Pre-distribution vs. post-distribution for cross-docking with transshipments

Cross-docking operation is a logistics service mode aims to remove the storage and picking up functions of a warehouse, and coordinate goods loading between delivery vehicles and shipping vehicles. Transshipment is another logistic technique that allows goods to be conveyed from an overstocked store to a nearby understocked store, to avoid backordering or loss of sale. This paper models and analyzes two typical cross-docking operations: pre-distribution cross-docking operations (Pre-C) and post-distribution cross-docking operations (Post-C) when transshipments among retail stores are applied. The different operational performances are investigated and compared. The analytical results show that, considering the inventory cost, transshipment cost and operations cost at the cross-dock, the suitability of Pre-C and Post-C are highly sensitive to operations environment factors such as the uncertainty of demand, the unit operations cost at the cross-dock, and the unit inventory holding and shortage cost.     

Particle swarm optimization based-algorithms to solve the two-machine cross-docking flow shop problem: just in time scheduling

Cross-docking is an innovative logistical strategy which provides less inventory holding costs, less transportation costs and fast customer deliveries without storage in between or less than 24 hours. In this paper, we address the two-machine cross-docking scheduling problem within a Just-In-Time (JIT) context. This latter requires the punctuality and exactness of product deliveries. To satisfy this target, we aim to minimize the total earliness and tardiness, then early or tardy deliveries are discouraged. This study presents a great contribution in solving such NP-hard problem while applying different versions of the PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization) algorithm. One of them is hybridized with the Genetic Algorithm (GA). This latter is then shown to be the best one over computational experiments using different sized instances and by determining a percentage deviation from a developed lower bound.

     

A comparative study of formulations for a cross-dock door assignment problem

A cross docking facility is a type of warehouse in supply chain management that allows orders to be prepared with or without going through the phase of storing products in the warehouse and subsequently selecting them for delivery. The goods are unloaded from incoming trucks called origins on inbound doors of a cross-docking facility platform and, using a handling device inside the platform such as a forklift, immediately transferred to outbound doors to be loaded into outgoing trucks named destinations or delivery trucks for distribution to customers. Contrary to a traditional warehouse, goods are unloaded and loaded without placing them in temporary storage inside the cross-docking facility. The goal of the cross-docking assignment problem (CDAP) is to assign origins to inbound doors and destinations to outbound doors so that the total cost inside the cross-dock platform is minimized. To the best of our knowledge, there are only three mixed integer programming (MIP) formulations of the CDAP in the literature. We propose eight new MIP models and demonstrate the mathematical equivalence of all 11 models, together with rigorously proving some of their properties. In order to detect which of these 11 models is best, we conduct an extensive comparative analysis on benchmark instances from the literature, which discloses that the best model is one proposed in this paper for the first time.     

A multi-depot dial-a-ride problem with heterogeneous vehicles and compatibility constraints in healthcare

In this paper, a multi-depot dial-a-ride problem arising from a real-world healthcare application is addressed, concerning the non-emergency transportation of patients. The problem presents several constraints and features, such as heterogeneous vehicles, vehicle–patient compatibility constraints, quality of service requirements, patients׳ preferences, tariffs depending on the vehicles׳ waiting. Variable Neighborhood Search and Tabu Search algorithms are proposed able to tackle all the characteristics of the problem. A Mixed Integer Linear Programming formulation is also presented. Computational results on large real-world and random instances based on real data show the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.     

The benefits of a cross-docking delivery strategy: a supply chain collaboration approach

In this study, two models are developed to co-ordinate both production and distribution in order to reduce the relevant costs in a supply chain. According to the functions of the distribution centre, there is a distinction between an inventory co-ordination point and an inventory storage point. The former is a cross-docking strategy, and the latter is a traditional warehousing strategy. The manufacturer has distinct production processes when co-operating with the distribution centre. Case study analysis is used to illustrate the models developed, in which the following conclusions can be obtained: the cross-docking distribution strategy will result in tremendous savings in the total system cost for the supply chain. This study makes two important contributions to the production, and logistics literature. First, the range of applications was extended by studying a new combinatorial problem that incorporates cross-docking in a supply chain environment. Second, computational performance with cross docking was evaluated. The benefit delivery policy for a distribution centre was found by means of integrating manufacturer production planning and a distribution centre delivery policy.     

