Browsing by Author "Smart, Alan"

Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
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    E-procurement and its impact on supply management - evidence from industrial case studies
    (Taylor & Francis, 2010-12-01T00:00:00Z) Smart, Alan
    Many buying firms have adopted e-procurement systems, yet the impact of these applications is still being assessed by both academics and practitioners alike. This paper examines the use of e-procurement within four multinational firms, to establish the impact of these mechanisms on their approach to the supply market, using thematic parameters derived from the literature. The results indicate that these firms established a clear supply market strategy based on a segmentation model: e-procurement tools were used as tactical means to implement and extend that strategy towards the supply base. In addition, it was observed that tactics within defined segments are developing, as buying firms use e-procurement tools both to reduce supplier numbers and to leverage their volumes in price- competitive markets. Various propositions are offered on the key themes, summarising the findings in the paper and providing further indications for research.
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    eBusiness and supply chain integration
    (Emerald Group Publishing Ltd., 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z) Smart, Alan
    Purpose - The purpose of this study is to examine how four large organisations have approached the implementation of new eBusiness mechanisms: namely online order processing, eProcurement, reverse auctions, and a private exchange. The objectives are to establish whether supply chain integration is an identified goal for the firms involved and to evaluate the extent of integration achieved through these projects. Design/methodology/approach - A case study approach is used, with four separate cases being examined, leading to cross-case analysis and conclusions. The primary form of data collection was interviews with managers participating in the implementations. In order to measure the degree of supply chain integration pertaining in the examples, two frameworks from the literature are used. Findings - In three of the cases it is established that there is very little, or nil integration at supply chain level and only in one case is there evidence of a supply chain perspective contributing to the project. Three of the firms did not consider the supply chain implications of implementing their eBusiness applications. Research limitations/implications - The article builds on previous studies and illustrates the problems of achieving integration in the supply chain. Further research is needed to establish common attributes relating to supply chain integration. Practical implications - Three of the projects examined here were based predominantly on a business case for the implementing firm only. Firms need to be aware that IT projects by their trading partners may have supply chain cost implications for their own business. Originality/value - Whilst much of the literature propounds the need for integration, leading to extension of the supply chain concept, firms are pursuing IT implementations which are premised solely on internal benefits. The research illustrates that, if the new eBusiness mechanisms are to support wider supply chain goals, then the focal firms involved must take a more holistic view of how and why such solutions are implemented.
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    Exploring supply chain opportunities in the UK utilities sector and the supporting role of eMarketplaces
    (Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2005-09-01T00:00:00Z) Smart, Alan
    Purpose - Since the privatization of UK utilities, few studies have examined supply chain management (SCM) in the sector. This paper aims to investigate the state of development of the SCM concept and the role of the emerging internet- based electronic marketplaces in supporting this. Design/methodology/approach - Using a case study method, interviews were conducted with managers in seven UK electricity and water utilities. Areas explored are the firms' supply chain priorities, how eMarketplaces can support their supply chain goals and the barriers to adoption of eBusiness solutions. Findings - The research reveals a strong orientation in both the electricity and water industry firms towards controlling cost inputs. Consequently, their focus is on managing procurement as the primary supply chain activity. The key barriers to eBusiness adoption identified are the problem of providing genuine benefits to suppliers, and the technical difficulties of marketplace implementation. Research limitations/ implications - This is an exploratory study of the domain and further work in this area needs to focus on how utilities will develop their supply chain competences and how eBusiness solutions can support them. Originality/value - The research concludes that operators of electronic marketplaces have not yet delivered a convincing case for wider participation in management of the supply chain online. A stronger SCM orientation will need to emerge in utility firms before that can occur.
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    Exploring the business case for e-procurement
    (Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z) Smart, Alan
    Purpose – Although e-procurement has been adopted in many industries, the business case for this technology has only partially been explored in the literature. This paper aims to investigate, through a case study approach, the extent of the business case developed for e-procurement adoption in three implementations. Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs a case study method and examines three industrial firms through in-depth interviews with managers involved in the projects. The cases were presented and explored individually, followed by identification of relevant drivers and problem factors. Findings – The research identifies 18 drivers which can form the basis of a business case for e-procurement. A further 17 problem factors are presented, which have the potential to militate the original case. It is apparent that the firms involved only developed a limited case for adoption and that there is a significant element of faith that the eventual results will justify the investment. Practical implications – A framework of the business drivers for e-procurement is introduced, in the form of a multi-attribute hierarchy. This framework can assist managers to classify relevant issues in assessing and developing the case for e-procurement adoption. Originality/value – Whilst the literature offers theoretical benefits for e-procurement, the paper provides managers and researchers with empirical evidence of the drivers for this technology and of the problems encountered in implementation.
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    The role of e-procurement in purchasing management
    (Cranfield University, 2010-06) Smart, Alan; Harrison, Alan
    This exposition summarises research published in several academic articles, in order to meet the requirements of PhD by publication. The focus of the work is on the role of electronic procurement in management of the purchasing function. From the late 1990s a number of independent e-procurement mechanisms were launched which offered potential benefits such as increased order accuracy, transaction efficiency and greater integration between trading partners. At the outset of this programme of research, e-procurement was therefore an emerging phenomenon with little academic research and presented an opportunity to investigate a largely unexplored area. Edmondson and McManus (2007) suggest that for nascent, as opposed to mature areas of research, where few formal constructs or measures exist, an exploratory, qualitative approach is required. This research followed such an approach through the use of case studies, involving observation, participation and interviews with key organisational actors. Each paper makes use of several cases in order to compare and contrast results from different organisations and to draw conclusions from multi-case analysis. The published articles focus on the impact of core applications within e-procurement, including online reverse auctions, electronic marketplaces, online catalogue sites, and buying systems covering the ‘requisition to pay’ cycle. The findings from the papers address a number of core themes in purchasing management. In considering buyer-supplier relationships, it was observed that such dyads are driven by traditional buyer negotiation factors such as segmentation, power and price and that use of eprocurement applications tended to enforce such traditional behaviours. In relation to the potential for integration, the study found that integration between firms was barely affected, as the concept of integration was neither an objective nor a business case driver for e-procurement adoption. This situation reflects the finding that procurement managers pursue functional targets rather than supply chain-level objectives. However, other significant effects from e-procurement adoption were noted such as the tendency by buyers to reduce supplier numbers and a move to re-engineer the procurement function in buying firms, through automating transactional processes. The research finds that e-procurement does not have a deterministic impact on purchasing management, and that it acts as an enabler to more effective management of the function though the way its different mechanisms are deployed. The exposition establishes that e-procurement is used in relation to supply conditions which are characterised by both ‘markets’ and ‘hierarchies’, but that it is the predefined purchasing strategy of the firm, rather than available technology solutions, which determines when markets and hierarchies are used. Additionally, an original model is introduced, focusing on developing an e-procurement policy which can support strategic purchasing goals. This model extrapolates findings from stages in the research, and marries together elements from various papers and frameworks therein, to produce some guidelines for adoption of this technology.