Towards more efficient logistics: increasing load factor in a shipper’s road transport

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 228-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vendela Santén
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measures ◽  
Road Transport ◽  
Load Factor ◽  
Lead Times ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transport Efficiency ◽  
Freight Forwarder ◽  
Increasing Load ◽  
Visual Observations

Purpose Increasing load factor is crucial for transport efficiency and may benefit shippers because of its potential to reduce both environmental impact and transportation costs. The purpose of this paper is to explore how shippers can increase load factor in their road transport by identifying opportunities for logistics action and influences on load factor performance measures created by such opportunities. Design/methodology/approach A case study is performed of the outgoing goods flow from the central warehouse of a large retailer in Sweden. Data are collected from interviews with the shipper and its contracted freight forwarder, as well as from archival sources and visual observations, and applied to produce a framework. Findings Logistics actions that can increase load factor are identified and categorised according to packaging efficiency, loading efficiency and booking efficiency, all of which are linked to logistics variables and specific performance measures in the framework. Visual observations of volumetric load factor in vehicles indicate room for improvement via, for example, making lead times more flexible. Practical implications The framework’s principles can be used to support shippers in finding opportunities to increase load factor. Originality/value The framework clarifies the concept of load factor as a whole by explaining each logistics action’s contribution to increasing load factor, as well as the actions’ combined effect in the context of a shipper and its purchased transport share.

Internal coordination to enable high load factor

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 1142-1167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Rogerson ◽  
Uni Sallnäs
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
High Load ◽  
Coordination Mechanisms ◽  
Load Factor ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transport Efficiency ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Reducing Costs ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to clarify how activities may be coordinated within shippers’ organisations to enable high load factor (a key aspect of transport efficiency). Design/methodology/approach A multiple-case study involving three shippers was conducted, in which the logistics or transport managers of each company were interviewed. The cases were analysed according to which activities were coordinated to achieve high load factor, interdependencies between the activities, and the coordination mechanisms that shippers adopted. Findings A matrix is developed to show the differences in applying various coordination mechanisms in eight categories, according to intrafunctional or interfunctional coordination, sequential or reciprocal interdependencies, and the number of activities (dyadic or multiple). For example, coordination mechanisms aimed at exerting control are more suitable for intrafunctional than interfunctional interaction; interfunctional coordination relies more on mechanisms that aim to increase the understanding of transport-related issues among non-logistics activities. Research limitations/implications The study is based on data from three Swedish companies. Practical implications Managers are provided with suggestions for coordinating activities when their goal is to improve load factor. These findings are of interest for reducing costs and emissions. Originality/value In response to suggestions in the earlier literature that shippers could improve their internal coordination to improve their load factor, this paper articulates several mechanisms for performing such coordination in eight situations.

How to visualize performance measures in a manufacturing SME

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carina Larsson ◽  
Anna Syberfeldt ◽  
Kristina Säfsten
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Oral Presentation ◽  
Visual Communication ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Literature Survey ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify strengths and weaknesses in the communication of performance measures and propose guidelines for the visualization of performance measures supporting continuous improvement (CI) in manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The goal is to help manufacturing SMEs improve their communication of performance measures, thereby improving performance, and strengthening the company. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on both theoretical and empirical research. It begins with a literature review of theoretical guidelines for the visualization of performance measures. This theoretical information is then supplemented with a case study and a survey, both carried out at the Vara plant, a manufacturing SME with well-developed communication of performance measures. The case study involved all organizational levels in the company and focused on identifying strengths and weaknesses in visual communication of performance measures supporting CI. The information acquired from the literature survey and the case study was then used as the basis for a survey of the employees in one department as regards their perception, understanding and opinion of visual communication of performance measures. The analysis of the results led to the development of guidelines and a substantive proposal improving visualization of performance measures in this specific company, and in manufacturing SMEs in general. Findings A model for the visualization of performance measures supporting CI in the company was carried out. The guidelines proposed for all such visualizations are as follows: keep the visualization as simple as possible without compromising understanding, use symbols and colors consistently, use simple words and do not include too much information in the visualization. The study also shows that it is important to support a written visualization with an oral presentation to explain the results. Originality/value The originality of this paper lies in its focus on the visualization of performance measures in manufacturing SMEs and the guidelines and proposals developed.

