Non-response bias assessment in logistics survey research: use fewer tests?

Employability characteristics and their impact on social impact: An exploratory study on women's small social enterprises

This study seeks to understand and explore how women social entrepreneurs select their employees and how this can affect their social impact. This study has two objectives. The first is to explore the most attractive employees' employability characteristics chosen by women entrepreneurs. The second objective was to explore the relationship between employability characteristics and the social impact of the social enterprises. This study used an exploratory quantitative paradigm to reach the study's findings. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) explores employability characteristics the women social entrepreneurs select and the relationship between the selected employability characteristics and the social impact of the women's social enterprises. The data were collected using a cross-sectional questionnaire. Data were collected from 382 employees working in 174 female social enterprises. Women social entrepreneurs were found to prefer employees with high interpersonal skills, high ethics, high physical abilities, high abilities to learn, high implicit knowledge, high reliability, and low soft skills. Linking these employability skills to social impact revealed that implicit knowledge and interpersonal skills are the most influential. A paucity of research discusses how women social entrepreneurs recruit their employees. This problem is getting worse when it comes to small social enterprises. This study led to a discussion about employability characteristics in women's social enterprises and their impact on social impact.

Do environmental management practices mediate institutional pressures-environmental performance relationship? Evidence from Vietnamese SMEs

Although SMEs contribute much to Vietnamese economic growth, they cause significant negative impacts on the environment. In environmental literature, the institutional theory is suggested to be used as a theoretical lens to examine the pressure driving an organization to improve environmental performance and indirectly through strategic response. Despite that, this theory needs more application to predict SMEs' environmentally friendly outcomes. Hence, this study draws upon institutional theory to examine that three institutional pressures, coercive, normative, and mimetic pressures have a direct impact on environmental performance as well as an indirect impact through the adoption of environmental management practices. Data were collected by surveying 253 manufacturing SMEs operating in Vietnam. Partial least-squared structural equation modeling was executed to assess data. The results suggest that three institutional pressures, coercive, mimetic, and normative pressure, indirectly improve environmental performance by adopting environmental management practices. At the same time, there is no direct effect of these pressures on environmental performance. These findings shed light on how institutional pressures affect environmental management practice adoption and environmental performance in the SME context. These findings also contribute the theoretical development of institutional theory by showing that adopting environmental management practices is a strategic response to institutional pressures to gain environmental performance. Lastly, due to mixed results on the relationship between institutional pressures and its outcomes (e.g., environmental management practice adoption, environmental performance), this study cast light on those relationships in Vietnam.

Using machine learning to explore the determinants of service satisfaction with online healthcare platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study investigates the determinants of service satisfaction with online healthcare platforms using machine learning (ML) algorithms. By training and testing eleven ML models based on data mined from a leading online healthcare platform in China, we obtained the best-performing ML algorithm for service satisfaction prediction, namely, Light Gradient Boosting Machine. Furthermore, our empirical results indicate that gifts, patient votes, popularity, fee-based consultation volume, gender, and thank-you letters positively impact service satisfaction, while the impacts of consultation volume, free consultation volume, views, waiting time, articles, physician title, and hospital level are negative. We discuss the theoretical and managerial implications.

The effect of team-member knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) and a common learning experience on sourcing teamwork effectiveness

Purpose

A lack of sourcing-specific team research prevents a full understanding of sourcing teamwork effectiveness (STE). Moreover, the limited purchasing and supply management (PSM) team literature often tends to focus on an aggregate group level. The paper makes a step towards adopting an individual actor perspective on teamwork effectiveness with an emphasis on the context of sourcing, explicating the effects of team-member knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs), and examining how these relationships are moderated by a common learning experience of strategic sourcing masterclass.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a cross-sectional survey, this study analyses a sample of 90 sourcing team members from a global aerospace manufacturing company using hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

The results suggest that four of the five KSAs positively and significantly affect STE; the exception was collaborative problem solving. Masterclass learning outcomes were found to positively moderate the effects of these KSAs on STE, again exclusive of the collaborative problem-solving KSA.

Research limitations/implications

Cross-sectional design focused only on the aerospace sector may affect generalizability. Further, longitudinal research designs would capture the effects of the common learning experience over an extended period.

