Relevance of humanitarian logistics research: best practices and way forward

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (11) ◽  
pp. 1585-1599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan Kunz ◽  
Luk N. Van Wassenhove ◽  
Maria Besiou ◽  
Christophe Hambye ◽  
Gyöngyi Kovács
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Operations Management ◽  
Panel Discussion ◽  
Humanitarian Logistics ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Problem Definition ◽  
Relevant Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Knowledge ◽  
Access To Data

Purpose This paper is based on a panel discussion at EurOMA 2015. The purpose of this paper is to identify a number of barriers to relevant research in humanitarian logistics. The authors propose a charter of ten rules for conducting relevant humanitarian research. Design/methodology/approach The authors use operations management literature to identify best practices for doing research with practice. The authors compile, condense and interpret opinions expressed by three academics and one practitioner at the panel discussion, and illustrate them through quotes. Findings The increasing volume of papers published in the humanitarian logistics literature has not led to a proportional impact on practice. The authors identify a number of reasons for this, such as poor problem definition, difficult access to data or lack of contextualization. The authors propose a charter of ten rules that have the potential to make humanitarian logistics research more relevant for practice. Practical implications By developing best practices for doing relevant research in humanitarian logistics, this paper enables the academic community and practice to better work together on relevant and impactful research projects. Academic knowledge combined with practice-inspired problems has the potential to generate significant improvements to humanitarian practice. Originality/value This paper is the first to address the problem of relevance of humanitarian logistics research. It is also one of the few papers involving a practitioner to discuss practical relevance of research. Through this unique approach, it is hoped that this paper provides a set of particularly helpful recommendations for researchers studying humanitarian logistics.

Chat reference: evaluating customer service and IL instruction

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Hunter ◽  
Samantha Kannegiser ◽  
Jessica Kiebler ◽  
Dina Meky
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Customer Service ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Instruction ◽  
Chat Reference ◽  
Industry Standards

Purpose Reflecting on the new ACRL Framework, a deficiency was observed in literature on the assessment of information literacy instruction in chat reference. An evaluation of recent chat transactions was undertaken and the purpose of the study was twofold. The purpose of this study is to discover if and how librarians were teaching information literacy skills in chat reference transactions and identify best practices to develop training and resources. Design/methodology/approach To start, a literature review was performed to identify current industry standards. A rubric, influenced by the ACRL Framework, was developed to evaluate chat transactions from one semester. Results from the assessment were compiled and interpreted to determine current practices. Findings This study identified the necessity of balancing customer service and instruction to manage student expectations and encourage successful chats. Best practices and strategies that librarians can use to provide a well-rounded service were culled for the development of training and resources. Originality/value Reference assumes a large portion of the services that academic librarians provide to students. As technology advances, librarians are relying on virtual platforms, including chat reference, as convenient and useful tools to provide reference services to the academic community. While face-to-face reference encourages information literacy instruction, it is challenging to perform the same instruction in a virtual setting where expectations are based on retail models. With the growing use of virtual services, evaluating the success of chat reference based on industry standards is imperative.

Leadership in OM research: a social network analysis of European researchers

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (12) ◽  
pp. 1537-1563 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ravi S. Behara ◽  
Sunil Babbar ◽  
Philip Andrew Smart
Keyword(s):  
Operations Management ◽  
Production Management ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
The Body ◽  
Centrality Measures ◽  
Network Centrality ◽  
Degree Centrality ◽  
Total Degree ◽  
European Research ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the leadership role of authors, institutions, and countries based on research co-authorship networks in the field of operations management (OM) and ranks European authors, institutions, and countries using network centrality measures. It also identifies the primary research areas of each of the leading European authors and maps the areas that European research in general has focussed most on. Design/methodology/approach – Based on co-authorships in publications appearing in a representative set of three leading OM journals over the 15-year period of 1998-2012, network measures of total degree centrality and betweenness centrality are used to identify influential European agents serving as leaders and bridge builders in OM research. Keyword analysis is used to identify the dominant areas of OM research in Europe as well as the primary areas of research of the leading authors. Findings – With UK, Spain, The Netherlands, and Italy accounting for the dominant share of authorship of papers in the journal set, many authors and institutions from these countries are also found to rank high on network centrality measures. While certain authors, institutions, and countries are found ranking high on total degree centrality based on number of direct connections in the network, others are found to play uniquely important roles as gatekeepers and bridge builders in network relationships. The body of research is found to be focussed most on the area of supply chain management. It is also found to be focussed more on manufacturing than service. Research limitations/implications – The examination of networks in this study based on co-authorships in publications in the set of three leading journals: Journal of Operations Management, International Journal of Operations & Production Management, and Production and Operations Management, is not all encompassing as there are likely other co-authorship relationships of OM researchers that go beyond publications in this set of journals. Practical implications – Co-authorship of papers in the leading academic journals in a discipline provides a window on patterns of collaboration among key researchers within that academic community. The findings of this study inform the community of stakeholders on who the leading European agents in OM research are, what the primary areas of research of the leading European authors are, and areas that European research has focussed most on. Originality/value – This is the first study of its kind that identifies and maps key European authors, institutions, and countries based on the analysis of co-authorship networks of researchers who have published in a set of leading OM journals that are considered to be among the most relevant outlets in the field of OM. It also maps the primary areas of research.

