CERES :: Browsing by Author "Wilding, Richard D."

Browsing by Author "Wilding, Richard D."

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Open Access
The 3 Ts of highly effective supply chains
(Sckc Cranfield University, 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z) Wilding, Richard D.
In recent years the recognition that the supply chain, is a source of competitive advantage has driven organisations to pursue the dual goals of achieving both value advantage and operational excellence. Customer responsiveness is generally the key differentiator in markets today. Globalisation is resulting in many organisations experiencing market pressures that are forcing a fundamental rethink of the way business is conducted. Trade- offs between for example labour costs, transportation costs, inventory costs and response time to customer are becoming increasingly complex. It is no longer seen as possible only to focus on one’s individual organisation to gain competitive advantage. It has been recognised that the success of the individual organisation is dependent on the performance and reliability of its suppliers and also customer
Open Access
Adaptation of supply management towards a hybrid culture: the case of a Japanese automaker
(Emerald, 2016-01-11) Jia, Fu; Gao, Ruihong; Lamming, Richard; Wilding, Richard D.
Purpose – This paper aims to identify problems caused by cultural differences between Japan and China that face supply chain managers by applying Japanese-style supply management practices within supply networks in China and present solutions to this problem. Design/methodology/approach – A single, longitudinal case study conducting two waves of data collection (i.e. interviews and observation) plus the collection of much archival data was performed. It goes beyond the dyad by examining supply management of a Japanese company’s supply chain up to three tiers in China. Findings – The four supply cultural differences between Japan and China, which caused the cultural clashes between JVCo and some of its suppliers were revealed and a model of adaptation of Japanese supply management to the Chinese business system was developed. Adaptation involves creating new supply management practices out of selective adaptation, innovation and change of existing Japanese and Chinese supply management practices rooted in different Japanese, Chinese and Western cultures. A list of organisational factors affecting the adaptation has also been provided. Research limitations/implications – Due to the adoption of a single case study method, caution should be given to generalising the findings to all Japanese firms. Practical implications – The Japanese, Chinese and Western managers were provided with insights on how to mitigate the problems caused by cultural differences within supply relationships in China and some innovative ideas on how managers from all three cultures could blend the elements of the three cultures to form a hybrid culture and reduce cultural clashes. Originality/value – This is one of the few attempts to study the transfer of Japanese supply management practice to China. Organizational theory (i.e. transfer of organizational practice and hybridization) is applied and provides a robust framework to explain the supply management practice. This study also answers the call for a global supplier relationship management paradigm.
Open Access
The application of complexity science to business - guest editorial.
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z) Wilding, Richard D.
Guest editorial.
Open Access
Approaches to assessing and minimizing blood wastage in the hospital and blood supply chain
(Wiley, 2017-01-27) Yates, Nicola; Wilding, Richard D.
Despite the scale of blood usage worldwide, blood remains a scarce and precious resource. As with any perishable product, careful management of inventories to minimize wastage is crucial. However, due to the nature of the supply of blood, wastage is not only an economic issue as every unit wasted, squanders the time and effort of the human donor. Blood inventory management is therefore a trade-off, ensuring 100% availability of all blood products at all times whilst minimizing wastage. Hospitals are at the front line of blood use and are the location where much blood is wasted. Inventory management practices in hospital transfusion laboratories are critical. Much of the extant literature in this area posits that good management of hospital blood inventories is due to sophisticated inventory models and algorithms. However, recent research has found that good management practices are much more important. The drivers for low wastage and good inventory management practice can be described using six key themes. Blood supply chain management is much more than managing wastage in hospitals. Proper management of the supply chain as a whole can lead to significant reductions in blood wastage. Recent research has found that methods commonly used in commercial supply chain management can lead to efficiencies in the blood supply chain context. An example of this is stock sharing or lateral transhipment of blood units close to expiry between hospitals, reducing wastage across the supply chain.
