Hsin-Pin Fu, Tien-Hsiang Chang, Sheng-Wei Lin, Ying-Hua Teng and Ying-Zi Huang
The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has had a substantial influence on the retail industry. However, AI adoption entails considerable responsibilities and…
Abstract
Purpose
The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has had a substantial influence on the retail industry. However, AI adoption entails considerable responsibilities and risks for senior managers. In this study, the authors developed an evaluation and selection mechanism for successful AI technology adoption in the retail industry. The multifaceted measurement and identification of critical factors (CFs) can enable retailers to adopt AI technology effectively and maintain a sustainable competitive advantage.
Design/methodology/approach
The evaluation and adoption of organisational AI technology involve multifaceted decision-making for management. Therefore, the authors used the analytic network process to develop an AI evaluation framework for calculating the weight and importance of each consideration. An expert questionnaire survey was distributed to senior retail managers and 17 valid responses were obtained. Finally, the Vlse Kriterijumska Optimizacija Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method was used to identify CFs for AI adoption.
Findings
The results revealed five CFs for AI adoption in the retail industry. The findings indicated that after AI adoption, top retail management is most concerned with factors pertaining to business performance and minor concerned about the internal system's functional efficiency. Retailers pay more attention to technology and organisation context, which are matters under the retailers' control, than to external uncontrollable environmental factors.
Originality/value
The authors developed an evaluation framework and identified CFs for AI technology adoption in the retail industry. In terms of practical application, the results of this study can help AI service providers understand the CFs of retailers when adopting AI. Moreover, retailers can use the proposed multifaceted evaluation framework to guide their adoption of AI technology.
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Tien‐Hsiang Chang, Hsin‐Pin Fu, Wan‐I Lee, Yichen Lin and Hsu‐Chih Hsueh
To propose and test an augmented collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment (A‐CPFR) model in a retailer‐supplier context with a view to improving forecasting accuracy…
Abstract
Purpose
To propose and test an augmented collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment (A‐CPFR) model in a retailer‐supplier context with a view to improving forecasting accuracy and then reducing the “bullwhip effect” in the supply chain.
Design/methodology/approach
After a literature review, the paper presents a real case in which the present authors provided assistance. The description of the case includes: case company background; an “as‐is” model analysis; a “to‐be” (CPFR) model analysis; and a description of the results and potential benefits. The paper then proposes an A‐CPFR model for the case and performs a simulation of the new model for comparison with the existing CPFR model.
Findings
The results show that the mean absolute deviation of forecasting and the inventory variance are both better in the proposed model than in the existing CPFR model. The proposed model can thus improve the accuracy of sales forecasting, reduce inventory levels, and reduce the “bullwhip effect”.
Practical implications
In addition to information provided by the retailer, a logistics supplier should also obtain competitors' promotional information from the market as another factor for forecasting – thus enabling timely responses to demand fluctuations.
Originality/value
The proposed model is an original and useful development on the existing CPFR model. It could become a reference model for the retail industry in implementing CPFR in the future.
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Tien‐Hsiang Chang, Hsin‐Pin Fu, Shao‐Chang Li and Hung‐Hsuan Lee
The purpose of this paper is to discover strategic implications and successful factors leading to the development of an attractive model for other firms to follow based on a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discover strategic implications and successful factors leading to the development of an attractive model for other firms to follow based on a typical case study.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper used a case study methodology to examine the case of a business‐to‐business (B2B) collaborative information system based on the first textile company in Taiwan to implement a RosettaNet‐like for B2B process integration.
Findings
The results showed that some key success factors included: support and understanding from the entire team, simple process redesign, standard process development, government support, distinctive operation collaboration model, total support from top management, and an effective and experienced team.
Practical implications
Managerial implications are as follows: employ vertical process integration to quickly exchange data, establish a platform to share information, establish vendor‐managed inventory (VMI) to lower costs, and a cross‐organization centre to effectively operate the platform.
Originality/value
The complete information structure provided in this case, the distinctive collaborative and the proposed implementation models can all serve as a reference for other enterprises whose size, scope and information technology level are similar to the focal firm in this case.
