Ronald D. Anderson

QUALITY MANAGEMENT INFLUENCES ON LOGISTICS PERFORMANCE

The importance of quality management practices in the achievement of operational results and customer satisfaction in logistics has been asserted in many studies. However, though widely adopted, quality management does not have a uniformly accepted framework as a basis for assessment of improvement efforts. This study develops quality management constructs and a casual model based on the criteria utilized in the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Casual relationships between quality management factors and logistics outcomes, specifically logistics operational performance and customer service, are established. Implications of the findings for management are discussed.

Buyer and seller perceptions of transportation purchasing variables

Abstract The study in this article involved the investigation of 15 carrier selection variables over three dimensions by three groups with high involvement in the purchasing decision—traffic managers, sales representatives, and sales managers. The primary focus of the study was the identification of significant differences in the assessment of importance of the technical abilities of a carrier, the service orientation of a carrier and the image of a carrier as perceived by sales managers and sales representatives representing the selling systems, and traffic managers representing the buying systems.

A Simulation Study Of Three Methods For Determining The Number Of Image Components

Three stopping rules for image component extraction were compared via a simulation-based experimental design. Simulated correlation matrices were generated under conditions of changing sample size, number of variables, magnitude of loadings, and degree of correlation among components. All three methods were found to be accurate under favorable conditions (e.g., high sample size and high loadings) but Veldmans rule based on the varimax criterion was found to be most accurate under the more difficult experimental conditions.

Perceived importance of selected product information sources in two time periods by United States and West German consumers

Abstract Perceived use of different types of information sources in the purchase of a major durable good is investigated in two countries (West Germany and the U.S.), two age groups (under 35, 35 and over), and two time periods (1970 and 1976). A logit model is constructed to allow probabilistic conclusions about the relationships among time, country, and age as explanatory variables and information source types as response variables. Product testing is found to increase in importance between time periods in both countries and to have the highest probability of use in combination with peer group as a source. Advertising has twice the probability of perceived use in the U.S. as in West Germany, and probability of use has not changed between years. Age is found not to be significant in perceived importance of sources.

A Causal Analysis of Environment-Reward-Satisfaction Linkages for the Sales Representative

A causal model that postulated linkages of organizational environmental variables, reward variables, and satisfaction for sales representatives was investigated. Findings indicated that the usual assumptions concerning an organizations inability to contribution to intrinsic rewards may not hold.

Comparisons of factor structures in separate consumer behavior studies

Abstract Three methods of comparing factor structures among separate factor analytic studies are examined. Examples are developed for each of the three methods, illustrating typical uses in different research settings. Major characteristics of the methods are compared and summarized. The article is essentially a non-technical and nonexhaustive overview of comparison methods directed to researchers not fully acquainted with the function and utility of these comparatively new techniques. The examples used are developed from a large-scale consumer study, but applications obviously extend to a much broader group of business research situations.

Personal Stake As a Causal Determinant of Influence Tactics in Industrial Buying

The relationship between perceived personal stake in the purchase decision and the importance of five influence tactics is investigated. The personal stake variables are Extrinsic Rewards, Intrinsic Rewards, Departmental Stake Peer Credibility, and Superior Credibility. The five influence tactics are Reason & Logic, Simple Request, Bargaining, going to a Higher Authority, and forming Coalitions.