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Article
Publication date: 29 July 2014

Dr Edgar E. Blanco and Dr Ely Laureano Paiva

3066

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 44 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2014

Priscila L.S. Miguel, Luiz A.L. Brito, Aline R. Fernandes, Fábio V.C.S. Tescari and Guiherme S. Martins

Interfirm relationships create value, but buyers and suppliers can appropriate this value in different amounts. Using the relational-view of strategy, the purpose of this paper is…

1694

Abstract

Purpose

Interfirm relationships create value, but buyers and suppliers can appropriate this value in different amounts. Using the relational-view of strategy, the purpose of this paper is to explain value creation and determine the portion of that value appropriated by each organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The data source was a survey with 166 respondents covering two industries. The authors used confirmatory factor analysis to validate construct measurement and structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses. A parallel qualitative investigation composed of 31 interviews assisted in interpreting the findings.

Findings

Based on the relational view of strategy, the authors found support for only two of the four hypotheses that sought to explain value creation. This result calls into question the applicability of this theory to contexts other than the automotive industry, in which it was developed. Only a joint construct combining Relational Governance and Resource Complementarity had a significant effect on relational value creation. With respect to value appropriation, although both buyers and suppliers captured part of the relational value created, the buyers tended to receive the great majority of this value.

Research limitations/implications

The focussed context of this study (Brazilian companies in the personal care/cosmetics and food/beverage industries) limits its generalizability but provides deeper insight into the interpretation of its results.

Practical implications

Both buyers and suppliers can benefit from collaborative relationships, but buyers appear to capture a larger share, forcing suppliers to continuously seek new sources of value.

Originality/value

This paper bridges the gap between the buyer-supplier literature and the definition of competitive advantage as value creation found in the strategic management literature. This study proposes and tests an integrative definition of the relational value that is created and appropriated in a dyad.

Keywords

Buyer-supplier, Relational-view of strategy, Value creation and appropriation

Paper type

Research paper

Resumen

Objetivo

Objetivo

Las relaciones entre empresas generan valor, pero los compradores y proveedores puede apropiarse de este valor en cantidades diferentes. Usando una perspectiva relacional (relational-view) de la estrategia, este articulo explica la creación de valor y determina la proporción de ese valor asignado por cada organización.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Nuestra fuente de datos fue una encuesta con 166 respuestas abarcando dos industrias. Usamos el Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio para validar los factores construidos y modelos de ecuaciones estructurales para evaluar las hipótesis. Una investigación cualitativa paralela compuesta por 31 entrevistas ayudó a interpretar los hallazgos.

Hallazgos

Basados en la perspectiva relacional de la estrategia, encontramos respaldo sólo para dos de las cuatros hipótesis que buscaban explicar la creación del valor. Este resultado invita a preguntar la aplicabilidad de esta teoría a contextos más allá de la industria automotriz, en donde se desarrolló. Solo un factor conjunto que combina la Gobernanza Relacional y Complementariedad de Recursos tuvo un efecto significativo en la Creación De Valor Relacional. En cuanto a la apropiación de valor, aunque ambos compradores y proveedores capturan parte del valor relacional creado, los vendedores tendieron a recibir la gran mayoría de este valor.

Limitaciones/implicaciones del estudio

El contexto en el cual se focalizó este estudio (Empresas Brasileñas de cosméticos y cuidado personal e industrias de comidas/bebidas) limita su generalización pero provee un conocimiento más profundos a la interpretación de sus resultados.

Implicaciones practices

Ambos, compradores y proveedores pueden beneficiarse de una relacion de colaboración, pero los compradores parecen capturar una mayor proporción, forzando a los proveedores a continuamente buscar nuevas fuentes de valor.

Originalidad/valor

Este articulo acerca la brecha entre la literatura del comprador y proveedor y la definición de la ventaja competitiva como creación de valor hallada en la literatura de estrategia de administración. Este estudio propone y prueba una definición integradora del valor relacional que es creado y apropiado en la díada.

Tipo de papel

Trabajo de investigación

Resumo

Objetivo

Objetivo

As relações entre empresas criam valor, mas os compradores e fornecedores podem apropriar-se deste valor em quantidades diferentes. Usando a Visão Relacional da Estratégia, este artigo explica a criação de valor e determina a proporção deste valor apropriado por cada organização.

