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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine when and how organizations build big data analytics capability (BDAC) to improve supply chain agility (SCA) and gain competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachThe authors grounded the theoretical framework in two perspectives: the dynamic capabilities view and contingency theory. To test the research hypotheses, the authors gathered 173 usable responses using a pre-tested questionnaire.FindingsThe results suggest that BDAC has a positive and significant effect on SCA and competitive advantage. Further, the results support the hypothesis that organizational flexibility (OF) has a positive and significant moderation effect on the path joining BDAC and SCA. However, contrary to the belief, the authors found no support for the moderation effect of OF on the path joining BDAC and competitive advantage.Originality/valueThe study makes some useful contributions to the literature on BDAC, SCA, OF, and competitive advantage. Moreover, the results may further motivate future scholars to replicate the findings using longitudinal data.

PurposeWith considerable international awareness of circular economy (CE), the purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical framework, informed by institutional theory and upper echelon theory (UET), to explain how top management commitment (TMC) mediates the relationship between external pressures and supplier relationship management (SRM) practices for CE.Design/methodology/approachThe authors test the hypotheses using cross-sectional data gathered using a survey of companies involved in sustainability practices.FindingsThe results of the hierarchical regression and mediating regression analyses suggest that TMC positively mediates the effect of external institutional pressures on SRM.Originality/valueThe authors advance existing theory by integrating institutional theory and UET to explain SRM practices in sustainable supply networks. Furthermore, the authors offer guidance to managers who would like to engage in leveraging SRM in sustainable supply networks and outline future research directions.

In recent years, there has been a proliferation of interest in resilience in the supply chain field. Even though literature has acknowledged the antecedents of resilient supply chains, such as supply chain visibility, cooperation, and information sharing, their confluence in creating resilient supply chains where other behavioural issues are prevailing (i.e. trust and behavioural uncertainty) has not been studied. To address this gap, we conceptualized a theoretical framework firmly grounded in the resource based view (RBV) and the relational view that is tested for 250 manufacturing firms using hierarchical moderated regression analysis. The study offers a nuanced understanding of supply chain resilience and implications of supply chain visibility, cooperation, trust and behavioural uncertainty. Implications and suggestions for further research are provided.

This paper is a review of the current literature on modelling industrial processes and integrating automation along with the digitisation drive of Industry 4.0 with the purpose of identifying promising directions for future research. Future research will involve working with an automation integration company to develop and test a methodology for assessing manufacturing enterprises to identify areas or processes that can economically be made more efficient through robotics and automation. The expected outcome of the research will be a system that streamlines and speeds up automating and digitalising the manufacturing industry.

This study examines the effects of supply chain agility (SCAG) and supply chain resilience (SCRES) on performance under the moderating effect of organizational culture. We have used the dynamic cap...

Purpose A shortage of skills is recognized as a major source of risk in supply chain networks. This study uses two independent organizational theories to explain how to build applicable skills for continuous availability of appropriate supply chain talents. The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated framework that links human agency theory, social capital theory and supply chain skill. Design/methodology/approach This framework is analyzed in third party logistics (3PL) organizations by confirmatory factor analysis and tested using a survey. After pre-testing by six academics and six practitioners, and following the total design method, the data were collected from 183 3PL organizations in India. Data were checked to ensure no non-response bias. Research hypotheses were tested using WarpPLS-structural equation modeling. Findings A primary finding offers guidance to 3PL managers. Their driving role and mediating role of access to information and access to resources facilitate building supply chain skill. Leaders who invest in library, acquiring e-resources, offer financial support and create trust among employees are enablers of building supply chain skill. Originality/value This study classified 14 supply chain skills into three categories as: managerial skill, quantitative skill and supply chain core skill. The study could be extended to similar companies in other developing countries.

PurposeA low-carbon economy is the pressing need of the hour. Despite several efforts taken by the government and large corporations, there is still research to be conducted exploring the role of top management commitment in translating external pressures into responses that help to build low-carbon emissions in supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have grounded their framework in institutional theory, agency theory and contingency theory. On the basis of existing literature, four hypotheses were drawn. To test these hypotheses, a questionnaire was developed and pre-tested. Finally, statistical analyses were performed to test the research hypotheses using 176 samples gathered using a pre-tested questionnaire following Dillman’s (2007) total design test method.FindingsThe results suggest that coercive pressures and mimetic pressures under the mediating effect of top management commitment have a significant influence on organizational response to low-carbon emissions. The authors further note that supply base complexity has moderating effects on the link between top management commitment and organizational response towards low-carbon emissions.Originality/valueThis study offers valuable insights to those managers and environmental consultants who view supply base complexity as a limitation. However, the results indicate that supply base complexity may help to enhance the effectiveness of the top management commitment on organizational response towards low-carbon emissions.

