these cooperative inventory management agreements.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the strengths and weaknesses of some supplier associations set up in Wales, UK under the Welsh Development Agency's programme, and draws lessons to be learned by customers managing supplier associations.
Abstract: This paper examines the strengths and weaknesses of some supplier associations set up in Wales, UK under the Welsh Development Agency's programme, and draws lessons to be learned by customers managing supplier associations. It starts by reviewing the functions of supplier associations within the Japanese supply chain management and provides a generic model for the creation of a supplier association. After introducing the research method employed, it presents findings on how member suppliers viewed their associations in terms of the building of inter-firm relations and the learning of new techniques. In addition, it examines the weaknesses of the methods employed. The paper then sheds light on some first-tier suppliers who not only participated in an association as a member supplier but also organised a group of second-tier suppliers. It focuses on the lessons they gained as a member supplier and the ways they made use of the lessons in managing their second-tier supplier associations.
9 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlight how the adoption of a Material Requirements Planning System (MRP) at customer firms brings about organisational and logistic changes in their supply chain.
Abstract: This paper highlights how the adoption of a Material Requirement Planning System (MRP) at customer firms brings about organisational and logistic changes in their supply chain. It emerges that MRP introduction imposes more stress on the supply chain, but is advantageous to customer-supplier relationships. Furthermore, there are inter-industry variations, since the effect of MRP is more marked in the aircraft sector than in the radar sector. The supply chains of two high-technology customer firms operating in the aircraft and radar industries have been studied. In addition, 38 suppliers (23 aircraft and 15 radar industry firms) have been studied through periodic visits and a semi-structured questionnaire. Changes have been observed by means of analysis of the effect on delivery times, costs and materials management of the suppliers.
6 citations
TL;DR: A general lost-sales Economic Manufacturing Quality model with machine breakdowns, minimal repairs and planned replacements is considered, and it is shown that the optimal lot size is a function of the operating age of the machine and the optimal preventive replacement is an age replacement.
Abstract: A general lost-sales Economic Manufacturing Quality (EMQ) model with machine breakdowns, minimal repairs and planned replacements is considered. When the machine fails, minimal repair is performed ...
6 citations
TL;DR: It was concluded that lean characteristics such as schedule stability must be viewed in the light of the competitive characteristics of the firm, that elimination of waste is not an absolute standard, and that metrics for the various tradeoffs from two models are provided.
Abstract: The presence of tradeoffs makes it problematic for a manufacturing firm to satisfy “lean logistics” characteristics across a broad front. A model for representing such tradeoffs is proposed, and evidence from comparative, case-based research at a single automotive manufacturer is presented. This evidence provides metrics for the various tradeoffs from two models. Model A used a comparatively fixed production system with stable production schedules that facilitated lean supply and lean manufacture. This, however, meant that model A was remote from the market. Model B production system, on the other hand, allowed changes in the schedule to be made up to and including build day. While model B was closer to the market, this had a negative impact on the supply chain and on manufacturing. It was concluded that lean characteristics such as schedule stability must be viewed in the light of the competitive characteristics of the firm, that elimination of waste is not an absolute standard, and that metrics...
TL;DR: In this article, a detailed investigation of six Australian packaged consumer goods manufacturers was carried out to test this link, and a framework was used to determine the level of sophistication of the logistics operations of these companies.
Abstract: For a number of organisations the practice of logistics management has changed from an operational concern with the elemental activities to a strategic interest in how effective logistics management can help achieve corporate objectives. A detailed investigation of six Australian packaged consumer goods manufacturers was carried out to test this link. First a framework was used to determine the level of sophistication of the logistics operations of these companies. This framework examines six process capabilities and five support capabilities. Sophisticated logistics operations employ advanced technology in the physical and communication activities, focus on effective interrelationships along the supply chain and use leading edge logistics management practices The characteristics of the logistics operations of these companies were then linked to logistics of strategy to external business environmental drivers and of change projects, that these companies hadnderway, to logistics strategy and to co...
TL;DR: In this article, R.S. Kaplan and R.R. Cooper present a review of cost and effect: using integrated cost systems to drive profitability and performance in the context of Logistics Research and Applications.
Abstract: (1998). Review of: “Cost & Effect: using integrated cost systems to drive profitability and performance” R.S. Kaplan & R. Cooper Harvard Business School Press, Boston, MA ISBN 0-87584-788-9 (hardback) 1998, 358 + xi pp. International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications: Vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 315-317.
