Showing papers in "The International Journal of Logistics Management in 2009"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an integrated perspective on resilience through an extensive review of the literature in a number of disciplines including developmental psychology and ecosystems, identifying and addressing some of the current theoretical gaps in the existing research.
Abstract: Purpose – In the emerging disciplines of risk management and supply chain management, resilience is a relatively undefined concept. The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated perspective on resilience through an extensive review of the literature in a number of disciplines including developmental psychology and ecosystems. In addition, the paper identifies and addresses some of the current theoretical gaps in the existing research.Design/methodology/approach – Supply chain resilience has been defined by a number of disciplines. An integrative literature review is conducted in an attempt to integrate existing perspectives. This review also serves as the basis for the development of a conceptual model.Findings – The key elements of supply chain resilience and the relationships among them, the links between risks and implications for supply chain management, and the methodologies for managing these key issues are poorly understood. Implications for future research advocate testing the proposed mod...
1,373 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a typology of risk sources, consisting of environmental factors, industry factors, organizational factors, problem-specific factors, and decision-maker related factors, which can be used by managers to measure and assess the vulnerabilities of their company and supply chain.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the growing literature examining supply chain risk management (SCRM) and to develop a typology of risks in the supply chain.Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws its insights and conclusions from a review of the literature on supply chain risk, and a synthesis of the broader domain of risk management.Findings – While the literature on SCRM is growing, the literature lacks an organized structure for the sources of supply chain risk. The current paper bridges this gap by synthesizing the diverse literature into a typology of risk sources, consisting of environmental factors, industry factors, organizational factors, problem‐specific factors, and decision‐maker related factors.Practical implications – The paper devises a typology that can be used by managers to measure and assess the vulnerabilities of their company and supply chain. The typology also provides avenues for future research that further guides practitioners in the management of their supp...
612 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the following logistics journals is conducted: International Journal of Logistics Management, international Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics management, Journal of Business Logistics, Transportation Journal, and Transportation Research: Part E. The review is selected based on their explicit relevance to logistics innovation.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a model of logistics innovation based on previous studies in the logistics literature and recommend opportunities for further research.Design/methodology/approach – A review of the following logistics journals is conducted: International Journal of Logistics Management, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Journal of Business Logistics, Transportation Journal, and Transportation Research: Part E. Articles for the review are selected based on their explicit relevance to logistics innovation.Findings – There has been a limited amount of theory‐based research conducted on the topic of logistics innovation. While antecedents and outcomes of logistics innovation have been identified within the leading logistics journals, very little empirical testing has been done. The diffusion of logistics innovations has also received attention in the logistics literature.Research limitations/implications – The scope of this paper is limited...
214 citations
TL;DR: This reliable and validated instrument enables and facilitates future studies in the supply chain agility research stream and generates a high degree of confidence in the scale's validity and reliability.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an instrument to measure supply chain agility.Design/methodology/approach – The development of this supply chain agility scale utilizes an examination of supply chain agility literature, experience surveys, and expert judges. The result is a 12‐item instrument with six dimensions.Findings – The instrument has been rigorously tested and validated, which generates a high degree of confidence in the scale's validity and reliability.Originality/value – This paper fulfills an identified need for the development of an empirically validated instrument to measure supply chain agility. This reliable and validated instrument enables and facilitates future studies in the supply chain agility research stream.
146 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider the possibility that when firms are faced with a challenging supply chain task or opportunity for supply chain operational improvement, they choose varying degrees of technology and/or collaboration as the primary vehicle(s) with which to forge a solution.
Abstract: Purpose – The current research considers the possibility that when firms are faced with a challenging supply chain task or opportunity for supply chain operational improvement, they choose varying degrees of technology and/or collaboration as the primary vehicle(s) with which to forge a solution. This choice is suggested herein to depend largely on technological readiness, i.e. the extent to which the firm embraces available technological solutions. Furthermore, the learning capability of the firm moderates the inverse relationship between interfirm collaboration and technological readiness, such that firms having strong organizational learning capabilities are less likely to choose a collaboration‐intensive solution than those with weak learning capabilities. This paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approach – A sample of retail supply chain managers drawn from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals membership database is surveyed related to their firms' levels of interfir...
