Pauline Charlotte Reinecke, Thomas Wrona, Nicolas Rückert and Kathrin Fischer
A large part of maritime container supply chain costs is generated by carriers in port hinterland logistics. Carriers which operate in the hinterland are under pressure to reduce…
Abstract
Purpose
A large part of maritime container supply chain costs is generated by carriers in port hinterland logistics. Carriers which operate in the hinterland are under pressure to reduce costs and increase profitability, and they face challenges of fierce price competition. This study aims to explore how collaboration is perceived and implemented by carriers in truck container logistics in the port hinterland as a way to tackle these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a qualitative multiple case study approach. Qualitative interviews with carriers in the port hinterland of Hamburg, Germany, were conducted and analyzed using grounded theory.
Findings
The study reveals two collaboration types in the hinterland, based on the different carriers' interpretation of market conditions as changeable or as given, driving their collaboration mindsets and strategic actions: The developer, who has a proactive collaboration mindset and practices strategic maneuvers toward changing poor market conditions through collaboration, and the adapter, who has a defensive collaboration mindset and perceives market conditions as given and constraining collaboration.
Research limitations/implications
The qualitative results will help researchers better understand how collaboration practices depend on the carriers' subjective interpretations and perceptions of the market.
Practical implications
Based on the findings, managers of carriers gain an understanding of the different types of actors in their market and the relevance of acknowledging these types. Consequently, they can design appropriate strategic measures toward collaboration.
Originality/value
The findings for the first time provide exploratory insights of carriers' mindsets.
Details
Keywords
Emilia Grass and Kathrin Fischer
The purpose of this work is the development of a structured case study design process for developing case studies in humanitarian logistics, in particular for short-term…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this work is the development of a structured case study design process for developing case studies in humanitarian logistics, in particular for short-term predictable disaster situations like floods and hurricanes. Moreover, useful public sources are presented in order to enable researchers to find relevant data for their case studies more easily.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured framework for case study design is set up, splitting the process into different steps and phases.
Findings
The framework is applied to an illustrative example, where case studies with different numbers and levels of detail of scenarios are designed based on the three-day forecast for hurricane Harvey in 2017. The corresponding solutions demonstrate the relevance of using as much forecast information as possible in case study building, and in particular in scenario design, in order to get useful and appropriate results.
Research limitations/implications
The case study design process is mostly suitable for short-term predictable disasters, but can also be adapted to other types of disasters. The process has been applied to one specific hurricane here which serves as an example.
Practical implications
Also for practitioners, the results of this work are highly relevant, as constructing realistic cases using real data will lead to more useful results. Moreover, it is taken into account in the case study design process that relief agencies are regularly confronted with disasters in certain areas and hence need to define the basic planning situation and parameters “once and for all” and on a long-term basis, whereas disaster specific data from forecasts are only available within a short time frame.
Originality/value
The new design process can be applied by researchers as well as practitioners, and the publicly available data sources will be useful to the community.
Details
Keywords
Maik Fabian, Kathrin Fischer and John Micha Rüpke
When facing capacity bottlenecks, manufacturers of configurable, multi-variant products may adjust the product mix to uphold the scheduled output. However, maintaining market…
Abstract
Purpose
When facing capacity bottlenecks, manufacturers of configurable, multi-variant products may adjust the product mix to uphold the scheduled output. However, maintaining market attractiveness by choosing the right product configurations as substitutes is a non-trivial task as it involves anticipating the substitution behaviour of customers. Substitution behaviour models currently used in quantitative production planning models for configurable products are either based on domain knowledge of experts, which makes them bias-prone, or they require extensive market research. The purpose of this study is to present a data-driven approach.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on data science concepts, distance measures are applied to derive distances between different product configurations from historical order data. Different design options for such a distance measure are discussed regarding configurable products and tested with automotive industry data. Furthermore, the study shows ways to validate the distance results.
