Mahour Mellat-Parast

A framework for quality management practices in strategic alliances

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the role of quality management (QM) practices in the success of strategic alliances.Design/methodology/approach – Through a review of the literature, a conceptual model employing a relational view of inter‐organizational competitive advantage is proposed, which attempts to address the concept of quality management in strategic alliances and networks.Findings – Trust and co‐operative learning have emerged as critical factors that affect the success of strategic alliances. The proposed model, while integrating elements of quality management and strategic alliances, determines alliance success and alliance satisfaction as the outcomes of strategic alliances. Several propositions have been developed to address the relationship between different constructs in the model. The effects of trust and co‐operative learning on alliance performance are discussed, and key areas for research are identified.Practical implications – Companies can achieve a higher level of performanc...

The formation of initial trust in the strategic supply chain partnership

While firms within a supply chain environment share resources and information with other partners, an initial level of trust is needed for the formation of collaborative alliance. Despite the attention given to the role of trust in supply chain literature, only a limited number of studies have been done on the formation of initial trust in the supply chain. The purpose of this article is to develop a theoretical base for the formation of initial trust in strategic partnerships in the supply chain. It is important for firms in a supply chain to have a clear assessment of the level of trust they have in their partners, especially when firms do not have any previous relationships with them. Key variables have been defined and their role on the formation of initial trust has been explained. Future research needs are also outlined.

Highway and Transportation Implications on Environmental Sustainability: Urban Planning, Construction, and Operation Counter Measures

This paper addresses the alarming consequences of high emission rates of greenhouse gases and the significant transportation contribution. It outlines pavement construction impacts on the urban setting and environment. Urban planning options to reduce congestion are explored, including more reliance on public transportation to make it more affordable and attractive for commuters. Furthermore, encouraging environmentally friendly modes of transport, such as walking and bicycling, is essential. Finally, including carbon tax to encourage the transportation sector to promote green technology and low carbon footprint products is another viable consideration.

Effect of Disruptions on Service Quality and Market Share: Evidence from the U.S. Domestic Airline Industry

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of disruptions on service quality and market share in the U.S. domestic airline industry. Structural equation modeling was used to empirically test the effect of disruptions on service quality and market share for the network and low-cost airlines. The findings suggested that network airlines could manage disruptions more effectively than low-cost airlines. Although disruptions had a negative effect on service quality for both network and low-cost airlines, their effect on airline market share was different. Disruptions had a significant (negative) effect on market share for the low-cost airlines, whereas they did appear to affect market share for the network airlines. Multigroup analysis of invariance was used to compare the effect of disruptions on service quality and market share between airlines. The analysis showed that the effect of disruptions on service quality and market share was different between airlines. On the basis of the findings of this study, recommendations for managers in the airline industry are provided.