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Chris Voss, Nikos Tsikriktsis and Mark Frohlich
This paper reviews the use of case study research in operations management for theory development and testing. It draws on the literature on case research in a number of…
Abstract
This paper reviews the use of case study research in operations management for theory development and testing. It draws on the literature on case research in a number of disciplines and uses examples drawn from operations management research. It provides guidelines and a roadmap for operations management researchers wishing to design, develop and conduct case‐based research.
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Kenneth K. Boyer, G. Tomas Hult and Mark Frohlich
This article examines ordering and delivery data from several home delivery grocers in both the USA and the UK. Contrary to popular perceptions, the demise of home delivery…
Abstract
This article examines ordering and delivery data from several home delivery grocers in both the USA and the UK. Contrary to popular perceptions, the demise of home delivery grocers (or Internet grocers as they were known during the artificial boom period of 1997‐2000) was exaggerated. In fact, sales for grocery home delivery are currently at least 50 per cent higher than their “peak” in 2000. This article examines the operational challenges involved in offering this value‐added service to consumers and posits the argument that prior efforts (notably Webvan) failed in large part due to poor operational execution and poorly planned business models. Closes with some insights regarding the problems which must be addressed if this extended grocery channel is to become successful in the long run.
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C. Fröhlich, M. Mettenleiter, F. Härtl, G. Dalton and D. Hines
The paper presents design details and applications of the recently developed 3‐D laser radar from Z+F. It presents models which have been constructed using the data from…
Abstract
The paper presents design details and applications of the recently developed 3‐D laser radar from Z+F. It presents models which have been constructed using the data from “inspection of tunnel tubes”, modelling of a “car body welding cell” and a “car body gripper” in the automotive industry as well as a “chemical process plant”. The laser radar was developed for use in industrial environments. Its twin design aims are measurement performance and robustness. The laser radar can be used with a range of mechanical beam deflection units to meet the needs of specific applications.
This paper aims to present the basic assumptions for creation of social Fröhlich condensate and attract attention of other researchers (both from physics and socio-political…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the basic assumptions for creation of social Fröhlich condensate and attract attention of other researchers (both from physics and socio-political science) to the problem of modeling of stability and order preservation in highly energetic society coupled with social energy bath of high temperature.
Design/methodology/approach
The model of social Fröhlich condensation and its analysis are based on the mathematical formalism of quantum thermodynamics and field theory (applied outside of physics).
Findings
The presented quantum-like model provides the consistent operational model of such complex socio-political phenomenon as Fröhlich condensation.
Research limitations/implications
The model of social Fröhlich condensation is heavily based on theory of open quantum systems. Its consistent elaboration needs additional efforts.
Practical implications
Evidence of such phenomenon as social Fröhlich condensation is demonstrated by stability of modern informationally open societies.
Social implications
Approaching the state of Fröhlich condensation is the powerful source of social stability. Understanding its informational structure and origin may help to stabilize the modern society.
Originality/value
Application of the quantum-like model of Fröhlich condensation in social and political sciences is really the novel and original approach to mathematical modeling of social stability in society exposed to powerful information radiation from mass-media and Internet-based sources.
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This chapter deals with the question of how anti-corruption norms can emerge in authoritarian or semi-authoritarian regimes that actively suppress social dissent and protest. The…
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This chapter deals with the question of how anti-corruption norms can emerge in authoritarian or semi-authoritarian regimes that actively suppress social dissent and protest. The chapter examines the capacity of Russian opposition movements to create a sustained anti-corruption discourse and to shape political governance. When it comes to addressing corruption through social action in the context of Russia, the situation does not often seem conducive to concerted opposition activity. Nevertheless, even though opposition movements repeatedly fail to impact political decision-making or elite practices, they are not exercises in futility. The chapter concludes that the anti-corruption discourse can be effectively utilized by the Russian opposition movements to unite its efforts and vocalize their demands in terms of democratic governance norms. Continually repressive governmental measures are creating dangerous public spaces, where massive and violent confrontations are increasingly likely to occur. As the opposition continues to find its voice, challenge elite corruption and vocalize its desires for democratic governance norms, the continuing demands for policies to be reflective of public interest (rather than interests of the powerful elites) will not abate. The anti-corruption discourse can play a powerful unifying role for the opposition given the endemic nature of corruption in today’s Russia.
