Developing a continuous improvement perspective for subcontractor involvement in the industrialised housebuilding supply chain

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Grenzfurtner ◽  
Manfred Gronalt
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Stakeholder Analysis ◽  
The Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Efficiency And Productivity

Purpose This paper aims to identify those factors, which will improve the collaboration between industrialised housebuilding (IHB) companies and their subcontractors within continuous improvement (CI) programmes. These factors will enhance the supply chain (SC) efficiency and productivity, eliminating obstacles when designing, implementing and managing CI programmes within IHB SC. Design/methodology/approach An explorative case study with a mixed-method approach was conducted within an IHB SC. To collect data, participant observation and guided interviews were applied. A stakeholder analysis was conducted to structure their guiding principles. A causal loop diagram (CLD) analysis was used to model the effects on and relationships within a SC and their impact on the involvement of subcontractors. Findings The influences on the stakeholders and the guidelines under which they work are defined. Potential conflicts of interest between stakeholders are identified. A CLD is used to model a better understanding of system behaviour impacting on the relationships within the SC and on subcontractor involvement. The results provide a number of factors that need to be considered when designing, implementing and managing a CI programme. Research limitations/implications The research suggests better ways to use subcontractors’ specific knowledge of on-site processes such that productivity and efficiency are enhanced. Improvements within the construction supply chain (CSC) will, in the future, not be limited to small improvement gains at company level. Originality/value This paper extends the body of knowledge in CSC management by revealing factors important for designing, implementing and managing CI programmes, which enables the successful involvement of subcontractors in CI on SC level.

Categorising on-site problems

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Micael Thunberg ◽  
Martin Rudberg ◽  
Tina Karrbom Gustavsson
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Project Management ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Internal Communication ◽  
The Body ◽  
Construction Project Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Body Of Knowledge

Purpose This study aims to identify and categorise common on-site problems from a supply chain management (SCM) perspective and to trace the origin of these problems in the construction project process, the supply chain or in the intersection between these processes. This allows for identification of how on-site problems affect SCM in construction projects and how they can be mitigated. Design/methodology/approach A literature review in combination with semi-structured interviews was used to identify on-site problems. This enabled triangulation and strengthened both construct validity and internal validity. Findings On-site problems can be categorised in one of the four following categories: material flows, internal communication, external communication or complexity. The first category has its origin in the supply chain, the second in the construction project process, the third in the supply chain-construction process intersection on site and the fourth in the construction project as a whole. The findings conclude that on-site problems often originate from construction companies’ lack of supply chain orientation. Research limitations/implications It is suggested that supply chain planning (SCP) can facilitate on-site problem mitigation in construction project management. This extends the body of knowledge of SCP in construction project management and supports the development of effective on-site construction project management. Practical implications The results show that SCP can aid construction project management in handling on-site problems earlier in the project process. Originality/value The main value lies in extending the body of knowledge in construction project management research by applying an SCM perspective and by introducing SCP to support more effective construction project management.

Managing the great bullwhip effects caused by COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saad Zighan
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Situation Awareness ◽  
Bullwhip Effect ◽  
The Body ◽  
Just In Time ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Geographical Distances ◽  
Purchasing Behaviour

Purpose This study aims to answer the question of how firms can deal with the great bullwhip effects caused by COVID-19? Design/methodology/approach An exploratory research method has been adopted and evidence was collected based on 41 online interviews. Findings The study finds that the bullwhip effect is caused by the sudden changes in customers purchasing behaviour during the pandemic and the businesses’ inaccurate anticipation of the situation. Managing the bullwhip effects caused by COVID-19 requires situation awareness, localisation and an intelligent supply chain. Situation awareness is a vital concept in emergency response, knowing what is going to figure out what should be done. Furthermore, reducing the geographical distances between the firm and other parties in the supply chain, which equates to supply chain localisation, enforces just-in-time inventory. Finally, supply chain digitalisation is no longer an option; implementing such a solution enables end-to-end visibility, collaboration, flexibility and optimisation of orchestration of the supply chain. Research limitations/implications This study presents indicators explaining how organisations can deal with the great bullwhip effects caused by COVID-19. Originality/value The ongoing outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant challenges for supply chain management, and this study contributes to the body of knowledge and proposes a model of reducing the bullwhip effects.

scholarly journals A decade of supply chain collaboration and directions for future research

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 613-630 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudine Antoinette Soosay ◽  
Paul Hyland
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
The Body ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Supply Chain Collaboration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chains ◽  
The Past ◽  
Body Of Knowledge

Purpose – This paper aims to conduct a systematic review of the literature on supply chain collaboration published over a 10-year period from 2005 to 2014. It explores the nature and extent of research undertaken to identify key themes emerging in the field and gaps that need to be addressed. Design/methodology/approach – The authors review a sample of 207 articles from 69 journals, after using an iterative cycle of defining appropriate search keywords, searching the literature and conducting the analysis. Findings – Key themes include the meaning of collaboration; considerations for supply chain collaboration theory; emerging areas in collaboration for sustainability, technology-enabled supply chains and humanitarian supply chains; and the need for a more holistic approach, multi-tier perspectives and research into B2C collaborations. Research limitations/implications – The paper provides discussion and scope for future research into the area which would contribute to the field tremendously. Originality/value – There have been very few reviews in the past on supply chain collaboration, and this is one of the first extensive reviews conducted to address how well the body of knowledge on supply chain collaboration corresponds with our contemporary society.