A critical review of end-user information system satisfaction research and a new research framework

This paper presents a critical review of research in end-user information system satisfaction (EUISS). An extensive literature search is conducted from which over 50 EUISS related papers are identified. It is found that the past research is dominated by the expectation disconfirmation approach. To provide more insights into the psychological processing of the information system performance construct and its impact upon EUISS, we propose an integrated conceptual model based on the equity and needs theories. The implications of the proposed model for EUISS are discussed, and suggestions are made for testing the model.     

网络嵌入与个体创造性:关系描述、研究述评及拓展建议

基于网络嵌入的基本概念,从结构嵌入(网络中心性)和关系嵌入(强/弱连带)2个维度入手,系统回顾国外一流管理学期刊和专著中涉及工作群组或组织网络中的结构嵌入、关系嵌入与个体创造性关系的内容,整合其研究框架,归纳总结出不同的研究观点.最后,在此基础上,提出未来的研究方向.     

Measuring the Congruence Between Market Requirements and Manufacturing: A Methodology and Illustration*

This paper presents a measurement methodology, based on existing research in the manufacturing strategy and general strategy areas, for evaluating the congruence between market needs and manufacturing plant capabilities. The proposed methodology has several important advantages over current approaches. First, the methodology uses available data and statistical techniques to measure market-manufacturing congruence. As a result, it is not dependent on assumptions about “classic” process choices. Second, the proposed methodology can evaluate the strategic fit between market needs and manufacturing in light of one or more performance criteria. Third, the methodology can be used to derive scalar measures of market-manufacturing congruence, allowing users to evaluate congruence for a large number of products, customers, or market segments. The theoretical basis, research objectives and major steps of the methodology are discussed, followed by an illustrative example from a North American manufacturer. Finally, the applicability of the methodology to a wide range of strategic manufacturing decisions is discussed.     

A Causal Analysis of Large Vehicle Accidents Through Fault-Tree Analysis

Recent trends indicate that vehicle miles traveled for large trucks is increasing at a higher rate than for other vehicles. The resulting competition between large trucks and other vehicles for highway space can be expected to result in more multivehicle collisions involving large trucks. This paper presents the result of an investigation of the causes and the mechanism related to large vehicle accidents. A fault-tree analysis of large vehicle accidents identifies the individual roles played by driver, vehicle, and environmental factors, as well as their interactions in the accident mechanism. Using accident data for 1984-1986, the probabilities for different basic events in the fault tree were assessed. The most likely events leading to a large vehicle accident, as well as the most effective counter measures, were then identified. The result indicate that the most prevalent form of accidents due to driver-related failures is when a normal driver makes an error in judgment and is unsuccessful in his or her evasive action. For vehicle-related failures, the predominant type of failure is equipment failure, and for environmental-related failures, excessive demand on driver and vehicle performance created by the environmental or roadway factors.     

A New Approximation Algorithm for the Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem on a Tree

This paper presents a new approximation algorithm for a vehicle routing problem on a tree-shaped network with a single depot. Customers are located on vertices of the tree, and each customer has a positive demand. Demands of customers are served by a fleet of identical vehicles with limited capacity. It is assumed that the demand of a customer is splittable, i.e., it can be served by more than one vehicle. The problem we are concerned with in this paper asks to find a set of tours of the vehicles with minimum total lengths. Each tour begins at the depot, visits a subset of the customers and returns to the depot without violating the capacity constraint. We propose a 1.35078-approximation algorithm for the problem (exactly, ), which is an improvement over the existing 1.5-approximation.     

