A. Gunasekaran, E. Tirtiroglu and V. Wolstencroft
For any company, measuring its performance with respect to customers’ expectations is crucial in selecting suitable strategies and technologies that it will employ in producing…
Abstract
For any company, measuring its performance with respect to customers’ expectations is crucial in selecting suitable strategies and technologies that it will employ in producing and marketing the right product mix. This certainly holds also for the company studied here, GEC‐Marconi Aerospace (GECMAe), a manufacturer of pumping systems, pneumatic systems, electro‐mechanical actuators and sub‐systems, and fuel handling and metering equipment for ground applications and for bulk fuel distribution. The paper is based on an actual case study conducted in GECMAe, and it provides information on the “gap” between the company’s marketing and production functions. Gap analysis, proposed by Slack, is the method used to study the gap between these functions. A list of suggestions is provided to help the company in its efforts to reduce the gap, and improve its performance and overall competitiveness. The study also provides the reader with an insight into the company.
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ERCAN TIRTIROĞLU and DOĞAN TIRTIROĞLU
In an efficient market, where the participants form their expectations rationally, all potential changes induced by a predictable event are incorporated into the asset prices…
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In an efficient market, where the participants form their expectations rationally, all potential changes induced by a predictable event are incorporated into the asset prices before the uncertainty relating to the outcome of the event is resolved. This paper develops a methodology to test whether temporal prices of fixed income assets reflect market efficiency. The methodology developed employs the Fisher information measure, which is couched within the framework of a moving variance process. We empirically demonstrate the methodology for U.S. Treasury's first exercise, in three decades, of its option to call (on October 09, 1991) one of its outstanding callable bonds. Empirical results indicate a delayed market reaction.
This chapter examines the impact of banking competition, bank regulation, and the global financial crisis (GFC) of 2008–2009 on banks’ productivity changes. For the empirical…
Abstract
This chapter examines the impact of banking competition, bank regulation, and the global financial crisis (GFC) of 2008–2009 on banks’ productivity changes. For the empirical analysis, I apply a semi-parametric two-step approach of Malmquist index estimates and bootstrap regression to a cross-country panel data of 8,451 commercial banks from 82 countries over the period 2004–2012. Empirical results show that (1) banking competition and capital regulation significantly enhance bank productivity, (2) a tighter bank supervision have a positive impact on bank productivity, and (3) bank productivity decreases during the GFC, but starts to increase as the GFC recovers. I also present consistent evidence that commercial banks in countries with better national governance have higher productivity growth before, during and after the GFC.
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The objective of this study is to investigate how country risk, different political actions from the government and bureaucratic behavior influence the activities in industry…
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The objective of this study is to investigate how country risk, different political actions from the government and bureaucratic behavior influence the activities in industry supply chains (SCs) in emerging markets. The main objective of this study is to investigate the influence of these external stakeholders’ elements to the demand-side and supply-side drivers and barriers for improving competitiveness of Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry in the way of analyzing supply chain. Considering the phenomenon of recent change in the RMG business environment and the competitiveness issues this study uses the principles of stakeholder and resource dependence theory and aims to find out some factors which influence to make an efficient supply chain for improving competitiveness. The RMG industry of Bangladesh is the case application of this study. Following a positivist paradigm, this study adopts a two phase sequential mixed-method research design consisting of qualitative and quantitative approaches. A tentative research model is developed first based on extensive literature review. Qualitative field study is then carried out to fine tune the initial research model. Findings from the qualitative method are also used to develop measures and instruments for the next phase of quantitative method. A survey is carried out with sample of top and middle level executives of different garment companies of Dhaka city in Bangladesh and the collected quantitative data are analyzed by partial least square-based structural equation modeling. The findings support eight hypotheses. From the analysis the external stakeholders’ elements like bureaucratic behavior and country risk have significant influence to the barriers. From the internal stakeholders’ point of view the manufacturers’ and buyers’ drivers have significant influence on the competitiveness. Therefore, stakeholders need to take proper action to reduce the barriers and increase the drivers, as the drivers have positive influence to improve competitiveness.
