Supply chain uncertainties linked to information systems: a case study approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (6) ◽  
pp. 1093-1108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salomée Ruel ◽  
Lhoussaine Ouabouch ◽  
Sabry Shaaban
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Relevant Dimension ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Potential Factors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the following research question: how can information systems (ISs) be the real sources of uncertainty for supply chain management (SCM), despite their positive roles in the effectiveness of modern supply chain (SC) organization? Design/methodology/approach A typology of the uncertainties linked to ISs and their usage is developed. Then, five explanatory case studies conducted in diverse industries allow to characterize this typology. Findings The case studies allow to identify the most frequently recurring uncertainties, namely, “limited IS capacity” and “data unreliability.” In addition, “company size” does not seem to be a relevant dimension for assessing the vulnerability of a SC to uncertainties linked to ISs. On the other hand, the “business sector,” with its implied power influences, was found to be a relevant dimension. Research limitations/implications This research does not allow to rank uncertainties according to their level of criticality. Practical implications This paper enables SC and information systems managers, as well as ISs/SC project managers to be aware of the need to consider ISs not only as the vectors for performance, but also as the factors for uncertainty in SCs. Originality/value ISs are generally considered to be a vector of performance. Nevertheless, their use remains problematic in many companies. This paper falls within both the ISs and SCM research areas. In the latter field, typologies of the uncertainties are common, but often ignore the uncertainties linked to ISs and their usage. The authors suggest envisaging ISs as the potential factors for uncertainty in the context of SCM.

Empirical behavioral analysis of project contractors' supply‐chain payment terms

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 277-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Long Chen
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Study Approach

PurposeResearchers in supply chain (SC) payment management have long sought to understand how project contractors, project owners, specialist contractors, and suppliers behave in the context of negotiating payment terms that improve contractors' SC cash flow.Design/methodology/approachUsing a single case study approach, semi‐structured interviews with contract and project managers identify behavioral patterns. An analysis of categorical experiments and Spearman's correlation tests on 118 surveys from Taiwanese project contracting corporations generalizes the case findings.FindingsThe findings suggest that payment terms of project owners, specialists, and suppliers have an important impact on contractors' working capital. The findings also reveal that contractors pass project owners' payment terms down to specialists and suppliers, suggesting that contractors' behavior depends on that of the project owners.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper generalizes the case findings via surveys, but does not assume that the reported behavior patterns apply to all business enterprises. Future research could triangulate the findings.Originality/valueThis study combines qualitative and quantitative methods to understand how the project owner‐contractor‐supplier (or owner‐contractor‐specialist) triad behaves. Particularly, it focuses on an economic sector – real estate and construction – that receives less research interest than processing or manufacturing.

scholarly journals Antecedents of green supply chain practices in developing economies

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arvind Upadhyay
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Green Supply Chain ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Component Manufacturing

PurposeThis paper investigates the current state of green supply chain practices (GSCPs) and also introduces a framework for the implementation of GSCPs in India.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach was used for this research in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with three companies. These companies were automobile component manufacturing companies.FindingsIn the three case studies, there were different antecedents depending upon the specific company structure and organization. The ten GSCPs were used as a base for finding the antecedents.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough every step has been taken to ensure the rigour and reliability of case studies, in a field as complex as GSCPs, there are inevitably some limitations. Due to the limited size of the case study approach, the results can only be generalized to a similar size and types of organization. The scope of data collection for all three case studies was the same, but the quality of information gathered varied. As demonstrated earlier, a good-quality cross-case analysis was still possible, but the relative strengths of the three cases varied.Practical implicationsA double contribution has been made to test the theory of GSCPs from a process and output perspective. From a process perspective, a contribution has been made to methodology by developing a robust approach for conducting supply chain research beyond the dyad. From an output perspective, the author has the empirical results from the three individual case studies and their cross-case comparison for dissemination to an academic audience.Originality/valueThe outputs of this research work will pave a path for other automobile component manufacturing companies in India to address and implement GSCPs.