The main objective of the study is to understand how big data analytics capability (BDAC) as an organizational culture can enhance trust and collaborative performance between civil and military organizations engaged in disaster relief operations. The theoretical framework is grounded in organizational information processing theory (OIPT). We have conceptualized an original theoretical model to show, using the competing value model (CVM), how BDAC, under a moderating influence of organizational culture, affects swift trust (ST) and collaborative performance (CP). We used WarpPLS 6.0 to test the proposed research hypotheses using multi-respondent data gathered through an email questionnaire sent to managers working in 373 organizations, including the military forces of different countries, government aid agencies, UN specialized agencies, international non-government organizations (NGOs), service providers, and contractors. The results offer four important implications. First, BDAC has a positive, significant effect on ST and CP. Second, flexible orientation (FO) and controlled orientation (CO) have no significant influence on building ST. Third, FO has a positive and significant moderating effect on the path joining BDAC and CP. Finally, CO has negative and significant moderating effect on the path joining BDAC and CP. The control variables: temporal orientation (TO) and interdependency (I) have significant effects on ST and CP. These results extend OIPT to create a better understanding of the application of information processing capabilities to build swift trust and improve collaborative performance. Furthermore, managers can derive multiple insights from this theoretically-grounded study to understand how BDAC can be exploited to gain insights in contexts of different management styles and cultures. We have also outlined the study limitations and provided numerous future research directions.

The purpose of this paper is to propose and test a theoretical framework to explain resilience in supply chain networks for sustainability using unstructured Big Data, based upon 36,422 items gathered in the form of tweets, news, Facebook, WordPress, Instagram, Google+, and YouTube, and structured data, via responses from 205 managers involved in disaster relief activities in the aftermath of Nepal earthquake in 2015. The paper uses Big Data analysis, followed by a survey which was analyzed using content analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The results of the analysis suggest that swift trust, information sharing and public–private partnership are critical enablers of resilience in supply chain networks. The current study used cross-sectional data. However the hypotheses of the study can be tested using longitudinal data to attempt to establish causality. The article advances the literature on resilience in disaster supply chain networks for sustainability in that (i) it suggests the use of Big Data analysis to propose and test particular frameworks in the context of resilient supply chains that enable sustainability; (ii) it argues that swift trust, public private partnerships, and quality information sharing link to resilience in supply chain networks; and (iii) it uses the context of Nepal, at the moment of the disaster relief activities to provide contemporaneous perceptions of the phenomenon as it takes place.

This paper argues for the use of Total Interpretive Structural Modeling (TISM) in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). The literature has identified antecedents and drivers for the adoption of SSCM. However, there is relatively little research on methodological approaches and techniques that take into account the dynamic nature of SSCM and bridge the existing quantitative/qualitative divide. To address this gap, this paper firstly systematically reviews the literature on SSCM drivers; secondly, it argues for the use of alternative methods research to address questions related to SSCM drivers; and thirdly, it proposes and illustrates the use of TISM and Cross Impact Matrix-multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis to test a framework that extrapolates SSCM drivers and their relationships. The framework depicts how drivers are distributed in various levels and how a particular driver influences the other through transitive links. The paper concludes with limitations and further research directions.

Research on social sustainability in developing countries has recently gained importance for both academics and practitioners. Studies in the supply chain management field take either a supplier or a manufacturer perspective that address predominantly corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues referring to the internal stakeholders. Our research integrates the literature on supplier, manufacturer, and customer responsibility and proposes the concept of supply chain social sustainability (SCSS) that refers to addressing social issues within the overall (upstream and downstream) supply chain. Furthermore, we develop and empirically validate scales for measuring SCSS using in-depth interviews and a survey in the Indian manufacturing industry. Our results suggest that SCSS consists of six underlying dimensions, namely equity, safety, health and welfare, philanthropy, ethics, human rights, in a 20-item valid and reliable scale. We discuss the implications of the findings for research and practice and suggest future research avenues.

