Identification of factors affecting continuity of cooperative electronic supply chain relationships: empirical case of the Taiwanese motor industry

2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying‐Pin Yeh
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Relationship Marketing ◽  
Resource Dependence ◽  
Spare Parts ◽  
Relationship Commitment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Motor Industry ◽  
Supply Chain Relationships

PurposeTo explore the factors affecting continuity of cooperative electronic supply chain relationships in Taiwanese motor industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study has developed a research framework that integrates the three perspectives of resource dependence, risk perception, and relationship marketing to identify the factors affecting the continuity of a cooperative electronic supply chain. After constructing a structural equation model, empirical testing on 851 raw material and spare parts suppliers for the Taiwanese motor industry was conducted.FindingsAll path coefficients in the proposed model were statistically significant, and were as hypothesized. Resource dependence, trust, and relationship commitment are positively related to the continuity of the cooperative electronic relationship. Risk perception is negatively related to the continuity of the cooperative electronic relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper has theoretically developed an extensive set of interrelationships among these variables (resource dependency, perceived risk, trust, relationship commitment, and continuity of cooperative electronic relationships), illustrating their comparative effects on supplier intention to use the internet for on‐line transactions.Practical implicationsThis empirical study provides consistent support for the proposed business‐to‐business (B2B) e‐commerce acceptance model. Given the high explanatory power of the resulting model, it is likely to serve as the basic model for predicting supplier behavior, and the continuity of enhanced understanding of cooperative electronic relationships.Originality/valuePrevious studies did not fully address the relevant influential factors related to the continuity of cooperative electronic supply chain relationships or the causal relationships among these factors. The primary contribution of this research is the integration of constructs associated with resources, environmental uncertainty, and relationship marketing, into a coherent model that jointly predicts supplier acceptance of e‐commerce.

Factors influencing the smart supply chain innovation performance of commodity distribution enterprises: an investigation from China

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Weihua Liu ◽  
Jiahui Zhang ◽  
Siyu Wang
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Technology Application ◽  
Innovation Ability ◽  
New Ideas ◽  
Open Coding ◽  
Axial Coding

PurposeThis study explores the influencing factors affecting smart supply chain innovation (SSCI) performance of commodity distribution enterprises, and proposes the corresponding framework from the perspective of the application of technology to improve the SSCI performance and make up the research gap in this field.Design/methodology/approachA multi-case study method is adopted in this study. Four distribution commodity distribution enterprises A, B, C and D in China are chosen as case enterprises. The interviews with senior management team members are used to collect data. The combination of open coding and axial coding are used to process the data. By testing the reliability and validity, the theoretical framework is summarized.FindingsFirst, we find that the technology application cost inhibits SSCI and that the level of technology suitable for enterprise development will promote SSCI. Second, SSCI in structure, management and services can improve the performance and innovation ability of enterprises. Third, the quality of multi-channel integration and degree of customization around customer demand can significantly modify the above effects.Originality/valueCompared with previous studies, this study reveals for the first time the correlation between the SSCI performance and technology application, SSCI in structure, management and service, providing new ideas for relevant researches on SSCI, and providing new theoretical support for managers' decision-making related to SSCI.

Modeling and analysis of the on-demand spare parts supply using additive manufacturing

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 473-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Zhang ◽  
Stefan Jedeck ◽  
Li Yang ◽  
Lihui Bai
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Spare Parts ◽  
Production Optimization ◽  
Arrival Process ◽  
Powder Bed Fusion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Modeling And Analysis ◽  
Powder Bed ◽  
On Demand

PurposeDespite the widespread expectation that additive manufacturing (AM) will become a disruptive technology to transform the spare parts supply chain, very limited research has been devoted to the quantitative modeling and analysis on how AM could fulfill the on-demand spare parts supply. On the other hand, the choice of using AM as a spare parts supply strategy over traditional inventory is a rising decision faced by manufacturers and requires quantitative analysis for their AM-or-stock decisions. The purpose of this paper is to develop a quantitative performance model for a generic powder bed fusion AM system in a spare parts supply chain, thus providing insights into this less-explored area in the literature.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, analysis based on a discrete event simulation was carried out for the use of AM in replacement of traditional warehouse inventory for an on-demand spare parts supply system. Generic powder bed fusion AM system was used in the model, and the same modeling approach could be applied to other types of AM processes. Using this model, the impact of both spare parts demand characteristics (e.g. part size attributes, demand rates) and the AM operations characteristics (e.g. machine size and postpone strategy) on the performance of using AM to supply spare parts was studied.FindingsThe simulation results show that in many cases the AM operation is not as cost competitive compared to the traditional warehouse-based spare parts supply operation, and that the spare parts size characteristics could significantly affect the overall performance of the AM operations. For some scenarios of the arrival process of spare parts demand, the use of the batched AM production could potentially result in significant delay in parts delivery, which necessitates further investigations of production optimization strategies.Originality/valueThe findings demonstrate that the proposed simulation tool can not only provide insights on the performance characteristics of using AM in the spare parts supply chain, especially in comparison to the traditional warehousing system, but also can be used toward decision making for both the AM manufacturers and the spare parts service providers.