Practical implications

Sourcing team members could be selected based on having KSAs which significantly affect teamwork effectiveness. Training and development for sourcing teams should combine guided reflexivity and cross-training to deliver learning outcomes that create similar team mental models.

Originality/value

The study provides an individual team-member perspective on the functioning of sourcing teams which is absent in the extant research. It contributes to the very limited research base on skills in PSM.

A structural equation model for big data adoption in the healthcare supply chain

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the barriers to the implementation of big data (BD) in the healthcare supply chain (HSC).

Design/methodology/approach

First, the barriers concerning BD adoption in the HSC were found by conducting a detailed literature survey and with the expert's opinion. Then the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was employed to categorize the barriers. The obtained results are verified using the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis gives the path diagram representing the interrelationship between latent variables and observed variables.

Findings

The segregation of 13 barriers into three categories, namely “data governance perspective,” “technological and expertise perspective,” and “organizational and social perspective,” is performed using EFA. Three hypotheses are tested, and all are accepted. It can be concluded that the “data governance perspective” is positively related to “technological and expertise perspective” and “organizational and social perspective” factors. Also, the “technological and expertise perspective” is positively related to “organizational and social perspective.”

Research limitations/implications

In literature, very few studies have been performed on finding the barriers to BD adoption in the HSC. The systematic methodology and statistical verification applied in this study empowers the healthcare organizations and policymakers in further decision-making.

Originality/value

This paper is first of its kind to adopt an approach to classify barriers to BD implementation in the HSC into three distinct perspectives.

Supply chain resilience in mindful humanitarian aid organizations: the role of big data analytics

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the nomological network of associations between collective mindfulness and big data analytics in fostering resilient humanitarian relief supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conceptualize a research model grounded in literature and test the hypotheses using survey data collected from informants at humanitarian aid organizations in Africa and Europe.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that organizational mindfulness is key to enabling resilient humanitarian relief supply chains, as opposed to just big data analytics.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine organizational mindfulness and big data analytics in the context of humanitarian relief supply chains.

Why some leaders qualify for hate: an empirical examination through the lens of followers’ perspective

Purpose

The leaders’ perception about self and the opinion of the subordinates about them is crucial to understand why some leaders qualify for hate. Much has been discussed on the positive and ethical side of leadership. However, the research on the darker side of leadership needs more attention. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the factors along with their impact responsible for hate-for-leaders, a relatively scant area of leadership. This study may facilitate understanding why some leaders become subject to hate despite many efforts by the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

For exploring the different factors responsible for hate-for-leaders, a survey was conducted by developing a scale using the focus group, Delphi technique, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The results were analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The factors responsible for qualifying the leaders for hate were identified. Moreover, the results indicated that the subordinate hate the leaders for his/her unacceptable behaviour/actions which they assume the leader has control over it and exhibited otherwise intentionally on targeted employees. Moreover, some undesirable behaviour of leaders is attributed to fundamental attribution errors i.e. situational factors.

Practical implications

A fully developed scale for assessing the hate-quotient for leaders is proposed. This research will facilitate the managers/leaders as to why some of the followers/employees hate them. This scale provides an opportunity for managers and leaders to introspect themselves for improved workplace relationships and not to encourage sunflower management that seeks to get submissive and aligned-thought employees around the leader.

Originality/value

The fact that the decisions taken by managers/leaders adversely affecting the employees are not always because of malice or wrong intentions but sometimes due to situational factors i.e. fundamental attribution error. Moreover, the scale act as a reference to evaluate the hate-for-leaders in the organizational context.

The effect of collaboration and IT competency on reverse logistics competency - Evidence from Brazilian supply chain executives

Business models have being designed, worldwide, to create sustainability competencies and in particular to incorporate reverse logistics, but Brazilian executives have not yet fully adhered to Law 12,305 on solid waste and reverse logistics. What would be the Brazilian executives' perception about reverse logistics competency and the support provided by a collaborative and IT competency? The objective of the paper is to investigate the effects of collaboration and IT competency in developing reverse logistics competency, as a strategy, and its consequences in economic and environmental performance. A survey was performed with 320 Brazilian supply chain executives and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. The models demonstrated that collaboration has a direct positive influence on the development of reverse logistics competency, by executives' point of view. The moderation effect between collaboration and IT competency for reverse logistics was not confirmed, since it was adopted a strategic view of reverse logistics. Therefore, despite there was not a moderation effect, IT presented a lower direct effect on reverse logistics competency. Results reinforce that organizations that develop reverse logistics competency tend to improve their economic and environmental performances.

