International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Ellen J. Dumond

1996 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039610108566

Value‐based management focuses the efforts of individuals and managers on the creation of value. Starts with an analysis of the literature on general management and materials management and then extends that analysis to the concept of the value system. Identifies particular management variables which are key to efforts in creating value, e.g. organization structure and hierarchy, centralization, information systems, external relationships, job responsibilities and formalization, performance measurement system, and education and training. Groups these into two broad areas: organization design; and human resource management practices. Collectively these variables form the framework for value‐based management. Describes the nature of these variables in both a traditional, function‐based organization and the more contemporary value‐based organization. Applies the value‐based framework to procurement, identifying those actions needed by managers in the transition of the efforts of procurement individuals towards the creation of value.

Jess S. Boronico; Dennis J. Bland

1996 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039610108557

Addresses important logistical considerations in the distribution of a seasonal food product. While continued attempts have been made to maintain high levels of customer service within the food industry, the degree of uncertainty in the distribution channel itself often undermines management’s efforts to procure adequate stock of product during peak demand season. Develops a stochastic dynamic programming formulation which may serve as a decision‐support tool for managers faced with procuring product in a distribution channel in which receipt quantities are probabilistic. Provides numerical results, supporting the intuitive result that expected costs and the length of the required planning horizon are inversely related to the level of uncertainty in the distribution channel.

Attila Chikán

1996 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039610108548

Summarizes the changes experienced in the field of logistics in Hungary, although most of the issues raised appear similarly in other transition economies in Central and eastern Europe (CEE), typically in the Czech Republic and Poland. Discusses the immediate logistics consequences and company‐level responses. Consideration of the essence and nature of these changes is a necessity for those who want to understand the region or want to do business there.

S. Anderson; R.A.M. Jorna; C.A. Verweij

1996 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039610108575

At the beginning of 1992, the European Commission inaugurated its second DRIVE R&D programme to examine the benefits of implementing various Advanced Transport Telematic applications. METAFORA, one of the projects funded within this programme, was initiated by a consortium of 14 organizations. The objective of this project was to assess the applicability of mobile data communications (MDC) using satellite and electronic data interchange (EDI) in the real working environment of the road freight sector, with special attention paid to the needs of small and medium‐sized enterprises. Concentrates on presenting the findings of the MDC pilots carried out during the project. Describes the pilots, technology implemented, data sources and collection techniques, evaluation methodology used and concludes with a financial and socio‐economic cost‐benefit analysis of the trials.