Vietnam’s trade policy: a developing nation assessment

Aim/PurposeThis paper is a review of the progress of the Vietnam socio-economic and development plan and an assessment of the extent to which Vietnam is putting in place the critical social and economic development structures that will enable it to reach the status of “developed nation” in the time set (2020) by its national strategic plan. The research will identify and review trade patterns, trade policy and the effect of foreign aid on Vietnam’s plan to transform its economy and society from a developing nation status to status of developednation. The overriding question stands as “is” Vietnam effec-tively moving towards developed nation statussoon”?BackgroundThis paper examines the history of Vietnam from the command economy in its transition to a market driven economy, the criteria, hurdles and challenges as the country moves towards a developed country status. MethodologyApplied research based on the body of research in socio-economic develop-ment theory, international trade and market theory. The review is conducted by collecting and analyzing data on foreign trade, foreign aid, business and general economic growth, development and social wellbeing. Itidentifies and appraises the trade patterns,trade effects, socio-economic policies and the effect of foreign aid] on the economic growth and the progress of the coun-try towards becoming a developed nation state

The Effect of IT Integration on Supply Chain Agility Towards Market Performance (A Proposed Study)

Aim/Purpose: An important objective of any firm is escalation of its performance and the achievement of competitive advantages. Supply chain agility plays a prominent role to enhance the level of firm’s performance. Moreover, information technology (IT) plays a foundational role in supply chain management practices. Hence, this study proposes the relationship between IT integration as the competency of IT and firm’s market performance both directly and through mediating role of supply chain agility. Background: Many studies have been done to date on the impact of supply chain agility on overall firm’s performance. However, the effect of an agile supply chain on firm’s market performance per se needs to be studied. Furthermore, there is a gap in the literature about the effect of IT competency such as IT integration on firm’s market performance both directly and through mediating role of supply chain agility. Recommendation for Researchers: The first direction this study gives to researchers is to consider the different factors which have significant effect on the agility of supply chain, particularly the IT related ones. The second direction is about the study on the effect of IT competencies and supply chain agility on each category of firm’s performance separately instead of considering it as a one construct. Impact on Society: Although this is a conceptual study, it can highlight the importance of IT competency not only in our daily life, but also in our businesses and industries. Future Research: This study only proposes some relationships based on theory and literature. Future researchers can test these proposed relationships in different contexts and compare the results. Furthermore, this study proposes the relationships for large manufacturing sector in developing countries. The model could be tested for SMEs as well. In addition, the proposed theoretical model in this study might be tested in both developing as well as developed countries to compare the results which will be contributed to the body of knowledge

Outsourcing Best Practice - The Case of Large Construction Firms in Iran

Aim/Purpose: During an evolutionary time for Iran the purpose of this research study was to establish the outsourcing best practices in the area of supply chain by investigating in the construction firms in Iran, which is identified as the most successful industry in outsourcing. Background: Clarifying outsourcing decisions have been a difficult and challenging task because the outsourcing itself is complex. Meanwhile, the construction industry is recognized as one of the most complex and vibrant industries, although no concentration was set to outsourcing practices and its approach in construction firms in Iran. This paper aims to address this gap. Methodology: Based on a combination of academic literature, screening interviews, and survey, data was collected from Iranian construction firms involved in outsourcing. Participants were senior managers and CEOs from twenty one large construction firms in Tehran. The analysis methods in this study were centered on comparative analysis, factor analysis, Pearson correlation, and relative important indices. Contribution: The paper offers insight into outsourcing decisions, focusing on Iranian construction firms. Findings: The findings identified that construction firms regularly choose to outsource their operation functions/processes to find operational expertise, a wider pool of knowledge and experience, and cost restructuring. The study revealed that selective outsourcing was the popular practiced outsourcing type in construction firms. On the other hand, the study has acknowledged that construction firms mainly practiced strategic outsourcing as a level of outsourcing. The study established that conducting a need analysis prior to making the outsourcing decision is the outsourcing success element for Iranian construction firms. Lastly, the result shows that nearly two thirds of the large construction firms were identified as successful at outsourcing process. Recommendations for Practitioners and Researchers: The outcomes of this research offer practical value for construction managers and researchers to choose the best outsourcing practices method. Impact on Society As the sanctions are removed, it is predicted the economic settings in Iran will become more firm and the findings of the study will assist the successful implementation of outsourcing in economic growth of Iran. Future Research: To further development of this study, an in-depth investigation into risks involved in outsourcing, reasons to insource, economical and environmental effects on outsourcing process, cultural and social effects, as well as the result of sanctions on the process of outsourcing can provide more insight to the outsourcing practitioners