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Article
Publication date: 12 September 2016

Christos S. Tsanos and Konstantinos G. Zografos

This study aims to examine the effects of behavioural antecedents of collaboration in supply chain relationships on supply chain integration and performance by developing and…

2981

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of behavioural antecedents of collaboration in supply chain relationships on supply chain integration and performance by developing and empirically validating a model linking these constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model was developed based on the relational exchange theory, social exchange theory and resource-based view. An international survey with supply chain/logistics managers from manufacturing focal firms based in Europe, USA and Asia was conducted; they provided input on upstream and downstream relationships based on their actual interaction and experience with supply chain partners. The collected data, which reflect supply chain managers’ perceptions on the above described phenomena, were analysed using the partial least squares method.

Findings

Mutuality, reciprocity, trust and commitment are instrumental for the formation of supply chain relationships characterised by higher information integration. In turn, information integration has much stronger impact on the coordination of operational decisions related to production and demand planning than on decisions related to actual production processes, but, interestingly, the latter affects supply chain performance much more than the former.

Research limitations/implications

The research could benefit from a longitudinal rather than a cross-sectional approach, incorporating multiple respondents such as representatives of supply chain partners and senior management of the focal firm, to capture potentially varying opinions on the supply chain phenomena under examination.

Practical implications

The results can assist supply chain decision-makers in understanding the importance of behavioural closeness between supply chain partners for the development of collaborative supply chain relationships that lead to higher integration and superior performance. Insight is provided on linkages between examined dimensions of supply chain integration. A process view of intermediate steps needed to translate collaborative relationships into higher supply chain integration and performance across the supply chain is offered.

Originality/value

The development and testing of an integrated model examining linkages between supply chain relationship antecedents, integration and performance is an original contribution. By proposing and confirming a sequential order of the influence of behavioural antecedents, integration dimensions and their impact on supply chain performance, the paper sets foundations of a roadmap for achieving higher supply chain performance from collaborative supply chain relationships. Finally, the paper contributes to the limited theoretical justification on the development of knowledge for assisting decision-making in SCM/logistics and its integration into models, processes and tasks.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 21 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

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Article
Publication date: 4 November 2014

Christos S. Tsanos, Konstantinos G. Zografos and Alan Harrison

The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, review the literature on the topic of behavioural antecedents of collaboration and their impact on supply chain integration and…

3120

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, review the literature on the topic of behavioural antecedents of collaboration and their impact on supply chain integration and performance; second, lay the theoretical foundations and develop a conceptual model linking behavioural antecedents of collaboration, information integration, coordination of operational decisions and supply chain performance; and third, set out operationalisation considerations.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model with theoretical basis on Relational Exchange Theory (RET) and extant supply chain theory is developed as a causal model that can be operationalised using structural equations modelling (partial least squares) and a “single key informant” approach.

Findings

Positive relationships between behavioural antecedents of collaboration (trust, commitment, mutuality/reciprocity), information integration, coordination of operational decisions and supply chain performance (efficiency, effectiveness) are hypothesised. RET provides adequate theoretical background that leads to the theoretical establishment of hypotheses between behavioural antecedents, supply chain integration and performance, which are worth testing empirically.

Research limitations/implications

The ideas presented in this paper enrich the study of behavioural factors in supply chain management and their impact on supply chain performance, and may benefit researchers in the field. The paper also sets the scene (experimental design, measurement items) for the upcoming field research. The empirical part of the work will provide the necessary evidence for the validation of the established hypotheses.

Practical implications

The proposed linkages may stimulate the interest of supply chain strategists towards more collaborative relationship management and affect their decisions on the behavioural antecedents of relationship formation and management. Moreover, the proposed model may help clarify how the integration of critical operational contingencies – information, operational decisions – can help achieve superior supply chain performance.

