摘要:

This research explores the view that the traditional sequential, or pipeline, approach to technology and product development is no longer adequate. The rapid escalation of global competition is demanding dramatic reductions in the time‐to‐market cycle, along with higher quality levels and lower costs. Anecdotal evidence points to concurrent engineering, complemented by early purchasing and supplier involvement, as an approach with tremendous potential in addressing the three key issues of time, quality, and cost. The two most significant features of concurrent engineering are (1) customer focus centering on doing the right things, and (2) cycle time reduction focusing on doing them right the first time.

ISSN:0022-4030    

DOI:10.1111/j.1745-493X.1993.tb00001.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:2006

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

To compete effectively in the global marketplace, a company must have a network of competent suppliers. A supplier development program is designed to create and maintain such a network—and to improve various supplier capabilities that are necessary for the buying organization to meet its increasing competitive challenges.This article discusses the results of a survey dealing with supplier development activity. The survey was undertaken to determine the current level of involvement in supplier development programs and to assess the success of the current programs. The results indicate that supplier development programs are more prevalent than expected and that large companies are more likely to be involved. The results also show the importance of formal supplier evaluation to the supplier development process.

ISSN:0022-4030    

DOI:10.1111/j.1745-493X.1993.tb00002.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:2006

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

There has been considerable discussion among purchasing and materials professionals concerning the effects the European Community's extensive trade unification program may have on their operations following its implementation at the close of 1992 (EC 92). This article presents the findings of related research conducted in Europe during 1991. After a brief overview of the European Community history, organization, and basic trade issues, the author discusses twelve possible implications for purchasing/materials management operations within both the United States and the EC. Particular attention is given to requirements/standards determination and EC sourcing.

ISSN:0022-4030    

DOI:10.1111/j.1745-493X.1993.tb00003.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:2006

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

International sourcing emerged initially as a reactive approach designed to reduce production costs in an effort to neutralize the threat of foreign competition. Today, leading edge firms have shifted the focus of their international sourcing efforts to that of a proactive strategy that pursues a sustainable competitive advantage. This article explores the challenges, requirements, and benefits of international sourcing by means of a brief literature review and a discussion of the results of a survey of purchasing managers. The study focuses on the various aspects of international sourcing that affect its ability to impact a firm's competitiveness.

ISSN:0022-4030    

DOI:10.1111/j.1745-493X.1993.tb00004.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:2006

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

This article suggests a number of ways that group technology (GT) principles can be applied in warehousing operations. To evaluate the suggested GT approaches, their use in a distribution organization was studied. This study produced a great deal of useful information about the applicability of GT principles to service operations. These results and related managerial insights are presented and discussed.

ISSN:0022-4030    

DOI:10.1111/j.1745-493X.1993.tb00005.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:2006

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

This article reports the results of a study that focuses on the use of the just‐in‐time (JIT) technique in developing countries, with particular reference to textile manufacturing firms in Tanzania. Although the use of JIT can improve a firm's manufacturing performance, there are fundamental problems that must be solved before it can be used successfully in Tanzania. This study identifies the following problems: (1) financial constraints; (2) inadequate supply of inputs required for the mills to operate near capacity; (3) international delivery delays; (4) an inadequate transportation infrastructure, and (5) unreliable product demand forecasts. These problems are explored, and the author offers a series of recommendations for improvement.

ISSN:0022-4030    

DOI:10.1111/j.1745-493X.1993.tb00006.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:2006

数据来源: WILEY