Business Commons^™

Pure Pallets: Effectiveness And Efficiency Impacts On The Defense Transportation System, Michael B. Mongold, Alan W. Johnson

Journal of Transportation Management

The military supply chain must explore initiatives to improve its ability to meet warfighter needs. One initiative, developed during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq is the pure pallet process—by consolidating material early in the supply chain into user-specific pallets, these pallets are able to transit the defense transportation system without being broken down en route, theoretically arriving to the warfighter in less time than prior break-bulk methods required. The pure pallet initiative’s effectiveness and efficiency was assessed by measuring customer requisition wait time, cargo throughput, and revenue performance. It was found that effectiveness increased, without corresponding losses in efficiency.

Management Guidelines For Third-Party Logistics, Michael Maloni

Journal of Transportation Management

There is a significant amount of useful yet fragmented research in third-party logistics (3PL). This article seeks to review, summarize, and structure this 3PL research to provide a reference guide for managers interested in exploring, building, or improving logistics outsourcing opportunities. Topics covered include reasons to outsource, functions to outsource, 3PL provider evaluation, implementation and relationship success factors, contracts, and performance measures.

Working Toward A Seamless Supply Chain: An Exploratory Analysis Of The Impact Of Supply Chain On Company Performance, Carol J. Johnson, Lidiya Sokhnich, Charles Ng

Journal of Transportation Management

This paper explores the role that several supply chain dimensions play in achieving overall firm performance. Measures suggested in prior studies were factor analyzed for convergent and discriminant validity and then used in a regression model. This study uses data from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) member firms, with top level supply chain managers as informants. The results suggest that of the three dimensions tested, two are significant contributors to firm profitability, including customer service and business process usage. Relationship confidence was not found to significantly impact overall firm performance.

Anheuser-Busch And The Eu, Keith Tolbert

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

The following paper provides analysis of Anheuser-Busch, its current position within the European Union (EU), and its opportunities/threats that exist in the EU. Included is background information about Anheuser-Busch containing its products, financial condition, and major competitors within the EU. I have provided extensive analysis o f the areas of concern for Anheuser-Busch in the EU as well as recommendations for the company to consider. The major market for opportunity covered is Germany. Anheuser-Busch is not a current competitor in Germany, however, possible expansion opportunities into the country is addressed. Additionally, a realistic outlook of Anheuser-Busch’s future other EU countries …

Perceptions Of The Pure Pallet Program, Michael T. Dye

Theses and Dissertations

In coordination with USCENTCOM, USTRANSCOM, and the DLA, AMC implements the pure pallet program to improve warfighter support. The cornerstone of the pure pallet program rests upon the consolidation of materiel early in the supply-chain by constructing end-user specific pallets. This research utilized a web-based survey to measure the perceptions of the air transportation specialists and logistics readiness officers who are implementing the program on behalf of the Air Force. The results indicate that the pure pallet program is achieving its intended results; however, there is a perception problem. Recommendations center on educating personnel on the importance of suboptimization avoidance …

Building A Consensus Forecast For Crude Oil Prices, Kenneth W. Burke

Theses and Dissertations

Skyrocketing fuel prices have stressed the Department of Defense's budget in recent years. In 2001 the DoD spent $4.7 Billion on fuel with the Air Force consuming $2.7 Billion. These figures have grown over due to these increases as well as the increased flying ours to support the Global War On Terror. In fact, the Fiscal Year 2007 budget has already been increased by $1.1 billion, or 1% of the total budget, to accommodate the increased price of fuel. Current forecasts of this resource have yielded poor results, impairing the DoD's ability to budget this critical expense. Further because the …

Improving Maintenance Data Collection Via Point-Of-Maintenance (Pomx) Implementation, William D. Cone

Theses and Dissertations

Maintenance data collection is an integral part of flightline aircraft maintenance. Historically, this data was input via traditional keyboard data entry methods at a computer terminal. These terminals are typically located in the aircraft maintenance unit (AMU) facility, away from where the actual maintenance is being performed. In contrast to the traditional approach, the Point-of-Maintenance system (POMX) seeks to reduce the data entry burden while increasing data accuracy through the use of E-Tools such as ruggedized laptop computers and handheld portable maintenance aids (PMAs). POMX enables data entry at the aircraft or other maintenance location via wireless local area network …

