Internal drivers of external flexibility: A detailed analysis.

The second paper develops an assessment tool which managers can use to identify current levels of internal logistics flexibility and areas that need improvement. The internal logistics flexibility assessment tool (ILFAT) is grounded in the strategy-structure-performance framework.The third paper focuses on a food service provider, SYSCO, whose customer orientation strategy puts them in tune with the needs of their customers and has used that insight to build logistics operations focused on fulfilling those needs. A supplier's customer orientation is critically important in meeting customer demand.This research examines internal logistics flexibility (ILF), i.e., how a supplier is able to meet changing customer demand through its logistics activities.The dissertation follows a three paper format. The first two papers are conceptual pieces, while the third is a case study. The first paper extends previous research on logistics flexibility by identifying from a customer perspective, what a supplier has to do in order to be considered logistically flexible. Research showed that suppliers need physical, human, and organizational capital resources to set a foundation for internal logistics flexibility. Internal logistics flexibility has both a customer orientation and organizational structure component which allow a supplier to understand customer demand and dedicate resources to meet that demand

Use of Critical Chain Scheduling to Increase Aircraft Availability

This study addresses the operation and support cost differences between the TUAF C-130E & C-130B, and the USAF C-130J aircraft. The TUAF C-130s have been being used for more than 30 years and changing world situations give armed forces different roles, and Turkey participates in all peacekeeping missions that are assigned by NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and the United Nations. While performing these roles, the importance of air mobility and the importance of reliability became widely appreciated. Moreover, the coming retiring age of the existing C-130s in the TUAF forced the TUAF to look for ways to improve its air mobility. Under these conditions the TUAF is trying to find a way to decrease these interruptions in the missions and to increase the capability of carrying more personnel and materials so as to increase the effectiveness of Air Lift missions. There are two ways to accomplish this target: 1. Refurbish the existing C-130s and increasing its reliability. 2. Buy the newest version of C-130 Hercules, the C-130J. This study investigates the O&S cost difference among the aircraft by establishing a model to assess the O&S cost that can be used to evaluate the competing alternatives as well as the replacement decision for the existing systems. Cost Oriented Resource Estimation (CORE) model utilized in establishing the model. Sensitivity Analysis, and Breakeven Analysis are applied to the cost figures over 40 years. The analysis showed that C-130J amortizes itself in the lifetime of the cargo aircraft. In addition to that improved avionic, and propulsion systems increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the air mobility

Profit contribution information’s impact on internal integration

An exploratory quantitative study on the relationship between profit contribution information and firm-wide internal integration is presented. Specifically, the authors examine how profit contribution information availability impacts firm-wide internal integration and, subsequently, logistics performance. This study provides greater insight into the area; only a few studies have empirically examined the impact of profit contribution information within a firm. The primary implication is that firms should utilize specific types of information, i.e. profit contribution information, for making more informed operational and strategic decisions. The paper also underscores the managerial value of using profit contribution information in decision making and planning

Analytical techniques and the Air Force logistics readiness officer

The accelerated globalization of logistics activities over the last several decades has spurred a rapid expansion of port facilities all cross the world. However, the recent slowdown of international trade, coupled with a global financial crisis, has created an on-going glut of international port facilities throughout the world. Although the abundance of port facilities provides more transshipment options for carriers and shippers, it makes the port selection decision more complex and difficult. To cope with this new set of challenges, this paper proposes a hybrid data envelopment analysis (DEA)/ analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model that is designed to identify factors specifically influencing transshipment port selection, evaluates the extent of influence of those factors on a transshipment port selection decision, and then determines the most critical ones among various factors. To illustrate the usefulness of the proposed hybrid DEA/AHP model, major container hub ports in Far-East Asia were analyzed

Forward positioning and consolidation of strategic inventories

The forward positioning of strategic inventory in the supply chain has an impact on transportation times and is important for sensitive demand profiles. Consolidation of stocks creates pooling effects and minimizes costs. This study analyzes a current military case where forward consolidation of equipment is considered using optimization, and payback periods are calculated for the cost of consolidating inventory at one of six locations. Results indicate that forward positioning and consolidation reduces time and cost, and also creates savings in reverse logistics flows. The study has implications for geographically diverse supply chains such as humanitarian aid and emergency response operations