Originality/value

The paper establishes a causal relationship between constructs which have not been researched (mutuality/reciprocity, coordination of operational decisions) or have been researched individually or in combination (impact of integration on performance, impact of collaboration on performance) but not in the proposed integrated way. It also addresses the challenge of lack of theoretical justification on the development of knowledge that will assist decision making in SCM/logistics and its integration into models, processes and tasks. Finally, by using RET in selecting of behavioural factors and establishing hypotheses, it adds to the body of knowledge concerning the use of interorganisational theories in supply chain relationships.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 25 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

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Article
Publication date: 10 March 2020

Konstantinos N. Konstantakis, Panayotis G. Michaelides, Theofanis Papageorgiou and Theodoros Daglis

This research paper uses a novel methodological approach to investigate the spillover effects among the key sectors of the US economy.

267

Abstract

Purpose

This research paper uses a novel methodological approach to investigate the spillover effects among the key sectors of the US economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper links the US sectors via a node theoretic scheme based on a general equilibrium framework, whereas it estimates the general equilibrium equation as a Global Vector Autoregressive process, taking into consideration the potential existence of dominant units.

Findings

Based on our findings, the dominant sector in the US economy, for the period 1992–2015, is the sector of information technology, finance and communications, a fact that gives credence to the view that the US economy is a service-driven economy. In addition, the US economy seems to benefit by the increased labour mobility across knowledge-intensive sectors, thus avoiding the ‘employment trap’ which in turn enabled the US economy to overcome the financial crisis of 2007.

Originality/value

Firstly, the paper models by means of a network approach which is based on a general equilibrium framework, the linkages between the US sectors while treating the sector of information, technology, communications and finance as dominant, as dictated by its degree of centrality in the network structure. Secondly, the paper offers a robustness analysis regarding both the existence and the identification of dominant sectors (nodes) in the US economy. Thirdly, the paper studies a wide period, namely 1992–2015, fully capturing the recent global recession, while acknowledging the impact of the global crisis through the introduction of the relevant exogenous dummy variables; Lastly and most importantly, it is the first study to apply the GVAR approach in a network general equilibrium framework at the sectoral level.

Details

Journal of Economic Studies, vol. 47 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3585

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Article
Publication date: 14 October 2021

Nikolaos Papanikolaou and Konstantinos Anyfantis

Experimental mid/large scale testing of ship-like stiffened panels in compression is a quite expensive exercise that is not standard. Numerical simulations are preferred instead…

247

Abstract

Purpose

Experimental mid/large scale testing of ship-like stiffened panels in compression is a quite expensive exercise that is not standard. Numerical simulations are preferred instead. Because of being relatively inexpensive (cost and time wise), most authors perform an exhaustive design space exploration arriving at a significant number of runs. This work demonstrates that the buckling response with respect to the nondimensional slenderness ratios may well be fitted with nine runs per stiffener geometry.

Design/methodology/approach

Efficient derivation of buckling strength formulas for stiffened panels through the employment of design of experiments (DoE) and response surface methodology (RSM) combined with numerical nonlinear experimentation over the entire range of practical geometries.

Findings

The surrogate model developed for T-bar stiffeners predicts accurately enough the ultimate stress in the practical design area, while the surrogate models for angle bars and flat bars demonstrate difference between 10 and 30% from common structural rules (CSR).

Originality/value

To the authors' best knowledge, the statistical-based formal and rigorous approach of DoE and RSM to obtaining buckling surfaces for stiffened panels is performed for the first time. The number of required observations per stiffener type has not been addressed yet as each work selects its own sampling scheme without formal reasoning. This work comes to frame the number of observations for efficient surrogate model building.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 39 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 29 September 2020

Barbara Charalambidi, Panagiotis Markou, Argyro Drakakaki and Konstantinos-Alketas Oungrinis

This study aims to discuss the causes of short-lived structuring of contemporary buildings. The life expectancy of structures may be theoretically predefined during the state of…

207

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to discuss the causes of short-lived structuring of contemporary buildings. The life expectancy of structures may be theoretically predefined during the state of the design. This time period, known as the service life of structures, is determined by the load or the deformation level at which irreversible failures of the bearing structure may occur. On the other hand, planned obsolescence and perceived obsolescence, observed in the western world since the first half of 20th century, are currently setting an economic reality and are part of an expanded framework that, apart from architectural structures, extends to all design fields. The effects of short-lived structuring on environmental and energy terms are presented and theoretical and experimental recommendations from the literature are cited, as well as recommendations that have already been successfully applied in some countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to discuss the issues associated with short-lived structuring, durability and obsolescence of contemporary structures. For this purpose, theoretical and experimental recommendations from the literature are cited, via an extensive state of the art research.

