Hsin-Pin Fu

Factors affecting the adoption of electronic marketplaces: A fuzzy AHP analysis

Purpose – To present a three‐layer hierarchical structure of the factors involved in adopting an electronic marketplace (EM) model and to examine the relative weightings given to various strategic factors by the securities industry (SI) and the heavy electric machinery industry in Taiwan.Design/methodology/approach – A literature review and a review of nine Taiwanese industries allow the formulation of a three‐layer hierarchical structure of adoption factors. A fuzzy analytic hierarchical process (AHP) is then undertaken to ascertain the relative weightings of factors that affect entry to an EM in two of these industries which are studied in more detail.Findings – The weights of “proactive” factors are found to be greater than those of “defensive” factors. For example, contrary to previous findings in this area, the “risk of adopting new technology” is not found to be the major factor influencing decision making. Various factors are found to have different routes of influence in determining decision makin...

A study of an augmented CPFR model for the 3C retail industry

Purpose – To propose and test an augmented collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment (A‐CPFR) model in a retailer‐supplier context with a view to improving forecasting accuracy and then reducing the “bullwhip effect” in the supply chain.Design/methodology/approach – After a literature review, the paper presents a real case in which the present authors provided assistance. The description of the case includes: case company background; an “as‐is” model analysis; a “to‐be” (CPFR) model analysis; and a description of the results and potential benefits. The paper then proposes an A‐CPFR model for the case and performs a simulation of the new model for comparison with the existing CPFR model.Findings – The results show that the mean absolute deviation of forecasting and the inventory variance are both better in the proposed model than in the existing CPFR model. The proposed model can thus improve the accuracy of sales forecasting, reduce inventory levels, and reduce the “bullwhip effect”.Practical...

Using fuzzy AHP and VIKOR for benchmarking analysis in the hotel industry.

The present study is believed to be the first to apply the VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) methodology to perform a benchmarking analysis in the hotel industry. This study used VIKOR to measure the performance of 26 international hotels to identify the benchmarking enterprise and to analyse strategies for performing a benchmark. During the calculation procedure, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was applied to calculate the weights of the individual performance criteria using expert feedback. The findings suggest that the VIKOR technique integrating fuzzy AHP can be utilized to overcome the small shortcomings of stochastic frontier analysis and data envelopment analysis and that the technique is a feasible tool for benchmarking analysis.

An implementation model of an e-Procurement system for auto parts: a case study

This paper reviews the implementation of e-Commerce initiatives, especially e-Procurement initiatives. From a review of the literature, the principles and implementation models that enterprises can use in introducing information technology are presented. In addition, the case of a traditional auto parts manufacturer that introduced information technology is presented. Affected by the economic environment, the company decided to seek help from the government, and cooperated with its suppliers to introduce an e-Procurement system to enhance its competitiveness. The paper presents an in-depth discussion of the strategies, models and important factors involved in introducing this e-Procurement system. This study represents a valuable reference for other enterprises that wish to introduce information systems in their companies.

SMES IMPLEMENTING AN INDUSTRY SPECIFIC ERP MODEL USING A CASE STUDY APPROACH

ABSTRACT Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) frequently cannot smoothly implement ERP projects because of limited resources, such as lack of funding and human resources. Given tailor made industry specific ERP systems and a reference model for implementing an information system (IS), the success rates of SEMs implementing IS could be significantly increased. Therefore, this study focused on four local SMEs that had implemented an industry specific ERP system, and discussed their implementation model and the performance of individual cases. For SMEs, the results indicated that the industry specific ERP system is more suitable than the common ERP system and is easier to implement, has a smaller impact on organization adaptability, and also involves a smaller total investment. Finally, an IS implementation model was proposed after studying the four cases and conducting a literature review. This implementation model can provide a reference for other SMEs planning to implement an ERP system.