Findings
The experiments show that the presented distance measure represents the expected customer substitution behaviour quite well. A context-sensitive distance measure including rank information of ordinal product features is most suitable for the automotive data sets.
Originality/value
This study presents a new approach to model the substitution behaviour of customers. The attractiveness of a potential substitute is represented by a distance from the customer’s first-choice configuration. The presented distance measure provides an inexpensive tool using existing data instead of expensive market research. Thus, it supports the integration of substitution into quantitative production planning models that deal with a large variety of configurable products.
Details
Keywords
Diana Fischer-Preßler, Kathrin Eismann, Rafael Pietrowski, Kai Fischbach and Detlef Schoder
This paper reviews and classifies research connecting supply chain risk management (SCRM) and information technology (IT) and derives a structured proposal for fruitful research…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper reviews and classifies research connecting supply chain risk management (SCRM) and information technology (IT) and derives a structured proposal for fruitful research directions.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a systematic literature review of the interplay of SCRM and IT, drawing from major journals in the relevant fields. These findings are enriched by experiences from a three-year international research project.
Findings
Current research focuses on the role of IT for risk reduction, rather than for risk identification, analysis and monitoring. While much research has investigated operational supply chain risk, fewer insights into disruption risk are available. There is little research on the role of IT in SCRM beyond its potential to enhance information sharing among supply chain partners. To address these gaps, the paper proposes a two-dimensional framework to categorize IT potential for SCRM according to the source and impact of disruption risk on physical supply chain flows, which suggests promising directions for future research.
Originality/value
The paper offers a systematic review to further our understanding of the relationship of SCRM and IT. In addition, it presents and discusses nine areas for further research aimed at mitigating the gaps identified at the intersection of SCRM and IT.
Details
Keywords
Helge Fischer, Linda Heise, Matthias Heinz, Kathrin Moebius and Thomas Koehler
The purpose of this paper is to introduce methodology and findings of a trend study in the field of e-learning. The overall interest of the study was the analysis of scientific…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce methodology and findings of a trend study in the field of e-learning. The overall interest of the study was the analysis of scientific e-learning discourses. What comes next in the field of academic e-learning? Which e-learning trends dominate the discourse at universities? Answering such questions is the basis for the adaptation of service strategies and IT-infrastructures within institutions of higher education.
Design/methodology/approach
Which e-learning formats dominate the current scientific discourse? To answer this question, a trend study based on a content analysis was performed. The abstracts of 427 scientific articles of leading German-speaking e-learning conferences Gesellschaft für Medien in der Wissenschaft and E-Learning-Fachtagungen der Gesellschaft für Informatik e. V. (GMW and DeLFI) – published from 2007 to 2013 – were examined. A category scheme was derived from the Horizon Report. The category scheme then was gradually expanded and adapted to the data material during the investigation.
Findings
This paper found that the detailed analysis of the frequency distribution over the seven years reflects the intensity of scientific discussion towards e-learning trends within the investigation period, and conclusions about the didactical or technical potentials of innovations can be drawn because both conferences are different in terms of their objective. The authors also classified the life stages of selected innovations based on the Gartner hype cycles, and the striking findings of the study will be formulated in the form of assumptions, which reflect the development potential of learning management, mobile learning, virtual worlds, e-portfolio, social media and Massive Open Online Courses in German Higher Education.
Research limitations/implications
Only abstracts of the selected contributions were investigated. Errors in the category allocation due to unclear terminology cannot be excluded. Organisers of the investigated conferences often define the (main) topics. This influenced the spectrum of represented topics overall, as well as the focus of individual contributions. The above-presented study was conducted at German-speaking conferences and, therefore, reflects the situation in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. No conclusions about actors or institutional relationships can be made, in contrast to the original assumptions of discourse analysis. The categorial classification of contributions does not allow any conclusions about the quality of the discourse.
