Supply chain management implementation in the Spanish grocery sector: An exploratory study

This paper explores the integration process that firms follow to implement Supply Chain Management (SCM) and the main barriers and benefits related to this strategy. This study has been inspired in the SCM literature, especially in the logistics integration model by Stevens [1]. Due to the exploratory nature of this paper and the need to obtain an in depth knowledge of the SCM development in the Spanish grocery sector, we used the case study methodology. A multiple case study analysis based on interviews with leading manufacturers and retailers was conducted. The results of this analysis suggest that firms seem to follow the integration process proposed by Stevens, integrating internally first, and then, extending this integration to other supply chain members. The cases also show that Spanish manufacturers, in general, seem to have a higher level of SCM development than Spanish retailers. Regarding the benefits that SCM can bring, most of the companies identify the general objectives of cost and stock reductions and service improvements. However, with respect to the barriers found in its implementation, retailers and manufacturers are not coincident: manufacturers seem to see more barriers with respect to aspects related to the other party, such as distrust and a lack of culture of sharing information, while retailers find as main barriers the need of a “know-how”, the company culture and the history and habits.Supply chain management, grocery sector, logistics integration process

Logistics integration processes in the food industry

This paper analyses the integration process that firms follow to implement Supply Chain Management (SCM). This study has been inspired in the integration model proposed by Stevens (1989). He suggests that companies internally integrate first and then extend integration to other supply chain members, such as customers and suppliers. To analyse the integration process a survey was conducted among Spanish food manufacturers. The results show that there are companies in three different integration stages. In stage I, companies are not integrated. In stage II, companies have a medium-high level of internal integration in the Logistics-Production interface, a low level of internal integration in the Logistics-Marketing interface, and a medium level of external integration. And, in stage III, companies have high levels of integration in both internal interfaces and in some of their supply chain relationships.Supply chain, management, food industry, logistics integration process

Supply chain management as a competitive advantage in the Spanish grocery sector

Adversarial relationships have long dominated business relationships, but Supply Chain Management (SCM) entails a new perspective. SCM requires a movement away from arms-length relationships toward partnership style relations. SCM involves integration, co-ordination and collaboration across organisations and throughout the supply chain. It means that SCM requires internal (intraorganisational) and external (interorganisational) integration. This paper analyses the relationship between internal and external integration processes, their effect on firms’ performance and their contribution to the achievement of a competitive advantage. Performance improvements are analysed through costs, stock out and lead time reductions. And, the achievement of a better competitive position is measured by comparing the firm’s performance with its competitors’ performance. To analyse this, an empirical study has been conducted in the Spanish grocery sector.Supply chain management, logistics integration processes, Internal and externalintegration, competitive advantage, logistics performance

Logistics-production, logistics-marketing and external integration: Their impact on performance

Highly competitive environments are leading companies to implement Supply Chain Management (SCM) to improve performance and gain a competitive advantage. SCM involves integration, co-ordination and collaboration across organisations and throughout the supply chain. It means that SCM requires internal (intraorganisational) and external (interorganisational) integration. This paper examines the Logistics-Production and Logistics- Marketing interfaces and their relation with the external integration process. The study also investigates the causal impact of these internal and external relationships on the company’s logistical service performance. To analyse this, an empirical study was conducted in the Spanish Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector.Logistics integration processes, internal and external integration, logistics performance

Drivers and sources of supply flexibility: An exploratory study

Purpose - There has been much research on manufacturing flexibility, but supply chain flexibility is still an under-investigated area. This paper focuses on supply flexibility, the aspects of flexibility related to the upstream supply chain. Our purpose is to investigate why and how firms increase supply flexibility. Methodology/Approach – An exploratory multiple case study was conducted. We analyzed seven Spanish manufacturers from different sectors (automotive, apparel, electronics and electrical equipment). Findings - The results show that there are some major reasons why firms need supply flexibility (manufacturing schedule fluctuations, JIT purchasing, manufacturing slack capacity, low level of parts commonality, demand volatility, demand seasonality and forecast accuracy), and that companies increase this type of flexibility by implementing two main strategies: “to increase suppliers’ responsiveness capability” and “flexible sourcing”. The results also suggest that the supply flexibility strategy selected depends on two factors: the supplier searching and switching costs and the type of uncertainty (mix, volume or delivery). Research limitations - This paper has some limitations common to all case studies, such as the subjectivity of the analysis, and the questionable generalizability of results (since the sample of firms is not statistically significant). Implications - Our study contributes to the existing literature by empirically investigating which are the main reasons for companies needing to increase supply flexibility, how they increase this flexibility, and suggesting some factors that could influence the selection of a particular supply flexibility strategy.Supply flexibility, sourcing, Spain, case study