scholarly journals Supplier performance assessment

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 817-838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Romule ◽  
Ozlem Bak ◽  
Claudia Colicchia ◽  
Sarah Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Performance Assessment ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Implementation Challenges ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
Delivery Performance ◽  
Supplier Performance ◽  
Manufacturing Company ◽  
Internal Business Process

Purpose The discussion of supplier performance assessment and implementation challenges has been evidenced well in the academic literature. However, the analysis of supplier performance assessment has been limited in terms of inclusion of suppliers’ perspective, especially in terms of what key performance indicators they deem to be relevant and aligned with their goals. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to shed light on supplier performance assessment, taking into account both manufacturing company’s and suppliers’ perspective, to evaluate to what extent the utilised performance measures are beneficial to all parties. Design/methodology/approach Based on literature review on supplier performance assessment, ten categories of performance measures were established and explored in a case study involving a UK manufacturing company and its suppliers. A questionnaire was distributed to the manufacturing company and their 30 suppliers, resulting with a total of 41 responses. Findings From the established ten categories only five categories were highly rated which were: net profits, flexibility and responsiveness, delivery performance and time and cycle time, product quality and availability, which were aligned to financial and internal business process categories. Research limitations/implications This study focused on a UK-based company and its relationship with its suppliers and how performance measures were assessed within this context. A further study needs to be conducted in terms of comparing the results of the study to other companies’ supplier performance assessment. Originality/value The research on the topic of supplier performance assessment often relates to measurement and highlights measures for assessing suppliers’ performance to a particular industry or area of performance measurement. Hence, this study embeds three distinctive angles including the academic literature on supplier performance assessment, suppliers’ and the manufacturing company’s perspectives.

Creative economy assessment: a case study of Kish Island

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (12) ◽  
pp. 1940-1956 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elham Lafzi Ghazi ◽  
Miguel Goede
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measures ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Creative Industries ◽  
Creative Class ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Creative Economy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourist Attractions ◽  
Creative City

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the case of Kish, which is a small island off the coast of Iran, using the creative indicators of a creative economy. Design/methodology/approach Based on the extant literature, a set of performance measures and factors are identified for the creative economy. This set is mainly based on Florida’s theory on the creative class. The case of Kish Island is evaluated based on these indicators, and after analysis, conclusions are drawn. Findings Kish Island, with its numerous tourist attractions, shows remarkable creative industries that highlight the presence of the creative class and the development of a creative economy in this area. Originality/value The paper illustrates the model of a creative economy assessment for the small Kish Island and finally provides a good understanding of the concept of the creative economy as a key element of the creative city.

Hybridity and the use of performance measurement: facilitating compromises or creating moral struggles? Insights from healthcare organizations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agathe Morinière ◽  
Irène Georgescu
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measures ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Single Case Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Hospital Data ◽  
Time Dimension ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThis study aims to understand whether and how the use of performance measures in the context of healthcare organizations facilitates the dynamics of compromise or whether it creates moral struggles among a wide variety of actors. It offers novel insights into the concept of hybridity by investigating its underlying moral dimension. Drawing upon the sociology of worth theory (Boltanski and Thévenot, 1991, 2006), this paper examines how actors negotiate and compromise over time concerning issues of justice, involving the use of performance measures on a day-to-day basis.Design/methodology/approachThe article presents a single case study of a medical unit in a French public hospital. Data were obtained through the ethnographic method, semi-structured interviews and internal financial and accounting documents.FindingsUnlike earlier accounting studies, the authors analyze whether, and how, accounting, on one hand, contributes to the dynamics of compromise between actors with divergent values that characterize hybrid organizations, and, on the other hand, increases tensions among actors with convergent values involved in caregiving. This offers practical insights into three relational mechanisms underlying the dynamics of compromise and their limits through the time dimension.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors use a single case study in a country-specific context.Practical implicationsThis study helps managers of healthcare organizations to understand the relationships between the use of performance measures and their impact on the evaluation of worth in practice.Originality/valueIn terms of theoretical contribution, the authors show how the sociology of worth (Boltanski and Thévenot, 1991, 2006) complements the analysis of hybridity and develop an original approach to understanding the ambivalent role of performance measures in bringing together divergent values within French public hospitals.

