Brigita Gajšek

Supply Chain Logistics Platform as a Supply Chain Coordination Support

Modern logistics platform paradigm positively effects development of enterprises. Over time several types of logistics platforms have developed. One of them is supply chain logistics platform, which is essential to reduce the overall cost of logistic activities between supply chain partners, to improve the overall efficiency of logistics and to integrate social resources. Superficially said, it is a general information exchange platform, which applies computer, internet and communication system, and other modern information technology [1]. With the purpose of integrating social resources, it reduces the threshold of the logistics informatization and provides all kinds of accurate, timely, shared information for each participant in logistics activities [2]. Logistics platforms represent a modern approach aimed towards fostering and facilitating logistics activities and business exchange with associated flows in a specific geographic area. We examined whether stakeholders of logistics system in various types of organizations in Slovenia and Poland understand information communication system and joint interactive portal as parts of supply chain’s logistics platform. With a case study, we demonstrated that implementation of common information solution is a step on a way to contemporary and comprehensive logistics platform. Additionally, common information solution should not be simply equated with the concept of supply chain’s logistics platform. Given the important role of IT solutions in the field of supply chains, this paper proposes a novel operation procedure for coordination of supply chain actions for validation and further research.

Stakeholder differences in the understanding of inter-organizational concept content as a risk factor: The case for a logistics platform

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to help clarify understanding of the logistic platform concept so as to release its potential for the benefit of the logistics sector. Design/methodology/approach – Cross-sectional research was conducted in Slovenia, Poland and Singapore. Web-based survey responses were obtained from four organization types: logistics companies (LCs); production or service non-LCs; branch associations/state agencies/chambers of commerce; and educational institutions. Findings – Logistics platforms (LPFs) are a very much a multi-level phenomenon which, through macro-level organization, may multiply the micro- and meso-level effects obtained. The joint development of promising inter-organizational concepts which involve different stakeholder groups can be inefficient owing to differences in concept content understanding. Research limitations/implications – The research was limited to Slovenia, Poland and Singapore. Further research in other countries would be beneficial, and the survey...

Introducing Quality of Service Criteria into Supply Chain Management for Excellence

This article is focused on a sub domain of quality, namely, quality of service. Considering supply chain management, the authors believe that it is important to distinguish between a quality of product (also service) offered by producers and service providers and a quality of service which is achieved between any supplier and customer, not only a consumer, along a supply chain. Quality of product represents producer’s/service provider’s commitment and is subject of various quality certificates issued by inspection authorities. This research examines the quality of service, which is provided by a supplier to its customer along the supply chain, between any pair of chain elements fulfilling this relation, including the common retailer-consumer relation. The authors introduce measurement points into a consumer-centric supply chain model for the defined criteria and defined the method of their monitoring and overall supply chain quality of service evaluation. Finally, the authors assess the envisaged impact of the results of their measurements on supply chain excellence, providing management with an opportunity to identify weak spots.

A Virtual Supply Chain Model for QoS Assessment

A hybrid virtual supply chain model for the assessment of Quality of Service (QoS) in supply chains is being presented. Due to the large complexity of the problem domain a combined – analytical and simulation – model has been recognised as the best solution for QoS evaluation within a supply chain. The main problem of building such a model is the level of detail, which on one hand is limited by the transparency of business processes of contributing partners and on the other by the desired relevancy of the gathered results. Our model builds on data that are usually made public or are at least subject to contract terms among partners in a supply chain and provide a “good-enough” foundation for QoS evaluation.

Key Factors for the Successful Operation of Clusters: The Case for Slovenia

Abstract Background and Purpose: Companies are increasingly specializing and developing those key areas with which they can compete on the global market and are linking in clusters that are ingredient of territorial competitiveness. Clusters can play a competitive role in global value chains but once being successful, they may decline. For this reason, researching key factors for the successful operation of clusters in Slovenia is beneficial. Methodology: This study is based on an extensive review of scientific literature. Theoretical findings are tested by a study of clustering in Slovenia. In practice, we determine the number of operating clusters fifteen years after they were initiated by the institutional environment with help of web pages, e-mails and telephone calls. Using interviews, we determine reasons for the cessation of operations on the part of former directors and factors of successful operations with directors of successful clusters. Results: The institutional environment initiated start-up processes of creating clusters in Slovenia. After the termination of institutional financial support, Slovenian clusters, which have failed to develop their own financing system, ceased operation. Directors of still operating clusters confirmed that trust between cluster members is the most important success factor in the operation of clusters. Conclusion: The institutional environment in Slovenia adopted cluster policy and successfully leveraged the establishment of clusters using start-up financing. Less than half of these clusters continue to prosper under their own stream after policy retreatment. Clusters were not prepared for a dramatically different way of working. Trust has become a major driving force of adjusting to new conditions.