Are German firms known to focus on engineering and operational efficiency?5 answersGerman engineering firms have been a subject of efficiency analysis. Research indicates that the German mechanical engineering industry, dominated by small and medium-sized firms, shows a U-shaped size-efficiency relationship. Contrary to expectations, these firms were found to operate quite inefficiently, with medium-sized firms being the least efficient on average. Additionally, the efficiency of German engineering firms was found to be almost normally distributed, differing based on company sizes, and not showing consistent changes over time. Despite the expectation of high efficiency due to past success, the analysis reveals a different reality, emphasizing the importance of addressing inefficiencies in these firms to enhance operational effectiveness and competitiveness.
How does Switzerland's supply chain management compare to Germany in terms of practical relevance and effectiveness?5 answersSwitzerland's supply chain management (SCM) and logistics practices differ from Germany's due to context-dependent variations in practitioners' understanding of these concepts. Swiss chemical and pharmaceutical companies exhibit higher working capital levels compared to their European and US counterparts, indicating room for improvement in efficiency and collaboration within the supply chain. Decision support systems (DSS) and time series forecasting, crucial for SCM optimization, have seen advancements in technology and implementation, particularly through state-space modeling (SSM) for accurate forecasting. Academic research emphasizes the importance of practical relevance in logistics and supply chain management, with a focus on influencing practice through problem-driven, timely, and implementable findings. Overall, Switzerland's SCM landscape showcases a need for enhanced efficiency and collaboration, while advancements in forecasting technologies contribute to operational optimization.
What are the current supply chain management concepts being employed by companies in the Swiss distribution landscape?5 answersCompanies in the Swiss distribution landscape are implementing advanced supply chain management (SCM) concepts to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. The literature highlights the evolution of SCM towards collaborative supply chains across intercompany borders to maximize value across the entire supply chain. Additionally, the focus is on Supply Chain Resilience, which is gaining attention due to increased volatility in the global market, with scholars identifying various theories and perspectives within existing SCM literature. Moreover, small Swiss firms are exemplifying successful integration within Global Value Chains (GVCs) by effectively managing network effects, showcasing the importance of strategic linkages and competitive strategies within SCM. These trends indicate a shift towards more integrated, resilient, and value-maximizing supply chain practices in the Swiss distribution landscape.
What are the key factors that affect the efficiency of logistics?4 answersThe key factors that affect the efficiency of logistics include customs efficiency, quality of infrastructure, ease of arranging transportation, capacity and quality of logistics service providers, ability to track and trace shipments, and timeliness of shipments. These factors have been identified in various studies. For example, Tran Ngoc Huy found that the cost, time, and capacity of providing logistics services have the most significant impact on Vietnam's exports. Zhou and Li found that industrial structure, logistics transportation intensity, and economic development have a favorable influence on logistics sector efficiency, while the urbanization rate, government support level, level of infrastructure, and degree of openness have a negative influence. Mai, Nguyen, and Nguyen found that logistics efficiency positively correlates with e-logistics, information technology capability, information sharing, and service staff quality. These studies highlight the importance of various factors in determining the efficiency of logistics operations.
How can the logistics industry be made more efficient?5 answersThe logistics industry can be made more efficient by implementing several strategies. Firstly, the use of exoskeletons can reduce the workload of logistics workers, increasing their efficiency. Secondly, improving the technical efficiency of the logistics sector through measures such as economic development, informatization development, and industrial market scale can enhance overall efficiency. Thirdly, focusing on cost management and value chain management, especially in the context of big data, can help logistics enterprises gain a competitive advantage and improve efficiency. Additionally, optimizing transportation networks and reducing logistics costs can significantly improve economic efficiency and service levels. Lastly, embracing digital transformation and technological innovations, such as Industry 4.0 and Logistics 4.0, can make logistics processes more efficient, flexible, and connected.
How does the German Lieferkettengesetz compare to other proposed supply chain legislation?5 answersThe German Lieferkettengesetz, if passed, will introduce mandatory human rights due diligence obligations and corporate liability provisions. However, it is recommended that Germany refrains from passing national legislation and supports the adoption of a European instrument instead, due to the limitations in both spatial and substantive reach of a national act. The paper by Biedermann and Kotzab discusses how supply chain risk management can be used to reduce the vulnerability of supply chains to disruptive events and restore or improve their original state. Diabat, Diabat, and Jebali propose a model for closed loop supply chain network design, considering take-back legislation and different recovery options for components. Barbosa-Póvoa mentions research supply chain problems in a regular session. Mazibu highlights the importance of government vigilance in fighting corruption and promoting integrity-driven administration, particularly in state institutions like public service and municipalities.