TL;DR: In this paper, the results of an investigation into customer service factors in the academic publishing industry are analyzed, which is particularly interesting due to the character of this industry, which has thousands of products, many different customers and a limited perception of the importance of customer service.
Abstract: Benchmarking is now widely practised for many purposes by many organisations. Within logistics, it has particular importance with respect to monitoring the nature and effectiveness of customer service. The results of an investigation into customer service factors in the academic publishing industry are analysed. The application is particularly interesting due to the character of this industry, which has thousands of products, many different customers and a limited perception of the importance of customer service. The technique of trade-off analysis is used to establish key parameters. From this standpoint, the results have much wider industrial significance and relevance.
TL;DR: In this paper, a survey was carried out in order to identify emerging problems, strategic directions and action programmes within Japanese manufacturers' thoughts on the supply chain management process, which is widely understood to be one of the most critical issues in the recent globalising environment.
Abstract: Japanese manufacturers' thoughts on the supply chain management process are discussed. This area is widely understood to be one of the most critical issues in the recent globalising environment. A survey was carried out in order to identify emerging problems, strategic directions and action programmes within these firms. Relatively large manufacturing business units were selected from Japanese domestic as well as Japanese offshore manufacturers because of their capability in strategy formulation and execution, and their scale of influence within the communities in which they operate. Data are investigated mainly by “gap analysis” and two key supply chain categories are identified as “quickness” and “total cost approach”. In addition, “information technology”, “small step KAIZEN (continuous improvement)” and “downstream-focused way of management” are the features of domestic firms whereas “upstream-focused channel-wide management” is more prevalent in offshore Japanese firms.
TL;DR: In this article, the role of supplier guest engineers in the development of new products within the UK automotive industry is examined and a number of lessons can be learned by vehicle manufacturer and supplier when employing this form of inter-firm coordination mechanism.
Abstract: This paper examines the role of supplier guest engineers in the development of new products within the UK automotive industry. Guest engineers are technical specialists who reside for a period of time within the vehicle manufacturer?in either a design or a production engineering role. The paper draws upon data from two studies of supplier involvement in automotive product development. It reports on the roles and responsibilities of these supplier engineers and presents a number of lessons that can be learned by vehicle manufacturer and supplier when employing this form of inter-firm coordination mechanism. The findings indicate that a variety of roles exist, at different phases of the product development process. Tour provisional types of guest engineer have been identified from in-depth interviews with vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. The recognition of these different roles is important for suppliers involved in or proposing closer cooperation in product development, since each alters the type of relationship and expectations of both parties.
TL;DR: In this article, a structured study of manufacturing technology sourcing practices at 14 US-based manufacturing companies is described, and it has confirmed that there is a trend in the companies studied to acquire manufacturing technology from sources external to their organisations.
Abstract: This paper investigates the decisions that companies make when choosing the source of their manufacturing technology. It builds on previous research that has identified differences between the practices of US and Japanese manufacturing companies. A structured study of manufacturing technology sourcing practices at 14 US-based manufacturing companies is described. This research has confirmed that there is a trend in the companies studied to acquire manufacturing technology from sources external to their organisations. However, no formal processes are used to form these policies. When a rationale for this behaviour was sought, companies gave a series of reasons concerned with business focus, efficiency of technology acquisition, and the extent, defence and support of manufacturing capabilities.
TL;DR: In this paper, a comparison between the logistics service priorities of international shippers located in the US and those located in EU is made, and the authors make a comparison of the EU ratings to the US ratings, the different EU member countries to each other, and US companies by region (Northeast, Central, South, West).
Abstract: This paper makes a comparison between the logistics service priorities of international shippers located in the US and those located in the European Union (EU). Comparisons are made of the EU ratings to the US ratings, the different EU member countries to each other, and US companies by region (Northeast, Central, South, West). H is shown that EU importers and exporters essentially hold the same service priorities as their US counterparts. A few exceptions are noted and differences start appearing among lower-order priorities. Conclusions and suggestions for future research are presented.
TL;DR: An interactive rescheduler that can revise a schedule when sudden and unexpected events occur in a chemical plant and an IRSS (Interactive Rescheduling Support System) with an interactive Rescheduler equipped with formal and informal knowledge that can cope with unexpected events is described.
Abstract: This paper describes an interactive rescheduler that can revise a schedule when sudden and unexpected events occur in a chemical plant. First, a progressive rescheduling method that is based on progressive reasoning is presented. Second, an IRSS (Interactive Rescheduling Support System) with an interactive rescheduler equipped with formal and informal knowledge that can cope with unexpected events is described. A practical example for evaluating the feasibility of the system is given.