Logistics activities in supply chain business process

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Márcia Maria Penteado Marchesini ◽  
Rosane Lúcia Chicarelli Alcântara
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Critical Element ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Gap ◽  
Chain Business

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a set of logistics activities for each key supply chain business process of the Global Supply Chain Forum (GSCF) model and a conceptual framework to guide their implementation. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review on supply chain management (SCM) and logistics was conducted to integrate the existing knowledge of SCM, key business processes, and logistics; the latter is critical element for the success of SCM. A set of logistics activities and a conceptual framework are presented to guide their implementation in each of the key business process of the GSCF model. Three case studies were conducted in Brazilian food companies to verify the applicability of the proposed logistics activities, their characterization, and the conceptual framework. Findings – The logistics activities, the key business processes, and the steps to their implementation are integrated into a comprehensive framework. A total of 24 logistics activities and a conceptual framework to guide their implementation for each key business process of the GSCF model were proposed focussing on competitive advantage in a supply chain environment. Originality/value – The need for and the benefits derived from the involvement of the logistics in the key business processes of SCM have been reported in the literature, but the logistics activities in these processes and the way they were implemented have not yet been identified. According to Eisenhardt and Graebner (2007), building theory from case studies is an increasingly popular and relevant research strategy that involves using one or more cases to create theoretical constructs, propositions, and/or midrange theory from case-based empirical evidence. Therefore, the research gap to be filled with this manuscript is: “How does the involvement of the logistics area in the key business processes of the GSCF model occur?” The research question of the present study is: “Which activities are performed by the logistics area in the key business processes of the GSCF model and how to implement them?”. This study bridged the research gap and answered the research question by creating a theoretical construct through a conceptual framework to guide the implementation of the logistics activities for each key business process of the GSCF model. This paper aimed to extend the existing theory since the available literature has yet not addressed this research question at all.

An investigation into the role of enterprise information systems in enabling business innovation

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 771-790 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luay Anaya ◽  
Mohammed Dulaimi ◽  
Sherief Abdallah
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Enterprise Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Enterprise Information Systems ◽  
Business Innovation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to articulate clear understanding about the role of enterprise information systems (EIS) in developing innovative business practices. Particularly, it aims to explore the different ways that make EIS enables innovation development. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted exploratory case study, based on qualitative approach. Investigations included two case studies each involved interviewing a number of senior information technology staff, working at these cases. Findings – The paper provides empirical insights about the EIS role in enabling innovation. The analysis of the case studies revealed that integrating an EIS with other system(s) or with digital devices can provide new practices that could not be easily available without these technologies. The study also found that applying data analytics tools into data accumulated from EIS, to extract new insights, lead to innovative practices. Practical implications – The study provides a set of recommendations for organizations interested to maximize the benefits from their investments in EIS. Originality/value – The paper provides evidences from cases in United Arab Emirates for the EIS role in enabling business innovation.

Leading the way: how project manager strengths can influence team resilience

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Project Manager ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Signature Strengths ◽  
Team Resilience ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The study takes empirical data from three case studies of projects that have faced setbacks to explore the impact of project manager signature strengths on team resilience and finds that four signature strengths, leadership, open-mindedness, persistence and hope, were present in project managers across all three case studies. Originality The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Cultural dimensions and supply chain management

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The increasing relevance of culture to supply chain management is indicated by the number and scope of studies that currently exist. However, significant shortcomings prevail that might be addressed by the development of an appropriate framework able to measure interaction between individual, organizational and network cultural levels. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Supply chain integration and coordination for international sourcing in the context of China’s processing trade

2018 ◽  
Vol 118 (9) ◽  
pp. 1730-1748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingu Kang ◽  
Kihyun Park ◽  
Ma Ga (Mark) Yang ◽  
Mark H. Haney
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Supply Chain Integration ◽  
Processing Trade ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
International Sourcing ◽  
Three Stages ◽  
Simple Assembly