Open Access
Celebrating 35 Years of "Focus"
(The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, 2017-06-30) Wilding, Richard D.
Open Access
The challenge of providing excellent customer service
(The European Business Review, 2017-05-25) Wilding, Richard D.
Open Access
Chaos Theory: Implications for Supply Chain Management.
(MCB, 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z) Wilding, Richard D.
Since the late 1950's it has been recognized that the systems used internally within supply chains can lead to oscillations in demand and inventory as orders pass through the system. The uncertainty generated can result in late deliveries, order cancellations and an increased reliance on inventory to buffer these effects. Despite the best efforts of organizations to stabilize the dynamics generated, industry still experiences a high degree of uncertainty. The failure to significantly reduce uncertainty through traditional approaches may in part be explained by chaos theory. This paper defines deterministic chaos and demonstrates that supply chains can display some of the key characteristics of chaotic systems, namely: chaos exhibits sensitivity to initial conditions; it has Islands of Stability; generates patterns; invalidates the reductionist view; and, undermines computer accuracy. The implications for the management and design of supply chains are discussed.
Open Access
Co-opetition: the ability to co-operate and compete together
(The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, 2017-04-01) Mirzabeiki, Vahid; Humphries, Andrew; Wilding, Richard D.
In 1996, logistics professionals began to become excited about a new supply chain paradigm. Co-opetition – a combination of co-operation and competition – was the title of a best-selling business book by two American academics, Adam M Brandenburger and Barry J Nalebuff, from Harvard and Yale business schools respectively. As the name implies, the basis of the idea is collaboration between competitors, a concept that is not as bizarre as one might expect. Why? Because those businesses with supply chain challenges and requirements that will be closest to a given business’s own supply chain challenges and requirements will generally be its competitors. In the motor industry, for instance, tyre, battery and exhaust system manufacturers and distributors must deliver to the same dealerships and aftermarket retail outlets; and grocery manufacturers must deliver to the same supermarket regional distribution centres, wholesalers, and retail outlets. In such circumstances, pointed out Brandenburger and Nalebuff, co-opetition made a lot of sense. When it comes to logistics and transport, there have been fewer high-profile examples, at least in terms of direct co-opetition, as opposed to firms collaborating through the shared and co-ordinated use of a third-party logistics provider. This article explores the Co-opetition between Nestle and Pladis within logistics. Barriers and wider lessons are outlined.
Open Access
Collaboration in demand chain: a systematic review from a communication perspective
(2004-09) Qiao, Hong; Wilding, Richard D.
Collaboration is imperative in the demand chain in order to be able to share the seamless transparent information which is one of the key principals of demand chain organisations (Lee and Whang, 2001). It has been a key enabler widely accepted in demand chain literature, but most of the authors do not scientifically justify it. Since demand chain management is an emerging field of interest for academics, how collaboration works in this particular environment understandably remains under-researched. Most research on collaboration between buyer and supplier is not explicitly conducted in the competitive environment. This thesis, using the methodology of systematic review, investigates the literature of dem and chain management and collaboration from a communication perspective. The review of studies on collaboration between buyer and supplier is expected to provide insight for the study on collaboration in demand chain environment. There are 21 works included for the demand chain literature review and 25 for collaboration from a communication perspective. This systematic review of literature on demand chain management and collaboration from a communication perspective identifies seven enablers for demand chain system, among which collaboration and technology-enabled communication are two key enablers together with agility etc. This review also identifies two main themes in collaboration with communication perspective literature: communication in collaboration with buyer-supplier relationships as a communication media, and communication in collaboration with buy-supplier relationships as a social process. A holistic view of communication behaviour within buyer-supplier relationships is recommended and future work in this field is needed.
