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This week's review covers the articles from Logistics Information Management. The Bottom Line is a library journal that has been reviewed previously, and all articles from that journal is available this week also. Just as a reminder, you should note the Volume and Issue Number of the articles you are interested in before entering the datatabase, as there is no search facility for the Journals of the Week. Other than that you may just browse issue by issue. This week features a good selection of the most recent articles and those of special relevance to Asia-Pacific management and research. An excellent article on the cultural transferability of logistical models developed in the US and several empirical and case studies from Japan, Korea, Malaysia, China and Singapore lead the selection.
Simulation and analysis for the Kelang Container Terminal operations Razman Mat Tahar, Khalid Hussain Logistics Information Management; 13: 1 2000; pp. 14-20 Key issues of the application of modelling and simulation for the management of the Malaysian Kelang Container Terminal are discussed. The aim of the investigation is to improve the logistics processes at the port. The model simulates all processes required to operate the seaport efficiently and provides detailed statistics on the seaport through-put and utilisation characteristics with a high level of accuracy. The quay cranes allocation, the resources allocations and the scheduling of the different operations are modelled to maximise the performance of the port. The assignment of prime movers to transport containers to a yard area is also considered.
Keywords: Marine transport, Ports, Logistics, Modelling, Simulation
International sourcing and logistics: an integrated model Billions of dollars are being poured into developing nations by multinationals as part of their diversification, divestiture, facility location, and supplier selection strategies. By integrating the literature in international business, marketing, purchasing, and operations management, a contingency model is developed to minimize the overall costs of such decisions. This model provides linkages between the type of product, organizational and country characteristics, and the logistics and sourcing strategies. In addition, it provides specific recommendations to government officials in helping their countries become global platforms for manufacturing and attracting foreign investment. Keywords: International business, Multinationals, Materials management, Logistics
Construction process reengineering: a case study A reengineering philosophy for the construction industry has emerged, harvesting components of a production philosophy. The objective of construction process reengineering is to progressively develop an integrated project delivery process focusing on optimising process predictability and enhancing the value of the final product. This philosophy requires a holistic approach to reengineering, integrating the concepts of concurrent engineering, lean production and process redesign into the construction process. The objective of this paper provides an overview of construction process reengineering (CPR) through the examination of its origin, definition, concepts and application. A hospital project was used as a pilot case study to examine the application of the CPR concepts. Keywords: Construction industry, Construction management, BPR, Process management, Hospitals, Hong Kong
EDI in foreign trade: a perspective on change and international harmonisation If EDI is to succeed to a similar degree as paper-based systems then international harmonisation and standardisation must be achieved across all functional groups (banking, transport, insurance, customs) and industry sectors on message standard and structures. UN/EDIFACT is now the dominant body producing generic EDI messages for use in international trade. All functional areas have Message Development Groups but the main areas of success to date lie in deep sea transport, forwarding and customs functions. Message development needs to proceed rapidly in all functions before integrated EDI systems can be offered. In recognition of this, UN procedures are now in place to harmonise such message formats across all trade regions (ITIGG/IHG), industry sectors (MIST/IHG) and transport modes (MIST/ITIGG). The negotiability of the electronic Bill of Lading is also an issue which will be tested across industry sectors by Bolero Operations Ltd launch programme early in 1999. Keywords: International trade, EDI, Harmonization, Logistics, Information management
Logistics management practices and development in Thailand Many firms are starting to focus on the effective and efficient supply chain management in Asia. This empirical paper reports on the state of existing logistics management practices in Thailand. The main results reveal that firms prefer agile suppliers. Also, most of the logistics costs incurred are on transportation and warehousing. Firms that have instituted logistics departments are making an effort in upgrading their logistical systems and are more pervasive in using technology to manage logistics as compared to firms without formalised logistics departments. The factors hindering logistics development include inefficient logistics information systems, acute transportation bottlenecks, and the lack of logistics management expertise. Finally, future logistics managers need to be competent in modern technology and possess logistics specific skills. Keywords: Channel management, Globalization, Logistics, Supply-chain management, Thailand
From electronic money to electronic cash: payment on the Net The discussion of online payments, while ultimately being a key issue for the future Information SuperHighway, is as significant now as it ever will be. The explosive increase in the use of the Internet has seen the emergence of commercial services and pressures previously restricted to Compuserve and the like. Many predictions see this burgeoning electronic marketplace becoming a significant component of the world economy. However this can only happen once two key problems have been addressed, namely, protecting property rights and Making payments. This has led to a frantic battle for payment mechanisms that can provide the new medium with the means of conducting transactions. Briefly examines the inexorable evolution of money into electronic forms and discusses the alternative types of payment mechanisms proposed, on trial or in use on the Internet. Identifies the key commercial requirements that successful use of the Internet will impose on a payment mechanism, and use these requirements to evaluate each of the mechanisms to determine which (if any) are really suitable for electronic commerce. Keywords: Internet, Money supply, Online transaction processing
Integrated logistics information system in Korea The transport infrastructure will provide the necessary capacity for freight movement and handling. However, the increase in the physical infrastructure alone is not a sufficient condition for the improvement of logistics systems. The logistics information capability which facilitates the seamless flow of information is a very important element in further enhancing the efficiency of logistics activities and in potentially reducing the demand for the transport infrastructure itself. Reviews the existing logistics information practices in Korea and describes recent nation-wide efforts to build an integrated logistics information system (ILIS). Raises some important issues for successful implementation of the system and also discusses the relationship between the Korean CVO (K.CVO) programs. Keywords: Information systems, Information technology, Korea, Logistics, Transport
