M. Theodore Farris

Reverse Logistics in Plastics Recycling

Recycling has experienced rapid growth as a technique to reduce the solid waste stream volume. Despite the public appeal and acceptance of recycling, the reverse logistics channels used in recycling have received minimal attention. However, the reverse channels′ membership and capabilities have a significant impact on the efficiency of processing recyclable material for remanufacture into recycled products. Differing product characteristics, extensive handling, and low density shipments pose considerable obstacles to establishing an efficient reverse channel for recyclable commodities. A framework, based on interviews and current literature, describes the reverse logistics channel structure, membership and functions, and provides a foundation for identifying the issues affecting efficiency and marketability, and possible future directions for improving efficiency within the reverse channel structure.

Cash‐to‐cash: the new supply chain management metric

Over recent years supply chain management has grown in importance because of the proliferation of improved information flows, outsourcing practices, strategic alliances and partnerships, and the reshaping of the organizational focus from functional silos toward integrated activities. Logistics and supply chain management emphasize achieving lowest total cost through synergistic interaction of all supply chain components. The cash‐to‐cash (C2C) metric is an important measure as it bridges across inbound material activities with suppliers, through manufacturing operations, and the outbound sales activities with customers. This paper first defines how to calculate C2C. It then overviews the importance of measuring C2C, using both accounting and supply chain management perspectives. Next, it identifies key leverage points that are necessary to manage C2C effectively. Finally, future research questions are developed that should prove useful in guiding the development of C2C as a usable metric.

Supply chain financing: using cash‐to‐cash variables to strengthen the supply chain

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how firm financial management techniques may be used to improve over all supply chain profitability and performance.Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a case‐based approach to demonstrate how supply chain financial management techniques, such as cash‐to‐cash and shared weighted average cost of capital (WACC), can reduce the financial costs experience by a supply chain.Findings – This paper provides a methodology to identify and quantify the potential opportunities to increase profitability throughout the supply. Scenarios are offered that illuminate potential supply chain improvements gained by collaborative management of cash‐to‐cash cycles and sharing WACC with trading partners.Research limitations/implications – These financial techniques are readily available for use in collaborative supply chain structures.Practical implications – Coordinating financial management across the supply chain is a potential tool to align and improve the financial p...

An analysis of logistics pedagogical literature : past and future trends in curriculum, content, and pedagogy

Purpose – There presently is no comprehensive review which systematizes and summarizes the burgeoning body of logistics educational literature. The purpose of this paper is to provide a guide for both educators and practitioners to assess the history, current status, and future trends in logistics education in order to nurture advancement in logistics education.Design/methodology/approach – This paper draws its conclusions based upon a literature review and categorizes the evolution of logistics education into three areas: defining curriculum, developing content and skills taught, and refining teaching methods.Findings – Logistics education continues to benefit from strong ties to industry. Additionally, four principle macro‐environmental factors were discovered that impact the current status of logistics education: an increase in the number of logistics educational programs, limited supply of logistics‐trained faculty, changes to content requirements, and a changing teaching environment. Future research ...

Measuring Cash‐to‐Cash Performance

The cash‐to‐cash (C2C) metric has evolved as one of the first measurements bridging across the firm. Therefore, it is important for managers to understand how the C2C metric is calculated, as well as how a company should compare in its C2C performance. In this paper, we define C2C and how to calculate it. Then, we provide an analysis and summary of C2C in 2001 for 5,884 companies using median performance by industry. A typology is introduced to classify industry performance using a 2 x 2 x 2 matrix based on the three variables of the C2C metric: accounts payable, inventory, and accounts receivable. We also consider how performance has changed since 1986, identify the key drivers to this change, and describe which industries have experienced the greatest change in C2C performance. Finally, managerial implications and future research questions are offered.

Aftermarket support and the supply chain

Purpose – To examine supply chain competences necessary to efficiently and/or effectively succeed in aftermarket support.Design/methodology/approach – Using the aerospace industry as a context, this paper provides a brief overview of aftermarket support practices and trends and discusses the broader implications for aftermarket supply chain managers.Findings – There are multiple approaches to aftermarket support. Which approach should be used depends on key variables including: technology, need for visibility and/or traceability, and need for collaborative product commerce.Research limitations/implications – This paper is a general review. Future research should examine resources necessary in individual industries, other forms of relationships, and the influence of new technologies.Practical implications – In many industries, there are significant opportunities for incremental profit in aftermarket support. Collaborative product commerce, alliances, a number of new technologies (e.g. web commerce), and se...

Utilizing cash‐to‐cash to benchmark company performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how the cash‐to‐cash (C2C) metric may be used to benchmark supply chain performance.Design/methodology/approach – The paper utilizes C2C variables as a means to benchmark company performance.Findings – Three case studies are offered where firms have benchmarked to: review their internal accounts payable policies; linked results of their benchmarking to profitability to help focus implementation efforts; and served as a call to action to proactively seek improvements with key trading partners. The models developed in this paper provide a benchmark approach to inter‐firm supply chain financial management. These models have direct application in a cost conscious economy and represent a non‐zero sum gain for cooperating corporations.Research limitations/implications – C2C variables are readily available for use in benchmarking.Practical implications – C2C benchmarking allows the firm to identify where to focus improvements with their supply chain trading partners...

The Evolution of Inter-Firm Collaboration in Supply Chain Networks

To date, no published study has measured the evolution of supply chain structure and relationships in response to changing product-market development requirements. This research draws upon production literature and exchange governance theory to simulate the interaction of supply and demand environment factors on the growth and development of supply chain relationships. Experiments were conducted to study the effects of different rates of product change, different demand environments, and different economies of scale on the level of integration between firms at different levels in the supply chain. It synthesizes the interrelationships of the simulation variables in order to extend TCA theory into a dynamic network environment by using the CAS paradigm. The study reveals definite patterns of evolution under conditions of differing product-market conditions, it confirms the importance of the balancing transaction and production costs, and it highlights the asymmetries of transactional and production costs in relationships.

Teaching Students to Market a

This article provides a link between marketing theory and application in helping students utilize what is taught in the classroom to attain employment goals. Eight proposals drawn from basic marketing concepts taught in all principles of marketing courses are presented, along with practical ways to encourage students to begin early in seeing themselves as

5.3 Million Asset: Themselves!.

5.3 million assets and marketing themselves accordingly.