Articles

Knowledge-Based System for Casting Process Selection

Ahmet Er et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 06:15:38 PDT

Design of casting entails the knowledge of various interacting factors that are unique to casting process, and, quite often, product designers do not have the required foundry-specific knowledge. Casting designers normally have to liaise with casting experts in order to ensure the product designed is castable and the optimum casting method is selected. This two-way communication results in long design lead times, and lack of it can easily lead to incorrect casting design. A computer-based system at the discretion of a design engineer can, however, alleviate this problem and enhance the prospect of casting design for manufacture. This paper proposes a knowledge-based expert system approach to assist casting product designers in selecting the most suitable casting process for specified casting design requirements, during the design phase of product manufacture. A prototype expert system has been developed, based on production rules knowledge representation technique. The proposed system consists of a number of autonomous but interconnected levels, each dealing with a specific group of factors, namely, casting alloy, shape and complexity parameters, accuracy requirements and comparative costs, based on production quantity. The user interface has been so designed to allow the user to have a clear view of how casting design parameters affect the selection of various casting processes at each level; if necessary, the appropriate design changes can be made to facilitate the castability of the product being designed, or to suit the design to a preferred casting method.

Purchasing Green Transport and Logistics Services: Implications for Small Business

Pietro Evangelista et al. — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 03:15:24 PDT

Considering its strong environmental impact, logistics plays a critical role in green supply chain management. It provides strategic links in the supply chain and is an essential function in the delivery of green products to the consumer. There is a general consensus on the fact that more environmentally sustainable companies may be achieved only if transport and logistics activities also become greener. To achieve this objective, buyer companies need to incorporate green considerations in the purchasing of transport and logistics services. This appears particularly challenging for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) because of their traditional lack of managerial, organisational and financial resources that often result in failure to adopt an environmental perspective. In the extant literature, green purchasing has received increased attention over the past decade and the strategic importance of introducing green aspects into purchasing practices has been recognised. However, little has been written in relation to purchasing green transport and logistics services. The aim of this paper is to explore practices in the buying of green transport and logistics services and to derive implications for small buyer companies. The paper analyses how general environmental company ambitions and environmental purchasing practices are reflected when green transport and logistics services are purchased in three different European countries (Italy, Ireland and Sweden) using a multiple case study research approach. The results of the paper indicate that while the case companies show a relatively high concern for green issues at corporate level, a lower importance is attributed to green issues at the purchasing function level. When green concerns in the purchasing of transport and logistics services are analysed the level of importance decreases further. Thus, a conflicting attitude is evident between the overall corporate level and the purchasing of transport and logistics services specifically. This suggests that there is potential for improvement especially in the area of green collaboration in buyer and supplier relationships.

Considerato il loro rilevante impatto ambientale, le attività logistiche e di trasporto rivestono un ruolo critico per aumentare la sostenibilità ambientale della supply chain. Infatti, il successo delle politiche di sostenibilità delle imprese industriali dipende in misura crescente dall’utilizzo di servizi di trasporto e logistica a basso impatto ambientale. Ciò significa che le imprese che acquistano servizi logistici devono porre una attenzione sempre maggiore alla sostenibilità ambientale di tali servizi. Ciò risulta particolarmente problematico per le piccole e medie imprese (PMI) a causa della loro tradizionale scarsità di risorse manageriali, organizzative e finanziarie che si riflette nella sottovalutazione della variabile ambientale. Nonostante il problema della sostenibilità ambientale degli approvvigionamenti ha ricevuto una attenzione crescente sia dal punto di vista scientifico che della pratica aziendale, pochi sono gli studi che hanno riguardato l’acquisto di servizi logistici e di trasporto sostenibili soprattutto con riferimento alle piccole imprese. Scopo di questo lavoro è di esplorare l’importanza della sostenibilità ambientale nella gestione della funzione approvvigionamenti e nell’acquisto di servizi logistici e di trasporto per identificare quali sono le implicazioni più rilevanti per le imprese acquirenti di piccola dimensione. A tal fine sono stati analizzati e confrontati sei casi aziendali in tre diversi paesi europei (Italia, Irlanda e Svezia). I risultati indicano che nonostante sia emerso un livello di consapevolezza ambientale relativamente elevato per l’impresa nel suo complesso, minore importanza è attribuita alla sostenibilità ambientale della funzione acquisti. Con specifico riferimento all’acquisto di servizi di trasporto e logistica il ruolo e l’importanza attribuita alla sostenibilità ambientale diminuisce ulteriormente. I risultati evidenziano l’esistenza di un atteggiamento incoerente tra il ruolo attribuito alla sostenibilità a livello dell’impresa nel suo complesso, alle attività di approvvigionamento in generale e all’acquisto di servizi di trasporto e logistica in particolare. Ciò suggerisce che una potenziale area di miglioramento su cui il management delle piccole imprese può intervenire riguarda la collaborazione con fornitori di servizi logistici e di trasporto con i quali dovrebbero essere condivise iniziative, progetti e investimenti in sostenibilità.