The recent interest in big data has led many companies to develop big data analytics capability (BDAC) in order to enhance firm performance (FPER). However, BDAC pays off for some companies but not for others. It appears that very few have achieved a big impact through big data. To address this challenge, this study proposes a BDAC model drawing on the resource-based theory (RBT) and the entanglement view of sociomaterialism. The findings show BDAC as a hierarchical model, which consists of three primary dimensions (i.e., management, technology, and talent capability) and 11 subdimensions (i.e., planning, investment, coordination, control, connectivity, compatibility, modularity, technology management knowledge, technical knowledge, business knowledge and relational knowledge). The findings from two Delphi studies and 152 online surveys of business analysts in the U.S. confirm the value of the entanglement conceptualization of the higher-order BDAC model and its impact on FPER. The results also illuminate the significant moderating impact of analytics capability–business strategy alignment on the BDAC–FPER relationship.

Purpose – The emergent field of Internet of Things (IoT) has been evolving rapidly with a geometric growth in the number of academic publications in this field. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature of IoT in past 16 years using rigorous bibliometric and network analysis tools, offering at the same time future directions for the IoT research community and implications for managers and decision makers. Design/methodology/approach – The authors adopted the techniques of bibliometric and network analysis. The paper reviewed the articles published on IoT from 2000 to 2015. Findings – This study identifies top contributing authors; key research topics related to the field; the most influential works based on citations and PageRank; and established and emerging research clusters. Scholars are encouraged to further explore this topic. Research limitations/implications – This study focusses only on vision and applications of IoT. Scholars may explore various other aspects of this area of research....

As Big Data has undergone a transition from being an emerging topic to a growing research area, it has become necessary to classify the different types of research and examine the general trends of this research area. This should allow the potential research areas that for future investigation to be identified. This paper reviews the literature on ‘Big Data and supply chain management (SCM)’, dating back to 2006 and provides a thorough insight into the field by using the techniques of bibliometric and network analyses. We evaluate 286 articles published in the past 10 years and identify the top contributing authors, countries and key research topics. Furthermore, we obtain and compare the most influential works based on citations and PageRank. Finally, we identify and propose six research clusters in which scholars could be encouraged to expand Big Data research in SCM. We contribute to the literature on Big Data by discussing the challenges of current research, but more importantly, by identifying and proposing these six research clusters and future research directions. Finally, we offer to managers different schools of thought to enable them to harness the benefits from using Big Data and analytics for SCM in their everyday work.

Purpose – At a time when the number and seriousness of disasters seems to be increasing, humanitarian organizations find that besides their challenging work they are faced with problems caused by a high level of turnover of staff. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the 24 variables leading to employee turnover identified by Cotton and Tuttle (1986) the authors analyse the work-related, external and personal factors affecting employee turnover in humanitarian organizations, using a survey of members of the Indian National Institute of Disaster Management. Findings – Results indicated that the three factors are present. Of the external factors, only employment perception had a factor loading over 0.7; of the work-related factors, all were significant; of the personal factors, biographical information, marital status, number of dependants, aptitude and ability and intelligence had the highest loadings. It was also shown that behavioural intentions and net expectation were not significant. Originality/value – Only a few studies reported on employee turnover and its reasons are not well understood in the context of humanitarian organizations. To address this need, the aim of this paper is to explore the personal reasons impacting employee turnover in humanitarian organizations. In the study the authors have adopted 24 variables used in Cotton and Tuttle (1986) and classified into constructs to explain turnover, and further tested the model using data gathered from humanitarian organizations.

Big data analytics have become an increasingly important component for firms across advanced economies. This paper examines the quality dynamics in big data environment that are linked with enhancing business value and firm performance (FPER). The study identifies that system quality (i.e. system reliability, accessibility, adaptability, integration, response time and privacy) and information quality (i.e. completeness, accuracy, format and currency) are key to enhance business value and FPER in a big data environment. The study also proposes that the relationship between quality and FPER is mediated by business value of big data. Drawing on the resource-based theory and the information systems success literature, this study extends knowledge in this domain by linking system quality, information quality, business value and FPER.

The importance of big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning has been at the forefront of research for operations and supply chain management. Literature has reported the influence of big data analytics for improved operational performance, but there has been a paucity of research regarding the role of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on the adoption of big data analytics. To address this gap, we draw on the dynamic capabilities view of firms and on contingency theory to develop and test a model that describes the role of EO on the adoption of big data analytics powered by artificial intelligence (BDA-AI) and operational performance (OP). We tested our research hypotheses using a survey of 256 responses gathered using a pre-tested questionnaire from manufacturing firms in India with the help of the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The results from our analysis indicate that EO enables an organisation to exploit and further explore the BDA-AI capabilities to achieve superior OP. Further, our results provide empirical evidence based on data analysis that EO is strongly associated with higher order capabilities (such as BDA-AI) and OP under differential effects of environmental dynamism (ED). These findings extend the dynamic capability view and contingency theory to create better understanding of dynamic capabilities of the organisation while also providing theoretically grounded guidance to the managers to align their EO with their technological capabilities within their firms.