This study has both theoretical and practical contributions. This study represents an important contribution to the theory by integrating two theoretical perceptions to identify factors of the RMG industry’s SC that affect the competitiveness of the RMG industry. This research study contributes to the understanding of both external and internal stakeholders of national and international perspectives in the RMG (textile and clothing) business. It combines the insights of stakeholder and resource dependence theories along with the concept of the SC in improving effectiveness. In a practical sense, this study certainly contributes to the Bangladeshi RMG industry. In accordance with the desire of the RMG manufacturers, the research has shown that some influential constructs of the RMG industry’s SC affect the competitiveness of the RMG industry. The outcome of the study is useful for various stakeholders of the Bangladeshi RMG industry sector ranging from the government to various private organizations. The applications of this study are extendable through further adaptation in other industries and various geographic contexts.
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Thomas K. Vitsounis and Athanasios A. Pallis
The chapter analyses the ways actors in seaports are embedded in network configurations and develop Business to Business (B-2-B) relations. It also discusses the ways that the…
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The chapter analyses the ways actors in seaports are embedded in network configurations and develop Business to Business (B-2-B) relations. It also discusses the ways that the latter relations result in functional and relational values. The emphasis is on the presence of port value chains, wherein positioning and effective networking contribute to the total value proposition to the involved actors.
The chapter grounds on a literature review on B-2-B relations and the role of interdependencies developed between stakeholders within industrial markets. The empirical data discussed afterwards lead to the identification and analysis of the different types of interdependencies that might be found within port settings. In this context, the concept of port value chains is put forward. Interdependencies are attached to the various relationships developed between port stakeholders, in order to derive meaningful conclusions. The research is based and data provided through semi-structured interviews with major port stakeholders (e.g. port authorities, shipping lines, freight forwarders etc.) in a number of European seaports (Antwerp, Zeebrugge, Piraeus etc.).
The importance of co-creation of value via matching resources with upstream and downstream entities is established. The chapter also details how actors interdependence as a significant variable determining the level of co-creating value. The empirical analysis provides insights about the existence of three types of interdependencies in ports (namely, serial, pooled and reciprocal) that are found in a number of distinctive relationships developed between, terminal operators, freight forwarders, shipping lines and other key port actors.
In reference to future research, two fields are identified and are worth to be examined in terms of both academic and practical scope. These are the examination of relationship management and of the value generated in seaports respectively.
The present chapter is a first attempt to link port stakeholders’ interdependencies with relationships generated throughout the process, and generate knowledge on what influences the value offered in seaports. Moreover, the innovative concept of port value chains is established.
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The service sector is a major segment of the economy and contributes to the gross national product in a significant manner. It complements the manufacturing sector as…
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The service sector is a major segment of the economy and contributes to the gross national product in a significant manner. It complements the manufacturing sector as organizations become global in nature. Sources of raw material may be quite dispersed from the manufacturing site. Further, not all manufacturing may take place in one particular location. Based on the availability of expertise and the required operations to produce the product, components, subassemblies, or assemblies could be produced in different geographical locations. This creates the necessity to transport raw material, components, or assemblies in a timely manner from one location to another based on the needs of the supply chain. All customers prefer not only an efficient delivery system but also one that is damage-free. In this chapter, we consider a model whereby service organizations offer a contract for damage protection based on product value. The objective is to determine the premium to be charged by the service organization so as to at least break even or accomplish a desired profit margin.
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Jesus Gonzalez-Feliu and Joëlle Morana
Urban logistics pooling is seen as a serious alternative to imposed urban consolidation centers. However, such strategies are quite new in urban distribution and merit to be…
Abstract
Purpose
Urban logistics pooling is seen as a serious alternative to imposed urban consolidation centers. However, such strategies are quite new in urban distribution and merit to be evaluated using adapted methods that take into account the group decision nature of resource pooling. This chapter aims to propose, via an experimental collaborative decision support method, to define a grid of indicators and a reference situation database to measure the sustainable performance of urban logistics pooling systems.