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Hsin-Pin Fu, Tien-Hsiang Chang, Cheng-Yuan Ku, Tsung-Sheng Chang and Cheng-Hsin Huang
The purposes of this study were to formulate a hierarchical table of factors that influence adoption of an inter-organization system (IOS) by enterprises and to apply…
Abstract
Purpose
The purposes of this study were to formulate a hierarchical table of factors that influence adoption of an inter-organization system (IOS) by enterprises and to apply multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tools to find the weights of these factors and to objectively identify the critical success factors (CSFs) for the adoption of IOSs by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Design/methodology/approach
This study first used a literature review to collect the factors that affect an enterprise’s adoption of an IOS and then constructed a three-level hierarchical table of these factors, based on a technology – organization – environment framework. Fuzzy analytic hierarchy processing was used, based on the returned questionnaires, to determine the weights of the factors. The concept of VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) acceptable advantage was used to objectively identify the CSFs of SMEs that have adopted an IOS.
Findings
This study identifies six CSFs of SMEs that have adopted an IOS: industry knowledge and experience, the degree of application of information technology within the industry, system safety, the organizational infrastructure, customer relationships and ease of use. In addition, four findings are proposed.
Practical implications
The work has studied, in depth, the factors that influence the adoption of an IOS by SMEs and identified four practice implications that provide a useful guideline for SMEs when they plan to adopt an IOS.
Originality/value
The identification of CSFs is also an MCDM problem. However, very few previous articles have used MCDM tools to identify the CSFs. This study adopted MCDM tools to objectively identify these CSFs and determine their appropriate weights. The results can help the managers of SMEs allocate their resources, according to the weighting of these CSFs, when they are making plans to adopt an IOS.
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Hsin‐Pin Fu, Tien‐Hsiang Chang and Ming‐Ji Wu
Business process reengineering (BPR) has been widely applied in many enterprises. However, most cases have targeted large enterprises. In Taiwan, small and medium enterprises…
Abstract
Business process reengineering (BPR) has been widely applied in many enterprises. However, most cases have targeted large enterprises. In Taiwan, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for at least 95 per cent of all enterprises, have played an extremely important role in Taiwan’s economic growth. The question of whether those SMEs can successfully implement BPR in order to strengthen their management structure is an important issue. Undertakes a detailed case study of an SME whose profits had fallen dramatically and which successfully implemented organizational restructuring (OR). Discovers that, although the SME in question did not make use of information technology to achieve the goal of organizational restructuring, by adopting use of BPR concepts and methods it achieved its goal of transformation. The model used for the implementation procedure of OR should provide a useful reference for other SMEs in Taiwan seeking to achieve perpetual operation, because most SMEs will eventually encounter similar problems.
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Hsin-Pin Fu, Tien-Hsiang Chang, Arthur Lin, Zi-Jun Du and Kuei-Ying Hsu
The purpose of this study is to comprehensively examine the factors that influence the adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) in the logistics industry in Taiwan, and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to comprehensively examine the factors that influence the adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) in the logistics industry in Taiwan, and to objectively identify the key factors (KFs) for successful adoption.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the factors were collected from a review of the literature, and then arranged in a three-layer hierarchical table. The fuzzy analytic hierarchical process (FAHP) was then used to determine the weighting of each factor, based on the opinions of various logistics professionals. The acceptable advantage concept of VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) was then used to identify the KFs.
Findings
Nine important factors were identified from the total of eighteen factors, with a total accumulative weight of 64.68 percent, and from these, four KFs were determined: meeting the demands of clients, sharing real-time information, creating advantages in overall delivery, and reducing operational errors.
Practical implications
The results show that the logistics industry in Taiwan should focus on the improvement of four KFs when adopting RFID. Eight practical implications of this study are also discussed in the paper.
Originality/value
This study used multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tools to obtain the importance (weighting) of each factor and to identify the KFs that influence the adoption of RFID. The research results can serve as a reference for the logistics industry, enabling firms to better allocate their resources when adopting RFID, and thus, to achieve a good outcome at lower cost and with greater efficiency.
