Supply Chain Management: An International Journal

Inter-organizational governance, learning and performance in supply chains : Table of Contents

Miguel Hernández-Espallardo, Augusto Rodríguez-Orejuela, Manuel Sánchez-Pérez — Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – Inter-firm knowledge sharing and learning constitute one of the main avenues to improve supply chains' performance in today's business environment. This paper aims to examine how effective different governance mechanisms are in promoting knowledge transfer, learning and performance in supply chains. Design/methodology/approach – Following on from the literature in inter-organizational learning, transaction costs economics, business-to-business relational marketing, and supply chain management, a model is presented and tested using structural equations modeling. Data were collected from 219 Colombian apparel manufacturers. Findings – This paper finds that from more influential to less, social mechanisms of governance, hostages and behavioral control favor knowledge sharing, learning and performance in supply chains. Output control exerts a negative influence on learning in supply chains. Research limitations/implications – Governance has a key role in promoting transparency and learning in supply chains. Future research should analyze whether it impacts on the firms' learning intent. Practical implications – Knowledge sharing and learning have a positive influence on the supply chain's performance. Results of the study suggest that the supply chain's competitiveness lies in the adequate governance of the interfirm relationships, i.e. by using trust, hostages and behavioral control to support knowledge exchange. Originality/value – Compared with studies that limit their analysis to the impact of one specific type of governance mechanism, generally trust, the paper for the first time jointly examines the role of several types of governance on knowledge-sharing in supply chains, on learning and on performance. This allows a comparison of the different mechanisms in terms of their safeguarding and coordination role.

A framework for the alignment of new product development and supply chains : Table of Contents

Margherita Pero, Nizar Abdelkafi, Andrea Sianesi, Thorsten Blecker — Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework that explains how new product development and supply chain variables are related to one another and how they affect performance. Design/methodology/approach – The insights from literature and an exploratory case study are combined to develop an alignment framework, which is then tested using a multiple case study design. Findings – Variety, modularity, and innovativeness are the product features that are taken into account when studying alignment. From the supply chain viewpoint, configuration, collaboration, and coordination complexities are the variables that matter. Innovativeness is found to have a stronger effect than variety on supply chain complexity. In addition, there is evidence that matching product features with supply chains improves performance. Originality/value – The paper provides empirical support to the relationships among the variables within the alignment framework. There is evidence that product innovativeness, a variable so far neglected in the alignment literature, can have a critical impact on the supply chain. Furthermore, supply chain complexity must be adequately adapted, depending on the product features.

An empirical investigation of the relationship between product nature and supply chain strategy : Table of Contents

Sonia M. Lo, Damien Power — Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the relationship between product nature and supply chain strategy, by using Fisher's model as the framework. Design/methodology/approach – The research collected quantitative data by conducting a questionnaire-based survey, with a total of 119 respondent organisations (of which 107 were usable), at an adjusted response rate of 8 per cent. The survey results provide the basis for the testing of Fisher's model relating product characteristics to supply chain strategy. Findings – The results indicate that the association between product nature and supply chain strategy as articulated in Fisher's model is not significant. A hybrid strategy (pursuing both efficiency and responsiveness) is found to be employed by most organisations irrespective of the nature of the primary product they supply. Research limitations/implications – The analysis is based on survey responses gathered within the Australian manufacturing industry. The findings of the study have implications for understanding the drivers of supply chain strategy, and how other factors, in addition to product type, influence supply chain positioning. Practical implications – The study identifies additional factors which might be influential in the determination of supply chain strategy. It provides practitioners with guidance in choosing an appropriate strategy to deal with supply chain partners. Originality/value – The contribution of the study lies in extending the body of knowledge of supply chain strategy. It tests an existing framework which has only very limited empirical validation, and provides a broader understanding of the influence of product nature on the choice of supply chain strategy.

Learning to work with interdependencies effectively: the case of the HRM forum of the suppliers teams at Volvo Cars Gent : Table of Contents

Frank Lambrechts, Tharsi Taillieu, Koen Sips — Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to profile the way in which Volvo Cars Gent (VCG) Belgium and its suppliers succeed in managing their interdependencies on HRM issues through a shared HRM collaborative, called the Suppliers Team Volvo Cars HRM forum (STVC-HRM). Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach is used to develop understanding of the critical factors that contribute to the forum's success. Findings – It was found that the critical success factors concern the way STVC-HRM members enacted trust, common ground, leadership, shared responsibility, and representative-constituency dynamics. Research limitations/implications – To understand the Toyota system of successful collaboration and learning with suppliers, it is necessary to look into the actual assembler-supplier relationships and practices developed. Practical implications – Building lasting manufacturer-supplier relationships is considered to be one of the elements that contribute to Toyota's competitive advantage in supply chain management. However, other organisations struggle to improve manufacturer-supplier relationships despite applying seemingly similar principles. The paper helps in recognising and managing the main collaboration issues at hand. Originality/value – The work suggests how to build and maintain deep mutually beneficial manufacturer-supplier relationships through the VCG-suppliers case. Other organisations that want to develop those much-needed relationships may learn from the successful VCG-suppliers way of doing things.

