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Article
Publication date: 28 September 2020

He-Yau Kang, Amy H.I. Lee and Yu-Fan Yeh

The traveling purchaser problem (TPP) has gained attention in academics to deal with different variants in real business world. This study aims to study a green TPP with quantity…

Abstract

Purpose

The traveling purchaser problem (TPP) has gained attention in academics to deal with different variants in real business world. This study aims to study a green TPP with quantity discounts and soft time windows (TPPQS), in which a firm needs to purchase products from a set of available markets and deliver the products to a set of customers.

Design/methodology/approach

Vehicles are available to visit the markets, which offer products at different prices and with different quantity discount schemes. Soft time windows are present for the markets and the customers, and earliness cost and tardiness may incur if a vehicle cannot arrive a market or a customer within the designated time interval. The environmental impact of transportation activities is considered. The objective of this research is to minimize the total cost, including vehicle-assigning cost, vehicle-traveling cost, purchasing cost, emission cost, earliness cost and tardiness cost, while meeting the total demand of the customers and satisfying all the constraints. A mixed integer programming (MIP) model and a genetic algorithm (GA) approach are proposed to solve the TPPQS.

Findings

The results show that both the MIP and the GA can obtain optimal solutions for small-scale cases, and the GA can generate near-optimal solutions for large-scale cases within a short computational time.

Practical implications

The proposed models can help firms increase the performance of customer satisfaction and provide valuable supply chain management references in the service industry.

Originality/value

The proposed models for TPPQS are novel and can facilitate firms to design their green traveling purchasing plans more effectively in today’s environmental conscious and competitive market.

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1993

Amy Lee

Discusses the role of property taxation in a developed economy.Outlines the variations of method that can be adopted. Illustrates, viaa case study of Singapore, particular issues…

Abstract

Discusses the role of property taxation in a developed economy. Outlines the variations of method that can be adopted. Illustrates, via a case study of Singapore, particular issues associated with the implementation of property taxation in an environment of rapid urban growth.

Details

Journal of Property Valuation and Investment, vol. 11 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-2712

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2014

Alex Mak, Lenis Cheung, Amy Mak and Loretta Leung

The purpose of this paper is to provide a concise introduction of sustainability in human resource management (HRM) from the western perspective. With a review of Confucian…

1475

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a concise introduction of sustainability in human resource management (HRM) from the western perspective. With a review of Confucian thinking, it argues that the application of sustainability in HRM is more effective and efficient under the influence of Confucian values. Therefore, Chinese companies are likely ready to embrace the concept of sustainability and implement sustainable people management practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is mainly theoretical in perspective. It also draws on semi-structured interview data derived from a study conducted in companies that operated in two cities in China: Guangzhou and Beijing to support the discussion of synergies between Confucian values and the western concept of sustainability in HRM.

Findings

In the interviews, it was evident that the interviewees were adhered to Confucian values, although they did not make the connection explicit. The interview data also showed how Confucian values (e.g. Ren, Yi, Li) affect Chinese management of human resources.

Research limitations/implications

The number of interviewees involved was not sufficient to allow a conclusive comparison between groups. Further research is needed to develop comparisons.

Practical implications

The paper suggests a favourable application of Confucian values in sustainable people management practices.

Originality/value

The interview data provide insight into how Confucian values lend support to sustainability in HRM.

Details

Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-4323

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2010

He‐Yau Kang and Amy H.I. Lee

Most industries have become increasingly competitive nowadays, and a good supply chain relationship is essential for a company to survive and to acquire reasonable profit…

2660

Abstract

Purpose

Most industries have become increasingly competitive nowadays, and a good supply chain relationship is essential for a company to survive and to acquire reasonable profit. Therefore, supplier selection is very important. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel model for evaluating the performance of suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

A supplier performance evaluation model based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and data envelopment analysis (DEA) is constructed. DEA is applied first to evaluate quantitative factors, and the results are transformed into pairwise comparison values for AHP analysis. Qualitative factors are also evaluated through AHP analysis, and a final ranking of suppliers can be obtained by combining the quantitative and qualitative results.

Findings

The proposed model can be applied to evaluate and select the most appropriate integrated circuit packaging company for outsourcing. With the incorporation of experts' opinions and the consideration of qualitative and quantitative factors, the model can provide a both subjective and objective supplier performance ranking.

Practical implications

The proposed model can be tailored and applied to supplier evaluation and selection in other industries.

