101,212 research outputs found
Towards a Novel Cooperative Logistics Information System Framework
Supply Chains and Logistics have a growing importance in global economy.
Supply Chain Information Systems over the world are heterogeneous and each one
can both produce and receive massive amounts of structured and unstructured
data in real-time, which are usually generated by information systems,
connected objects or manually by humans. This heterogeneity is due to Logistics
Information Systems components and processes that are developed by different
modelling methods and running on many platforms; hence, decision making process
is difficult in such multi-actor environment. In this paper we identify some
current challenges and integration issues between separately designed Logistics
Information Systems (LIS), and we propose a Distributed Cooperative Logistics
Platform (DCLP) framework based on NoSQL, which facilitates real-time
cooperation between stakeholders and improves decision making process in a
multi-actor environment. We included also a case study of Hospital Supply Chain
(HSC), and a brief discussion on perspectives and future scope of work
New Product Development and Product Supply Within a Network Setting: The Case of the Chilled Ready-Meal Industry in the UK
This paper analyses inter-organizational networks that link together firms operating in the food processing and distribution industry in the UK. In doing so, the paper draws on insights recently developed by Mark Casson that treat inter-firm networks as an institutional response to the changing costs and opportunities of information management. Detailed analysis of product innovation and supply chain management issues within the industry, exemplified by the growth of chilled ready-meals, leads to the identification of two distinct but complementary inter-firm networks: a network of control and a network of innovation. In each case, the study finds that the critical information is derived from the retailersâ interface with consumers and thus that these information-based networks are effectively controlled by the leading supermarket chains. The studyâs conclusions are considered in relation to the recent findings of the Competition Commission following its investigation into grocery retailing in the UK
Empirical Evidence of RFID Impacts on Supply Chain Performance
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the actual benefits of radio frequency identification (RFID) on supply chain performance through the empirical evidence.
Design/methodology/approach - The research reviews and classifies the existing quantitative empirical evidence of RFID on supply chain performance. The evidence is classified by process (operational or managerial) and for each process by effect (automational, informational, and transformational).
Findings - The empirical evidence shows that the major effects from the implementation of RFID are automational effects on operational processes followed by informational effects on managerial processes. The RFID implementation has not reached transformational level on either operational or managerial processes. RFID has an automational effect on operational processes through inventory control and efficiency improvements. An informational effect for managerial processes is observed for improved decision quality, production control and the effectiveness of retail sales and promotions coordination. In addition, a three-stage model is proposed to explain the effects of RFID on the supply chain.
Research limitations/implications - Limitations of this research include the use of secondary sources and the lack of consistency in performance measure definitions. Future research could focus on detailed case studies that investigate cross-functional applications across the organization and the supply chain.
Practical implications - For managers, the empirical evidence presented can help them identify implementation areas where RFID can have the greatest impact. The data can be used to build the business case for RFID and therefore better estimate ROI and the payback period.
Originality/value - This research fills a void in the literature by providing practitioners and researchers with a better understanding of the quantitative benefits of RFID in the supply chain
Evaluating whether a change in organisational structure would improve its competitive advantage
The purpose of this research is to study and analyse the internal and external structure of Ultimate Clean ltd, where I do work. We have put concentration on background of the company in the starting. This information is followed by aim and scope of research, which shows that what is the research question and what is scope of our research. After that Literature review is elaborated under five main subheadings. These subheading gives us deep information about the literature of organisation structure, competitive advantage. After that, Organisational context with internal and external analyse of the company is given which highlight the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities of the company. Some external factors like political, economic, social and legal, are also discussed in this report. Then some information is given for method of research that why we use it, where and when it is used. Some limitations are also discussed in this report of method. After this, result section comes. In this section, we discussed deeply about the answers of customers, employees and employer. We prepare a discussion of the result and conclude it wisely. In the end, some recommendations are also given to improve organisational structure of Ultimate Clean ltd. We suggest a new structure for the organisation to develop within company to have a good competitive advantage in market place. A big list of references is also given in the end of this report
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Decision support for build-to-order supply chain management through multiobjective optimization
This paper aims to identify the gaps in decision-making support based on
multiobjective optimization for build-to-order supply chain management (BTOSCM).
To this end, it reviews the literature available on modelling build-to-order
supply chains (BTO-SC) with the focus on adopting multiobjective optimization
(MOO) techniques as a decision support tool. The literature has been classified based
on the nature of the decisions in different part of the supply chain, and the key
decision areas across a typical BTO-SC are discussed in detail. Available software
packages suitable for supporting decision making in BTO supply chains are also
identified and their related solutions are outlined. The gap between the modelling and
optimization techniques developed in the literature and the decision support needed in
practice are highlighted and future research directions to better exploit the decision
support capabilities of MOO are proposed
Does B2C online logistics service quality impact urban logistics?