Higher apprenticeships and the new apprenticeship standards

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arti Saraswat
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Further Education ◽  
The Body ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
College Staff ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The UK government is actively promoting higher apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships and this agenda has been gaining momentum amongst the various providers of apprenticeships. The purpose of this paper is to draw on an exploratory study on English further education (FE) colleges and highlight some of the key drivers of delivery, and possible challenges that can be faced by the providers in any expansion of this provision. Staff perceptions on the new apprenticeship standards are also presented in the paper. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on a qualitative exploratory study with ten FE colleges in England. As part of the study, 19 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with college staff and managers. Findings Higher apprenticeships have the potential to offer work-focussed alternatives to the conventional full-time degree models of higher education, however, the paper sheds light on a number of factors can limit the uptake of higher and degree apprenticeships. Practical implications The paper presents some practical challenges in developing higher apprenticeships and outlines some successful instances of higher apprenticeships which will be useful for those involved in the design and delivery of apprenticeships at FE colleges as well as at other providers. Originality/value This paper draws on research with FE colleges and will be of particular significance to FE colleges and universities that may consider delivering higher apprenticeships. The paper presents insights into institutional experiences and decision-making associated with higher and degree apprenticeships and, in doing so, the paper offers valuable contributions to the body of knowledge in this under-researched area.

Supply chain collaboration and firm’s performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 358-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farhad Panahifar ◽  
P.J. Byrne ◽  
Mohammad Asif Salam ◽  
Cathal Heavey
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Information Sharing ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Supply Chain Collaboration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Effective Collaboration ◽  
Trust Information

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the interrelationships between various characteristics of information sharing and trust and their criticality for effective information-centred supply chain collaboration initiatives and, in turn, its criticality to overall firm’s performance. Design/methodology/approach A survey of 189 executives from different firms was conducted and the resulting data were analysed to investigate how collaboration enablers affect effective collaboration and to determine its impacts on organisational performance. Structural equation modelling through partial least squares is used to study the relationships between four enablers (trust, information readiness, information accuracy and information security), perceived collaboration success, and two outcomes (sales growth and overall operational performance). Findings The empirical results indicate that three collaboration enablers including trust, information readiness and secure sharing of information improve supply chain collaboration. The present study finds that “secure sharing of information” was the most important factor in fostering information sharing-centred collaboration. The present study also demonstrates that effective collaboration positively and significantly influences on firm’s performance. Practical implications This study provides researchers and practitioners with a more comprehensive understanding about the information sharing-centred collaboration, its enablers and effects on firms’ performance in a supply chain context. Future research should focus on developing additional constructs that may capture other drivers of effective collaboration. Originality/value The present study makes an empirical contribution to the body of knowledge by investigating an integrated framework focussing on the enablers of collaboration through information sharing and its impact on firms’ performance.

Achieving supply chain resilience: the role of procurement

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 626-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Roberta Pereira ◽  
Martin Christopher ◽  
Andrea Lago Da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
The Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Objective Being

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of procurement in identifying and managing the intra- and inter-organisational issues which impact supply chain resilience. Achieving resilience along the supply chain in today’s turbulent business environment requires efforts from both internal and external elements of the extended enterprise. Design/methodology/approach – The systematic literature review was conducted between 2000 and 2013 with the objective being to answer the single research question proposed. To do so, a content analysis based on the literature was applied to 30 selected papers. Findings – The study revealed that procurement activities do make a significant contribution to creating supply chain resilience. Emerging from the literature review, certain intra- and inter-organisational issues were identified that could impact supply chain resilience. Also the possible actions that procurement could take to enable the enhancement of supply chain resilience were identified. Research limitations/implications – This study is limited, in that it is exploratory and focuses only on the body of knowledge presented in two databases over the past 13 years. It has also been restricted to the procurement function and the consequent implications for the upstream supply chain. Originality/value – The originality of this paper lies in the identification of intra- and inter-organisational issues from a procurement perspective specifically as they relate to improving supply chain resilience. This raises further questions on the role of procurement in creating supply chain resilience, which has not been well-explored in the current literature.