Originality/value

Although many models are available for supplier evaluation, this paper considers both the subjective and objective performance characteristics simultaneously in the evaluation process.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 39 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2006

Hsing Hung Chen, Amy H.I. Lee and Yunhuan Tong

Owing to keen challenges in an evolving market, new product development (NPD) is critical for an enterprise to prosper. To increase the likelihood of having a few successful…

1359

Abstract

Purpose

Owing to keen challenges in an evolving market, new product development (NPD) is critical for an enterprise to prosper. To increase the likelihood of having a few successful products, NPD mix is usually selected in practice. Since, a firm has difficulty surviving independently in a high technology industry, flexible strategies to collaborate or to compete with firms within a technology innovation network (TIN) are essential. Therefore, finding an appropriate mix which can lead to a more satisfactory performance for an enterprise inside a TIN is an important issue, which this paper aims to discuss.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified‐analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model is proposed to evaluate the NPD mixes. Since, integrated product development is positively associated with efficiency and negatively with innovation, a suitable NPD operation with a mode of knowledge creation needs to be adopted by evaluating the result of the NPD mix.

Findings

The proposed model leads to a more satisfactory performance for the firm.

Originality/value

The result from the practical case study is in accord with the theoretical model, since this model keeps a firm operating simultaneously efficiently and innovatively, rather than trade‐off and balanced.

Details

Journal of Technology Management in China, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8779

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 March 2010

Ada S. Lo, Lawrence D. Stalcup and Amy Lee

The purpose of this study is to investigate how hotels are implementing customer relationship management (CRM) practices at the property level.

13590

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how hotels are implementing customer relationship management (CRM) practices at the property level.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted with 45 hotel managers from 17 hotels. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis.

Findings

All participating hotels have practices in place to manage customer relationships. The most commonly cited goal for CRM is guest retention. Evaluation and control are perceived as very important activities not only to create value for the customers, but also to track the performance of the guest contact departments and the customers' evaluations of the hotel/restaurant experiences.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is probably biased towards hotels that are most interested in CRM and are heavily weighted towards higher tariff properties.

Practical implications

The study modified Buttle's CRM value chain to analyze hotels' CRM practices. Results of the study provide a source for industry practitioners to compare and benchmark their practices and to obtain useful CRM ideas.

Originality/value

CRM‐related research in the hotel industry has looked at a variety of specific practices and its role in achieving overall objectives at the corporate strategic level. Yet, no research has been done to investigate CRM practices at the property level for hotels using the CRM value chain.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 22 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 February 2008

Amy H.I. Lee and He‐Yau Kang

This paper seeks to construct a model for inventory management for multiple periods. The model considers not only the usual parameters, but also price quantity discount, storage…

1394

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to construct a model for inventory management for multiple periods. The model considers not only the usual parameters, but also price quantity discount, storage and batch size constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed 0‐1 integer programming is applied to solve the multi‐period inventory problem and to determine an appropriate inventory level for each period. The total cost of materials in the system is minimized and the optimal purchase amount in each period is determined.

Findings

The proposed model is applied in colour filter inventory management in thin film transistor‐liquid crystal display (TFT‐LCD) manufacturing because colour filter replenishment has the characteristics of price quantity discount, large product size, batch‐sized purchase and forbidden shortage in the plant. Sensitivity analysis of major parameters of the model is also performed to depict the effects of these parameters on the solutions.

Practical implications

The proposed model can be tailored and applied to other inventory management problems.

Originality/value

Although many mathematical models are available for inventory management, this study considers some special characteristics that might be present in real practice. TFT‐LCD manufacturing is one of the most prosperous industries in Taiwan, and colour‐filter inventory management is essential for TFT‐LCD manufacturers for achieving competitive edge. The proposed model in this study can be applied to fulfil the goal.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 22 March 2011

316

Abstract

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1995

Brian Quinn

Although the telephone constitutes an important aspect of reference service in many libraries, it is frequently taken for granted or overlooked by both patrons and professional…

Abstract

Although the telephone constitutes an important aspect of reference service in many libraries, it is frequently taken for granted or overlooked by both patrons and professional staff alike. Often, it is seen by librarians as merely an adjunct service, or even something of a nuisance. In this view, telephone reference is considered secondary and subordinate to serving on‐site patrons.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 23 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Content available
Article
Publication date: 9 March 2010

Fevzi Okumus

522

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 22 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

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