A two-sided picking model of M-AS/RS with an aisle-assignment algorithm

The mobile automated storage/retrieval system (M-AS/RS) has overcome the manual operational problems of mobile storage systems (MSSs). However, it remains a single-sided picking model with an integrated multi-level conveying device (IMCD) running in a right-angled path. To enhance the picking performance, the present paper proposes that the IMCD path be modified to run in a straight-line path. A picking-aisle-assignment algorithm is developed to reduce the number of picking aisles in which the IMCD is required to run. This proposed picking-aisle-assignment algorithm, together with the modified IMCD movement action and a ‘no-skip’ approach to arranging a picking sequence, are used to construct a two-sided M-AS/RS. Simulations of the proposed model are undertaken, and the results demonstrate that the two-sided operational model proposed in this paper addresses the weaknesses of the existing single-sided M-AS/RS model, especially in environments characterized by poor ventilation or the movement of heavy products.

Improvement order picking in mobile storage systems with a middle cross aisle

Mobile automated storage/retrieval system (M-AS/RS) is more efficient than mobile storage system (MSS). However, the problems of huge rack row movement and long travel distance have not been effectively solved, especially for heavy items. This study proposes the middle cross aisle model (MCAM) based on the perspective of warehouse layout of M-AS/RS. By designing the layout of cross aisle from front to middle, the warehouse was divided into two small blocks. Picker travel distance could thus be reduced significantly, reducing the huge rack row and making rack row movement more economic and safe. This study formulates the MCAM operation and decomposes the order picking process into three stages, integrating with routing algorithms to achieve better picking routes. Simulation results showed that the MCAM model outperformed the M-AS/RS model. It is suitable for application to lower order density, heavy items with deep racks rows. The optimal ratio for simulation experiment rack shape is 0.6 to 1. Finally, the...

A collaborative model for service provision by multiple public‐sector agencies

Purpose – This study proposes an integrated collaborative web site among government agencies to enhance customer satisfaction with the service quality of government agencies.Design/methodology/approach – The present authors invited all involved public‐sector agencies to integrate their service processes into a model of one‐stop shopping and established collaborative mechanism for providing customized service.Findings – The present study has identified five factors that were critical for success in such an undertaking. These factors included: establishing appropriate regulations for the implementation process; designing a viable collaborative‐service system; establishing a closely connected virtual organization; ensuring the participation of senior managers from all agencies; and obtaining the cooperation of the facilitators from various agencies (including appropriate merit and bonus incentives).Practical implications – The real challenge for establishing the collaborative‐service web site was managerial ...

An implementation model for WEGS in WLAN applications: a Taiwanese case

The advances in wireless communication technologies in recent years have caused enterprises to pay more attention to the development of mobile commerce (m-commerce). Studies have indicated that many enterprises have failed in the implementation of information systems (ISs). A meaningful model is needed as a reference for the implementation of wireless systems (WS). This paper therefore proposes such a model on the basis of the relevant literature and a practical case study. The paper begins with a case study of a wireless exhibition guide system (WEGS) based on a wireless local area network (WLAN). The implementation is investigated on the basis of the key success factors in m-commerce as identified in the literature, and by comparing the differences between an information system and a wireless system. Finally, a reference model for implementing a wireless system is proposed to help enterprises reduce the risks associated with m-commerce.

A strategic analysis of the mobile telephone industry in Mainland China

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose some competitive strategies as a reference for domestic mobile phone corporations (DMCs) so that dominant mobile phone corporations can develop advantageous business strategies to effectively compete with international corporations within the China market.Design/methodology/approach – The study utilizes case studies and the analysis hierarchical process to analyze the competitiveness of the domestic mobile phone industry (DMI) within the China market from a value chain perspective.Findings – The study finds that the competitive strengths of the domestic mobile phone players lie in manufacturing and customer service, while the weaknesses are in research and development (R&D), distribution (DIST) and marketing and sales (MS) in terms of competing with international brands already within the Chinese market.Research limitations/implications – The paper samples experts familiar with the mobile phone market in the Shanghai area, and therefore may not be applicab...