High performance quality management systems and work-related outcomes: Exploring the role of audit readiness and documented procedures effectiveness

This study investigates a comprehensive quality management system (QMS) and its influence on multiple work-related outcomes. It examines certified quality systems used in the automotive industry to test whether QMS audit readiness mediates the relationship between quality factors and outcomes. A survey instrument, encompassing quality award criteria and system certification precepts, helped identify factors associated with high-performance. Regression results showed several factors, including leadership and process management, as being critically important in predicting work outcomes. Human resources emerged as being critical to most outcomes. Audit readiness did not emerge as a mediating variable, but rather as a significant process outcome. This research offers an understanding of the factors that are critical to achieving high performance and multidimensional competitive advantage

Parcel shipping: Understanding the needs of business shippers

Research on carrier selection addresses how shippers choose carriers. To date, this extensive research stream has not adequately addressed a known and significant shipping segment: business parcel shippers. In this research, input from 374 business parcel shippers was captured and analyzed using Maximum Difference Scaling. The respondents were asked to evaluate the importance of 17 carrier selection variables in regard to choosing a parcel carrier. The overall results indicate that delivery promises, transit times, rates, pick-up promises, and tracking are the most important attributes when a parcel shipper makes a carrier selection. In addition, the results of attribute importance were used classify the parcel shippers into four unique segments

Identifying critical skills for logistics professionals: Assessing skill importance, capability, and availability

The purpose of this research is to identify critical skills needed in the logistics profession now and in the future. This study uses survey research, means tests, and importance analysis to explore a multi-factor framework that identifies critical supply chain skills perceived by 176 experienced supply chain professionals from manufacturing, transportation, and retail/wholesale segments. Results indicate significant differences exist between current and future needed skills, among current capabilities and current availability of skills, and among skill needs utilizing a multi-factor index. Identifying needed skills based on importance is common. Considering more factors than just importance offers a more thorough assessment that reduces potential oversights and inefficiencies that can occur if decision makers focus on one factor when planning key processes, such as recruiting, hiring, and training, in a talent management program

Early career job choice in logistics: Comparing shifts in attribute importance between internship and full-time roles

Maximum difference scaling was used to analyze the importance logistics students attach to 17 job attributes for internships as well as for full-time, entry-level positions. Significant differences in importance were found on nine of the 17 attributes tested. Room for advancement was the most important criterion for full-time positions while atmosphere/work environment was most important for internships. Implications for practitioners, academics and students are discussed. It is believed the results of the current study will provide useful insight to logistics employers to assist them in developing more attractive, entry-level job and internship opportunities and help them communicate more effective recruiting messages

Understanding supply chain security strategy

In the post-9/11 environment, organizations are acutely aware of the need to secure their supply chains from risks of being a target of, or an unwilling participant in, a terror attack. However, supply chain security (SCS) comes at a cost and increasing levels of protection have increasing levels of costs to the firm. So some firms engage in strategic initiatives to secure the supply chain (SC) while others do not; and each firm engages in varying degrees of activities to ensure SCS. Therefore, in this study, the researchers sought to explore what types of SCS strategies exist. The researchers analyze 162 responses to a SCS survey completed by executives from a broad range of firms and industries and identify three general SCS strategies: Advanced, Laggards, and Compliant. Implications for researchers and practitioners are presented

Integrating service-learning and humanitarian logistics education

Purpose – Humanitarian logistics is critical to providing relief to people in regions affected by hardship and disaster. This study examines literature on humanitarian logistics and service-learning and evaluates the integration of concepts. Design/methodology/approach – An exploratory case study approach was used to understand the integration of service-learning and humanitarian logistics. This was achieved by exploring current literature, piloting courses, providing relief, and documenting factors that facilitate successful service-learning experiences. Findings – Findings from this information-oriented work demonstrate the applicability of service-learning methods in humanitarian logistics education and contributes to current research by addressing urgent global needs. Practical implications – This case has practical relevance for logistics educators, humanitarian agencies, and service-learning leaders as it outlines various challenges and steps to developing a humanitarian logistics course with potential pathways for research. By integrating the theories and principles of service-learning with major logistics and supply-chain management concepts, colleges, and universities in collaboration with relief agencies can facilitate an impactful humanitarian logistics learning experience that provides needed support to disaster response. Originality/value – There is a scarcity of literature that connects humanitarian logistics and service-learning. This case shows that the service-learning movement shares a common purpose with many humanitarian organizations that work to foster citizenship, education, and community well-being. This paper is a first of its kind to study the efforts necessary to create a successful humanitarian logistics course that benefits students, faculty, communities, and institutions through applying service-learning principles. </jats:sec