Inter-Organizational Implantation: An Empirical Examination of Logistics Service Provider - Customer Relationships

The current research examines an inter-organizational relationship structure that has not received much attention in prior studies: inter-organizational implantation. This phenomenon is explored in this dissertation using a three-paper format. Each paper is a separate empirical study which examines a unique aspect of such relationships. Although the dissertation specifically addresses the use of inter-organizational implants in logistics service provider (LSP) - customer relationships, the use of inter-organizational implants extends to other applications. The findings from each of the empirical studies should be considered when examining these applications, as well. Dyadic data used in the analysis were collected from 298 inter-organizational implants and 81 dyads, consisting of implants and representatives of their respective customers.The first paper examines the impact that inter-organizational implants have on the relationship commitment of buyers and sellers at the organizational level. The research specifically examines the roles of outcome interdependence and responsiveness in the development of relationship commitment. The findings show that while outcome interdependence positively impacts the commitment of the LSP to the customer, it does not significantly impact the commitment of the customer to the LSP. Gaining the commitment of the customer was show to result from the implant\'s ability to develop relational capital with the customer.The second paper considers the individual commitment of the inter-organizational implant. Specifically, the research examines the affective commitment of the implant to his/her employer, i.e. the LSP, and to the customer. The research posits that as the implant builds relational capital with the customer and perceives greater levels of support from the customer, he/she will feel greater levels of commitment to the customer. Similarly, the research proposes that as the implant spends more time engaged in face-to-face communication with the LSP, he/she is likely to perceive greater levels of support and, therefore, display greater commitment toward the LSP. The findings from the study indicate that implants can develop greater levels of affective commitment to their customers by building relational capital with the customer. However, the study did not support a relationship between inter-organizational implantation and face-to-face communication with the LSP.The final paper examines the role of the implant in the development of new processes and services within the customer\'s logistics operation. Specifically, the research proposes that as implants build relationships and exchange knowledge across organizational boundaries, innovation performance increases. The results of the analysis provide support for the use of inter-organizational implants to improve innovation performance in logistics operations

Logistics salience impact on logistics capabilities and performance

Purpose – The purpose of this manuscript is to assess the impact of logistics salience on logistics capabilities and performance. Specifically, the impact of logistics salience on logistics innovativeness and logistics service differentiation is measured along with logistics innovativeness and logistics service differentiation effect on logistics performance. Design/methodology/approach – Conclusions were drawn from survey data gathered from logistics and supply chain managers at US firms. Structural equation modelling was utilized to measure the statistical significance of the hypothesized model paths with all findings meeting the basic requirements of interpretation. Findings – The results suggest that logistics salience positively impacts both logistics innovativeness and logistics service differentiation. Logistics innovativeness and logistics service differentiation both positively influence logistics performance. These findings give credence to the resource based view of the firm which states that resources lead to capabilities which leads to performance. Research limitations/implications – Conclusions based on the study’s results highlight the importance of logistics within firms and indicate that the function must be made salient throughout the firm to further capitalize on the benefits of logistics. These benefits include enhanced logistics capabilities and their eventual impact on logistics performance. Originality/value – Using the resource based view of the firm as the theoretical framework, the manuscript supports the notion that logistics salience is an important resource for firms looking to provide differentiated services and innovative logistics operations to their customers

Enhancing Dyadic Performance Through Boundary Spanners and Innovation: An Assessment of Service Provider–Customer Relationships

Firms recognize that working together through collaborative relationships offers potential benefits such as improving cooperation, information sharing, and overall performance. An additional and extremely valuable benefit of working together is the potential for creating innovative business approaches and solutions. Thus, developing external linkages has become a higher priority within many organizations. Boundary spanning employees offer one means of achieving closer cross‐firm relationships. We investigate the roles of boundary spanners by examining service providers and their relationships with customers. More specifically, we examine boundary spanning employees that are physically on‐site at customer facilities. Results provide strong support that boundary spanners perceiving higher levels of external organizational support from a client subsequently develop affective commitment to the customer. This, in turn, drives knowledge exchange and logistics innovation. A relationship between logistics innovation and performance (of service providers and of customers) was also found. Managerial implications of the research findings are discussed and suggestions presented covering future research

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

Разработка дизайна оболочки велотренажера для людей с ограниченными физическими возможностями

Объектом исследования является велотренажер для людей с ограниченными физическими возможностями. Цель работы – проектирование оболочки велотренажера для людей с ограниченными физическими возможностями. В процессе проектирования проводилась разработка вариантов дизайнерских решений оболочки корпуса. В результате проектирования была разработана велотренажера для людей с ограниченными физическими возможностями.The object of the study is an exercise bike for people with disabilities. The aim of the work is to design the shell of an exercise bike for people with disabilities. In the design process, the development of variants of the design solutions of the hull shell was carried out. As a result of the design, an exercise bike was developed for people with disabilities

Time to Switch to Second-line Antiretroviral Therapy in Children With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Europe and Thailand.

Background: Data on durability of first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are limited. We assessed time to switch to second-line therapy in 16 European countries and Thailand. Methods: Children aged <18 years initiating combination ART (≥2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors [NRTIs] plus nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor [NNRTI] or boosted protease inhibitor [PI]) were included. Switch to second-line was defined as (i) change across drug class (PI to NNRTI or vice versa) or within PI class plus change of ≥1 NRTI; (ii) change from single to dual PI; or (iii) addition of a new drug class. Cumulative incidence of switch was calculated with death and loss to follow-up as competing risks. Results: Of 3668 children included, median age at ART initiation was 6.1 (interquartile range (IQR), 1.7-10.5) years. Initial regimens were 32% PI based, 34% nevirapine (NVP) based, and 33% efavirenz based. Median duration of follow-up was 5.4 (IQR, 2.9-8.3) years. Cumulative incidence of switch at 5 years was 21% (95% confidence interval, 20%-23%), with significant regional variations. Median time to switch was 30 (IQR, 16-58) months; two-thirds of switches were related to treatment failure. In multivariable analysis, older age, severe immunosuppression and higher viral load (VL) at ART start, and NVP-based initial regimens were associated with increased risk of switch. Conclusions: One in 5 children switched to a second-line regimen by 5 years of ART, with two-thirds failure related. Advanced HIV, older age, and NVP-based regimens were associated with increased risk of switch