Outstanding Paper - Emerald

Benchmarking
An International Journal
Outstanding Paper
Integration of supply chain IT and lean
practices for mass customization:
benchmarking of product and service focused
manufacturers
Paul C. Hong
Department of Information, Operations, and Technology
Management, College of Business, University of Toledo,
Toledo, Ohio, USA
David D. Dobrzykowski
Department of Computer Information Systems,
College of Business, Eastern Michigan University,
Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA
Mark A. Vonderembse
Department of Information, Operations, and Technology
Management, College of Business, University of Toledo,
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of
specific supply chain information technologies (IT) for e-commerce,
e-procurement, and enterprise resource planning (ERP), when
implementing lean practices to achieve mass customization (MC)
performance. The study further investigates how these technologies
may be deployed differently in product and service focused
contexts. ‘‘Best practices’’ of high performing MC firms are also
explored.
Design/methodology/approach – Survey method was employed
to collect data from 711 firms in 23 countries. Exploratory factor
analysis was employed to establish simple factor structure and
construct validity. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to
analyze relationships between lean practices, IT use, and MC
performance in aggregated and bifurcated samples of product and
service focused manufacturers. T-tests were used to examine
differences between the practices employed by high and low MC
performers.
Findings – Findings suggest that lean practices can reasonably
predict MC performance. In this context, of lean practices,
e-commerce and e-procurement reasonably predict MC
performance. ERP is not shown to predict MC performance. Results
suggest that e-commerce use is a better predictor of performance
than e-procurement or ERP for service focused manufacturers.
E-commerce and e-procurement appear to be reasonable
predictors of MC performance in product manufacturers, while ERP
is not. ‘‘Best practices’’ related to lean practices, e-commerce,
e-procurement, and ERP emerge among high MC performers.
Originality/value – This paper describes what is believed to be the
first study to examine these three IT approaches in the context of
lean practices and supply chain MC performance. This paper also
contributes to the growing interest in differences among product and
service focused manufacturing firms. Finally, specific ‘‘best
practices’’ are provided to add value for practitioners.
Keywords Best practice, Communication technologies,
Electronic commerce, Lean production, Quality improvement,
Supply chain management
www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/14635771011060594
BIJ
Volume 17 Number 4, 2010, pp. 561-92
Editor: Angappa Gunasekaran
9
British Food Journal
Outstanding Paper
A tale of two crises: the Belgian and Irish dioxin
contamination incidents
Donal K. Casey
James S. Lawless
School of Law, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Patrick G. Wall
School of Public Health and Population Sciences,
University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to provide a focused overview of two
dioxin incidents, with particular emphasis on regulatory successes
and failures and their respective causes. The paper seeks to adopt
a comparative approach to the case studies, with considerable use
made of primary sources such as parliamentary debate,
government reports and EC legislation.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a review of the
strengths and weaknesses in the management of the Belgian and
Irish dioxin contanimation incidents.
Findings – It is concluded that open, transparent and decisive risk
management, based on robust risk assessment, is paramount in
ensuring confidence in both the food supply chain and, in the feed
and food safety regulatory process. It is also concluded that the
2008 Irish dioxin incident tested the reforms prompted by previous
food scares.
Practical implications – It is important that the lessons from these
two incidents are learnt if they are not to be repeated in other
jurisdictions.
Originality/value – This is the first academic study of the 2008 Irish
dioxin incident, one of the most significant recent food scares in the
European Communities. The incident emphasises the vital role of
open, transparent and decisive decision making in managing risk. In
addition, through a comparative analysis of the Belgian and Irish
incidents, the utility of the reforms prompted by previous food scares
is demonstrated. In particular, the study highlights the important role
played by the European Food Safety Authority in one of its first
major tests as a risk assessor and risk communicator.
Keywords Belgium, Contamination, European Union, Food safety,
Ireland, Risk management
www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/00070701011080212
BFJ
Volume 112 Number 10, 2010, pp. 1077-91
Editor: Christopher J. Griffith