CERES :: Browsing by Author "Mena, Carlos"

Browsing by Author "Mena, Carlos"

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Open Access
Agile supply partnerships : the paradox of high-involvement and short-term supply relationships in the Macerata-Fermo footwear district
(Cranfield University, 2013-08) Cerruti, Corrado; Mena, Carlos
Despite a general consensus concerning the relevance of supply partnerships to agility, the literature reveals disagreements and contradictions regarding their characteristics and, in particular, their duration. This is, whether partnerships in an agile strategy should be long-term (strategic partnerships) or short-term (agile partnerships). The research joins this debate by investigating the types and characteristics of supply partnerships to achieve agility. The underlying premise of the work is that the type of supply partnership is contingent on the degree of turbulence an agile strategy is designed to face. The research was carried out in the fashion industry, given the relevance of agility in this industry. Specifically, the research focused the supply partnerships developed by the footwear companies in the Macerata-Fermo district, the largest footwear district in Italy. The focus on district companies allow the comparison of several companies sharing a very similar business context, allowing a better control of external variables and increasing the internal validity of the study. The field research consisted of a preliminary survey on agility drivers and agile capabilities in the Macerata-Fermo footwear district, followed by an in-depth investigation on supply partnerships using multiple embedded cases studies. Overall six medium-large footwear companies have been analysed in their supply relationships with respect to five key supply categories. For each supply category, the buyer view of the focal firms has been complemented with a view from the supplier side. In total the fieldwork is built upon 30 interviews with 22 informants from 18 companies for a total of more than 23 hours of interviews. In all cases, except two, the key informant was owner, CEO or general manager of the company, eventually supported by another company manager. In two cases, the interviews data have been strengthened by a longitudinal analysis of purchase orders over eight years. The fieldwork highlights that agility drivers and agile capabilities impact on the footwear companies’ decision of developing agile supply partnerships. Specifically footwear companies that are under the pressure of high-turbulence agility drivers (here represented by a high collection renewal rate) and that have developed strong agile capabilities (here represented by a local supply network and a purchase orders postponement) choose agile supply partnerships with respect to supply categories that are sensitive to the fashion trends and therefore difficult to be sourced in a stable way – season after season – from the same suppliers. The main contribution to theory is related to the characteristics of supply partnerships in an agile strategy and specifically to the apparent paradox of “high-involvement & short- term” relationships (i.e. agile supply partnerships). In spite of the presence of time compression diseconomies in building up partnership and of the loss of relational (non- redeployable) benefits in closing down partnerships, scenarios of high-turbulence can give companies an incentive to look for short-term partnerships. Such finding can support a wider claim that different levels of turbulence call for different agility strategies requiring different capabilities and practices. The main contribution to practice is related to the way agile partnerships are selected, started and ended. Given that many industries are facing an increase in market turbulence, it appears that many companies – even outside the fashion industry – might have to learn how to balance high-involvement supply relationships with respect to a shorter time horizon.
Open Access
Assessing the environmental impacts of healthier diets. Final report to Defra on project FO0427
(2018-09-27) Williams, Adrian; Morris, Joe; Audsley, Eric; Hess, Tim; Goglio, Pietro; Burgess, Paul; Chatterton, Julia; Pearn, Kerry; Mena, Carlos; Whitehead, Peter
Summary: oncern about the public health impacts of dietary habits in the UK have led to initiatives to encourage healthier eating, notably in the dietary guidelines represented of the eatwell plate (FSA, 2007) and the Eatwell Guide (NHS, 2016c). A change in UK dietary habits towards healthier eating would result in changes in the type and quantities of food items in the national diet, with implications for agricultural, food and allied industries. More specifically, this could lead to changes in land use and farming practices, both for the UK and its trading partners, with associated effects on greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts. In this context, and sponsored by Defra, this study set out using a series of scenarios to assess the environmental impacts of changing dietary habits and specifically the adoption of healthier eating in the UK, and in broad terms some of the likely social and economic impacts on the agricultural and food sector, through a set of hypothetical scenarios. The main objectives were to: i) determine the consumption of food under possible future food consumption scenarios in the UK, including the eatwell plate; ii) quantify the production of agricultural commodities needed to meet the food needs of each scenario; iii) quantify the environmental impacts of food commodity production and consumption by scenarios, and iv) identify, in broad terms, the possible economic and societal impacts of dietary changes.