Understanding Innovation Adoption In The Air Force, Morgan J. Evans

Theses and Dissertations

Innovation adoption has become a critical issue for organizations in both the public and private sectors. The search for competitive advantage has led to the recognition that innovation is a vital ingredient for an organization's survival and profitability in this information age. The United States Air Force is seeking to adapt to this new information age by transforming its business processes in order to sustain its competitive advantage as the world's most respected air force. Adopting innovations and integrating new or improved technologies, capabilities, concepts, and processes into Air Force planning and acquisition activities, organizations, and operations are goals of …

An Exploratory Case Study Of Information-Sharing And Collaboration Within Air Force Supply Chain Management, Wendy S. Kierpiec

Theses and Dissertations

This research sought to identify key elements of the Air Force supply chain as it relates to industry, determine how techniques of information-sharing and collaboration are used to make Air Force Supply Chain decisions, and examine how the resulting impacts on operational readiness may be measured. A multiple case study research design was used to investigate the application of information-sharing and collaboration in two distinct Air Force supply chains. Cross-case comparative analysis of the supply chains supporting the PTO shafts on the F-15 engine and the T-38 engine evaluated each supply chain's characteristics and levels of information-sharing and collaboration. The …

Access Based Cost Estimation For Beddown Analysis, Jasper E. Pennington

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to develop an automated web-enabled beddown estimation application for Air Mobility Command in order to increase the effectiveness and enhance the robustness of beddown estimates. This includes generating rough order of magnitude cost estimates for the potential beddown of air mobility assets as well as serving as a centralized data warehouse for current and future scenarios. The application developed is intended to provide the analyst with the maximum amount of both quantitative and qualitative input for any potential decision to quickly identify infrastructure requirement shortfalls and associated costs to satisfy those shortfalls. The application …

Headquarters Air Force Material Command Customer Relationship Study, Damelsa D. White

Theses and Dissertations

Because of the lack of product and price differentiation, many organizations consider Customer Relationship Management (CRM) their primary focus. CRM uses information about each customer to make each customer more valuable to the organization, and the organization more valuable to the customer, while decreasing the cost of servicing the customer. However, an organization cannot conform to customer specifications if the needs of the customers as well as what the customer values is not known. As a result, Headquarters (HQ) Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) is taking the initiative to gain an understanding of their customers. The purpose of this study …

Hazardous Material Cargo Frustration At Military Aerial Ports Of Embarkation, Niel E. Christensen

Theses and Dissertations

Since military units often require critical hazardous materials in an expedited manner, identifying choke points within the supply chain is necessary to improve logistic support to front line forces. Hazardous materials are some of the most critical assets for the war fighter, as well as the most restrictive and often most time consuming for transportation. This research quantifies the extent that vendor and depot supplied cargo is being delayed at Aerial Ports of Embarkation. By looking at frustrated hazardous material at Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina and Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, a case study methodology is used to …

Factors Affecting The Transfer Of Basic Combat Skills Training In The Air Force, Rodney E. Mccraine

Theses and Dissertations

During Operations ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) and IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF), many Airmen in support career fields were deployed to hostile environments like Afghanistan and Iraq. Deployments of this nature are a departure from normal Air Force operations where support personnel are normally far from the front lines of battle. The purpose of this research was to understand the factors that affect the transfer of basic combat skills training from the classroom to the battlefield. Specifically, this thesis sought to answer five research questions addressing the current combat skills training requirements, the perceived training transfer of basic combat skills, the factors that …

Algebra Of Tankers, Margaret M. Romero

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force's aerial refueling tanker aircraft provide essential support for deployment and employment of combat and combat support aircraft, by extending their endurance and enhancing fighting efficiency. As the lead command for air refuelers, Air Mobility Command (AMC) must frequently examine the capability of current and proposed tanker fleets to meet mission requirements due to limited tanker resources. Analysts in AMC primarily use the Combined Mating and Ranging Plans System to provide actual tanker/receiver aircraft schedules and flight plans that take into account numerous system constraints. However, this tool can take weeks to run. Even recently developed quick look …