A Survey Based Analysis of IT Adoption and 3PLs’ Performance

Pietro Evangelista et al. — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:36:59 PST

Purpose – In today’s competitive scenario, effective supply chain management is increasingly dependant on third party logistics (3PL) companies’ capabilities and performance. The dissemination of information technology (IT) has contributed to change the supply chain role of 3PL companies and IT is considered an important element influencing performance of modern logistics companies. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between IT and 3PLs’ performance, assuming that logistics capabilities play a mediating role in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach – Empirical evidence based on a questionnaire survey conducted on a sample of logistics service companies operating in the Italian market was used to test a conceptual resource based view (RBV) framework linking IT adoption, logistics capabilities and firm performance. Factor analysis and ordinary least square (OLS) regression analysis have been used to test hypotheses. The focus of the paper is multidisciplinary in nature; management of information systems, strategy, logistics and supply chain management approaches have been combined in the analysis.

Findings – The results indicate strong relationships among data gathering technologies, transactional capabilities and firm performance, in terms of both efficiency and effectiveness. Moreover, a positive correlation between enterprise information technologies and 3PL financial performance has been found.

Originality/value – The paper successfully uses the concept of logistics capabilities as mediating factor between IT adoption and firm performance. Objective measures have been proposed for IT adoption and logistics capabilities. Direct and indirect relationships among variables have been successfully tested.

Towards a Unified Definition of Supply Chain Management

Edward Sweeney — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:36:33 PDT

A wide range of definitions of supply chain management (SCM) have been developed over the last three decades. The philosophy of SCM is based firmly on a recognition that it is only by working in a more integrated manner that competitive advantage can be maximised. However, for this to become a reality the development of common definitions and understandings between supply chain partners is a critical success factor. The corollary of this is that a lack of definitional consistency and a common understanding is an inhibitor to the successful adoption of SCM thinking in practice. This paper reviews a number of definitions of SCM, as well as discussions and analyses of such definitions. This leads to the central point posited in the paper – the need for a ‘unified definition’. Such a definitional construct, labelled the Four Fundamentals of SCM, is proposed with the core of the paper providing a narrative description of this construct based on a wide range of literature.

Editorial to the LRN2004 Annual Conference Special Issue fo the International Journal of Logistics: Research and Applications

Edward Sweeney — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 05:40:58 PDT

Come le Piccole Imprese lLogistiche Italiane Utilizzano I'ICT

Pietro Evangelista et al. — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 06:53:50 PDT

Supply Chain Design and Re-Engineering: a Systems Approach

Edward Sweeney — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 09:24:25 PDT

Effective adoption of ICT in the supply chain

Edward Sweeney — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 03:31:16 PST

Fuzzy Knowledge-Based Approach to Treating Uncertainty in Inventory Control

Dobrilla Petrovic et al. — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 02:56:54 PST

Inventory control in complex manufacturing environments encounters various sources of uncertainity and imprecision. This paper presents one fuzzy knowledge-based approach to solving the problem of order quantity determination, in the presence of uncertain demand, lead time and actual inventory level. Uncertain data are represented by fuzzy numbers, and vaguely defined relations between them are modeled by fuzzy if-then rules. The proposed representation and inference mechanism are verified using a large numbers of examples. The results of three representative cases are summarized. Finally a comparison between the developed fuzzy knowledge-based and traditional, probabilistic approaches is discussed.

Tradition Versus Technology: Careers Fairs in the 21st Century

Christiane Brennan et al. — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 02:52:41 PST

The traditional methods of graduate recruitment do not adequately meet the needs of the changing profile of students and graduates. As industry becomes internationalized, the needs of employers are also changing. Graduate recruitment is in response to short term needs and varying levels of experience are required. A case study method was used in Dublin Institute of Technology to evaluate effectiveness of a virtual careers fair in providing greater access to job opportunities for students and graduates. Access by employers to potential employees was also measured. Findings showed that while access improved, other issues requiring attention emerged.

Purchasing Consortia and Electronic Markets: a Procurement Direction in Integrated Supply Chain Management

Bernd Huber et al. — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 02:47:36 PST

In supply chain management literature, there has been little empirical research investigation on purchasing consortium issues focusing on a detailed analysis of information and communication (ICT) based procurement strategies. Based on the exploration of academic literature and two surveys among purchasing organisations as well as e-Marketplaces / procurement service providers (PSPs) in the automotive and electronics industry sectors, the research methodology follows a positivistic approach in order to assess the overall statement: ‘Effective participation in electronic purchasing consortia (EPC) can have the potential to enhance competitive advantage. Implementation therefore requires a clear and detailed understanding of the major process structures and drivers, based upon thetechnology-organisation-environment framework.’ Key factors and structures that affect the adoption and diffusion of EPC and the performance impact of adoption are investigated. The empirically derived model for EPC can be a valuable starting point to EPC research.

