An exploratory study of ERP implementation in Saudi Arabia

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is being implemented by many organisations as a potential solution to their businesses. In spite of its appeal, ERP has challenges and difficulties in its realisation, especially in developing countries. In this article, existing trends and success factors for ERP implementation in Saudi Arabia is investigated. The results of this study apply, to a large extent, to other developing countries in the Middle East and other oil producing countries. The study captures the best implementation practices, difficulties encountered, critical success factors and benefits realised. Most organisations suffer serious time and/or cost overruns in ERP implementation. Management commitment and the existence of a clear strategic objective were found to be critical for the success of the ERP implementation. Change management programmes and extensive training were found to be essential for smooth implementation process.     

A dynamic ERP critical failure factors modelling with FCM throughout project lifecycle phases

Implementation of enterprise resource planning systems (ERPs) is a complex and costly task which usually results in serious failures. Numerous factors affect these projects implementation due to their size, complexity and high chance of failure. Therefore, identifying these factors in ERP projects is a critical issue. The majority of previous publications have been conducted in identifying ERP critical success factors (CSFs) rather than critical failure factors (CFFs). In order to help practitioners, this article studies the CFFs in ERP implementation projects. The implications of interdependency among failure factors are also usually overlooked by project managers due to perceived complexity in modelling and analysing influential factors. With this in mind, we have proposed a fuzzy cognitive map (FCM)-based dynamic model of ERP failure factors through project lifecycle phases. The main advantage of FCM lies in them being capable of modelling complex phenomena based on the experts’ perceptions. This tool models uncertainty and related events, imitating human reasoning. Moreover, FCMs enable the developing of forecasting exercises through simulations. Practitioners would thus assess the joint influence of ERP implementation failure factors on project outcomes. The results make known to practitioners which problems will arise if the failure factors are not treated, and how these will impact on the outcomes of projects. Therefore, the proposed approach would help them to manage ERP implementation projects in a more effective and proactive way.     

上海银行间同业拆放利率的风险测度

随着中国利率市场化进程的深化,利率风险将越来越大,同时上海银行间同业拆放利率将逐步成为中国的基准利率体系.在构建上海银行间同业拆放利率期限结构动态模型的基础上,首先利用风险值模型度量上海银行间同业拆放利率的风险值,然后进行后验检验,再利用期望损失模型度量上海银行间同业拆放利率的风险值,并时上海银行间同业拆放利率风险度量的风险值方法和期望损失方法进行比较分析.研究结果表明,无论从动态拟合效果,还是从风险度量的后验检验看,GED分布都优于正态分布和t分布,适合用于刻画上海银行间同业拆放利率序列的分布;上海银行间同业拆放利率序列具有均值回复特征和反杠杆效应;当风险值模型不能有效测度上海银行间同业拆放利率风险时,期望损失模型能部分克服风险值模型的不足,能有效测度实际损失风险.总的说来,APARCH-GED-VaR-ES模型可以较为准确地测度上海银行间同业拆放利率风险.     

On the impact of collaborative strategies for goods delivery in city logistics

Abstract

City logistics refers to the process of total optimisation of the logistics and transport activities in urban areas while considering economic, environmental, social and safety aspects. This paper considers a collaborative scenario for the urban goods transport planning and management as a way to reduce transport costs, congestion and environmental impact of this activity. An approach from the Operations Management field, using mathematical modelling, for tactical and operational decision-making is proposed to discuss and compare both collaborative and non-collaborative scenarios. This approach is validated using real data taken from the city of Bogotá, Colombia. Results put in evidence the quantitative benefits that can be achieved when collaborative logistics operations are implemented, represented in both transportation costs and environmental impacts. Although these results might not be surprising (like in the field of supply chain management), the contribution of this paper is centred in the fact that the impacts of collaboration in city logistics have not yet been quantified until now. This allows an ‘ex ante’ evaluation of the benefits of collaborative goods transport in cities.     

The implementation of digital technologies for operations management: a case study for manufacturing apps

Abstract

Manufacturing applications address business to business (B2B) with highly customised applications developed for specific requirements, offering highly specialised solution-oriented and service-based software components, systems, and digital tools that aim at a fast and accurate decision-making support system. The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of digital technologies for operations management using manufacturing or engineering apps (eApps), for product design and manufacturing processes. In particular, starting from the specific needs of two companies from mature European industries as automotive and food, this work depicts how this kind of solutions can support companies and improve their operations. In particular, related benefits and challenges faced for the full implementation of the developed tools are highlighted. Moreover a business model to exploit the manufacturing apps is also proposed. The business model proposed for the exploitation of the eApps supports the commercialisation of all the revenue streams offered by this rapidly growing sector taking into account the specific needs of the concerned stakeholders through a diversified value proposition.     

