Ross L Chapman

Innovation in logistic services and the new business model : a conceptual framework

Service industries hold an increasingly dynamic and pivotal role in todays knowledge‐based economies. The logistics industry is a classic example of the birth and development of a vital new service‐based industry, transformed from the business concept of transportation to that of serving the entire logistical needs of customers. Quantum advances in science, technology, and communication in the new millennium have compelled firms to consider the potential of the so‐called new “resources” (technology, knowledge and relationship networks) that are essential if firms are to operate effectively within the emerging business model, and to utilise the opportunities to innovate and gain market leadership. Through an extensive literature review, this paper examines the factors that nurture innovation in logistics services, identifies the contributions of the new “resources” and, using industry examples, examines the application of these resources to logistics firms as they assume an extended role within the new business model.

From continuous improvement to collaborative innovation: the next challenge in supply chain management

This paper considers the growing importance of inter-company collaboration, and develops the concept of intra-company continuous improvement through to what may be termed collaborative innovation between members of an extended manufacturing enterprise (EME). The importance of ICTs to such company networks is considered but research has shown that no amount of technology can overcome a lack of trust and ineffective goal setting between key partners involved in the cross-company projects. Different governance models may also impact on the success or otherwise of the network. This paper provides an overview of the main topics considered in this Special Issue.

Strategic quality management and financial performance indicators

Despite the increasing international evidence that has identified quality of product and service and a culture of continuous improvement to be essential for long‐term competitive advantage, many Australian firms apparently remain unconvinced of the substantial gains available through a focused commitment to quality and continuous improvement. Anecdotal evidence and limited previous research suggest that this is at least partly due to the often touted cost barrier and the failure of firms to integrate quality improvement developments with their strategic planning activities. Discusses specific outcomes of a survey of medium‐sized manufacturing and service firms in Australia. Categorizes questions relating to strategic aspects of quality and continuous improvement into five major indicator groups, related to their commitment to the integration of quality and strategic planning initiatives. Compares mean scores for these indicators to standard financial performance and productivity measures, to test the hypothesis that there is a definite link between a firm’s commitment to quality improvement and its financial and marketplace performance. Also compares individual question responses relating to continuous improvement and strategic planning to selected performance indicators in an attempt to identify quality‐improvement activities which may have a particularly influential impact on performance.

Innovation in logistic services and the new business model: a conceptual framework

Service industries hold an increasingly dynamic and pivotal role in today’s knowledge‐based economies. The logistics industry is a classic example of the birth and development of a vital new service‐based industry, transformed from the business concept of transportation to that of serving the entire logistical needs of customers. Quantum advances in science, technology, and communication in the new millennium have compelled firms to consider the potential of the so‐called new “resources” (technology, knowledge and relationship networks) that are essential if firms are to operate effectively within the emerging business model, and to utilise the opportunities to innovate and gain market leadership. Through an extensive literature review, this paper examines the factors that nurture innovation in logistics services, identifies the contributions of the new “resources” and, using industry examples, examines the application of these resources to logistics firms as they assume an extended role within the new business model.

Impediments to improvements in service quality in luxury hotels

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to identify the key factors that impede service quality delivery in the context of luxury hotels (four‐ and five‐star properties) in Sydney, Australia.Design/methodology/approach – The empirical dataset for this qualitative study was collected through 22 individual semi‐structured interviews with senior hotel managers of ten luxury hotels in Sydney, Australia. The technique used for analysing the data was progressive comparative analysis, after which constant comparative methodology was applied. The key themes emerging from these techniques have been categorised to form conclusions.Findings – Analysis of the data revealed a number of impediments to developing and maintaining distinguishable, superior service. These impediments fell into four broad areas: Budget constraints, Staff attitude, Lack of mentoring and High customer expectations.Research limitations/implications – The limitations with the current study are primarily related to the scope of the research in ...

Inter-relationships between innovation and market orientation in SMEs

Purpose – This study aims to explore the nature of the interactions between two strategies, innovation and market orientation. By examining the components of these constructs the paper seeks to identify key components of market orientation that are antecedent factors of the innovation performance of the firm.Design/methodology/approach – Correlation analysis was undertaken on data from a survey of 73 manufacturing firms in the Greater Western Sydney economic development zone in Australia. The data were supplemented by information obtained from the firms annual reports.Findings – Innovation was found to be positively correlated to market orientation (customer orientation, competitor orientation and inter‐functional co‐ordination) and both of these constructs were found to be positively correlated to firm performance and the degree of change in the firms competitive environment.Research limitations/implications – Possible limitations are: the low survey response rate; the nature of the sampled population;...

From continuous improvement to organisational learning: developmental theory

As a learning theory, the continuous improvement (CI) discourse has benefited countless manufacturing enterprises to improve and adapt their methods of production. As one of the pillars of total quality management, it has generally included a range of dynamic concepts from high involvement teamwork and production enablers, to other social and technical capabilities such as innovation techniques. Such methodologies have been promoted in the literature as potential manifestos that can transform existing capabilities from simple representations of capability, to dynamically integrated ones (often labelled “full CI capacity”). The latter term in particular deserves more attention in the literature. Since CI techniques cannot be separated from organisational learning methodologies, it follows that CI methods should underpin holistic learning. This paper explores whether CI methodologies have advanced far enough to be considered as integrated and holistic in their own right. If not, it follows that new theories, challenges and discourses should be considered for exploration in the CI literature.

TQM and labour productivity in Jordanian industrial companies

Reports on research to determine the degree of application of total quality management (TQM) philosophy and practices in industrial corporations in Jordan. Uses primary and secondary empirical data to examine the link between TQM and labour productivity. Survey responses were classified into two groups: high‐TQM implementation and low‐TQM implementation. Found that mean labour productivity measurements for high‐TQM companies were significantly higher than for low‐TQM companies over the period 1993‐1998. Also, mean growth rates of labour productivity measurements for companies with high‐level TQM were higher than for those with low‐level TQM during this period. Regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant positive relationship between TQM and labour productivity.

Performance measurement and strategic change

Performance measurement systems not only provide the data necessary for managers to control business activity, they also influence the behavior and decisions of managers. This being the case, a restrictive set of financial performance measures may adversely impact on an organization’s long‐term viability, so organizations should develop a broad range of performance measures. Berliner and Brimson state that “performance measurement is a key factor in ensuring the successful implementation of a company’s strategy”. Thus when organizations implement new strategies they should ensure that the appropriate set of performance measures are in place. In this paper we look at two case studies conducted in a medium‐sized manufacturing firm and a large manufacturing firm, and evaluate the managers’ perceptions of the strategy/performance measurement relationship, and the responsiveness of performance measures to changes in strategy.

Continuous improvement strategies across selected Australian manufacturing sectors

Notes that Australian businesses are continually being expected to respond to changes in the economy brought about by alterations to government policies. Suggests that those industries which survive and flourish will need to have in place a process for responding to change. Points out that continuous improvement (CI) was identified in a recent Australia/New Zealand manufacturing survey as the most important manufacturing enhancement process currently available. In 1997, an Australia‐wide study of CI in manufacturing was initiated by a benchmarking survey examining the CI activities of medium to large manufacturing firms. Reports on selected findings of the survey and presents an analysis by industry sector of the firms’ main motives for CI, content in the CI process, support for CI and problem‐solving tools used to support CI. Initial findings indicate that there are no significant differences between manufacturing organizations in different Australian states. However, significant differences were found on comparing different industry sectors.