This research explores the linkage between firms' outsourcing activities and the occurrence of supply chain disruptions. It is based upon a two‐phase process utilizing methodological triangulation. Phase one applies qualitative methods that explore the overall environment of outsourcing and...

This article is based on two studies, partly financed by the Norwegian Research Council. The first study was carried out in six organizations cooperating in two supply chain alliances. The purpose of this study was to develop a set of hypotheses concerning logistics service providers and their...

Outsourcing, the strategy in which organizations employ the services of external providers, has attracted growing interest. Academic and industrial attention has also focused on the role of seamless supply chain processes in achieving and sustaining competitive advantage. This research is based...

The issues underlying the appropriate matching of pipelines to marketplace needs under conditions of demand volatility and price pressure are examined. The authors describe a scenario where the philosophy of “one size fits all” does not apply to pipeline design, implementation, and control....

Intensive competition in the market place has forced companies to respond more quickly to customer needs through faster product development and shorter delivery time. Increasing customer awareness and preferences have led to an unprecedented explosion in product variety. End customers give...

Trade promotions have become an important instrument in accomplishing supply chain objectives. The extensive use of trade promotions does not appear likely to fade in the immediate future. Results of a recent survey of independent grocery retailers are presented. The research examines the...

Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) is an industry‐wide initiative that is commonly believed to have fallen far short of its promised efficiencies and value. Many believe that unrealistic expectations among grocery industry participants are primarily at fault for this shortcoming. The level of...

Ever since the Council of Logistics Management (CLM) adopted the definition of logistics in 1986, the integration of somewhat disparate activities of transportation, procurement, inventory control, distribution management, and customer service has been a major thrust in many firms. Realizing the...

Successful re‐engineering programs to improve supply chain performance possess three important attributes: a vision which clearly identifies future goals; a framework with clearly defined stages forming a route map; and, a toolkit which provides a means for enhancing the individual processes...

The physical distribution of goods is one of the key success factors in fast moving markets. Many companies are involved in the search for efficient distribution alternatives, as the lead times for customer order fulfillment need to be shortened while the costs and risks of warehousing need to...