101 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a test of scales that measure brand equity and its two dimensions (brand image and brand awareness) in the context of logistics services, and the scales are tested with both logistics service providers and customers.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a test of scales that measure brand equity and its two dimensions – brand image and brand awareness – in the context of logistics services. The scales are tested with both logistics service providers and customers.Design/methodology/approach – Measurement items are adapted from existing scales found in the marketing literature. Academic colleagues and logistics practitioners reviewed the items for face validity and readability. The scales are evaluated for reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity using data collected in a mail survey of logistics service providers and customers.Findings – Findings suggest that brand awareness, brand image, and brand equity scales are valid and reliable in the context of logistics services.Research limitations/implications – While there is a substantial research stream that examines branding of consumer goods and an increasing literature on industrial and service brands, little is known about branding in ...
99 citations
TL;DR: The authors developed a model that examines how environmental factors, specifically the context of the capacity constraints in the transportation industry, can influence shippers to form long-term and mutually beneficial relationships with their carriers and how these relationships can lead to improved performance at the operational level.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a better understanding of how strategic relationships between firms and environmental context affect operational decisions and how each firm allocates resources to improve overall firm performance.Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative research is integrated with previous research. Data for the qualitative research are collected through focus groups and semi‐structured interviews that employ grand tour questioning, facility tours using key informants, and use of selective artifacts.Findings – The paper develops a model that examines how environmental factors, specifically the context of the capacity constraints in the transportation industry, can influence shippers to form long‐term and mutually beneficial relationships with their carriers and how these relationships can lead to improved performance at the operational level.Research limitations/implications – The paper incorporates five foundational theories into one integrated model in the context of b...
95 citations
TL;DR: A newly developed scale useful for measuring supply chain security culture (SCSC), defined as the overall organizational philosophy that creates supply network security as a priority among its employees through embracing and projecting norms and values, is presented.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a newly developed scale useful for measuring supply chain security culture (SCSC), defined as the overall organizational philosophy that creates supply chain security as a priority among its employees through embracing and projecting norms and values to support secure activities and to be vigilant with security efforts.Design/methodology/approach – The approach to developing a scale for SCSC follows the steps presented by Churchill. This includes conducting steps such as: generating items, establishing face and content validity, conducting a pretest to refine items, and validating the scale through an additional data collection so reliability, convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity can be evaluated.Findings – The process yielded a unidimensional, five‐item scale with strong psychometric properties. Through empirical verification, this scale is shown to exhibit high levels of reliability and validity.Research limitations/implications – Organizati...
71 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a comprehensive review of the core literature pertaining to frontline logistics personnel and their managers that has been published in the leading logistics journals has been provided to aid researchers in better understanding the concepts developed and linkages between the most critical variables studied to date.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the core literature pertaining to frontline logistics personnel and their managers that has been published in the leading logistics journals. An annotated, yet integrated, review presentation will aid researchers in better understanding the concepts developed and linkages between the most critical variables studied to date. The paper aims to present a comprehensive model containing the primary variables pertaining to the recruitment, development, supervising, and retention of high quality logistics personnel to meaningfully identify what is known and not known about personnel issues in logistics.Design/methodology/approach – The findings in this paper are based on a comprehensive review of articles pertaining to frontline logistics personnel and their managers, which were published in the leading logistics journals. For analysis, the paper is divided into five related areas: student samples and student perspectives compared to tho...
65 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the issues pertinent to sourcing internationally from low-cost countries (LCCs) and to understand which issues are associated most strongly with a firm's logistics performance.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the issues pertinent to sourcing internationally from low‐cost countries (LCCs) and to understand which issues are associated most strongly with a firm's logistics performance.Design/methodology/approach – Comparative examination of supply sources in developed countries and LCCs is conducted using a paired‐sample setting. Data acquired by a mail survey of US‐based manufacturing firms are analyzed using a canonical correlation analysis (CCA). CCA helps to reveal the structure of relationships within and between a set of sourcing issue variables and a set of the logistics performance variables investigated.Findings – Results indicate that the issues that should be priorities for improvement are: supplier production capability; business culture and practices; and communication infrastructure.Research limitations/implications – The survey data and analysis focused on US manufacturing firms importing from LCCs. However, there is increasing activity of US re...