Designing flexible logistics systems: a review of some Singaporean examples The increased efficiencies to be gained in improving logistics has pushed managers to explore a number of new ideas, technologies, and methods of information management and computerization. However, many companies in Asia are indicating that responsiveness and flexibility are the keys to responding to markets which are rapidly changing and where customers are requiring a range of services. Studies several local and international logistics firms in Singapore and elsewhere as a way of developing a better understanding of their difficulties and reasons for success. Illustrates why certain larger companies which have the capability to develop more sophisticated information and computer systems do not; instead, they chose to rely on more flexible systems which allow for learning and adaptation. Keywords: Computers, Flexibility, Information management, Learning, Logistics, Singapore
Enhancing manufacturing information management through TQM It is estimated that over 100 MRPII systems are available in the market, many of them are mature enough to meet most of the users' requirements. Manufacturing companies worldwide have attempted to implement these MRPII systems, however, failure is often experienced by many companies. Very often this failure is due to managerial rather than technical issues. In order to overcome this difficulty, this paper proposes an approach to integrate Total Quality Management into the MRPII implementation. In order to guide the implementation, a detail road map is developed which incorporates TQM into the implementation. This road map is designed using a hierarchical analysis technique called Integrated DEFinition Method (IDEF), a systematic manufacturing management and integration modeling tool. The proposed approach is illustrated using a PCB factory and the results indicated successful MRPII implementation to achieve higher productivity and delivery performance. Keywords: Logistics, MRPII, Manufacturing systems, TQM
Optimization of documentation systems in the electronics industry of Hong Kong Many people believe that good documentation systems are vital for quality performance of a company. However, if the system is not optimized or it does not take the specific industry into consideration, inefficiency may result. Therefore, in the process of implementing the ISO 9000 standards, careful matching between the standard requirements with the practical characteristic of the industry is very important. Based on a questionnaire survey of the electronics industry in Hong Kong, this paper describes the research findings in searching to optimize the documentation system for this industry. Keywords: China, Document management, Electronics industry, Hong Kong, ISO 9000, Logistics
Viewpoint: death of the knowledge worker One of the many concerns in the information area in the early 1980s was how the implementation of technology would change the way we work. In the 1990s the feeling is will we work! This paper examines the current dilemma that technology has presented to the knowledge worker. The players in this scenario are the knowledge workers, unions, both public and private, and outsourcing. It is said that to try to restrict the flow of work in the name of saving jobs in the USA is futile. The author believes that perhaps this is an area that requires further study. In this discussion the author concludes that the fate of the knowledge worker is not in the hands of Divine Providence, but in the political arena. Keywords: Downsizing, Employee rights, Information technology, Outsourcing, Redundancy, Trade unions
Logical structure of information in relation to Japanese production and distribution Savage concentrated on building a small world, which is not a probabilistic, but the definite world, in which sure-thing principle works. He reached Kullback-Leibler's information through Bayes' theorem, in which he intends to improve personal probability as the a posteriori probability. However, he stopped his thinking there. Akaike obtained Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) by starting from the K-L information. AIC enables us to evaluate which model is the closest to the true value which we cannot recognise. If we call the context of sure-thing principle personal probability, Bayes' theorem and AIC the logical structure of information, the author thinks we have the same structure in relation to the Japanese production and distribution system. Keywords: Distribution, Japan, Logistics, Production management, Turnarounds
Getting equipped for the twenty-first century Asserts that developments in management of technology (MOT) deserve more attention than they currently receive in relation to management of quality. Argues that organisations, or groupings of organisations, that recognise the consumer potential of the new technologies, and learn how to deliver them, will be the total quality performers of the new millennium. Considers that the pace of technological change is far faster than other movements in competitive focus. Believes that the way forward is for industry to achieve quantum leaps, not incremental improvement in customer- perceived quality, to adopt new materials and processes, achieved by matching science push with market pull; and, finally, undertaking new alliances and partnerships and a total system view. Keywords: Customer satisfaction, Logistics, Quality management, Technological change
A graphical method for assessing knowledge-based systems investments Suggests that businesses need a method specifically designed to assess the value of knowledge-based system (KBS) investments. Explains the inadequacies of current valuation methods when they are applied to KBS investment decisions. Proposes a graphical valuation method which adapts the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) to overcome these inadequacies and help business executives make informed KBS investment decisions. Presents an example of the method's application to a KBS at a large multinational sales and manufacturing company. Keywords: Decision making, Employee attitudes, Investment management, Knowledge-based systems, Methods of valuation, Multinationals
Logistics strategy: does it travel well? Notes that logistics has emerged as a subject of considerable interest - particularly in terms of strategic advantage and that, as a result, logistics strategy has received increased emphasis. Points out that one popular conceptualization of logistics strategy is the Bowersox et al. (1987) typology (process/market/channel), and that empirical evidence supports this typology in North America. States that as firms increase their international operations and involvement, logistics strategy becomes even more important. Uses factor analysis to test the typology in Germany, Japan, Australia and the UK. Reports results indicating that conceptual equivalence is difficult to maintain across these different cultures and that use of the typology may not be appropriate outside the North American sector. Keywords: Factor analysis, Logistics, National cultures
As always we have only skimmed the surface of relevant articles this week and only those that are particularly relevant for Asia-Pacific managers. Many other articles are available as well including those focusing on other countries and international perspectives. |
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