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The premise that effective Human Resource Management (HRM) is critical to satisfactory organisational performance has been accepted for some time. Anecdotal evidence suggests that an even more robust relationship exists between HRM practices and the performance of firms that are implementing a Supply Chain Management (SCM) philosophy. While this notion is intuitively pleasing, there is little empirical research to support it. The aim of this study is threefold. First, draw upon the HRM and SCM literature to develop a conceptual model depicting proposed relationships among HRM, SCM implementation, SCM outcomes, customer satisfaction, and organisational performance. Second, generate a survey instrument that enables valid measurement of these constructs. Third, empirically test the model utilising structural equation modelling. The results may be used to improve both HRM and SCM processes and to stimulate further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supply chain management has become a critical strategic management tool and hence it plays a critical role in firm performance. This study researches the causal linkages between the supplier partnership, information quality, supply chain integration and supply chain flexibility on organisational performance. Using small-scale manufacturing as the setting in an emerging economy (India), the study results indicate that for any firm to improve performance, it must first improve its supplier partnerships and information quality. Based upon the study findings, managerial implications and a future research agenda are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fostering and maintaining a win-win relationship with suppliers and other supply chain partners is a daunting task. Various driving forces play a significant role in making this a reality. In this study, we first define the theoretical domain of strategic supply management. Based on an extensive literature review, we then identify the key driving forces that assist buyer firms in making their supply management strategic and successful. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the effect of these driving forces on strategic supply management and the effect of strategic supply management on buyer's performance. The results provide empirical evidence to the fact that strategic supply management is driven by several critical factors including environmental uncertainty, customer focus, competitive priorities, top management support, information technology and supply network structure. However, uncertainty was not found to be a significant deterrent in the successful management of supply activities. Rather, it was a stepping-stone for preparedness among the supply chain partners. In general, the results of this study provide additional insights for practitioners and researchers in understanding the strategic management of the supply function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary purpose of this study is to identify the underlying factors of supply chain integration in organisations operating in Saudi Arabia. Empirical research is used to study the extent and nature of supply chain integration and its relationship with organisational performance. Results based on statistical analyses show that organisation strategy does have a positive impact on the supply chain integration, while environmental uncertainty has negative impact on supply chain integration. Other findings relating to relationship between supply chain integration and business performance are also reported. The findings of this study have implications on how firms develop and maintain relations with supply chain partners. This study makes a valuable contribution given the fact that there is a dearth of empirical studies of this nature focusing on in the Middle East region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a model is developed and tested that examines the degree to which Including Logistics in Strategic Management (ILSM) influences the participation of manufacturing managers, investment in technology, the organisation's ability to modify products and services, Customer Satisfaction (CUS) and Firm Performance (PRF). Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is employed to aid in developing measures that operationalise the constructs and to test relationships among them. The results indicate that a strategic management process that includes logisticians will result in appropriate investment in modern technology and enhance the firm's ability to customise products and services. This translates to a distinctive competitive advantage resulting in improved organisation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid growth of containerisation in world maritime trade, container terminals have undertaken heavier tasks and more important roles to achieve better service quality and agility in the supply chain. Container terminals operate in a fierce competitive environment of international character. Their rivals are their neighbouring ports/seaport terminals, and/or similar facilities within their hinterlands. To accomplish the competitive advantage in global shipping, port managers have undertaken more effort continuously to improve their terminal productivity. However, to sustain competition in their favour it is also essential for managers to undertake benchmarking with the competing terminals. The aim of this paper is to guide port managers to benchmark their organisational performances with their competitors, thereby making necessary arrangements to use their resources more effectively. In this connection, 10 seaport terminals lying on the coast of the Sea of Marmara and the Mediterranean rim are taken as decision-making units and data envelopment analysis (DEA) is applied to measure and evaluate their relative performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]