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Operations and Supply Chain Management

Journal

2012

Articles 1 - 16 of 16

Full-Text Articles in Business

Reducing Long Distance Truck Driver’S Intention To Leave: An Analysis Of Professional Drivers And Owner Operators Using Importance/Performance Methods, Robert M. Cosenza, Robert Neil Southern, Tracy Anna Cosenza, Jerry W. Wilson Oct 2012

Reducing Long Distance Truck Driver’S Intention To Leave: An Analysis Of Professional Drivers And Owner Operators Using Importance/Performance Methods, Robert M. Cosenza, Robert Neil Southern, Tracy Anna Cosenza, Jerry W. Wilson

Journal of Transportation Management

Since it is widely known that turnover is highest among unsatisfied employees, the authors argue that long haul professional drivers (PDs) and owner operators (OOs) can be retained by using a yearly importance/performance analysis of company drivers. Because qualified drivers are becoming more scarce and difficult to recruit/retain, carriers need to focus on increasing driver retention. In this article, we suggest an Importance/Performance (IP) model which uses an “if then” perspective, relating intention to leave as a function of the PD/OO: IP structure. This model is used to explain the managerial changes that could be made to retain professional drivers …


Welfare Issues With Tail Docking Of Cows In The Dairy Industry Oct 2012

Welfare Issues With Tail Docking Of Cows In The Dairy Industry

Agribusiness Reports

Banned in several European countries, as well as three US states, and opposed and criticized by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, experts, scientists, and representatives of industry, tail docking of cows in the dairy industry—the partial amputation of up to two-thirds of the tail, typically performed without anesthetic—is still permitted in most of the United States. Scientific studies have shown the practice to cause serious welfare problems for animals, including distress, pain, and increased fly attacks.


Increasing Responsiveness Through The Firm-Lsp Relationship Structure: A Behavioral Perspective, David M. Gligor, Mary C. Holcomb Oct 2012

Increasing Responsiveness Through The Firm-Lsp Relationship Structure: A Behavioral Perspective, David M. Gligor, Mary C. Holcomb

Journal of Transportation Management

This study investigates the behavioral aspects of the firm-logistics service provider (LSP) relationship in order to better understand the avenues through which LSP responsiveness to changing customer needs can be enhanced. Because the research examining the behavioral aspects of the firm- LSP relationship is sparse, a dyadic qualitative research approach was taken to explore the development of a relationship structure that will facilitate the level of responsiveness that the firm desires. This study revealed that the key to enhancing LSP responsiveness lays in the structure of the firm-LSP relationship. Specifically, it was found that the level of cooperation, coordination, communication, …


Conflicting Perspectives On The Government Mandate For The Use Of Electronic On-Board Recording Devices In Commercial Motor Vehicles: A Case Study, Helen Maclennan Oct 2012

Conflicting Perspectives On The Government Mandate For The Use Of Electronic On-Board Recording Devices In Commercial Motor Vehicles: A Case Study, Helen Maclennan

Journal of Transportation Management

In July of 2012, the President signed into law the bill, “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century” or MAP21, also known as the Surface Transportation Act. The Act instructs the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate regulations requiring the use of electronic on-board recording devices (EOBRs) to verify hours of service compliance by commercial motor vehicle drivers. The mandate has drawn opposition from many drivers and trade organizations, while simultaneously drawing support from government, union organizations and other trade organizations. Consequently, it appears that the EOBR mandate will continue to be a source of potential conflict for management and …


Driver Vs. Manager Perceptions Of Commonly Used Safety Practices In Commercial Motor Vehicle Operations, Stephen M. Swartz, Matthew A. Douglas Oct 2012

Driver Vs. Manager Perceptions Of Commonly Used Safety Practices In Commercial Motor Vehicle Operations, Stephen M. Swartz, Matthew A. Douglas

Journal of Transportation Management

This research investigated the perceptions of Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators and Safety Professionals regarding 35 commonly implemented practices used to improve operating safety. Several differences were found in how drivers of different backgrounds rated various practices, and between the drivers and safety managers. These differences were found to be persistent even when combined with measures of safety performance and experience. Managers tended to overvalue (relative to drivers) practices related to hiring, while drivers tended to overvalue (relative to managers) practices related to company support and reward systems. Motor Carriers, insurers, and regulators could consider areas of agreement with respect to …