Open Access
Characterizing agile supply partnerships in the fashion industry
(Emerald, 2016-10-31) Cerruti, Corrado; Mena, Carlos; Skipworth, Heather; Tavoletti, Ernesto
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate high-involvement and short-term supply relationships, known as agile supply partnerships (ASPs), and explores the conditions that support the development of such inter-organizational relationships. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative exploratory research design was followed, based on in-depth case studies of Italian fashion footwear manufacturers and their relationships with key suppliers. Findings – ASPs appear to be most relevant in supply material categories which have a high impact on the appearance or functionality of the product. Conversely, in supply categories with a low impact, long-term partnerships are preferred. Four main characteristics of ASPs are identified: they are part of a portfolio of relationships to balance the rigidities of long-term strategic partnerships; they have project-like features; they are developed from a network of pre-qualified suppliers; they are recurring and intermittent rather than continuous or isolated one-off short-term partnerships. Research limitations/implications – The research has been carried out in the context of an Italian footwear district. Further research is required to evaluate the validity of the propositions in other sectors and geographies. Practical implications – The research can help decision makers in the fashion industry, and potentially other sectors affected by high turbulence, to identify when ASPs are most appropriate and what characteristics they should have. Originality/value – This research contributes to the literature on agility by empirically evaluating the apparent paradox related to the specific characteristics of supply relationships required to foster an agile strategy and by clarifying the conditions under which fashion companies develop ASPs.
Open Access
Development of Polyaniline as a Sensor for Food Quality and Spoilage Detection
(Cranfield University, 2009-12) Hobday, Duncan Stuart; Higson, Seamus P. J.; Kagan, Michael; Allen, Tristan; Isbitsky, Reuben; Mena, Carlos
This thesis describes the research that has been completed for the application of polyaniline as a food quality indicator. It has been reported by WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) that in the UK alone, a third of all purchased food items are thrown away regardless of the quality or condition. It has also been reported by DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) that the food manufacturing and processing industry is one of the UK’s largest producers of land filled waste. At present, the available technology for food freshness determination is largely based on use-by dates which are often recognised as unreliable - or qualitative time temperature indicators (TTIs); which can be costly and do not give an actual measurement of bacterial activity. It is anticipated that the technology produced from this research will give a viable and low cost solution to help minimize preventable food waste from consumers - as well as improving food industry process efficiency, especially in the field of food supply chain management. The sensors being developed employ a conducting polymer film as a sensor which reacts with volatiles evolving from selected food products (salmon and herring). As food biochemically degrades, the concentrations and volumes of these gases change, and this has been studied by analytical techniques such as gas chromatography and SIFT-MS. Food spoilage has also been followed by the growth and identification of specific spoilage bacteria. The sensor exhibits a number of quantifiable physical changes when exposed to differing volatile mixtures produced by the food stuffs. These physical properties include colour and conductivity changes which are distinctive and easily measurable. Correlations have been shown between increases in microbial activity and the change in conductivity of the films. These sensors will be able to inform consumers more reliably when the food is safe to consume as well as providing the food industry with more information on traceability and stock conditions of fresh meat and fish. In the context of the catering industry, these sensors will also aid in the decreasing the number of reported cases of food poisoning by observing - in real-time - the condition and safety of food.