scholarly journals Additive manufacturing in the spare parts supply chain: hub configuration and technology maturity

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 1178-1192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siavash H. Khajavi ◽  
Jan Holmström ◽  
Jouni Partanen
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Spare Parts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Manufacturing ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Industrial Operations ◽  
Production Configuration ◽  
Part Production

PurposeInnovative startups have begun a trend using laser sintering (LS) technology patents expiration, namely, by introducing LS additive manufacturing (AM) machines that can overcome utilization barriers, such as the costliness of machines and productivity limitation. The recent rise of this trend has led the authors to investigate this new class of machines in novel settings, including hub configuration. There are various supply chain configurations to supply spare parts in industrial operations. This paper aims to explore the promise of a production configuration that combines the benefits of centralized production with the flexibility of local manufacturing without the huge costs related to it.Design/methodology/approachThis study quantitatively examines the feasibility of different AM-enabled spare parts supply chain configurations. Using cost data extracted from a case study, three scenarios per AM machine technology are modeled and compared.FindingsResults suggest that hub production configuration depending on the utilized AM machines can provide economic efficiency and effectiveness to reduce equipment downtime. While previous studies have suggested the need for AM machines with efficiency for single part production for a distributed supply chain, the findings in this research illustrate the positive relationship between multi-part production capability and the feasibility of a hub manufacturing configuration establishment.Originality/valueThis study explores the promise of a production configuration that combines the benefits of centralized production with the flexibility of local manufacturing without the huge costs related to it. Although the existing body of knowledge contains research on production decentralization, research on various levels of decentralization is lacking. Using a real-world case study, this study aims to compare the feasibility of different levels of decentralization for AM-enabled spare parts supply chains.

scholarly journals Performance tradeoffs for spare parts supply chains with additive manufacturing capability servicing intermittent demand

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle C. McDermott ◽  
Ryan D. Winz ◽  
Thom J. Hodgson ◽  
Michael G. Kay ◽  
Russell E. King ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Production Capacity ◽  
Spare Part ◽  
Spare Parts ◽  
Mixed Integer ◽  
Network Configuration ◽  
Intermittent Demand ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Demand Patterns

PurposeThe study aims to investigate the impact of additive manufacturing (AM) on the performance of a spare parts supply chain with a particular focus on underlying spare part demand patterns.Design/methodology/approachThis work evaluates various AM-enabled supply chain configurations through Monte Carlo simulation. Historical demand simulation and intermittent demand forecasting are used in conjunction with a mixed integer linear program to determine optimal network nodal inventory policies. By varying demand characteristics and AM capacity this work assesses how to best employ AM capability within the network.FindingsThis research assesses the preferred AM-enabled supply chain configuration for varying levels of intermittent demand patterns and AM production capacity. The research shows that variation in demand patterns alone directly affects the preferred network configuration. The relationship between the demand volume and relative AM production capacity affects the regions of superior network configuration performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis research makes several simplifying assumptions regarding AM technical capabilities. AM production time is assumed to be deterministic and does not consider build failure probability, build chamber capacity, part size, part complexity and post-processing requirements.Originality/valueThis research is the first study to link realistic spare part demand characterization to AM supply chain design using quantitative modeling.

scholarly journals Supply chain strategies in an era of natural resource scarcity

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 784-809 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitra Kalaitzi ◽  
Aristides Matopoulos ◽  
Michael Bourlakis ◽  
Wendy Tate
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Natural Resource ◽  
Resource Dependence ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Resource Dependence Theory ◽  
Resource Scarcity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Natural Resource Scarcity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of natural resource scarcity (NRS) for companies’ supply chain strategies. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the resource dependence theory (RDT), a conceptual model is developed and validated through the means of exploratory research. The empirical work includes the assessment of qualitative data collected via 22 interviews representing six large multinational companies from the manufacturing sector. Findings When the resources are scarce and vitally important, companies use buffering strategies. Buffering and bridging strategies are preferred when there are a few alternative suppliers for the specific resource and when there is limited access to scarce natural resources. Research limitations/implications The research focuses on large multinational manufacturing companies so results may not be generalised to other sectors and to small- and medium-sized firms. Future research needs to examine the implications of NRS for organisational performance. Practical implications This research provides direction to manufacturing companies for adopting the best supply chain strategy to cope with NRS. Originality/value This paper adds to the body of knowledge by providing new data and empirical insights into the issue of NRS in supply chains. The RDT has not been previously employed in this context. Past studies are mainly conceptual and, thus, the value of this paper comes from using a qualitative approach on gaining in-depth insights into supply chain-related NRS strategies and its antecedents.

scholarly journals Can Lean and Agile organisations within the UK automotive supply chain be distinguished based upon contextual factors?

