Richard N. Germain

Does Knowledge Mediate the Effect of Context on Performance? Some Initial Evidence

This research examines the links among four firm context variables, knowledge, and financial performance. Adopting a knowledge-based, contingency view of the firm and assuming that strategys locus is knowledge creation and application, we hypothesize that knowledge completely mediates the effects of context on performance. The results from analyzing 208 manufacturers found a positive relationship between applied knowledge and financial performance, but none between knowledge creation and performance. As for context, production technology routineness and low demand unpredictability were positively related only to greater applied knowledge; high technological turbulence was positively related to both knowledge creation and knowledge application; and firm size had no effect on either knowledge construct. No direct context-performance relationships were found (i.e., all effects were indirect): knowledge, in particular applied knowledge, completely mediated the impact of context on performance.

The impact of the centralized structuring of logistics activities on span of control, formalization and performance

The centralized structuring (or consolidation) of logistics activities within the firm is shown to have a major impact on (1) the total number of activities that are the direct responsibility of logistics, (2) formalization, and (3) the capability of the logistics system to accommodate certain channel activities. In particular, centralized structuring enhances the accommodation of product introduction, phaseout and recall in functional firms, and the customization of service levels to specific segments or customers in divisional firms.

Wholesale operations and vendor evaluation

Abstract A set of contextual variables affecting wholesalers evaluation of vendors is examined empirically. The study is conducted on 148 U.S. and Canadian wholesalers that participated in a survey, with an overall response rate of 5.5%. The wholesalers in the sample vary considerably in terms of size and primary industry. Five factors that impact wholesaling logistical operations are identified: 1) forecasting/efficiency, which addresses regularity of demand; 2) supplier/internal communications, which addresses inbound intrafirm shipments; 3) computers/measurement, or the internal communications linkages of the operations subsystem; 4) leveling, which is concerned with the irregularity of demand; 5) transportation, which addresses outbound shipments to customers. Transportation is the most important factor, since it is related to 12 of 17 supplier evaluation criteria, including price, service quality, and on-time delivery.

A Note on Green Sentiments and the Human-Animal Relationship in Print Advertsing during the 20th Century

Abstract A content analysis of 1,223 print advertisements with animals spanning the 20th century is used to investigate green sentiments. A framework is provided that integrates green movements and advertisers depictions of animals and values. For the early years, green sentiments in advertisements yielded proportionately more controlled animal depictions, more humans, and more self-focused values. During the last years of the 20th century, green sentiments in print ads displayed proportionately more uncontrolled animals, fewer humans, and a pattern of more society-focused values. Managerial suggestions are provided about creating messages that communicate a green appeal without overstating green details.