Integrating KPIs for improving efficiency in road transport

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (9) ◽  
pp. 931-951 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús García-Arca ◽  
J. Carlos Prado-Prado ◽  
Arturo J. Fernández-González
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Road Transport ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transport Efficiency ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
Transport Management

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose and validate a framework for improving efficiency in road transport based on key performance indicators (KPIs) and personnel participation. The use of the “Overall Equipment Effectiveness” (OEE) indicator is widespread in factories. The framework adapts OEE to transport management.Design/methodology/approachResearch was divided into two phases. The first phase included development of a participative framework, which was based on the authors’ experience and a literature review related to transport KPIs. The second phase involved the validation of the framework, adopting an “Action Research” approach by leading its implementation in a Spanish retailer.FindingsImplementation of the framework has promoted more efficient transport in the company. The framework could be extrapolated to other companies, particularly, transport and parcel companies. By applying the “Action Research” approach it has been shown that researchers and practitioners can create knowledge by resolving problems that are of interest to both parties.Research limitations/implicationsThe framework has been applied in one company and could achieve broader validation. Additionally, integrating only indicators of transport efficiency into the OEE proposal has meant that other perspectives, such as costs or the environment, have not been dealt with directly.Originality/valueThe framework is a new line of research applied to transport management. The academic and business contributions fall into three areas: transport management, organizational change and the methodology. There are few examples that illustrate “Action Research” adoption within the scope of supply chain management.

scholarly journals A case study of an integrated manufacturing performance measurement and meeting system

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 515-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordi Olivella ◽  
Rubén Gregorio
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Improve Performance ◽  
Integrated Manufacturing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Manufacturing Performance ◽  
Value Streams ◽  
Performance Measurement Systems

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is, first, to expose an integrated manufacturing performance measurement and meeting system implemented to focus the organization on value streams and, by doing it, to improve performance, and, second, to analyze the results obtained. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on an exploratory case study carried out at Delphi Diesel Systems (DDS) plant in Sant Cugat (Spain). Findings – The integrated manufacturing performance measurement and meeting system implemented by DDS Sant Cugat resulted in being very successful and appropriate to obtain the established objectives: focus the organization on value streams; and, by doing it, to improve performance, particularly the overall equipment effectiveness. Research limitations/implications – Considering the limited amount of research on the subject this kind of exploratory research is considered to be appropriate. The main limitation is that a single manufacturing plant was analyzed. Even though the characteristics of the plant and the problems addressed are common and, in consequence, it can be thought that the experience is replicable, further research should be conducted to verify it. Practical implications – For the management community, this paper provides a new way of designing and using manufacturing performance measurement systems. Originality/value – The presented case confirms previous works stating the importance of how performance measures and meetings are used and the need of involvement of the whole organization. The joint planning of the performance measures and the meeting system that has been presented had not previously been analyzed by the literature.

scholarly journals Application of the Delphi technique in healthcare maintenance

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 737-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanley Njuangang ◽  
Champika Liyanage ◽  
Akintola Akintoye
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Delphi Technique ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Healthcare Research ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Exploratory Case Study