B2B E-marketplaces in the Airline Industry: Process Drivers and Performance indicators

Claudia-Maria Wagner et al. — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 02:38:47 PST

Competitive pressures are increasing within and between different strategically oriented groups of airlines. This paper focuses on the level of efficiency improvements gained by using e-Marketplaces in the procurement process. Findings from a survey among 88 international airlines reveal that the use of Business-to-Business (B2B) e-Marketplaces does play different roles across the various airline groupings. Airlines that are involved in strategic alliances show higher joint procurement activities than airlines that are not involved in strategic alliances. However, alliances are probably viewed as loose arrangements and thus airlines may be reluctant to share information on procurement prices and processes with another airline that could also be acting as a competitor. The financial involvement in or initiation of e-Marketplaces by airlines is very low. Low cost airlines show high use of e-Marketplaces, but demonstrate little financial involvement in contrast. Overall, the categories of spares and repairs, office supplies, tools and ground support equipment (GSE) show the greatest potential for reducing costs and increasing procurement process efficiencies. The intense competitive pressures facing carriers will make their search for tools to realise even incremental savings and efficiency gains ever more urgent. There is evidence that e-Marketplaces are one tool to improve such performance indicators.

Putting Supply Chain Learning Theory into Practice: Lessons from an Irish Case

Edward Sweeney et al. — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 02:34:47 PST

The logistics service market is currently going through a fundamental transition. The development of closer relationships with customers and the continuous adaptation of products and services, represent potentially successful approaches to the development of improved competitive capability. To this end knowledge resources and learning processes increasingly represent key elements within the evolving framework of the 3PL business. This paper describes the case of NITL’s Foundation Certificate Programme (FCP) learning programme with specific reference to its use in addressing some of current shortcomings related to supply chain knowledge and skills in the Irish third party logistics (3PL) industry. The FCP rationale is based on the need to move from traditional approaches of supply chain organisation where the various links in the chain were measured and managed in isolation from each other and thus tended to operate at cross purposes, towards more integrated approaches.

Supply Chain Learning Needs: Towards a Port Community Perspective

Edward Sweeney et al. — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 02:26:45 PST

The traditional role of ports in the wider supply chain context is currently being subject to a process
of radical review. In broad terms, the traditional model is being replaced by a model which focuses on higher value and more knowledge intensive activities. This trend requires a change in the way in which new knowedge and skills are developed by staff in companies of all kinds within port communities. Traditional models need to be re-evaluated to reflect the increasing importance of knowledge and skills acquisition, particularly in relation to the supply chain management (SCM) concept and the evolving role of information and communications technology (ICT) in improving supply chain capability. This paper describes the case of NITL’s Foundation Certificate Programme (FCP) learning programme with specific reference to its use in addressing some of current shortcomings related to supply chain knowledge and skills in port communities. The FCP rationale is based on the need to move from traditional approaches of supply chain organisation where the various links in the chain were measured and managed in isolation from each other and thus tended to operate at cross purposes, towards more cooperative and integrated approaches.

E-Procurement in the Aviation Industry: Value Creation Potential of B2B Emarketplaces

Claudia-Maria Wagner et al. — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 02:22:54 PST

In academic literature, only limited research has been undertaken in exploring the value creation of B2B (Business-to-Business) e-Marketplace models in the aviation industry. The aim of this publication is a theoretical analysis to explore whether or not B2B e-Marketplaces can make a contribution to the achievement of competitive advantage in procurement in the aviation industry. The research focuses on the potential of B2B e-Marketplaces in terms of improving an airline’s competitiveness in its procurement value chain and discusses empirical results from a survey among international e-Marketplace / portal operators

Port Community Learning Needs: Analysis and Design

Edward Sweeney et al. — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 02:16:52 PST

The port industry is facing a dramatic wave of changes that have transformed the structure of the
industry. Modern seaports are increasingly shifting from a “hardware-based” approach towards “knowhow intensive” configuration. In this context knowledge resources, learning processes and training initiatives increasingly represent key elements to guarantee the quality of service supplied and hence the competitiveness of modern seaport communities. This paper describes the learning needs analysis conducted amongst key port community actors in three ports in the south east of Ireland during 2005 in the context of the I-Sea.Net project. It goes on to describe the learning requirements report and the
training design carried out based on this analysis.