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how a foreign invested manufacturing company’s (FIMC) components sourcing process evolves in order to improve its supply chain outcomes in the context of China’s processing trade. Design/methodology/approach Grounded in the theory bases of the international sourcing process and supply chain integration, this study utilizes a single-case-study approach with a small- to medium-sized FIMC engaged in China’s processing trade. Findings This study identifies three stages of the components sourcing process: simple assembly stage, components localization stage and supply chain integration stage. In addition, the case study suggests that the type of processing trade evolves from processing with supplied materials to processing with imported materials as the sourcing process proceeds through the three stages and the internal and external environments change. Originality/value To our knowledge, this paper is the first to focus on an FIMC’s components sourcing process in the context of China’s processing trade. It contributes to a better understanding of how FIMCs progress through the components sourcing process and apply different types of processing trade in China to maximize their supply chain outcomes.

scholarly journals Environmental alignment between logistics service providers and shippers – a supply chain perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 575-605
Author(s):  
Maria Huge-Brodin ◽  
Edward Sweeney ◽  
Pietro Evangelista
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Stakeholder Theory ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Sustainable Logistics ◽  
Logistics Service Providers

PurposeVarious suggested paths for greening logistics and supply chains often address the specific perspectives of single supply chain actors. Drawing on stakeholder theory, the purpose of this paper is to develop a deeper understanding of the alignment between logistics service providers (LSPs) and shippers in the context of adopting more environmentally sustainable logistics practices.Design/methodology/approachWith a case study approach, a dual perspective is taken in which both LSPs and shippers were researched. The cases comprise eight LSPs and six shipper companies in Sweden, Italy and Ireland. Information was first analysed in relation to levels of environmental awareness, customer requirements and provider offerings and critical success factors (CSFs) and inhibitors. In a second step, the findings were analysed using stakeholder theory.FindingsLSPs demonstrate higher ambition levels and more concrete offerings compared to shippers' requirements for green logistics services. Paradoxically, customers are an important CSF and also an inhibitor for both LSPs and shippers. Both LSPs and shippers perceive financial factors and senior management priorities as important CSFs. The application of stakeholder theory helps to illuminate the importance of the many secondary stakeholders vs that of one or a relatively small number of primary stakeholders.Originality/valueThe three-dimensional analysis of environmental alignment between LSPs and shippers reinforces existing knowledge and provides new insights. A novel use of stakeholder theory in a supply chain context underlines its usefulness in research of this kind.

Comparison of performance measurement in different purchasing and supply management practices

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (8) ◽  
pp. 1290-1309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aki Jääskeläinen
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Functional Integration ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Supply Management ◽  
Measurement Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Service Purchasing

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the characteristics of performance measurement in cross-functional and supplier-oriented purchasing and supply management (PSM) practices. It clarifies the purposes and content of performance measurement in three PSM practices.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study approach is utilized in this study. Each of the cases is related to a contemporary performance measurement development project during the period 2015–2016. Interviews are conducted to obtain a pre-understanding of the research questions at hand. The case studies continue as an action research including measurement development workshops.FindingsIdentification of causalities between measurement objects and the measurement value benefits are contemporary issues of performance measurement development in the PSM context. The findings indicate that the measurement of outputs and outcomes instead of inputs and measurement supporting supplier relationship management is increasingly important in the service context. Measurement purpose affects the characteristics of PSM performance measurement. This study identifies that more informal control and non-standard measures are needed in interactive PSM practices such as cross-functional integration.Research limitations/implicationsThe study provides practical examples of performance measurement in service purchasing, classifies the characteristics of performance measurement and highlights the need to extend the scope of measurement in the PSM context. The findings of the case studies reported support practitioners in developing performance measurement that satisfies contemporary managerial needs.Originality/valueEarlier studies are often not explicit with the purpose of performance measurement. This study contributes to the existing literature by linking performance measurement characteristics to the understanding of PSM practices and providing a wider overview of the varying characteristics of performance measurement supporting strategic purchasing of services.

Supply chain resilience

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings COVID-19 has had a dramatic and damaging effect on supply chains and distributors. This briefing considers why, and what strategies there may be to cope. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

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