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The purpose of this paper is to propose a modified Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) model and calculates the performance of quality characteristic for the purpose of defining quality improvement strategy.

This study developed modified IPA by introducing the Mahalanobis Distance and multiple regression analysis to evaluate the performance gap and implicit importance of quality characteristics. This paper used a large air-conditioning manufacturer in Taiwan as the case analysis and study targets. It discussed and validated the modified IPA analytical results by studying case history and market analysis.

Through the case study, the quality characteristics of air-conditioning product and service needed to be improved immediately are Green product (Q3) and Repair service (Q10), and the Price (Q11) and Serviceability (Q2) could be kept or enhanced to win the market competitive advantages.

This study developed a modified IPA to help organization identifying key quality characteristics of product and service, and choosing its improvement strategies to win the market competitive advantages effectively.

For many companies the use of information technology starts with the purchase of hardware such as mainframes, PCs and networks. In these cases the use of IT is based on the opportunities of technology. These companies often find it hard to indicate to what extent the specific resources and systems contribute to their business and their market position. In such a case, IT is, above all, regarded as an item of expense. On the other hand more and more organizations have become aware of the possibilities offered by IT to achieve competitive advantage. This strategic use of IT requires, first of all, a distinct business strategy that indicates what the organization is aiming at in terms of customers, suppliers, competitors, shareholders and authorities, and what role IT is playing in all this. On the basis of the business strategy, the specific use of IT can be established, in terms of an architecture and an infrastructure. As a result, a company is able to indicate where and how IT supports the business and the market position. If IT is applied in this way, it will not only be an item of expense, but also a production factor which is integrated into the strategic planning of a company. Describes a method to solidify the business strategy and to shape the resulting architecture and infrastructure in such a way that IT can offer an active contribution. This method has been applied worldwide, many times, at leading medium‐sized to very large, profit and non‐profit organizations.

General theories have been criticized for their inability to explore the mechanics of more specific domain knowledge and understand how, when and where general theory applies to and extends domain knowledge in supply chain management (SCM). Middle-range theorizing (MRT) is a potential solution to this limitation. This paper aims to assist researchers in understanding the relationship between MRT and general theorizing (GT) and connecting MRT research findings to general theory.

This research provides a structured literature review of 518 articles, from eight journals in logistics, SCM and operations management. Theoretically based articles are analyzed by primary domain and SCM context.

There are frameworks for conducting MRT; however, the literature does not sufficiently assist researchers in understanding how middle-range (MR) theory should relate to general theory. Findings include a better understanding of underserved areas in SCM, guideline frameworks for understanding when to apply MRT, when to apply GT and how MRT knowledge can be connected to SCM domain knowledge.

This study provides a timely and appropriate compilation of theory research in SCM, including significant implications for both theory and practice, by helping to articulate the evolving philosophy of science in SCM.

Human resources information systems (HRIS) are becoming increasingly important in helping modern organizations manage their human assets effectively. Yet, HRIS adoption remains an under‐researched phenomenon. The purpose of this paper to isolate the factors that influence the organizational adoption of HRIS in public sector organizations.

Adopting the technology‐organization‐environment model as an analytical framework, the paper draws on qualitative evidence from 16 interviews across 11 Australian public sector organizations.

The authors find that champions in public sector organizations should demonstrate HRIS benefits before their adoption can succeed. With standardization trends adopted by HRIS vendors, complete organizational fit between adopted HRIS and business processes may be elusive for adopters suggesting that post‐adoption vendor support must be negotiated if costly customizations are to be minimized. In addition to various organizational factors, including management commitment and human capability, the authors also find that broader environmental factors including regulatory compliance can have a deep impact on the success of HRIS adoption by creating urgency in adoption intentions.

There is paucity of research concerning HRIS adoption in the public sector which presents unique challenges due to its idiosyncrasies. This paper contributes to the existing body knowledge by investigating the role of technological, organizational, and environmental factors and their interactions. It provides an improved understanding of the challenges related to HRIS adoption in public sector organizations.

This paper aims to provide the results of a survey of courses dedicated to the field of supply chain management in higher education. This research is unique because it represents the first large-scale study of graduate supply chain management courses taught at universities globally.

Content analysis was performed on each syllabus to identify the actual course content: requirements, pedagogy and content emphasis. This aggregated information was used to compare historical research findings in this area, with the current skills identified as important for career success. This data provides input for a gap analysis between offerings in higher education and those needs identified by practitioners.

Data gathering efforts yielded a sample of 112 graduate courses representing 61 schools across the world. The aggregate number of topics covered in graduate courses totaled 114. The primary evaluation techniques include exams, projects and homework. Details regarding content and assessment techniques are provided along with a gap analysis between the supply chain management course content and the needs identified by APICS Supply Chain Manager Competency Model (2014).

The goal is to use this data as a means of continuous improvement in the quality and value of the educational experience on a longitudinal basis. The findings are designed to foster information sharing and provide data for benchmarking efforts in the development of supply chain management courses and curricula in academia, as well as training, development and recruitment efforts by professionals in the field of supply chain management.