An optimal solution technique to the single-vendor multi-buyer integrated inventory supply chain by incorporating some realistic factors

This paper develops two generalized integrated inventory models to deliver a single product from a vendor to multiple buyers. To minimize the total cost of set up, ordering, inventory holding and transportation, the production flow is synchronized by transferring the lot with equal and/or unequal (either all are equal or all are unequal or a combination of equal and unequal) sized batches (sub-lots), each of which incurs a transportation cost. For easy implementation of the models, we relax some unrealistic assumptions in the existing models such as unlimited capacities of the transport equipment and buyers' storage, insignificant set up and transportation times, unlimited lead time and batch sizes. A common optimal solution technique to the models is derived and their performances are analyzed. Potential significances of the solution method are highlighted with solutions of some numerical problems. The importance of the relaxed factors and limitation of the models are discussed.Synchronization Integrated inventory Constraint Optimal solution

Contingency factors, balanced scorecard and firm performance : evidence from Iraqi manufacturing industries

This study focused on contingency factors, the balanced scorecard (BSC) and firm performance. Specifically, the study examined the mediating role of BSC on the relationship between contingency factors and firm performance. The research framework was developed based on contingency theory. The population of the study comprised 1,213 companies from manufacturing sector of Iraq. The analysis of data utilised 301 responses that represented 49.38% of the total responses. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaires distributed to top management and were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicated that intensity of competition, political turbulence, corporate culture and total quality management (TQM) had a significant and positive influence on BSC usage. The results also showed that political turbulence had a negative and significant influence on firm performance, whereas intensity of competition, corporate culture and TQM had a positive and significant influence on firm performance. Furthermore, a significant and positive association existed between BSC usage and firm performance. The result of this study indicated that the higher the level of political turbulence the higher the BSC usage; and this is a confirmation of applicability and value of contingency theory. Finally, the results indicated that BSC usage mediated the relationship between exogenous variables (intensity of competition, political turbulence, corporate culture and TQM) and firm performance. The result implies that contingency factors are important antecedents that influence BSC usage, and BSC is a vital strategic management accounting tool to assist in planning and decision making in Iraqi’s manufacturing industry. These indicate theoretical and managerial implications of the research. Therefore, managers and government could adopt the technique to improve firm performance. This study has made a solid contribution to the knowledge in theory and practice. Limitations and suggestions for future research were offered

Integrated Production, Inventory and Pricing Decisions in Two-Echelon Supply Chains

This thesis investigates the optimal decisions for maximizing the expected profit level of a supply chain when market demand is price-sensitive. We examine two-echelon supply chains consisting of a single manufacturer and one or more retailers, where the organizations simultaneously determine the retail price, production lot size and inventory replenishment schedules to maximize the profit of the entire supply chain. In particular, we first develop a model for singlemanufacturer single-retailer (SMSR) supply chains, assuming deterministic market demand. We then extend the SMSR model to supply chains with multiple-retailers (i.e. SMMR supply chains). Finally, we examine both SMSR and SMMR supply chains in stochastic market demand environments. We show that supply chain cooperation/centralization brings higher profits for the manufacturer and the retailer(s), and benefits retail consumers with a lower retail price. We propose efficient algorithms for our models and illustrate them through numerical examples. Managerial implications and future research directions are also discussed.Ph.D., Business Administration -- Drexel University, 201