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Both public and private hospitals are increasingly under pressure to reduce costs while improving patient care across all medical disciplines and departments. Hospitals must become patient-oriented, lean, and agile in order to properly realign and integrate health care processes, helping to reconcile efficiency imperatives with patient needs and hospital mission. One of the highest potential for improvement can be found in supply chain management (SCM) practices for medical supplies, which often represent more than 40% of a hospital’s operating budget. We report on 3 case studies of business process management and reengineering projects, relying on advanced information technology, focused on the supply chains of two major urban hospitals, involving $2 million in minimum stocks for drug inventory. Case study 1 deals with an in-depth analysis of SCM practices around a key medical asset in pharmaceutical supply, i.e. infusion pumps. Case study 2 builds upon the findings of case 1, and proposes an radio-frequency identification solution to support a new hospital-wide asset location process and system, aiming for just-in-time availability of infusion pumps for critical drugs administration. Case study 3 complements cases 1 and 2 by analysing the feasibility of integrating the various components of the hospital pharmacy inventories, which in turn could be integrated to asset location systems. Our 3 case studies lead us to a number of conclusions on how hospitals can develop a patient-oriented, agile, and lean perspectives and practices, as well as ensure the proper integration of patient needs within optimised supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent literature on supply chain partnerships in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), there is controversy regarding the benefits of these partnerships. To resolve this controversy, specific information is needed on the implementation of these partnerships by SMEs; an area, that, thus far, has received little academic attention. In this paper, we examine different business functions (production, marketing and sales, purchasing and logistics, research and development (R&D) and finance) within a supply chain partnership. We collected data for each individual function from 279 high-tech SMEs and examined the relationship between the specific types of partnerships and the overall performance of the SMEs. The results indicate that it is only in the area of R&D that partnerships have a significant positive effect on overall firm performance. The results imply that SMEs primarily can benefit from particular types of supply chain partnerships, i.e. R&D partnerships. The results contribute to the debate in the literature by explaining why many SMEs were found not to benefit from these partnerships. We also provide implications for firms and how SMEs can better utilise supply chain management (SCM). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this paper is to develop a new approach to supplier segmentation that considers the various variables used in existing literature to segment suppliers. A literature review reveals a serious problem from a management perspective. The problem is that many different supplier segmentation methods have been proposed in the last three decades, each of which uses different segmentation variables and hence results in different segments. An overarching supplier segmentation method, considering various segmentation variables, is lacking. Based on an extensive literature review, we have analysed the current methods and we conclude that the literature on supplier segmentation can be divided into three different schools of thoughts. By clearly identifying the deficiencies of the existing theory on supplier segmentation, we developed a new approach. As the basis for this new approach, we developed three requirements to make an overarching approach to supplier segmentation. Firstly, supplier segmentation should be based on their long-term potential, which we propose to assess in terms of supplier capabilities and willingness to cooperate. Secondly, other functional areas beyond purchasing have to be considered when segmenting suppliers. Thirdly, supplier segmentation should be viewed as a step in a longitudinal process that includes selecting suppliers, segmenting them, managing the relationship with them and actively developing their role over time. We illustrate the proposed approach by segmenting the suppliers of a company in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Industrial organisations must supply a variety of products and services, meet the needs of fragmented customer expectations, and cope with the consequences of the globalisation of world markets, all of which are producing significant levels of complexity. This study develops a new quantitative measurement of complexity for a supply network based on network analysis, which is often used to study natural ecosystems, focusing in particular on the concept of entropy of information. The research reports advances in both theory on the supply network analysis problem and on its application to industrial contexts. Eight indexes based on entropy are presented. These measures provide a meaningful analysis of the level of complexity in the whole supply network mapping the exchanges of goods between the different actors in the network. The impact of possible modifications of the structure can simply be evaluated using these tools, providing a simple evaluation of the different scenarios. The proposed method takes a holistic point of view to tackle the problem of supply network optimisation. A real world application of the developed new methodology is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of logistic distribution systems is one of the most critical and strategic issues in industrial facility management. The aim of this study is to develop and apply innovative mixed integer programming optimization models to design and manage dynamic (i.e. multi-period) multi-stage and multi-commodity location allocation problems (LAP). LAP belong to the NP-hard complexity class of decision problems, and the generic occurrence requires simultaneous determination of the number of logistic facilities (e.g. production plants, warehousing systems, distribution centres), their locations, and assignment of customer demand to them. The proposed models use a mixed integer linear programming solver to find solutions in complex industrial applications even when several entities are involved (production plants, distribution centres, customers, etc.). Lastly, the application of the proposed models to a significant case study is presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A regional logistics hub is a constellation of multiple logistics facilities in a region of several provinces or states. This research models an integrated regional logistics hub with consideration of time-phased demand in a