Desenho/metodologia/enfoque

A base de dados foi uma survey respondida por 166 empresas de dois setores industriais. Foi utilizada uma Análise Fatorial Confirmatória para avaliação dos constructos e Modelagem de Equações Estruturais para teste de hipóteses. Uma pesquisa qualitativa paralela composta de 31 entrevistas ajudou a interpretar os resultados.

Achados

Baseado na Visão Relacional da Estratégia, foram confirmadas apenas duas das quatro hipóteses que buscavam explicar a criação de valor. Este resultado questiona assim a aplicabilidade desta teoria a outros setores que não a indústria automobilística, no qual esta abordagem originalmente foi desenvolvida. Somente um construto resultante da combinação dos construtos de Governança Relacional e de Complementaridade de Recursos teve um efeito significativo na criação de Valor Relacional. Quanto à apropriação de valor, embora compradores e fornecedores capturam parte do valor relacional criado, os compradores tendem a ficar com maior parte deste valor.

Limitações/implicações da pesquisa

O foco desta pesquisa (empresas brasileiras dos setores de alimentos, bebidas e higiene pessoal) limita a sua generalização, embora forneça um conhecimento mais profundo à interpretação dos resultados.

Implicações práticas

Tanto compradores e fornecedores podem se beneficiar de uma relação de colaboração, mas os compradores parecem capturar uma maior proporção forçando os fornecedores a continuamente buscar novas fontes de valor.

Originalidade/valor

Este artigo preenche uma lacuna na literatura de comprador-fornecedor e a definição da vantagem competitiva como resultado do valor. Esta pesquisa se propõe a testar uma definição integrada do valor relacional criado e apropriado dentro de uma díade.

Tipo de papel

Trabalhos de pesquisa

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 44 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2014

Mario Manuel Monsreal Barrera and Oliverio Cruz-Mejia

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the processes of collecting used non-returnable packaging. The objective is to increase the quality and quantity of recycling material used…

1316

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the processes of collecting used non-returnable packaging. The objective is to increase the quality and quantity of recycling material used in the production of new packages.

Design/methodology/approach

A reverse logistics network is proposed, nevertheless the focus of the study is addressing the collection routing problem. Specifically a new “profitable visit algorithm” (PVA) based on the well-known Nearest Neighbor is proposed and tested, in both real and simulated scenarios, in order to achieve higher volume of collected material while lowering the cost of collection.

Findings

The proposed algorithm is set to compete against the well-known Nearest Neighbor. The “PVA” showed a far better performance than the Nearest Neighbor. The latter was assessed with real data in a real scenario and was also confirmed by a simulation.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should envisage stochastic models and tighter time constraints.

Practical implications

Managers can use the algorithm in similar scenarios to address different routing needs. New business activities could be foreseen by starting a logistics scheme of this type. Additionally, new savings in material procurement processes could be achieved in current operations.

Social implications

Social responsibility and environmental awareness can be approached by this type of endeavors. While reducing waste disposal, the recovering of these materials yields savings and offer new labor opportunities for people.

Originality/value

The “PVA” introduced in this paper, showed substantial advantages. First it automatically determines the visit frequency for each client. Also, it evaluates whether a visit should be granted or not based on its “profitability.” The latter ensures that even if the routing circuit is broken at any moment, the company will not lose “profit.” Additionally, this research provides performance evaluation in real and simulated scenarios, which is hard to obtain in a single study.

Keywords

 Reverse logistics, Recycling, Routing algorithm, Non-returnable packages, Real scenarios

Paper type

 Research type

Resumen

Objetivo

Objetivo

Este artículo analiza los procesos de recolección deenvases no retornable usados. El objetivo es aumentar la calidad y cantidad de material reciclable usado en la producción de nuevos envasados.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Se propone una red de logística reversa, no obstante el enfoque del estudio es abordar el problema de la ruta de recolección. Específicamente, se propone un nuevo “algoritmo de visita rentable” basado en el bien conocido Vecino Más Próximo y se testea en ambos escenarios reales y simulados, para poder lograr un volumen más alto de material recolectado y a su vez disminuir los costo de recolección.

