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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 March 2024

Grażyna Kędzia

I aimed to obtain a deeper insight into the link between supplier involvement in product development (SIPD), supplier relationship resilience and company performance.

Abstract

Purpose

I aimed to obtain a deeper insight into the link between supplier involvement in product development (SIPD), supplier relationship resilience and company performance.

Design/methodology/approach

To collect data, a survey among 500 Polish manufacturing companies was conducted. I used quantitative methods (structural equation modeling) to test several research hypotheses referring to a single supplier–customer relationship. Thanks to the use of multi-construct measurement of SIPD and supplier relationship resilience, the study provides detailed research results on the topic.

Findings

Collaborative practices implemented during SIPD increase procurement flexibility and decrease redundancy in the relationship with the involved supplier. Communication during SIPD increases supplier flexibility and procurement flexibility. Increased supplier flexibility and increased procurement flexibility in the relationship with the involved supplier as well as collaborative practices during SIPD positively impact company performance. I confirmed the indirect effect between communication during SIPD and company performance when the mediators are supplier flexibility and procurement flexibility. Decreased redundancy in relationship with involved supplier does not impact company performance.

Practical implications

Supply chain managers need to rethink SIPD practice to effectively ensure supply chain resilience (SCRES), especially in the face of the contemporary global crisis and black swans affecting the supplier base. My article provides important managerial insights into drivers of SCRES and company performance.

Originality/value

To the best of my knowledge, this research is among the first to conclude that SIPD does not have an unequivocally positive or direct impact on supplier relationship resilience. The research fills the gap by analyzing the impact of SIPD on two main SCRES elements. The study examines supplier relationship resilience, understood as flexibility and redundancy elements, in a single supplier–buyer relationship perspective. Thus, the presented considerations go beyond the traditional understanding of flexibility and redundancy in supplier relationship management, that is through the prism of double or multi sourcing and having back up-suppliers.

Details

Central European Management Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2658-0845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 March 2024

Waqar Ahmed, Arsalan Najmi and Sohail Majeed

This paper aims to provide a framework regarding Information Technology (IT) Flexibility in Supply Chain and its relationship with the benefits we could see from Enterprise…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a framework regarding Information Technology (IT) Flexibility in Supply Chain and its relationship with the benefits we could see from Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Furthermore, this research explores the moderating effect of Process Integration Capability in the relationship between IT flexibility and ERP benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

This research model will help organizations get additional benefits from their ERP systems that incurred huge costs, time and multiple resources at their implementation. The technique used for analyzing data is structural equation modeling (SEM), and data is collected from 107 respondents through a questionnaire from Business and IT Professionals.

Findings

The study findings reveal a positive and significant relationship between IT flexibility and ERP systems benefits; moreover, results also confirmed that the organization's process integration capability significantly increased the benefits of ERP systems. The findings also highlight empirical evidence about the significance of the top-to-bottom approach investing in IT flexibility and the bottom-to-top approach during the implementation of IT systems for successful implementations.

Practical implications

This study has various implications for practitioners that help them successfully implement and long-term viability of their IT infrastructure.

Originality/value

This study's findings will help IT managers and strategists make effective decisions for creating IT flexibility in alignment with the strategic goals to realize the desired results expected from ERP systems and implementations of new IT systems.

Details

Journal of Systems and Information Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1328-7265

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 March 2024

Wei Wu, Chau Le, Yulu Shi and Fadi Alkaraan

Financial flexibility and investment efficiency are of vital importance in strategic choices at boardrooms, particularly in post-crisis recovery strategies. This study examines…

Abstract

Purpose

Financial flexibility and investment efficiency are of vital importance in strategic choices at boardrooms, particularly in post-crisis recovery strategies. This study examines the moderating effects of investment efficiency and investment scale on the relationship between financial flexibility and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use sample of 10,755 US-listed firms over the period 2010–2021 to examine the relationships between investment scale, investment efficiency, financial flexibility and firm performance. Particular attention is paid to overinvestment and underinvestment.

Findings

Findings of this study reveal that financial flexibility mitigates investment inefficiency through reducing overinvestment. Financial flexibility contributes to boost a firm’s accounting and market performance. Additionally, investment efficiency and investment scale have moderating effects on the relationship between financial flexibility and firm performance. However, the influence of investment efficiency is greater than the influence of investment scale. Finally, the authors find that the direct and indirect effects of financial flexibility are stronger on market performance than accounting performance, implying that market is more sensitive to corporate financial policies.

Research limitations/implications

Findings of this study have implications for scholars, decision-makers policymakers, investors and other stakeholders.

Practical implications

This study has its own limitations due to the sample selection issues, country context and the research model adopted by this study.

Originality/value

The novel contribution to the extant literature is incorporating the influence of investment scale and investment efficiency into the relationship between financial flexibility and firm performance.