Managing Rental Car Businesses In The New Economy: Using A Multivariate Decision Model Approach, Anthony Narsing, Terry Sanders, Len Kistner, Jerry Williams Oct 2012

Managing Rental Car Businesses In The New Economy: Using A Multivariate Decision Model Approach, Anthony Narsing, Terry Sanders, Len Kistner, Jerry Williams

Journal of Transportation Management

U.S. rental car organizations are having to modify their business models to adapt to the new economy, which includes increased fuel costs, reduced business and leisure travel, and reduced resale of low mileage rental units. Revenue is negatively impacted due to increased maintenance as a result of higher mileage requirements placed on the rental inventory. Changes in the depreciation allowance on the rental car fleet reduced the potential value of vehicles by requiring fleet operations managers to maintain the fleets for longer periods of time. This article presents a multivariate decision-making model, which used in conjunction with in-house performance indicators, …


The Welfare Of Animals In The Veal Industry Jul 2012

The Welfare Of Animals In The Veal Industry

Agribusiness Reports

Intensive confinement of calves raised for veal has long raised pointed concerns regarding the animals’ welfare. Traditional production practices include individually isolating calves in narrow wooden stalls or pens, which severely restrict movement, feeding the animals an all-liquid diet deliberately low in iron, and prematurely weaning the animals. Stressful conditions lead to a high incidence of stereotypic behavior and illness. Scientific reviews of the welfare of intensively confined calves raised for veal have concluded that the young animals suffer when reared in conventional systems.


The Welfare Of Intensively Confined Animals In Battery Cages, Gestation Crates, And Veal Crates Jul 2012

The Welfare Of Intensively Confined Animals In Battery Cages, Gestation Crates, And Veal Crates

Agribusiness Reports

Within U.S. animal agriculture, the majority of egg-laying hens, pregnant sows, and calves raised for veal are reared in battery cages, gestation crates, and veal crates, respectively. The intensive confinement of these production systems severely impairs the animals’ welfare, as they are unable to exercise, fully extend their limbs, or engage in many important natural behaviors. As a result of the severe restriction within these barren confinement systems, animals can experience significant and prolonged physical and psychological assaults. Indeed, extensive scientific evidence shows that intensively confined farm animals are frustrated, distressed, and suffering.


The Role Of Returns Management Orientation, Internal Collaboration, And Information Support In Reverse Logistics, Enping (Shirley) Mai, Haozhe Chen, Kenneth Anselmi Apr 2012

The Role Of Returns Management Orientation, Internal Collaboration, And Information Support In Reverse Logistics, Enping (Shirley) Mai, Haozhe Chen, Kenneth Anselmi

Journal of Transportation Management

While reverse logistics has gained significant interest in recent years, the research on its antecedents is still far from comprehensive. The current study utilizes data collected from China to empirically test a conceptual model that is developed based on the resource based view of the firm. It is proposed that returns management orientation, internal collaboration, and information support are important predictors of reverse logistics performance. The structural equation modeling analysis supports these proposed relationships. Furthermore, the current study also confirms the positive relationship between a firm’s reverse logistics performance and market performance.


Food Safety Risks Associated With U.S. Horse Slaughter Apr 2012

Food Safety Risks Associated With U.S. Horse Slaughter

Agribusiness Reports

Meat originating from U.S. horses may contain residues from substances banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union for use in animals intended for consumption. Phenylbutazone, for example, is commonly administered to U.S. horses and has been associated with life-threatening reactions in humans. Requiring a thorough drug history for each U.S. horse intended for human consumption may help circumvent human health risks.