Circular economy: benefits, impacts and overlapping

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 784-804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Sehnem ◽  
Diego Vazquez-Brust ◽  
Susana Carla Farias Pereira ◽  
Lucila M.S. Campos
Keyword(s):  
Operations Management ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Interdisciplinary Research ◽  
Industrial Ecology ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Cleaner Production ◽  
Relevant Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Linear ◽  
Resources Conservation

Purpose This paper aims to investigate overlaps, complementarities and divergences between the literature on circular economy (CE) models and related literature in non-linear production models and frameworks, including CE, reverse logistics, closed-loop, industrial symbiosis and industrial ecology. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was conducted focussing on the benefits of non-linear modes adoption. Findings The results show a high degree of convergence in findings, gaps and weaknesses of these literatures. Negative environmental, economic and operational impacts are understudied. There is a scarcity of studies identifying practices resulting in empirically tested benefits. The business and society case for non-linear production is still largely built upon conceptual studies, modelling and a few case studies. Despite a normative focus, there is very little use of theory, in particular, management theories. Research limitations/implications First, the authors use only one, albeit highly recognized database, Scopus. This database may have omitted some relevant research, journals such as the Journal of Cleaner Production and Resources Conservation & Recycling that are more likely to publish such research and also have a more interdisciplinary approach. This is an important gap and interesting result to claim for more interdisciplinary research. Second, the filtering process used and the focus on Association of Business Schools top journals may have also omitted some relevant research, such as a large stream of literature in specialist journals such as Resources Conservation and Recycling and the Journal of Cleaner Production. Practical implications There are contradictions, tensions and epistemological ambiguity that needs to be critically addressed. Such tensions may be associated with the knowledge field that gave rise to these different non-linear production approaches. Many of them appeared at the same time, but from different sciences and disciplines with their own perspectives. Then in doing so, they create confusion in the definitions of CE, assumptions underlying modelling and business choices arising from this complexity. This can be minimized through the critical interpretation of knowledge to elucidate epistemological quandaries to improve the understanding of the economic, social and environmental impacts of practices. Social implications In some way, this result makes sense, as the authors have limited the search to management, business and accounts journals, especially talking about Operations Management journals. This is an important gap and interesting result to claim for more interdisciplinary research. Originality/value In addition to gaps previously described, the authors identified areas of tensions where the literature offers inconclusive – often contradictory – findings requiring further exploration. A better understanding of these tensions is required to understand the impacts of non-linear production and develop policy guidelines for industry and policymakers to scale-up CE.

scholarly journals Research in defense logistics: where are we and where are we going?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-17
Author(s):  
George A. Zsidisin ◽  
Amanda Bresler ◽  
Ben Hazen ◽  
Keith F. Snider ◽  
Taylor H. Wilkerson
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Panel Discussion ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Annual Conference ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Military

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide insight on high-interest areas of research in defense-related logistics and supply chain management and opportunities for advancing theory and practice in this domain. Design/methodology/approach A panel of experts provided their insight to several questions oriented toward examining research opportunities and gaps in defense logistics research at the 2018 Academic Research Symposium of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals annual conference on September 30, 2018. Findings Three overarching themes emerged from the panel discussion for advancing theory and practice in defense logistics and supply chain management, which are developing a central repository, creating publication opportunities and integrating research practice and knowledge with the greater academic community. Originality/value Logistics and supply chain research is critical for advancing knowledge and practice in the military, as well as industrial settings. The intention in this manuscript is to provide scholars and practitioners in both settings greater awareness and potential avenues for developing synergies and processes for advancing logistics and supply chain research.

