A Systematic Literature Review of Flexible E-Procurement Marketplace
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paper_title: Business strategy, human resources, labour market flexibility and competitive advantage

paper_content:

N.B. Professor Michie was based at Birmingham Business School when this article was first published. The full-text of this article is not available in ORA at this time. Citation: Michie, J. & Sheehan, M. (2005). 'Business strategy, human resources, labour market flexibility and competitive advantage', International Journal of Human Resource Management, 16(3), 445-464. [Available at http://www.informaworld.com/openurl?genre=article&issn=0958%2d5192&volume=16&issue=3&spage=445].
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paper_title: Manufacturing flexibility and business strategy: An empirical study of small and medium sized firms

paper_content:

Abstract This study investigates the practice of manufacturing flexibility in small and medium sized firms. Using the data collected from 87 firms from machinery and machine tool industries in Taiwan, we analyzed and prescribed the alignment of various manufacturing flexibility dimensions with business strategies. Several practical approaches to developing manufacturing flexibility in small and medium sized firms were discussed. In addition, statistical results indicate that the compatibility between business strategy and manufacturing flexibility is critical to business performance. The one-to-one relationship between business strategy and manufacturing flexibility is established to enable managers to set clear priorities in investing and developing necessary manufacturing flexibility.
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paper_title: A strategic analysis of electronic marketplaces

paper_content:

Information systems can serve as intermediaries between the buyers and the sellers in a vertical market, thus creating an "electronic marketplace" A major impact of these electronic market systems is that they typically reduce the search costs buyers must pay to obtain information about the prices and product offerings available in the market. Economic theory suggests that this reduction in search costs plays a major role in determining the implications of these systems for market efficiency and competitive behavior. This article draws on economic models of search and examines how prices, seller profits, and buyer welfare are affected by reducing search costs in commodity and differentiated markets. This reduction results in direct efficiency gains from reduced intermediation costs and in indirect but possibly larger gains in allocational efficiency from better-informed buyers. Because electronic market systems generally reduce buyers' search costs, they ultimately increase the efficiency of interorganizational transactions, in the process affecting the market power of buyers and sellers. The economic characteristics of electronic marketplaces, in addition to their ability to reduce search costs, create numerous possibilities for the strategic use of these systems.
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paper_title: Migrating Agile Methods to Standardized Development Practice

paper_content:

Situated process and quality frameworks offer a way to resolve the tensions that arise when introducing agile methods into standardized software development engineering. For these to be successful, however, organizations must grasp the opportunity to reintegrate software development management, theory, and practice.
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paper_title: Motives for e-marketplace Participation: Differences and Similarities between Buyers and Suppliers

paper_content:

The motivation of suppliers as well as buyers for e-marketplace participation is closely linked to the perceived outcome of participation, not only in terms of the benefits of joining an e-marketplace, but also in terms of the possible consequences of not joining. The key issue, therefore, is why organizations decide to buy and/or sell goods or services in e-marketplaces. We develop a theoretical framework for the categorization of motivational factors, resulting in four different types of motives. We then apply the framework to a dataset consisting of 41 case studies covering 20 industries in 12 countries. We conclude that buyers and suppliers have different motives for engaging in e-marketplace activities. Although e-marketplaces are a way of increasing the efficiency of supply chain activities, this is not necessarily done with the sole aim of exploiting suppliers: buyers also use e-marketplaces to find new or alternative suppliers. Similarly, even though demands from existing customers have spurred th...
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paper_title: Electronic marketplaces and price transparency: strategy, information technology, and success

paper_content:

Electronic marketplaces (EMPs) are widely assumed to increase price transparency and hence lower product prices. Results of empirical studies have been mixed, with several studies showing that product prices have not decreased and others showing that prices have increased in some cases. One explanation is that sellers prefer not to join EMPs with high price transparency, leading highly price transparent EMPs to fail. Therefore, in order to be successful, EMPs might be expected to avoid high price transparency. But that strategy creates a catch-22 for EMPs on the buy side: Why would buyers want to join EMPs in the absence of price transparency and the benefit of lower prices? We argue that successful EMPs must provide compensatory benefits for sellers in the case of high price transparency and for buyers in the case of low price transparency. ::: ::: To understand how EMPs could succeed, regardless of price transparency, we examined the relationships among EMP strategy, price transparency, and performance by analyzing all 19 EMPs that compete by selling a broad range of standard electronics components. We found that all EMPs pursuing a low cost strategy had high price transparency and performed poorly. All EMPs that performed well pursued strategies of differentiation, but, interestingly, not all successful EMPs avoided price transparency: Some EMPs succeeded despite enabling high price transparency. We therefore examined two differentiated EMPs in greater depth-one with high price transparency, the other with low price transparency-to show how they achieved strategic alignment of activities and resources and provided compensatory benefits for their customers.
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paper_title: Electronic marketplaces: A literature review and a call for supply chain management research

paper_content:

Abstract These days, Internet-based electronic marketplaces (EMs) are getting more and more popular. They emerge in different industries, supporting the exchange of goods and services of different kinds, with and for different types of actors, and are following different architectural principles. Most observers have assumed that EM would come to dominate the e-business landscape. Once you look beyond the publicity, however, you quickly see that most EMs are struggling. The supply chain dimension of an EM is largely neglected and poorly managed, while basic logistics operation is currently hampering turnover and revenues. The Paper at hand examines, based on a critical literature review, the actual EM discussion and calls for more supply chain management research within this field.
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paper_title: A Study of the Value and Impact of B2B E-Commerce: The Case of Web-Based Procurement

paper_content:

Web-enabled business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce enhances interorganizational coordination, resulting in transaction cost savings and competitive sourcing opportunities for the buyer organization. However, organizations are uncertain whether this is an improvement over existing information technology, such as EDI. In particular, what is the value of B2B e-commerce to a buyer organization, and how can it be measured? What factors most affect the realization of the value of B2B e-commerce? Using the case of Web-based B2B procurement systems, a framework is proposed to quantify and measure the value of B2B e-commerce systems and identify the factors that determine it. The methodology is applied to help a major heavy-equipment manufacturer located in the midwestern United States evaluate the potential of its Web-based procurement system. The preliminary results indicate that, even though all stages of B2B procurement are affected by the Web, the value of Web-based procurement is most determined by the process characteristics, organization of business units, and the "extended enterprise."
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paper_title: Multi-Criteria Markets: An Exploratory Study of Market Process Design

paper_content:

This paper explores market process design for multi-criteria markets using the electronic market process design work of Ribbers et al. (2002) and Kambil and van Heck (1998). The study utilizes a case study of a market intermediary in the utilities sector to examine how multi-criteria markets differ from price-only alternatives. The study reveals significant differences in the role of the intermediary in the operation of multi-criteria markets, as well as marked differences in market process design in the areas of authentication, product representation and communications/computing. We conclude that these differences represent a fundamental shift in B2B procurement relationships from those described by Kaplan and Sawhney (2000) towards strategic sourcing.
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paper_title: A Descriptive Content Analysis of Trust-Building Measures in B2B Electronic Marketplaces

paper_content:

Because business-to-business (B2B) electronic marketplaces (e-marketplaces) facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers, they strive to foster a trustworthy trading environment with a variety of trust-building measures. However, little research has been undertaken to explore trust-building measures used in B2B e-marketplaces, or to determine to what extent these measures are applied in B2B e-marketplaces and how they are applied. Based on reviews of the scholarly, trade, and professional literature on trust in electronic commerce, we identified 11 trustbuilding measures used to create trust in B2B e-marketplaces. Zucker’s trust production theory [1986] was applied to understand how these trust-building measures will enhance participants’ trust in buyers and sellers in B2B e-marketplaces or in B2B e-marketplace providers. A descriptive content analysis of 100 B2B e-marketplaces was conducted to survey the current usage of the 11 trust-building measures. Many of the trust-building measures were found to be widely used in the B2B e-marketplaces. However, although they were proven to be effective in building trust-related beliefs in online business environments, several institutional-based trustbuilding measures, such as escrow services, insurance and third-party assurance seals, are not widely used in B2B e-marketplaces.
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paper_title: Online reverse auctions and their role in buyer–supplier relationships

paper_content:

Abstract Despite the move in recent years towards supplier partnerships, buying firms need at times to make use of competitive procurement strategies for certain purchases. This study examines the impact of reverse auctions on buyer–supplier relationships through six case studies, analysing primarily the supplier perspective through participant interviews. The authors identify that there are potential benefits for both parties in a reverse auction, which can offer tendering and transactional cost advantages. For buyers, it offers a competitive procurement process. The effect on relationships will depend on the extent to which buyers employ the auction as a price weapon, or whether it is used primarily as a process improvement tool.
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paper_title: Adoption of e-procurement and participation of e-marketplace on firm performance: Trust as a moderator

paper_content:

Today, IT has a major influence on commercial activities, accelerating the adoption of e-procurement and e-marketplace participation in many industries. We examined firm motivations for adopting e-procurement for their operations in thee-marketplace and measured their performance to assess its benefits. Trust was considered as a moderating variable between the relationship of e-procurement adoption and e-marketplace participation. A two-stage analysis, including both a qualitative and quantitative approach, was applied. Hypotheses were developed and a model constructed. A research questionnaire was developed and distributed followed by data analysis and testing. The results showed that firms that adopted e-procurement were more likely to participate in the e-marketplace and that the firm's performance was enhanced after such participation. Trust was shown to have a moderating effect upon firm willingness to adopt e-procurement when it was considering participation in the e-marketplace.
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paper_title: Organizational Buyers' Adoption and Use of B2B Electronic Marketplaces: Efficiency-and Legitimacy-Oriented Perspectives

paper_content:

Despite the significant opportunities to transform the way that organizations conduct trading activities, few studies have investigated the impetus for organizational strategic moves toward business-to-business (B2B) electronic marketplaces. Drawing on transaction cost theory and institutional theory, this paper identifies two groups of factors-efficiency-and legitimacy-oriented factors, respectively-that can influence organizational buyers' initial adoption of, and the level of participation in, B2B e-marketplaces. The effects of these factors on initial adoption of and participation level in B2B e-marketplaces are empirically tested with data collected, respectively, from 98 potential adopter and 85 current adopter organizations. The results of a partial least squares analysis of the data indicate that the two groups of factors exhibit different patterns in explaining initial adoption in the preadoption period and participation level in the postadoption period. Specifically, all three of the efficiency-oriented factors investigated in this study-product characteristics, demand uncertainty, and market volatility-and their subconstructs exhibit a significant influence on adoption intent or participation level, or both. The results demonstrate that two legitimacy-oriented factors-mimetic pressures and normative pressures-and their subconstructs have a significant impact on adoption intent, but not on participation level. Our findings also indicate that clearly different patterns exist between the two groups of factors in explaining adoption intent and participation level.
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paper_title: Configurable offers and winner determination in multi-attribute auctions

paper_content:

Abstract The theory of procurement auctions traditionally assumes that the offered quantity and quality is fixed prior to source selection. Multi-attribute reverse auctions allow negotiation over price and qualitative attributes such as color, weight, or delivery time. They promise higher market efficiency through a more effective information exchange of buyer’s preferences and supplier’s offerings. This paper focuses on a number of winner determination problems in multi-attribute auctions. Previous work assumes that multi-attribute bids are described as attribute value pairs and that the entire demand is purchased from a single supplier. Our contribution is twofold: First, we will analyze the winner determination problem in case of multiple sourcing. Second, we will extend the concept of multi-attribute auctions to allow for configurable offers. Configurable offers enable suppliers to specify multiple values and price markups for each attribute. In addition, suppliers can define configuration and discount rules in form of propositional logic statements. These extensions provide suppliers with more flexibility in the specification of their bids and allow for an efficient information exchange among market participants. We will present MIP formulations for the resulting allocation problems and an implementation.
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paper_title: A framework for analyzing flexibility of generic objects

paper_content:

Flexibility is a loosely defined term used in a number of application areas with different and frequently contradicting views. In this paper, adopting as a starting point the use of the term in the manufacturing and information systems domains, we present a framework for the examination of generic objects utilizing cloud diagrams. We first portray the potential flexibility of a designed object and then its actual flexibility expressing its ability to adapt to changes. Examples of its use illustrate the ideas and their application. We believe that this research will be helpful in offering guidelines to designers of new systems where flexibility is important.
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paper_title: Manufacturing flexibility and business strategy: An empirical study of small and medium sized firms

paper_content:

Abstract This study investigates the practice of manufacturing flexibility in small and medium sized firms. Using the data collected from 87 firms from machinery and machine tool industries in Taiwan, we analyzed and prescribed the alignment of various manufacturing flexibility dimensions with business strategies. Several practical approaches to developing manufacturing flexibility in small and medium sized firms were discussed. In addition, statistical results indicate that the compatibility between business strategy and manufacturing flexibility is critical to business performance. The one-to-one relationship between business strategy and manufacturing flexibility is established to enable managers to set clear priorities in investing and developing necessary manufacturing flexibility.
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paper_title: A framework for the selection of electronic marketplaces : a content analysis approach

paper_content:

Although there has recently been an increased practitioner and media focus on electronic marketplaces, there still remains confusion over the advantages of participation. As a consequence organisations are finding difficulty in developing strategies, policies and procedures in relation to the e‐marketplace selection process. In some cases due to the dynamic and evolving environment of electronic trading, there can be a reluctance on the part of buyers and suppliers to participate in e‐marketplaces. Several classification models offer assessments of which type of marketplace are most suitable for different procurement purposes, but they fail to remain relevant in this dynamically changing environment. In this paper a content analysis of research and practitioner articles is carried out to evaluate the issues that prospective participants, seeking to purchase goods and services online, need to address in their selection process. A framework to support electronic marketplace related decision making is proposed, which is based within the contexts of business drivers, internal company issues and e‐marketplace facilitators.
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paper_title: A framework for the sustainability of e‐marketplaces

paper_content:

Electronic marketplaces have promised many benefits to participants, and hence have aroused considerable interest in the business community. However, the failure of some marketplaces and the success of others have led business managers to question which marketplaces will be successful in the future, and even whether the entire idea is viable. This question is particularly pressing for those considering sponsoring or participating in a marketplace. This exploratory study seeks to address these issues by proposing a framework of the factors that help explain the sustainability of e‐marketplaces. The framework proposed is based upon the findings of interviews carried out with 14 managers based in 11 companies active in the field of e‐marketplaces, and findings from the current literature from this domain. The framework proposed identifies seven factors that can be categorised according to three levels of influence, i.e. the macroeconomic/regulatory level, the industry level, and the firm level. Further work to validate the proposed framework would provide practitioners with additional insight to apply to their e‐marketplace strategies.
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paper_title: A strategic analysis of electronic marketplaces

paper_content:

Information systems can serve as intermediaries between the buyers and the sellers in a vertical market, thus creating an "electronic marketplace" A major impact of these electronic market systems is that they typically reduce the search costs buyers must pay to obtain information about the prices and product offerings available in the market. Economic theory suggests that this reduction in search costs plays a major role in determining the implications of these systems for market efficiency and competitive behavior. This article draws on economic models of search and examines how prices, seller profits, and buyer welfare are affected by reducing search costs in commodity and differentiated markets. This reduction results in direct efficiency gains from reduced intermediation costs and in indirect but possibly larger gains in allocational efficiency from better-informed buyers. Because electronic market systems generally reduce buyers' search costs, they ultimately increase the efficiency of interorganizational transactions, in the process affecting the market power of buyers and sellers. The economic characteristics of electronic marketplaces, in addition to their ability to reduce search costs, create numerous possibilities for the strategic use of these systems.
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paper_title: Business models for Internet-based e-procurement systems and B2B electronic markets: an exploratory assessment

paper_content:

Information technology (IT) has long been applied to support the exchange of goods, services and information between organizations. It is with the advent of Internet-based e-procurement systems and business-to-business (B2B) electronic markets that the real opportunities for online transactions have opened up across space and over time. The authors draw on IS and economics theory to investigate the motivation for the various online business models, and the adoption requirements of purchasing firms, through the examination of a set of mini-cases. Our exploratory study finds that private aggregating and negotiating mechanisms are being adopted for large quantity business supply purchases, while public market mechanisms are more often adopted when firms face uncertain and high variance demand. Moreover, market facilitation, expertise sharing and collaboration are gradually attracting more attention, and call for future investigation.
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paper_title: Reshaping It for Business Flexibility

paper_content:

From the Publisher: ::: Dealing with the issues surrounding the growing need for IT and business integration, this text takes a detailed look at the concepts, developments and "waves of change" in each area. These ideas are then drawn together in a practical synthesis, enabling the reader to create an IT architecture. The emphasis is on practical details and guidelines, reflecting the authors' experience of large organizations.
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paper_title: On the critical success factors for B2B e-marketplace

paper_content:

B2B e-marketplaces have a profound influence on the traditional market and on the way business is conducted. All kinds of e-marketplaces are emerging and developing now, and we have witnessed both successes and failures among these e-marketplaces. However, the failures are far outnumber the successes. Under this background, the paper discusses the critical success factors for operating e-marketplaces from different perspectives. It is shown that the core of e-marketplaces is to build liquidity and capture value. Based on these analyses, comprehensive critical factors including functional factors, strategic factors and technical Factors are discussed for the success of electronic marketplaces; then a tentative framework for the analysis on the critical success factors is proposed.
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paper_title: Assessing the benefits from e-business transformation through effective enterprise management

paper_content:

This paper reports on research carried out in 1999-2001 on the use of e-business applications in enterprise resource planning (ERR)-based organisations. Multiple structured interviews were used to collect data on 11 established organisations from a diverse range of industries. The findings are analysed according to the level of sophistication of e-business models and their transformational impact on the organisation. Early adopters of e-business show a trend towards cost reductions and administrative efficiencies from e-procurement and self-service applications used by customers and employees. More mature users focus on strategic advantage and generate this through an evolutionary model of organisational change. Two complex case studies of e-business integration with global suppliers and their corporate customers are analysed to identify specific stages of benefits accrual through the e-business transformation process. Collectively, the set of case studies is used to demonstrate the increased benefits derived from an e-business architecture based on a network of ERP-enabled organisations.
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paper_title: Online reverse auctions and their role in buyer–supplier relationships

paper_content:

Abstract Despite the move in recent years towards supplier partnerships, buying firms need at times to make use of competitive procurement strategies for certain purchases. This study examines the impact of reverse auctions on buyer–supplier relationships through six case studies, analysing primarily the supplier perspective through participant interviews. The authors identify that there are potential benefits for both parties in a reverse auction, which can offer tendering and transactional cost advantages. For buyers, it offers a competitive procurement process. The effect on relationships will depend on the extent to which buyers employ the auction as a price weapon, or whether it is used primarily as a process improvement tool.
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paper_title: A cross-industry review of B2B critical success factors

paper_content:

Business‐to‐business international Internet marketing (B2B IIM) has emerged as one of the key drivers in sustaining an organisation’s competitive advantage. However, market entry and communication via the Internet have affected the dynamics and traditional process in B2B commerce. Difficulties resulting from these new trends have been cited in the literature. Research into identifying what are the critical success factors for global market entry is rare. This research presents a comprehensive review in this field. The study identified 21 critical success factors applicable to most of the B2B IIM. These factors were classified into five categories: marketing strategy, Web site, global, internal and external related factors. The significance, importance and implications for each category are discussed and then recommendations are made.
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paper_title: A conceptual model of supply chain flexibility

paper_content:

This paper presents an integrated conceptual model of supply chain flexibility. It examines flexibility classification schemes and the commonalities of flexibility typologies published in the literature to create a theoretical foundation for analyzing the components of supply chain flexibility. Even though there has been a tremendous amount of research on the topic of flexibility, most of it has been confined to intra‐firm flexibility concerns. As supply chain management goes beyond a firm’s boundaries, the flexibility strategies must also extend beyond the firm. This paper identifies the cross‐enterprise nature of supply chain flexibility and the need to improve flexibility measures across firms. Opportunities are identified for future cross‐functional research that builds on this theoretical foundation and leads to more effective formulation of supply chain strategies.
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paper_title: Organizational Buyers' Adoption and Use of B2B Electronic Marketplaces: Efficiency-and Legitimacy-Oriented Perspectives

paper_content:

Despite the significant opportunities to transform the way that organizations conduct trading activities, few studies have investigated the impetus for organizational strategic moves toward business-to-business (B2B) electronic marketplaces. Drawing on transaction cost theory and institutional theory, this paper identifies two groups of factors-efficiency-and legitimacy-oriented factors, respectively-that can influence organizational buyers' initial adoption of, and the level of participation in, B2B e-marketplaces. The effects of these factors on initial adoption of and participation level in B2B e-marketplaces are empirically tested with data collected, respectively, from 98 potential adopter and 85 current adopter organizations. The results of a partial least squares analysis of the data indicate that the two groups of factors exhibit different patterns in explaining initial adoption in the preadoption period and participation level in the postadoption period. Specifically, all three of the efficiency-oriented factors investigated in this study-product characteristics, demand uncertainty, and market volatility-and their subconstructs exhibit a significant influence on adoption intent or participation level, or both. The results demonstrate that two legitimacy-oriented factors-mimetic pressures and normative pressures-and their subconstructs have a significant impact on adoption intent, but not on participation level. Our findings also indicate that clearly different patterns exist between the two groups of factors in explaining adoption intent and participation level.
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paper_title: Building trust in business-to-business electronic marketplaces

paper_content:

Although the concept of trust has been studied in many areas, the trust building strategies of business to business electronic marketplaces are not well studied. This paper analyzed the impact of B2B EMs on trust, and proposed a three dimensional trust building strategy for EMs, including inter-organizational trust between intermediaries and participants, between buyers and sellers, and man machines trust between precipitants and servers. This paper has important managerial implications for B2B EM operators.
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paper_title: A framework for analyzing flexibility of generic objects

paper_content:

Flexibility is a loosely defined term used in a number of application areas with different and frequently contradicting views. In this paper, adopting as a starting point the use of the term in the manufacturing and information systems domains, we present a framework for the examination of generic objects utilizing cloud diagrams. We first portray the potential flexibility of a designed object and then its actual flexibility expressing its ability to adapt to changes. Examples of its use illustrate the ideas and their application. We believe that this research will be helpful in offering guidelines to designers of new systems where flexibility is important.
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paper_title: Relating strategy and structure to flexible automation: A test of fit and performance implications

paper_content:

This study analyzed various strategy and structure choices to determine their fit relationship with flexible automation (FA). 1Using the moderator hypothesis, we proposed that the more strategy and structure choices complemented FA's competences, the higher would be the performance impact of FA. Data from 87 FA users indicate that quality and flexibility strategies, described as complementary to FA's strengths, interact positively with FA. Low cost strategy, described as conflicting with FA, interacts negatively. Organic structure, viewed as complementary to FA, has only main effects whereas a mechanistic structure interacts negatively. At the manufacturing level, skill diversity and team approaches, considered as complementary to FA, interact positively. While a subgroup analysis of high-low performers lends additional support to these relationships, analysis of industry subgroups indicates that some relationships are industry specific. We discuss the implications of these findings for research and practice.
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paper_title: Flexibility as Process Mobility: The Management of Plant Capabilities for Quick Response Manufacturing

paper_content:

This paper examines the relationship between one form of manufacturing flexibility - operational mobility (or the ability to change quickly between products) - and structure, infrastructure and managerial policy at the plant level. Using data from a broader study aimed at exploring the general sources of manufacturing flexibility, the paper provides evidence of the strength of the links between manufacturing flexibility and such factors as scale, technology vintage, computer integration and workforce management. There has been little empirical work on this subject, partly as a result of the difficulties of defining and measuring flexibility. The type of flexibility explored in this paper is specifically the capability of a plant to change between process states quickly. I find that most of the variance in flexibility across plants can be explained by a combination of structural factors, such as the scale of the plant; infrastructural factors, such as the length of service of the operators; and measures of managerial emphasis, such as the perceived importance of making quick changeovers. Of these factors, I find that the scale of a plant does not strongly inhibit its flexibility and that computer integration is either insignificant or detrimental to the flexibility of a plant. Workforce characteristics are also important determinants of flexibility, and the results suggest that less experienced operators may be more flexible in their ability to make certain types of change quickly between products. A strong determinant of the flexibility of a plant is the extent to which operators perceive managers to have emphasized the importance of various performance dimensions. Finally, I show that different forms of flexibility are not necessarily related to each other. This emphasizes the importance of identifying precisely the particular type of flexibility that is to be developed when building manufacturing capabilities.
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paper_title: The flexibility of manufacturing systems

paper_content:

Many of the new pressures from today's manufacturing environment are turning manufacturing managers' attention to the virtues of developing a flexible manufacturing function. Flexibility, however, has different meanings for different managers and several perfectly legitimate alternative paths exist towards flexible manufacturing. How managers in ten companies view manufacturing flexibility in terms of how they see the contribution of manufacturing flexibility to overall company performance; what types of flexibility they regard as important; and what their desired degree of flexibility is. The results of the investigations in these ten companies are summarised in the form of ten empirical “observations”. Based on these “observations” a check‐list of prescriptions is presented and a hierarchical framework developed into which the various issues raised by the “observations” can be incorporated.
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paper_title: A theoretical framework for analyzing the dimensions of manufacturing flexibility

paper_content:

Abstract The competitive environment of today has generated an increased interest in flexibility as a response mechanism. While the potential benefits of flexibility are familiar, the concept of flexibility itself is not well-understood. Neither practitioners nor academics agree upon, or know, how flexibility can be gauged or measured in its totality. Consequently, this study seeks to provide a framework for understanding this complex concept and to create a theoretical foundation for the development of generalizable measures for manufacturing flexibility. With this objective in mind, we first critically examine diverse streams of literature to define four constituent elements of flexibility: range-number (R-N), range-heterogeneity (R-H), mobility (M), and uniformity (U). The R-H element is new, and has not been proposed before in prior literature. These four elements can be applied to consistently define different types or dimensions of flexibility. Definitions for 10 flexibility dimensions pertaining to manufacturing are thus obtained. These definitions serve a dual purpose. First, they capture the domain of flexibility. Second, we show in this study how these definitions can be used to generate scale items, thereby facilitating the development of generalizable manufacturing flexibility measures. Several research avenues that can be explored once such measures are developed are also highlighted.
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paper_title: Making manufacturing flexibility operational – part 2 : distinctions and an example

paper_content:

Structures the concept of flexibility by making clear distinctions in three generic dimensions, describes the use of the framework for manufacturing flexibility by working through a concrete example. The framework was presented in “Making manufacturing flexibility operational – part 1: a framework”, IMS, Vol. 6 No. 2. Makes distinctions between the concept of flexibility in the three generic dimensions: utilized flexibility versus potential flexibility, external flexibility versus internal flexibility, and requested flexibility versus replied flexibility. The framework makes a clear distinction between the internal and the external factors impinging on the company, and brings together the market demand for flexibility, the characteristics of the production system, and the flexibility of the suppliers. Furthermore, pursues the connection from the strategic level to the single resource characteristics in the production system. Using the framework as a systematization for handling flexibility related issues in companies, can be especially useful for managers.
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paper_title: Process range in manufacturing: an empirical study of flexibility

paper_content:

This paper examines the relationship between one form of manufacturing flexibility---process range---and structure, infrastructure, and managerial policy at the plant level. The paper provides evidence of the strength of the links between manufacturing flexibility and such factors as scale, technology vintage, computer integration, and workforce management. Data from 54 plants in the fine-paper industry are presented, and a model of the determinants of short-term flexibility is developed. The plants examined differed by a factor of 20 in their ability to accommodate large process variation. The evidence suggests that flexibility is strongly negatively related to scale and degree of computer integration, yet positively related to newer vintages of mechanical technology and workforce experience. Some results differ significantly from the prevailing view of the industry, in particular, that newer plants are less flexible. The paper shows that newer machine technology is more flexible once other factors are controlled for. In the longer term, the results show that management has a significant impact on the improvement of flexibility in operations, regardless of the technology and infrastructure in place. Plant network managers' views of flexibility are important. The data suggest that inflexible plants may be inflexible partly as a result of their being considered inflexible by network managers, and never being assigned the product range needed to improve the capability.
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paper_title: Flexibility in Manufacturing: A Survey

paper_content:

This article is an attempt to survey the vast literature on flexibility in manufacturing that has accumulated over the last 10 to 20 years. The survey begins with a brief review of the classical literature on flexibility in economics and organization theory, which provides a background for manufacturing flexibility. Several kinds of flexibilities in manufacturing are then defined carefully along with their purposes, the means to obtain them, and some suggested measurements and valuations. Then we examine the interrelationships among the several flexibilities. Various empirical studies and analytical/optimization models dealing with these flexibilities are reported and discussed. The article concludes with suggestions for some possible future research directions.
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paper_title: The flexibility of production processes: a general framework

paper_content:

Various models have been developed over the years to analyze the many facets of the flexibility of production and operations systems. This paper proposes a general framework for the modeling and analysis of flexibility. The argument hinges upon the distinction between flexibility---a property of the technology---and diversity---a property of the environment in which the technology is operated. Flexibility is characterized as a hedge against diversity. Intuitive strategic properties that are conventionally attributed to flexibility are shown to follow directly from this framework. As illustrated by the different examples that are discussed, many existing models can be naturally interpreted in this context. As an application, the effect of load imbalance on a set of parallel machines is analyzed. The problem sheds light on the role of flexibility in queuing network and lot-sizing models of production.
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paper_title: Managing the Flexibility of Flexible Manufacturing Systems for Competitive Edge

paper_content:

Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) are believed to be a major means for improving both production flexibility and productivity. If well managed, FMS can be a formidable competitive weapon for manufacturing firms. However, there exists confusion concerning how to define the concept of flexibility. One result is the misconception that flexibility may cause the decline of productivity. This paper reviews the existing studies on flexibility and presents a “flexibility map” which clarifies the relationship between various flexibility concepts and measures. This map also provides a foundation for exploring the issue of how flexibility can contribute to the firm’s competitiveness. We further point out the importance of a Total System Flexibility (TSF) concept which considers two important flexibility factors: quickness of response to a change and economic response to the change. A numerical example of routing flexibility is used to demonstrate how flexibility can enhance the competitive or strategic value of FMS. Indeed, total system flexibility can increase rather than reduce productivity, and therefore enhance the firm’s competitiveness.
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paper_title: On measurement and valuation of manufacturing flexibility

paper_content:

Abstract The concept of flexibility has been a recurring theme in recent manufacturing literature. Manufacturing flexibility is widely acclaimed as a formidable competitive weapon in the arsenal of any manufacturing firm. Yet critical underpinnings of this concept are not well understood despite efforts by various researchers to classify different flexibility types in order to facilitate its measurement and valuation. This paper examines reasons why measurement of flexibility has remained difficult. It proposes that any measure must inevitably depend on factors such as the degree of uncertainty in the environment, management objectives, machine capabilities and configuration (control). Therefore it advocates surrogate measures such as the value of flexibility. A model illustrating how flexibility might be measured and its appropriate level chosen, in a specific scenario, is presented. Numerical examples reveal additional insights that might be useful to firms with characteristics that match those of the m...
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paper_title: Manufacturing flexibility: a strategic perspective

paper_content:

To help meet competitive realities operations managers need to know more about the strategic aspects of manufacturing flexibility. This paper takes steps toward meeting that need by critically reviewing the literature and establishing a research agenda for the area. A conceptual model, which places flexibility within a broad context, helps to identify certain assumptions of theoretical studies which need to be challenged. The model also provides a basis for identifying specific flexibility dimensions. The manner in which these dimensions may limit the effectiveness of a manufacturing process, and the problems in operationalizing them are discussed. Focusing next on the neglected area of applied work, concepts are presented for analyzing whether desired amounts of flexibility are being achieved and whether the potential for flexibility built into a manufacturing process is being tapped. Once more, a procedure is outlined for altering a plant's types and amounts of flexibility over time. The research agenda, which grows out of the appraisal of theoretical and applied work, indicates the value in studying generic flexibility strategies, the flexibility dimensions, methods of delivery, ways of evaluating and changing a process's flexibility, and above all measurement problems. The conclusions indicate principles for strategic research, some of which have relevance for the development of mathematical models.
---
paper_title: Flexibility configurations for the supply chain management

paper_content:

Abstract Facing a dynamic and complex environment, networked companies often require the coordination of many plants, which produce and deliver goods to customers located in different places, and suppliers, which provide each plant with the required components. A way to optimize the product flows in supply chains (SCs) is to adopt the concept of limited flexibility , that is a particular configuration of product assignments to plants and components to suppliers which can yield many benefits without dramatically increasing the flexibility costs. In this paper, a simulation model is proposed to evaluate the performance of different configurations of a SC. In particular, based on a work-in-process and time performance analysis, the different configurations are analyzed in order to support the selection of suitable flexibility degrees of the operations network.
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paper_title: A survey and critical review of flexibility measures in manufacturing systems

paper_content:

Abstract Flexibility of manufacturing systems is currently under intensive study, and the need for objective measurement of this important characteristic is widely expressed. Measurement of manufacturing flexibility is being increasingly discussed in the literature on manufacturing systems. This paper surveys the literature dealing with quantification of certain types of flexibility, analyses the proposed measures, and presents critical views. Approaches to developing flexibility measures are compiled and classified. Discussion on the suitability of specific measures is provided. Requirements of flexibility measures and recommendations for future research in this area are also provided.
---
paper_title: A conceptual model of supply chain flexibility

paper_content:

This paper presents an integrated conceptual model of supply chain flexibility. It examines flexibility classification schemes and the commonalities of flexibility typologies published in the literature to create a theoretical foundation for analyzing the components of supply chain flexibility. Even though there has been a tremendous amount of research on the topic of flexibility, most of it has been confined to intra‐firm flexibility concerns. As supply chain management goes beyond a firm’s boundaries, the flexibility strategies must also extend beyond the firm. This paper identifies the cross‐enterprise nature of supply chain flexibility and the need to improve flexibility measures across firms. Opportunities are identified for future cross‐functional research that builds on this theoretical foundation and leads to more effective formulation of supply chain strategies.
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paper_title: Flexibility in logistic systems--modeling and performance evaluation

paper_content:

Abstract This paper examines potential benefits of flexibility in logistic systems. It briefly reviews flexibility concepts and existing flexibility frameworks before suggesting a bottom-up framework for flexibility in logistic systems. Then, one among the proposed system logistic flexibility types, denoted here trans-routing flexibility, is quantitatively investigated. The research focuses on flexibility's benefits exclusive of cost considerations. Logistics dependability, a customer oriented logistic performance measure is introduced. The analysis is framed in a multi-factor design of experiments (DOE) that considers factors representing changes in operational and environmental conditions of a logistic system and design factors, such as trans-routing flexibility, acting as countermeasures to changes. The model stems from a military logistics scenario easily adaptable to an industrial or service environment. Using DOE to examine the important interactions between the factor effects contributes to a better understanding of the logistics decision problems and their eventual solutions.
---
paper_title: Business Process Reengineering and Flexibility: A Case for Unification

paper_content:

Business process reengineering (BPR) offers a radical approach to improving the performance of an organization. However, although there have been successes BPR is recognized as a high-risk activity, prone to failure. There are a variety of reasons for this and this paper highlights one which is argued to be the lack of attention that BPR pays to flexibility and its inability to cope with a changing environment. The purpose of this article is to raise the issue of flexibility within BPR and an approach is taken that examines flexibility in other business functional areas, such as manufacturing, architecture, information systems, and organizational strategy, where there is an extensive literature that indicates the importance of flexibility. The lessons from these other areas are identified and some of the implications for BPR are highlighted. A number of proposals are made including the suggestion that a form of “flexibility analysis” be adopted as a stage in BPR projects. It is argued that this would help to move the focus of a BPR project away from the current requirements toward a longer term, more flexible, enduring set of requirements. Flexibility analysis also ensures analysis of the kinds of changes that might be required over time, and how such change could be accommodated in the reengineered processes.
---
paper_title: A framework for analyzing flexibility of generic objects

paper_content:

Flexibility is a loosely defined term used in a number of application areas with different and frequently contradicting views. In this paper, adopting as a starting point the use of the term in the manufacturing and information systems domains, we present a framework for the examination of generic objects utilizing cloud diagrams. We first portray the potential flexibility of a designed object and then its actual flexibility expressing its ability to adapt to changes. Examples of its use illustrate the ideas and their application. We believe that this research will be helpful in offering guidelines to designers of new systems where flexibility is important.
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paper_title: BUSINESS STRATEGY, MANUFACTURING FLEXIBILITY, AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE RELATIONSHIPS: A PATH ANALYSIS APPROACH

paper_content:

It has been argued in the literature that business strategy and manufacturing flexibility independently affect the performance of an organization. However, no empirical examination of the interrelationship among these three constructs has been performed. In this paper, based on a field study of 269 firms in the manufacturing industry, the identified constructs have been used to test a theoretical model using path analysis techniques. Our results indicate that business strategy contributes both directly and indirectly to organizational performance. The findings provide evidence of direct effects of (i) business strategy on manufacturing flexibility and (ii) manufacturing flexibility on organizational performance.
---
paper_title: The role of flexibility in online business

paper_content:

Abstract Companies are trying to be more competitive by establishing a presence on the fast-growing Net. At the same time, the Net's business environment is growing more complex and uncertain. Management literature argues that flexibility can enhance corporate responsiveness to such an environment. However, research on e-businesses has focused mainly on the idea of customizing online offerings. Here is a holistic view of flexibility, investigating how online companies can become flexible through the different functional aspects of their business—technology, human resources, operations, marketing, finance, and management. What are the related opportunities and pitfalls? And what guidelines can managers follow?
---
paper_title: THE NEED FOR STRATEGIC FLEXIBILITY

paper_content:

How can today's business cope with increasing uncertainty? The answer lies in opening up avenues of strategic flexibility. The authors tell how.
---
paper_title: Manufacturing flexibility: a strategic perspective

paper_content:

To help meet competitive realities operations managers need to know more about the strategic aspects of manufacturing flexibility. This paper takes steps toward meeting that need by critically reviewing the literature and establishing a research agenda for the area. A conceptual model, which places flexibility within a broad context, helps to identify certain assumptions of theoretical studies which need to be challenged. The model also provides a basis for identifying specific flexibility dimensions. The manner in which these dimensions may limit the effectiveness of a manufacturing process, and the problems in operationalizing them are discussed. Focusing next on the neglected area of applied work, concepts are presented for analyzing whether desired amounts of flexibility are being achieved and whether the potential for flexibility built into a manufacturing process is being tapped. Once more, a procedure is outlined for altering a plant's types and amounts of flexibility over time. The research agenda, which grows out of the appraisal of theoretical and applied work, indicates the value in studying generic flexibility strategies, the flexibility dimensions, methods of delivery, ways of evaluating and changing a process's flexibility, and above all measurement problems. The conclusions indicate principles for strategic research, some of which have relevance for the development of mathematical models.
---
paper_title: A framework for analyzing flexibility of generic objects

paper_content:

Flexibility is a loosely defined term used in a number of application areas with different and frequently contradicting views. In this paper, adopting as a starting point the use of the term in the manufacturing and information systems domains, we present a framework for the examination of generic objects utilizing cloud diagrams. We first portray the potential flexibility of a designed object and then its actual flexibility expressing its ability to adapt to changes. Examples of its use illustrate the ideas and their application. We believe that this research will be helpful in offering guidelines to designers of new systems where flexibility is important.
---
paper_title: E-Supply Chain: Using the Internet to Revolutionize Your Business - How Market Leaders Focus Their Entire Organization on Driving Value to Customers

paper_content:

Supply chain has emerged as a major focus of business improvement efforts. Unfortunately, not all firms have taken advantage of the concept, resulting in a large gap between successful e-commerce companies and failures. E-Supply Chain explains how the progress of e-commerce is dovetailing with the final stages of the supply chain evolution, and how to take advantage of it in business. The authors show how the convergence of supply chain and e-commerce can catalyze the forging of advanced-level networks that will dominate future markets. In the first wave, some part of virtually every business will transfer to a cyber channel of distribution. In the second wave, networks targeting specific consumers will create new alliances across the full spectrum of supply. In the third wave, advanced networks will form global "value chain constellations" that will become the norm for most future industries.
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paper_title: Global strategies for SMe‐business: applying the SMALL framework

paper_content:

The World Wide Web (WWW) offers exciting new opportunities for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) to extend their customer base into the global marketplace. However, in order to exploit these advantages in a global strategy, the SME needs to adopt an entirely different approach to strategic planning and management which can enable it to deploy an extensive infrastructure network based on shared resources with other firms. This paper presents a framework for the analysis and design of global strategies within the organisational context of SMEs using Internet‐based information technologies. Central to the framework – SMALL – is the transformation of the key attributes of an SME environment through a virtual organising perspective. The framework is supported by a number of case examples of SMEs operating in a global context and a detailed analysis of three Australian SMEs. It provides a new perspective to strategies for e‐business in SMEs and to e‐business research.
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paper_title: On the critical success factors for B2B e-marketplace

paper_content:

B2B e-marketplaces have a profound influence on the traditional market and on the way business is conducted. All kinds of e-marketplaces are emerging and developing now, and we have witnessed both successes and failures among these e-marketplaces. However, the failures are far outnumber the successes. Under this background, the paper discusses the critical success factors for operating e-marketplaces from different perspectives. It is shown that the core of e-marketplaces is to build liquidity and capture value. Based on these analyses, comprehensive critical factors including functional factors, strategic factors and technical Factors are discussed for the success of electronic marketplaces; then a tentative framework for the analysis on the critical success factors is proposed.
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paper_title: Implementation of e-procurement and e-fulfillment processes: A comparison of cases in the motorcycle industry

paper_content:

Abstract Electronic business is the process which uses Internet technology to simplify certain company processes, improve productivity and increase efficiency. It allows companies to easily communicate with their suppliers, buyers and customers, to integrate “back-office” systems with those used for transactions, to accurately transmit information and to carry out data analysis in order to increase their competitiveness. The aim of this work is to define the parameters which can be used to define the performance of companies which use e-business. Particular attention is given to procurement and fulfillment in order to compare the companies studied and measure their efficiency. Fulfillment means controlling and managing transactions, warehouses, transportations and reverse logistics. This analysis is followed by case studies of two large Italian companies in the field of motorcycles. The market strategy they use and the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in their procurement and distribution processes is analyzed. This comparison provides useful information regarding the way in which Internet can be used by two companies which operate in the same market. The paper ends with the presentation of an evolutionary model for e-business strategy. The stages of the model go from the use of ICT simply as instruments of communication to the improvement of coordination processes.
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paper_title: Evolution of e-commerce Web sites: A conceptual framework and a longitudinal study

paper_content:

Before the 1990s, the digital exchange of information between companies was achieved using electronic data interchange (EDI) and needed agreement between the organizations. The early 1990s saw the commercialization of the Internet and the advent of open computer technology and connectivity became affordable for individuals as well as businesses. The consequence was the World Wide Web. As e-commerce activities extended across businesses, enterprises, and industries, a genre of Web sites emerged allowing the integrative management of business operations. Here, we provide an evolutionary perspective of e-commerce Web sites. We posited that there have been four eras. To chart the evolution of e-commerce Web sites, a conceptual framework was developed to characterize such sites. Based on the framework, we conducted a longitudinal study between 1993 and 2001. The result showed that the proposed four eras were clearly discernible.
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paper_title: Achieving flexible information systems: the case for improved analysis

paper_content:

This paper examines the problems of change that continue to thwart the development of successful information systems. The symptom of maintenance is discussed and a variety of techniques and methodologies that seek to provide solutions are discussed. Changing business needs and user requirements are identified as enduring problems and the technique of Flexibility Analysis is proposed. Finally some preliminary results from a research study are discussed. The study looked at a number of information systems in organizations and examined the changes and enhancements that were subsequently made to those systems and the reasons for them. The results indicate the benefits and practicality of the technique of Flexibility Analysis.
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paper_title: Supply management and e-procurement: creating value added in the supply chain

paper_content:

Abstract The increasing emphasis on supply chain management is creating a greater focus on the supply management link in the supply chain. This focus will become even more intense as firms continue to adopt e-procurement strategies to leverage the competitive advantages of the Internet. Supply managers need to understand the impact of technology and gain competency in making a business case for e-procurement. The implications are profound for the industrial marketer.
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paper_title: Adapting to changing user requirements

paper_content:

Abstract Systems which have the capability of adapting to changing user requirements must be founded on accurate and perceptive models of the organisation in which they have to function. Design methods based on active user participation and the use of experimental and prototyping methods help to ensure accurate models. But because systems are expected to survive even when circumstances change, the designers have to have a view of what the future world will look like. A technique which helps to provide such a view is called “ future analysis ”. However, even designs based on the best prediction technique cannot guarantee a fit between the currently designed system and future needs. Hence it is important to design systems with built-in flexibility. A number of methods have been developed which reduce the disruption caused by the amendment or even replacement of a system or system's component.
---
paper_title: The role of flexibility in online business

paper_content:

Abstract Companies are trying to be more competitive by establishing a presence on the fast-growing Net. At the same time, the Net's business environment is growing more complex and uncertain. Management literature argues that flexibility can enhance corporate responsiveness to such an environment. However, research on e-businesses has focused mainly on the idea of customizing online offerings. Here is a holistic view of flexibility, investigating how online companies can become flexible through the different functional aspects of their business—technology, human resources, operations, marketing, finance, and management. What are the related opportunities and pitfalls? And what guidelines can managers follow?
---
paper_title: Flexibility as Process Mobility: The Management of Plant Capabilities for Quick Response Manufacturing

paper_content:

This paper examines the relationship between one form of manufacturing flexibility - operational mobility (or the ability to change quickly between products) - and structure, infrastructure and managerial policy at the plant level. Using data from a broader study aimed at exploring the general sources of manufacturing flexibility, the paper provides evidence of the strength of the links between manufacturing flexibility and such factors as scale, technology vintage, computer integration and workforce management. There has been little empirical work on this subject, partly as a result of the difficulties of defining and measuring flexibility. The type of flexibility explored in this paper is specifically the capability of a plant to change between process states quickly. I find that most of the variance in flexibility across plants can be explained by a combination of structural factors, such as the scale of the plant; infrastructural factors, such as the length of service of the operators; and measures of managerial emphasis, such as the perceived importance of making quick changeovers. Of these factors, I find that the scale of a plant does not strongly inhibit its flexibility and that computer integration is either insignificant or detrimental to the flexibility of a plant. Workforce characteristics are also important determinants of flexibility, and the results suggest that less experienced operators may be more flexible in their ability to make certain types of change quickly between products. A strong determinant of the flexibility of a plant is the extent to which operators perceive managers to have emphasized the importance of various performance dimensions. Finally, I show that different forms of flexibility are not necessarily related to each other. This emphasizes the importance of identifying precisely the particular type of flexibility that is to be developed when building manufacturing capabilities.
---
paper_title: Technology flexibility: conceptualization, validation, and measurement

paper_content:

This research investigates technology flexibility, which is the technology characteristic that allows or enables adjustments and other changes to the business process. Technology flexibility has two dimensions, structural and process flexibility, encompassing both the actual technology application and the people and processes that support it. The flexibility of technology that supports business processes can greatly influence the organization's capacity for change. Existing technology can present opportunities for or barriers to business process flexibility through structural characteristics such as language, platform and design. Technology can also indirectly affect flexibility through the relationship between the technology maintenance organization and the business process owners, change request processing, and other response characteristics. These indirect effects reflect a more organizational perspective of flexibility. This paper asks the question, "what makes technology flexible?" This question is addressed by developing and validating a measurement model of technology flexibility. Constructs and definitions of technology flexibility are developed by examining the concept of flexibility in other disciplines, and the demands imposed on technology by business processes. The purpose of building a measurement model is to show validity for the constructs of technology flexibility. This paper discusses the theory of technology flexibility, develops constructs and determinants of this phenomenon, and proposes a methodology for the validation and study of the flexibility of emerging technologies.
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paper_title: Measuring technology flexibility

paper_content:

This research investigates technology flexibility, which is the technology characteristic that allows or enables adjustments and other changes to the business process. We develop dimensions and determinants of this phenomenon and demonstrate a methodology for the validation and the study of flexibility. The results of a test of software system flexibility are reported. Technology flexibility has two dimensions, structural and process flexibility, encompassing both the actual technology application and the people and processes that support and use it. The flexibility of technology that supports business processes can greatly influence the organization's capacity for change. Existing technology can present opportunities for, or barriers to, business process flexibility through structural characteristics such as language, platform, and design. Technology can also indirectly affect flexibility through the relationship between the technology maintenance organization and the business process owners, change request processing, and other response characteristics. These indirect effects reflect a more organizational perspective of flexibility.
---
paper_title: Process range in manufacturing: an empirical study of flexibility

paper_content:

This paper examines the relationship between one form of manufacturing flexibility---process range---and structure, infrastructure, and managerial policy at the plant level. The paper provides evidence of the strength of the links between manufacturing flexibility and such factors as scale, technology vintage, computer integration, and workforce management. Data from 54 plants in the fine-paper industry are presented, and a model of the determinants of short-term flexibility is developed. The plants examined differed by a factor of 20 in their ability to accommodate large process variation. The evidence suggests that flexibility is strongly negatively related to scale and degree of computer integration, yet positively related to newer vintages of mechanical technology and workforce experience. Some results differ significantly from the prevailing view of the industry, in particular, that newer plants are less flexible. The paper shows that newer machine technology is more flexible once other factors are controlled for. In the longer term, the results show that management has a significant impact on the improvement of flexibility in operations, regardless of the technology and infrastructure in place. Plant network managers' views of flexibility are important. The data suggest that inflexible plants may be inflexible partly as a result of their being considered inflexible by network managers, and never being assigned the product range needed to improve the capability.
---
paper_title: Flexibility as Process Mobility: The Management of Plant Capabilities for Quick Response Manufacturing

paper_content:

This paper examines the relationship between one form of manufacturing flexibility - operational mobility (or the ability to change quickly between products) - and structure, infrastructure and managerial policy at the plant level. Using data from a broader study aimed at exploring the general sources of manufacturing flexibility, the paper provides evidence of the strength of the links between manufacturing flexibility and such factors as scale, technology vintage, computer integration and workforce management. There has been little empirical work on this subject, partly as a result of the difficulties of defining and measuring flexibility. The type of flexibility explored in this paper is specifically the capability of a plant to change between process states quickly. I find that most of the variance in flexibility across plants can be explained by a combination of structural factors, such as the scale of the plant; infrastructural factors, such as the length of service of the operators; and measures of managerial emphasis, such as the perceived importance of making quick changeovers. Of these factors, I find that the scale of a plant does not strongly inhibit its flexibility and that computer integration is either insignificant or detrimental to the flexibility of a plant. Workforce characteristics are also important determinants of flexibility, and the results suggest that less experienced operators may be more flexible in their ability to make certain types of change quickly between products. A strong determinant of the flexibility of a plant is the extent to which operators perceive managers to have emphasized the importance of various performance dimensions. Finally, I show that different forms of flexibility are not necessarily related to each other. This emphasizes the importance of identifying precisely the particular type of flexibility that is to be developed when building manufacturing capabilities.
---
paper_title: Building the Flexible Firm: How to Remain Competitive

paper_content:

Bespreking van: H.W. Volberda,Building the Flexible Firm: How to Remain Competitive Oxford:Oxford University Press ,1999 019829090X
---
paper_title: Process range in manufacturing: an empirical study of flexibility

paper_content:

This paper examines the relationship between one form of manufacturing flexibility---process range---and structure, infrastructure, and managerial policy at the plant level. The paper provides evidence of the strength of the links between manufacturing flexibility and such factors as scale, technology vintage, computer integration, and workforce management. Data from 54 plants in the fine-paper industry are presented, and a model of the determinants of short-term flexibility is developed. The plants examined differed by a factor of 20 in their ability to accommodate large process variation. The evidence suggests that flexibility is strongly negatively related to scale and degree of computer integration, yet positively related to newer vintages of mechanical technology and workforce experience. Some results differ significantly from the prevailing view of the industry, in particular, that newer plants are less flexible. The paper shows that newer machine technology is more flexible once other factors are controlled for. In the longer term, the results show that management has a significant impact on the improvement of flexibility in operations, regardless of the technology and infrastructure in place. Plant network managers' views of flexibility are important. The data suggest that inflexible plants may be inflexible partly as a result of their being considered inflexible by network managers, and never being assigned the product range needed to improve the capability.
---
paper_title: The Decision-Making Paradigm of Organizational Design

paper_content:

This paper introduces and explicates the decision-making paradigm of organizational design. We argue that the domains of existing design paradigms are declining in scope, and that the nature of current and future organizational environments requires use of a design paradigm that responds to the increasing frequency and criticality of the decision-making process. In particular, we argue that the decision-making paradigm is applicable when the organizational environments are hostile, complex, and turbulent. ::: ::: The focal concept of the decision-making paradigm is that organizations should be designed primarily to facilitate the making of organizational decisions. The paper sets forth the paradigm's six major concepts and discusses the principal domains of its application. The paper also examines the relationships between the decision-making paradigm and the literatures on 1 organizational decision making, 2 the information processing view of organizations, and 3 the need for compatibility between the organization's design and the design of its technologically supported information systems. The paper concludes by identifying ten organizational design guidelines that follow from the decision-making paradigm.
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paper_title: An Empirical Study of Manufacturing Flexibility in Printed Circuit Board Assembly

paper_content:

This paper addresses the empirical verification of hypotheses that relate to the strategic use and implementation of manufacturing flexibility. We begin with a literature review and framework for analyzing different types of flexibility in manufacturing. Next, we examine some of the propositions in the framework using data from 31 printed circuit-board plants in Europe, Japan, and the United States. Based on our analysis and findings, we then suggest several new strategic insights related to the management of flexibility and some potentially fruitful areas for further theoretical and empirical research. Our findings include: more automation is associated empirically with less flexibility, as found in other studies; nontechnology factors, such as high involvement of workers in problem-solving activities, close relationships with suppliers, and flexible wage schemes, are associated with greater mix, volume, and new-product flexibility; component reusability is significantly correlated with mix and new-product flexibility; achieving high-mix or new-product flexibility does not seem to involve a cost or quality penalty; mix and new-product flexibility are mutually reinforcing and tend to be supported by similar factors; and mix flexibility may reduce volume fluctuations, which could theoretically reduce the need for volume flexibility.
---
paper_title: Building the Flexible Firm: How to Remain Competitive

paper_content:

Bespreking van: H.W. Volberda,Building the Flexible Firm: How to Remain Competitive Oxford:Oxford University Press ,1999 019829090X
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paper_title: Flexibility in Manufacturing: A Survey

paper_content:

This article is an attempt to survey the vast literature on flexibility in manufacturing that has accumulated over the last 10 to 20 years. The survey begins with a brief review of the classical literature on flexibility in economics and organization theory, which provides a background for manufacturing flexibility. Several kinds of flexibilities in manufacturing are then defined carefully along with their purposes, the means to obtain them, and some suggested measurements and valuations. Then we examine the interrelationships among the several flexibilities. Various empirical studies and analytical/optimization models dealing with these flexibilities are reported and discussed. The article concludes with suggestions for some possible future research directions.
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paper_title: THE NEED FOR STRATEGIC FLEXIBILITY

paper_content:

How can today's business cope with increasing uncertainty? The answer lies in opening up avenues of strategic flexibility. The authors tell how.
---
paper_title: Strategy and Environment: A Conceptual Integration

paper_content:

An elaboration of the concepts of strategy and environment can be achieved by categorizing environment into its objective and perceived states, and by subdividing strategy according to content (outcomes) or process. The objective environment can be further categorized into “task” and “general.” An alternative subdivision of strategy is primary (domain selection) and secondary (competitive approach). The concepts of strategy and environment are integrated in that primary strategy concerns opportunities in the general environment and secondary strategy involves navigating within a task environment.
---
paper_title: Business Process Reengineering and Flexibility: A Case for Unification

paper_content:

Business process reengineering (BPR) offers a radical approach to improving the performance of an organization. However, although there have been successes BPR is recognized as a high-risk activity, prone to failure. There are a variety of reasons for this and this paper highlights one which is argued to be the lack of attention that BPR pays to flexibility and its inability to cope with a changing environment. The purpose of this article is to raise the issue of flexibility within BPR and an approach is taken that examines flexibility in other business functional areas, such as manufacturing, architecture, information systems, and organizational strategy, where there is an extensive literature that indicates the importance of flexibility. The lessons from these other areas are identified and some of the implications for BPR are highlighted. A number of proposals are made including the suggestion that a form of “flexibility analysis” be adopted as a stage in BPR projects. It is argued that this would help to move the focus of a BPR project away from the current requirements toward a longer term, more flexible, enduring set of requirements. Flexibility analysis also ensures analysis of the kinds of changes that might be required over time, and how such change could be accommodated in the reengineered processes.
---
paper_title: Competitive Strategy Under Uncertainty.

paper_content:

Competitive strategy under uncertainty involves a trade-off between acting early and acting later after the uncertainty is resolved, and another trade-off between focusing resources on one scenario and spreading resources on several scenarios thus maintaining flexibility. This paper analyzes both these trade-offs taking into consideration the nature of uncertainty, industry economics, intensity of competition, and the position of a firm relative to its competitors.
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paper_title: Flexibility Ratios and Manufacturing Strategy

paper_content:

In this exploratory, empirical study of modernizing durable goods plants, it was found that typical measures of flexibility e.g., number of unique parts and part families are independent. More importantly, plants and firms with greater strategic manufacturing focus, regardless of specific emphasis e.g., cost or quality, scheduled fewer part numbers on new flexible automation systems. This suggests that product focus and strategic focus are related in plants producing discrete parts. When flexibility is emphasized as a strategic manufacturing focus, new automation systems are significantly more likely to have shorter change-over times per part family. In general, part family-changeover time ratios appear to have the greatest potential of measures evaluated for building a useful theory of flexibility in discrete parts manufacturing. An evaluation of changes made in part types and part families during the implementation period showed that product flexibility is pursued as a way to reduce high labor costs in manufacturing. These plants accomplished this end by increasing the number of parts scheduled on new systems. Implications for strategic management of flexibility and scope are presented.
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paper_title: Implementation and management framework for supply chain flexibility

paper_content:

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to develop a conceptual framework for implementing and managing supply chain flexibility in supply chain organizations. The framework suggests that supply chain flexibility should be implemented and managed using a three‐stage approach: required flexibility identification, implementation and shared responsibility, and feedback and control.Design/methodology/approach – The major components of the proposed framework are based on a review of research in the manufacturing flexibility literature as well as the limited research in supply chain flexibility. The strengths and weaknesses of these frameworks, combined with a published empirical study were analyzed to identify the important issues that must be considered when implementing and managing supply chain flexibility, and those components that need to be incorporated into a new integrated framework.Findings – This framework was constructed by synthesizing the strengths of other conceptual frameworks. As a result, th...
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paper_title: A framework for the sustainability of e‐marketplaces

paper_content:

Electronic marketplaces have promised many benefits to participants, and hence have aroused considerable interest in the business community. However, the failure of some marketplaces and the success of others have led business managers to question which marketplaces will be successful in the future, and even whether the entire idea is viable. This question is particularly pressing for those considering sponsoring or participating in a marketplace. This exploratory study seeks to address these issues by proposing a framework of the factors that help explain the sustainability of e‐marketplaces. The framework proposed is based upon the findings of interviews carried out with 14 managers based in 11 companies active in the field of e‐marketplaces, and findings from the current literature from this domain. The framework proposed identifies seven factors that can be categorised according to three levels of influence, i.e. the macroeconomic/regulatory level, the industry level, and the firm level. Further work to validate the proposed framework would provide practitioners with additional insight to apply to their e‐marketplace strategies.
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paper_title: A review of manufacturing flexibility

paper_content:

Abstract In the field of operations management, manufacturing flexibility has been the subject of much academic enquiry. Moreover, the need for this fundamental characteristic has never been more urgent. However, a comprehensive understanding of the subject remains elusive. An extensive review of the literature is used to examine the issues surrounding the concept of manufacturing flexibility. Specifically: the use of manufacturing flexibility as a strategic objective, the relationship flexibility has with environmental uncertainty, the use of taxonomies as a vehicle for furthering understanding of the types of flexibility, the nature of flexibility, and its measurement. Through this process of synthesis, the paper attempts to establish the extent to which knowledge of manufacturing flexibility has now progressed. Suggestions for future research topics in flexibility are also presented.
---
paper_title: THE NEED FOR STRATEGIC FLEXIBILITY

paper_content:

How can today's business cope with increasing uncertainty? The answer lies in opening up avenues of strategic flexibility. The authors tell how.
---
paper_title: Manufacturing flexibility: a strategic perspective

paper_content:

To help meet competitive realities operations managers need to know more about the strategic aspects of manufacturing flexibility. This paper takes steps toward meeting that need by critically reviewing the literature and establishing a research agenda for the area. A conceptual model, which places flexibility within a broad context, helps to identify certain assumptions of theoretical studies which need to be challenged. The model also provides a basis for identifying specific flexibility dimensions. The manner in which these dimensions may limit the effectiveness of a manufacturing process, and the problems in operationalizing them are discussed. Focusing next on the neglected area of applied work, concepts are presented for analyzing whether desired amounts of flexibility are being achieved and whether the potential for flexibility built into a manufacturing process is being tapped. Once more, a procedure is outlined for altering a plant's types and amounts of flexibility over time. The research agenda, which grows out of the appraisal of theoretical and applied work, indicates the value in studying generic flexibility strategies, the flexibility dimensions, methods of delivery, ways of evaluating and changing a process's flexibility, and above all measurement problems. The conclusions indicate principles for strategic research, some of which have relevance for the development of mathematical models.
---
paper_title: STRATEGIC FLEXIBILITY FOR HIGH TECHNOLOGY MANOEUVRES: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

paper_content:

Strategic flexibility is proposed as an expedient capability for managing capricious settings, such as those confronted in technology‐intensive arenas. This article examines the historical evolution of the concept of flexibility and analyses its different senses by relating it to other concepts with a ‘family resemblance’. A conceptual framework is subsequently developed, which integrates the temporal and intentional dimensions of flexibility. Four archetypal manoeuvres, derived from the framework, are proposed as a means of attaining strategic flexibility. The deployment of these manoeuvres is exemplified by means of selected strategic engagements of firms in the computer peripherals arena. The article concludes with a discussion of the theoretical and practical implications of the research.
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paper_title: Business Process Reengineering and Flexibility: A Case for Unification

paper_content:

Business process reengineering (BPR) offers a radical approach to improving the performance of an organization. However, although there have been successes BPR is recognized as a high-risk activity, prone to failure. There are a variety of reasons for this and this paper highlights one which is argued to be the lack of attention that BPR pays to flexibility and its inability to cope with a changing environment. The purpose of this article is to raise the issue of flexibility within BPR and an approach is taken that examines flexibility in other business functional areas, such as manufacturing, architecture, information systems, and organizational strategy, where there is an extensive literature that indicates the importance of flexibility. The lessons from these other areas are identified and some of the implications for BPR are highlighted. A number of proposals are made including the suggestion that a form of “flexibility analysis” be adopted as a stage in BPR projects. It is argued that this would help to move the focus of a BPR project away from the current requirements toward a longer term, more flexible, enduring set of requirements. Flexibility analysis also ensures analysis of the kinds of changes that might be required over time, and how such change could be accommodated in the reengineered processes.
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paper_title: Engineering supply chains to match customer requirements

paper_content:

Modern day market places are highly varied and cannot be serviced effectively by a single supply chain paradigm. Consequently products and services must be provided to the end consumer via tailored supply chain strategies. This article categorises consumer products and details the specific supply chain management tools and techniques required to service each. A comparison of lean and agile strategies is provided along with a detailed explanation of the integration of the two within a Leagile supply chain. The application of such a strategy for electronic products is provided via a four stage case study. A route map for engineering supply chains to match customer requirements is developed in order to avoid costly and ineffective mismatches of supply chain strategy to product characteristics.
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paper_title: Systematic Review in Software Engineering

paper_content:

A kit of assemblable components for implantation into the bone of a mammal for use in distraction osteogenesis. The kit comprises a fixture, a footing and a distracter, the fixture including a longitudinally extending body portion with a proximal end and a distal end, the body portion having an exterior surface adapted for contact and integration with bone tissue, the body portion having a generally longitudinally extending bore extending from a proximal opening adjacent the proximal end to a distal opening adjacent the distal end. The footing includes a proximal surface and a distal surface. The distracter comprises a generally rod-shaped body including a distal end and a proximal end, and the proximal end of the distracter is adapted to bear against the footing. There are first and second engaging means on the fixture and the distracter respectively for adjustably locating the fixture relative to the distracter.
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paper_title: Factors influencing clients in the selection of offshore software outsourcing vendors: An exploratory study using a systematic literature review

paper_content:

Context: Offshore software development outsourcing is a modern business strategy for developing high quality software at low cost. Objective: The objective of this research paper is to identify and analyse factors that are important in terms of the competitiveness of vendor organisations in attracting outsourcing projects. Method: We performed a systematic literature review (SLR) by applying our customised search strings which were derived from our research questions. We performed all the SLR steps, such as the protocol development, initial selection, final selection, quality assessment, data extraction and data synthesis. Results: We have identified factors such as cost-saving, skilled human resource, appropriate infrastructure, quality of product and services, efficient outsourcing relationships management, and an organisation's track record of successful projects which are generally considered important by the outsourcing clients. Our results indicate that appropriate infrastructure, cost-saving, and skilled human resource are common in three continents, namely Asia, North America and Europe. We identified appropriate infrastructure, cost-saving, and quality of products and services as being common in three types of organisations (small, medium and large). We have also identified four factors-appropriate infrastructure, cost-saving, quality of products and services, and skilled human resource as being common in the two decades (1990-1999 and 2000-mid 2008). Conclusions: Cost-saving should not be considered as the driving factor in the selection process of software development outsourcing vendors. Vendors should rather address other factors in order to compete in the OSDO business, such as skilled human resource, appropriate infrastructure and quality of products and services.
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paper_title: Systematic Review in Software Engineering

paper_content:

A kit of assemblable components for implantation into the bone of a mammal for use in distraction osteogenesis. The kit comprises a fixture, a footing and a distracter, the fixture including a longitudinally extending body portion with a proximal end and a distal end, the body portion having an exterior surface adapted for contact and integration with bone tissue, the body portion having a generally longitudinally extending bore extending from a proximal opening adjacent the proximal end to a distal opening adjacent the distal end. The footing includes a proximal surface and a distal surface. The distracter comprises a generally rod-shaped body including a distal end and a proximal end, and the proximal end of the distracter is adapted to bear against the footing. There are first and second engaging means on the fixture and the distracter respectively for adjustably locating the fixture relative to the distracter.
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paper_title: Supply management and e-procurement: creating value added in the supply chain

paper_content:

Abstract The increasing emphasis on supply chain management is creating a greater focus on the supply management link in the supply chain. This focus will become even more intense as firms continue to adopt e-procurement strategies to leverage the competitive advantages of the Internet. Supply managers need to understand the impact of technology and gain competency in making a business case for e-procurement. The implications are profound for the industrial marketer.
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paper_title: Business Process Reengineering and Flexibility: A Case for Unification

paper_content:

Business process reengineering (BPR) offers a radical approach to improving the performance of an organization. However, although there have been successes BPR is recognized as a high-risk activity, prone to failure. There are a variety of reasons for this and this paper highlights one which is argued to be the lack of attention that BPR pays to flexibility and its inability to cope with a changing environment. The purpose of this article is to raise the issue of flexibility within BPR and an approach is taken that examines flexibility in other business functional areas, such as manufacturing, architecture, information systems, and organizational strategy, where there is an extensive literature that indicates the importance of flexibility. The lessons from these other areas are identified and some of the implications for BPR are highlighted. A number of proposals are made including the suggestion that a form of “flexibility analysis” be adopted as a stage in BPR projects. It is argued that this would help to move the focus of a BPR project away from the current requirements toward a longer term, more flexible, enduring set of requirements. Flexibility analysis also ensures analysis of the kinds of changes that might be required over time, and how such change could be accommodated in the reengineered processes.
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paper_title: The development of e‐procurement within the ICT manufacturing industry in Ireland

paper_content:

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that e‐procurement provides manufacturing firms with new and efficient solutions to drive significant value into their business, yet generally the use of internet technologies to accommodate e‐procurement systems remains in a formative stage. Previous research tends to focus on larger economies, so this paper provides a new perspective by presenting evidence from the Irish ICT manufacturing industry.Design/methodology/approach – The research locale is justified on the basis that the ICT manufacturing sector has a greater propensity to adopt technologies such as e‐procurement. In addition, by conducting the research in a small peripheral economy, a gap in the knowledge base is being addressed. The exploratory research adopted a quantitative methodology with a questionnaire instrument being employed to investigate various e‐procurement activities within a sample of top performing ICT manufacturing firms.Findings – Findings show that e‐procurement is developing ...
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Title: A Systematic Literature Review of Flexible E-Procurement Marketplace

Section 1: E-Procurement Marketplace
Description 1: Discuss the definition and evolution of e-procurement marketplaces (EPM) and their significance in buyer-seller relationships.

Section 2: Flexibility
Description 2: Define flexibility and its importance, covering various types and aspects such as operational, hierarchical, measurement, strategic and time horizon.

Section 3: From Web Evolution to Development of Flexible EPM
Description 3: Analyze the phases of web evolution and how they have influenced the flexible nature of EPMs, highlighting key technological advancements and changes in business processes.

Section 4: A Synthesis of Flexibility Types Into an EPM Framework
Description 4: Synthesize the different flexibility types identified in the literature into a coherent framework applicable to EPMs, detailing each type and its relevance.

Section 5: Research Methodology
Description 5: Present the systematic literature review methodology applied in this study, including research questions, search process, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data extraction and analysis procedures.

Section 6: Discussion
Description 6: Discuss the findings of the systematic literature review, addressing the research questions and providing insights into the temporal aspects and domain-specific applications of EPM flexibility.

Section 7: Conclusion
Description 7: Summarize the key findings of the study, the importance of flexibility in EPMs, and suggestions for future research directions in the field.