Zenon Michaelides

Automotive supply chain models and technologies: a review of some latest developments

Purpose – To critically review business trends and drivers affecting the performance of supply chains and build‐to‐order initiatives.Design/methodology/approach – This is a comprehensive review of the potential implications of two inbound logistics solutions: supplier parks and the notion of full‐service‐vehicle supply in addition to developing technologies such as web services interoperability, radio frequency identification (RFID) and collaborative product commerce (CPC).Findings – It is expected that the wide adoption/consolidation of supplier parks and full‐service‐vehicle supply and technologies such as web services interoperability, RFID and CPC will facilitate/promote the adoption of build‐to‐order initiatives.Research limitations/implications – The business models and technologies presented in this paper have been developed and exploited mainly in the automotive sector. Their success could have a big impact if transferred to other industries. Only a handful of technologies/business models affectin...

The relationship between proximate supply and build‐to‐order capability

Purpose – To investigate the opportunities provided by proximate supply to support build‐to‐order (BTO) capability and to provide empirical analysis to identify the extent to which supplier parks as a means of facilitating proximate supply can improve supply chain performance and enhance BTO capability in the automotive sector.Design/methodology/approach – A case‐based approach was employed to analyse the relationship between proximate supply and BTO.Findings – The key results of the research demonstrate how proximate supply in the automotive sector achieved through the presence of supplier parks situated adjacent or close to vehicle assembly plants, has provided the means for moving the customer‐order decoupling point upstream and, therefore, increase the percentage of a vehicle that is BTO. BTO is generally regarded as a qualitative concept yet the results are demonstrated by adopting measures that act as a proxy for building to a unique order. In addition, first‐rate performance is seen to be achieved ...

Collaboration networks and collaboration tools: a match for SMEs?

Global patterns of industrial production have resulted in relocation of industrial operations groups in an effort to create new markets for mass and customised mass production. The collaborative effort between these dispersed teams increases the likelihood of combining ideas and knowledge in novel ways. Internet technologies enable these virtual collaboration networks to seamlessly engage in discussions that demonstrate a richness of perspectives when it comes to problem-solving and innovative idea-exchange. Indeed, knowledge creation and harnessing collective knowledge are salient features of collaborative networks (CNs) and this is witnessed by a new interest in these entities. However, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) display a difficulty in partnering and collaborating in global networks, especially since their technological infrastructure may be lacking. Given the widespread adoption of collaborative technologies in social contexts, this research seeks to examine how such informal interactions are facilitated in SMEs through Web 2.0 tools. Specifically, this paper seeks to contribute to existing literature by examining how Web 2.0 affects the collaborative effort in two SME CNs; this study demonstrated that the collaboration effort is amplified when Web 2.0 tools are available. Other parameters such as trust in other members’ ability; perception of usefulness; and enhancement of collective knowledge are seen as supporting the CN mutuality. In addition, it brings together the three diverse research areas of collaborative networks, internet collaborative tools and psychological barriers and enablers.

The development and evaluation of Internet-based supply of non-production (MRO) items

Recent development in the application of Internet technologies to manufacturing organisations have begun to explore the procurement of non-production items, commonly known as maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) supplies, such as maintenance equipment, services and parts. In developing these new applications, consideration needs to be given to identifying the new operational models that are required and to determining the business benefits that will result. This paper examines the development of Internet-based MRO procurement through the depiction of new business models and the evaluation of business benefits (i.e. better service levels and costs reduction) of deploying these new approaches using simulation modelling.

The interoperability force in the ERP field

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems participate in interoperability projects and this participation sometimes leads to new proposals for the ERP field. The aim of this paper is to identify the role that interoperability plays in the evolution of ERP systems. To go about this, ERP systems have been first identified within interoperability frameworks. Second, the initiatives in the ERP field driven by interoperability requirements have been identified from two perspectives: technological and business. The ERP field is evolving from classical ERP as information system integrators to a new generation of fully interoperable ERP. Interoperability is changing the way of running business, and ERP systems are changing to adapt to the current stream of interoperability.