Findings

Short-lived structuring has been a field of research during recent years. Terms such as durability are being introduced into Design Codes, while trends like perceived obsolescence and environmental impact raise issues for research. Moreover, the results of short-lived structuring are becoming more and more apparent, indicating an unsustainable reality. Issues like maintenance of structures, sustainability in design, corrosion effects, repair techniques and building waste management are an important field of research among the engineering community. In this study, the parameters affecting the lifespan of contemporary structures have been discussed.

Originality/value

The effects of short-lived structuring on environmental and energy terms are presented and theoretical and experimental recommendations from the literature are cited. The parameters studied herein concern material properties and design approach but also environmental and energy-related ones.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

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Article
Publication date: 16 May 2022

Nikolaos A. Panayiotou and Konstantinos E. Stergiou

The purpose of this paper is the development of a reference model contributing to the identification of the retail supply chain activities that can be improved by the…

1107

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the development of a reference model contributing to the identification of the retail supply chain activities that can be improved by the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) initiatives, following DMAIC steps and using proposed tools, based on contemporary technologies and best practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The reference model was developed combining the existing literature knowledge about the areas of supply chain that LSS can improve and the data collected by two big retailers in Greece about their supply chain operation. The integration of two sources of information led to the modeling of the retail supply chain processes and the proposal of appropriate LSS initiatives for their improvement.

Findings

This paper aimed to detect the pain points of a retail supply chain, which can be achieved by following the steps of DMAIC and applying specific LSS initiatives as described in the reference model, to introduce the trends of the sector in terms of logistics and supply chain.

Practical implications

The reference model of this paper can be used as a comprehensive guide of LSS implementation in the retail supply chain and help the companies of such a significant sector for the economy.

Originality/value

The literature review revealed that there is a lack of publications concerning LSS implementation in retail supply chain and in the retail sector in general. The development of this model contributes to the filling of this gap by providing a complete reference model, which strives to overcome the barriers of LSS adoption in retail supply chain.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

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Article
Publication date: 30 September 2020

Hossein Derakhshanfar, J. Jorge Ochoa, Konstantinos Kirytopoulos, Wolfgang Mayer and Craig Langston

The purpose of this research is to identify the most impactful delay risks in Australian construction projects, including the associations amongst those risks as well as the…

1160

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify the most impactful delay risks in Australian construction projects, including the associations amongst those risks as well as the project phases in which they are most likely present. The correlation between project and organisational characteristics with the impact of delay risks was also studied.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 118 delayed construction projects in Australia. Data were analysed to rank the most impactful delay risks, their correlation to project and organisational characteristics and project phases where those risks are likely to emerge. Association rule learning was used to capture associations between the delay risks.

Findings

The top five most impactful delay risks in Australia were changes by the owner, slow decisions by the owner, preparation and approval of design drawings, underestimation of project complexity and unrealistic duration imposed to the project, respectively. There is a set of delay risks that are mutually associated with project complexity. In addition, while delay risks associated with resources most likely arise in the execution phase, stakeholder and process-related risks are more smoothly distributed along all the project phases.

Originality/value

This research for the first time investigated the impact of delay risks, associations amongst them and project phases in which they are likely to happen in the Australian context. Also, this research for the first time sheds light on the project phases for the individual project delay risks which aids the project managers to understand where to focus on during each phase of the project.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 28 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 18 August 2021

Marios Stanitsas and Konstantinos Kirytopoulos

This study aims to investigate the underlying factors that give rise to the set of sustainability indicators which are used for the implementation of sustainable construction…

488

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the underlying factors that give rise to the set of sustainability indicators which are used for the implementation of sustainable construction projects and eventually the production of sustainable built assets.

