Presents results of a survey on supplier development. Surveys were mailed to a random sample of 1,504 NAPM members. The sample was split into two groups depending on how respondents judged the results of their supplier development effort, either exceeding or falling short of expectations. The...

The Japanese distribution system is often accused of being inefficient and responsible for high consumer prices. Discusses some critical dimensions that make distribution appear to be less efficient in Japan than the US. An empirical study compares distribution costs at all levels of the channel...

Discusses analysis of the organizational structures utilized to conduct international purchasing activities which was undertaken at 24 multinational corporations. The majority of the corporations studied had decentral‐ ized purchasing organizations and all had corporate purchasing staffs. Four...

A conceptual model was developed of distribution channel members′ manifest conflicts and their satisfaction. From this model, hypotheses are generated, aimed at untangling the causal relationship between these two constructs. Both a meta‐analysis of previous research and this first...

Although significant advances have been made in customer service research, a majority of this research has concentrated on defining and measuring the importance of customer service in isolation from the other components of the marketing mix. In order to achieve a competitive advantage from...

The role and strategy of integrated materials management are reviewed. The impact of the concept is then considered in relation to the traditional functional structure of many companies. A strategy for the introduction of integrated materials management into a company is outlined and the...

An attempt is made to detect and analyse changes in the electronics distribution industry with regard to “value‐added” services provided to its customers. The basic areas of interest covered by this research are what kinds of additional services are being offered by the electronics...

The benefits realised through increased computerisation of business logistics activities have been widely acclaimed and accepted. Evidence is presented to show through an extensive mail survey of logistics executives throughout the US that only modest progress has been made over the last decade...

A mail survey was conducted among 535 worldwide water ports and water carriers to learn about (1) the importance of various port selection factors and (2) the influence of contemporary trade issues on international port operations. Analysis of 134 responses (25 per cent response rate) revealed...