Cebolla Fuentes de Ebro : investigación y mejora

Desde el año 2006 el Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria del Gobierno de Aragón (CITA) está llevando a cabo un programa de Mejora Genética con la variedad aragonesa Cebolla Fuentes de Ebro. Esta cebolla de reconocido prestigio, destaca por su excelente calidad organoléptica, tiene escaso picor y es muy tierna, por lo que se consume principalmente en fresco. Para la investigación se ha desarrollado un proyecto multidisciplinar que ha contado con la colaboración de agricultores, productores, técnicos del Departamento de Agricultura del Gobierno de Aragón e investigadores del CITA. El objetivo, conseguir una semilla seleccionada y de calidad que cumpliese con los estándares de la demanda actua

The Role of National Culture in the Relationship Between Sustainability Practices and Sustainability Performance

This paper aims to examine the role of national culture in the relationship between sustainability practices (social and environmental practices) and sustainability performance (social and environmental performance). While previous literature has focused on the influence of national culture on the decision-making and ethical behaviors of managers, the role of national culture on the effectiveness of sustainability practices has been rather neglected. Our study addresses this gap by highlighting the relevance of national culture as a contextual element when implementing sustainability practices in different countries. Based on a multi-level regression analysis using data from 484 firms in nine countries (China, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Slovenia, and Sweden), we found that the impact of social practices on social performance is accentuated in countries characterized by high uncertainty avoidance and high masculinity. The impact of environmental practices on environmental performance, however, is not affected by national culture

Reverse logistics in the editorial sector: An exploratory study

Nowadays, the Reverse Logistics field is becoming very important. On one hand, laws are imposing companies to be responsible for the contamination made by their products. On the other hand, companies have discovered the profits derived from a good Reverse Logistics process. This paper is the result of the work done by a group of companies from the Spanish Editorial sector to understand and improve their Reverse Logistics process. The paper describes the characteristics of the Reverse Logistics process in this sector and the improvements identified by the “work group”.Reverse logistics, returns, supply chain management, case study, editorial industry

Asia-Pacific zoos in the 21st century : stakeholder perceptions of the roles and functions of zoos : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Management at Massey University, New Zealand

The advent of the anthropocene accentuates the transformation of ecosystems on a global scale. This study responds to these concerns by assessing the role and function of 21st century zoos in general and the Asia-Pacific zoos in particular. The lack of information on key zoo stakeholders (visitors, staff members, corporate sponsors and zoo associates) is significant in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Asia, where there are complexities that may stem from cultural and societal differences. Furthermore, current literature is predominantly based upon Western research and case studies, which rarely take into account the complexities and differences of Asia. This research considers the diversity of the Asia-Pacific region by examining the perceptions and attitudes of the four groups of key stakeholders. Zoos in six countries across the Asia-Pacific were visited over a period of six months to March 2013 in order to assess the diversity of the study region. A literature survey and meta-analysis of 138 zoo-based publications was employed to create a matrix table of themes, stakeholders, and research outcomes. These results were used to design survey instruments directed at stakeholder groups as well as provide a framework against which the results of this study can be compared and contrasted. Quantitative analysis such as Principal Component Analysis, Spearman’s Rho and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to analyse the results. The face-to-face and computer-based instruments were augmented with the use of a reflective diary and personal work experience to triangulate and validate the research results. The results show that individual zoos across the world are facing similar challenges. Differences in educational backgrounds and socio-cultural norms within the Asia- Pacific region are reflected in stakeholders’ experiences, perceptions, and evaluations of zoos. The results show that there are many differences amongst Asia-Pacific zoo practices, visitor satisfaction, and stakeholder participation and these differences would make it extremely difficult to coordinate activities at a regional level to give them a single voice with a single agenda