Liliana Avelar-Sosa

The Effects of Some Risk Factors in the Supply Chains Performance: A Case of Study

This paper proposes a structural equation model to assess the effects of some risk factors in the supply chainperformance. The model includes demand, suppliers and processes as risk factors of a case study in Ciudad Juarez,Chihuahua, Mexico. The model, assessed following a structural equation modeling methodology (using AMOS 16.0),indicated that the demand (considered as an independent factor) has a direct positive relationship with suppliers,politics, and manufacturing factors. As a consequence the suppliers have an effect on the flexibility factor. Theflexibility has a direct positive relationship with the customer service factor. The results also indicate that theinfrastructure factor does not have any relationship with the others assessed factors. The study has importantimplications for researches and practitioners in the manufacturing sector. It allows evaluating risk activities that havenegative effects on the performance of supply chain in manufacturing exports companies in Mexico.

Techniques and Attributes Used in the Supply Chain Performance Measurement: Tendencies

The evaluation and performance measurement in supply chain (SC) is a key element in modern business competitiveness and it is an activity extremely important for improve its process, practices and common goals. The purpose of this chapter is to present a statistical analysis based in a literature review related to supply chain tendencies that includes 95 chapters published from January 2000 to June 2012. This research identifies the techniques and methodologies used in the supply chain performance evaluation process, and attributes most commonly evaluated as well as the industrial sector and regions where the solutions were applied, and finally the journals where they were published. The results show that multivariate analysis is the most important and frequent methodology for study supply chain performance, looking to find variables relations and association among them. Also, the finds indicate that most evaluated attributes in supply chain performance are the delivery, information flow and processes activities. The most important research groups that are investigating this area are located in Unites States of America, Taiwan and United Kingdom.

Assessment of Ergonomic Compatibility on the Selection of Advanced Manufacturing Technology

This paper proposes the development of an expert system for ergonomic compatibility assessment on the selection of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT). Actual models for AMT assessment neglect Human Factors and Ergonomic (HFE) attributes and present deficiencies such as high time consumption and complexity. This approach proposes a novel axiomatic design methodology under fuzzy environment including two stages: the generation of fuzzy If-Then rules using Mamdani’s fuzzy inference system and the development of the system by mean of experts’ opinions. A numerical example is presented for the selection of three CNC milling machines using the Weighted Ergonomic Incompatibility Content (WEIC). The expert system leads to the selection of the best alternative containing the minimum WEIC, as the one that better satisfies ergonomic requirements. Development and application of the system may help provide an easier, faster, single or group ergonomic assessment on AMT selection by promoting safer and more ergonomic workplaces in manufacturing companies.

The Importance of Supply Chains in Global Competitiveness

This chapter reviews the topic of global production, with a brief discussion of its historical evolution. We explain the concepts and aspects that have influenced the current production regime and discuss the relationship between the supply chain and the current environment of global competitiveness. Then, we address current supply chain trends that operate in today’s dynamic world economy through global production. Finally, we present examples of some companies that have reached success and have gained a great competitive advantage through an appropriate supply chain management.

Models of Regional Factors—Supply Chain Performance (Benefits)

This chapter proposes a series of models to associate Regional Factors with supply chain performance benefits. The relationships between the latent variables are considered as research hypothesis and are validated using data collected from the Mexican export-oriented manufacturing industry. The evaluation results indicate that Regional Factors are essential in supply chain Performance but are also a source of uncertainty for manufacturing industries. In other words, aspects such as infrastructure and government support are important for companies to operate, yet they cannot be controlled inside of the facilities and depend on external forces.

The Role of Regional Factors on Supply Chain Performance

This chapter explores the impact of regional aspects on supply chain performance. Some of the aspects to be studied include regional infrastructure, infrastructure and services costs, services, service quality, and the role of the government as regulator. First, we develop simple models associating two latent variables each: one regional aspect and one supply chain performance benefit. Then, we propose more complex models to depict the interactions and effects among regional aspects. Finally, an integrative model is introduced to associate all the regional aspect variables with all the supply chain performance benefit variables.

The Role of Manufacturing Practices in Supply Chain Performance

This chapter explores the impact of manufacturing practices on supply chain performance. Four major manufacturing practices are studied: total quality management (TQM), just in time (JIT), machinery and equipment maintenance, and advanced manufacturing technology (AMT). The relationships between these manufacturing practices and supply chain performance benefits are proposed in a series of models. They are later tested and evaluated to determine their validity and statistical significance. Finally, the chapter proposes an integrative model to explore how manufacturing practices are interrelated.

Supply Chain Performance Attributes and Benefits in the Manufacturing Industry

This chapter explores how performance factors and supply chain benefits are interrelated. We particularly emphasize on the attributes used to evaluated performance in a clearly industrial context. First, the chapter discusses some definitions of supply chain performance. Then, performance benefits are explored along with their measurements and role within the industry. It is important to mention that the attributes used in this book to measure performance were adapted from the works of several authors. Moreover, they will be used in subsequent chapters to assess supply chain performance in the manufacturing industry.

Supply Chain Evaluation in the Manufacturing Industry

This chapter explains the relationship between the supply chain and the export-oriented manufacturing industry. Similarly, we discuss how this relationship has an effect on the ability of companies to remain competitive domestically and internationally. The chapter closes with an overview of the most common supply chain evaluation approaches in the export-oriented manufacturing industry.

Conceptualization and Environment of Competitiveness in the Manufacturing Industry

This chapter discusses the role of competitiveness in the manufacturing industry considering particular aspects of this industrial sector throughout the history of Mexico. This conceptualization of competitiveness forces us to discuss the main industrial sectors of the country and their importance to the national economy.