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the research design, issues and considerations in the application of the Delphi technique to identify, refine and rate the critical success factors and performance measures in maintenance-associated infections. Design/methodology/approach In-depth literature review through the application of open and axial coding were applied to formulate the interview and research questions. These were used to conduct an exploratory case study of two healthcare maintenance managers, randomly selected from two National Health Service Foundation Trusts in England. The results of exploratory case study provided the rationale for the application of the Delphi technique in this research. The different processes in the application of the Delphi technique in healthcare research are examined thoroughly. Findings This research demonstrates the need to apply and integrate different research methods to enhance the validity of the Delphi technique. The rationale for the application of the Delphi technique in this research is because some healthcare maintenance managers lack knowledge about basic infection control (IC) principles to make hospitals safe for patient care. The result of first round of the Delphi exercise is a useful contribution in its own rights. It identified a number of salient issues and differences in the opinions of the Delphi participants, noticeably between healthcare maintenance managers and members of the infection control team. It also resulted in useful suggestions and comments to improve the quality and presentation of the second- and third-round Delphi instruments. Practical implications This research provides a research methodology that can be adopted by researchers investigating new and emerging issues in the healthcare sector. As this research demonstrates, the Delphi technique is relevant in soliciting expert knowledge and opinion to identify performance measures to control maintenance-associated infections in hospitals. The methodology provided here could be applied by other researchers elsewhere to probe, investigate and generate rich information about new and emerging healthcare research topics. Originality/value The authors demonstrate how different research methods can be integrated to enhance the validity of the Delphi technique. For example, the results of an exploratory case study provided the rationale for the application of the Delphi technique investigating the key performance measures in maintenance-associated infections. The different processes involved in the application of the Delphi technique are also carefully explored and discussed in depth.

Using the private finance initiative for energy efficiency projects at the urban scale

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto De Marco ◽  
Giulio Mangano ◽  
Fania Valeria Michelucci ◽  
Giovanni Zenezini
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Light Emitting Diode ◽  
Project Finance ◽  
Private Finance Initiative ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Light Emitting ◽  
Alternate Forms ◽  
Private Investors

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to suggest the usage of the project finance (PF) scheme as a suitable mechanism to fund energy efficiency projects at the urban scale and present its advantages and adoption barriers. Design/methodology/approach – A case study is developed to renew the traffic lighting system of an Italian town via replacement of the old lamps with new light-emitting diode (LED) technology. Several partners are involved in the case project to construct a viable PF arrangement. Findings – The case study presents the viability of the proposed PF scheme that provides for acceptable financial returns and bankability. However, it also shows that the need for short concession periods may call for a public contribution to the initial funding to make the project more attractive to private investors. Practical implications – This case study is a useful guideline for governments and promoters to using the PF arrangement to fund energy efficiency investments in urban settings. It helps designing an appropriate PF scheme and understanding the advantages of PF to reduce risk and, consequently, increase the debt leverage and profitability of energy efficiency projects. Originality/value – This paper contributes to bridging the gap about the lack of works addressing the implementation of the PF mechanism in the energy efficiency sector in urban areas. The importance of this paper is also associated with the shortage of traditional public finance faced by many cities that forces to seek for alternate forms of financing.

A systematic literature review of healthcare supply chain and implications of future research

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 405-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anuj Dixit ◽  
Srikanta Routroy ◽  
Sunil Kumar Dubey
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Inventory Management ◽  
Cold Chain ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Drug Manufacturing ◽  
Customer Training

Purpose This paper aims to review the healthcare supply chain (HSC) literature along various areas and to find out the gap in it. Design/methodology/approach In total, 143 research papers were reviewed during 1996-2017. A critical review was carried out in various dimensions such as research methodologies/data collection method (empirical, case study and literature review) and inquiry mode of research methodology (qualitative, quantitative and mixed), country-specific, targeted area, research aim and year of publication. Findings Supply chain (SC) operations, performance measurement, inventory management, lean and agile operation, and use of information technology were well studied and analyzed, however, employee and customer training, tracking and visibility of medicines, cold chain management, human resource practices, risk management and waste management are felt to be important areas but not much attention were made in this direction. Research limitations/implications Mainly drug and vaccine SC were considered in current study of HSC while SC along healthcare equipment and machine, hospitality and drug manufacturing related papers were excluded in this study. Practical implications This literature review has recognized and analyzed various issues relevant to HSC and shows the direction for future research to develop an efficient and effective HSC. Originality/value The insight of various aspects of HSC was explored in general for better and deeper understanding of it for designing of an efficient and competent HSC. The outcomes of the study may form a basis to decide direction of future research.

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