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This article has been withdrawn as it was published elsewhere and accidentally duplicated. The original article can be seen here: 10.1108/09576059510085019. When citing the article, please cite: Robert Sabath, (1995), “Volatile demand calls for quick response: the integrated supply chain”, Logistics Information Management, Vol. 8 Iss: 2, pp. 49 - 52.

Highlights the problems encountered by a traditional supply chain system and shows how these problems can be eradicated by implementing an integrated supply chain. Discusses the workings of an integrated supply chain with the example of a US sports clothing manufacturer. Concludes by including a supply chain diagnostic guide which can be used to assess the efficiency of a company′s supply chain.

Inventory service levels are a concern of every inventory system. Poor service levels may result in loss of customers and sales, whereas excessive service levels result in loss of money due to large inventories. Although inventory service levels have been discussed widely in the professional literature, the emphasis has been on service levels during replenishment lead times. Overall service levels, which are much more relevant to customers, have received little attention, and the results presented are often mistaken. This article reviews measures of inventory service levels both for single and multiple items, relates single item measures during lead times to their overall counterparts, and shows that overall measures are not only more relevant to customers, but also require lower safety stock from the provider of the goods.

The major developments and trends in computer hardware and software are discussed, and those developments that will influence the use of computers in logistics in the coming decade are highlighted. The main areas in the logistics operation where changes will take place are highlighted. The human element is examined, particularly the type of people needed to operate future logistical computer systems.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of collaboration and information technology (IT) on the reverse logistics competency of firms. Through collaboration firms can improve their ability to handle returns, but this research introduces IT as providing a moderating influence over the impact of collaboration in the advancement of a reverse logistics competency.

A survey was administered to employees involved with supply chain relationships. Empirical evidence from 267 respondents is analyzed with structural equation modeling.

Support is found for the positive moderating influence of an IT competency on the relationship between collaboration and a reverse logistics competency. Additional benefits for logistics performance are also realized.

This research provides theoretical implications for the development of a reverse logistics competency through an application of resource-based theory/resource-based view of the firm. The study is limited to the selected research questions and sample of predominantly US firms.

This research assists managers as they attempt to develop a reverse logistics competency to address the growing problem of returns through collaboration with supply chain members and the development of an IT competency.

The framework developed in this research provides insights regarding the handling of product returns. Specifically, the moderating influence of an IT competency is addressed as it enhances the impact of collaboration on the development of a reverse logistics competency.

The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework to evaluate e‐business strategic capabilities using structural equation modelling (SEM) approach.

The paper identifies three e‐business capabilities, namely business strategy, supply chain strategy and e‐business readiness. These capabilities are further decomposed under technology, organization and people dimensions to assess their contribution for business effectiveness. A questionnaire is designed and implemented using SEM technique. Survey data from 143 firms from the UK are collected to test our theoretical model. In particular, we have tested a positive, mediating/reciprocal relationships among multidimensional measures of business strategy, supply chain strategy and e‐business adoption. Further hypotheses are developed to evaluate a direct positive impact of e‐business on company's performance.

This empirical analyses demonstrate several key findings: success of e‐business in UK firms is attributed to the strong positive co‐relationship of supply chain strategy to business strategy and to e‐business adoption; within the technology‐organization‐people dimensions, e‐business adoption and business strategy emerges as the strongest factors for the company's performances for the adopter of e‐business group, whereas supply chain capabilities and business strategies is relatively a stronger contributory factor towards business success for non‐adopter of e‐business.

It is expected that the results from this study will provide useful guidelines for companies to assess their strengths and weaknesses towards adopting an effective e‐business implementation strategy.