Originality/value
The study shows how proceedings of scientific conferences can be used for trend studies. It became clear that discourse analytical studies can be used complementary to other methods of future studies. The advantage of this methodology lies mainly in the easy access to the text material, as conference proceedings are mostly available online. In addition, the analysis of large amounts of data (or texts) can be greatly facilitated by use of digital technologies (e.g. by automatic analysis of keyword). This paper makes an important contribution to the diffusion of digital media in higher education.
Details
Keywords
Anne-Kathrin Hinze and Franziska Sump
The purpose of this paper is to systematise the current state of research on the association between companies’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement and financial…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to systematise the current state of research on the association between companies’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement and financial analysts’ company assessment. Additionally, it aims to identify fruitful directions for future research that contribute to a further exploration of the link between CSR and financial analysts.
Design/methodology/approach
This study reviews and synthesises existing research on CSR and financial analysts. Based on the research question, “What is the relationship between CSR engagement and financial analysts’ metrics?,” the authors conduct a systematic literature review. The authors search three major databases and use an extensive search term to ensure exhaustive coverage of the field. The paper then systemises the current state of research and identifies knowledge gaps and potential directions for future research.
Findings
The review of existing research shows that several studies confirm a positive link between CSR performance and analyst coverage, suggesting that external monitoring through analysts incentivises companies to enhance their CSR engagement. Further, results indicate that a company’s involvement in “sin” industries is linked to lower analyst coverage. Besides, a higher level of CSR disclosure is positively associated with analyst forecast accuracy, thus indicating that the provision of CSR-related information is linked to an enhanced information environment. High levels of CSR performance are associated with more positive recommendations from analysts. However, recent surveys and interview studies on analysts’ perceptions of CSR fail to uniformly support an increasing interest in CSR.
Research limitations/implications
For a better understanding of the link between CSR engagement and financial analysts, two fruitful directions for future research are observed. First, future research designs should clearly differentiate between CSR disclosure and CSR performance and take account of interdependencies between them. Second, studies should address behavioural insights into how analysts process information and the influence of individual analyst characteristics on the link between CSR engagement and an analyst’s assessment of a company.
Originality/value
This study is the first to review the literature on the relationship between CSR and financial analysts. The association between CSR and financial analysts is particularly interesting given the pivotal role financial analysts play as information intermediaries in financial markets. This study delivers an in-depth understanding of existing studies and their theoretical underpinnings. Based on the existing literature, this paper develops innovative directions for future research.
Details
Keywords
Eric Weisz, David M. Herold, Nadine Kathrin Ostern, Ryan Payne and Sebastian Kummer
Managers and scholars alike claim that artificial intelligence (AI) represents a tool to enhance supply chain collaborations; however, existing research is limited in providing…
Abstract
Purpose
Managers and scholars alike claim that artificial intelligence (AI) represents a tool to enhance supply chain collaborations; however, existing research is limited in providing frameworks that categorise to what extent companies can apply AI capabilities and support existing collaborations. In response, this paper clarifies the various implications of AI applications on supply chain collaborations, focusing on the core elements of information sharing and trust. A five-stage AI collaboration framework for supply chains is presented, supporting managers to classify the supply chain collaboration stage in a company’s AI journey.
Design/methodology/approach
Using existing literature on AI technology and collaboration and its effects of information sharing and trust, we present two frameworks to clarify (a) the interrelationships between information sharing, trust and AI capabilities and (b) develop a model illustrating five AI application stages how AI can be used for supply chain collaborations.
Findings
We identify various levels of interdependency between trust and AI capabilities and subsequently divide AI collaboration into five stages, namely complementary AI applications, augmentative AI applications, collaborative AI applications, autonomous AI applications and AI applications replacing existing systems.
Originality/value
Similar to the five stages of autonomous driving, the categorisation of AI collaboration along the supply chain into five consecutive stages provides insight into collaborations practices and represents a practical management tool to better understand the utilisation of AI capabilities in a supply chain environment.