63 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors introduce and validate two new constructs with the potential to sharpen our understanding of how and why firms integrate their internal supply chains and assess the governance structure of their supply chains.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce and validate two new constructs with the potential to sharpen our understanding of how and why firms integrate their internal supply chains and assess the governance structure of their supply chains. The first construct, organizational alignment (OA), is a reflective scale measuring the extent to which upper management attempts to foster integration between internal supply chain functions. The second, supply chain governance structure (SCGS), is a formative index, and is a first attempt at developing a measurement instrument to assess SCGS along multiple dimensions.Design/methodology/approach – Following a literature review, measures of OA and SCGS are conceptualized. These instruments are used to collect data, after which they are refined and validated through parallel scale development (OA) and index construction (SCGS) processes.Findings – OA shows acceptable content and construct validity, and SCGS shows acceptable results for content and item specif...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors study how companies can select a supply chain planning (SCP) mechanism to improve the balance between material flow and information flow, and suggest that specific supply chain characteristics need to be balanced by selecting a coordination mechanism that uses information optimally to support the material flow.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study how companies can select a supply chain planning (SCP) mechanism to improve the balance between material flow and information flow.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology of the paper is an inductive case study approach. Coordination theory is used as a background for the paper. Based on a literature survey, determinants of the selection of a SCP approach are defined. Cases of SCP are used to validate the framework presented.Findings – The paper suggests that specific supply chain characteristics need to be balanced by selecting a coordination mechanism that uses information optimally to support the material flow. Flexible material flow needs frequent updates of the plan based on accurate information. If frequent information sharing and planning practices are used to support inflexible material flow, the result may be volatility in plans, and planning resources are wasted. If a flexible material flow is supported by inadequate information, waste may be...
TL;DR: The measurement scale developed in this paper can be used in future empirical SCM research to further investigate the mechanism and impacts of process orientation.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically develop a valid measurement scale for process orientation – a critical supply chain management (SCM) concept that warrants greater study.Design/methodology/approach – This study follows the measurement development approach proposed by Churchill. Data are collected from China. Various statistical analysis techniques, including confirmatory factor analysis through structural equation modeling, are utilized to ensure the validity and reliability of the newly developed measurement scale.Findings – A six‐item scale was developed for the construct of process orientation.Research limitations/implications – Because the research is conducted in one particular industry (electronics) and one country (China), future studies in different contexts are needed to validate or modify the resulted scale. The measurement scale developed in this paper can be used in future empirical SCM research to further investigate the mechanism and impacts of process orientation.Practi...
TL;DR: In this article, a case study and 3C framework approach was proposed to analyze different network contexts, considering not only the capabilities of product design, production, inbound logistics, and information sharing, but also the configuration of the role structure, process structure and information structure that helps achieve these capabilities.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is aimed at understanding and identifying the context, capability requirements, and configurations (3Cs) of modular supply networks in the Chinese automotive industry.Design/methodology/approach – In an attempt to specify the main elements of modular supply networks, a case study and 3C framework approach analyze different network contexts. The framework considers not only the capabilities of product design, production, inbound logistics, and information sharing, but also the configuration of the role structure, process structure, and information structure that helps achieve these capabilities.Findings – This paper analyzes two types of modular supply network, directly reflecting the degrees of involvement in the modularity logic of the module supplier and the automaker, which largely depend on their corporate strategy toward technology innovation. In a fully integrated module supply network, the module supplier needs sufficient capability for upstream supply network in...
TL;DR: The proposed psychometrically validated scale for logistical business continuity planning (LBCP) construct has adequate psychometric properties and the hypothesized second‐order multidimensional model is the best‐fit and most parsimonious model.
