Examines the impact of increased truck weight limits on the inlandmovement of ocean containers in the US. Considers six major inlandlanes, 12 combinations of cargo density and…
Abstract
Examines the impact of increased truck weight limits on the inland movement of ocean containers in the US. Considers six major inland lanes, 12 combinations of cargo density and shipment size, and eight transport options. Shows that transloading from ocean containers to either domestic containers or dry vans becomes economically more attractive if truck weight limits are increased in accordance with a proposed bridge weight formula. Gross savings to shippers from transloading range from 5 to 44 per cent depending on the lane and commodity type involved.
Details
Keywords
Alan J. Stenger, Steven C. Dunn and Richard R. Young
The importance and utilization of information systems in the achievement of integrated service response and supply chain logistics has been shown by several recent studies…
Abstract
The importance and utilization of information systems in the achievement of integrated service response and supply chain logistics has been shown by several recent studies. Practitioners need to have an understanding of the existance and capability of commercially available software options for integrated logistics management. For educators it is imperative that knowledge about the functioning of current software is taught in a manner that gives students an appreciation of the available techniques and software, along with the realization of the difficulty of implementation. This article provides practitioners and educators with an empirical assessment of the available logistics software as it applies to integrated hierarchical planning.
Details
Keywords
Abstract
Details
Keywords
Abstract
Details
Keywords
Abstract
Details
Keywords
Michael A. Haughton, William L. Grenoble, Evelyn A. Thomchick and Richard R. Young
Any firm participating in external (or inter‐firm) benchmarking anticipates at least two benefits: useful statistics on how it performs relative to the other participating firms;…
Abstract
Any firm participating in external (or inter‐firm) benchmarking anticipates at least two benefits: useful statistics on how it performs relative to the other participating firms; and guidance in identifying promising performance improvement actions. Using data from a five‐year benchmarking program for firms engaged in import operations, this research illustrates how these benefits might be assured. A major recommendation of the research is that, along with formal analysis of quantitative data, the structure of ongoing inter‐firm benchmarking programs must facilitate the firms’ receipt of information that enhances the realization of these benefits. This is likely to improve such programs along the dimensions of data gathering efficiency, data quality, and hence the usefulness of benchmarking to participating firms.
Details
Keywords
Richard R. Young, Peter F. Swan, Evelyn A. Thomchick and Kusumal Ruamsook
The purpose of this paper is to identify the components required for more robust landed cost models given the now widespread interest in sourcing finished goods, components for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the components required for more robust landed cost models given the now widespread interest in sourcing finished goods, components for assembly, and basic raw materials from global sources. This study also seeks to establish the need for broad‐based participation in operationalizing such models.
Design/methodology/approach
Interviews are conducted with several major firms that import a range of merchandise into the USA to develop in‐depth case studies. A taxonomy of variables found in increasingly comprehensive forms of landed cost models is developed from the case studies. These variables are assembled into modules and analyzed with the use of an expert panel consisting of executives responsible for import activities at major firms.
Findings
Most major firms are relatively unsophisticated in their approach to making offshore sourcing decisions. Few employ models that are sufficiently detailed and some do not even embrace the basic logistical elements of price, transportation, and inventory. The administrative overhead required for offshoring is seldom considered nor are the potential risks associated with sourcing globally that may result.
Research limitations/implications
The study considered only imports into the USA. Even with a relatively broad range of industries represented and the in‐depth research design, there are very few data points. Hence, this is theory building research upon which a more broad‐based methodology will be found.
Practical implications
With firms of all sizes and industries seeking to employ offshore sources of supply, a rational approach needs to be developed to support such decisions. Historically, such actions were taken on the basis of price alone; however, such an approach is clearly suboptimal. Many firms need to develop the ability to collect the requisite data, allow sufficient time to conduct proper analysis, and establish the cross‐functional mechanism for decision making.
Originality/value
This paper provides a range of modules, the more sophisticated potentially useful for supporting effective offshore sourcing decisions. It also advances the idea that while cost advantages may be present, there may be certain risk factors that obviate offshore sourcing alternatives.
Details
Keywords
Explores the attitude of shippers and service providers towardsoutsourcing of logistics functions performed within large multinational,manufacturing companies engaged in global…
Abstract
Explores the attitude of shippers and service providers towards outsourcing of logistics functions performed within large multinational, manufacturing companies engaged in global trade and presents a model describing the factors which influence the outsourcing decisions. Indicates that five key factors influence the outsourcing decision: centrality of the logistics functions to the firm′s core competency; risk liability and control; cost/service tradeoffs in operations; information and communications systems; and market relationships. Discusses several drivers, involving product, process and network complexities, which govern these factors.
Details
Keywords
Solomon W. Polachek, Xu Zhang and Xing Zhou
This paper shows how a shorter fecundity horizon for females (a biological constraint) leads to age and educational disparities between husbands and wives. Empirical support is…
Abstract
This paper shows how a shorter fecundity horizon for females (a biological constraint) leads to age and educational disparities between husbands and wives. Empirical support is based on data from a natural experiment commencing before and ending after China’s 1980 one-child law. The results indicate that fertility in China declined by about 1.2–1.4 births per woman as a result of China’s anti-natalist policies. Concomitantly spousal age and educational differences narrowed by approximately 0.5–1.0 and 1.0–1.6 years, respectively. These decreases in the typical husband’s age and educational advantages are important in explaining the division of labor in the home, often given as a cause for the gender wage gap. Indeed, as fertility declined, which has been the historical trend in most developed countries, husband-wife age and educational differences diminished leading to less division of labor in the home and a smaller gender wage disparity. Unlike other models of division of labor in the home which rely on innately endogenous factors, this paper’s theory is based on an exogenous biological constraint.