Methodology
The proposed methodology combines a systematic literature analysis of Key Performance Indicators and a group decision support method to choose a suitable set to define a dashboard. First, we identify the main sustainability indicators from an overview of the literature, and class them into the categories of the 4As Sustainable Transport vision (i.e., Awareness, Act and shift, Avoidance, and Anticipation). Then, a group of 20 experts is solicited for an iterative experimental group decision-making method to converge to the concordance of a set of indicators.
Findings
The method allowed us to define a hierarchic dashboard agreed by all experts with seven main indicators and nine secondary indicators. Moreover, the experts signaled the need of defining a unified basis of comparison to estimate initial situations. To do this, we proposed a database of urban routes from the French Surveys on Urban Goods Transport.
Research limitations
The proposed dashboard is an example, and to provide a more unified one, the experience has to be iterated using different groups of decision-makers.
Practical implications
This method has the advantage of proposing a dashboard agreed by all involved stakeholders. Therefore, this chapter shows the patterns to reproduce it since the method is able to be replicated in any context of group decision in urban logistics.
Originality/value
The originality of the chapter arises on the use of an experimental group decision method using a group with a majority of practitioners, and to validate it by consensus.
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Purpose: A sophisticated network of interconnected supply chains serves as the central organising principle for most of the manufacturing serving the global economy. Right from…
Abstract
Purpose: A sophisticated network of interconnected supply chains serves as the central organising principle for most of the manufacturing serving the global economy. Right from computers and vehicles to life-saving pharmaceuticals and food is made possible by the supply web. The final goods part of a supply chain may include thousands of components from various global regions. These supply chains have been refined to achieve the highest speed and efficiency.
Methodology: This study includes a sample of 127 firms that have been in business for at least 15 years and are familiar with business dynamics. The authors anticipate how climate risks, common in global supply networks, will evolve over the next several decades. This study examines the vulnerability of nine commercial value chains to climatic disasters. Also, it explores company and value chain vulnerabilities, financial losses, and adaptation or strategic methods to increase resilience.
Findings: Companies must plan forward in terms of locations by retaining operational facilities while running new operations in less risky places. Without change, supply networks will become unstable and dangerous shortly. Using their climate objectives, businesses must decarbonise their supply chains. Businesses should connect with suppliers longer-term. The quality and dependability of a company’s suppliers affect its success and safety. Future-focussed corporations are already engaging their suppliers on health, safety, and environmental issues.
Significance: The typology may be helpful to executives as they make decisions about the strategic option(s) they wish to pick to address climate change. These decisions can also be influenced by the insights provided by the research about the present status of operations of other firms from different sectors all over the globe.
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Kuo-Chung Shang and Peter B. Marlow
Logistics and supply chain management has been elevated to a strategic level whereby firms can simultaneously achieve differentiation and low cost for sustained competitive…
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Logistics and supply chain management has been elevated to a strategic level whereby firms can simultaneously achieve differentiation and low cost for sustained competitive advantage. Empirical studies have often concentrated on logistics management in developed Western countries, displaying a bias towards the USA. This study applies the competency approach to explore logistics in Taiwan. A survey of 1,200 manufacturing firms was undertaken in order to examine the relationships between logistics competency, logistics performance, and financial performance, using exploratory factor analysis and the structural equation modelling technique. Four logistics competencies, namely, integration and knowledge competency, customer focused logistics competency, measurement competency, and agility competency were identified. The research findings revealed that (1) logistics competency was significantly related to logistics performance but not significantly associated with financial performance, and (2) logistics performance was positively associated with financial performance. These findings also implied that logistics competency has an indirect effect on financial performance through logistics performance. This finding confirmed the “world-class” logistics competencies (i.e. positioning, integration, agility, and measurement) as identified by MSUGLRT (1995). In addition, it suggests that logistics competency in a huge geographic area such as America can have the same effect in a smaller geographic area such as Taiwan.