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to seek to develop psychometrically validated scale for logistical business continuity planning (LBCP) construct., – Using survey data from 106 firms in transportation and warehousing industry the psychometric properties of the proposed LBCP scale have been evaluated. The structure of the LBCP construct is also assessed. Three competing construct structures – Model A: hypothesized multidimensional second‐order factor model; Model B: first‐order multidimensional factor model; and Model C: first‐order unidimensional factor model – are proposed and then evaluated using structural equation modeling analyses., – The results indicate that the proposed scale has adequate psychometric properties. Furthermore, the results show that the hypothesized second‐order multidimensional model is the best‐fit and most parsimonious model., – The paper contributes to the knowledge on supply chain risk management by providing empirically validated measures for the LBCP construct. This scale provides a clear conceptualization of LBCP and should allow the authors to explore the nomological net around LBCP which is central to the survival of many organizations.
TL;DR: The paper provides a valid and reliable scale for general logistics complexity that can be easily incorporated into research surveys and can be further adapted to address more specific logistics complexity issues.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a basic scale for general logistics complexity that allows researchers to control for this issue in their studies.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology consists of developing the scale based on a literature review and discussion with specialists. The proposed scale is then validated through data analysis from a web‐based survey of logistics managers in Brazil.Findings – The paper provides a valid and reliable scale for general logistics complexity that can be easily incorporated into research surveys. The scale is general enough that it can be used in surveys of firms across diverse industries. In addition, the scale can be further adapted to address more specific logistics complexity issues.Research limitations/implications – Further testing of the scales across multiple contexts is necessary for validity enhancement.Originality/value – Logistics complexity corresponds to a latent construct that has not been systematically developed i...
TL;DR: The results of this paper shows a reliable and valid construct to measure truck drivers' perceptions of the general attitude, effectiveness, and enforcement of safety regulations.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a measurement scale to assess over‐the‐road commercial motor vehicle operators' attitudes toward safety regulations.Design/methodology/approach – A literature review of the current USA motor carrier safety literature and general safety literature is conducted to determine the existence of a construct and measurement scale suitable for assessing truck drivers' attitudes toward regulations. As no existing construct is found, a new construct needs to be developed. A rigorous construct development process is conducted to establish the content domain, reliability, and validity of a new construct to measure truck drivers' regulatory attitudes.Findings – The results of this paper shows a reliable and valid construct to measure truck drivers' perceptions of the general attitude, effectiveness, and enforcement of safety regulations.Research limitations/implications – This effort is the initial construct development process and use of the construct in theory testing...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the development of a scale for measuring interorganizational citizenship behaviors (ICBs), which are types of tactical boundary spanning activities employed by firms in supply chain relationships geared toward improving overall supply chain success.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a scale for measuring interorganizational citizenship behaviors (ICBs). ICBs are types of tactical boundary spanning activities employed by firms in supply chain relationships geared toward improving overall supply chain success. ICBs are theoretically grounded in organizational citizenship behaviors research (OCBs) and adapted to apply to the interorganizational context. Based on a previous research article, the paper aims to report on multidimensional scale development for ICBs that should be useful for future empirical research efforts in this and related areas.Design/methodology/approach – The paper adhere as closely as possible to the formalized measurement scale development heuristic posited by Hinkin.Findings – The process reveals four measurement scales useful for operationalizing unique types of ICBs in empirical research articles.Originality/value – This paper operationalizes four common ICBs: interorganizational altruism, tol...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a scale, Off-site Customer Service (OCS), which assesses the factors that are important in consumer evaluation of an off-site customer service contact method (e.g. website or telephone).
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to present the development of a scale, off‐site customer service (OCS), which assesses the factors that are important in consumer evaluation of an off‐site customer service contact method (e.g. website or telephone).Design/methodology/approach – A scale is developed and tested. A discrete choice model provides supporting evidence of the practical applications of the scale.Findings – The resultant scale is developed with consumer evaluation delineated on usability and experiential dimensions. The usability dimension consists of items capturing ease of use, error recovery, security, and customization constructs. The experiential dimension consists of items capturing satisfaction, socialization, empathy, and privacy sensitivity constructs. A discrete choice model shows that the scale performs equally well for both website and telephone contact methods. The paper concludes with managerial implications and avenues for additional research.Originality/value – Unlike existing scales that...
