Supply chain integration and performance: The effects of long-term relationships, information technology and sharing, and logistics integration

Supply chain integration is widely considered by both practitioners and researchers a vital contributor to supply chain performance. The two key flows in such relationships are material and information. Previous studies have addressed information integration and material (logistics) integration in separate studies. In this paper, we investigate the integrations of both information and material flows between supply chain partners and their effect on operational performance. Specifically, we examine the role of long-term supplier relationship as the driver of the integration. Using data from 232 Australian firms, we find that logistics integration has a significant effect on operations performance. Information technology capabilities and information sharing both have significant effects on logistics integration. Furthermore, long-term supplier relationships have both direct and indirect significant effects on performance; the indirect effect via the effect on information integration and logistics integration.     

全球价值链与中国地方产业集群的供应链式整合--以苏浙粤纺织服装产业集群为例

地方产业集群的发展不仅需要全球价值链嵌入和耦合的推动,同时集群的供应链式整合(即地方产业集群在同一地域形成完整或近乎完整的价值链)也是地方产业集群升级的关键,这样才能保证地方产业集群在与全球价值链耦合时获取价值链中高附加值、核心战略环节的竞争优势。文章阐述了全球价值链与地方产业集群的供应链整合的三种模式,并以中国纺织服装产业为实例,通过苏(横扇镇)、浙(织里镇)、粤(沙溪镇)三地的纺织服装产业集群,来分析在面对纺织服装产业“后配额时代”的到来,如何将全球价值链与进行集群供应链式整合并实现产业升级;在此基础上说明中国纺织服装产业集群在供应链式整合和嵌入全球价值链过程中所面临的障碍;最后提出地方产业集群的升级思路和途径。     

Effects of inter-organizational compatibility on supply chain capabilities: Exploring the mediating role of inter-organizational information systems (IOIS) integration

Growing globalization and environmental uncertainty have increased the challenges managers face in delivering services or products to the customer. Integration of information systems across partnering organizations has become the backbone of supply chain management, as amalgamation facilitates the sharing of information required to enhance organizational flexibility and responsiveness while minimizing risk and inventory costs. Using data from the Australian retailing sectors, this study investigates the mediating role of inter-organizational information system (IOIS) integration on the relationships between inter-organizational compatibility and supply chain capabilities. The results indicate that inter-organizational compatibility of technical, strategic, and cultural inter-organizational dimensions facilitate IOIS integration and supply chain capabilities. To maximize benefits for all chain members, IOIS integration needs to be embedded in the strategies and goals of partnering organizations. Business-to-business and industrial marketing managers need to be aware that IOIS integration processes require support of top managers of the partnering organizations and should be embedded in the organizations' strategic goals.     

Assessing the relational benefits of logistics services perceived by manufacturers in supply chain

The growing importance of logistics activities that span the boundaries of supply chain firms has put an emphasis on supply chain relationship management. Based on the existing marketing concept on relational benefits and the supply chain management literature on consumer satisfaction, this research evaluates logistics service performance from the eyes of manufacturers. Using data collected from US manufacturing firms, the study has identified the factors that influence manufacturer's satisfaction, as well as the key to understanding the benefits-satisfaction-loyalty triads in supply chain relationships. The contribution of the paper includes developing a conceptual model, adding new theoretical insights into benefits-satisfaction-loyalty triad that has been applied by manufacturers and LSPs, and providing some meaningful perspective on how to strategically assess the use of logistics providers so as to transform a logistics firm from a tactical service provider to a hand-in-glove strategic partner.     

Specific customer knowledge and operational performance in apparel manufacturing

Customer knowledge is an important organizational asset that can be exploited to yield competitive advantage to a firm. However, empirical research on the application of customer knowledge to improve operational performance has been lacking in operations management. In this study we explore how customer knowledge can be used to improve operational performance under a supply chain environment in the clothing industry. We first conceptualize the relationship between customer knowledge and operational performance and delineate their attributes based on a review of the pertinent literature. We then formulate several hypotheses based on past studies and interviews with experienced industry personnel. We develop a self-reported questionnaire to collect data to test the hypotheses. Finally, we conduct a number of regression analyses to identify the key attributes (constructs) of customer knowledge that have a significant impact on operational performance. This paper contributes to research by demonstrating that there are relationships between specific customer knowledge and different facets of operational performance, and provides practitioners in clothing manufacturing with managerial insights on how to leverage customer knowledge for operational performance improvement.     

