Ching-Chiao Yang

Assessing the moderating effect of innovation capability on the relationship between logistics service capability and firm performance for ocean freight forwarders

This study examines the moderating effect of innovation capability on the relationship between logistics service capability and firm performance for ocean freight forwarders. Four critical logistics service capabilities were identified based on factor analysis: logistics service reliability capability, logistics value-added service capability, flexibility capability, and logistics information service capability. Multiple regression analysis was subsequently employed to examine the main effects of innovation capability and logistics service capability on firm performance in terms of customer service and financial performance. Results showed that innovation capability, logistics service reliability capability, and flexibility capability had significant positive effects on firm performance. Finally, multiple moderated regression was utilised to examine the moderating effect of innovation capability on the relationship between logistics service capability and firm performance. The results indicated that innovation capability positively moderates the effect of logistics service reliability capability on financial performance as well as the effect of flexibility capability on financial performance.

The effect of supply chain security management on security performance in container shipping operations

Purpose – The aim of this study is to empirically identify crucial dimensions of security management in the container shipping sector in Taiwan and assess their impacts on security performance.Design/methodology/approach – Data for this study were collected by questionnaire survey. An exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify crucial security management dimensions in the container shipping sector. Multiple regression analysis was then performed to examine the effect of security management on the security performance.Findings – Four crucial security management dimensions were identified: facility and cargo management; accident prevention and processing; information management; and partner relationship management. Multiple regression analysis revealed that information management and partner relationship management had significant positive effects on safety performance, whereas partner relationship management had a significant positive effect on customs clearance performance.Research limitations/...

The Effect of Environmental Management on Environmental Performance and Firm Performance in Taiwanese Maritime Firms

This paper aims to empirically examine the impact of environmental management on environmental performance and firm performance in Taiwanese maritime firms. Three critical environmental management dimensions were identified based on factor analysis: environmental management practices, environmental management auditing, and environmental management investment. A structural equation modelling (SEM) was performed to examine the effects of environmental management on environmental performance and firm performance. The results indicated that environmental management had significantly positive effects on environmental performance and firm performance. However, environmental performance was not found to be related to firm performance in this study.

Segmenting manufacturers' investment incentive preferences for international logistics zones

Purpose – This study aims to empirically identify investment incentive preference segments for international logistics zones from the manufacturers perspective.Design/methodology/approach – Eight critical investment incentives were identified, based on the following factors: cost, agglomeration, resource, port, policy, political stability, location and transport, and economic. Cluster analysis was subsequently performed to group respondents on the basis of their factor scores. Three groups or segments were identified: firms that preferred political stability and location factors; those which preferred low‐cost and port‐related factors; and those which preferred agglomeration effect and resource factors. Six factors, i.e. cost, agglomeration effect, resource, port, policy, and political stability, differed significantly across the three segments.Findings – Results suggest that political stability is the most important incentive, followed by corporate tax incentives, government administration efficiency, l...

Factors influencing the use intention of port logistics information system by ocean carriers

This study empirically investigates factors influencing ocean carriers’ use intention toward a port logistics information system (PLIS). Data collected from a survey of carriers in Taiwan were used to test a structural equation model examining the relationships among top management support, cost of adoption, perceived benefit, perceived complexity, security concern, and use intention. The results indicate that top management support, cost of adoption, perceived benefits, and perceived complexity are the dominant factors explaining the use intention of PLIS by carriers. However, the influence of security concerns on use intention was not shown to be significant in this study. Theoretical and managerial implications of the research findings are discussed.

Leveraging logistics learning capability to enable logistics service capabilities and performance for international distribution center operators in Taiwan

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically assess the impacts of logistics learning capability on logistics service capability and organizational performance in the context of international distribution center operators (IDCOs) in Taiwan. Design/methodology/approach – Data for this study were collected by questionnaire survey. A two-steps structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was performed in this study to test the research hypotheses. The first step is performing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the validity of the measurement model. The second step proceeds to estimate the structural model between latent variables. Findings – A five-dimension scale including open-mindedness (O), commitment to learning (C), system perspective (E), partner learning (A), and shared vision (N) was proposed in this study and was supported by CFA analysis to measure IDCOs’ logistics learning capability in this study. Results of SEM indicated that logistics learning capability is positively related...

Factors influencing container carriers’ use of coastal shipping

Coastal shipping is one of the most sustainable and economically competitive modes of transportation. This study employs the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method to determine the importance of various factors influencing container carriers’ use of coastal shipping. A three-level hierarchical structure with the 17 attributes is proposed and tested. A previous AHP survey in Taiwan has indicated that port policy and infrastructure is the most critical factor influencing the coastal shipping by container carriers followed by operational cost, operational strategy and operational efficiency. Overall, the results indicate that the five most important attributes influencing the use of coastal shipping are simplified customs procedures; leasing a dedicated terminal; transhipment time; a favourable port charge system and efficient terminal operations.

Market Segmentation of Website Services in Travel Agencies

This paper empirically investigates the perceived importance of the website service attributes in travel agencies, and segments the website service market in Taiwan based on these. The results from a factor analysis indicate that transaction service, travel information service, promotional information service, interactive service, and membership service are the crucial service factors of websites in travel agencies. Through a cluster analysis, three segments of the website service market in travel agencies-namely, travel and promotional information services preferred group, membership service preferred group, and transaction service preferred group - are identified. Practical implications for the marketing strategies of website services in travel agencies are discussed, and directions for future research are also presented.

How relationship marketing, switching costs, and service quality impact customer satisfaction and loyalty in Taiwan’s airfreight forwarding industry?

ABSTRACT This study applies the service quality–satisfaction–loyalty framework to examine the impact of relationship marketing on customer loyalty with switching cost as a moderating variable in the context of airfreight forwarders. Data were collected from a questionnaire survey and two-step structural equation modeling was subsequently performed to test the research hypotheses. The results indicate that relationship marketing, switching costs, and customer satisfaction significantly increase shippers’ loyalty to airfreight forwarders. Relationship marketing is also found to have a positive impact on service quality. Moreover, the moderating effect of switching costs on the relationship between relationship marketing and customer loyalty is significant when the customer-perceived switching costs are low. Specifically, most perceived low switching cost firms are non-manufacturers, having a small size and producing machinery and metal goods. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of relationship marketing and switching costs for customer loyalty in the airfreight forwarding industry.