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Cigdem Ataseven, Anand Nair and Mark Ferguson
This paper investigates the inter-relationships among supply integration, demand integration and internal integration in the context of food banking.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper investigates the inter-relationships among supply integration, demand integration and internal integration in the context of food banking.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilizes survey data from managers at 71 different food banks in the US combined with secondary data gathered from Feeding America's website to provide model controls and an objective measure of food bank performance. The performance metric is the amount of food distributed per food insecure individual in the food bank's service area. Theoretically developed hypotheses were tested using seemingly unrelated regression techniques and a Monte Carlo simulation-based mediation analysis.
Findings
While the previous research on integration relationships on for-profit supply chains has shown that managing internal integration forms the foundation for integrating with suppliers and customers, the findings indicate that, for not-for-profit food banks, external integration should precede internal integration and that demand integration has a stronger influence on performance than supply integration.
Research limitations/implications
The heavy reliance of food banks on external partners necessitates an internal integration structure that supplements and builds upon these external relationships. The basic programs thus developed have a direct impact on the amount of food distributed per food insecure individual.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the humanitarian supply chain management literature by analyzing supply chain integration and its performance implications in a slow onset disaster setting.
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The purpose of this study is to examine how four large organisations have approached the implementation of new eBusiness mechanisms: namely online order processing, eProcurement…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine how four large organisations have approached the implementation of new eBusiness mechanisms: namely online order processing, eProcurement, reverse auctions, and a private exchange. The objectives are to establish whether supply chain integration is an identified goal for the firms involved and to evaluate the extent of integration achieved through these projects.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study approach is used, with four separate cases being examined, leading to cross‐case analysis and conclusions. The primary form of data collection was interviews with managers participating in the implementations. In order to measure the degree of supply chain integration pertaining in the examples, two frameworks from the literature are used.
Findings
In three of the cases it is established that there is very little, or nil integration at supply chain level and only in one case is there evidence of a supply chain perspective contributing to the project. Three of the firms did not consider the supply chain implications of implementing their eBusiness applications.
Research limitations/implications
The article builds on previous studies and illustrates the problems of achieving integration in the supply chain. Further research is needed to establish common attributes relating to supply chain integration.
Practical implications
Three of the projects examined here were based predominantly on a business case for the implementing firm only. Firms need to be aware that IT projects by their trading partners may have supply chain cost implications for their own business.
Originality/value
Whilst much of the literature propounds the need for integration, leading to extension of the supply chain concept, firms are pursuing IT implementations which are premised solely on internal benefits. The research illustrates that, if the new eBusiness mechanisms are to support wider supply chain goals, then the focal firms involved must take a more holistic view of how and why such solutions are implemented.
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Mingu Kang, Kihyun Park, Ma Ga (Mark) Yang and Mark H. Haney
The purpose of this paper is to explore how a foreign invested manufacturing company’s (FIMC) components sourcing process evolves in order to improve its supply chain outcomes in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how a foreign invested manufacturing company’s (FIMC) components sourcing process evolves in order to improve its supply chain outcomes in the context of China’s processing trade.
Design/methodology/approach
Grounded in the theory bases of the international sourcing process and supply chain integration, this study utilizes a single-case-study approach with a small- to medium-sized FIMC engaged in China’s processing trade.
Findings
This study identifies three stages of the components sourcing process: simple assembly stage, components localization stage and supply chain integration stage. In addition, the case study suggests that the type of processing trade evolves from processing with supplied materials to processing with imported materials as the sourcing process proceeds through the three stages and the internal and external environments change.
Originality/value
To our knowledge, this paper is the first to focus on an FIMC’s components sourcing process in the context of China’s processing trade. It contributes to a better understanding of how FIMCs progress through the components sourcing process and apply different types of processing trade in China to maximize their supply chain outcomes.