Evelyn Thomchick

Sourcing from low‐cost countries: Identifying sourcing issues and prioritizing impacts on logistics performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the issues pertinent to sourcing internationally from low‐cost countries (LCCs) and to understand which issues are associated most strongly with a firms logistics performance.Design/methodology/approach – Comparative examination of supply sources in developed countries and LCCs is conducted using a paired‐sample setting. Data acquired by a mail survey of US‐based manufacturing firms are analyzed using a canonical correlation analysis (CCA). CCA helps to reveal the structure of relationships within and between a set of sourcing issue variables and a set of the logistics performance variables investigated.Findings – Results indicate that the issues that should be priorities for improvement are: supplier production capability; business culture and practices; and communication infrastructure.Research limitations/implications – The survey data and analysis focused on US manufacturing firms importing from LCCs. However, there is increasing activity of US re...

Extending landed cost models to improve offshore sourcing decisions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the components required for more robust landed cost models given the now widespread interest in sourcing finished goods, components for assembly, and basic raw materials from global sources. This study also seeks to establish the need for broad‐based participation in operationalizing such models.Design/methodology/approach – Interviews are conducted with several major firms that import a range of merchandise into the USA to develop in‐depth case studies. A taxonomy of variables found in increasingly comprehensive forms of landed cost models is developed from the case studies. These variables are assembled into modules and analyzed with the use of an expert panel consisting of executives responsible for import activities at major firms.Findings – Most major firms are relatively unsophisticated in their approach to making offshore sourcing decisions. Few employ models that are sufficiently detailed and some do not even embrace the basic logistical elements ...

The role of benchmarking in the performance of the import process

Any firm participating in external (or inter‐firm) benchmarking anticipates at least two benefits: useful statistics on how it performs relative to the other participating firms; and guidance in identifying promising performance improvement actions. Using data from a five‐year benchmarking program for firms engaged in import operations, this research illustrates how these benefits might be assured. A major recommendation of the research is that, along with formal analysis of quantitative data, the structure of ongoing inter‐firm benchmarking programs must facilitate the firms’ receipt of information that enhances the realization of these benefits. This is likely to improve such programs along the dimensions of data gathering efficiency, data quality, and hence the usefulness of benchmarking to participating firms.

Environmentally Sustainable Supply Chain Management: An Evolutionary Framework

There is a sense of urgency for environmental action growing among consumers and most governments around the world, and companies are under increasing pressure to operate in a sustainable manner. There is also a growing conviction that environmental sustainability challenges require actions that will directly impact business strategies and supply chain practices. Systematic surveys and frameworks for environmentally sustainable supply chain management (ESSCM) which can be transformed into business practices continue to be excogitated. Such an evolution necessitates an understanding of the developments to recognize auspicious directions. Based on a comparative analysis of relevant literature, this paper proposes an evolutionary framework for ESSCM. It is intended to provide a framework for research and dialogue among industry managers and academicians to address environmental sustainability in supply chain management for long-term success, and provide a roadmap for organizations seeking to improve their sustainability practices.

Potential Woody Biomass Supply Chain Scenarios: A Conceptual Study

The interconnectivity among various business entities and physical functions of woody biomass supply chains requires a system-wide perspective. Extant studies largely focus on individual business units or sets of activities. This paper takes a supply chain perspective to gain an understanding of potential woody biomass supply chains. The study draws insights from an extensive review of literature to conceptualize potential woody biomass supply chain scenarios. Three woody biomass supply chain scenarios and associated logistics activities were defined from the analysis of literature content. They are woody biomass sourcing from forest product manufacturers, forest landowners, and biomass pre-processers. Findings suggest that woody biomass as a marketable commodity creates business opportunities for loggers and forest product manufacturers. In moving forward, infrastructure and technological development is vital, encompassing logging capability and transportation and industrial infrastructure.