International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

C.J. Anumba; C.E. Siemieniuch; M.A. Sinclair

2000 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030010346233

One way in which the manufacturing and construction industries are moving is to adopt the philosophy of concurrent engineering (CE), better utilising the expertise of other companies in the supply chain. This paper draws on the results of several previous studies to discuss from a conceptual rather than an empiric point of view some ergonomics issues involved in CE from the perspective of supply chains. It outlines some generic attributes, and discusses some concepts of federated control systems within supply chains. The implications of these for information flows and the management of distributed knowledge within supply chains are then discussed. A key issue that arises from this is the need for trust in individuals external to the company if the CE philosophy is to work effectively. The paper then discusses the implications of this for the design of roles within the CE workgroup, concluding that the principles of socio‐technical design for roles are appropriate for the design of these roles, ensuring that they have the right attributes for trustworthiness. This provides a link between these principles and business needs that is not often present in discussions of role design. Examples are drawn mainly from manufacturing and the implications for construction supply chains highlighted, as appropriate.

H.C.W. Lau; W.B. Lee

2000 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030010346242

Attempts to propose an infrastructure of a supply chain information system, focusing on the component modules necessary for the building up of such a system with a description of the creation of these modules. The proposed supply chain information system embraces the concept of distributed object technology to enable efficient data exchange among various data objects which may reside in distributed platforms over geographically isolated regions, thereby leveraging the responsiveness of the supply chain network. The significance of contribution of this research is the provision of a cross‐platform data exchange system which is able to facilitate the formulation of a customer‐driven supply chain network, thereby enhancing the competitive edge of companies on a local and global basis.

Hamish McMichael; David Mackay; Graeme Altmann

2000 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030010346288

The principal objective of this study is to understand the impact that the adoption of quick response (QR) has had on manufacturing firms in the retail supply chain. The adoption of QR by six organisations within the Victorian textile clothing and footwear industry is used to review the impact that QR is having on the retail sector, especially in terms of the use of EDI as a pipeline accelerator to QR. We also investigate the level of systems integration, organisational affects and inter‐organisational impacts. The results of the research showed that while firms are positively affected by the adoption of QR, and may strengthen their relative competitive positions, retailers are taking the opportunity to shift their holding and distribution costs onto the supply chain to the detriment of both manufacturers and suppliers. Additionally, failure to adopt EDI between downstream trading partners limits the benefits received from QR at the organisational and inter‐organisational levels.

Marcia Perry; Amrik S. Sohal

2000 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030010346369

Discusses the adoption of quick response (QR) practices and technologies in developing supply chains within the Australian textiles, clothing and footwear (TCF) industry. The results presented are based on a four‐year study in which 50 companies were involved. Discusses the in‐house practices identified which enable quick response. A case study is also presented of a company that is recognised in the Australian TCF as a leader in the adoption of QR practices. Identifies a number of key factors that impact on the success of QR and supply chain management.

Nikitas‐Spiros Koutsoukis; Belen Dominguez‐Ballesteros; Cormac A. Lucas; Gautam Mitra

2000 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030010346387

Strategic planning of the supply chain is an important decision problem determining the long‐term survival and prosperity of companies in the manufacturing, retail, and other industrial sectors. In general such companies rely on their information systems to acquire the essential data that are used in their planning models. The interaction of information systems and decision modelling, and the progressive transformation of data, into information, and knowledge is a key process underlying any decision support system (DSS) for strategic, tactical or operational planning. In this paper we consider a DSS for supply chain planning (SCP) decisions. The SCP system has an embedded decision engine that uses a two‐stage stochastic program as a paradigm for optimisation under uncertainty. The system has been used for decision making in diverse domains, including automotive manufacturing and consumer products.

Mohan Kumaraswamy; Ekambaram Palaneeswaran; Paul Humphreys

2000 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030010346431

A Hong Kong‐based study of factors affecting construction industry performance levels confirms that selection methodologies and decisions are critical, both at the upstream formulation of procurement and operational systems themselves as well as the downstream selection of various project participants. Needs are identified for a holistic approach to broader procurement choices that incorporate all procurement sub‐systems, an integration with synergistic operational sub‐systems and more informed and intelligent participant choices. The many interacting variables and potential information overload point to the consequential need for harnessing IT/IS (information technology/information systems) to enable smarter selections at all stages of the construction supply chain. Frameworks and sample modules of the proposed knowledge‐based decision aids are presented in the case of overall procurement system selection and contractor selection.

Enrique López González; Miguel A. Rodríguez Fernández

2000 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030010346440

Distribution problems deal with distribution from a number of sources to a number of destinations. Each source offers amounts of goods, while each destination demands quantities of these goods. The object is to find the cheapest transporting schedule that satisfies demand without violating supply restraints. In this paper we propose the use of fuzzy sets to represent the provisional information related to costs, demands and other variables. Moreover, we suggest including the problem of shortest route for the distribution vehicles. Finally, to solve this complex problem we propose using a genetic algorithm with a fuzzy fitness function.

Ashok Ranchhod; Cãlin Gurãu; Ray Hackney

2000 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030010346512

Investigates the application of the Internet marketing and information exchange strategies in the Biotechnology sector. The Internet is particularly valuable in this context because not only does it offer instant information about products and services, but it also allows an interactive medium for value added activities such as “virtual” molecular modeling. This type of activity can foster important joint research operations between companies on a worldwide basis.

Matthew Warren; William Hutchinson

2000 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030010346521

Supply chain management (SCM) is increasingly dependent on electronic systems. At the same time, the vulnerability of these systems to attack from malicious individuals or groups is growing. This paper examines some of the forms such attacks can take, and their relevance to the supply function. Provides examples of attacks. Concludes that companies should consider the security aspects of electronic commerce before developing their systems.