John R. Olson

Print versus electronic surveys: a comparison of two data collection methodologies

Abstract This paper compares the responses of consumers who submitted answers to a survey instrument focusing on Internet purchasing patterns both electronically and using traditional paper response methods. We present the results of a controlled experiment within a larger data collection effort. The same survey instrument was completed by 416 Internet customers of a major office supplies company, with approximately 60% receiving the survey in paper form and 40% receiving the electronic version. In order to evaluate the efficacy of electronic surveys relative to traditional, printed surveys we conduct two levels of analysis. On a macro-level, we compare the two groups for similarity in terms of fairly aggregate, coarse data characteristics such as response rates, proportion of missing data, scale means and inter-item reliability. On a more fine-grained, micro-level, we compare the two groups for aspects of data integrity such as the presence of data runs and measurement errors. This deeper, finer-grained analysis allows an examination of the potential benefits and flaws of electronic data collection. Our findings suggest that electronic surveys are generally comparable to print surveys in most respects, but that there are a few key advantages and challenges that researchers should evaluate. Notably, our sample indicates that electronic surveys have fewer missing responses and can be coded/presented in a more flexible manner (namely, contingent coding with different respondents receiving different questions depending on the response to earlier questions) that offers researchers new capabilities.

Factors influencing the utilization of Internet purchasing in small organizations

Abstract Many companies have jumped on the Internet bandwagon in an attempt to get rich quick in today’s marketplace. While there have been numerous success stories, the amount of reported failures has been extremely high. In spite of all the recent failures, a select few organizations have been able to use e-commerce as a means to increase the overall profitability of their firm. An often-overlooked factor in website effectiveness and development is the effect of individual user differences on the acceptance of the new technology. This exploratory study examines how individual user views and preferences affect the use of the Internet as a purchasing medium. This research presents an exploratory study of data gathered through a survey of 416 customers of a major Internet retailer of commodity office supplies. Cluster analysis is employed to develop a model that classifies users of Internet purchasing into six distinct groups. The clusters are developed using a variety of items that measure end users’ viewpoints and preferences regarding the Internet as a purchasing medium. These factors are based on the widely supported Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The classification system is then used to demonstrate how these groups vary on strategic items, cost issues and individual productivity measures. The findings provide important insights to companies seeking to capitalize on the Internet as a retailing channel by identifying factors that may lead to a loyal customer base rather than an opportunistic one that switches sites frequently solely to obtain lower prices.

U-shaped assembly line layouts and their impact on labor productivity: An experimental study

Abstract The decision to move straight-line assembly systems to U-shaped assembly lines systems constitutes a major layout design change and investment for assembly operations. Proponents of the lean manufacturing and just-in-time philosophies assert that U-shaped assembly systems offer several benefits over traditional straight-line layouts including an improvement in labor productivity. This premise often serves as the fundamental reason why firms consider transforming their assembly systems from traditional straight-lines to U-shaped layouts. Surprisingly, little empirical or experimental data supports this assertion. The purpose of this research is to empirically confirm that U-shaped assembly lines improve labor productivity. Results indicate that labor productivity will improve significantly under certain conditions when switching from a straight-line layout to a U-shaped layout but not in all cases. The research also reveals some limitations of such a layout change when factors such as the number of tasks and cycle times are varied.

U-OPT: An analysis of exact U-shaped line balancing procedures

The U-shaped assembly line-balancing problem can be solved using optimization procedures or algorithms, including branch-and-bound procedures. This paper considers design elements that should be included in these solution methods for solving the U-shaped assembly line-balancing problem. New solution procedures are proposed and compared experimentally with several existing procedures using a variety of problem sets from the literature. The results show that the substantial improvement in the efficacy of the new solution procedures over existing methods is due primarily to the newly developed Paired Tasks lower bound. Results also show the relative importance of various design elements comprising a branch-and-bound procedure.

Consumer Perceptions of Product Quality: Made In China

Today, Chinese consumer goods dominate many U.S. markets. Often lower purchase prices make Chinese goods an attractive option for consumers; however, little is known about the quality of these products. This study presents consumer perceptions of the quality of Chinese manufactured goods when compared to goods manufactured in other countries. A series of consumer quality metrics are proposed and used to measure and compare consumer perceived quality. Results reveal a substantial and consistent need over almost all product lines for Chinese manufacturers to focus additional efforts to improve their product quality. Some priorities for Chinese manufacturer improvement by product type are identified, and a precise measure of quality dispersion between where Chinese quality is and where it should be to meet competition for non-Chinese manufacturers is revealed.

A Heuristic Scheduling System for Ceramic Industrial Coatings

We developed and implemented a heuristic-based scheduling system for Ceramic Industrial Coatings (CIC), a large producer of paint and wood coatings in the Midwest. We experienced implementation issues and problems in the process of developing the heuristic system. The paint coating industry has unique scheduling problems. Results included a 39-percent reduction in manufacturing processing time, a 23-percent reduction in late batches, a 49-percent reduction in scrapped batches, and a 72-percent reduction in scrap cost.

Extending product profiling through simulation

Manufacturing strategy literature continues to be split between process and content. Content has continually evolved and more precise applications have been developed. Process has lagged behind because of the difficulty in conducting research in this area. Little has been developed since the introduction of the product profiling mechanism. This study presents a methodology that extends the product profiling technique, resulting in more appropriate content recommendations. Two case examples, one manufacturing operation and one service operation, are provided to demonstrate the improved performance of the product profile when combined with simulation. In both cases, problem symptoms caused the organization to seek help in scheduling operations. Cursory study clearly indicated that neither organization had a scheduling problem, but rather, an improper relationship between the marketing and operations functions of the organizations. In both cases, it was possible to demonstrate, with product profiling, the lack of coordination between the marketing and operating functions of the organizations. Product profiling alone, however, was not sufficient to convince either organization to implement proper solutions. When changes were supplemented with a graphical simulation analysis, both organizations agreed with the recommendations and began implementing change.

Road rescue implements a flexible continuous process improvement framework

Abstract Continuous improvement programs traditionally focus on making small incremental improvements to a system. Unfortunately, their success can be limited due to the rapidly changing environment within which most small companies operate. Improvement efforts should be flexible enough to capitalize on incremental and radical changes to a system. This paper presents a case analysis of how Road Rescue, an ambulance manufacturer, uses a continuous improvement framework to capitalize on both radical and incremental improvement opportunities. Results include a 10% increase in throughput, reduced cycle time of 44%, increased customer satisfaction, and higher quality.