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1 – 3 of 3Alan Amling and Patricia J. Daugherty
The purpose of this paper is to explore how two mega-trends, e-commerce and urbanization, have the potential to reshape logistics practices around the world. Primary focus is on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how two mega-trends, e-commerce and urbanization, have the potential to reshape logistics practices around the world. Primary focus is on how Chinese business practices and logistics innovations are increasingly relevant to the USA and other western countries.
Design/methodology/approach
Experience-based thought piece focusing on specific Chinese logistics innovations centering on speed, adaptability and new business models.
Findings
The Chinese economy has played a key role in providing support and enabling logistics innovations in China. Key enablers include the ubiquitous connectivity and applications availability, the dynamic low-cost labor environment and government support for the Chinese logistics industry.
Research limitations/implications
This study suggests new areas for research.
Practical implications
This study provides insights into the potential value associated with adopting innovative Chinese logistics practices.
Social implications
This study provides suggested areas of attention to help focus on logistics operations on key societal trends.
Originality/value
Our paper provides insights into the potential value associated with adopting innovative Chinese logistics practices. We believe this represents a significant contribution as little coverage of the topics have been noted to date in leading logistics/supply chain journals.
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Keywords
Jose Orlando Montes and F. Xavier Olleros
This article explores a particular on-demand fabrication unit, the microfactory (MF). It identifies and contrasts several MFs and proposes a taxonomy. This research also explores…
Abstract
Purpose
This article explores a particular on-demand fabrication unit, the microfactory (MF). It identifies and contrasts several MFs and proposes a taxonomy. This research also explores online manufacturing platforms (OMP) that complement certain MFs.
Design/methodology/approach
This research implements a multiple case study (71 cases in 21 countries), triangulating data available on the web with interviews, virtual/physical tours and experiential research.
Findings
The results suggest that automation and openness are the main dimensions that differentiate the MFs. Using these dimensions, a taxonomy of MFs is created. MFs with relatively low automation and high openness tend to be innovation-driven microfactories (IDMFs). MFs with high automation and low openness levels tend to be customization-driven microfactories (CDMFs). And MFs with relatively low automation and low openness tend to be classic machine shops (MSs). There are two types of OMP: closed (COMPs) and multisided (MOMPs). MOMPs can be low-end or high-end.
Practical implications
In a world where online platforms are becoming central to the reinvention of manufacturing, multisided online platforms and small fabricators will become strongly symbiotic.
Originality/value
This paper offers a clearer conceptualization of MFs and OMPs, which may help to better understand the reality of local on-demand fabrication. Moreover, it explores a new type of experiential research, which tries to describe and interpret firms through transactional activities. Many details of a firm that are difficult to capture via interviews and netnography can be revealed this way.
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Whilst cultural variables are likely to have an important bearing on the attitudes and behaviour of hotel employees, anecdotally, a pan‐industrial work orientation has also been…
Abstract
Whilst cultural variables are likely to have an important bearing on the attitudes and behaviour of hotel employees, anecdotally, a pan‐industrial work orientation has also been long advocated as key in the formation of worker attitudes and behaviour. This study sought to identify and establish the extent to which this occupational view of work exists amongst employees in a number of international hotels based in Greece, Australia, St. Lucia and Britain. Using a survey approach with questions derived from earlier related studies, occupational communities were discovered in all hotels. The findings have significant implications for the recruitment and management of existing hotel workers as the occupational perspective challenges cultural notions of employee motivations and subsequent performance.
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