Understanding Supply Chain Security Strategy, Zachary Williams, Jason E. Lueg, Sean P. Goffnett, Stephen A. Lemay, Robert L. Cook Apr 2012

Understanding Supply Chain Security Strategy, Zachary Williams, Jason E. Lueg, Sean P. Goffnett, Stephen A. Lemay, Robert L. Cook

Journal of Transportation Management

In the post-9/11 environment, organizations are acutely aware of the need to secure their supply chains from risks of being a target of, or an unwilling participant in, a terror attack. However, supply chain security (SCS) comes at a cost and increasing levels of protection have increasing levels of costs to the firm. So some firms engage in strategic initiatives to secure the supply chain (SC) while others do not; and each firm engages in varying degrees of activities to ensure SCS. Therefore, in this study, the researchers sought to explore what types of SCS strategies exist. The researchers analyze …


The Physical Distribution Security System: Who Is Affecting The Vulnerability Of Goods Transprtation?, Luca Urciuoli Apr 2012

The Physical Distribution Security System: Who Is Affecting The Vulnerability Of Goods Transprtation?, Luca Urciuoli

Journal of Transportation Management

The purpose of this study is to explore the vulnerability of physical distribution networks to antago- nistic threats. Previous research identifies globalization and Just in Time (JIT) as the main causes of vulnerability. However, cargo crime has always existed, even before the identification of these trends. In this explorative study new factors are brought to light. In particular, it appears that stake- holders’ dynamics are influencing the level of security.


Assessing The Strategic Evolution Of U.S. Low Cost Airlines In The Post-9/11 Environment, Carl A. Scheraga, Paul Caster Apr 2012

Assessing The Strategic Evolution Of U.S. Low Cost Airlines In The Post-9/11 Environment, Carl A. Scheraga, Paul Caster

Journal of Transportation Management

It has been suggested in the literature that low-cost airlines have, in varying degrees, departed from the original low-cost model introduced by Southwest Airlines. This study provides a multi-year analysis in the post-9/11 time period, for the years 2004-2009, of the demonstrated strategic positioning choices of U. S. low-cost airlines. The sample utilized is restricted to U. S. low-cost carriers so as not to conflate operating environments. Furthermore, a quantitative methodology is employed to measure effectively these choices and to facilitate inter-airline comparisons. Airlines, as part of their strategic planning process, articulate positions with regard to cost leadership, product differentiation, …


A Comparison Of Logistics Strategies And Integration In The U.S. And Ghana, Michael A. Mcginnis, John E. Spillan, Ali Kara, King Obed Domfeh (Dok) Apr 2012

A Comparison Of Logistics Strategies And Integration In The U.S. And Ghana, Michael A. Mcginnis, John E. Spillan, Ali Kara, King Obed Domfeh (Dok)

Journal of Transportation Management

This manuscript empirically compares logistics strategies and outcomes in Ghanaian and U.S. firms to test the underlying factor structure and measurement equivalences of the Bowersox/Daugherty model and its relationship with critical success factors. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from Ghanaian and American logistics managers. Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), we compared the three dimensions of Overall Logistics Strategy (OLS) - Process Strategy, Market Strategy, and Information Strategy – in the two countries. A structural equation model (SEM) was then used to assess the impact of OLS on perceived organizational competitiveness in the two countries. Although the economic, …


The Welfare Of Animals In The Foie Gras Industry Mar 2012

The Welfare Of Animals In The Foie Gras Industry

Agribusiness Reports

The production of pâté de foie gras involves force-feeding ducks and geese by placing a long tube down the birds’ esophagi and pumping an unnatural quantity of food directly into their stomachs. Force-feeding induces hepatic lipidosis and causes the birds’ livers to become diseased and enlarged. Substantial scientific evidence suggests that force-feeding can cause pain and injury from feeding tube insertion, fear and stress during capture and handling, gait abnormality due to distended livers, pathologies in liver function, and increased mortality. Force-feeding birds to produce foie gras is detrimental to their welfare.


The Welfare Of Calves In The Beef Industry Jan 2012

The Welfare Of Calves In The Beef Industry

Agribusiness Reports

Calves raised for beef often begin life unconfined, on rangeland where they are free to express their natural behavior. However, the welfare of calves can be compromised by certain specific management practices, typical on many ranching operations. These include castration of male calves, dehorning, and branding, all of which are usually performed without anesthesia or analgesia, pain relief of any kind. Welfare is also a concern during weaning, handling, auction, and transport, common stressful events that occur before calves are moved to feedlots. Techniques to minimize pain and distress should be used or further developed in order to address the …