Stephen M. Swartz

Co‐creating logistics value: a service‐dominant logic perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore logistics service value through the theoretical lens of service‐dominant (S‐D) logic with a focus on the creation of logistics value jointly by the provider and the customer.Design/methodology/approach – A cross‐disciplinary literature review including supply chain management, logistics, marketing, and strategy is conducted to integrate existing knowledge on value of service and antecedents and consequences of value creation in a process framework for co‐creation of value in a logistics context. This framework is grounded in the S‐D logic perspective and supported by transaction cost analysis (TCA), resource‐based view (RBV) and knowledge‐based view (KBV) of the firm.Findings – The process of co‐creation of value in a logistics context has three phases: learning, innovation and execution, and outcomes. These phases and their key elements are integrated into a comprehensive framework of co‐creation of logistics service value. A total of 12 propositions are ...

Acceptance and Accuracy of Multiple Choice, Confidence-Level, and Essay Question Formats for Graduate Students.

The confidence level (information-referenced testing; IRT) design is an attempt to improve upon the multiple choice format by allowing students to express a level of confidence in the answers they choose. In this study, the author evaluated student perceptions of the ease of use and accuracy of and general preference for traditional multiple choice, confidence-level, and essay format questions. The author estimated the relative accuracy of traditional multiple choice vs. confidence level compared with the essay results and the student self-reported mastery of knowledge domains. Student acceptance of the new format was equal to, and accuracy was better than, the traditional format.

Managerial Perceptions of Project Stability

This research investigated the importance of stability (ability of schedules to absorb disruption) to project outcomes. Managers involved in aviation systems development were surveyed for their perceptions of importance and usefulness for project attributes and performance management measures. Traditional measures of cost, schedule, performance, and earned value were compared to proposed measures of stability. Stability and earned value had both importance and usefulness to the managers. Stability was perceived to be as important as the more common measures. Perceptions differed depending on program size, scope, and stage of completion and between managers depending on experience and certification level.

A post‐retail consumer application of RFID in medical supply chains

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to investigate the feasibility of using radio frequency identification (RFID) total asset visibility technologies for post‐consumer monitoring and ordering of medical supplies.Design/methodology/approach – A laboratory experiment in a consumer context was designed. This involved the application of RFID tag technology for glucose monitoring and supply management.Findings – It was found that embedded RFID monitoring of blood glucose levels can be used to effectively monitor and help manage patient care. An integrated system of monitoring and management with an effective medical supply chain information system is presented.Research limitations/implications – The laboratory study provides initial validation of the merits of the approach. Extensive human field‐testing would still be required prior to any strong inference about the viability of the technology in this application.Practical implications – The findings provide a directly relevant system design template for hom...