Hallazgos

El algoritmo propuesto está definido para competir contra el bien conocido Vecino Más próximo. El “algoritmo de visita rentable” mostro un rendimiento mucho mejor que el de Vecino Más próximo. Este último se evaluó con datos reales en un escenario real y también se confirmo a través de una simulación.

Limitaciones/implicaciones del estudio

Investigaciones futuras deberían visualizar modelos estocásticos y restricciones de tiempo más limitadas.

Implicaciones practices

Administradores pueden usar el algoritmo en escenarios similares para dirigir las diferentes necesidades de la ruta. Nuevas actividades de negocios podrían ser previstas iniciando un esquema logístico de este tipo. Adicionalmente, nuevos ahorros en procesos de material de adquisición podría ser logrado en las operaciones actuales.

Implicaciones sociales

La responsabilidad social y conciencia ambiental puede ser abarcado con este tipo de actividad. No sólo se reducen los residuos, pero también la recuperación de estos materiales genera ahorros y ofrece nuevas oportunidades de trabajo para las personas.

Originalidad/valor

El “algoritmo visita rentable” introducido en este articulo, mostró ventajas substanciales. Primero, determina automáticamente la frecuencia de visitas para cada cliente. Además, evalúa si una visita basada en su “rentabilidad” debería ser dada o no. Esta última asegura que aunque el circuito de la ruta se quiebra en cualquier momento, la empresa no perderá “ganancias.” Adicionalmente, esta investigación provee evaluaciones de desempeño en escenarios reales y simulados, lo cual es difícil de obtener en un sólo estudio.

Tipo de papel

Trabajo de investigación

Resumo

Objetivo

Objetivo

Este artigo analisa o processo de coletade embalagens não retornáveis usadas. O objetivo é aumentar a qualidade e as quantidades de materiais recicláveis utilizados na produção de novas embalagens.

Desenhos/metodologia/enfoque

Uma rede de logística reversa é proposta, embora o enfoque da pesquisa é abordar o problema da roteamento da coleta. Especificamente, um novo algoritmo de “Profitable Visit” baseado no conhecido Nearest Neighboré proposto Dois cenários são testados, um real e um simulado, com objetivos deatingimento de um volume maior de material coletado e também de diminuir os custos decoleta.

Achados

O algoritmo foi proposto para competir com o conhecido Nearest Neighbor. O algoritmo de “Profitable Visit” mostra um rendimento melhor que o Nearest Neighbor. Este último foi avaliado com dadosreais em um cenário real e também confirmado através de simulação.

Limitações/implicações da pesquisa

Pesquisas futuras deveriam abordar modelos estocásticos e maiores restrições de tempo.

Implicações práticas

Gerentes podem utilizar o algoritmo em cenários similares para gerenciar diferentes necessidades de roteamento de coleta. Novos processos de negócios poderiam ser previstos com base em projetos logísticos deste tipo. Adicionalmente, ganhos adicionais em processos de compra de materiais poderiam ser obtidosem operações presentes.

Implicações sociais

A responsabilidade social e a consciência ambiental podem ser abordadas com este tipo de projeto. Junto com a eliminação de resíduos, a recuperação desses materiaistambém gera renda e oferece novas oportunidades de trabalho para as pessoas.

Originalidade/valor

O algoritmo Profitable Visit” apresentadoneste artigo mostra vantagens substanciais. Primeiro, determina automaticamente a freqüência de visitas para cada cliente. Também, avalia se uma visita com base na “rentabilidade” deveria ocorrer ou não. Este aspecto assegura que quando o circuito da rota é modificado em qualquer momento, a empresa não perderá seus “ganhos.” Adicionalmente, esta pesquisa fornece avaliações de desempenho em cenários reais e simulados, o que é difícil de ocorrer em um único estudo.