Critical success factors of TQM: A select study of Indian organizations

In the context of TQM, it is essential that the organizations identify a few key critical success factors, which should be given special attention for ensuring successful implementation of TQM program. The concept of critical success factors (CSFs) and their use in supporting planning efforts was originated from the approach associated with the development and implementation of management information systems. This paper represents a review of the literature on CSFs and supported by various philosophies of TQM. Such factors are considered as conducive to the success of TQM implementation. Based on an exploratory study of Indian organizations engaged in manufacturing and services, CSFs have been identified.     

Identifying design criteria for urban system ‘last-mile’ solutions – a multi-stakeholder perspective

Abstract

This study presents a novel approach to design and evaluate ‘last-mile’ solutions – encompassing the social and economic perspectives of key stakeholders. While urban system initiatives have been implemented in practice, theoretical gaps remain at the operational design level. A theoretical framework is developed, based on design criteria identified from a critical synthesis of supply chain and operations management literature, and ‘operationalised’ using an in-depth case study demonstrating implementation of a Consumer Choice Portal-Package Consolidation Centre solution, within a densely populated urban geography. Findings suggest that there is a need to re-define the role of institutional actors beyond that of the traditional governance task, to one of being able to facilitate performance outcomes. Similarly, industrial efficiency dimensions need to be reorientated to include consumer participation, social considerations and multi-stakeholder service outcomes. Finally, implications for operations theory and practising managers in city logistics are highlighted, with suggested directions for future research.     

Model-based potential analysis of the distribution logistics: a case study

Abstract

The design of its distribution logistics has a decisive influence on a company’s logistical costs and performance. They therefore make an essential contribution to corporate success. This article describes a method for analysing the potential of distribution logistics in terms of logistical costs and performance. In contrast to previous procedures of business process re-engineering, this method maps distribution logistics holistically under variable distribution structures. The article is focused on the approach and results of a case study in a multinational manufacturer of propulsion and automation technologies for machine construction and systems engineering. The developed method is distinguished by a high degree of practicality and applicability. It will contribute to a more efficient design of distribution logistics.     

Decision model of customer order decoupling point on multiple customer demands in logistics service supply chain

The key factor in realising competitiveness of a logistics service supply chain (LSSC) is its ability to meet customised requirements with the cost of mass service. This paper introduces the concepts of mass customisation and customer order decoupling point (CODP) into the field of logistics service to solve the problem of CODP when a logistics service integrator (LSI) in an LSSC operates under mass customisation. Two models of CODP decision, respectively, on single and multiple customer demands, are developed. Both process constraints and lead time constraints from the customised logistics service orders are considered. Unlike CODP positioning models within the manufacturing supply chain, the objective of this paper is to exclusively consider the cost of order transferring and order waiting at CODP to minimise total cost of the LSI. The applications of the two models are also discussed by two real cases, and three major conclusions are drawn. First, introducing mass customisation into an LSSC and minimising total cost of order processing of the LSI by selecting an optimised CODP is feasible. Second, total cost will decrease monotonously along with the movement of CODP toward the last service procedure under the precondition of satisfying lead time constraints. Third, parameters about the customers’ logistics service orders will bring about great influence on the selection of CODP. For instance, the lead time of orders will influence the number of feasible CODPs and the position of optimal CODP. Also, decreasing cost of order transferring and order waiting will not cause the change of optimal CODP, while increasing cost of order transferring and order waiting will lead to the switch of optimal CODP.     