Details

Journal of Applied Accounting Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0967-5426

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 February 2024

Sara Rogerson, Martin Svanberg, Ceren Altuntas Vural, Sönke von Wieding and Johan Woxenius

Severe disruptions to maritime supply chains, including port closures, congestion and shortages in shipping capacity, have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper’s…

Abstract

Purpose

Severe disruptions to maritime supply chains, including port closures, congestion and shortages in shipping capacity, have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper’s purpose is to explore flexibility-based countermeasures that enable actors in maritime supply chains to mitigate the effects of disruptions with different characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with shipping lines, shippers, forwarders and ports. Data on the COVID-19 pandemic's effects and countermeasures were collected and compared with data regarding the 2016–2017 Gothenburg port conflict.

Findings

Spatial, capacity, service and temporal flexibility emerged as the primary countermeasures, whilst important characteristics of disruptions were geographical spread, duration, uncertainty, criticality, the element of surprise and intensity. Spatial flexibility was exercised in both disruptions by switching to alternative ports. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring capacity flexibility included first removing and then adding vessels. Shipping lines exercising service flexibility prioritised certain cargo, which made the spot market uncertain and reduced flexibility for forwarders, importers and exporters that changed carriers or traffic modes. Experience with disruptions meant less surprise and better preparation for spatial flexibility.

Practical implications

Understanding how actors in maritime supply chains exercise flexibility-based countermeasures amid disruptions with different characteristics can support preparedness for coming disruptions.

Originality/value

Comparing flexibility-based measures in a pandemic versus port conflict provides insights into the important characteristics of disruptions and the relevance of mitigation strategies. The resilience of maritime supply chains, although underexamined compared with manufacturing supply chains, is essential for maintaining global supply chain flows.

Details

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

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 6 February 2024

Miguel Núñez-Merino, Juan Manuel Maqueira-Marín, José Moyano-Fuentes and Carlos Alberto Castaño-Moraga

The purpose of this paper is to explore and disseminate knowledge about quantum-inspired computing technology's potential to solve complex challenges faced by the operational…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and disseminate knowledge about quantum-inspired computing technology's potential to solve complex challenges faced by the operational agility capability in Industry 4.0 manufacturing and logistics operations.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-case study approach is used to determine the impact of quantum-inspired computing technology in manufacturing and logistics processes from the supplier perspective. A literature review provides the basis for a framework to identify a set of flexibility and agility operational capabilities enabled by Industry 4.0 Information and Digital Technologies. The use cases are analyzed in depth, first individually and then jointly.

Findings

Study results suggest that quantum-inspired computing technology has the potential to harness and boost companies' operational flexibility to enhance operational agility in manufacturing and logistics operations management, particularly in the Industry 4.0 context. An exploratory model is proposed to explain the relationships between quantum-inspired computing technology and the deployment of operational agility capabilities.

Originality/value

This is study explores the use of quantum-inspired computing technology in Industry 4.0 operations management and contributes to understanding its potential to enable operational agility capability in manufacturing and logistics operations.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 December 2023

Peerayuth Charoensukmongkol

Although the benefits that individuals obtain from trait mindfulness and functional flexibility have been well documented in the research literature, one crucial gap is the lack…

Abstract

Purpose

Although the benefits that individuals obtain from trait mindfulness and functional flexibility have been well documented in the research literature, one crucial gap is the lack of evidence clarifying whether trait mindfulness and functional flexibility might benefit all age groups. Using the moderating effect of age among salespeople, this research analyzes the effects of trait mindfulness and functional flexibility regarding sales performance based on the conservation of resource theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 227 salespeople across 120 companies located in Bangkok, Thailand. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The analysis shows that the positive effect of trait mindfulness on sales performance is more substantial for older salespeople than their younger counterparts. Although the analysis shows that functional flexibility is positively associated with sales performance, the positive relationship is only supported for younger salespeople. For older salespeople, available flexibility does not positively affect sales performance.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, developing trait mindfulness and functional flexibility in salespeople could be a valuable area of focus for sales organizations' human capital development policies. Although the intervention to develop trait mindfulness could be provided to all salespeople, the functional flexibility enhancement component should be delivered specifically to younger salespeople who may experience more significant gains from the training.

Originality/value

The results address the gap in the existing research that lacked evidence as to whether trait mindfulness and functional flexibility similarly affect the work performance of older and younger people. In particular, this study offers new insight into how age differences influence the benefit of trait mindfulness and functional flexibility across different age groups of individuals.