Tipo de papel

Trabathos de pesquisa

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 44 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2014

Emílio Della Bruna Jr, Leonardo Ensslin and Sandra Rolim Ensslin

The purpose of this paper is to develop a performance evaluation model for the operations of the supply chain of an organization of the refrigeration equipment sector. The tool…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a performance evaluation model for the operations of the supply chain of an organization of the refrigeration equipment sector. The tool must aid the decision maker in the performance improvement and creation of competitive advantages.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a mixture of qualitative and quantitative approaches and applies them through a case study. The data collection was conducted through unstructured interviews and supplemented by documentary research. The applied intervention instrument is the Multicriteria Decision Aid – Constructivist (MCDA-C).

Findings

Identification, organization, ordinal and cardinal measurement and integration of the aspects of the context judged as relevant by the decision maker. In addition, it can be highlighted the current situation diagnosis and elaboration of improvement actions related to lean philosophy and advanced planning systems.

Practical implications

The developed model is being used to aid the decision maker in their decisions concerning the improvement of the supply chain operations.

Originality/value

The main contributions made by the paper resides in the proposal of solutions for fulfiling gaps identified within the supply chain performance evaluation area and in the application of the MCDA-C to a practical case.

Keywords

Performance, Supply chain, Multicriteria, Decision, MCDA-C

Paper type

Case study

Resumen

Objetivo

Objetivo

El objetivo de este artículo es desarrollar un Modelo de Desempeño para las operaciones de cadena de suministro de una organización en el sector de equipos de refrigeración. La herramienta debe ayudar a quién toma las decisiones en mejorar el desempeño y crear ventajas competitivas.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

El estudio usa una combinación de enfoques cualitativos y cuantitativos aplicándolos a un caso estudio. La recolección de datos se hizo a través de entrevistas no estructuradas y se complementó con investigación documental. El instrumento de intervención usado es el Multicriterio De Apoyo a la Decisión-Constructivista (MCDA-C).

Hallazgos

Identificación, organización, mediciones ordinales y cardinales e integración de los aspectos de los contextos considerados como relevantes por el tomador de decisiones. Se puede destacar además la situación actual de diagnóstico y la elaboración de acciones de mejoramiento relacionados con la filosofía Lean y los Sistemas avanzados de planificación.

Implicaciones prácticas

El modelo desarrollado esta siendo usado para ayudar al toma decisiones en las decisiones concernientes con el mejoramiento de las operaciones de la cadena de suministro.

Originalidad/valor

La mayor contribución hecha por este artículo reside en proponer soluciones para cubrir brechas identificadas dentro el área de Evaluación de Rendimiento en la Cadena de Suministro y en la aplicación del MCDA-C a un caso práctico.

Palabras Claves

Desempeño, Cadena de Suministro, Decisión, Multicriterio, MCDA-C

Tipo de papel

estudio de caso

Resumo

Objetivo

Objetivo

O objetivo de este artigo é desenvolver um Modelo de Avaliação Desempenho para as operações da cadeia de suprimentos de uma organização do setor de equipamentos de refrigeração. O modelo proposto deve ajudar o tomador de decisões a melhorar o desempenho e criar vantagens competitivas.

Desenho/metodologia/enfoque

O estudo faz uso de uma abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa aplicada em um Estudo de Caso. A coleta dos dados foi feita por meio de entrevistas abertas, sendo complementada por pesquisa documental. O instrumento de intervenção usado é o Multicriteria Decision Aid – Constructivist (MCDA-C).

Achados

Identificação, organização, medições ordinais e cardinais, e integração dos aspectos do contexto são considerados como relevantes para o tomador de decisões. Além disso, destacam-se o diagnóstico da situação atual e a elaboração de ações de aperfeiçoamento, nas quais se avaliam os efeitos da implementação da Filosofia Enxuta e de um Sistema de Planejamento Avançado na organização.

Implicações práticas

O modelo desenvolvido auxilia o tomador de decisões nas decisões concernentes ao melhoramento das operações da cadeia de suprimentos.

Originalidade/valor

As principais contribuições do artigo residem na proposição de melhorias em lacunas ainda presentes na avaliação do desempenho da cadeia de suprimentos e também na aplicação da MCDA-C em um caso prático.

