Timothy M. Laseter

Last-mile Supply Network Distribution in Omnichannel Retailing: A Configuration-Based Typology

This monograph develops a configuration-based typology that describes last-mile supply network (LMSN) distribution configurations in omni-channel retailing. The goal is to integrate relevant terms that have been used disjointedly with fragmented bodies of theory to describe the various forms of LMSN. A review of the academic and practice literature was conducted and complemented with secondary observations to identify the key configuration dimensions. Established guidelines for typology and theory building (e.g., Doty and Glick, 1994) were employed to develop the typology. The proposed typology comprises four ideal archetypes: Simple LMSN, Hyperlocal LMSN, One-Stop LMSN, and Protean LMSN. The four are described along the dimensions of: (1) network structure, (2) network flow, (3) relationship governance, and (4) service architecture. Referred to here as the SHOP typology in LMSN, each archetype is associated with one or more core logistics capabilities elaborated upon in a capability profile for each archetype. The typology identifies useful LMSN patterns and enables scholars to develop models and theories based on the four configurations and relate their findings to a specific configuration or across them, rather than expanding efforts on separate and unconnected studies. Notwithstanding, it incorporates elements of the omni-channel context that updates the previous “chain†centric typology developed by Boyer and Hult (2005), and serves as a stepping-stone toward improved insights on what drives, facilitates and inhibits “fit†potential of LMSN configuration. The research output enhances managers’ understanding of the various forms of LMSN distribution configurations and assists in the identification of possible routes to establish configuration footprints across different LMSN forms to support their omni-channel retailing strategies. Further study can identify the critical contingency factors influencing configuration choices.

Structural Supply Chain Collaboration Among Grocery Manufacturers

Both academicians and practitioners have extensively explored the important topic of supply chain collaboration. Most research, however, has focused on unilateral coordination via pricing signals or tactical opportunities such as Vendor Managed Inventory or Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR). Our research fills a gap in the current literature by quantifying the opportunity for strategic, multi-lateral collaboration through a shared distribution network. Specifically, we examine the opportunity for manufacturers to consolidate distribution networks to serve a set of common retailer customers. Through cost modeling of a factorial combination of scenarios, we show that:

Whirlpool Corporation Global Procurement

This case introduces a framework for cost modeling. Two data sets (one for injection-molded plastic parts and another for compressors) allow students to apply the cost-driver framework in conjunction with basic spreadsheet and regression analyses. Although obviously applicable in a course on supply chain management, the case can also be used to teach competitive cost analysis for strategic decision making. Excerpt UVA-OM-1071 Rev. Aug. 8, 2018 Whirlpool Corporation Global Procurement Martha Jones and Scott Trebeck, summer interns from the Darden School of Business, were comparing notes in the conference room of the Whirlpool Corporations St. Joe Technical Center. As part of a consulting team conducting a six-week capability assessment of Whirlpools global procurement organization, they were approaching the crunch time when data needed to be converted to findings that would support actionable recommendations. “Did you get all the commodity data you needed during your trip to Milan?�? Trebeck asked. “I heard that the head of purchasing for Europe can be rather intimidating.�? “Shes pretty intense and wicked smart,�? Jones replied, “but she was a very cordial host. Shes quite supportive of the study and provided all the information we requested. How did it go for you in Brazil?�? . . .