scholarly journals Lean implementation within SMEs: a literature review

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 980-1012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Hu ◽  
Robert Mason ◽  
Sharon J. Williams ◽  
Pauline Found
Keyword(s):  
Operations Management ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Systematic Review Methodology ◽  
Lean Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Road Map ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – Lean business ideology has been one of the recent dominant research areas in operations management. However, there is a dearth of research focusing on Lean in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap by systematically reviewing the literature in relation to the implementation of Lean in SMEs. Design/methodology/approach – Tranfield et al.’s (2003) systematic review methodology was employed covering three stages: planning, conducting and reporting/dissemination. Findings – A descriptive analysis of the papers reviewed is provided. From the thematic analysis of the literature four main themes are identified: the scope/type of Lean being adopted by SMEs, how Lean is used in SMEs, the impact of Lean implementation on SMEs and the critical success factors for Lean implementation in SMEs. Key inhibitors and enablers related to firm size when implementing Lean are also identified in the concluding discussion. Research limitations/implications – Nine recommendations for future research are developed associated with Lean implementation in SMEs. Practical implications – The authors suggest SMEs to integrate organisational factors such as employee empowerment and the development of a supportive strategy into their Lean implementation plans. A preliminary “Staircase Road Map” to guide SMEs in implementing Lean is also developed. Originality/value – This paper goes beyond previous literature reviews of Lean by systematically and critically evaluating key themes of Lean implementation within an SME environment. It not only provides a road map for SME owners/managers who intend to implement Lean, but also provides the academic community with an agenda for future research.

Applying the Delphi method to determine best practices for outsourcing logistics in disaster relief

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 438-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timo Gossler ◽  
Ioanna Falagara Sigala ◽  
Tina Wakolbinger ◽  
Renate Buber
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Delphi Method ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Humanitarian Logistics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Outsourcing Logistics

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine best practices of aid agencies for outsourcing logistics to commercial logistics service providers (LSPs) in disaster relief. Moreover, it evaluates the application of the Delphi method for research in humanitarian logistics. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a two-round Delphi study with 31 experts from aid agencies and a complementary full-day focus group with 12 experts from aid agencies and LSPs. Findings The study revealed 12 best practices for outsourcing logistics in disaster relief and a compilation of more than 100 activities for putting these practices into action. Experts consider a proper balance between efficiency and compliance, a detailed contract and a detailed service request most important. Additionally, the Delphi method was found to be a promising technique for research on humanitarian logistics. Research limitations/implications By critically examining the Delphi method, this study establishes the basis for a wider application of the technique in the field of humanitarian logistics. Furthermore, it can help to prioritize future research as the ranking of practices reflects the priorities of practitioners. Practical implications The paper provides guidance to practitioners at aid agencies in charge of outsourcing logistics. Originality/value This research is one of the first in the field of humanitarian logistics to apply the Delphi method. Moreover, it addresses the lack of literature dealing with approaches for building successful cross-sectoral partnerships.

Academic opinions of Wikipedia and Open Access publishing

2014 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 332-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Xiao ◽  
Nicole Askin
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Open Access Publishing ◽  
Academic Publishing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Knowledge ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Open Access Journals ◽  
Academic Researchers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine academics’ awareness of and attitudes towards Wikipedia and Open Access journals for academic publishing to better understand the perceived benefits and challenges of these models. Design/methodology/approach – Bases for analysis include comparison of the models, enumeration of their advantages and disadvantages, and investigation of Wikipedia's web structure in terms of potential for academic publishing. A web survey was administered via department-based invitations and listservs. Findings – The survey results show that: Wikipedia has perceived advantages and challenges in comparison to the Open Access model; the academic researchers’ increased familiarity is associated with increased comfort with these models; and the academic researchers’ attitudes towards these models are associated with their familiarity, academic environment, and professional status. Research limitations/implications – The major limitation of the study is sample size. The result of a power analysis with GPower shows that authors could only detect big effects in this study at statistical power 0.95. The authors call for larger sample studies that look further into this topic. Originality/value – This study contributes to the increasing interest in adjusting methods of creating and disseminating academic knowledge by providing empirical evidence of the academics’ experiences and attitudes towards the Open Access and Wikipedia publishing models. This paper provides a resource for researchers interested in scholarly communication and academic publishing, for research librarians, and for the academic community in general.

scholarly journals Humanitarian logistics and supply chain standards. Literature review and view from practice

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Paciarotti ◽  
Wojciech D. Piotrowicz ◽  
George Fenton
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Humanitarian Logistics ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Large Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Humanitarian Operations ◽  
Humanitarian Response ◽  
Mailing Lists ◽  
Negative Impacts