Open Access
Customer perceptions on logistics outsourcing in the European consumer goods industry
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2004-08-01T00:00:00Z) Wilding, Richard D.; Juriado, Rein
This paper investigates customer perceptions on three key logistics outsourcing decisions: why to outsource, what to outsource and how to manage satisfaction within third party logistics providers (3PLs) partnerships. In addition to an analysis of the current literature, a Europe-wide postal and telephone survey revealed that outsourcing in the consumer good industry is heavily service driven and focused on the traditional logistics functions. The key findings of the work are that cost aspects play a smaller role for outsourcing in the consumer goods industry than anticipated, and that performance measurement systems will require increased sophistication over the coming years. It was found that a considerable number of consumer goods companies admitting that soft issues, such as cultural incompatibility and poor communication, may lead to the failure of the 3PL partnership.
Open Access
The Detection and Quantification of Chaos in Supply Chains.
(1999-07-01T00:00:00Z) Wilding, Richard D.
In recent years it has become accepted that Logistics and Supply Chain systems are susceptible to uncertainty by the generation of deterministic chaos [Wilding, 1998a; Levy, 1994; Mosekilde & Larsen, 1988]. In this paper an explanation of a methodology for detecting and quantifying deterministic chaos within measured supply chain data is discussed. The paper describes the use of Lyapunov exponents [Peitgen, Jurgens, & Saupe, 1992; Wolf, 1986] and how these can be used to determine the average predictability horizon of a chaotic system [Wilding, 1997b]. This can then be used as a method of quantifying the amount of uncertainty from chaos within a system. The magnitude of the Lyapunov exponent gives a reflection of the time scale over which the dynamics of the system are predictable, so the exponent can be used to approximate the average prediction horizon of a system [Wolf et al., 1985; Shaw, 1981]. After this prediction horizon has been reached the future dynamics of the system become unforecastable. This occurs because any cause and effect relationship between current data and previous data becomes increasingly blurred and is eventually lost.
Open Access
Disruptive risk management: what makes supply chains resilient to low probability/ high impact disruptions to the inbound and outbound aspects of the supply chain? A systematic literature review
(2006-09) Richardson, Delia; Wilding, Richard D.
The business community has found itself in the predicament of first understanding and then knowing how to deal with the risk and disruptions to which it is exposed. Risk management is a well informed field in other disciplines. Supply chain risk management however, still needs to be understood and adequately practised, but seemingly, of even more urgency is disruption risk management, which as a new hot topic, is still evolving in both the academic and the practical fields. To compound the problem is the fact that not all practitioners believe that this risk actually exists and that they need to plan for it. If they believe that it exists, they still are unsure as to how to prepare for it and many still need to be convinced that money needs to be put aside to plan for and to mitigate against disruptive events. Disruptive events such as acts of nature, accidents, terrorist and non-terrorist activities can cause a breakdown in the supply chain and thus very quickly cripple the supply chain, possibly causing disruptions to the transportation, communication and information technology systems. This is indeed a critical situation given the fact that many companies have chosen efficiency over effectiveness by employing such strategies of JIT, outsourcing and single sourcing strategies (Norrman, Jansson, 2004; CLSCM 2003, Christopher 2005, Tang 2006). In effect what they have done is exposed their supply chains making them very vulnerable to disruptive events. This report then, seeks to answer what makes a resilient supply chain. To this end the author has used the systematic review process in an attempt to use evidence-based methods of scientific research (Tranfield et al., 2003) to identify, select and critically appraise relevant research. The process is so designed that the information, once discovered and developed can then be discussed and synthesized. The broad fields of literature will include Supply Chain Risk, Vulnerability, Resilience, Risk Management and Disruption Risk Management. Findings thus far indicate that resilient supply chains have seemed to evolve from business continuity planning and supply chain risk management. Additionally, they are hinged on creating a flexible and agile supply chain, having enhanced communication within the network and establishing the right company culture. Firstly, the report seeks to situate the research in the current body of knowledge. It then describes in detail the methodology employed for the research and analysis of the information. The descriptive and thematic findings are presented, followed by their synthesis, discussion and conclusion. One of the main purposes and benefits of the systematic review is that it sets the stage to allow an issue to evolve, which can then be used to frame a PhD question. To this end, the conclusion includes PhD questions that the author has found of interest and considers as good, sound and feasible for further research and analysis.