Palavras-Chave

Desempenho, Cadeia de Suprimentos, MCDA-C, Decisão, Multicritério

Tipo de papel

estudo de caso

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 44 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2014

Peter F. Wanke

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the issue of efficiency in the Brazilian motor carrier industry, which has undergone significant transformations since the economy…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the issue of efficiency in the Brazilian motor carrier industry, which has undergone significant transformations since the economy deregulation in the mid-1990s. The main research objective is to determine whether or not different types of cargoes and geographic regions serviced significantly impact trucking managerial efficiency levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Research objectives are accomplished by applying a two-stage data envelopment analysis model with bootstrapped estimates. Based on an unbalanced panel model, secondary data from the annual study published by Transporte Moderno (years 2002-2010) were collected and analyzed.

Findings

Results support anecdotal evidence regarding a heterogeneous impact of cargo mix and route mix on efficiency levels.

Research limitations/implications

A major limitation of this work concerns the fact of working with secondary data instead of primary data, especially with respect to the set of inputs and outputs used in the analysis, which may not cover all aspects relevant to building an efficiency frontier. Despite this limitation, the study has made an important contribution in its use of panel data to demonstrate the impacts of different types of cargoes and geographic regions serviced on managerial efficiency levels in the trucking industry.

Practical implications

Managerial impacts in terms of mergers and acquisitions are addressed.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is twofold. On the theoretical side, a valuable scale for the measurement of managerial efficiency was built and validated, representing an index toward the most productive cargo/route mix. On the other hand, the managerial implication of this possibility of measuring the efficiency levels is that motor carriers can use it as a basis for establishing future action plans.

Keywords

Brazil, DEA, Longitudinal study, Efficiency drivers, Trucking industry, Unbalanced panel

Paper type

 Research paper

Resumen Objetivo

El estudio investiga el tema de la eficiencia en la industria del transporte Brasileña, la cual ha experimentado cambios significativos desde la desregulación de la economía a mediados de los años noventa. El objetivo principal de la investigación es determinar si los diferentes tipos de cargas y regiones geográficas que han recibido los servicios impactan significativamente o no los niveles de eficiencia administrativa de las empresas de camiones.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Los objetivos de la investigación se lograron usando un modelo DEA de dos etapas con estimaciones bootstrap. Basado en un modelo de panel no balanceado, se obtuvieron y analizaron datos secundarios del estudio anual publicados por Transporte Moderno (años 2002-2010).

Hallazgos

Los resultados apoyan la evidencia anécdota en lo relacionado con el impacto heterogéneo de mezcla de cargas y una combinación de rutas en los niveles de eficiencia.

Limitaciones/implicaciones del estudio

La limitación más grande de este trabajo es el hecho de trabajar con datos secundarios en vez de usar datos primarios, especialmente en relación con el set de inputs y outputs usados en este análisis, que podrían no cubrir todos los aspectos relevantes en la construcción de una frontera eficiente. A pesar de esta limitación, este estudio hace una importante contribución al usar datos de panel para demostrar los impactos de los diferentes tipos de cargas y regiones geográficas atendidas, en los niveles de eficiencia de la administración de la industria de transporte de camiones.

Implicaciones prácticas

Se discuten los impactos de administración en términos fusiones y adquisiciones.

Originalidad/valor

La contribución de este estudio es doble. Por el lado teórico, una escala relevante para medir la eficiencia de la administración fue construida y validada, que representa un índice hacia la combinación carga/ruta más efectiva. Por otro lado, las implicaciones administrativas de la posibilidad de medir niveles de eficiencia es que las empresas de transportes pueden usarloa como base para establecer planes futuros de acción.

Palabras claves

Estudio longitudinal, Industria camionera, Brasil, DEA, Promotores de eficiencia, Panel no balanceado

Tipo de papel

 Trabajo de investigación

Resumo Objetivo

A pesquisa investiga o tema da eficiência na indústria brasileira de transporte rodoviário, a qual tem experimentado mudanças significativas desde a desregulamentação da economia em meados dos anos noventa. O objetivo principal da pesquisa é determinar se os diferentes tipos de cargas e de regiões geográficas atendidas impactam significativamente ou não nos níveis de eficiência na gestão de cargas rodoviárias.