International audience; The organizations engaged in sustainable development programmes are increasingly paying serious attention towards synergetic relationships between focal firms and their partners to achieve the goal of sustainable consumption and production (SCP) via big data and predictive analytics (BDPA). The study examines the role of BDPA in collaborative performance (CP) among the partners engaged in sustainable development programme to achieve the goal of SCP. The study further investigates the contingent effect of organization fit on the impact of BDPA on CP. We used variance based structural equation modelling (PLS SEM) to test research hypotheses using a sample of 190 respondents working in auto-components manufacturing organizations in India drawn from the ACMA and Dun & Bradstreet databases. The results indicate that BDPA has a significant positive impact on the CP among partners and the organizational compatibility and resource complementarity have positive moderating effects on the path joining BDPA and CP. The study contributes to the understanding of BDPA and collaboration literature in the context of sustainable development. These findings extend the dynamic capability view (DCV) to create a better understanding of contemporary applications of big data and predictive analytics capability, while also providing theoretically grounded directions to managers who seek to use information processing technologies to continuously improve the collaboration in supply chain networks. We have also noted some of the limitations of our study and identified numerous further research directions.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical model to explain the impact of big data and predictive analytics (BDPA) on sustainable business development goal of the organization.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have developed the theoretical model using resource-based view logic and contingency theory. The model was further tested using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) following Peng and Lai (2012) arguments. The authors gathered 205 responses using survey-based instrument for PLS-SEM.FindingsThe statistical results suggest that out of four research hypotheses, the authors found support for three hypotheses (H1-H3) and the authors did not find support forH4. Although the authors did not find support forH4(moderating role of supply base complexity (SBC)), however, in future the relationship between BDPA, SBC and sustainable supply chain performance measures remain interesting research questions for further studies.Originality/valueThis study makes some original contribution to the operations and supply chain management literature. The authors provide theory-driven and empirically proven results which extend previous studies which have focused on single performance measures (i.e. economic or environmental). Hence, by studying the impact of BDPA on three performance measures the authors have attempted to answer some of the unresolved questions. The authors also offer numerous guidance to the practitioners and policy makers, based on empirical results.

In recent years, energy sustainability has attracted increasing attention from scholars, policy makers, and practitioners. However, in practical competitiveness, companies also have to maintain flexibility to deliver customer requirements. Existing theory has largely seen flexibility and sustainability as separate issues, ignoring their relationship. To address this gap, we attempt to explore energy sustainability using flexible operations management practices in India. Following a case research methodology, we investigate how flexible operations management practices embraced by a leading organization that minimizes energy consumption in plants with better resource utilization and better quality of work life for staff to meet the future requirements based on market forecast. We solve a real-time multi-criteria strategic capacity planning problem with multiple objectives such as throughput maximization, waste minimization, and resource utilization maximization by using discrete event simulation technique. Our data stems from ongoing research within a car manufacturing company in India, located at Pune. Shift timings, setup time, production batch size, and differential rated capacities of plants are considered as the variables in this study. However, optimal routing flexibility combined with volume flexibility helps to achieve significant reduction in energy consumption. Finally, we offer future research questions on flexible operations management practices.

There has been increasing interest from both academics and practitioners in sustainable consumption and production (SCP) behaviour. The literature has mainly focused on antecedents and indicators for SCP behaviour, but scholars are yet to develop frameworks that provide insights into SCP behaviour. To address this gap, this paper develops a theoretical model grounded in institutional and agency theories that explicates the role of top management beliefs and participation when dealing with institutional pressures that impact upon SCP behaviour by facilitating information sharing and reducing behavioural uncertainty. Based on a sample of 167 responses from a survey with Indian organizations, we test the model using partial least squared regression-based structural equation modelling (PLSR SEM). Our results indicate the role of top management commitment as a mediator between institutional pressures and SCP behaviour and the role of beliefs as shaping the commitment of top managers towards strengthening SCP behaviour. We further suggest that participation plays a significant role in quality information sharing, which is important in reducing behavioural uncertainty among stakeholders. Finally we outline our research limitations and further research directions.