Open Access
Examining political risk in service offshoring strategies
(Cranfield University, 2015-08) Hansen, Carsten; Mena, Carlos
This research investigates political risk in the context of service offshoring and the corresponding impact on risk management decisions. The first stage of the study uses the Repertory Grid Technique (RGT), to explore key post-contract political risks experiences within offshore outsourcing activities. Twelve key political risks affecting offshore outsourcing decisions are identified, and the moderating effect of offshoring activity types (BPO, ITO or KPO) on political risk exposure and impact perceptions is highlighted. The research also explores the conditioning effect of industry specific exposure to political risk and enhances the explanatory ability of the Transaction Cost Economics (TCE) constructs, offering a re-operationalization of the political risk component of external uncertainty. The second stage of the research introduces a series of hypotheses between offshoring flows and political risk profiles, and applies multiple regression to analyse political risk affecting offshore activities in low cost countries across contract-based offshoring engagements and FDI. The findings highlight that political risk is a genuine business concern for offshore contract-based outsourcing modalities, and identify concerns with Intellectual Property protection, Quality of Bureaucracy and Corruption as key considerations affecting location decisions in low-cost countries. The research further suggests a positive relationship between strong country level institutional and regulatory systems and high knowledge content in offshoring engagements. From a practical perspective, the research highlights the need for managerial tools to determine diversified firm and industry specific political risk impact on global service outsourcing engagements. The key practical contribution is the development of differentiated political risk typologies that can capture the nuances of external risks in offshoring, allowing for more accurate risk assessment of offshoring decisions.
Open Access
An exploration of managers' openess and relationship transparency in a buyer-supplier relationship
(Cranfield University, 2011-12) Bastl, Marko; Mena, Carlos
The problem explored in this thesis falls under a broad topic of information sharing in a buyer-supplier relationship. Responding to the empirically underexplored state of extant literature on information sharing, this study aims to gain a better understanding of the factors that influence managers to engage in information sharing as an activity, as well as the factors influencing information sharing as an outcome and its consequences in a buyer-supplier relationship. In this way, this study acknowledges a conceptual separation between information sharing as an activity (i.e. a manager’s openness) and information sharing as an outcome (i.e. relationship transparency), and treats a manager as embedded in an external, wider interaction environment (e.g. buyer-supplier relationship). The study adopts a qualitative, exploratory approach, utilising a case-based research strategy. The empirical study is based on a pilot and two main cases. The main interviews were carried out on the suppliers’ side of two buyer-supplier dyads. In total, the empirical work consisted of 45 semi-structured interviews with 32 managers. Based on the empirical work, the thesis develops two models: the contingencies model, which captures the influencing factors of a manager’s openness and relationship transparency, and the consequences model, which captures the consequences of relationship transparency. In so doing, the thesis makes three primary theoretical contributions. First, captured in the contingencies model, it shows that a manager’s openness is influenced by the interplay of a number of individual-level factors, where managers’ trust and risk taking behaviours play a central role as well as through an external interaction environment. Second, the same model suggests that information quality alone is not enough to foster relationship transparency and that other factors, such as trustworthiness of information source and a recipient’s knowledge, should also be considered. Third, the thesis also identifies a number of consequences of relationship transparency, which are captured in the consequences model, and highlights the role of the external context an understanding of those consequences. In this way, the study marks a step forward towards increasing the understanding of information sharing as an activity and as an outcome, while considering an individual manager as part of a wider interaction environment.
Open Access
Facing disruptive technologies: aligning purchasing maturity to contingencies
(Emerald, 2018-12-03) Søgaard, Britta; Skipworth, Heather; Bourlakis, Michael; Mena, Carlos; Wilding, Richard D.
Purpose This paper aims to explore how purchasing could respond to disruptive technologies by examining the assumptions underlying purchasing strategic alignment and purchasing maturity through a contingency lens. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a systematic review across purchasing maturity and purchasing strategic alignment literature. This is supplemented with exploratory case studies to include practitioners’ views. Findings This research demonstrates that neither purchasing maturity nor purchasing strategic alignment are suitable approaches to respond to disruptive technologies. Purchasing maturity does not allow purchasing managers to select relevant practices. It also shows no consideration of any contingencies, which practitioners highlight as important for the selection of practices. Purchasing strategic alignment includes the company strategy as a contingency but does not provide any practices to choose from. It does not include any other contextual contingencies considered important by practitioners. The findings indicate that linking the two research streams may provide a more suitable approach to responding to disruptive technologies. Research limitations/implications This research demonstrates the requirement to develop a new approach to responding to disruptive technologies, by linking purchasing maturity and purchasing strategic alignment to contextual contingencies. This is a currently unexplored approach in academic literature, which refutes the generally accepted premise that higher maturity unilaterally supports a better positioning towards technological disruption. This research also highlights a requirement for practitioners to shift their approach to “best practices”. Originality/value This is the first research to systematically review the relationships between purchasing maturity and purchasing strategic alignment. It adds to contingency theory by suggesting that purchasing maturity models can support the achievement of strategic alignment. Also, future research directions are suggested to explore these relationships.