Desenhos/metodologia/enfoque

Os objetivos da pesquisa foram atingidos usando um modelo DEA de dois estágios com estimativas bootstrap. Baseados em um modelo de painel, foram recolhidos e analisados dados secundários publicados no estudo anual da publicação Transporte Moderno (anos 2002-2010).

Achados

Os resultados apoiam a evidência baseada no senso comum relacionada ao impacto heterogêneo do mix de cargas e do mix de rotas nos níveis de eficiência.

Limitações/implicações da pesquisa

A maior limitação de esta pesquisa concerne ao fato de trabalhar com dados secundários em vez de dados primários, especialmente em relação com a série de inputs e outputs utilizados na análise, que não puderam cobrir todos os aspectos relevantes para definição da fronteira de eficiência. Apesar dessa limitação, esta pesquisa traz uma importante contribuição ao utilizar dados de painel para demonstrar os impactos dos diferentes tipos de cargas e de regiões geográficas atendidas sobre os níveis de eficiência na gestão do transporte de cargas rodoviárias.

Implicações práticas

Os impactos da gestão em termos de fusão e aquisição são abordados.

Originalidade/valor

A contribuição deste estudo é dupla. Pelo lado teórico, foi construída e validada uma escala relevante para medir a eficiência de gestão de cargas rodoviárias, que indica um índice para a combinação mais efetiva da combinação entre cargas e rotas. Por outro lado, quanto às implicações gerenciais, a possibilidade de medir os níveis de eficiência criam a possibilidade das empresas de transportes utilizá-los como base para futuros planos de ação.

Palavras-chave

Estudo longitudinal, Setor de transporte rodoviário, Brasil, DEA, Condutores de eficiência, Dados em painel

Tipo de papel

 Trabalhos de pesquisa

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 44 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Article
Publication date: 27 May 2014

Andrew Beheregarai Finger, Barbara B. Flynn and Ely Laureanos Paiva

The purpose of this paper is to propose and empirically validates a measure of the anticipation of new technologies (ANT) construct, first suggested by Hayes and Wheelwright…

1898

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose and empirically validates a measure of the anticipation of new technologies (ANT) construct, first suggested by Hayes and Wheelwright (1984). ANT allows establishment of a sustained competitive advantage through acquiring new technologies and the capability to use them, in advance of actual need. The theoretical foundation for ANT is developed using the literature on absorptive capacity. Several elements of supply chain management are proposed as antecedents to ANT.

Design/methodology/approach

Perceptual survey data from 317 manufacturing plants in ten countries was used to test the hypotheses using structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

The key supply chain antecedents of ANT are supply chain planning, internal integration and supplier integration. ANT was related to both operational and cost performance.

Research limitations/implications

Potential limitations include the use of an existing database, the plant as the unit of analysis and the need to include customer integration, as well as supplier integration. The results demonstrate the competitive importance of the ANT construct and the key role that relationships with suppliers play in its development.

Practical implications

This research sheds new light on a construct whose roots are inherently practical. Suppliers and their extended networks are an important source of external knowledge about technology and future customer needs, thus, supply chain relationships are an important contributor to ANT.

Originality/value

Although the role of technology in establishing a competitive advantage has been thoroughly studied, the effectiveness of developing technologies that are expected to be important in the future has not, although this concept was first introduced almost 30 years ago. The authors use absorptive capacity to develop the role of supply chain relationships in building an organization's ANT capability, contributing to the operations strategy literature by grounding a practical construct in the theoretical literature and demonstrating its importance.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 34 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 January 2016

Jose Marcio Carvalho, Ely Laureano Paiva and Luciana Marques Vieira

High-specification food products that reach prices or expert reviews above average, results from buyer-supplier engagement in quality management. The purpose of this paper is to…

3865

Abstract

Purpose

High-specification food products that reach prices or expert reviews above average, results from buyer-supplier engagement in quality management. The purpose of this paper is to identify the main attributes of the coffee industry supply chain that deals with high-specification products. Coffee may be included in this category of consumption goods that has increasing importance at consumption level around the world. Several groups of high-quality food products such as wine, coffee, spirits and cheese seem to have a very similar supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was based on multiple case studies. Three research techniques were used in the investigation: secondary data analysis, direct observations and interviews with coffee company’s managers and experts. The within-case and the cross-case analyses made it possible to find the main attributes of a high-specification product supply chain.