Demand chain management-integrating marketing and supply chain management

This paper endorses demand chain management as a new business model aimed at creating value in today's marketplace, and combining the strengths of marketing and supply chain competencies. Demand chain design is based on a thorough market understanding and has to be managed in such a way as to effectively meet differing customer needs. Based on a literature review as well as the findings from a co-development workshop and focus group discussions with marketing and supply chain professionals, a conceptual foundation for demand chain management is proposed. Demand chain management involves (1) managing the integration between demand and supply processes; (2) managing the structure between the integrated processes and customer segments and (3) managing the working relationships between marketing and supply chain management. Propositions for the role of marketing within demand chain management and implications for further research in marketing are derived.     

The mediating effects of interfirm business process integration and joint teamwork on firm performance in supply chains

This paper empirically examines the influences of strategic interdependence and resource complementarity on operational performance and relational performance of Chinese suppliers based on the resource-based view and resource dependence theory. In particular, it analyses the mediating effects of interfirm business process integration and joint teamwork. We apply structural equation modeling to analyze the survey data collected from logistics and supply chain managers, and derive the best model with theoretical foundation and statistical significance. As a result, our work has identified the mediating effects of interfirm business process integration and joint teamwork, and validated the assertion that strategic interdependence and resource complementarity as supply chain resources are fundamental to firm performance. It is stressed that resource capitalization requires interfirm business process integration and joint teamwork to realize the value of supply chain resources. The findings not only contribute to research on interfirm resources and performance, but also have practical implications for operations and supply chain management.     

Strategic marketing in global supply chains: Four challenges

Supply chain management has emerged as a critical arena in which firms can find significant cost reduction opportunities, giving them a cost advantage over competitors. When supply chain management orientations are adopted by several firms in a supply chain, together they can significantly reduce supply chain costs pitting supply chain against supply chain. However, the pursuit of cost savings opportunities is not the only objective of supply chain management. Superior supply chain management can facilitate marketing strategy and lead to the creation of superior customer value, satisfaction, and loyalty, which in turn lead to improved product profit margins, overall firm profitability, and overall corporate growth. However, marketing strategy is problematic in global supply chains. Specifically, four significant strategic marketing challenges exist that relate to the development and execution of marketing strategy in global supply chains. This article draws attention to these challenges to stimulate managerial and research efforts that will move marketing strategy through the 21st century.     

Configuring the after-sales service supply chain: A multiple case study

After-sales service in firms manufacturing and selling durable goods has a strategic relevance in its potential contribution to company profitability, customer retention and product development. This paper addresses the configuration of the after-sales supply chain. Three configuration choices are analysed: The degree of vertical integration, the degree of centralisation, and the decoupling of activities (i.e. how activities are decomposed and separated organisationally). Exploratory case study research was performed over seven companies belonging to durable consumer goods industries. The empirical findings show that configuration choices vary, suggesting that no “one best way” exists. Moreover, many firms develop multiple configurations. Choices are influenced by drivers, including the attractiveness of the after-sales business, the strategic priorities, the characteristics of the physical product and the services offered, and the configuration of the manufacturing and distribution supply chain. The paper discusses how these drivers may lead to consistent configuration choices, and how choices are related.     

Customer collaboration,service firms' diversification and innovation performance

To sustain competitive advantage, service firms must adapt to the market environment, often by means of diversification and innovation. While extensive research has focussed on the role of customer collaboration in service firm innovation performance, fewer studies have examined the role of firm diversification in this relationship. This study draws on the resource-based view and dynamic capability literature to explore relationships between customer collaboration, diversification and innovation performance of service firms. A conceptual framework was developed and tested using a survey of 156 mining equipment, technology and services (METS) firms in South Australia, and case studies. The findings indicate that service and market diversification mediate the relationship between customer collaboration and innovation performance. Importantly, our findings demonstrate that customer collaboration has no direct effect on the innovation performance of service firms. The research helps practitioners and policymakers to understand the importance of enhancing collaboration across supply chains to build diversified and resilient to downturns in traditional sectors service economies.     

