JIT, system integration and customer serviceRichard E. White; John N. Pearson
2001 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000005515
Recent literature indicates there has been an absence of top management involvement in the development of customer service policies and integration of these policies into the organizational decision making process. This paper discusses the importance of integrating customer service activities into the decision making process of today's manufacturing organizations and thus enhancing development of an organization's competitive advantage. Just-in-time systems and new technologies (product, process and information) provide the mechanisms for integration of the various activities across the supply chain. Porter's value system concept is presented as the framework for integrating a firm's activities within the supply chain and improving their performance.
An investigation of market information use in export channel decisions ‐ Antecedents and outcomesR. Glenn Richey; Matthew B. Myers
2001 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
doi: 10.1108/09600030110395157
As the number of firms participating in export activities increases, information regarding the international environment in turn becomes critical in effectively managing corporate ventures. Given the level of economic volatility within certain export markets and the increasing levels of competition worldwide, effective distribution management venturing and strategy will also become more complex. Decision support is crucial in effectively monitoring and modifying marketing channels in an overseas environment. The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that drive market information use in export distribution decisions, these factors being both internal and external to the organization. Concurrently, the linkage between market information use and export performance is investigated, in order to better understand the role of this strategy in export operations. First, a discussion of strategic, organization specific, and environment specific factors and their association with market information use is discussed. Second, research hypotheses are developed through the support of the existing literature. Next, data collection and analysis procedures are discussed along with results of the hypothesis testing. Finally, a presentation of the findings along with theoretical and managerial implications is offered. The research reveals the strategic importance of market information usage in distribution control, market positioning, venture planning, and market volatility.
Supplier management in German manufacturing companies ‐ An empirical investigationMarek Szwejczewski; Keith Goffin; Fred Lemke; Rolf Pfeiffer; Bertram Lohmüller
2001 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000005514
A key issue for manufacturers is supplier management, i.e. organising the optimal flow of high quality, value-for-money materials or components from appropriate innovative suppliers. Many companies now recognise the central role that supplier management plays in achieving long-term competitive advantage. This paper presents the results of a study of supplier management practices in Germany, contrasted against those in the UK. It identifies a key difference - German manufacturers have not reduced their supplier base as much as the companies in the UK. However, it appears that German manufacturers will be reducing their supplier base in the near future, although they are likely to follow a policy of multiple sourcing rather than single-sourcing from suppliers. The results of the research have strong implications for German companies as they clearly indicate the potential for performance improvement through the adoption of best practices in the field of supplier management.