Investigating the role of demand planning as a higher-order construct in mitigating disruptions in the European supply chains

Purpose

The goal of the paper is twofold. First, it aims to empirically conceptualize whether a wide array of fragmented demand planning activities, performed in supply chains, can be logically categorized into actionable sets of practices, which then form a broader conceptualization of the demand planning process. Second, regarding certain contextual factors, our research seeks to investigate the contribution of demand planning, as a higher-order construct, to mitigating disruptions induced by operational risks in supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, PLS-SEM was used to estimate the reflective-formative nature of the model. The results of PLS-SEM were additionally complemented by the assessment of the predictive power of our model. Finally, to reveal possible contingency effects, the multigroup analysis (MGA) was conducted.

Findings

The study suggests that demand planning process (DPP) is a second-order construct that is composed of four sets of practices, including goal setting, data gathering, demand forecasting, communicating the demand predictions and synchronizing supply with demand. The study also reveals that the demand planning practices, only when considered together, as a higher-order factor, significantly contribute to mitigating disruptions driven by operational risks. Finally, the research shows that the strength of the impact of demand planning on disruptions is contextually dependent.

Research limitations/implications

While the study makes some important contributions, the obtained findings ought to be considered within the context of limitations. First, the study only investigates disruptions driven by operational risks, ignoring the negative consequences of environmental risks (terrorist attacks, natural disasters, etc.), which may have a far more negative impact on supply chains. Second, the sample is mostly composed of medium and large companies, not necessarily representative of demand planning performed by the entire spectrum of companies operating in the market.

Practical implications

The study shows that to effectively mitigate disruptions induced by operational risks, the demand planning practices should be integrated into a higher-order construct. Likewise, our research demonstrates that the intensity of demand planning process is contingent upon a number of contextual factors, including firm size, demand variability and demand volume.

Social implications

The study indicates that to mitigate disruptions of operational risk, demand planning as a higher-order dynamic capability can be referred to the concept of organizational learning, which contributes to forming a critical common ground, ensuring the balance between formal and informal dynamic routines.

Originality/value

The paper depicts that to fully deal with disruptions, the demand planning practices need to be integrated and categorized into the dedicated higher-order. This may lead to forming demand planning as a higher-order dynamic capability that provides a more rapid and efficient rebuttal to any disruptions triggered by operational risks.

A research and industry perspective on automotive logistics performance measurement

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the current state of performance measurement (PM) in academic literature and in the automotive supply chain (SC). The research question is to what extent PM systems (PMS) in academic literature and in industry are applicable in automotive logistics.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a combination of a systematic literature review (SLR) and an industry survey. The SLR is used to identify literature on design aspects for PMS and current PMS reported in academic literature. The survey adds an industry perspective and is used to validate the design aspects found in literature. The synthesis aims to deliver both, current research gaps and needs in industry.

Findings

The findings from SLR indicate, there is a broad base of literature regarding design aspects for PMS. Literature on PMS in context of automotive logistics is nevertheless rare. The industry survey leads to the conclusion that conformity with design aspects from literature increases added value of PMS. Nevertheless, current PMS show improvement needs in automotive context. Academic literature lacks detailed process orientation, transparency and is seen as too high level to be helpful for practitioners. For systems in industry, the SC perspective can be improved. In addition, applicability for continuous improvement is identified as research need in industry and literature.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the selected survey approach, additional research is required to obtain more generalizable results. To increase reliability and validity, a selection of the findings should be further analyzed, e.g. by focusing on regions outside Western Europe or a more in depth analysis of selected aspects. In addition insights into selected research topics highlighted in the paper should be assessed in detail by applying different methodologies (e.g. case studies) to validate the findings.

Originality/value

The findings add to the research on PMS. Latest academic literature is reviewed. The findings are combined with an industry perspective. The combination of SLR and a broad survey enables us to draw conclusions which are relevant for researchers and practitioners alike. Where academic research should focus more on the practical applicability, industry can benefit from the findings by integrating a more holistic perspective into their PMS, especially with a SC wide evaluation.