产业链整合对建筑工业化协同创新绩效的影响研究

市场竞争日趋激烈，创新过程日益复杂，协同创新成为主流的创新范式。而我国建筑工业化正处于创新驱动发展不足的初级阶段，如何通过产业链整合实现建筑工业化的协同创新，进而提高创新绩效是值得研究的问题。本文从产业链整合着手，探讨建筑工业化的技术链整合、产品链整合、创新协同性、创新绩效之间的相互影响关系。首先根据理论分析提出假设，然后运用26家代表性企业的278份问卷作为样本数据进行验证。实证分析表明：产业链整合对创新协同性、创新绩效均有正向显著作用；技术链整合在产品链与创新协同性之间、创新协同性在产业链整合与创新绩效之间起完全中介作用；政策在产品链整合与创新协同性之间起正向调节作用，而在技术链整合与创新协同性之间的调节作用却不显著。研究结论对于建筑工业化政策制定、产业链完善、企业管理等方面具有重要意义，同时展望了需要进一步关注的方向。     

PC行业的模块化与整合研究

本文研究了模块化对PC行业的影响,在此基础上分析模块化与垂直整合的关系,得出PC行业内模块化与垂直整合的变化规律。现今PC企业的竞争集中在供应链的竞争,本文认为PC供应链管理是建立在模块化基础上的供应链整合,延迟策略与全球物流模式体现了PC供应链整合的特点。PC行业的模块化与整合研究对其他行业也有重要参考价值。     

Does IT alignment between supply chain partners enhance customer value creation? An empirical investigation

In today's hypercompetitive market, a firm's individual efforts, by themselves, are not sufficient to respond to marketplace changes in a timely and effective manner. Rather, the firm must rely on its intermediaries and bundle their respective resources to create responsiveness and added value to customers. In this investigation, the authors draw on the relationship marketing literature and the resource-based perspective to examine how firms can increase their customer value creation by exploring two specific driving forces, i.e., strategic importance of supply chain partners and interfirm integration, and relationship-enabled responsiveness as the dynamic capabilities derived from the driving forces. Using the developed scales for customer value creation, hypotheses are tested on data collected from 184 firms. Results suggest that strategic importance of supply chain partners motivates interfirm integration, i.e., strategic collaboration and information technology alignment, setting the stage for enhanced relationship-enabled responsiveness, and subsequently, customer value creation for the firm.     

Customer service strategy options: A multiple case study in a B2B setting

This study addresses the question whether customer service actually has order winning potential in B2B situations, which customer service strategies are deployed, and what determines customer service relevance. A literature review was followed by a multiple case study, using 12 organizations from different industries and from different positions in supply chains. Based on having both problem solving and transfer characteristics, four customer service strategy options are identified: customer integration, customer adaptation, logistical precision, and standard customer service. Many organizations are positioned in the least attractive customer service strategy option: customer adaptation. Partially, this is caused by difficulties in assessing the customer service capability and the customer's sensitivity for customer service. The article concludes with the theoretical and managerial implications.     

Network agility as a trigger for enhancing firm performance: A case study of a high-tech firm implementing the mixed channel strategy

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can reduce labor costs, free up capital investment and enhance firm's agility by full outsourcing of product manufacturing. OEMs can then focus on the most valuable processes, e.g. R&D and marketing. However, contract manufacturers (CMs) may decide to foster their own brand and forge their own relationships with retailers or distribution channels. The conflicts of interest between OEMs and CMs can be reduced by implementing a mixed channel strategy. Label licensing, the most essential component in the implementation, enhances the marketing capability of a CM and allows it to move up the value chain. In this research, a case study involving a supply chain network in the optical storage media industry is used to develop a conceptual model to explain how a mixed channel strategy and superior network agility enhance firm performance. This study argues that information system integration influences firm performance through network agility, and that the mixed channel strategy boosts financial performance. Moreover, the result proposes that network agility is associated with a moderating effect on the relationship between the mixed channel strategy and financial performance.     