This study develops a theoretical model that links reconfigurable manufacturing systems with top management beliefs, participation, and environmental performance, drawing on agency theory and organizational culture. The study takes into account the possible confounding effects of organization size and organizational compatibility. Drawing on responses from 167 top managers, the results of hypothesis testing suggest that (i) higher top management participation, being influenced by top management beliefs, leads to higher chances of RMS becoming adopted by organizations as their manufacturing strategy; (ii) organizational culture moderates the relationship between the level of top management participation and RMS (and manufacturing strategies) adoption; and (iii) higher re-configurability of manufacturing systems leads to better environmental performance. Furthermore, we integrate Agency Theory and organizational culture to explain the role of top management beliefs and participation in achieving environmental performance via RMS. Finally, we offer guidance to those managers who would like to engage in leveraging top management commitment for achieving environmental performance, and outline further research directions.

This paper contributes to the literature on green supply chain management (GSCM) by arguing for the use of mixed methods for theory building. The literature has identified antecedents and enablers for the adoption of GSCM practices. Nevertheless, there is relatively little research on building robust methodological approaches and techniques that take into account the dynamic nature of green supply chains. To address this gap, the paper firstly reviews systematically the literature on GSCM enablers; secondly, it argues for the use of mixed methods research to address questions related to GSCM enablers; thirdly, it uses interpretive structural modeling (ISM), MICMAC analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to illustrate the application of mixed methods in GSCM by testing a model on the enablers of GSCM; and fourthly, highlights the influence of enablers including, inter alia, top management commitment, institutional pressures, supplier and customer relationship management on financial and environmental performance. Finally, we conclude with limitations and further research directions.

Big data (BD) has attracted increasing attention from both academics and practitioners. This paper aims at illustrating the role of big data analytics in supporting world-class sustainable manufacturing (WCSM). Using an extensive literature review to identify different factors that enable the achievement of WCSM through BD and 405 usable responses from senior managers gathered through social networking sites (SNS), we propose a conceptual framework using constructs obtained using reduction of gathered data that summarizes this role; test this framework using data which is heterogeneous, diverse, voluminous, and possess high velocity; and highlight the importance for academia and practice. Finally, we conclude our research findings and further outlined future research directions.

There is growing interest among researchers in the concept of sustainability. Large commercial corporations have also shown responsibility for preserving planet and people while maintaining profit. Our present paper is motivated by the three P’s—people, planet, and profit. In our paper, we have attempted to develop a responsive sustainable supply chain network which can respond to a certain degree of uncertainty due to uncontrollable forces. We have developed a model using robust optimization based on three well-known robust counterpart optimization formulations. Finally, this paper compares the results of the three formulations using different test scenarios and parameter-sensitive analysis in terms of final output, CPU time, the level of conservatism, the degree of closeness to the ideal solution, the degree of balance involved in developing a compromise solution, and satisfaction degree. Two further questions related to environmental dimensions and social dimensions have been investigated using an appreciative inquiry, a quasi-ethnographic study. In this way, we have embraced mixed research design to address our research questions. We have extended past research by incorporating uncertainty in a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model and qualitative research methods to fill the voids. We have concluded our research with limitations of our present study and outlined further research directions.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine when and how organizations create agility, adaptability, and alignment as distinct supply chain properties to gain sustainable competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachThe current study utilizes the resource-based view (RBV) under the moderating effect of top management commitment (TMC). To test the research hypotheses, the authors gathered 351 usable responses using a pre-tested questionnaire.FindingsThe statistical analyses suggest that information sharing and supply chain connectivity resources influence supply chain visibility capability, which, under the moderating effect of TMC, enhance supply chain agility, adaptability, and alignment (SCAAA).Originality/valueThe contribution lies in: providing a holistic study of the antecedents of agility, adaptability, and alignment; investigating the moderating role of TMC on SCAAA; following the RBV and addressing calls for investigating the role of resources in supply chain management, and for empirical studies with implications for supply chain design.

International audience; Sustainability benchmarking is gaining importance in industry. Despite its increasing popularity, the existing research utilizing theory to explain the organizations intention to shape performance measurement systems (PMS) for sustainability benchmarking is limited. Drawing upon institutional theory and organizational culture, this study investigates how institutional pressures motivate organizations to shape PMS for sustainability benchmarking and how such effects are moderated by organizational culture. The results of a survey of 277 respondents, gathered from Indian manufacturing firms, suggest that two of the dimensions of the institutional pressures (i.e. coercive pressures and normative pressures) are positively related to the PMS whereas the third dimension (i.e. mimetic pressures) does not affect PMS. Furthermore, organizational culture (i.e. flexible orientation and control orientation) plays a different role on the differential effect of coercive pressures, normative pressures and mimetic pressures on shaping PMS for sustainability benchmarking. The current manuscript offers an interesting contribution to the sustainability benchmarking literature: we integrate the perspectives of ‘external pressures’ and ‘organizational culture’ –as neither perspective, can on, its own can shape the PMS for sustainability benchmarking–, and ‘organizational structure’ under which the external pressures are most effective. From a practitioners' perspective, our study provides theory-driven and empirically-proven guidance for managers to understand the effect of external pressures and the role of organizational structure on PMS for sustainability benchmarking.

