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This paper presents a rolling horizon-based framework for real-time relief distribution in the aftermath of disasters. This framework consists of two modules. One is a state estimation and prediction module, which predicts relief demands and delivery times. The other is a relief distribution module, which solves for optimal relief distribution flows. The goal is to minimize the total time to deliver relief goods to satisfy the demand, considering uncertain data and of the risk-averse attitude of the decision-maker. A numerical example based on the large-scale earthquake that occurred on September 21, 1999 in Taiwan is presented to demonstrate the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rather than adding up all cost items of ship operation in the traditional vessel-based approach, this paper develops a theoretical model to evaluate and decompose the total factor productivity (TFP) growth of the container shipping industry in Taiwan. The results show that scale economies and ship size economies play the dominant roles in improving TFP growth. Since 2006, the dominance of TFP growth has gradually shifted from scale economies to ship size economies. This finding reconfirms the cost advantage of large vessels. In addition, it indicates that the deployment of large vessels has led to a problem of serious over-capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In recent years, due to the rapid growth rate of Taiwanese aviation traffic volume and the air traffic controllers’ (ATCs) unique job characteristics (ATCs is a profession job that involves heavy stress), leading to a shortage of ATCs. The paper offers an empirical study about the sources of pressure that make ATCs in Taiwan want to leave their jobs. Besides, another contribution of this study is to explore the relationships between turnover tendencies and two important factors, job stress and job satisfaction, among Taiwanese ATCs. We apply a path technique to analyze the proposed relationship model. The empirical results show that job satisfaction has a mediating effect on the relationships between the sources of job stress and turnover tendency. Additionally, the workload of job stressors had the most effect on turnover tendency, followed by family factors and job satisfaction. Work environment and role conflict were found to have indirect rather than direct effects on turnover tendency as mediated by job satisfaction. The results can provide valuable insights into the management of ATCs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study empirically examines the relationships between internal green practices, external green integration, green performance, and firm competitiveness in the container shipping context. We collect data from a survey of 163 container shipping firms in Taiwan, and apply a structural equation model (SEM) to test the research hypotheses. We confirm that internal green practices and external green collaboration have positive impacts on green performance, which in turn helps to enhance firm competitiveness. The findings show that a firm’s green performance and external green collaboration act as mediator variables between internal green practices and firm competitiveness, and they influence firm competitiveness positively. We also discuss in this paper the managerial implications for container shipping firms to improve their green performance and competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper explores access mode choice behavior, using a survey data collected in Taiwan. The latent class nested logit model is used to capture flexible substitution patterns among alternatives and preference heterogeneity across individuals while simultaneously identifying the number, sizes, and characteristics of market segments. The results indicate that a four-segment latent class nested logit model with individual characteristics in segment membership functions is the most preferred specification. Most high-speed rail travelers were cost-sensitive to access modes, and thus strategies that reduce the access costs can be more effective than reducing the access times. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recently, many companies have recognized the concepts of green supply chain management or supply chain environmental management. However, relatively little research attention has been devoted to the consideration of relations between greening the supply chain, green innovation, environmental performance and competitive advantage. Hence, this paper aims to bridge this gap by providing empirical evidence to encourage companies to implement green supply chain and green innovation in order to improve their environmental performance, and to enhance their competitive advantage in the global market. A model is constructed to link the aforementioned constructs. Data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey across 124 companies from eight industry sectors in Taiwan. The data are analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling and the results from the final measurement model are used to evaluate the structural model that verifies the significance of the proposed relationships. A prominent result of this study is that greening the supplier through green innovation contributes significant benefits to the environmental performance and competitive advantage of the firm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a new research model to examine the factors influencing the knowledge sharing and implementation in inter-organizational relationships. In this study, we examine how relational risk affects the willingness to share knowledge and how this association is affected by the tangible relational value (relational benefits) and intangible relational value (guanxi). Data are collected from 436 green manufacturing firms that are among the top 1000 Taiwanese manufacturing firms of 2008 listed by Business Weekly. Relational risk is found to be negatively associated with willingness to share knowledge. Our results show that relational benefits and guanxi between partners improve the negative effect of relational risk on knowledge sharing. The findings of the study provide useful insights into how green supply chain members should reinforce their relational benefits and guanxi activities that would improve their value-based relationships, in order to enhance the environmentally knowledge sharing for the green supply chain as a whole. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of the research described in this paper is to evaluate the relationship between the service capabilities and performance of UK and Taiwanese third-party logistics (3PL) providers. A study is presented based on a recent survey. The results identify the most important services offered by 3PLs and the most important aspects of 3PL operational performance. The results also suggest that excellence in operations is more important than wide-ranging service provision. Furthermore, the research suggests that the range of service provision offered by 3PLs does not directly influence the 3PLs’ financial performance. However, 3PL providers with service capabilities that correspond to the key priorities of customers will gain superior financial performance through a better operational performance. Similarities and differences between logistics practices in the UK and Taiwan are highlighted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper utilizes a confirmatory passenger continuance behavior model to appraise high-speed rail service quality and performance. Surveys are administered for Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) and Korea Train eXpress (KTX) corporations to gain an understanding of passengers’ perceptions of the operational performance using a proposed satisfaction index. A modified importance–performance analysis is employed to enable elaboration of strategic service management decisions. The empirical study concludes that level of access to THSR station and personal space on KTX train are the top-priority quality indicators that need to be addressed to improve customer satisfaction and corporate profits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper examines the practicability and validity of the Multi-Objective Goal Programming (MOGP) model in designing a point-to-point airline network. The MOGP mathematical model is used in this study to identify and select a best central airport and its connecting airports providing the best overall optimal performance. By using the proposed model in the selection process, one can expect to achieve the following objectives: (1) an airline network designed at less cost, (2) an airline network that generates more revenues, and (3) an airline network that serves more passengers. Route data from Taipei to the Southeast Asian region were selected for this experiment to validate the model’s practicability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper extends the gaps model of [Zeithaml, V.A., Parasuraman, A., Berry, L. 1990. Delivering Quality Service: Balancing Customer Perceptions and Expectation. The Free Press, New York] from the service provider to the business customer side by examining two service quality (SQ) gaps. One is the SQ gap between types of business customers and the other is the SQ gap among employee statuses of business customers. Besides that, the five-factor SERVQUAL measure as the initial hypothesized model is also tested. The applicability of SERVQUAL to measuring the perceived SQ of customers in the shipping industry of Taiwan is rejected empirically. The existence of the two hypothesized gaps is verified by the method of MANOVA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper studies the multi-product cost structure and productivity growth of the Taiwan Railway through the period 1991–2000. A short-run translog cost function is estimated using monthly time-series data in which pension/compensation expenses are regarded as a quasi-fixed factor, and the variables of operating characteristics for freight and passenger services are incorporated. Our results show technological change in the Taiwan Railway is not Hick’s neutral, and both economies of scale and scope are present. Further, TFP growth has improved in recent years and is mainly driven by technological progress and scale economies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents a hybrid fuzzy-based method that integrates fuzzy-AHP and fuzzy-MADM approaches for identifying global logistics (GL) strategies when corresponding supply and demand environments are complicated and uncertain. Before applying the methodology, six typical types of GL strategic modes were specified with their distinctive channels of physical distribution and information flows. Survey data collected from integrated circuit (IC) manufacturers in Taiwan was used to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method. The empirical results indicate that the proposed method can be used to identify GL strategies when the factors that influence GL are complex and uncertain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]