Corporate Governance und Eigenkapitalkosten - Bestandsaufnahme des Schrifttums unter besonderer Ber��cksichtigung des Informationsaspektes und Forschungsperspektiven

The present paper provides an overview of research concerning the relationship between corporate governance and the cost of equity capital. The purpose is to explore whether and to what extent corporate governance attributes manifest in firms?? cost of capital. Since the separation of ownership and control is seen as the starting point for the academic thinking on this issue, the term of corporate governance from a shareholder perspective is discussed in more detail. Apart from this terminological discussion the emphasis of this paper lies on the critical review of theoretical and empirical literature. In conducting this review, empirical concepts measuring the relevant dimensions and their potential limitations are explained. Based on these limitations I suggest opportunities for expanding research on the relationship between corporate governance and cost of equity capital, thereby showing future research directions.     

Potential Health Effects of Light-Duty Diesel Exhaust

The purpose of this paper is to review briefly the evidence for potential human health effects that may result from increased dieselization of the nation's light-duty vehicle fleet. An effort is made to put the potential effects into perspective, both with regard to projected excess cancer deaths, should diesel exhaust be carcinogenic to humans, and in relation to past use of vehicles using leaded gasoline. Certain related research needs are highlighted. Available data concerning the relationship between diesel emissions, ambient air quality, and human health are summarized. On the basis of exposure estimates and relative potency factors, the authors conclude that the best estimate of the number of excess annual U.S. lung cancer deaths as a result of lifetime exposure to light-duty diesel particulate under 1990 conditions is between 80 and 1500. Available data suggest that the carcinogenic hazard of exhaust from vehicles burning leaded gasoline may be an order of magnitude greater, on a per mile basis, than that of diesel engines. The hazard of emissions from diesel are, in turn, probably an order of magnitude greater than that of gasoline engines with catalytic converters burning unleaded gasoline. Important research needs identified by the authors include determining whether diesel exhaust is in fact a human carcinogen, studying the effect of atmospheric chemical transformation of organics in diesel exhaust on the toxicity of the exhaust, making a better determination of the relative carcinogenicity of diesel and gasoline exhausts, and determining whether exposure to diesel exhaust contributes to the development or exacerbation of chronic lung disease or of respiratory illness, especially in the very young and the aged.     

USING DUMMY VARIABLES TO CHECK FOR ROUNDING ERROR IN COMPUTERIZED REGRESSION PROGRAMS*

After a brief review of the role of dummy variables in regression analysis and the current state-of-the art in rounding/truncation error detection in computerized least squares programs, this paper presents a theorem that can be used to detect this type of error whenever an analyst is running a regression program that has one (or more) dummy variables as independent variables.     

CHEXPEDITE: A COMPUTER-BASED APPROACH TO THE BANK COURIER PROBLEM

This paper presents a successful computer-based approach to scheduling courier vehicles for the check collection system in multibranch commercial banks. The approach has been adopted by six large banks in the United States and has achieved dramatic cost savings at several of these banks. This paper begins by describing the bank courier problem and reviewing several approaches to the problem that have been proposed in the literature. A practical, computer-based approach to the bank courier problem is then presented. Finally, implementation experience at several banks is overviewed.     

Romantic Relationships at Work: Why Love Can Hurt

The academic community, practitioner literature and newspapers have all taken an interest in workplace romance. This paper aims to review the literature on workplace romance and to argue that the issue of power is key to understanding the negative consequences for individuals and organizations, linking workplace romance with theories or explanatory models of power. The paper first examines definitions of workplace romance, presents evidence of its prevalence, distinguishes between different types of workplace romance, and then looks at the main issues that managers and organizations face when considering the issue. The approaches taken by research in management, law, psychology and sociology are contrasted. The motivations for romance and the place of culture are described. Secrecy, gender differences and the negative and positive outcomes for men and women are discussed. The link between romance and harassment is explored. The paper looks at what organizations have done to manage romance. The research methods that have been used are reviewed, as are the gaps and weaknesses in order to make recommendations for future research. The review synthesizes accumulated knowledge in both research and practice, ending by identifying recommendations for managers.     

