Search

PurposeThe introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has had a substantial influence on the retail industry. However, AI adoption entails considerable responsibilities and risks for senior managers. In this study, the authors developed an evaluation and selection mechanism for successful AI technology adoption in the retail industry. The multifaceted measurement and identification of critical factors (CFs) can enable retailers to adopt AI technology effectively and maintain a sustainable competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachThe evaluation and adoption of organisational AI technology involve multifaceted decision-making for management. Therefore, the authors used the analytic network process to develop an AI evaluation framework for calculating the weight and importance of each consideration. An expert questionnaire survey was distributed to senior retail managers and 17 valid responses were obtained. Finally, the Vlse Kriterijumska Optimizacija Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method was used to identify CFs for AI adoption.FindingsThe results revealed five CFs for AI adoption in the retail industry. The findings indicated that after AI adoption, top retail management is most concerned with factors pertaining to business performance and minor concerned about the internal system's functional efficiency. Retailers pay more attention to technology and organisation context, which are matters under the retailers' control, than to external uncontrollable environmental factors.Originality/valueThe authors developed an evaluation framework and identified CFs for AI technology adoption in the retail industry. In terms of practical application, the results of this study can help AI service providers understand the CFs of retailers when adopting AI. Moreover, retailers can use the proposed multifaceted evaluation framework to guide their adoption of AI technology.

Purpose Internet-based business-to-business electronic procurement (B2B e-procurement) systems are rapidly becoming the primary platform for interorganizational transactions and the delivery of products and services in the travel and tourism industries. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the critical success factors (CSFs) and implementation strategies for B2B e-procurement systems in travel agency supply chains. Design/methodology/approach This study developed a multifaceted evaluation framework that draws on the relevant literature and the technology–organization–environment framework. The CSFs underlying B2B e-procurement adoption were identified using hybrid criteria decision-making methods. Purposive sampling was used, and 49 valid questionnaires were obtained from retail travel agencies in Taiwan. Findings The results reveal that the top four CSFs are system stability, system reliability, sales dynamics and product line availability. By focusing on these CSFs, travel wholesalers can most effectively allocate their limited resources to provide an extensive range of products and services to their clients, improve e-procurement services and enhance interorganizational collaboration in travel agency supply chains. Originality/value This study developed a multifaceted evaluation framework and identified four CSFs to assist in the adoption of B2B e-procurement systems in travel agency supply chains.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare the factors that influenced the adoption of a Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (CPFR) model by a retailer that is a lifestyle accessories chain, and a supplier that is a food manufacturer. Design/methodology/approach The study started with the construction of a questionnaire based on the factors of the theoretical framework of a Technology-Organization-Environment that were discovered through a literature review and distribution of the questionnaire to experts. The fuzzy analytical hierarchy process method was used to determine the weights (importance) of these factors. Findings The study found that among the top ten factors, two are the same for both the retailer and the supplier – “partner trust and communication,” and “support of top managers” – while the other factors differ. In addition, it was found that the supplier pays more attention to the environmental issues, while the retailer focuses on organizational issues when introducing a CPFR model. Practical implications This study offers five practical implications for the successful adoption of a CPFR model: first, top management support and trusting relationship building are important factors for both the retailer and the supplier; second, adoption of CPFR is a management issue, rather than a technological issue; third, retailers lead more successfully; fourth, a careful selection of collaborative partners is essential; and finally, an innovative model should be constructed. Originality/value The results can serve as a reference to help enterprises to better allocate their resources, according to the weights of the important adoption factors when they are formulating their strategies for the adoption of CPFR. Decisions based upon this guideline can increase the success rate of CPFR adoptions and can ensure better allocation of resources.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose an implementation model for enterprise resource planning (ERP) based on resource-based view, and using the dynamic capability theory as its theoretical foundation. This model includes: the establishment of the objectives of the implementation, an assessment of the available resources and the scope of the implementation, the redesign/integration and organizational learning during the process, the implementation of the system, and the measurement and evaluation of its performance. Design/methodology/approach – An integrated circuits design company in Taiwan was used in a case study to examine the validity of the proposed model. Findings – When the proposed ERP implementation model was applied in this study, the results show that organizational coordination, system-process redesign and integration, and organizational learning are the critical strategies for enterprises, in order to reduce the risks during the implementation of ERP projects. Practical implications – This model can help enterprises recognize the resources needed when implementing an ERP. In addition, they need to consider the reliability of these resources, as this will increase the efficiency of the implementation, and thus the probability of success. Originality/value – Studies of past models in the implementation of ERP have been conducted in various industries. There is a need for further studies that evaluate the different concepts in terms of the effectiveness of specific methods, in order to enhance the probability of successfully implementing a dynamic system. This paper is one of the first to explain how an enterprise can implement an ERP that is based on the theory of dynamic capabilities. The case study illustrates the important, critical success factors.

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to comprehensively examine the factors that influence the adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) in the logistics industry in Taiwan, and to objectively identify the key factors (KFs) for successful adoption. Design/methodology/approach – First, the factors were collected from a review of the literature, and then arranged in a three-layer hierarchical table. The fuzzy analytic hierarchical process (FAHP) was then used to determine the weighting of each factor, based on the opinions of various logistics professionals. The acceptable advantage concept of VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) was then used to identify the KFs. Findings – Nine important factors were identified from the total of eighteen factors, with a total accumulative weight of 64.68 percent, and from these, four KFs were determined: meeting the demands of clients, sharing real-time information, creating advantages in overall delivery, and reducing operational errors. Practical implications – The results show that the logistics industry in Taiwan should focus on the improvement of four KFs when adopting RFID. Eight practical implications of this study are also discussed in the paper. Originality/value – This study used multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tools to obtain the importance (weighting) of each factor and to identify the KFs that influence the adoption of RFID. The research results can serve as a reference for the logistics industry, enabling firms to better allocate their resources when adopting RFID, and thus, to achieve a good outcome at lower cost and with greater efficiency.

