http://www.openstarts.units.it:80/dspace/handle/10077/5934 2013-05-20T21:32:52Z http://www.openstarts.units.it:80/dspace/handle/10077/5942 Title: Approaches to supply chain logistics integration in the textile/clothing sector: an exploratory study in the Region of Campania Authors: De Martino, Marcella; Marasco, Alessandra Abstract: Given its potential to reduce lead times and total costs of operations, increase delivery speed, responsiveness and flexibility, and ultimately customer satisfaction, supply chain logistics integration can help to improve the competitiveness of the Italian textile and clothing (T/C) firms. However, few research works on supply chain management in general, and few studies on logistics integration in particular have focused their attention on this sector. This paper analyses the approaches to supply chain logistics integration adopted by T/C companies located in the Region of Campania (Southern Italy) through a qualitative approach based on case studies. The preliminary findings of the study highlight that the prevailing approach to supply chain logistics integration is limited to functional boundaries within the firm. Type: Articolo 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z http://www.openstarts.units.it:80/dspace/handle/10077/5941 Title: The perception on ICT use among small logistics service providers: a comparison between Northern and Southern Europe Authors: Evangelista, Pietro; Kilpala, Heli Abstract: Many authors have suggested that logistics information system capabilities can significantly enhance overall logistics competence. Majority of the studies have, however, assessed benefits that large logistics service providers have gained from information and communication technology (ICT) usage. The purpose of this study is to shed light on the ICT use and issues relevant for implementation plans among small and medium-sized logistics service providers. The study compares survey findings from two different geographical areas where the logistics service industry consists of a large number of small companies. The study focuses on the current status of ICT implementation, the motivators and barriers for ICT use. Type: Articolo 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z http://www.openstarts.units.it:80/dspace/handle/10077/5940 Title: An investigation into outsourcing practice in Ireland: a new direction in logistics and supply chain management Authors: O'Riordan, Aoife; Sweeney, Edward Abstract: Companies are increasingly focusing on the development of core competencies as an integral part of their overall strategy development and implementation. The corollary of this is that functions regarded as being non-core are being outsourced. This paper investigates the case for and against outsourcing and in addition what is happening in Ireland regards outsourcing. Furthermore to analysis of current literature in the field, an Irish-wide postal and e-mail survey, as well as three case studies revealed many interesting facts. The key findings of the work are manufacturing outsourcing is now the most popular function to be outsourced for both small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and large enterprises. Large enterprises (LEs) do not prepare or examine hidden costs more than SMEs, nor do they differ much in relation to the use of consultants. Furthermore, the importance of time spent on preparing or producing contract, and the impact the contract can have on the supplier-buyer relation do not differ significantly. It was found that most companies outsourced within Ireland, which led to further investigation in that area. In relation to logistics outsourcing specifically, this has become very important in the supply chain over the last 20 years as an activity that was traditionally handled by firms as a support function. At that time logistics activities such as warehousing, distribution, transportation and inventory management were given low priority compared with other business functions within the organisation. However, since the customer has become more demanding, the logistics function has now become a source of competitive advantage and there has been a growing emphasis on providing good customer service. Type: Articolo 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z http://www.openstarts.units.it:80/dspace/handle/10077/5939 Title: Evaluating the potential for urban consolidation centres Authors: Browne, Michael; Woodburn, Allan; Allen, Julian Abstract: This paper focuses upon the potential for Urban Consolidation Centres (UCCs) to alleviate local environmental and traffic problems within urban areas. An international literature review was undertaken, interviews were held with a range of relevant parties, and an evaluation framework was developed. In previous work a narrow focus has typically been adopted and no examples of thorough scheme evaluation were found. A particular concern discussed in the paper is the identification and subsequent allocation of the costs and benefits of implementing and operating a UCC. Lessons learned from existing and attempted UCCs are then presented, and a number of themes and location types that point to successful implementation are identified. The likelihood of a UCC being successful depends considerably upon the legal and planning frameworks in the locality or country involved. Type: Articolo 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z