Environmental Surveillance System Characteristics and Impacts on Confidence About No Undetected Serotype 1 Wild Poliovirus Circulation

Surveillance for poliovirus during the polio endgame remains uncertain. Building on prior modeling of the potential for undetected poliovirus transmission for conditions like those in Pakistan and Afghanistan, we use a hypothetical model to explore several key characteristics of the poliovirus environmental surveillance (ES) system (e.g., number and quality of sites, catchment sizes, and sampling frequency) and characterize their impacts on the time required to reach high (i.e., 95%) confidence about no circulation (CNC95%) following the last detected case of serotype 1 wild poliovirus. The nature and quality of the existing and future acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance and ES system significantly impact the estimated CNC95% for places like Pakistan and Afghanistan. The analysis illustrates the tradeoffs between number of sites, sampling frequency, and catchments sizes, and suggests diminishing returns of increasing these three factors beyond a point that depends on site quality and the location of sites. Limitations in data quality and the hypothetical nature of the model reduce the ability to assess the extent to which actual ES systems offer benefits that exceed their costs. Thus, although poliovirus ES may help to reduce the time required to reach high confidence about the absence of undetected circulation, the effect strongly depends on the ability to establish effective ES sites in high‐risk areas. The costs and benefits of ES require further analysis.     

Work & stress: Information

Abstract

The human and finacial costs of stress in the workplace have been extensively documented in the literature. The present study used a two-round Delphi methodology with 17 human resource managers from 17 medium-sized and large Canadian organizations. The main purposes of the study were to predict future policy and programme directions as well as expected benefits and constraints on organizations during the 1990s. This panel of experts predicated even greater stress in the workplace in large part due to greater (global) competition and greater resource constraints on organizations for programmes and services for their employees as well as management resistance to such directions. Organization will be challenged to identify cost effective means to prevent or, at least, to amelorate stress. Several practical ideas were generated by the panel for organizations to consider.     

The propagation of lean thinking in SMEs

Abstract

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role in economic growth, industrial output, and employment creation. However, SMEs are often ignored by researchers as far as the adoption of lean is concerned in comparison to Large Enterprises (LEs). Therefore, the literature regarding lean implementation in SMEs is not conspicuous, and many SMEs have only a limited understanding and awareness of lean. This paper offers a comprehensive literature review with a focus on the implementation of lean in SMEs and explores the applicability of lean thinking in such environments. An attempt is made to provide an analysis of lean practices that have been applied in SMEs and critical success factors for lean transformation in SMEs. It also contributes to the field of lean implementation research by proposing a framework for lean in SMEs and identifies the scope of future research.     

The Design of a Knowledge-Based Decision Support System to Support the Information Analyst in Determining Requirements

Decision support system (DSS) researchers and designers continue to look for unstructured organizational tasks where there is a critical need for intelligent computer-based support. One such decision task is information requirements determination. Requirements determination is recognized as the most crucial phase of the systems development life cycle. Unfortunately, most methodologies and CASE tools focus only on how to specify the requirements once they are determined. There is very little computer support for the process of determining requirements. This paper discusses the conceptual design and development of a knowledge-based DSS to support information analysts in the critical decision task of determining requirements for the design of effective information systems. The expert modeling support system has the expertise to assist the analyst in studying the organization as a whole and in modeling the system under study in the context of the overall organization's goals and needs. The focus of the paper is on the problems associated with building the knowledge base component of the intelligent decision support system. A prototype implementation of the system is described.     

基于资源共享和温度控制的生鲜商品多中心车辆路径优化问题

针对生鲜商品多中心共同配送优化研究在资源共享和温度控制有效结合方面存在的不足,提出研究集成资源共享和温度控制的生鲜商品多中心车辆路径优化问题。首先,结合生鲜商品的易腐性和配送过程的及时性特征,构建了包含生鲜商品多中心间的运输成本、配送成本、车辆温控成本、违反时间窗惩罚成本、生鲜商品价值损失和车辆租赁成本的物流运营成本最小和配送车辆使用数最小的双目标优化模型。然后,设计了结合生鲜需求客户地理位置、需求商品温控区间和时间窗约束的K-means多维聚类算法,进而提出一种TS-NSGA-II算法,该算法设计了禁忌搜索算法(TS)和非支配排序遗传算法(NSGA-II)间有效的选择性赋予机制,进而增强了解空间的搜索和寻优能力,并通过与MOGEA和MOPSO算法的对比分析,进一步验证了模型和TS-NSGA-II算法的有效性。最后,通过实例分析探讨了不同资源共享模式和温控区间的多中心车辆路径优化方案,研究结果可为生鲜商品物流配送企业进行资源共享模式选择和温控区间设计提供方法支撑和决策支持。     

Can you have your cake and eat it? Investigating trade-offs in the implementation of green initiatives