Open Access
Fresh Meat Resource Maps
(2011-06-01T00:00:00Z) Whitehead, Peter; Palmer, Martin; Mena, Carlos; Williams, Adrian; Walsh, Christine
Open Access
Logistics and procurement outsourcing in the healthcare sector: a comparative analysis
(Elsevier, 2020-07-11) Skipworth, Heather; Delbufalo, Emanuela; Mena, Carlos
As outsourcing ventures become more complex, opportunities for synergies and efficiencies increase, but also create longer and more fragmented supply chains which could have disastrous consequences, particularly in a healthcare context. This study investigates the implications of outsourcing on healthcare supply chains by comparing two alternatives: outsourcing from public-to-private and outsourcing from public-to-public. A conceptual framework, adapted from previous literature, has been employed to provide a comprehensive overview of the phenomenon and consider the implications of logistics and procurement outsourcing on the healthcare supply chain structure and performance. The study presents a European cross-country comparison, analysing both the National Health Service (NHS) outsourcing in England (public-to-private outsourcing) and the Regional Health Service (RHS) outsourcing in the Tuscany region (Italy) (public-to-public outsourcing). Specificities and commonalities of the two outsourcing experiences provide suggestions for managers and policy-makers and enhance the current knowledge of outsourcing in the public healthcare sector.
Open Access
Product safety and security in the global supply chain: Issues, challenges and research opportunities
(Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam., 2011-11-30T00:00:00Z) Marucheck, Ann; Greis, Noel; Mena, Carlos; Cai, Linning
A number of high profile product safety events and recalls have heightened public attention to the safety and security of the products that people consume and use. While product safety isn’t a new topic, the effect of the global supply chain in creating or exacerbating safety risks and vulnerabilities is both timely and relevant. In this essay we focus on how the field of operations management can provide fresh perspectives and insights in addressing the challenges of product safety and security in the global supply chain. We first examine the product safety issues and challenges that arise in five industries that are increasingly globalizing their supply chains: food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, consumer products and automobiles. We describe four areas where operations management theory and methodologies can provide fresh insights and innovative solutions in addressing these problems; regulation and standards, product lifecycle management, traceability and recall management, and supplier relationships.
Open Access
The role of political risk in service offshoring entry mode decisions
(Taylor and Francis, 2018-09-08) Hansen, Carsten; Mena, Carlos; Aktas, Emel
This research investigates the effect of political risk on the offshore service industry. The study empirically examines how an extended political risk definition, operationalised into a model consisting of 12 political risk variables, helps predict location decisions across offshoring entry modes and activity types. The research focuses on captive offshoring and offshore outsourcing entry modes, and Information Technology Outsourcing (ITO), Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) activity types. The research indicated that political risk factors accounted for 38% of the variability in offshore outsourcing flows, implying that concerns about service disruptions and/or cost implications of external uncertainties feature as a key factor in supplier selection and location decisions. The findings further confirm a positive relationship between institutional and regulatory factors in host locations, and the flow of offshoring activities with a high knowledge content. The research contributes to enhancing the explanatory ability of Transaction Cost Economics by re-operationalising the concept of political risk in the context of both offshore outsourcing and captive offshoring. For practitioners, these findings provide a clear indication of the political risks that can affect service offshoring decisions; for policymakers, they highlight the importance of strengthening institutional and regulatory factors to attract investment.