Benefits of clustering for SME's suppliers in the aerospace and defence sector through the adaptation of enterprise portals

The aerospace industry today is indisputably global, with players needing to establish both a global presence and a competitive strategy in order to survive. Further subtier mergers and acquisitions are expected in the next few years in order for companies to reduce costs and reap economies of scale. It is envisaged that further consolidation will mainly affect Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) suppliers, which either will lose their independence or exit the market altogether. In order for SME suppliers to be better positioned to survive future market fluctuations associated with global events, whilst at the same time counteracting the dominance of the larger members they need to combine or cluster their resources. This paper reviews how beneficial clustering through the adaptation of enterprise portals can be for the SME suppliers and how enabling the aggregation of data, business processes and applications can support the emergence and development of new business models in the Aerospace and Defence sector.

Collaboration networks for innovation and Web 2.0: Perfect match?

Global patterns of industrial production benefited from Internet technologies as they enable relocation and control of distant industrial operations and workgroups and the creation of new markets for mass production. In such teams, the amount and diversity of information available is amplified thus enabling a richness of perspectives to problems, ideas, products. Indeed knowledge creation and harnessing collective knowledge are salient features of collaborative innovation. Given the widespread adoption of collaborative technologies as facilitative platforms for informal interactions of contemporary networks, the objective of this research is to examine how such interaction is facilitated through Web 2.0. This research contributes to existing literature by examining how collaborative tools affect the relationships between user contribution and knowledge flow in collaborative networks.

An information system's architecture to support responsive supply chains

Supply chains and the practice of supply chain management in the automotive industry have evolved considerably in recent years. This evolution has altered the perception of supply chains and the techniques used to manage them. Contemporary literature extols the virtues of partnerships, information sharing and strategic alliances as policies to improve supply chain performance and reduce waste. In particular, the principle that companies should take advantage of opportunities to share information (which broaches issues associated with power and trust) in order to create an advantage has gained wide acceptance. The research presented in this paper investigated an internet design as a viable means for the automated exchange of information between supply chain partners. The design is articulated via a generic information systems architecture. The generic design was verified through case studies undertaken in the automotive industry. One case is presented in this paper. In the case, the design demonstrated how the internet could be used to transmit production requirements from a vehicle manufacturer to first and second-tier suppliers subsequently improving the integration and performance of the chain.

Contingent approach to Internet-based supply network integration

The Internet is playing an increasingly important role in enhancing the operations of supply networks as many organizations begin to recognize the benefits of Internet- enabled supply arrangements. However, the developments and applications to-date do not extend significantly beyond the dyadic model, whereas the real advantages are to be made with the external and network models to support a coordinated and collaborative based approach. The DOMAIN research group at the University of Liverpool is currently defining new Internet- enabled approaches to enable greater collaboration across supply chains. Different e-business models and tools are focusing on different applications. Using inappropriate e- business models, tools or techniques will bring negative results instead of benefits to all the tiers in the supply network. Thus there are a number of issues to be considered before addressing Internet based supply network integration, in particular an understanding of supply chain management, the emergent business models and evaluating the effects of deploying e-business to the supply network or a particular tier. It is important to utilize a contingent approach to selecting the right e-business model to meet the specific supply chain requirements. This paper addresses the issues and provides a case study on the indirect materials supply networks.

The Case of Thessaloniki’s Branding: Constructing Social Networking and CSR in the Digital Era

2012 was a celebratory year for Thessaloniki, Greece, mother land of Alexander the Great, marking 100 years since its liberation. In 2012, the municipality of Thessaloniki initiated an international sustainable development (SD) strategy. Part of this strategy was to launch a branding campaign with four thematic categories: (i) history; (ii) social activities and culture; (iii) environment and urban landscape and (iv) entrepreneurship. This chapter presents and critically analyzes these ongoing social, environmental and economic factors of Thessaloniki’s SD strategy. Maintaining as a focal point social responsibility (SR) and social networking this paper reveals the importance of innovative services in digital communication and social networking when branding a city’s profile. It presents the role of SR in branding and networking, and it outlines how Thessaloniki and its stakeholders are engaging, encountering and exploring digital and social profile potentials as well as the opportunities and perspectives for the years to come.