Understanding the role of marketing-purchasing collaboration in industrial markets: The case of Russia

This study aims to investigate the role of interfunctional collaboration between marketing and purchasing functions in industrial companies. Interfunctional collaboration is considered as a measure of the internal alignment and partnership between departments in the firm, which in turn contributes to the creation of sustainable advantages via improved external partnerships and facilitating demand chain integration. We test the impact of customer orientation as well as the interactions between departments (specifically marketing and purchasing) as collaboration antecedents, and analyze the direct impact of marketing-purchasing collaboration on business performance. The model is tested on a sample of 148 industrial companies in Russia with two key respondents in each firm, incorporating the purchasing as well as the marketing perspective. The results show that marketing-purchasing collaboration mediates the effects of interfunctional interaction as well as customer orientation on business performance. Alternative model testing shows that the direct effects of these antecedent constructs on performance are non-significant in the context of Russian industrial companies.     

Strategic action and customer mobility: Antecedents and consequences of strategic actions in the Korean mobile telecommunication service industry

This paper investigates the sources and consequences of strategic actions in the Korean mobile telecommunication service industry. Based on competitive dynamics research and an organizational learning perspective, it suggests hypotheses and tests them with monthly data on service providers’ competitive and alliance actions, as well as statistics on monthly subscribers during 2002–2007. We show the positive effects of a firm’s own experience, other firms’ strategic actions, and firms’ alliance tendencies on the likelihood of firm-level competitive action and alliance. We also find that negative performance feedback accelerates the mimetic influence of rival firms’ competitive actions and that positive performance feedback strengthens the momentum effect of a firm’s own alliance experience on the likelihood of alliance. Both competitive actions and alliances appear to influence customer mobility across firms in a complex manner. Based on customer mobility data, this study finds that alliances increase market dynamism, that is, customer mobility. It also shows that competitive actions, in general, serve to effectively attract switching customers from rivals. This study partially answers questions regarding the triggers of competitive actions and alliance activities among mobile telecommunication service providers and their performance consequences.     

基于再造、外包和关系能力的供应链再设计

通过流程再造、外包和创造关系能力来进行供应链再设计，可以达到提升供应链网络整体竞争优势的目标。关系能力的发展是这一再设计方法中的核心环节。在具体的供应链再设计过程中应注意几个关键问题，包括通过内部分析和关系分析决定外包业务，注重供应链流程整合，注重关系能力的衡量。按照核心企业业务活动的竞争力水平和对企业战略目标的贡献不同，供应链网络中关系能力可以沿着不同的路径发展．关系能力的发展会强化企业内部能力，最终通过塑造内部竞争优势和关联性优势，而使供应链网络整体竞争优势得到提升．     

Firm boundary decisions in solution business: Examining internal vs. external resource integration

This paper examines the drivers that lead manufacturers to choose between an internal versus external resource integration approach as they transition to solution-based business. We emphasize product-based resources and examine drivers for the choice of resource integration approach through four distinct firm boundary conceptions – identity, competence, efficiency, and power. These boundary conceptions are applied to an empirical investigation of two global manufacturers, Wärtsilä and Kone, which have chosen opposite strategies to integrate product-based resources in transitioning to solution business: one opted to internalize the required resources, while the other works with a network of external partners. We develop research propositions to explicate how internal vs. external resource integration approaches in solution business represent distinct paths for manufacturers to grow their underlying product businesses; derive value from integrated resources; manage interdependence between solution components; and position themselves as central integrators of complex solutions. This paper contributes to the existing research by providing a systematic and theoretically inclusive analysis of alternative approaches to organizing solution provision. Previous contributions on these issues are very few and predominantly focus on examining manufacturers’ organization of service provision. This paper provides a complementary view focusing on product-based resources and incorporates a wider range of explanatory theories.     

基于顾客比价行为的双渠道供应链定价决策研究

本文在考虑顾客比价行为的前提下，构建一个制造商和一个零售商组成的二级供应链系统，分析比价顾客的比例对于制造商与零售商在分散决策和集中决策模式下供应链整体利润、销售价格的变化，并通过算例验证研究结论。结果表明，随着比价顾客比例的提高，零售商销售价格上升，顾客体验价值上升，供应链整体利润在集中决策模式下较高，且呈上升趋势。