Findings

The cases studies pointed out differences between the two groups of coffee shops in relation to their supply chain strategies. The first group can be called Independent Coffee Shops, since they are focussed on the coffee preparation business. The second group can be called Integrated Coffee Shops, due to the fact that these organizations are responsible to manufacturing activities in addition to the coffee preparation activities. Despite this supply chain configuration difference, both groups have a similar perception about their role for the final consumer, to provide a premium experience with coffee.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this research comes from the fact it was possible to interview only one person in each organization. Only the commercialization of the supply chain was analyzed, if the agricultural production was also analyzed, this paper could have broader implications.

Originality/value

The results of this research show the configuration of a supply chain that handles a high-specification product. They are set to transform the trade of a product that has a component of volatility in its quality attributes into a trade of a product that embodies all the desirable attributes preferred by a specific group of costumers. The logic of a supply chain that deals with commodities is different, since in most of the cases it will try to accommodate the variations on quality that comes from nature. This paper describes the market based strategy of 12 organizations and their supply chain configuration in order to offer a premium product.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 118 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 June 2020

Mauro Fracarolli Nunes, Camila Lee Park and Ely Laureano Paiva

The study investigates the interaction of sustainability dimensions in supply chains. Along with the analysis of sustainability trade-offs (i.e. prioritizing one dimension to the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The study investigates the interaction of sustainability dimensions in supply chains. Along with the analysis of sustainability trade-offs (i.e. prioritizing one dimension to the sacrifice of others), we develop and test the concept of cross-insurance mechanism (i.e. meeting of one sustainability goal possibly attenuating the effects of poor performance in another).

Design/methodology/approach

Through the analysis of a 20-variation vignette-based experiment, we evaluate the effects of these issues on the corporate credibility (expertise and trustworthiness) of four tiers of a typical food supply chain: pesticide producers, farmers, companies from the food industry and retail chains.

Findings

Results suggest that both sustainability trade-offs and cross-insurance mechanisms have different impacts across the chain. While pesticide producers (first tier) and retail chains (fourth tier) seem to respond better to a social trade-off, the social cross-insurance mechanism has shown to be particularly beneficial to companies from the food industry (third tier). Farmers (second tier), in turn, seem to be more sensitive to the economic cross-insurance mechanism.

Originality/value

Along with adding to the study of sustainability trade-offs in supply chain contexts, results suggest that the efficiency of the insurance mechanism is not conditional on the alignment among sustainability dimensions (i.e. social responsibility attenuating social irresponsibility). In this sense, empirical evidences support the development of the cross-insurance mechanism as an original concept.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 40 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 July 2023

Kenyth Alves de Freitas, Barbara Bechler Flynn, Ely Laureano Paiva and Amrou Awaysheh

This paper investigates how companies become resilient to supply chain (SC) piracy through using transactional and relational governance mechanisms to develop strategies effective…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper investigates how companies become resilient to supply chain (SC) piracy through using transactional and relational governance mechanisms to develop strategies effective in environments characterized by weak regulative institutions and mistrust.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed case studies of nine large manufacturers with operations in Brazil.

Findings

The companies employed transactional and relational governance mechanisms to learn from past incidents, anticipate, and respond to the threat of SC piracy, becoming more resilient over time. Transactional governance mechanisms reduced risk triggers through technology, while relational governance mechanisms enhanced trust between SC and non-SC members, allowing the members to build social capital.

Practical implications

The authors provide practical guidance for managers and policymakers in developing risk management strategies based on technology and collaboration to reduce SC piracy in environments characterized by mistrust.

Social implications

SC piracy is a serious problem for global operations and SCs in many low-cost manufacturing locations. Besides the cost and service level consequences, the authors also highlight worker safety consequences, including the potential for kidnapping, psychological trauma, injuries, and death.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the little-researched topic of SC piracy. The authors examine the negative effects of a weak institutional environment, while most prior research focuses on the positive effects of a strong institutional environment. The authors position transactional and relational governance mechanisms as essential elements of SC risk resilience.

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