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Hsin‐Pin Fu, Luis G Occena, Li‐Hsing Ho, Tien‐Hsiang Chang and Kwo‐Liang Chen
To build assembly machines to best suit the needs of anticipated production, machine builders need to spend much time deciding what type of machine system and control system to…
Abstract
To build assembly machines to best suit the needs of anticipated production, machine builders need to spend much time deciding what type of machine system and control system to select and what kinds of devices to use in material handling. Especially when an expert builder leaves a company, knowledge goes with him and is lost to the company. Therefore, retention of valuable information in the form of a knowledge base is a very desirable resource. The purpose of this paper is to develop a computer‐based expert system that can be used as a consulting system by assembly machine builders to conquer the above difficulties. This expert system collects expert assembly machine knowledge and experience. Then, an evaluation is performed to ensure accuracy and reliability, and performance is evaluated by building a practical product. The expert system is found to be a valuable tool, providing significant information for machine builders.
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Hsin‐Pin Fu, Yung‐Ching Ho, Roger C.Y. Chen, Tien‐Hsiang Chang and Pei‐Hsiang Chien
To present a three‐layer hierarchical structure of the factors involved in adopting an electronic marketplace (EM) model and to examine the relative weightings given to various…
Abstract
Purpose
To present a three‐layer hierarchical structure of the factors involved in adopting an electronic marketplace (EM) model and to examine the relative weightings given to various strategic factors by the securities industry (SI) and the heavy electric machinery industry in Taiwan.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review and a review of nine Taiwanese industries allow the formulation of a three‐layer hierarchical structure of adoption factors. A fuzzy analytic hierarchical process (AHP) is then undertaken to ascertain the relative weightings of factors that affect entry to an EM in two of these industries which are studied in more detail.
Findings
The weights of “proactive” factors are found to be greater than those of “defensive” factors. For example, contrary to previous findings in this area, the “risk of adopting new technology” is not found to be the major factor influencing decision making. Various factors are found to have different routes of influence in determining decision making in different industries.
Practical implications
Enterprises that appreciate the weightings of factors to be considered will be able to facilitate the adoption of an EM model with lower costs and greater efficiency.
Originality/value
The study provides novel and reliable information about strategic factors that are involved in corporate decisions about entering an EM.
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Hsin‐Pin Fu, Tien‐Hsiang Chang, Pei Chao and Chyou‐Huey Chiou
This study proposes an integrated collaborative web site among government agencies to enhance customer satisfaction with the service quality of government agencies.
Abstract
Purpose
This study proposes an integrated collaborative web site among government agencies to enhance customer satisfaction with the service quality of government agencies.
Design/methodology/approach
The present authors invited all involved public‐sector agencies to integrate their service processes into a model of one‐stop shopping and established collaborative mechanism for providing customized service.
Findings
The present study has identified five factors that were critical for success in such an undertaking. These factors included: establishing appropriate regulations for the implementation process; designing a viable collaborative‐service system; establishing a closely connected virtual organization; ensuring the participation of senior managers from all agencies; and obtaining the cooperation of the facilitators from various agencies (including appropriate merit and bonus incentives).
Practical implications
The real challenge for establishing the collaborative‐service web site was managerial – in combining the service processes of a dozen or more agencies to make the model work. Managerial issues that need to be addressed were the design of service processes, the overall organizational structure, the establishment of audit and supervision procedures, and the establishment an operational model for the web site.
Originality/value
This web site serves as a successful “one‐stop‐shopping” model that increases customer satisfaction with the service quality of government agencies. This study provides information for other government agencies that might wish to establish similar collaborative models to enhance service in the public sector.
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Te‐King Chien, Tien‐Hsiang Chang and Chao‐Ton Su
The national customer satisfaction index (NCSI) shows that these indices compare and estimate the competitiveness and financial benefits for countries and industries. However…
Abstract
The national customer satisfaction index (NCSI) shows that these indices compare and estimate the competitiveness and financial benefits for countries and industries. However, general enterprise uses the concepts of NCSI deficiently in the practice of CS activities. This paper will express the latent variables in the NCSI models of different countries in order to highlight all the efforts companies have made in promoting CS activities to win customers’ satisfaction and loyalty. Through the successful experience of a Taiwanese company, the relationship between the NCSI and the various concrete issues within the CS program is compared. Also, this article proposes the concept of a “matching rate” to show how the necessary concrete issues of all CS activities must link with the latent variables of NCSI. Finally, the managerial implications of the matching rate are explained, and it is suggested how an enterprise can use the rate to draw up the strategy of the CS program.