Total Quality Management (TQM) is an enduring approach for enhancing firm competitiveness. Still, there is dearth of research regarding organisational diffusion (post-adoption) of TQM. To address this gap, this research proposes a theoretical model rooted in institutional and upper echelon theories that explains TQM diffusion via top management commitment. We surveyed 300 senior quality managers representing 300 auto-components manufacturers in India to collect data to test the proposed model using variance based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings suggest that institutional pressures significantly influence top management commitment to TQM. Subsequently, top management commitment influences organisational diffusion of TQM via acceptance, routinization, and assimilation. Managers can use the findings of this research to better understand how to assimilate TQM so that anticipated benefits can be fully realized.

Understanding supply chain sustainability performance is increasingly important for supply chain researchers and managers. Literature has considered supply chain sustainability and the antecedents of performance from a triple bottom line (economic, social, and environmental) perspective. However, the role of supply chain visibility and product complexity contingency in achieving sustainable supply chain performance has not been explored in depth. To address this gap, this study utilizes a contingent resource-based view theory perspective to understand the role of product complexity in shaping the relationship between upstream supply chain visibility (resources and capabilities) and the social, environmental, and economic performance dimensions. We develop and test a theoretical model using survey data gathered from 312 Indian manufacturing organizations. Our findings indicate that supply chain visibility (SCV) has significant influence on social and environmental performance under the moderation effect of product complexity. Hence, the study makes significant contribution to the extant literature by examining the impact of SCV under moderating effect of product complexity on social performance and environmental performance.

The term ‘end-to-end’ process management is now commonplace in the language and practice of operations. Managers are encouraged to migrate from functional process management to end-to-end process management to realise a range of performance improvements. However, these improvements are often elusive; the specific challenges associated with such a migration are under-researched. This paper uses a cross-sector study to identify the challenges of end-to-end process management and to generate practical managerial guidance. Three areas are identified that demand particular managerial attention: the need to move beyond process mapping, the role of IT in process management and maintaining the process infrastructure as a strategic asset. More significantly, the findings highlight the need for greater conceptual clarity regarding the end-to-end concept itself. The existing literature suggests that scope is the primary differentiator of the end-to-end process – the requirement to manage an extended boundary from cu...

Scholars acknowledge the importance of big data and predictive analytics (BDPA) in achieving business value and firm performance. However, the impact of BDPA assimilation on supply chain (SCP) and organizational performance (OP) has not been thoroughly investigated. To address this gap, this paper draws on resource-based view. It conceptualizes assimilation as a three stage process (acceptance, routinization, and assimilation) and identifies the influence of resources (connectivity and information sharing) under the mediation effect of top management commitment on big data assimilation (capability), SCP and OP. The findings suggest that connectivity and information sharing under the mediation effect of top management commitment are positively related to BDPA acceptance, which is positively related to BDPA assimilation under the mediation effect of BDPA routinization, and positively related to SCP and OP. Limitations and future research directions are provided.

One means of innovation is the adoption of new knowledge from external sources. This article describes theory building research to improve the transfer of knowledge between universities and businesses that are collaborating together. Using pilot studies and in-depth interviews based on real-life innovation projects, the research identified and confirmed two hypothetical constructs; that successful knowledge transfer comes from the transfer of tacit knowledge; and that tacit knowledge can best be transferred in this arena using rich media channels. This article describes the research and goes on to assess a range of channels for their media richness and their ability to transfer tacit knowledge. This article then positions this in the frame of collaborative or open innovation. It concludes that selection of the appropriate channel can improve the innovation through the transfer of knowledge between organisations and presents a model for successful application.

International audience; Remanufacturing is a process of bringing used products (known as ‘cores') to ‘like-new' functional state by rebuilding and replacing their component parts. Remanufacture has long been used in many industries for high capital cost equipment, but it represents a new kind of business process for companies in other industries who, for a mixture of cost, regulatory and environmental reasons, wish to adapt to this mode of operation. The primary objective of this research was to develop a model of the business processes used in remanufacture. The methodology used included a review of candidate modelling techniques, case study work with companies, and evaluation work with a panel of experts based on the necessary properties of relevant research of Thomas and Tymon (1982). The outcome of the research was a model that has been validated in the electromechanical industry. The paper presents several diagrams to illustrate the structure of the model and concludes with some proposals for further work to build upon this understanding of this key business process for sustainability.