Open Access
Supply Chain Management for Servitized Products: A multi-industry case study
(Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam., 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z) Johnson, Mark; Mena, Carlos
Manufacturers are combining products and services in order to provide greater value to the customer and to facilitate longer more profitable business relationships. Organisations that pursue this route are following a strategy of servitization which requires the effective management of supply chains. A framework was developed from the extant literature that was used as a lens for the analysis of supply chains for servitized products. This research uses case studies to explore the challenges and opportunities that face the supply chain management function within organisations that are pursuing a strategy of servitization. The case studies indicate that servitized supply chains are different to their production counterparts and need to be responsive which is facilitated by real-time information.
Open Access
Supply network relationships: a review of empirical evidence
(2012-11-01T00:00:00Z) Humphries, Andrew; Mena, Carlos
Supply networks are prevalent industry structures which, like the academic literature, are complex, confusing and short on practical guidance. We evaluate the current position of empirical research to expose the main constructs that can be used to study cooperative supply network relationships, to identify emergent themes, gaps and shortcomings, to share insights with managers and, to propose future research approaches. Five significant drivers of supply network relationship behaviors are identified: complexity, power, alignment of objectives, knowledge management and coordination. This paper provides a unique, topical 'map' of the supply networks field and proposes a theoretical model for integrating the many diverse concepts into a general framework. This will enable researchers to focus more effectively on its relational dynamics. We also give managers some key guidance for successful operations within these essential structures.
Open Access
Supply networks for extreme uncertainty: a resource orchestration perspective
(Emerald, 2023-02-20) Skipworth, Heather; Bastl, Marko; Cerruti, Corrado; Mena, Carlos
Purpose: Disasters are growing in frequency and scale, unmasking the systemic vulnerabilities of modern supply chains and highlighting the need to understand how to respond to such events. In the context of an extreme event such as the Covid-19 pandemic, this research focuses on how networks of organizations leverage their combined resources and capabilities to develop, manufacture, and deliver new products outside their traditional markets. Design/methodology/approach: Following a theory elaboration process, we build on resource orchestration theory to develop data collection and analysis protocols to support a multi-case study research design. This research investigates four cases of newly formed networks that emerged in four different countries – Colombia, Italy, the United States, and the United Kingdom – in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Findings: These four networks in our investigation share common characteristics in terms of motivation and approach, creating patterns from which theoretical generalizations are developed into a series of propositions regarding the process of network-level resource orchestration under extreme uncertainty. Originality: This research contributes to theory by extending the resource orchestration model to a network level and showing how extreme uncertainty can lead to the emergence of networks and alter the motivations and goals of the member organizations, allowing them to be more responsive. Practical implications: The research shows how networks and the organizations within them can streamline processes, swiftly build new relationships, and develop a balanced risk management approach to extreme uncertainty.
Open Access
Sustainable Global Sourcing
(Cranfield University School of Management, 2010-09-01T00:00:00Z) Mena, Carlos
Global trading has been a way of life for hundreds, if not thousands of years, but it is only recently that the environmental and social implications of global sourcing decisions are being taken more seriously.
Open Access
Toward a three-dimensional framework for omni-channel
(Elsevier, 2017-04-12) Saghiri, Soroosh; Wilding, Richard D.; Mena, Carlos; Bourlakis, Michael
The omni-channel, as an emerging trend in retail, aims to coordinate processes and technologies across supply and sales channels. The evolution of this concept is still nascent. This paper develops a conceptual framework for omni-channel systems, configured by three dimensions of channel stage, channel type and channel agent. Integration and visibility are also explored and discussed as the main enablers, which support the implementation of omni-channel framework. This research is built upon the empirical and secondary data. Multiple case studies and expert interview methods are employed for data collection to validate the recommended framework and to explore its applicability. The framework proposed, along with the key integration and visibility enablers identified for the omni-channel, can be applied to a wide range of retail supply chains. It helps managers to develop, run and monitor omni-channel systems; it may also serve as a stepping-stone for development of the literature on omni-channel systems.

Browsing by Author "Mena, Carlos"

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