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 239-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Qamar ◽  
Mark Hall
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Resource Dependence ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Resource Dependence Theory ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Survey Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Automotive Supply Chain ◽  
Automotive Supply ◽  
Agile Production

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to robustly establish whether firms are implementing Lean or Agile production in the automotive supply chain (SC) and, by drawing on contingency theory (CT) as our theoretical lens, independently determine whether Lean and Agile firms can be distinguished based upon contextual factors.Design/methodology/approachPrimary quantitative data from 140 firms in the West Midlands (UK) automotive industry were obtained via a constructed survey. Analysis incorporated the use of logistic regressions to calculate the probability of Lean and Agile organisations belonging to different groups amongst the contextual factors investigated.FindingsLean and Agile firms co-exist in the automotive SC and Lean firms were found to be at higher tiers of the SC, while Agile firms were found to be at lower tiers.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies within the novel methodological attempt used to distinguish Lean and Agile production, based upon the contextual factors investigated. Not only is the importance of CT theoretically approved, but “received wisdom” within SC management is also contested. Extant literature propagates that the automotive SC is comprised of organisations that predominantly adopt Lean production methods, and that in SCs comprised of both Lean and Agile organisations, the firms closer to the customer will adopt more flexible (Agile) practices, while those that operate upstream will adopt more efficient (Lean) practices. The findings from this study have implications for theory and practice, as Lean and Agile firms can be found in the automotive SC without any relationship to the value-adding process. To speculate as to why the findings contest existing views, resource dependence theory and, more specifically, a power perspective, was invoked. The authors provide readers with a new way of thinking concerning complicated SCs and urge that the discipline of SC management adopts a “fourth” SC model, depicting a new Lean and Agile SC configuration.

Factors affecting the diffusion of traceability practices in an imported fresh produce supply chain in China

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Yi ◽  
Phil Bremer ◽  
Damien Mather ◽  
Miranda Mirosa
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovation ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Fresh Produce ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Integrated Framework ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Food Recalls

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to facilitate the successful adoption of traceability technologies, such as blockchain, into food supply chains and facilitate the understanding of the barriers and enablers to their uptake by channel members' needs so that appropriate enabling strategy can be put in place.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, an integrated framework involving five components was used as the methodology: (1) diffusion of innovation theory, (2) the innovation concept, (3) the business structure-conduct-performance paradigm, (4) legitimacy and (5) trust was developed and assessed for validity through interviewing 21 channel members, including distributors, wholesalers, Internet retailers and traditional retailers associated with a global fresh produce company's supply chain in China.FindingsBarriers negatively framing channel members' attitudes and decisions included a perceived lack of need owing to fresh produce having a short shelf life and being of low value and risk. However, the importance of traceability and the need for effective food recalls were not always understood among channel members, and distributed trust innovations were also suppressed by their lack of compatibility with the Chinese hierarchical culture.Originality/valueTo date, channel members' perception of innovations in food supply chains has not been considered in light of the components proposed in the integrated framework. The adapted framework used in this study ensured a comprehensive assessment of channel members' attitude and motivations toward traceability practices.

Relationships along the organic supply chain

2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (3) ◽  
pp. 771-786 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haley Baron ◽  
Carolyn Dimitri
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Consumer Demand ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Supplier Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Relationships ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Certified Organic ◽  
National Organic Program

Purpose Since the implementation of the National Organic Program in 2002, the US organic market has grown in both scale and scope, consequently placing pressure on the organic supply chain. The crucial role of matching consumer demand for final products with farm-level production falls to certified organic handlers, the intermediary firms that process, manufacture and distribute organic products. Locating certified organic commodities and products that meet their needs, in a timely manner, is costly and challenging. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods study was designed to better understand organic sector supply chain relationships in the USA. Data were collected from certified organic handlers via survey and semi-structured interviews. Those interviewed were randomly selected from 153 survey respondents who expressed an interest in being interviewed. This paper presents an analysis of interviews with 26 certified organic handlers regarding the relationships with their suppliers. Findings Three key concepts characterize the relationships between handlers and their suppliers: closeness, support and commitment. Nearly all handler supplier relationships possess some degree of closeness, where the handler expresses interest in their supplier. The relationships follow a spectrum of intensity, where the least engaged handlers provide little support and commitment, and the most engaged handlers provide support and commitment through a long-term relationship or contract. Originality/value Research into the organic supply chain is challenging to undertake, given the proprietary nature of the relationships. As the organic market continues to grow, the relationships along the supply chain will need to evolve to allow firms to meet consumer demand.