This paper challenges the critical articles that have classified thematic initiatives as ‘fads’ or ‘fashions’ of their period with little real value. Using business process reengineering (BPR) as an example, the paper suggests that it is important to ‘unpack’ thematic initiatives into their key management principles. The key management principles that form the conceptual basis of BPR are described. Primary data from empirical studies are accumulated to identify the existence of these principles in the change management practices of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The results indicate that the SME companies studied used uncoordinated change management practices which move from one implementation issue to the next without appropriate strategic planning and monitoring practices. A methodology that specifically embodies the conceptual basis of BPR was developed and tested. The results from this phase of the research indicated that the initial bias of SME managers towards some and away from other sp...

This paper looks at how the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard for quality management systems are implemented in manufacturing. It supports manufacturing companies when modelling a Fulfil Order Process by identifying the links to the ISO 9001 quality standard and highlighting potential impacts from any changes in the process or the standard during a redesign project. Case studies revealed that simply documenting what an organization does in order to satisfy the various elements of ISO 9001 is still a common approach. This results in a process-oriented character only at the documentation stage, and is the result of limited guidance on how to integrate the requirements of ISO 9001 with business processes. This work includes the identification of links between ISO 9001 requirements and a holistic Fulfil Order Process and leads to the development of criteria for modelling a manufacturing business process showing its links to ISO 9001. A modelling technique, named IDEF 9000 , has been developed which will e...

This paper discusses the principles of a modelling technique called IDEF9000. IDEF9000 takes a systems view of a Fulfil Order Process and allows the modelling of activities, functional relationships and data. Developed from the original IDEF0 modelling technique, IDEF9000 uses an extended syntax and semantics to identify the links to the ISO 9001 quality standard and visually highlights them for redesign. The paper describes the method and its application in a case study.

SMEs often have to adapt their manufacturing systems to changing circumstances such as technology advances and business growth. This paper presents a new methodology for the redesign of manufacturing systems within SMEs.This paper will show that most approaches to manufacturing systems redesign are linear and it will explain why this is not the best option for SMEs. Foremost among these reasons is the uncertainty of the SME environment. Redesign planning that is conducted at the outset of a change episode may be superseded by events that are impossible to foresee. A further issue for conventional redesign approaches is the resource poverty that is a widely reported feature of SMEs. The most obvious impact is on the financial support available for costly technology-led solutions. Resource poverty also includes the available expertise and managerial time to implement complex methodologies.The alternative approach proposed uses an iterative model as its basis for change. The basic helical model is extended to provide four perspectives on systems change. These perspectives focus on structural, people, technology and process issues. It is these perspectives that make the difference between continuous improvement and systems redesign. The model has been developed through action research in manufacturing SMEs. Validation was achieved through a longitudinal case study that provided empirical evidence to support the methodology. A single case was used for validation to provide depth over breadth. The development of the methodology had been broad through action research into several diverse SMEs and it was considered that more detailed case study would add balance to the research. The depth afforded by a single longitudinal study also allowed for greater scrutiny of the methodology under real world conditions.

This paper addresses the work of the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) research community as presented at a series of three UK conferences on Stimulating Manufacturing Excellence in SMEs. An important difficulty that emerges is the problem of the translation of research outputs and business advice into formats that are attractive to SMEs. This is briefly illustrated through the differing perceptions of the business scenario as seen by the SME owner/manager and an external change-agent, condensed into five parameters. The role of policy makers and change-agents and their need for high-quality research are examined, leading to a discussion of the contributions to be expected from, and therefore the implications for, the research community. From this, recommendations are developed for the future direction of SME research.

This paper presents a new perspective for enterprise integration and improvement programmes. This is achieved by drawing together work which has been undertaken within the enterprise integration community, with the work which has been undertaken by the business and management community. Specifically, a three-lens model is presented which has been derived from action and case-based research. The three-lens model is described in relation to the strategy literature and is clarified by a case study from the aerospace industry. The paper concludes higlilighting the key issues associated with the model, and by identifying future agenda items for research in the area.

This paper describes the idea of the extended enterprise, in which manufacturing companies co-operate closely to maximize the benefits of the business they are all involved in. The concept ofthe extended enterprise is explored, and itseffect on purchasing relationships is considered. Production planning considerations are dealt with and the extended enterprise is considered from the viewpoint of the supplier. Modelling and analysis of the extended enterprise in connection with process improvement is reviewed, and some questions that arise from the co-operative approach are presented. The paper concludes that the concept stems from supply chain management and the interest in integration across boundaries. The extended enterprise presents many challenges, but may be a new source of competitive advantage.