Open Access
A dynamic view of network structure and governance mechanisms : the case of a coffee sector sustainable sourcing network
(Cranfield University, 2010-04) Alvarez, Gabriela; Wilding, Richard D.
In the context of sustainable supply networks, this research analyzes the evolution of governance mechanisms and network structure, including the interplay between network conditions, context factors, positional power and managerial actions. The study reports on a longitudinal empirical research on a multi-stakeholder sustainable sourcing network established by Nespresso, Nestlé’s specialty coffee subsidiary. The research analyzes both dyadic and multi-actor network dynamics and proposes a framework to study network evolution. Social network analysis techniques are also used to measure evolution of the network’s structure and complexity as well as positional power opportunities. The research shows that in the initial start-up phase, in a context marked by uncertainty, pre-existing commercial and personal relationships were favoured in the choice of partners. These pre-existing relationships were also influential in defining the initial network structure and supporting an initial phase of exploration. Governance mechanisms initially relied mostly on informal mechanisms, while formal mechanisms were incorporated over time to enable the supply chain network to grow and to provide clarity to all actors. As the sustainability programme network expanded in size and complexity, Nespresso, the lead organization, also acted on the network’s structure by introducing regional offices, thus increasing network centralization and reducing complexity. Power derived by actors occupying central or brokerage positions in multiplex networks also influenced power relationships in the sustainability network by moderating or expanding the power opportunities available to central actors. The research has implications for both the Inter-organizational Relationship and the Social Network Theory literatures. In contrast with prior literature, the research proposes that in conditions of uncertainty, the use of informal governance mechanisms can facilitate a search and experimentation process. Formalization of governance mechanisms can be used, not as a repair mechanism, but rather as an enabler for further growth and efficiency. The research also extends the concept of network complexity and proposes that network managers can reduce this complexity by introducing or managing nodes that in turn contribute to the re-centralization of relationships towards specific nodes. Lastly, the research has implications for managers and proposes mapping of existing commercial and personal relationships as a potentially valuable tool in the creation and management of networks, adapting coordination mechanisms to the objectives of the relationship and actively managing the network’s structure as a mechanism to enable network growth and efficiency.
Open Access
E-implementation: A time-based approach to extracting value from e-business
(Sckc Cranfield University, 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z) Wilding, Richard D.
“Too many stores….get up a nice web site. They get people interested in their products, but haven’t thought about how they are going to get their products to their customers. Even when they…got online orders right, there was a 75% chance that goods wouldn’t arrive on time.” This observation was made by “Time Magazine” in December 1999. Recent experiences of the author further confirm that the dream of e-commerce is in some areas an e-nightmare. For example, an attempt to order car catalogues from five of the leading automotive manufacturers through their web-sites resulted in no response from two manufacturers, one organisation sent a catalogue for the wrong model, another sent a letter saying they did not know what catalogue was requested and would therefore send details of their complete model range (which, incidentally, never arrived). Only one organisation sent the catalogue requested.
Open Access
An explanatory theory of power in inter-organisation relationships: evidence from the aerospace and defence industry.