Details

Baltic Journal of Management, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5265

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2024

Israa Elbendary and Gamal Mohamed Shehata

The study investigates the mediating effect of HR flexibility in the relationship between capacity-enhancing HR practices and job performance in small and medium-sized enterprises…

Abstract

Purpose

The study investigates the mediating effect of HR flexibility in the relationship between capacity-enhancing HR practices and job performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of the literature review, the results imply a quantitatively tested conceptual model. The model is empirically validated using the partial least squares method to structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) with survey data from 270 SME owners and managers in Egypt. The sample was selected using a quota sampling approach for small and medium-sized businesses and a proportionate stratification sampling method for the industry and region.

Findings

Findings for the sample revealed that capacity-enhancing HR practices affected job performance positively and significantly. The findings also revealed a direct, positive and significant impact of capacity-enhancing HR practices on HR flexibility and HR flexibility on job performance. Functional flexibility was identified as a significant mediator of the capacity-enhancing HR practices-job performance link, whereas behavioural and skill flexibility were not significant mediators for such a relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The study's cross-sectional design is an evident weakness. All variables were self-reported; this may raise issues regarding method bias. Other limitations include the generalisability of the study's findings outside the setting in which it was conducted. The accuracy of the field study results would have been enhanced if they had not been limited exclusively to the geographical confines of Egypt.

Originality/value

The paper proposes many implications emphasising the role of HR flexibility in enhancing the performance of SMEs. The study developed a mediation model to understand how SMEs boost the performance of human resources by focusing on flexibility dimensions. Accordingly, companies may strategically employ flexible practices and provide an environment that encourages skill and behavioural development.

Details

Management & Sustainability: An Arab Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2752-9819

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 December 2023

Luay Jum'a and Malak Bushnaq

The study aims to examine the impact of three types of supply chain integration (SCI) on supply chain flexibility (SCF), investigate the impact of SCF on supply chain performance…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to examine the impact of three types of supply chain integration (SCI) on supply chain flexibility (SCF), investigate the impact of SCF on supply chain performance (SCP) and analyse the indirect impact of SCI on SCP by considering the mediating role of SCF within the manufacturing sector of Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative approach to validate the study model. An online self-completed questionnaire was used to gather data from 219 participants from managers in various Jordanian manufacturing firms. SmartPLS software was used to perform structural equation modelling to test the formulated hypotheses.

Findings

Based on the findings of the study, firms in Jordan's manufacturing sector would benefit from developing an integrative and flexible supply chain to boost SCP in the present volatile, uncertain, complex and speculative market. In addition, SCP was significantly influenced by investments in supply chain management practices related to SCI and SCF. Moreover, SCF significantly moderated the relationship between SCI and SCP. Thus, SCI and SCF assisted firms in reaching their highest potential performance through increased productivity, decreased expenses and increased satisfaction of their customers.

Research limitations/implications

The study employed a cross-sectional design using SCF as a single construct. Future research should look into the specific type of SCFs that have an immense effect on SCP and how these types are affected by the three types of SCI. Furthermore, future research ought to employ probability sampling techniques to improve the generalizability of results or using a longitudinal data-collection design. Finally, additional research should be conducted to validate the findings of this study by replicating it in other specific industries or countries.

Originality/value

The study fills an identified gap based on previous studies by exploring the linkages between SCI, SCF and SCP in the context of manufacturing sector. Moreover, based on the relational view theory, the study proposed an assessment mechanism for SCP for firms based on the link between three types of SCI and SCF.

Details

Journal of Advances in Management Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0972-7981

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1992

Nigel Slack and Henrique Correa

Examines two differing manufacturing operations and characterizestheir manufacturing planning and control (MPC) systems. The primaryconcern of this categorization analysis is to…

1024

Abstract

Examines two differing manufacturing operations and characterizes their manufacturing planning and control (MPC) systems. The primary concern of this categorization analysis is to examine the similarities and differences between the flexibilities inherent in each operation′s MPC system. One company has a system which is primarily a push‐based system, the other largely a pull‐based system. Examines different categories of flexibility in terms of both range flexibility (how far the system can cope with the change) and response flexibility (how fast the system can cope with change). The major conclusion is that pull‐based systems have flexibility characteristics which are characterized by relatively clearly thought‐out discontinuities in their range response curves.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1996

Peter L. Primrose

Although there is a vast body of literature that attempts to define production flexibility, managers are still unable to measure the flexibility they require. However, managers…

1295

Abstract

Although there is a vast body of literature that attempts to define production flexibility, managers are still unable to measure the flexibility they require. However, managers currently are investing in flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) and planning their manufacturing strategies despite this. Discusses the flexibility and economic viability of FMSs, and concludes that managers do not need to measure the flexibility of an FMS in order to select the correct technical specification. Describes the factors that enable a company to achieve its strategic objectives and suggests that, although increasing flexibility is often quoted as a strategic objective, managers do not need to define or measure flexibility in manufacturing strategy planning. Flexibility just happens to be a convenient word that helps describe the fact that manufacturing facilities must be able to deal with change and uncertainty.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

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