Details
Keywords
Daniela Borda, Miles R. Thomas, Solveig Langsrud, Kathrin Rychli, Kieran Jordan, Joop van der Roest and Anca Ioana Nicolau
The purpose of this paper is to determine how well cooking shows promote safe food handling via TV and to suggest their use for providing good hygiene and good cooking practices…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine how well cooking shows promote safe food handling via TV and to suggest their use for providing good hygiene and good cooking practices examples for consumers.
Design/methodology/approach
Principal component analysis was applied for the multivariate statistical analysis of the cooking shows, the components being: personal hygiene, cross-contamination, cooking and storing practices and risk communication. Data were collected via a questionnaire special designed for the purpose of the study. The positive attributes were converted into numbers using a nine-point Likert scale. This conversion enabled ranking of the cooking shows as a function of the total results obtained and considering the best show as the one with the maximum score attained.
Findings
Evaluation of cooking practices by food safety professionals highlighted the most frequent safety errors and poor practices that are disseminated by the TV shows.
Practical implications
While the repetition of good food handling and cooking practices risks antagonizing viewers, an increase in occasional emphasis of good hygiene would be of benefit to domestic viewers and potentially improve food safety practices among the public.
Originality/value
This is the first study that gives an European perspective on presentation of safety practices during food handling and preparation in a range of TV cooking shows as it examines 19 such shows broadcasted in six European countries over three months. Adherence to food safety standards and introduction of a star rating system for safety practices in TV cooking shows is proposed.
Details
Keywords
Manfred Kirchgeorg, Kathrin Jung and Oliver Klante
This paper aims to explore key factors that will shape the future of trade shows as a marketing instrument until the year 2020. Using multi‐stage scenario analysis, the paper…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore key factors that will shape the future of trade shows as a marketing instrument until the year 2020. Using multi‐stage scenario analysis, the paper seeks to provide a background for the discussion of strategic decisions made by trade show companies when they respond to the challenges ahead.
Design/methodology/approach
The underlying research draws on scenario analysis involving experts who represent exhibitors and trade show organisers. In total, 50 leading executives were involved. The majority of them are located in Germany, but they are exposed to the international trade show business. The probability that the identified scenarios will materialise was assessed using a representative survey of 400 German managers of exhibiting companies.
Findings
Within the study, three distinct scenarios were identified. Each scenario shows a different level of importance for trade shows as a marketing tool in the future. None of the scenarios predicts that trade shows will be completely replaced by other means, but all of the scenarios forecast a highly competitive market for trade show organisers.
Research limitations/implications
The paper evaluates the trade show itself as a marketing instrument rather than predicting the development of the global trade show industry. As projections are determined by the characteristics of trade shows themselves, the results can add to the discussion of strategic decisions globally, even though the scenario study predominantly involved German experts.
Practical implications
The research provides practitioners with a list of important factors that influence the performance of exhibitors and trade show organisers and hence insights into the future of trade shows as a marketing instrument.
Originality/value
The paper provides a useful multidimensional perspective on what the future may hold for trade shows.
Details
Keywords
Birgit Susanne Lehner, Julia Jung, Brigitte Stieler-Lorenz, Anika Nitzsche, Elke Driller, Jürgen Wasem and Holger Pfaff
This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of psychosocial factors in the German information and communication technology (ICT) sector. Specifically, the authors seek to…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of psychosocial factors in the German information and communication technology (ICT) sector. Specifically, the authors seek to explore the relationships between sources of workplace social support and work engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents the results of a cross-sectional self-report online survey of 336 employees working in six information and communication technology companies in Germany. Analyses are conducted employing multiple linear regression models.
Findings
Supervisor and co-worker support showed discrete effects on work engagement components (vigour, dedication, absorption). Overall, supervisor support showed a stronger association with work engagement than co-worker support among ICT employees.
Originality/value
This paper makes a contribution to the further understanding of the relationship of psychosocial factors, particularly sources of social support and employee engagement, in the context of ICT industry.