International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Brewer, Barry; Ashenbaum, Bryan; Ogden, Jeffrey A.

2013 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/IJPDLM-10-2011-0175

Purpose This study aims to examine the connection between strategylinked outsourcing goals and measures of outsourcing performance. The strategies of growth, cost, and differentiation core competence are examined in terms of their relationship with goal achievement and cost performance measures.Designmethodologyapproach Regression analysis and ANOVA were applied to survey data collected from 165 purchasing executives.Findings Findings support a positive relationship between goal intensity for a single strategy and achievement of goals related to that strategy. Findings also suggest that firms with high commitment to growth and cost strategies tend to achieve costrelated performance at higher levels than firms with a lower commitment to same. Finally, the findings also suggest that firms pursuing a single or dominant strategy achieve lower levels of cost saving performance, as compared with firms pursuing a balanced approach that emphasizes two or three different strategies in roughly equal measure.Research limitationsimplications This study relies on very limited performance variables, mainly cost reduction. Additional variables that addressed growth and core competence would provide additional insight on the link between outsourcing and performance.Practical implications Goal intensity is positively related to higher performance on desired outsourcing outcomes. Firms demonstrated greater success in their ability to pursue multiple outsourcing strategies over firms pursuing a single strategy.Originalityvalue The link between strategy and outsourcing performance had not been empirically established.

Henry Jin, Yao; Fawcett, Amydee M.; Fawcett, Stanley E.

2013 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/IJPDLM-10-2011-0169

Purpose Given the tension between the rationale for and resistance to supply chain integration SCI, the authors aim to provide an update on the rhetoric and reality of SCI and extend theory related to adoption and efficacy of integration strategies.Designmethodologyapproach The authors employ a multimethod survey and interview replication approach to gauge the extent to which companies are increasing their engagement in SCI and assess integration's influence on firm performance.Findings Despite managerial awareness of SCI's potential benefits, levels of integration have remained relatively unchanged over time. Integration is positively related to operational performance and firm performance primarily through its influence on productivity and customer service. The interviews indicate some firms are beginning to manage value cocreation initiatives across multiple tiers of the supply chain. They also reveal awareness of integration's competitive potential is insufficient to mobilize resources and mitigate resistance to collaboration. Commitment is a superordinate enabler.Originalityvalue Multimethod, replication research is rare, but it is necessary to understand collaboration dynamics. The authors' approach enables them to delve into the paradox between the positive performance impact and the lack of progress toward greater integration. Theoretically, they link commitment and capability. Managerially, they propose a maturity framework that managers can use to benchmark their own SCI initiative.

Zybell, Uwe

2013 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/IJPDLM-10-2011-0173

Purpose The purpose of the research is to shed light on the question of how elements of a partnership system interact to provide a basis for an enhanced performance management framework.Designmethodologyapproach A structured literature review is followed by a longitudinal case study action research, which combines qualitative and quantitative analyses. Observations over time, documents such as contracts, joint agreements, meeting agendas and minutes, personal conversations and indepth interviews were mainly used, with quantitative measurement of operational and relational performance. For an indepth analysis of interdependencies, a systemic perspective based on an interaction analysis of relevant elements of the partner management system was adopted.Findings The paper draws upon reallife data from service partnerships in the automotive industry. Combining a longitudinal multidyadic approach with actionbased research makes it a unique opportunity to reveal insights into the development of performancebased partnerships. The paper illustrates enablers, limitations, and conflicting circumstances in partnering highlighting the role of incentives and derives propositions for a comprehensive framework for a performanceoriented partner management.Research limitationsimplications Owing to the limited number of case studies, this research is considered mainly exploratory. The presented case study is an essentially illustrative example of the implementation and development of performanceoriented partnerships. The insights provide a better and deeper understanding of the dynamics of forming partnerships in reality, especially limitations and pertinent expectations regarding performance management in partnerships. There remains a need for further research for successrelated dimensions and antecedents of partnering concepts in a general industry approach.Originalityvalue The paper draws upon reallife data from service partnerships in the automotive industry. Combining a longitudinal multidyadic approach with actionbased research makes it a unique opportunity to reveal insights into the development of performancebased partnerships. The paper illustrates enablers, limitations, and conflicting circumstances in partnering highlighting the role of incentives and derives propositions for a comprehensive framework for a performanceoriented partner management.

Kaipia, Riikka; DukovskaPopovska, Iskra; Loikkanen, Lauri

2013 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/IJPDLM-11-2011-0200

Purpose The aim of this empirical paper is to study information sharing in fresh food supply chains, with a specific goal of reducing waste and facilitating sustainable performance. The study focuses on material and information flow issues, specifically on sharing demand and shelflife data.Designmethodologyapproach This work has been designed as an exploratory case study in three fresh food supply chains, milk, fresh fish, and fresh poultry, in the Nordic countries. The cases are based on interviews and data from the databases of the companies involved. Each case focuses on analyzing information flow, particularly the current order patterns and forecasting and planning process, and material flow, focusing on the supply chain structure. In two cases significant changes have been made to forecasting processes and material flow, while the third case intends to identify the most beneficial uses of shared information to create a sustainable fresh food supply chain.Findings The performance of the perishable food chain can be improved by more efficient information sharing. The key to improved operations is how and for which purposes the shared data should be used. In addition, changes in the supply chain structure were needed to speed up the deliveries and ensure shelf availability. The crosscase analysis revealed that improved performance was obtained with parallel changes in information sharing and usage and in material flow.Originalityvalue Few studies approach the problem of waste and sustainability from an integrated supply chain perspective. This paper links data sharing with the sustainability performance of the supply chain as a whole.