International Journal of Operations & Production Management

Operations management associations in Europe – a history : Table of Contents

Christer Karlsson, Chris Voss — Mon Oct 05 11:22:02 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – In 2009, the European Operations Management Association (EurOMA) celebrates its 15th anniversary and its precursor, the UK OMA, its 25th anniversary. The purpose of this paper is to review the origins and foundations of today's EurOMA and how it has progressed to being a vibrant and successful organisation. Design/methodology/approach – The review draws on archived documents, especially newsletters and board minutes, as well as memories of all of those involved. Findings – The review shows an important evolution from two groups of like minded individuals, through building annual conferences and brings these together as one. It then shows how it has evolved both through formalisation of its activities, building international links and, most importantly, developing a portfolio of activities to develop and support young researchers. Research limitations/implications – Where records are not available, the paper draws on individual memories of events from a long time ago. Originality/value – As well as providing an invaluable record, it can provide a model for the development of similar organisations.

On using DEA for benchmarking container terminals : Table of Contents

M.B.M. de Koster, B.M. Balk, W.T.I. van Nus — Mon Oct 05 11:22:02 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare efficiency scores from the benchmarking exercise with those of previous studies and to discuss the reasons behind diverging results. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses data envelopment analysis (DEA) on primary data of large container terminals. Findings – The results differ strongly from those available in the literature. Causes for these differences are: public (secondary) data are not always accurate; different terminal types are compared; terminals of different scale are compared; and terminals are mixed with ports. Practical implications – DEA may be appropriate for container terminal benchmarking, but only if better quality and additional input and output data can be obtained. In its application, the analysis should be controlled for terminal types. Originality/value – Summary of the state of play in the use of DEA methodologies for comparing the efficiency of container terminals at ports.

Internationalization of supply networks inside and outside clusters : Table of Contents

Maria Chiarvesio, Eleonora Di Maria — Mon Oct 05 11:22:02 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare supply network strategies of district firms (from now on ID) and non-district (non-ID) firms with the aim of outlining emerging strategies as well as identifying similarities and differences between business models. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis is based on a quantitative approach: the TeDIS survey focuses on 45 leading Italian districts and SMEs located outside districts (Made in Italy sectors). Results refer to 630 Italian firms. Findings – There are more similarities than differences between the approach of ID and non-ID companies to supply networks. ID firms rely more on local systems in terms of supply networks, while non-ID firms have also invested at national level (subcontracting networks). The global geographical extension of supply networks stresses the ID companies' search for efficiency in addition to value-added competences. Non-ID firms have a more hierarchical approach to internationalization than ID firms, but differences decrease as the size of the companies increases. Research limitations/implications – The study is still preliminary. Future research should explore the relationships between the strategic approach to supply networks of district firms and non-ID firms in terms of characteristics of the relationship management and aims of relationships, also with a focus on the size of these firms. Originality/value – Within the existing literature, the original contribution of the paper lies in its comparison of supply network strategies in ID and non-ID firms based on a significant quantitative analysis.

Critical success factors for B2B e-commerce use within the UK NHS pharmaceutical supply chain : Table of Contents

Andrea J. Cullen, Margaret Taylor — Mon Oct 05 11:22:02 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine those factors perceived by users to influence the successful on-going use of e-commerce systems in business-to-business (B2B) buying and selling transactions through examination of the views of individuals acting in both purchasing and selling roles within the UK National Health Service (NHS) pharmaceutical supply chain. Design/methodology/approach – Literature from the fields of operations and supply chain management (SCM) and information systems (IS) is used to determine candidate factors that might influence the success of the use of e-commerce. A questionnaire based on these is used for primary data collection in the UK NHS pharmaceutical supply chain. Factor analysis is used to analyse the data. Findings – The paper yields five composite factors that are perceived by users to influence successful e-commerce use. “System quality,” “information quality,” “management and use,” “world wide web – assurance and empathy,” and “trust” are proposed as potential critical success factors. Of these, all respondents ranked information quality, system quality, and trust as being of most importance, but differences in the rankings between purchasing and selling respondents are evident. Research limitations/implications – The empirical study is limited to a single supply network, and although the findings seem intuitively to be of relevance to other sectors and supply contexts, there remains an opportunity to test this through further research. There is also an opportunity to extend the survey research, particularly into the wholesaler organisations that operate in the sector of study. Practical implications – The managerial implications that result from this research provide practical guidance to organisations in this sector on how to ensure that e-commerce systems for B2B buying and selling are used successfully. Originality/value – This paper furthers knowledge and understanding in the fields of operations management, IS, and SCM, by suggesting potential determinants of successful e-commerce use in both buying and selling organisations within supply networks.

Patterns of vendor-managed inventory: findings from a multiple-case study : Table of Contents

Jouni Kauremaa, Johanna Småros, Jan Holmström — Mon Oct 05 11:22:02 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to address two questions: what kinds of benefits are realized from a vendor-managed inventory (VMI) program (operational, i.e. efficiency related, vs strategic, i.e. sales related) and how the benefits are shared at the dyad level (suppliers vs buyers). Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses an exploratory multiple case study with data from five operational VMI dyads, evaluating both buyer and supplier perspectives. Findings – Three empirically grounded patterns of VMI are proposed. Five contextual inhibitors of VMI impacts are suggested. Research limitations/implications – The framework presented has been generated from a relatively small number of cases. Threats to external validity have been mitigated with case selection from multiple operational contexts and grounding findings in prior literature. Practical implications – Using the conceptualization, potential VMI adopters can set more realistic and explicit implementation targets. The suggested contextual factors will help to design more appropriate VMI systems. Originality/value – Past research on VMI can be mainly characterized by modeling/simulation approaches, focus on operational efficiency implications, and concern with impacts to buyers. In contrast, empirical studies on the actual impacts and dyad-level reasons considering also the strategic (sales related) motivations for implementing VMI are few. This study contributes by suggesting how VMI is in some instances motivated not by bilateral interests to develop a supply chain, but by unilateral interests, with buyers searching for effortless purchasing, and suppliers for a means to lock in and secure sales.