PurposeThe paper is focused on standards in humanitarian logistics and supply chain. Standards, implemented between organisations, allow improving the interoperability of humanitarian operations. The paper aims (1) to review a state-of-the-art approach to the topic by the academic community, (2) to evaluate the current use of standards among humanitarian organisations and (3) to investigate the perceived need for further and specific standards.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the aims, the literature was reviewed; then a survey on 227 professionals from the humanitarian logistics sector was conducted.FindingsBased on 227 responses, it is possible to conclude that most surveyed professionals recognise the need for and the importance of standardisation in humanitarian logistics, especially in areas such as procurement, distribution, medical logistics and logistics planning, which were perceived as critical areas that require standardisation.Research limitations/implicationsPractitioners and scholars were targeted via social media, through mailing lists and via communication from the practitioner organisation – the Humanitarian Logistics Association (HLA). While it provided good access to different groups of respondents, the response rate is not possible to calculate.Practical implicationsThe findings confirm the high importance of standardisation, indicating areas and functions that should be standardised first. Standardisation may improve cooperation between different humanitarian actors, allowing better service provision for beneficiaries. Thus there are also potential negative impacts, i.e. impact on localisation, which should be overcome.Social implicationsResults do not have a direct social impact; however, they stimulate research and work among practitioners on standardisation, which in turn could improve cooperation between humanitarian actors, thereby enabling a better humanitarian response in emergencies.Originality/valueThe majority of papers on standardisation use a qualitative approach. This paper applies a survey among a large network of humanitarian practitioners, capturing their view on the topic and perception of the need for standardisation. The work is descriptive; however, it could be used as a base for further studies related to humanitarian standards.

scholarly journals Fostering process innovations in construction through industry–university consortium

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 569-586
Author(s):  
Rita Lavikka ◽  
Olli Seppänen ◽  
Antti Peltokorpi ◽  
Joonas Lehtovaara
Keyword(s):  
Operations Management ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Management ◽  
Construction Technology ◽  
Relevant Research ◽  
Research Topics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Process Innovations

Purpose University research efforts have not been effective in developing lasting impacts on operations management in construction because of inadequate coordination between academia and industry. This study aims to describe the development of an industry–university (IU) relationship which has enabled the conduct of practically and scientifically relevant research. Design/methodology/approach Design science research was carried out between 2016 and 2019 to build a consortium between a university and 17 design, construction, technology and logistics companies for enabling process innovations in construction. The consortium conducted industry-funded research on various topics, such as takt production, lean design management, prefabrication, measurement of waste and business models supported by digitalisation. The academic and practical impacts of the consortium’s research projects were investigated through a survey and in-depth company interviews. Findings The paper presents a conceptual model for creating an IU relationship to support scientifically and practically relevant research. The model includes network architects who mobilised consortium development and a joint governance body that developed a shared long-term vision and selected research topics based on this vision. The results show that using the model’s approach, the consortium selected research topics that have led to both academic publications and process innovations in construction. Originality/value Using empirical data, this study describes how to create a win-win IU innovation relationship that enables the implementation of process innovations into the construction sector and, at the same time, the conduct of scientific research in construction management.

scholarly journals Usability evaluation of open data portals

2018 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 252-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renáta Máchová ◽  
Miloslav Hub ◽  
Martin Lnenicka
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
National Level ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Usability Evaluation ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Government Data ◽  
Access To Data

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to conduct a usability evaluation of governmental data portals and provide a list of best practices for improving stakeholders’ ability to discover, access, and reuse of these online information sources. Design/methodology/approach The developed methodology was based on the comprehensive literature review that resulted in a benchmarking framework of the most important criteria. A usability testing method was then applied with accordance to unique requirements of open data portals. This approach was demonstrated by using of a case study. Findings The main found weakness was a lack of support for active engagement of stakeholders. The list of best practices was introduced to improve the quality of these portals. This should help to improve the discoverability and facilitate the access to data sets in order to increase their reuse by stakeholders. Social implications The creation of appropriate open data portals aims to fulfill the principles of open government, i.e., to promote transparency and openness through the publication of government data, enhance the accountability of public officials and encourage public participation, collaboration, and cooperation of involved stakeholders. Originality/value This paper proposed a new approach for the usability evaluation of open data portals on national level from an ordinary citizen’s point of view and provided important insights on improving their quality regarding data discoverability, accessibility, and reusability.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document