As The Pmi Turns: A Tool For The Supply Chain Manager, Matthew Lindsey, Robert Pavur

Faculty Publications

Supply chain managers use the PMI, an index of business activity and proxy for the general business cycle, to obtain valuable information important to strategic managerial planning. This research explores a methodology to provide managerial insight into the general business cycle by tracking and forecasting cycle turns in the PMI. A regression model is developed based on inherent cycles in the PMI between 12 and 65 months to forecast turning points for the index and anticipate changes in the business cycle, which is superior to the more commonly used Box-Jenkins forecasting technique. Strategic planning using this knowledge allows management to …

Evaluation Of Cauliflower And Broccoli Varieties: Summer Planting (November 2005 - February 2006), Department Of Food And Agriculture, Western Australia

Horticulture research reports

This document has been prepared from a cauliflower and broccoli variety evaluation trial conducted at the Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute, South Western Highway, Manjimup WA 6258. The results reflect the growth characteristics, yield, quality and density of the cauliflower and broccoli varieties as recorded at this site during the conditions of the growing period (November 2005 to February 2006).

This report is the first in a series of four produced from the evaluation of cauliflower and broccoli varieties conducted at the Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute.

The results are provided to allow seed suppliers, seedling nurseries, producers, packers and marketers to …

Facilitating The Development Of The Strawberry Industry In Western Australia, Dennis Phillips, Aileen Reid

Horticulture research reports

Horticulture Australia Project No. BS05001 Annual report 2005/06

This is the first of three annual reports for the Horticulture Australia project BS05001 — ‘Facilitating the development of the strawberry industry in Western Australia’. This project is managed by the Strawberry Growers Association of WA Inc. and the work is being done in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA). The project has been funded by voluntary contributions from the W.A. Strawberry Producers Committee, Toolangi Strawberry Runner Growers Co-operative and DAFWA with matching funding from Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL). The project has been funded for three years, 2005, …

Evaluation Of Cauliflower And Broccoli Varieties: Winter Planting (April - August 2006), Kristen Stirling

Horticulture research reports

This document has been prepared from a cauliflower and broccoli variety evaluation trial! conducted at the Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute, South Western Highway, Manjimup WA 6258. The results reflect the growth characteristics, yield, quality and density of the cauliflower and broccoli varieties as recorded at this site during the conditions of the growing period (April - August 2006).

This report is the third in a series of four produced from the evaluation of cauliflower and broccoli varieties conducted at the Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute. The results are provided to allow seed suppliers, seedling nurseries, producers, packers and marketers to identify …

Country Of Origin Labelling Requirements - April 2006, Department Of Agriculture And Food Western Australia

Farm Systems and Economics published reports

A new standard for the labelling of food with its country of origin commenced on 8 December 2005.

Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) provides consumers with information on the country or countries where their food is grown, manufactured or packaged.

Standard 1.2.11 of the Food Standards Code outlines CoOL requirements in Australia. It applies to food for retail sale and also food sold to catering establishments in catering packs. It does not apply to food sold to the public by restaurants, canteens, schools, caterers or self-catering institutions, where the food sold is for immediate consumption.

Missing In Action: The Information System Artifact In Information Systems Adoption And Use, Anand Jeyaraj, Kevin P. Duffy

Management Information Systems Faculty Publications

Despite considerable research on information systems adoption and use by individuals, little is known about how the information system (IS) artifact itself affects adoption and use. Prior research has generally treated the IS artifact as a “blackbox” such that it remained peripheral to the central questions asked regarding adoption and use. This paper presents a feature-centric “IS artifact rating” scheme and shows one way in which to unravel the blackbox of the IS artifact and examine its effect on adoption and use. Implications for research and practice are also presented.