Presents the results of empirical research into issues faced by 25 companies undertaking business process re‐engineering (BPR) programmes. The research team sought to understand the BPR phenomenon through visits to 21 leading practitioners and four in‐depth case studies. The research indicated that six key issues affect the way in which BPR programmes are carried out, namely the nature of the change proposed (radical or incremental), the performance measures applied during the programme, the impact of information technology, the impact of human factors, the presence or absence of a process architecture and the link between BPR and strategy. The outcome of this research has implications for both practitioners and researchers. Where practitioners are concerned, the conventional, step‐by‐step BPR methodology should be amended to take into account these six issues more fully. For researchers there is a need for substantial research into good practice in BPR in each of the six areas.

This article discusses the successful implementation of Six Sigma methodology in a high precision and critical process in the manufacture of automotive products. The Six Sigma define–measure–analyse–improve–control approach resulted in a reduction of tolerance-related problems and improved the first pass yield from 85% to 99.4%. Data were collected on all possible causes and regression analysis, hypothesis testing, Taguchi methods, classification and regression tree, etc. were used to analyse the data and draw conclusions. Implementation of Six Sigma methodology had a significant financial impact on the profitability of the company. An approximate saving of US$70,000 per annum was reported, which is in addition to the customer-facing benefits of improved quality on returns and sales. The project also had the benefit of allowing the company to learn useful messages that will guide future Six Sigma activities.

Introduces a number of concepts and frameworks developed during the first phase of an EPSRC/CDP grant entitled “A Specification of a Business Process Re‐engineering Methodology for Small and Medium Sized Manufacturing Enterprises”. A traditional, functionally oriented organization is characterized by fragmentation and staged inventories of work caused by a failure to integrate and synchronize activities. A process focused organization aims to optimize performance across the whole process. Outlines many of the key issues facing organizations seeking to adopt a process orientation. Presents two frameworks for analysis. The first identifies the major business processes in any manufacturing company, the second seeks to classify types of business process re‐engineering intervention. Concludes by discussing the major issues currently facing those researching into business process re‐engineering.

Investigates the current literature surrounding business process re‐engineering (BPR). Defines BPR and distinguishes between re‐engineering and other change programmes. Sets out a general approach to BPR and outlines the results from the application of this approach to the bank. This analysis of results includes an assessment of the applicability of the ICAM definition method, IDEF0, in helping companies implement BPR programmes.

Part 3: Strategy; International audience; This paper describes research to examine the process of knowledge transfer between universities and industry, where the transfer of knowledge can be a valuable source of innovation for a company, in terms of new product development (radical innovation) but also as a source of knowledge for process or product improvement (incremental innovation). The view is adopted that the most useful knowledge for industry is knowledge that leads to action, known as tacit knowledge. However, tacit knowledge is seen as the most difficult type of knowledge to transfer. The paper builds on the research in this area of strategic knowledge management and uses case-study style research to review a framework that shows how knowledge can be codified for transfer, transferred and then assimilated. The paper concludes with comments about the use of the framework and directions for future research.

The increasing dissatisfaction of users with their Computer-aided production management lCAPMr systems has been widely reported. This dissatisfaction led the UKas Science and Engineering Research Council to initiate a major study to improve CAPM systems use. The research results presented here form part of the overall initiative and focus on the development of a set of guiding principles for companies seeking to implement appropriate CAPM systems. The research team have identified three key elements that must be considered when implementing a CAPM system. First, that CAPM implementation can be eased if the overall manufacturing-system is first simplified. Second, we recognize that even then most companies will still require a computerized solution thus any methodology must include a software specification. Third, the overall performance of the system may be enhanced by changes to the infrastructure that supports the software. In attempting to meet these requirements the...

In 1986 a comprehensive study into the state of the art in Computer Aided Production Management (CAPM) in UK industry commissioned by the ACME (Application of Computers to Manufacturing Engineering) directorate of the Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) revealed a number of deficiencies in existing CAPM systems and approaches. As a consequence of this report, a number of specific sectors were identified including the small company sector, large company sector, make to order sector and the electronics sector. This article outlines the results of the work of the research team engaged in developing a CAPM implementation methodology for the electronics sector, which was the largest of the ACME CAPM projects. The research team believe that the results are equally applicable for CAPM implementation in other manufacturing sectors.

Everyone who is alive today has lived through the era of disposable products. In 1903, K.C. Gillette launched the first razor with a disposable blade. Although it was common to regard packaging ite...