Techonology Usage in the Supply Chain: the Case of Small 3PLs

Pietro Evangelista et al. — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 08:50:14 PST

Purpose - In today’s supply chain management (SCM) practices, a successful strategy depends
increasingly on the performance of Third Party Logistics (3PL) providers as they play a key
integrative role linking the different supply chain elements more effectively. Information and
Communications Technology (ICT) has become an important element of 3PL competitive
capability as it enables higher levels of supply chain integration. Recent industry developments
have widened the technological gap between large and small 3PLs. This is critical particularly for
those markets populated by a large number of small 3PLs such as the Italian logistics industry. The
purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of ICT adoption in small logistics service providers.
The focus of the study is the Italian 3PL market.
Design/methodology/approach - The methodology adopted in this paper is based on the action
research framework and it is a combination of theoretical analysis and empirical findings (focus
groups and surveys). Firstly, a literature review on ICT dissemination in the international and Italian
3PL industry has been carried out. Then, a field survey has been developed preceded by two focus
groups. The empirical investigation examined a sample of 153 small Italian 3PLs on the base of a
definition and taxonomy proposed by the authors.
Findings - The results provide a useful technological profile of the surveyed companies, as well as
an analysis of the role of ICT in customising services and of the factors influencing ICT adoption.
Research limitations/implications - To give a more robust scientific justification of the survey
results it would be useful to carry out an additional large scale analysis including other countries
with a high presence of small logistics service companies. Furthermore, a complementary case
study analysis would be of help in defining the role of specific factors in different types of 3PL.
Given the importance of small logistics providers in contemporary supply chain configurations, the
main implication from a research point of view is that further investigations in this field are needed
to better understand innovation paths, and how ICT can improve the competitive capabilities of
3PLs and of the wider supply chain.
Practical implications - The practical implications deriving from this paper are twofold. Firstly,
managers of small 3PLs can use findings to set up guidelines for improving a company’s
technology innovation. Technology vendors can use findings to better market their service/product
into the small logistics service provider segment.

An Investigation into Outsourcing Practice in Ireland: a New Direction in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Aoife O'Riordan et al. — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 08:47:06 PST

Companies are increasingly focusing on the development of core competencies as an integral part of their overall strategy development and implementation. The corollary of this is that functions regarded as being non-core are being outsourced. This paper investigates the case for and against outsourcing and in addition what is happening in Ireland regards outsourcing. Furthermore to analysis of current literature in
the field, an Irish-wide postal and e-mail survey, as well as three case studies revealed many interesting facts. The key findings of the work are manufacturing outsourcing is now the most popular function to be outsourced for both small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and large enterprises. Large enterprises (LEs) do not prepare or examine hidden costs more than SMEs, nor do they differ much in relation to the use of consultants. Furthermore, the importance of time spent on preparing or producing contract, and the
impact the contract can have on the supplier-buyer relation do not differ significantly. It was found that
most companies outsourced within Ireland, which led to further investigation in that area. In relation to logistics outsourcing specifically, this has become very important in the supply chain over the last 20 years as an activity that was traditionally handled by firms as a support function. At that time logistics activities such as warehousing, distribution, transportation and inventory management were given low priority compared with other business functions within the organisation. However, since the customer has become more demanding, the logistics function has now become a source of competitive advantage and there has been a growing emphasis on providing good customer service.

The Need for Wider Supply Chain Management Adoption: Empirical Results from Ireland

Bernd Huber et al. — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 08:29:36 PST

Purpose - Empirical results are provided which suggest that there is a need for more widespread adoption of supply chain management among Irish firms.

Design/methodology/approach - The Republic of Ireland is a small, open, trade-dependent economy and is one of the fastest growing economies in the developed world. However, due to rising costs, there is an increasing trend in Ireland to outsource lower function manufacturing processes to lower cost locations but to retain high skill functions (such as R&D). This trend, together with other factors such as its peripheral location, suggests that supply chain management is critical from an Irish perspective. In order to gain unique insights of current levels of awareness / adoption of SCM and the potential impact SCM could have on the competitiveness, a survey was conducted among 776 Irish firms.

Supply Chain Management Diffusion Among Firms in the Republic of Ireland

Edward Sweeney et al. — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 08:24:36 PST

The changing business environment has sharpened the focus on the need for robust approaches to supply chain management (SCM) and the improvement of supply chain capability and performance. This is particularly the case in Ireland, which has the natural disadvantage of a location peripheral to significant markets and sources of raw materials which results in relatively high transport and distribution costs. Therefore, in order to gain insights into current levels of diffusion of SCM, a survey was conducted among 776 firms in the Republic of Ireland. The empirical results suggest that there is a need for more widespread adoption of SCM among Irish firms. This is particularly the case in relation to the four main elements of SCM excellence reported on in this paper. The design of supply chain solutions is a highly skilled, knowledge-intensive and complex activity, reflected in a shift from “box moving” to the design and implementation of customised supply chain solutions. Education and training needs to be addressed by stimulating the development of industry-relevant logistics and SCM resources and skills.