Logistics integration in the supply chain: a resource dependence theory perspective

Firms have strategically used cooperative linkages to establish competitiveness. In this study, we incorporated the resource dependency theory view to assess how trust, satisfaction, and commitment affect firms’ decisions on logistics integration. Also, we examined the link between logistics integration and supply chain performance. The study collected data from 250 South Korean manufacturers for analysis. The results revealed positive impacts of trust, satisfaction, and commitment on logistics integration between manufacturing firms and logistics service providers that enhances logistics service capabilities of the firms. Furthermore, our study showed that building a strategic relationship for logistics services helps the manufacturing firms improve their business and operations performances in their supply chain. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Case study: evaluation of the automation of material handling with mobile robots

The automation of material handling is one of the solutions that many companies are relying on to reach their goals related to productivity increment, floor space optimization, higher standards for factory’s safety, and allocation of workers to value-added activities. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the current state of the material flow of finished goods for an automotive parts supplier plant and the technology available on the market to verify if it was worthwhile to invest in material handling automation. The analysis included the use of discrete event simulation to evaluate the different layout approaches combined with the mobile robots’ performance. It was proven that the tandem layout was the most beneficial approach to the analyzed plant’s reality with a minimal of three robots. Improvements to the material flow and automation of the labeling process were also proposed based on the study.

The interaction between standards development and economic growth of China

China has been participating in the international standards activities since the reform and opening up period. China’s standards action has not only brought about significant changes in the way of international trade, but also changed the connotation and manifestation of economic growth, which has further affected China’s position in the world standards development. On the basis of qualitative analysis of the interaction between standards development and economic growth, this paper quantitatively analyzes the degree of interaction between them. The results indicate that the higher standards in a country, the stronger its economic strength and the higher its position in world standards development. This conclusion is helpful for the government, industry authorities, and enterprises to pay more attention to standards in quality management and improve the standards level.

An analysis of passengers’ ride needs of urban rail transit services: application of quality function deployment

This study aims to suggest using the interpretation type of deployment of quality function deployment (QFD) as a methodology to understand the passengers’ needs when they situate in the train cars of urban rail, using the East Rail Line (ERL) in Hong Kong as a case study. The result shows that behaved environment and safe stand are the two most important ride needs demanded by the everyday ordinary passengers of the rail line. In addition to this, the members of the study team reflected that the deployment process has greatly helped them on acquiring a thorough understanding of the passengers’ needs, which is very essential for deriving innovative solutions. Besides the rail company could make use of the case study for improving its train ride quality, the suggested methodology is applicable to understand the passengers’ ride needs of other kinds of public transport as well as the recipient needs of those public services that are of similar nature.

Planting and harvesting innovation - an analysis of Samsung Electronics

This study explores how firms manage the entire life cycle of innovation projects based on the framework of harvesting and planting innovation. While harvesting innovation seeks new products in the expectation of financial performance in the short term, planting innovation pursues creating value over a long time period. Without proper management of the process of planting and harvesting innovation, firms with limited resources may not be successful in launching innovative new products to seize a momentum in high tech industries. To examine this issue, the case of Samsung Electronics (SE), now an electronics giant originated from a former developing country, is analyzed. SE has shown to effectively utilize co-innovation to maintain numerous planting and harvesting innovation projects. Both researchers and practitioners would be interested in learning about how SE shared risks of innovation investment with external partners at the early stage of innovation cycles.