Industrial Management & Data Systems

Shows how to introduce computer support for the implementation of different decision‐making settings. Provides a comparison between decision support and expert systems. Analyses the similarities and dissimilarities of decision support systems (DSS) and expert systems (ES) and presents a conceptual framework for the integration of these two technologies. Numerous examples illustrate operationally integrated DSS and ES.

Examines the formulation of supply chain strategies in complex environments. Argues that current state‐of‐the‐art e‐business and supply chain management, combined into the concept of e‐SCM, as well as the use of transaction cost theory, network theory and resource‐based theory, altogether can be used to form a model for analyzing supply chains with the purpose of reducing the uncertainty of formulating supply chain strategies. Presents e‐supply chain strategy optimization model (e‐SOM) as a way to analyze supply chains in a structured manner as regards strategic preferences for supply chain design, relations and resources in the chains with the ultimate purpose of enabling the formulation of optimal, executable strategies for specific supply chains. Uses research results for a specific supply chain to validate the usefulness of the model.

– This paper utilises a case study to discuss the applicability of normalisation process theory (NPT) as an alternative lens in understanding how social processes impact on the information systems development (ISD) process., – The research was undertaken at an educational setting utilising a qualitative case approach., – The research suggests a framework based on NPT. This framework aims to provide better insights of the normalisation process, based on the views of the development team. The research results strongly support the utilisation of NPT in a non‐healthcare setting. NPT serves as a means to explain the factors and actions that promote the work of routine embedding of new technologies in the practice., – The theory has its foundations in the relative paucity of the extant ISD literature. It also provides a holistic approach for explaining the dynamics entailed in IS project endeavours. This is undertaken by considering the multiplicity and heterogeneity of stakeholders. The usefulness of NPT as a theory for exploring the challenges in embedding a new practice in current ISD endeavours is shown., – The paper discusses how NPT can assist in exploring the social production and organisation of new practices.

Management information systems providers are often still failing to deliver appropriate systems to the perceived user specifications. A major problem is a lack of strategic perspective of information systems and their supporting information technology and a disparate view across organizations of what management information systems are. Investigates some aspects of these problems and suggests a portfolio methodology for improving the incorporation of system building into the overall business objectives.

Some researchers have found that unionized firms are less likely to pursue automation because high wage demands deprive them of the necessary capital required to invest in advanced manufacturing technology (AMT). It has also been suggested that stringent work rules and technology agreements can make the substitution of new technology for union labor too expensive. Others have found, however, that the pursuit of high wage policies and the resultant requirement for improved worker and machine productivity can create a positive environment for technological change. This exploratory study examines the relationships between firm‐level union status and the adoption and performance of AMT in the discrete parts durable‐goods manufacturing industry. Analyses of our sample, which included Chi‐square tests, t‐tests, correlation analyses and multiple linear regression analyses, revealed a union effect on the adoption of just‐in‐time technology and a moderately positive union effect on performance. Results of analyses of the impact of union status, firm size and several human factor variables on firm performance are also presented and discussed.

E‐commerce offers speed, convenience, and often cost‐effectiveness for today’s busy shoppers, but many e‐commerce sites are still too hard to use. The problem with e‐commerce sites is that the controls and organization are different for each site. This research investigates how an individual’s perceptions of key beliefs surrounding the use of the e‐commerce site with the standard user interface would influence the individual’s decision to accept these e‐commerce sites for online shopping purposes. This study applies the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) identifying components of usefulness and ease of use that predict user attitude toward the usage of the standard user interface. The research uses a Web‐based survey and employs TAM with path analysis to identify features of the standard user interface that might contribute to its usefulness and ease of use. It thus provides insights into the usefulness and ease of e‐commerce sites for developers, practitioners as well as researchers.

– In recent years, organizations have been forced to compete in a new environment and to become more innovative, provide more quality and respond more effectively to consumers' needs and preferences. Within this context, the main objectives of this research are to propose scales and study the existing relationships among innovation, Management System Standards (MSSs) Integration and customer satisfaction in order to help organizations to manage these elements and increase their performance., – Data for this study derives from a survey carried out in 76 Spanish organizations registered to at least both ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004. An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) are utilised to assess and confirm the proposed scales validity and the relationships of the research model., – The conceptual model finds significant support based on the empirical study. Three of the four dimensions of innovation and the four dimensions of MSs Integration are confirmed. Besides, the findings show that the integration characteristics are positively related to innovation and satisfaction, whereas, innovation is only partially linked to satisfaction., – This study, which aims to shed light on the integration characteristics, is the first to propose a model that links the three concepts of integration, customer satisfaction and innovation together. These are relevant issues for the competitiveness of companies, willing to increase their performance, especially for companies which have implemented several ISO based systems, which have become a key part of the organisation's lifeline and a prerequisite for survival in the twenty‐first century.

– With the emergence of the concepts of lean, agile and leagile paradigms for supply chains, organizations have little idea as to which model suits them based on the their supply chain's ability to counter risks and take on the challenges of the fast changing customer preferences. This paper aims to map supply chains on these two dimensions., – A model is proposed by which suitable supply chain strategy can be selected based on customer sensitivity and risk alleviation competency dimension. Graph theoretic approach is applied to quantify these dimensions for three case supply chains., – The proposed model was tested for three Indian SMEs clusters and suitable supply chain strategy was suggested., – It is recommended that the model be tested for those supply chains which have established themselves as lean, agile or leagile entities., – Suggested model would help organizations to select suitable supply chain strategy based on customer sensitivity and risk alleviation competency and the transition required in tune with the market requirements in which they operate. Also the areas which need improvements from the perspective of risk alleviation competency or customer sensitivity can be easily delineated., – Mapping supply chains based on quantification of customer sensitivity and risk alleviation competency dimension is a novel effort in the area of supply chain management.

– The main purpose is to describe and analyse the impact that the implementation of an advanced planning system (APS) has on the tactical planning level at a steel processing company. This is done in terms of analysing changes in the tactical planning processes, effects on company performance, and how the APS is used in a practical planning context., – This research is based on a longitudinal case study in the process industry. The case company, a high‐end steel producer, has been studied during several years using a combination of data sources: literature reviews, interviews, archival records, and also attendance at meetings, workshops, seminars, etc., – This case study points to the fact that implementing an APS and reorganizing the planning department and the planning processes are mutually dependent. The positive effects at the tactical planning level (in terms of service levels, fast and reliable order promises, more accurate forecasts) could not have been realized without the APS. On the other hand, the APS could not have been effectively utilized without the organizational change., – The results presented in this paper are based on a single case study, but in the context of our literature review and other case studies the findings are still valid and an important step towards better understanding of the practical use of APSs., – The process descriptions, lessons learnt, and issues encountered in case studies like this should be helpful to practitioners on their way to implement APSs, and companies seeking new ways to improve their planning can use this research to investigate the use of an APS., – Studies on the practical use of standard APS software are still scarce. As such this paper provides enhanced knowledge and understanding on the use of APSs in industry settings.

In the last decade the number of female managers increased dramatically, yet industry is still dominated by men and women are invariably paid less than their male counterparts.