Design/methodology/approach

To accomplish the purpose of this research, an online questionnaire survey was administered to a sample of 200 experts. By employing the statistical method of exploratory factor analysis (EFA), five distinct dimensions (factors) of stakeholders' attitudes were revealed.

Findings

The findings indicate that the sustainability indicators are based on five underlying factors, namely (1) sustainable competitiveness; (2) stakeholder engagement; (3) sustainable economic growth; (4) social sustainability; and (5) resource conservation and environmental policy.

Research limitations/implications

More studies would be welcome to verify the underlying factors revealed in this paper.

Practical implications

The knowledge of the underlying factors enables senior management to maintain a balance of choices during the project management (PM) phase in order to implement and deliver sustainable construction projects. Furthermore, the findings deepen the understanding toward sustainable PM practices by providing insights on its core attributes.

Originality/value

As a theoretical contribution to knowledge, this study enhances the body of knowledge by revealing the underlying factors that give rise to the predefined set of the 82 sustainability indicators which are used to enable sustainable construction projects. In practice, the findings aid senior management in adopting strategies that enhance the delivery of sustainable construction projects.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

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Article
Publication date: 19 May 2020

Nikolaos A. Panayiotou and Konstantinos E. Stergiou

The purpose of this paper is to review of the literature about lean six sigma (LSS) implementation in European organizations written by academics or practitioners from European…

937

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review of the literature about lean six sigma (LSS) implementation in European organizations written by academics or practitioners from European institutions to extract useful conclusions about LSS adoption in European companies and to suggest direction for future research concerning the broader LSS application in them.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has been conducted by reviewing 58 papers, found in top journals, coming from European institutions that present studies of European companies and fulfill the selected inclusion criteria.

Findings

The analysis of the literature revealed the level of penetration of the LSS methodology in organizations of each European country. The study of the papers revealed the sectors and the size of companies that are more active in LSS application, the method used in each project, the tools which are deployed and the interconnection between LSS and other topics through the project implementation.

Research limitations/implications

The limited access provided by the authors’ institution only to three major publishers (Emerald, Elsevier, Taylor and Francis) and the focus of the search only in European organizations were the main limitations of this review.

Practical implications

This paper provides both academics and practitioners with valuable insights about LSS implementation in European organizations, presenting a complete analysis framework of the literature and highlighting gaps for further research.

Originality/value

An extended and detailed analysis of LSS adoption in Europe has not been conducted before. This review presents a clear view about how LSS projects in European organization have been applied so far and suggests ways of how the literature could be enriched to facilitate the LSS implementation.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

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Article
Publication date: 22 December 2020

Nikolaos A. Panayiotou, Konstantinos E. Stergiou and Vassilis Chronopoulos

The first purpose of this paper is the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in a manufacturing company operating in South East Europe in order to understand the importance of…

1272

Abstract

Purpose

The first purpose of this paper is the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in a manufacturing company operating in South East Europe in order to understand the importance of critical success factors (CSFs) in LSS adoption and to find out the benefits that the company gained. The second purpose is to propose a standardized toolset based on DMAIC phases, for the application of LSS in small scale projects, in order to facilitate LSS adoption by more manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study is based on the interlacement of the Yin's method about case studies and the DMAIC method for the improved deployment of LSS.

Findings

The analysis of this case study shows that the company attained to benefit financially, operationally and organizationally from the implementation of LSS. The already existing mentality of CI inside the company helped the project procedure and the application of changes and improvements fulfilling LSS adoption CSFs.

Practical implications

The paper constructs a toolset and studies the role of CSFs in order to achieve the desirable benefits in a manufacturing environment, constituting a guide for future LSS initiatives.

Originality/value

As stated by literature reviews, even though there are several papers concerning LSS implementation in the manufacturing sector, there is a need for more case studies papers, such as this one, in order to enrich the literature. In this paper, it is also the first time that a specific toolset for small scale projects is proposed based on to DMAIC which can be implemented in further LSS projects.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 71 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

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