Journal of Enterprise Resource Management

2nd Quarter 2001 - Volume 6

Defining supply chain management: a historical perspective and practical guidelines - Gerhard Plenert, USA

Supply chain management in theory and practice: a passing fad or a fundamental change?- J.P.T. Mo and R.T.C Law, Australia

A process quality model for the analysis, improvement and control of supply chain systems - Benita M. Beamon and Tonja M. Ware, USA

Introducing the concept of information supply chains: the Buddy Project - Patrick Walsh, Ireland and Adamantios Koumpis, Greece

e-Strategy: How to Develop a Compelling e-Business Strategy - James F. Kimpel, USA

Advancing Your Supply Chain with e-Business - Sted K. Chen, Canada

Case Study: Managing for total quality of logistics services in the supply chain - Patrick Fung and Alfred Wong, Hong Kong

The historical development of outsourcing: the latest fad? - Chris Lonsdale and Andrew Cox, UK

Comparison of Performance of TQM and Non- TQM manufacturing organisations -P. Singh and A. Smitg, Australia

Defining supply chain management: a historical perspective and practical guidelines
Abstract:
Interest in supply chain management has steadily increased since the 1980s when firms saw the benefits of collaborative relationships within and beyond their own organizations. Firms are finding that they can no longer compete effectively in isolation of their suppliers or other entities in the supply chain. A number of definitions of supply chain management have been proposed in the literature and in practice. This paper defines the concept of supply chain management and discusses its historical evolution. The term does not replace supplier partnerships, nor is it a description of the logistics function. The competitive importance of linking a firm's supply chain strategy to tis overall business strategy and some practical guidelines are offered for successful supply chain management.

Supply chain management in theory and practice: a passing fad or a fundamental change?
Abstract:
Supply chain management is a major issue in many industries as firms realise the importance of creating an integrated relationshop with their suppliers and customers. Managing the supply chain has become a way of improving competitiveness by reducing uncertainty and enhancing customer service. This paper analyses various issues important to supply chain management and provides broader awareness of supply chain principles and concepts. The role of planning and coordination in complex integrated systems and information technology to synchronise the supply chain is described ins framework that creates the appropriate structure and installs proper controls in the enterprise and other constituents in the chain.

A process quality model for the analysis, improvement and control of supply chain systems
Abstract:
A manufacturing supply chain is an integrated set of business functions, encompassing all activities from raw material acquisition to final customer delivery. Delivering the right product at the right time in the right amount are essential objectives of efficient and effective supply chain systems. Thus, measures must be taken to ensure that all operational components of the supply chain system are operating efficiently. This research examines quality measurement in a supply chain process by developing the process quality model to be used in the assessment, improvement and control of a manufacturing supply chain system.

Introducing the concept of information supply chains: the Buddy Project
Abstract:
The European Community ESPRIT Project Buddy addresses the needs of industrial organizations to reduce information processing time, improve added and residual value of information, and reduce processing and distribution costs and "lead-times". It deals with the information supply chain as an important entity, whose performance and optimisation vary significantly affects the efficiency and performance of industrial enterprises. A conceptual modelling and simulation environment is proposed for analysing information supply-chain management strategies, policies and decisions. A decomposable, "autonomous agents" approach is adopted to specify information supply chain models. Models in turn are defined in terms of their constituent information supply chain "agents" (e.g. suppliers, buyers, distributors, etc). This includes their structural relationships, interaction "protocols" and co-ordination policies.

e-Strategy: How to Develop a Compelling e-Business Strategy
Abstract:
With the emergence of e-business as a baseline requirement for success in the new millennium, professionals are faced with the challenge of developing a compelling e-business strategy. This is proving to be a formidable task with no clear path forward. This paper offers practical help by providing no-nonsense instructions for the development of an integrated e-strategy.
We begin our journey by examining the compelling nature of the Net. Second, we develop an e-business framework focused on understanding the Net as a set of relationship nets. Third, with framework in hand, we walk step by step through the elements of e-strategy development. Fourth, and finally, we conclude with practical applications of e-strategy to integrated resource management.

Advancing Your Supply Chain with e-Business
Abstract:
The evolution of technology into electronic commerce (EC) has pushed the world into a technological revolution that is as significant as the industrial revolution. Remarkably, this revolution's speed of change and societal impact will eclipse any other change or revolution in history. Losers will be as unsuspecting and dead as a midnight road kill while the winners will have vast returns on investments, business growth, and just plain existence.
This paper discusses in three distinct sections how the use of electronic commerce enhances a company's supply chain management. Firstly, we need to explain some basic tools required to produce an electronic commerce infrastructure to support a supply chain. Definitions and technology building blocks of electronic commerce are clarified. Secondly, we discuss how electronic commerce enhances your basic supply chain processes by connecting customers with suppliers and partners. Thirdly, we will discuss how electronic commerce has advanced the supply chain through a partnership of interrelated firms dedicated to focused industries and markets.

Case Study: Managing for total quality of logistics services in the supply chain
Abstract:
Presents an analysis of the total quality management (TQM) system of a logistics service provider operating in a supply chain context. The company can achieve on-going improvement in its services cost-effectively through efficient use of information system and teamwork. Following the strategy of case study research, analytical generalisation is made with respect to the multiple roles of the logistics service provider in determining its relationships with internal and external customers and in setting service goals; the intensive use of information in facilitating and monitoring logistics service operations , which in turn determines the competitive advantage of the service provider; essence of people-based management and how that promotes interactions in teamwork, trust building and flexibility in meeting changing goals and process requirements; and alliance leadership and its potential to empower teams to innovate and upgrade total quality service in turbulent environments.

The historical development of outsourcing: the latest fad?
Abstract:
The article notes that outsourcing is just one of the means by which the boundary of the firm can be adjusted. It considers various other means such as conglomeration and horizontal and vertical integration. Focuses on outsourcing and its place in the bigger picture and discusses the history of outsourcing. Outlines concerns for managers and gives case examples form Rank Zerox and BP.