Factors Affecting Planned Unit Development Implementation

Planned unit developments (PUD) have been celebrated as one of the few means of escape from the stranglehold of Euclidean zoning but little is known empirically about their use and implementation. In this paper, I present quantitative data from Michigan exploring the factors affecting successful PUD implementation. Results indicate that citizen participation, emphasis of PUD regulations, PUD appeal and differences among key players during PUD review have significant impacts on successful PUD implementation. I also find that Michigan municipalities are more successful at achieving mixed-use, density, preservation, affordable housing, community facilities and design through PUDs than through other regulatory vehicles.     

How,When, and Why Bad Apples Spoil the Barrel: Negative Group Members and Dysfunctional Groups

This paper presents a review and integrative model of how, when, and why the behaviors of one negative group member can have powerful, detrimental influence on teammates and groups. We define the negative group member as someone who persistently exhibits one or more of the following behaviors: withholding effort from the group, expressing negative affect, or violating important interpersonal norms. We then detail how these behaviors elicit psychological states in teammates (e.g. perceptions of inequity, negative feelings, reduced trust), how those psychological states lead to defensive behavioral reactions (e.g. outbursts, mood maintenance, withdrawal), and finally, how these various manifestations of defensiveness influence important group processes and dynamics (e.g. cooperation, creativity). Key mechanisms and moderators are discussed as well as actions that might reduce the impact of the bad apple. Implications for both practice and research are discussed.     

A visual planning solution to streamline the processes of hybrid cross-dockings

Cross-docking is a logistic strategy widely adopted both in manufacturing and distribution contexts. Despite the huge number of researches on this topic, most of them remain rather theoretical as they do not pay enough attention to operational aspects and daily functioning patterns of cross-dockings. This article aims at introducing a new focus for cross-docking research by proposing a visual planning solution to manage daily operation of a manufacturing cross-docking. By avoiding complex optimization algorithms and by adopting concepts belonging to the lean management theory, the article shows the potential of visual planning techniques to improve performance of cross-dockings. Starting from a specific industrial context, the shipping warehouse of an Italian company of the oil andand gas sector, a visual management methodology has been proposed to support the operation of cross-dockings. Although developed in a particular context, the proposed methodology and its underlying principles are to be considered general and potentially applicable to a wide range of cross-dockings. The methodology fully exploits an analytical tool, namely, the Safety Margin coefficientthat could be used for capacity planning purposes and to evaluate quantitatively the system performance at a given time instant.     

Integration between flow scheduling and personnel allocation in a parallel line system in automotive industry

A state-of-the-art review over fifty years of flow shop scheduling research, written by Gupta and Stafford (2006), comes to the conclusion that the mathematical theory of flow shop scheduling “suffers from too much abstraction and too little application”. In this paper we will develop an extended mathematical model for flow shop scheduling with parallel lines and simultaneously a worker assignment to machines as well as a solution concept for practical use. Such production systems are realized by applying the BTO-(Build to order) concept, as can be found in the automotive or computer industry, which allows customers to make any changes to their vehicles or hardware configuration within a few days before final assembly. In these cases late configuration is an important task for the producer and a complex scheduling problem arises in this context.     

A review of outsourcing from the resource‐based view of the firm

The phenomenon of outsourcing is becoming increasingly widespread among organizations and is now one of the strategic decisions that attract the greatest interest from professionals and organizational scholars. The primary purpose of the paper is to contribute with a review of the principal works that address outsourcing from the resource‐based view of the firm (RBV). The paper begins by setting out the main premises of outsourcing and then presents the different concepts of outsourcing and proposes a concept that is more in line with the theoretical framework used. This is followed by an analysis of the principal differences and similarities of the treatments of outsourcing from the traditional perspective of the transaction costs economics theory (TCE) and from the more strategic and up‐to‐date RBV. The next section contains a review of the most significant theoretical and empirical works on outsourcing that address outsourcing from the RBV. The contributions are classified into two categories, depending on the objectives: works that study the propensity to outsource and works that study the relationship between the outsourcing decision and organizational performance. Finally, a framework is proposed that is based on the resource and capability view with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of outsourcing and facilitating future empirical works from the RBV that are complementary and examine issues of greater interest that have been less developed in the literature to date.