Constrained choice in supply chain relationships: the effects of regulatory institutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 1101-1123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna F. Davis ◽  
Beth Davis-Sramek ◽  
Susan L. Golicic ◽  
Teresa M. McCarthy-Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Relational Exchange ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Calculative Commitment ◽  
Regulatory Pressure ◽  
Supply Chain Relationships ◽  
Middle Range ◽  
Constrained Choice ◽  
Regulatory Institutions ◽  
Relational Behaviors

Purpose Utilizing a top-down approach of middle-range theorizing (MRT), the purpose of this paper is to integrate relational exchange with institutional theory to examine how companies manage supply chain relationships to achieve desired supply chain outcomes in industries characterized by varying degrees of regulatory mandates that restrict the choice of supply chain partners. The authors identify this supply chain relationship dynamic as constrained choice. Design/methodology/approach A moderated mediation model is tested using survey data from producers in the US wine industry to investigate the effects of regulatory pressure on the ability of wine producers to achieve operational coordination when responding to relational behaviors through either trust or calculative commitment. Findings Results find that relational behaviors can improve operational coordination through two distinct paths: trust or calculative commitment. With the moderating effect of regulatory pressure, relational behaviors more effectively facilitate operational coordination through trust. Alternately, regulatory pressure attenuates the mediated relationship through calculative commitment. Research limitations/implications The research introduces constrained choice dynamics into the supply chain relationship literature via MRT. Integrating generative mechanisms from relational exchange and institutional theories provides theoretical depth and context-specific knowledge about relationships that operate in constrained choice situations. Practical implications Managers impacted by constrained choice should recognize that mechanisms typically resulting in positive relationship outcomes may respond differently in the presence of regulatory constraints. With greater regulatory pressure, efforts to enhance operational coordination are more effective using relational mechanisms to build trust. When trust is diminished, calculative commitment can be effective in achieving operational coordination, although extensive regulations make it more difficult. Originality/value Previous research traditionally assumes that managers are free to select suitable trading partners that ensure mutually beneficial relationships. The research develops a middle-range theory examining the constrained choice dynamic in relationships that are impacted to varying degrees by regulatory institutions.

scholarly journals Technology uncertainty in supply chains and supplier involvement: the role of resource dependence

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 697-709 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chengyong Xiao ◽  
Boyana Petkova ◽  
Eric Molleman ◽  
Taco van der Vaart
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Resource Dependence ◽  
Supply Networks ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Relational Perspective ◽  
Supplier Involvement ◽  
Resource Dependence Perspective

Purpose Technology uncertainty poses significant challenges to manufacturers, as rapid changes in product and/or process standards and specifications can disrupt the smooth flow of materials in extended supply chains. Practitioners and researchers alike who take a relational perspective widely regard supplier involvement as a potentially effective strategy to cope with technology uncertainty, as focal manufacturers can tap into their upstream supply networks for complementary resources and capabilities. However, the literature lacks a nuanced understanding of the supplier involvement processes. Specifically, the role of resource dependence for supplier involvement has yet to be systematically understood. To fill this gap, this study aims to combine the relational perspective with the resource-dependence perspective to explore how buyer dependence, supplier dependence and buyer–supplier interdependence influence buyers’ decision-making on tapping into upstream supply networks for coping with technology uncertainty. Design/methodology/approach To test the hypotheses, a survey is conducted among Dutch firms with more than 50 employees in the discrete manufacturing industries (ISIC 28-35), resulting in a sample of 125 manufacturers. Findings First, there is a significantly positive relationship between technology uncertainty and supplier involvement, giving support to the expectation that buyers are indeed involving their key suppliers in the product/process design and improvement, as a response to technology uncertainty. Second, buyer dependence and interdependence are found to be positively moderating the relationship between technology uncertainty and supplier involvement. In contrast, supplier dependence has a negative moderating effect on the baseline relationship. Research limitations/implications The authors contribute to a relational view on buyer–supplier relationships by showing that the validity of this view, in the context of technology uncertainty, is contingent on the resource dependence between buyers and suppliers, and the authors contribute to the supply chain management literature more generally by combining a relational perspective with a resource-dependence perspective. Practical implications The findings provide several nuanced insights into the effect of resource dependence (buyer dependence, supplier dependence and interdependence) on supplier involvement for coping with technology uncertainty. Originality/value This study contributes to the supply chain management research by going beyond the benefits of supplier involvement and highlights the circumstances under which supplier involvement is likely to occur.

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