TL;DR: The importance of “people involvement” as a core requirement is demonstrated via the set‐up of task forces to design and operate such cells, and these groups integrate cognate activities so as to provide seamless patient flow within the healthcare delivery process.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive description, justification and modus operandi for implementation of cellular operations within healthcare delivery supply chains. The methodology outlined has a sound theoretical basis, has been proven in a wide range of market sectors (including hospitals) and hence qualifies for consideration as a contribution to “new management theory”.
Design/methodology/approach – Approach is based on the well established management-by-projects (MBP) methodology for analysis, design and effective implementation of change. There is detailed coverage of the five-step MBP programme with specific applications in healthcare. The importance of “people involvement” as a core requirement is demonstrated via the set-up of task forces to design and operate such cells. These groups integrate cognate activities so as to provide seamless patient flow within the healthcare delivery process. MBP is derived from a systems perspective. This in turn is concerned with maintaining quality, reducing uncertainty, smooth transference, synchronisation, schedule adherence, and minimisation of throughput times.
Findings – The outputs from case studies executed in a large UK teaching hospital confirm the substantial benefits accruing from cellular operation. In both materials supplies and urology admission processes significant improvements result form adoption of the MBP change methodology. This includes substantive 50 per cent reduction in patient throughput times, plus 25 per cent increase in bed utilisation. Measurable cost benefits are achieved in materials supply, especially via simplification of ordering systems.
Research limitations/implications – The healthcare applications demonstrate the applicability of MBP within this specialised scenario. However, the solutions depend on the innovatory capability of the relevant task forces who execute the projects. Since these necessarily include participation by coal-face “players”, i.e. doctors, nurses, support staff, etc. advised by internal “change experts” the solutions adopted are shaped to be the best and most appropriate “local” schema.
Practical implications – It is essential that task forces be properly constituted, well trained, well advised, and actively practice the plan-do-check-act cyclic route of well-tested improvement. “Train-Do” is the key. However, in healthcare especially, the “Elephant Must Be Eaten in Bite Sized Chunks”. In other words the organisation needs visible progressive change, unit-by-unit, thus avoiding saturation of scarce resources.
Originality/value – Brings together the MBP methodology and cellular organisational concepts into an integrated, sustainable, systems based approach to the analysis, design and implementation of effective change.
TL;DR: A valid and reliable scale for measuring inter‐firm cooperation in supply chains for use in logistics management research is found, based on 181 observations from supply‐chain relationships.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to draw on theories on inter‐organisational governance with a view to developing a reliable reflective scale for measuring inter‐firm cooperation in supply chains for use in logistics management research.Design/methodology/approach – Following a literature review, the paper develops items for three relational norms. The model is tested with structural equation modelling (SEM).Findings – The literature review reveals that most of the currently used variables and scales describe the characteristics of focal firms, rather than relationship properties. The few exceptions that focus on relationships fail to recognise the dimensionality of channel cooperation. The proposed scale is found to be valid and reliable, based on 181 observations from supply‐chain relationships.Research limitations/implications – The valid and reliable scale that captures relationship characteristics and recognises the dimensionality of channel cooperation should be tested in future research.Origi...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors apply a simulation experiment to investigate the impact of new component purchasing and used component recovery strategies on multiple performance measures and demonstrate that while a proactive purchasing strategy reduces total system cost, it also negatively affects service level.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to apply a simulation experiment to investigate the impact of new components purchasing and used components recovery strategies on multiple performance measures. The research compares the effectiveness of these strategies, given different levels of uncertainty for the return flow from the contingency perspective.Design/methodology/approach – The experimental design is implemented using an ARENA simulation model. Simulation results are used to test the proposed research model. Multivariate analysis of variance is used for data analysis.Findings – The results demonstrate that while a proactive purchasing strategy reduces total system cost, it also negatively affects service level. While there are some general conclusions, it is equally important to make decisions under specific business contexts.Practical implications – The primary implication is that a firm has to align its purchasing strategy and recovery strategy with its business strategy. Given the tradeoff on ...