Efficient information-related practices in companies committed to EFQM

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether or not companies committed to quality management within the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model framework use and manage the information in an efficient way, i.e., they have developed information capability. In particular, this research investigates the links between information capability and the EFQM Excellence Model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is an extension of previous work by Zárraga-Rodríguez and Alvarez (2013), which was a first qualitative approach to the subject. In that work the EFQM Excellence Model criteria were analysed to see if somehow they illustrate practices associated to a company’s information capability, self-analysis reports of a set of quality award winners were reviewed and interviews were conducted with members of those companies. The present research adopts a quantitative approach to gain deeper knowledge. Through a questionnaire survey the perceptions of managers in companies committed to the EFQM Excellence Model with respect to information capability-related practices and about the information they managed are captured.

Findings

The analysis shows evidence that many information practices are common practices among companies committed to the EFQM Excellence Model and reveals information practices that should be improved.

Originality/value

Practices that lead to efficient use and management of information have not been studied in detail in companies committed to quality management within the EFQM Excellence Model framework. Companies that are aware of the importance of handling quality information when making the decisions will find in this study a set of practices they can implement in order to achieve excellent performance based on the use and management of information.

Consensus on supplier selection objectives in cross-functional sourcing teams

Purpose

– A key driver of procurement effectiveness is the alignment of the procurement function with interlinked functions, such as R & D, engineering, production, and marketing. In the strategic management literature, the degree of alignment of individual team members on strategic objectives is termed “consensus.” The purpose of this paper is to investigate antecedents of consensus on objectives in cross-functional sourcing teams, the relationship between the degree of consensus and supplier performance, and moderators of the consensus-performance relationship. To do so, it ties strategic management literature to SCM and supplier selection research. As a result of these investigations, this research holistically introduces the concept of consensus to the discipline.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study analyzes a sample of 88 sourcing teams (233 team members) from three manufacturing companies using regression analysis and moderated regressions.

Findings

– Consensus on objectives for supplier selection among sourcing team members is positively related to the selection of higher performing suppliers. Sourcing team member experience is positively related to the level of consensus, and formalization of the selection process positively moderates the consensus-performance relationship. Team demographic diversity does not affect consensus among team members or supplier selection effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

– This study investigates consensus on objectives as a state within the sourcing team; it does not analyze how decision-making processes unfold in situations of low- or high-initial consensus among sourcing team members.

Practical implications

– This paper provides insights into the drivers and effects of consensus on objectives and formalization of supplier selection in cross-functional setups.

Originality/value

– This research addresses a gap in the SCM literature by investigating the role of consensus on objectives and thereby contributes to a better understanding of cross-functional sourcing team setups and effectiveness. The study introduces a key construct from the strategic management literature to supply management research, and empirical evidence shows how consensus can improve supplier selection performance.

On the relationship between purchasing integration and purchasing decision-making speed

Purpose

– First, this study expands knowledge on the strategic decision process dimension decision-making speed by analyzing decision-making speed and two possible antecedents in a purchasing context. Second, it takes an additional step toward clarifying the relationship between strategic and lateral integration. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the potential mediating effect of lateral purchasing integration on the relationship between strategic purchasing integration and purchasing decision-making speed.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research analyzes survey data of 152 firms from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland using covariance-based structural equation modeling.

Findings

– The results of the structural equation model provide strong support for the hypothesized relationships. Strategic purchasing integration drives lateral purchasing integration, which in turn positively influences purchasing decision-making speed.

Research limitations/implications

– This study focusses solely on internal types of integration. A logical next step would be to further enrich the model by including external dimensions, such as supplier or customer integration.

Practical implications

– This study should help managers gain a better understanding of the relationship between strategic and lateral purchasing integration, highlighting their positive impact on decision-making speed. Decision-making speed is particularly important for companies operating in volatile markets and time-constrained business environments.

Originality/value

– This study offers new insights into the theoretical and empirical connection between intra-organizational purchasing integration, unpacked as strategic purchasing integration and lateral purchasing integration, and purchasing decision-making speed. Furthermore, it offers insights into decision-making speed in a purchasing context.