Exploring the seminal origins of key operations management developments

The purpose of this paper is to explore the underlying systems approach associated with key developments in operations management, namely operations strategy, TQM, lean supply and TOC. These developments are shown to have embraced a paradigm shift in both thinking and practice which reflect a common systems perspective. However, this perspective has been interpreted in different ways to address the needs of different operations environments at different times. Through analyzing the originating literature the underlying conflicts and key developments have been explored as a means of clarifying the seminal contributions. This is then used to better understand the assumptions associated with these distinct developments providing a basis for extending such applications into other environments

Managing supply chain collaboration in high-tech aerospace industry

Step changes in supply chain performance cannot be enacted unless collaboration exists between buyers and suppliers, and encourages the right connections and commitments. We aim to improve the understanding of the supply chain collaboration and its critical success factors within the aerospace industry and the interactions and links between these factors. Upon reviewing literature, propositions are conceptualised for this industry. These are then verified through a case-study involving a series of interviews by the stakeholders and managers of a major European company in this industry. Finally, a steering model and a strategic framework are developed

Supply chain integration strategies in fast evolving industries

Purpose – We aim to define the ‘fast-evolving-industry’ (FEI) and its supply chain management (SCM) challenges. We review and structure the literature regarding integration strategies and implementation methods to develop a strategic decision-making framework for SCM in the FEI. Design/methodology/approach – We conduct a review of SCM literature, including supply chain strategy, supply chain integration (SCI), agile and responsive supply chain and SCM for innovative and fast-changing industries. We develop a conceptual model and a decision-making framework and use four mini cases to provide support for the model and framework. Findings – The FEI, characterised by a high level of innovation and differentiation, short products/services lifecycle and high variety, is yet to be fully defined. Inherent uncertainty in FEI supply systems makes SCM in these industries a complex but strategic task for their managers. The framework and the model offered in this study, which employ a core competency concept and provide risk management strategies, offer a strategic tool for managers and scholars in the field to optimise their integration strategies and to operationalise integration decisions. Original Value – Little research has been published on transferable and cross-industrial SCM in Fast Evolving Industries (FEIs). This paper defines the FEI and its resource-related concerns and then offers a conceptual model and a strategic decision-making framework for SCI in FEIs

Trade-offs in managing commercial consumer returns for online apparel retail

Purpose The objective of this research is to investigate how online apparel retailers make trade-offs in achieving efficiency in handling consumer returns, attempting to reduce the number of consumer returns they are faced with, and increasing sales through returns management. Design/methodology/approach We use literature to develop propositions and employed a case study research design to understand how online apparel retailers make trade-offs in returns management practices in order to verify our propositions. Case study subjects have been anonimized. Findings We have developed and verified five propositions with the aim to understand how retailers make trade-offs in reducing the number of online consumer returns, increasing the effectiveness of handling online consumer returns, and increasing sales through returns management. Research limitations/implications Our research is limited by the use of interview data from cases, a focus on apparel retail only and by the use of companies located in the Netherlands only. Practical implications Our propositions help managers make trade-offs in reducing the number of returns versus increasing sales through returns management versus increasing the effectiveness of handling consumer returns. Originality/value Several authors identify that more empirical research is welcome in the area of returns management. Our research aims to contribute to this gap by focusing at how online apparel retailers make trade-offs in achieving efficiency in handling returns, increasing sales through returns management, and attempting to reduce the number of consumer returns they receiv

Logistics planning of cash transfer to Syrian refugees in Turkey

This paper addresses a humanitarian logistics problem connected with the Syrian refugee crisis. The ongoing conflict in Syria has caused displacement of millions of people. Cash-based interventions play an important role in aiding people in the post-crisis period to enhance their well-being in the medium and longer term. The paper presents a study on how to design a network of administrative facilities to support the roll-out of cash-based interventions. The resulting multi-level network consists of a central registration facility, local temporary facilities, mobile facilities and vehicles for door-to-door visits. The goal is to reach the maximum number of eligible beneficiaries within a specified time period while minimizing logistics costs, subject to a limit on total security risk exposure. A mixed integer programming model is formulated to optimize the inter-related facility location and routing decisions under multiple objectives. The authors develop a hierarchical multi-objective metaheuristic algorithm to obtain efficient solutions. An application of the model and the solution algorithm to real data from a region in the southeast of Turkey is presented, with associated managerial insights