This paper reports on an in-progress research study regarding the impact of business to consumer (B2C) online logistics service quality (OLSQ) for shopper satisfaction and loyalty on urban logistics across the UK, France and Germany to also investigate country-specific differences of consumer online shopping behaviour and channel strategies. A two-stage approach is adopted consisting of firstly of qualitative research conducted with managers at the producer/retailer interface and secondly a quantitative survey stage targeting consumers as online shoppers to determine how their expectations of OLSQ and associated activities influence their satisfaction and ongoing loyalty. This study should contribute theoretically by considering a B2C setting for OLSQ, which is the final aspect of point-of-origin to point-of-consumption, as most general literature on these topics has been dominated by business to business (B2B) logistical designs, and also identify any discrepancies between consumer expectations or behaviour as it may affect urban logistics solutions. Further, this study should contribute practically by providing managers with an understanding of the components of OLSQ considered critical by consumers
The characterisation of the Danish e-business - Aarstiderne as an alternative food network: A case study
The object of this case study is Aarstiderne, a Danish organic food company delivering 30,000 boxes per week. The study aims to characterise this company within the context of alternative food chains, using specific environmental, economic and social criteria. During the course of the study, 19 interviews were conducted with company members, clients, suppliers, and researchers. In addition, a life cycle analysis and a price comparison for two box types were conducted. The results of the study focus on the environmental, economic, and social impacts of the company on its stakeholders throughout the food network. These results indicate how the company can be characterised in relation to other alternative food chains, with specific attention paid to how this food chain addresses some limitations of supermarket and Community Supported Agriculture food distribution models. Lastly, a comparison of the companyâs own ideals to its practices is made and some suggestions for improved coherence between ideals, practices and impacts on sustainability are put forth
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Decision support for build-to-order supply chain management through multiobjective optimization
This is the post-print version of the final paper published in International Journal of Production Economics. The published article is available from the link below. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. Copyright @ 2010 Elsevier B.V.This paper aims to identify the gaps in decision-making support based on multiobjective optimization (MOO) for build-to-order supply chain management (BTO-SCM). To this end, it reviews the literature available on modelling build-to-order supply chains (BTO-SC) with the focus on adopting MOO techniques as a decision support tool. The literature has been classified based on the nature of the decisions in different part of the supply chain, and the key decision areas across a typical BTO-SC are discussed in detail. Available software packages suitable for supporting decision making in BTO supply chains are also identified and their related solutions are outlined. The gap between the modelling and optimization techniques developed in the literature and the decision support needed in practice are highlighted. Future research directions to better exploit the decision support capabilities of MOO are proposed. These include: reformulation of the extant optimization models with a MOO perspective, development of decision supports for interfaces not involving manufacturers, development of scenarios around service-based objectives, development of efficient solution tools, considering the interests of each supply chain party as a separate objective to account for fair treatment of their requirements, and applying the existing methodologies on real-life data sets.Brunel Research Initiative and Enterprise Fund (BRIEF
Outsourcing the logistics function: the supply chain role of third-party logistics service providers in UK convenience retailing
Logistics, defined as the process of strategically managing the procurement, movement and storage of materials; parts; finished inventory and related information flow through the organisation and its
marketing channels, is increasingly being recognised as a vital part of an organisationâs marketing strategy.
In many organisations, the logistics function is currently facing significant challenges. Pressures from
increasing competition and high customer service-level expectations have created a need for more
professional and better-equipped logistics services. Confronted with such competitive pressures, these
organisations are faced with decisions of the make OR buy kind with regard to the logistics processes of supply and distribution. In addition, the emergence of a need to focus on core capabilities has led many organisations to contract out all, or part of, the logistics function to third-party providers.
This paper explores the challenges of outsourcing logistics in the UK convenience-retailing sector
The changing market for distribution: implications for Exel Logistics
This paper has been written to compliment a previous Working Paper (The Evolution of a
Distribution Brand: The Case of Exel Logistics) and to some extent allows that companyâs
development (1989- 1993) to be placed in the context of marketplace and industry changes. I
wish to examine three of the main trends affecting the distribution industry over the same
period. Firstly, the move towards the centralisation of operations by both manufacturers and
retailers, secondly at the debate surrounding contracting-out and in-house distribution
activities and finally, the issues under consideration must be seen in a wider context - that
of distribution and the Single European Market (SEM), which could be said to be the most
important development facing the distribution industry for many years. These trends will be
discussed in some detail and, where appropriate, from Exel Logisticsâ perspective in order to
consider how far the company has gone both in dealing with marketplace changes and in
achieving its aims.School of Managemen
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