Strategic consensus on manufacturing strategy content

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 429-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Edh Mirzaei ◽  
Anna Fredriksson ◽  
Mats Winroth
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
The Body ◽  
Manufacturing Strategy ◽  
Unit Of Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Level ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Strategic Consensus ◽  
Important Means

Purpose – Strategic consensus between operators and managers is an important means to accomplish a successful manufacturing strategy (MS) process. Previous studies largely left out individual operators from this concept. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the level of strategic consensus on the MS within the operations function, that is, the operators’ and managers’ perceptions of MS. Design/methodology/approach – Interviews were conducted with both operators and managers at three small- and medium-sized enterprises in Sweden. The MS dimensions were selected based on previous research; the data were analysed by using thematic coding. Findings – The study shows that the levels of strategic consensus on the MS vary among companies. Even when strategic consensus exists between operators and managers, their underlying reasons often differ. Furthermore, the levels of strategic consensus vary among MS dimensions. The companies’ usage of information-sharing channels, along with their size and position in the supply chain, can be important for the level of strategic consensus. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the body of knowledge in three ways. First, it expands the scope of the MS dimensions under study, thus offering a stronger, resource-based perspective on MS and strategic consensus than what earlier studies showed. Second, it goes beyond the management level by including both managers and operators as the unit of analysis. Third, compared to previous research, it focuses on a new context and is based on in-depth case studies.

scholarly journals Operations management body of knowledge and its relevance to manufacturing and service organizations

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 373-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jurandir Peinado ◽  
Alexandre Reis Graeml ◽  
Fernando Vianna
Keyword(s):  
Operations Management ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Work Organization ◽  
The Body ◽  
Service Organizations ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Companies ◽  
Body Of Knowledge

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the differences in importance assigned by manufacturing or service organizations to topics related to operations management and its attendant body of knowledge. Design/methodology/approach The authors did this by cataloguing and analyzing vacancy announcements related to operations management, presented by manufacturing and services companies in major Brazilian human resources websites. Findings The results show that manufacturing companies primarily hire personnel with skills in routine process management, quality management, lean manufacturing, ergonomics and work organization. Service companies generally seek professionals with knowledge and experience in logistics, supply chain management and project management. Research limitations/implications This study presents some limitations that reduce the power of its conclusions. There is some degree of subjectivity in the interpretation of the contents of the analyzed ads. In order to reduce this problem, the authors who did the tabulation of data marked the situations for which there were some doubts about the classification, discussing them with the other author, until they reached a consensus on the best way to classify each one. Originality/value The discussion about the importance assigned by manufacturing and service companies to the topics of operations management is crucial for not only the results obtained, but also to stimulate the debate on topics that comprise or should comprise the body of knowledge of operations management, and the way they are incorporated into business practice. This provides an additional opportunity to reflect on the potential of operations management in supporting business managers now and in the future.

Event innovation induced corporate branding

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 862-882 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona X. Yang ◽  
Sherry Xiuchang Tan
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Branding ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Corporate Image ◽  
The Body ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Event Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Corporate Loyalty

Purpose This paper aims to empirically investigate how event innovation may induce desirable corporate branding. Design/methodology/approach A survey yielded 280 complete responses from tourists who had attended an event in Macau. Structural equation modeling was used to test the innovation-corporate loyalty framework through perceived event value and corporate image, with a multi-group comparison to examine differences between first-time and repeat customers. Findings The results indicate that innovation is not only the key to value enhancement of the event but also an efficacious instrument of branding the parent company and building corporate loyalty; only product-related innovation has a significant impact on event value; both functional and emotional values induce a more favorable corporate image; and event-induced corporate branding is more effective in securing repeat business than attracting new clientele. Practical implications The findings help hospitality operators and event planners to leverage innovative events for corporate branding and cater to different customer segments by providing distinct marketing strategies. Originality/value The study contributes to the body of knowledge regarding event management and corporate branding and sheds light on future research to explore the initiative and benefit of pushing forward event innovation.

The application of Lean Six Sigma and supply chain resilience in maritime industry during the era of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yugowati Praharsi ◽  
Mohammad Abu Jami’in ◽  
Gaguk Suhardjito ◽  
Hui Ming Wee
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Maritime Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Control Approach ◽  
Logistics Services

Purpose This study aims to apply a Lean Six Sigma framework to support continuous improvement in the maritime industry (shipbuilding, logistics services and shipping companies) during COVID-19 pandemics. By applying the concepts of Lean Six Sigma and supply chain resilience, the most suitable continuous improvement method for the maritime industry is developed to maintain a resilient supply chain during COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach A specific shipbuilding, logistics services and shipping company in Indonesia is chosen as the research object. The Lean Six Sigma framework reveals the wastes through the supply chain resilience concept, and implements internal business processes to maintain optimal system performance. Findings The paper identifies important implementation aspects in applying Lean Six Sigma to shipbuilding, logistics services and shipping. The DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) approach is applied to achieve supply chain resilience. Resilient measures are generated for the case companies to maximize performance during the pandemics. Practical implications This paper provides a new insight for integrating Lean Six Sigma and resilience strategies in the maritime industry during COVID-19 disruptions. The authors provide some insights to sustain the performance of the maritime industries under study. Originality/value This study is part of the first research in the maritime industry that focuses on continuous improvement during COVID-19 using Lean Six Sigma and supply chain resilience.

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