Technology Adoption In Supply Chain Management: A Meta-Analysis Of Empirical Findings, George Mangalaraj, Anand Jeyaraj, Edmund Prater

Management Information Systems Faculty Publications

Electronic linkages between organizations are an important aspect of modern day supply chains. Organizations implement disparate information / communication systems to integrate their suppliers and customers in a supply chain. Though the underlying technologies and protocols of such information systems may differ, they do possess a common characteristic: they all span boundaries of the supply chain partners. Collectively labeling such systems as supply chain management information systems (SCM-IS), we examine a variety of information systems that support the activities in a supply chain. Specifically, we examine two distinct phenomena related to these information systems: the intention to adopt SCM-IS and …

Is Lean Necessarily Green?, Kumar Venkat, Wayne Wakeland

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper investigates the environmental performance of lean supply chains using carbon dioxide emissions as the key performance indicator. Lean is based on the premise that compressing time reveals hidden quality problems and that their resolution leads to more efficient, cost-effective business processes. If time compression always implies lower emissions, then a leaner system is always greener as measured by emissions. If time compression does not always lead to lower emissions, then further changes to the lean system may be required in order to make it greener. We use a simulation model of a generic supply chain as well as …

Improving Disaster Response Efforts With Decision Support Systems, Steven M. Thompson, Nezih Altay, Walter G. Green Iii, Joanne Lapetina

Management Faculty Publications

As evidenced by Hurricane Katrina in August, 2005, disaster response efforts are hindered by a lack of coordination, poor information flows, and the inability of disaster response managers to validate and process relevant information and make decisions in a timely fashion. A number of factors contribute to current lackluster response efforts. Some are inherent to the complex, rapidly changing decision-making environments that characterize most disaster response settings. Others reflect systematic flaws in how decisions are made within the organizational hierarchies of the many agencies involved in a disaster response. Slow, ineffective strategies for gathering, processing, and analyzing data can also …

Using Rfid Technology In Collaborative Design Of The Assembly Systems, Stevan Stankovski, Gordana Ostojić, Vukica Jovanović, Branislav Stevanov

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Modern production conditions require the application of the concept of distributing production. This approach means coordinative production in a number of small and middle size companies. Multiplex products, consisting of a number of parts, components, and modules are assembled in one function unit in one company, but they may not be manufactured in one place. Huge factory and production complex, which existed in our country, comprised all phases of product lifecycle, from the development of a concept solution to the assembly. Technology of product manufacturing, resource logistics, quality control, product testing and verification of product function characteristics all represented activities …

Rfid Technology Use In Assembly And Disassembly Processes, Gordana Ostojić, Milovan Lazarević, Vukica Jovanović, Stevan Stankovski, Ilija Ćosić

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Modern production conditions demand the application of the concept of distributed production. Today companies are specialized for partial technology processes. Hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of collaborative processes depend on workers’ interaction and communication in product assembly and disassembly phases. RFID technologies can be really helpful in identifying objects in terms of sustainable development, regarding disassembly, recycling and reuse. In this paper we presented VCDE system architecture and the realization method of RFID technology as well as the data acquisition using RFID technology during the product lifecycle from the design process, production, assembly, usage, and an special example is given regard- …

Have We Taught Our Students The Right Stuff?, Jaydeep Balakrishnan, Kum Khiong Yang

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Operations Management involves managing the resources that are required to convert inputs to outputs. These resources include materials, capital and people which requires decision making within the operations function to be cross functional (Schroeder, 2000). The resulting impact is that whenever an operations manager makes a decision, he or she should be cognizant of its impact on other areas within the firm, such as finance, marketing and human resources, as well as the external partners such as suppliers and customers. Our question is whether Production and Operations Management (POM) educators are training students adequately to make the necessary cross functional …

The Role Of European Governments In The Digital Economy, Arnoud Cyriel Leo De Meyer

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

What is the role of government in the digital economy? It is not our intention to go into an in-depth ideological debate on whether governments should intervene in the business sector. We will try to adopt a pragmatic approach and explore what already happens in practice. It is up to the reader to make a judgment to what extent the governments should be involved in the ICT sector. There is enough indication that, due to network externality effects, governments need to take on an active role in stimulating an e-environment to jump-start the move toward a higher level of e-readiness.In …

The Research Of Benchmarking Application In Development Of Integrated Logistics In Zhanjiang Port, Jing Tian

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Research On Building Trust Mechanism Of 3pl In China, Li. Sun

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Chinese Mainland Third Party Ship Management Industry, Zhang. Shuang

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.