Evaluating logistics network configurations for a global supply chain : Table of Contents

A. Creazza, F. Dallari, M. Melacini — Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to identify and assess different configurations to design logistics networks in global sourcing contexts. A framework to support the choice of the most suitable logistics network is developed. Design/methodology/approach – Starting from an overview of previous research on global sourcing and global logistics network design, followed by a series of interviews with international freight forwarders and logistics providers, five main logistics network configurations are identified and the paper proposes a framework to evaluate their cost-effectiveness, deriving the overall logistics cost by means of simulation. Findings – On the basis of the analysis of different scenarios the paper develops a taxonomy for selecting the most suitable logistics network configuration, with respect to some key logistics factors and purchasing strategies. Research limitations/implications – The analysis has been focused on ocean container shipping, the primary transportation mode for world trade. Practical implications – In a context characterised by the widespread adoption of direct shipment with full container load (FCL) ocean shipping (with implications on inventory levels), the provided taxonomy can represent a useful tool to support companies in choosing the most suitable combination of configurations for setting their global logistics network. Originality/value – The impact of globalisation on logistics network configuration has received little attention from supply chain researchers to date. The originality of the present paper is twofold. First, a framework to assess the overall logistics costs is developed. Second, the paper presents an original taxonomy for the selection of the most suitable logistics network.

Effective supply value chain based on competence success : Table of Contents

Gülgün Kayakutlu, Gülçin Büyüközkan — Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper seeks to propose a managerial decision framework for different levels of supply chain, by addressing the strategic importance of competence values in supply chain effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual framework for supply chain effectiveness is defined in levels of supply chain targets, knowledge management dynamics, competence levels and competence success attributes. Analysis of literature in the areas of competence management, knowledge management, supply chain and value chain management resulted in defining the factors of the model. Surveys of industrial practices were used to validate the choice of factors. The analytical network process (ANP) is used to determine the most beneficial competence success attributes in a case study performed for three companies that participate in different stages of the textile supply chain. Findings – Individual competence in continuous learning and networking, as well as innovativeness of the team are found to be the three most important competence attributes in supply chain effectiveness. Research limitations/implications – The case study is executed in the regional textile industry. New case studies in other industries will help improve the framework. Further international surveys can improve the detail level of factors used. Practical implications – The study creates awareness of knowledge management dynamics and competence management for companies which are in need of innovation to improve their supply chain competitiveness. Originality/value – The proposed decision framework is one of the first efforts to consider the importance of competence in supply chain success. The ANP method is used to offer an accurate analysis of interdependent factors observed in management of knowledge dynamics and competence levels.

Nestlé Nespresso AAA sustainable quality program: an investigation into the governance dynamics in a multi-stakeholder supply chain network : Table of Contents

Gabriela Alvarez, Colin Pilbeam, Richard Wilding — Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – Within the context of a sustainable supply chain, the purpose of this paper is to report on empirical longitudinal research on supply chain network evolution and dynamics of governance in a multi-stakeholder supply chain sustainability initiative led by Nespresso, the speciality coffee division of Nestlé. Design/methodology/approach – The paper proposes a framework to study the creation and evolution of governance mechanisms over a five-year period. Data from 48 semi-structured interviews and 15 recent and historic documents were also analysed. The interviews were conducted among current and past representatives of all the organisations concerned including coffee traders, NGOs and farmers. Findings – In contrast with literature on the subject, governance mechanisms initially relied mostly on informal mechanisms. Formal governance mechanisms were incorporated into the relationships to enable the supply chain network to grow and to provide clarity to all actors. Relational quality processes that increased trust were critical elements in the early phase, and were explicitly built into a second phase of development. Research limitations/implications – Being a single case study, some caution needs to be applied to generalise findings beyond the specific context studied. An additional methodological limitation is the limited number of actors involved in the overall supply chain network. Practical implications – The paper shows the importance of treating governance mechanisms within the supply chain not as a fixed variable to be determined once and for all in the beginning of a relationship, but rather to adapt the coordination mechanisms of the relationships. Originality/value – The evolution of relationships over time has been “often called for but rarely chosen”. The case highlights the potential benefits of this type of research to develop an understanding of the evolution of relationships in a supply chain network.