(Cranfield University, 2022-01) Simpson, Deborah Catherine; Wilding, Richard D.; Bourlakis, Michael
This thesis concerns the phenomenon power, heralded the most fundamental yet contested phenomenon / concept in social science. The focus is establishing the essential qualities that describe, characterize, and explain power in inter- organisation relationships (IOR-power) to inform debates on the significance of IOR-power to supply chain performance. The thesis is founded on an iterative and critical synthesis of core academic perspectives spanning 50 years and 27 practitioner perspectives obtained from three field studies, unearthing meanings and experiences attributed to IOR-power. It is argued that IOR-power standing replete with unresolved contestations has been under-theorised and under- valued in the literature and in practice. An imbued distain for IOR-power is fuelled by an untenable dichotomisation of consensual IOR-influence and coercive IOR- power – unnecessarily stripping IOR-power of much of its potency – leaving both precariously sharing the burden of explaining IOR-behaviour wherein accounts thus far are insufficient to explain IOR-outcomes of interest. Underpinned by a dialectical critical realism perspective, the main contribution is a plausible theory of IOR-power, a fundamental explanatory process building block complemented by a conceptual framework supported by evidence from the aerospace and defence industry. Advancing alignment with natural-based power, IOR-power is more comprehensively claimed to be the combination of embedded individual behaviour, human creations, and Nature, at work exploiting resources in pursuit of goal attainment – an emergent, downwardly inclusive social and natural-based process governing IOR-outcomes. Accordingly, IOR-influence is distinct from but wholly integral to IOR-power that is rendered situated, negotiated, and indeterminate. IOR-power is conferred its full weight in explaining IOR-performance across economic, social, and environmental domains rendering adopted perspective and attribution salient in IOR-power accounts. The only antithesis of IOR-power is IOR-powerlessness wherein empowerment and disempowerment stand as theoretical bridges.
Open Access
Extending the decision-making capabilities in remanufacturing service contracts by using symbiotic simulation
(Elsevier, 2019-07-04) Silva Teixeira, Evandro Leonardo; Tjahjono, Benny; Absi Alfaro, Sadek Crisóstomo; Wilding, Richard D.
Remanufacturing is a critical enabler of a resource efficient manufacturing industry that has long been associated with high value products. Over time, the commercial relationship between customers and service providers has been made through the fulfilment of rights and obligations under remanufacturing service contracts. Nonetheless, financial analysis to evaluate the contract terms and conditions are becoming increasingly difficult to conduct due to complex decision problems inherent in remanufacturing systems. In order to achieve better and safer decision-making to shape the business strategies, remanufacturers often employ computer-based simulation tools to assess contractual obligations and customers’ needs. This paper discusses the roles of a symbiotic simulation system (SSS) in supporting decision-making in remanufacturing systems. An industrial case study of power transformer remanufacturing illustrates how SSS can support contract remanufacturers in managing service contracts planning and execution. By linking the simulation model to the physical system, it has been demonstrated that the capabilities of the remanufacturers to make critical decisions throughout the entire service contract period can be extended.
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
Global Transactions: Managing Risks in Global Sourcing
(2006-10-19T00:00:00Z) Wilding, Richard D.; Braithwaite, Alan
The policy of global sourcing is a strategic imperative for many businesses; it has raised the competitive ‘bar’ to the point where it has become a qualifier for survival rather than a competitive edge in its own right. There has been huge investment to secure low unit costs through the chain and drive volume and margin simultaneously. The low wage areas of Asia have attracted high labour content work from garments to computers to consumer products to engineer
Open Access
Global Transactions: Managing Risks in Global Sourcing
(2006-01-01T00:00:00Z) Wilding, Richard D.; Braithwaite, Alan
The policy of global sourcing is a strategic imperative for many businesses; it has raised the competitive ‘bar’ to the point where it has become a qualifier for survival rather than a competitive edge in its own right. The authors examine how a sophisticated implementation of such policies can provide sustainable competitive advant
Open Access
The journey toward omni-channel retailing
(The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, 2016-12-31) Saghiri, Soroosh; Wilding, Richard D.
The article informs that shifting in omni-channel retailing will increase sales in bricks-and-mortar retailers, and will enable them to compete with electronic commerce firms. Topics discussed include need of changing marketing based descriptions to operational explanations, improving of customer buying process along with customer overall interaction with a retailer, and providing features such as comparison shopping and transparent availability visibility.