Abstract

Is it possible for manufacturing or service businesses that pursue green initiatives to ‘have it both ways’? In the words of some researchers in the corporate sustainability field, the answer is ‘no’. According to those authors, executives who attempt to implement a green agenda in their firms will encounter tensions/trade-offs at various levels and in different forms. Assessment of these trade-offs is a critical issue in the formulation and implementation of corporate sustainability strategies. Similarly, some authors in the operations management field affirm that, due to the limitations of all manufacturing and service systems, trade-offs in their operations are inevitable. In order to provide insights into these important issues, our paper investigates potential trade-offs in the implementation of a green initiative in a SME that manufactures cleaning products. The results show that there is a trade-off between the green initiative pursued by the SME and its overall production costs. Interestingly, once other problems were resolved, this trade-off did not stop the SME from implementing the green initiative. Important implications for practitioners and researchers are discussed, and opportunities for future investigations are outlined.     

Issues in end-of-life product recovery and reverse logistics

There is a fundamental shift in waste management responsibility from the private waste management industry and local governments towards manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. In recent years the responsibility of manufacturers has been extended to cover the entire life of certain products. This also includes responsibility for the products safe disposal. As the enforcement of environmental legislation becomes more stringent and an increasing number of customers are demanding take-back of their old products, companies are beginning to focus on possible distribution channels for the return of their products i.e. reverse logistics. The aim of this paper is to examine the emerging issues in reverse logistics, in particular the information requirements for reverse logistics within the Extended Enterprise. A study of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) will illustrate the specific information flow between the key players within the automotive industry. This paper addresses the initial development of possible distribution channels, their key operational decisions and supporting information systems for the recycling of end of life products.     

Consumers,clothing retailers and production planning and control in the smart city

Abstract

Though there has been much talk of smart cities, it is still unclear what the concept means and what the role of their inhabitants might be in the development of such cities. There is a tendency to focus on technology and infrastructure and forget that cities are places for people to live. To counter this, smart city planners need to recognise that people’s needs can and should influence and shape their environment, rather than concentrating too much on technology or the built environment. In order to understand how smart cities can serve the needs of their inhabitants, we will examine the specific example of the fashion clothing industry and its development of omni-channel retailing. This will show that retailers, driven by technology-smart and fashion-conscious consumers, are reshaping the clothing supply chain to achieve greater integration, flexibility and speed. Central to this process is the manufacturers’ ability to create production planning and control (PPC) systems capable of operating effectively in an omni-channel environment. The paper presents a Composite Model of Enterprise Planning which can aid the development of such PPC systems. The paper concludes that changes within the fashion clothing industry indicate how smart cities can develop and are developing, and that although these changes are facilitated by technology, they are driven by the necessity to meet consumers’ needs.     

The Determinants of DSS Success: An Integrated Model*

The results of a field study investigating the determinants of decision support systems (DSS) success are presented. A multivariate model was developed and tested using multiple regression hierarchical analysis on responses from 118 DSS users. Several specific hypotheses are also proposed and tested. Data analyses indicate that DSS success, as measured by DSS satisfaction and perceived benefits, depends on several factors: previous user experience with DSS, user involvement, user training, top management support, information sources, the level of managerial activity, and task structure, difficulty and interdependence. Based on the research results, several suggestions are made to improve the likelihood of successful DSS implementation.     

Development of an RFID‐based Traceability System: Experiences and Lessons Learned from an Aircraft Engineering Company

This paper presents a case study of the research and development of an RFID‐based traceability system in an aircraft engineering company in Hong Kong. We report the system design and implementation, and discuss our experiences and lessons learned. The aim of the RFID system is to effectively support the tracking and tracing of aeroplane repairable items in the company. The study reveals eight critical success factors for the successful implementation of RFID systems, namely, create strong internal and external motivation for improvement, stir up desire to keep abreast of the latest technology for global competitiveness, strive for cross organizational implementation, avoid major process changes/limit process changes, start with a small RFID project scope, facilitate equipment vendor's investment, use cost‐effectiveness reusable tags, and transfer RFID skills and knowledge from university to industry. We also summarize 13 lessons learned, including three lessons concerning RFID implementation at strategic level, six lessons at management level, and four lessons at operational level resulting from carrying out this project. Given the contextual details of the study, the lessons learned can help other firms to better anticipate the hurdles they will experience, and make them aware of the possible ways to cope with such difficulties before embarking on the journey of RFID implementation.