Purpose – The purposes of this study were to formulate a hierarchical table of factors that influence adoption of an inter-organization system (IOS) by enterprises and to apply multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tools to find the weights of these factors and to objectively identify the critical success factors (CSFs) for the adoption of IOSs by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach – This study first used a literature review to collect the factors that affect an enterprise’s adoption of an IOS and then constructed a three-level hierarchical table of these factors, based on a technology – organization – environment framework. Fuzzy analytic hierarchy processing was used, based on the returned questionnaires, to determine the weights of the factors. The concept of VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) acceptable advantage was used to objectively identify the CSFs of SMEs that have adopted an IOS. Findings – This study identifies six CSFs of SMEs that have adopted an IOS: industry knowledge and experience, the degree of application of information technology within the industry, system safety, the organizational infrastructure, customer relationships and ease of use. In addition, four findings are proposed. Practical implications – The work has studied, in depth, the factors that influence the adoption of an IOS by SMEs and identified four practice implications that provide a useful guideline for SMEs when they plan to adopt an IOS. Originality/value – The identification of CSFs is also an MCDM problem. However, very few previous articles have used MCDM tools to identify the CSFs. This study adopted MCDM tools to objectively identify these CSFs and determine their appropriate weights. The results can help the managers of SMEs allocate their resources, according to the weighting of these CSFs, when they are making plans to adopt an IOS.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose some competitive strategies as a reference for domestic mobile phone corporations (DMCs) so that dominant mobile phone corporations can develop advantageous business strategies to effectively compete with international corporations within the China market.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilizes case studies and the analysis hierarchical process to analyze the competitiveness of the domestic mobile phone industry (DMI) within the China market from a value chain perspective.FindingsThe study finds that the competitive strengths of the domestic mobile phone players lie in manufacturing and customer service, while the weaknesses are in research and development (R&D), distribution (DIST) and marketing and sales (MS) in terms of competing with international brands already within the Chinese market.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper samples experts familiar with the mobile phone market in the Shanghai area, and therefore may not be applicable to the entire Chinese market. A wider study is suggested, with samples sourced from the entire market, to fill in the remaining gaps.Practical implicationsThe surveyed experts emphasize that R&D, DIST and MS capabilities need to be addressed immediately. In turn, some competitive strategies are proposed for the DMI to employ, taking into account their individual features and strengths.Originality/valueThe study assists the dominant corporations in the DMI to better understand their competitive weaknesses through the comments provided by the surveyed experts. Some competitive strategies are proposed as a reference for DMCs.

PurposeTo propose and test an augmented collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment (A‐CPFR) model in a retailer‐supplier context with a view to improving forecasting accuracy and then reducing the “bullwhip effect” in the supply chain.Design/methodology/approachAfter a literature review, the paper presents a real case in which the present authors provided assistance. The description of the case includes: case company background; an “as‐is” model analysis; a “to‐be” (CPFR) model analysis; and a description of the results and potential benefits. The paper then proposes an A‐CPFR model for the case and performs a simulation of the new model for comparison with the existing CPFR model.FindingsThe results show that the mean absolute deviation of forecasting and the inventory variance are both better in the proposed model than in the existing CPFR model. The proposed model can thus improve the accuracy of sales forecasting, reduce inventory levels, and reduce the “bullwhip effect”.Practical implicationsIn addition to information provided by the retailer, a logistics supplier should also obtain competitors' promotional information from the market as another factor for forecasting – thus enabling timely responses to demand fluctuations.Originality/valueThe proposed model is an original and useful development on the existing CPFR model. It could become a reference model for the retail industry in implementing CPFR in the future.

PurposeTo propose some recommendations to improve the model that the Taiwanese Government developed for business to business data‐interchange standards for XML format (DIS_XML) of seven industries.Design/methodology/approachThis study examines the DIS_XML development of Taiwan from a practical perspective. After an assessment of industrial structures and characteristics and recommendations are proposed for the development model.FindingsThe study concludes that the structure and function of development organization, expert knowledge, top management involvement and support, communication between relevant departments and the achievement of consensus are key factors in establishing the industrial DIS_XML.Practical implicationsThe study revealed the development content of government promoting the DIS_XML of seven industries in Taiwan and will be of assistance to other countries that are inclined to promote.Originality/valueGovernmental involvement of the sort demonstrated by the Taiwanese Government is a rare phenomenon in the world. Such government involvement has directed the thrust of business involvement in the development of DIS_XML, and will ultimately determine whether it succeeds.

Purpose – To present a three‐layer hierarchical structure of the factors involved in adopting an electronic marketplace (EM) model and to examine the relative weightings given to various strategic factors by the securities industry (SI) and the heavy electric machinery industry in Taiwan.Design/methodology/approach – A literature review and a review of nine Taiwanese industries allow the formulation of a three‐layer hierarchical structure of adoption factors. A fuzzy analytic hierarchical process (AHP) is then undertaken to ascertain the relative weightings of factors that affect entry to an EM in two of these industries which are studied in more detail.Findings – The weights of “proactive” factors are found to be greater than those of “defensive” factors. For example, contrary to previous findings in this area, the “risk of adopting new technology” is not found to be the major factor influencing decision making. Various factors are found to have different routes of influence in determining decision makin...

In this paper, fuzzy hierarchical analysis (FHA) is used to explore the process by which the criteria weights of the Taiwan National Quality Award (TNQA) are assigned by TNQA committee members. Each member is allowed to employ fuzzy scales in place of exact scales. