An empirical cross cultural assessment of a logistics/supply chain management typology

This manuscript compares the three dimensions (Process Strategy, Market Strategy, and Information Strategy) of the Bowersox Daugherty (1987) logistics strategy typology among five disparate countries by integrating the findings of previous empirical research. The appropriateness of the three Bowersox/Daugherty dimensions when combined into the construct Overall Logistic Strategy (OLS) are assessed. The role of OLS impact on Organizational Competitiveness (COMP) through two intervening variables LCE (Logistics Coordination Effectiveness) and CSC (Customer Service Commitment) is evaluated. The findings indicate that OLS is an appropriate descriptor of logistics/ supply chain management in a wide range of cultures and that the integration of OLS, LCE, and CSC is useful in explaining COMP across cultures. The findings of this research are discussed in the context of earlier perspectives on organizational strategy and overall logistics strategy

An empirically derived framework of logistics management strategy

The purpose of this paper is to present an empirically derived framework for Logistics Management and discuss how it integrates organization’s short-term objectives with the need to respond to the complex external environment. Organizational theory, strategic planning and logistics management literature were reviewed carefully in identifying the conceptual support for the derived framework of logistics management and organizational competitiveness. The proposed generalized framework demonstrates that Logistics Management Strategy has the strongest positive effect on Organizational Competitiveness when it is mediated by Logistics Coordination Effectiveness and Customer Service Commitment. Overall Logistics Strategy is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for increased organizational competitiveness. If the Overall Logistics Strategy is accompanied by (a) effective logistics coordination and (b) customer service commitment then organization competitiveness is likely to be greater. This conceptual study contributes to the field by presenting a generalized framework to improve researcher and practitioner understanding of the role Logistics Management in Organizational Competitiveness. This study integrates previous research and thought domains to develop a generalized framework that guides our understanding of the role of Logistics Management and its consequences on Organizational Competitiveness

Private warehouse investment strategies in small versus large manufacturing firms

The research reported in this manuscript empirically compares the private warehouse investment strategies of small and large manufacturing firms. Mail surveys were administered to independent samples of small and large United States manufacturing firms. This research is based on a series of identically worded questions administered to both samples. Data was factor analyzed and cluster analyzed to identify three private warehouse investment strategies for small and large firms and two strategies for large firms. Analyses of three independent variables further evaluated differences in private warehouse investment strategies. Finally, the warehouse mix of small and of large firms was compared. This study identified specific private warehouse investment strategies, and warehouse mixes, in small and large United States manufacturing firms. Small firms were found to be less likely to use formal capital budgeting techniques and were less likely to consider strategic issues than large firms. Small firms were also found to be more likely to use private warehousing than large firms. This research increases the awareness of differences in logistics practice between small and large manufacturing firms and suggests that generalizations regarding logistics strategy should be approached with caution

A longitudial study of private warehouse investment strategies

This article revisits private warehouse investment decision making, a topic previously examined in 1989 by McGinnis, Kohn, and Myers (1990). Since then there has been a substantial amount of discussion regarding the scope and nature of logistics /supply chain management. In particular the roles of private, contract, and public warehousing has been discussed, increased emphasis on financial performance and strategic decision making may have altered the criteria for investment decisions in private warehousing, increased coordination of supply chains may have altered the relative importance of private, contract, and private warehousing, and increasing emphasis on controlling inventory investment may have shifted inventory responsibilities onto suppliers and customers. Empirical data was collected in 1999and 2008 regarding warehouse investment decisions in large United State manufacturing firms. This research focused on private warehouse investment decisions, topics that might affect those decisions, and the mix of private, contract, public, and other warehouse options. The results of the 1999 and 2008 data were compared to the earlier findings reported by McGinnis, Kohn, and Myers. Changes in private warehouse investment strategies, the roles of market /product mix uncertainties and availability of for-hire warehouse providers, and changes in warehouse mix were examined. Implications for practitioners, teachers, and researchers of transportation, supply chain management, logistics, and warehousing are discussed

A study of logistics strategies in small versus large U.S. manufacturing firms

The research reported in this manuscript empirically compares the similarities and differences of logistics strategies for small and large manufacturing firms. The hypotheses focus on whether there are significant differences between logistics strategies of small and large manufacturing firms and whether logistics strategy outcomes differ. The findings indicate that there are many similarities but differences do exist. The results identify dimensions of logistics strategy and assess their impact on logistics coordination effectiveness, customer service commitment, and company/division competitive responsiveness

Cross-cultural validation of the factorial structure of a logistics strategy model: A three-country study

In 2011, McGinnis, Kohn, and Kara reported the effects of overall logisties strategy (OLS) on logistics coordination effectiveness, customer service effectiveness, and organizational competitive responsiveness. This manuscript empirically compares the three dimensions of the Bowersox Daugherty typology to logisties strategies among U.S., Turkish, and Guatemalan companies. US, Turkish, and Guatemalan subjects (logistics managers) were chosen to test the underlying factor structure and measurement equivalences of the scales used. Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), findings indicate that the three dimensions of the Overall Logistics Strategy (OLS) - Process Strategy, Market Strategy, and Information Strategy - hold in all three country environments studied. However, structural equation modeling shows nonequivalent relationships between OLS and independent variables; logistics coordination effectiveness, customer service commitment, and organizational competitiveness for one of the three countries. We evaluate these findings in light of recent research into logistics strategy research on U.S. firms. Insights for those interested in comparative logistics strategies are provided

Andrew Melville, sacred chronology and world history: the Carmina Danielis 9 and the Antichristus

The accepted view of the ecclesiastical reformer Andrew Melville (1545–1622) as the dynamic leader of the Presbyterian movement in Jacobean Scotland has been severely eroded in recent years, with particular criticism of the actual importance of his contribution to the Kirk and to Scottish higher education. While this reductionism has been necessary, it has resulted in an inversion of the overwhelmingly positive traditional image of Melville, and does not give us a rounded assessment of his life and works. This article attempts to partially redress this balance by looking at a neglected aspect of Melville's Latin writings, which showcase his talents as a humanist intellectual and biblical commentator. It focuses on two long poems that are both commentaries and paraphrases of Daniel and Revelation: the Carmina Danielis and the Antichristus. Through these poems, we see how Melville engaged with two problems exercising reformed theologians across Europe: the dating of key biblical events and the historicised meaning of prophecies within these texts. We also find evidence that Melville read widely among both contemporary and ancient commentators on both these issues

A comparison of logistics strategies and integration in the U.S. and Ghana

This manuscript empirically compares logistics strategies and outcomes in Ghanaian and U.S. firms to test the underlying factor structure and measurement equivalences of the Bowersox/Daugherty model and its relationship with critical success factors. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from Ghanaian and American logistics managers. Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), we compared the three dimensions of Overall Logistics Strategy (OLS) - Process Strategy, Market Strategy, and Information Strategy – in the two countries. A structural equation model (SEM) was then used to assess the impact of OLS on perceived organizational competitiveness in the two countries. Although the economic, political, and cultural dimensions of the two countries differed substantially, the relationships among the constructs used were similar. Data from both countries provided strong support for the dimensionality of the Overall Logistic Strategy (OLS). In addition, it was found that OLS, when combined with Logistics Coordination Effectiveness (LCE) and Customer Service Effectiveness (CSE), contributes to organizational effectiveness (COMP) in both the countries studied. This research provides insights into comparative logistics in two completely disparate economies and provides support for the Bowersox/Daugherty logistics/supply chain management typology. The manuscript also provides insights into comparative logistics/ supply chain management that have not been previously reported through empirical research

An empirical assessment of logistics/supply chain management in two Latin American countries

The Bowersox Daugherty (1987) logistics strategy typology (Process Strategy, Market Strategy, and Information Strategy) is an important conceptual framework for studying logistics/supply chain management strategy and its role on logistics/supply chain management outcomes. The purpose of this research is to empirically apply the typology in Peru and compare the findings with the previous research conducted in Guatemala. The three Bowersox/Daugherty dimensions are used to define the construct Overall Logistic Strategy (OLS), and then, the OLS was used to measure Organizational Competitiveness (COMP) through two intervening variables LCE (Logistics Coordination Effectiveness) and CSC (Customer Service Commitment). The results indicate that generally the logistics strategy in Peru is fundamentally similar to Guatemala’s. In other words, the direction of the relationships among the conceptualized constructs tested in the SEM model was significant and explained a sizable variation in COMP in both countries. This provided additional support for the robustness of the structural model in different cultural environments. However, some differences are apparent. First, the importance of the three independent variables and three dependent variables appear to be greater to the Peruvian respondents than Guatemalan respondents. Second, on closer inspection Peruvian logistics data indicates relatively greater emphasis on information, coordination, customer service, and relatively less emphasis on cost efficiency, than Guatemalan managers. Managerial insights and suggestions for future research and discussed

Targeting melanoma growth and viability reveals dualistic functionality of the phosphonothionate analogue of carba cyclic phosphatidic acid

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although the incidence of melanoma in the U.S. is rising faster than any other cancer, the FDA-approved chemotherapies lack efficacy for advanced disease, which results in poor overall survival. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), autotaxin (ATX), the enzyme that produces LPA, and the LPA receptors represent an emerging group of therapeutic targets in cancer, although it is not known which of these is most effective.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Herein we demonstrate that thio-ccPA 18:1, a stabilized phosphonothionate analogue of carba cyclic phosphatidic acid, ATX inhibitor and LPA1/3 receptor antagonist, induced a marked reduction in the viability of B16F10 metastatic melanoma cells compared with PBS-treated control by 80-100%. Exogenous LPA 18:1 or D-sn-1-O-oleoyl-2-O-methylglyceryl-3-phosphothioate did not reverse the effect of thio-ccPA 18:1. The reduction in viability mediated by thio-ccPA 18:1 was also observed in A375 and MeWo melanoma cell lines, suggesting that the effects are generalizable. Interestingly, siRNA to LPA3 (siLPA3) but not other LPA receptors recapitulated the effects of thio-ccPA 18:1 on viability, suggesting that inhibition of the LPA3 receptor is an important dualistic function of the compound. In addition, siLPA3 reduced proliferation, plasma membrane integrity and altered morphology of A375 cells. Another experimental compound designed to antagonize the LPA1/3 receptors significantly reduced viability in MeWo cells, which predominantly express the LPA3 receptor.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Thus the ability of thio-ccPA 18:1 to inhibit the LPA3 receptor and ATX are key to its molecular mechanism, particularly in melanoma cells that predominantly express the LPA3 receptor. These observations necessitate further exploration and exploitation of these targets in melanoma.</p