multi-echelon, multi-period, and capacitated logistics network. The integrated logistics hub considers three phases based on the characteristics of China’s five-year planning policy. By applying mixed integer linear programming, the greedy heuristics approach, the particle swarm optimization algorithm, and the Hungarian method, the location of logistics facilities at different echelons of a supply chain is identified and the needs for facility expansion or closing during different time periods are determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The model developed in this paper aims to explain how mobile technology enables collaborative capabilities that enhance business process performance (BPP). The proposed model is tested using survey data gathered from managers in six European countries. The results suggest that, while mobile technology is positively associated with both external and internal collaborative capabilities, BPP improves to the utmost when the development of internal capabilities precedes the development of external ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research is to optimize safe, secure, and cost-effective fuel distribution in Afghanistan. In the solving process of this decision-making optimization problem; first, the route and the total distribution cost of the outsourced third party logistics (3PL) company was calculated. Then the same cost calculations was done both with the suggested “Integer Linear Programming” and “Fuzzy Integer Linear Programmings” comparatively. Research has indicated that the Integer Linear Programming Model forecasts a cost savings of 7.2%, while the Fuzzy Integer Linear Programming forecasts 10.7%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supply chain management (SCM) and building information modelling (BIM) are innovations that focus on integration. Recent literature suggests performance benefits from combining these innovations. Within supply chain (SC) partnerships, that use BIM – hereinafter called BIM-enabled SC partnerships – various formal and informal dimensions influence the inter-organizational relations. To understand such partnerships, a mixed method approach featuring case studies and social networks analysis (SNA) was deployed. SNA was an analytic approach to explore the complex relations within two Dutch BIM-enabled projects. The inter-organizational relations were asymmetrical and formal in Case A, emphasizing transactions, whereas in Case B, they were asymmetrical and informal, emphasizing relations. The transactional-oriented partnership had greater control over contractual issues, but their formal relations were not sufficient for diffusing BIM-related knowledge across the chain. Conversely, the relational-oriented partnership engaged the partners in BIM by informal means, e.g. dense communication and BIM-related peer-learning across all tiers. Symmetric and jointly fostered formal and informal relations contribute to SC integration. The study extends the knowledge base of SCM and BIM, by offering real-world data on their combination. Besides providing new insights into SNA deployment for BIM-related research, it also offers a novel constructivist and inter-organizational perspective on the old concept of SCM. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this contribution, we aim to prioritise the indicators to enhance the organisational supply chain's (SC) effectiveness from an industrial perspective. It will help industries to develop strategies for managing the SC effectively and ensuring improvement in performance continuously. To achieve this, this work proposes to use a two-phase research methodology. First, 36 SC performance improvement indicators are recognised from a literature survey and from field and industrial expert's inputs. Secondly, a structural model is proposed using the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to prioritise the indicators strategically to improve the SC performance. The fuzzy AHP method helps determine the priority of concerns of the identified indicators under fuzzy surroundings. Inputs in this research are taken from four ancillary Indian plastic manufacturing firms. Research findings indicate that collaborations and information exchange dimension indicators obtained the highest priority in improving SC performance. The model proposed is considered very useful for the SC managers/practitioners/decision-makers to understand better and distinguish the essential SC performance improvement indicators and to take systematic decisions specifically to improve the performance of business in a SC context. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine the priority ranking of the indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the Supply Chain Management (SCM) concept was born at the beginning of the 1980s, research in the field was almost non-existent until the mid-1990s. Since then, the growth of SCM research has been exponential. Currently, SCM is making the change from being an emerging research field to becoming a consolidated one. The aim of this paper is to analyse the way SCM has developed from its origins and to determine whether its present development corresponds to the needs that companies are experiencing. This article provides a frame of reference for SCM research, which is essential for the definitive consolidation of a fledgling field such as this. It also allows any possible gap between SCM research and practice to be minimised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Enterprise Resource Planning systems (ERP) are effective ways to achieve competitive advantage and improve organizational performance. This research investigates SCM and ERP systems dimensions and tests their relationships with competitive advantage and organizational performance. A survey is conducted on 216 Tunisian managers. Data are analyzed using principal components analysis and relationships are tested using linear regression. Results show the importance of SCM and ERP systems adoption. It reveals their positive impact on organizational performance and competitive advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper estimates the shareholder wealth affects of supply chain disruptions. The results are based on a sample of 838 disruption announcements made during 1989-2001. Shareholder wealth affects are estimated by computing the abnormal stock returns (actual returns adjusted for industry and market-wide influences) around the date when information about disruptions is publicly announced. Supply chain disruption announcements are associated with an abnormal decrease in shareholder value of 10.28%. We find that larger firms experience a less negative market reaction, and firms with higher growth prospects experience a more negative reaction. We also provide descriptive results on how sources of responsibility and reasons for disruptions affect shareholder wealth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thorough study of X party material flow (XPMF), its theory and its applications is conducted in this research. The X material flow concept is an extension of the material flow (MF) theory. To further elucidate that XPMF is one type of MF service model with PMF (party, material, flow) fractal structure and the characteristics of XPMF, we develop the three-pyramid synergetic operational model of XPMF. Through the analysis of several cases, we believe that OIR (Objective relational grade, Information sharing grade, and Resource complementary grade) is the set of order parameters that control and determine the formation of XPMF new structure and its degree of being ordered. Therefore it reveals the mechanism of XPMF formation and evolution. We also provide the principles and the methods for XPMF control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines effectiveness of Q-learning as a tool for specifying agent attributes and behaviours in agent-based supply network models. Agent-based modelling (ABM) has been increasingly employed to study supply chain and supply network problems. A challenging task in building agent-based supply network models is to properly specify agent attributes and behaviours. Machine learning techniques, such as Q-learning, can be a useful tool for this purpose. Q-learning is a reinforcement learning technique that has been shown to be an effective adaptation and searching mechanism in distributed settings. In this study, Q-learning is employed by supply network agents to search for 'optimal' values for a parameter in their operating policies simultaneously and independently. Methods are designed to identify the 'optimal' parameter values against which effectiveness of the learning is evaluated. Robustness of the learning's effectiveness is also examined through consideration of different model settings and scenarios. Results show that Q-learning is very effective in finding the 'optimal' parameter values in all model settings and scenarios considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the Internet within supply chain management (SCM) and manufacturing planning and control (MPC) is growing rapidly. To date, this technology has been embraced to the greatest extent by large companies and rather standardised planning tools. In contrast, tools designed for customised industries have received less attention, while small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lag behind in their adoption of the Internet. Workload control (WLC) is a MPC concept designed for complex production environments and is particularly attractive to SMEs with limited financial resources. This paper explores the implications of enhancing an existing decision support system (DSS), based on a WLC concept, with web-functionality in order to improve both the practical applicability of the tool and the integration of the supply chain. This extension is based on evidence gathered from the literature, a case study company and the requests of a repeat customer of this company. Ten propositions for future research emerge from this process. These propositions cover issues such as: (1) the potential for interference with internal planning processes when web-functionality provides customers with the opportunity to monitor the progress of jobs; (2) the potential for reduced uncertainty during customer enquiry management when more impersonalised contact encourages bid rejection information to be shared; and (3) the potential effect of information sharing on the frequency of customer queries regarding the likely due date adherence of jobs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The definitions and classifications of any new phenomenon build a strong foundation for further research. Although research on electronic marketplaces (EMs) has proliferated in recent years, related definitions and classifications are still confusing and misleading. The purpose of this paper is to perform a review of the EM literature, and to clarify and explain published information about electronic marketplaces. For EM definitions, we emphasise (1) the difference between EMs as governance structures and as business models, and (2) EMs at different levels of centralisation. For EM classifications, we summarise nine of the most commonly mentioned classifications, and examine the differences and correlations among them. By doing so, potential confusion and common misunderstanding about the different EM definitions and classifications are clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intense competition, rapidly declining prices, unpredictable customer demand, and constrained material supplies are facts of life in the global copper clad laminate (CCL) market. Collaboration across the supply chain has become a crucial element in the creation of business value in such a complex manufacturing environment. The collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment (CPFR) process is a powerful tool to enhance the cooperation between partners from upstream to the vendor/suppliers and downstream to the customer. In this paper, we applied the CPFR process in Hong Kong CCL industry for validation in manufacturing field. In the past CPFR pilot cases, most of these were concentrated on the grocery industry. As there are significant differences between the grocery and copper clad laminate businesses, the modified model for implementing the CPFR with the consideration of the engineering change control in order to enhance the responsiveness to the market change is proposed to account for the differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high degree of uncertainty of customer demand makes it difficult for e-Biz companies to facilitate their profit maximization. The type of e-Biz company focused in this paper is a B2C (business-to-customer) which connects customers with product manufacturers through the Web interface. In this paper, the B2C company interacts with customers, multiple external manufacturers and a single transportation system. To deal with complicated interactions and relationships among customers, manufacturers and a transportation system, a comprehensive management system to support the B2C company is inevitable. This paper proposes a fractal-based framework for the management of e-Biz companies, where each member in the supply chain is modelled with a self-similar structure referred to as a 'fractal'. The basic fractal unit (BFU) consists of five functional modules, including an observer, an analyser, a resolver, an organizer and a reporter. In this paper, functions of each module will be defined with UML (Unified Modelling Language). Then, the analysers and the resolvers (modules associated with decision-making) for each individual fractal will be specified with mathematical models. A profit model for the company-level fractal will then be formulated. Finally, a numerical example for an exemplary e-Biz company functioning B2C will be presented for the illustration of the proposed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]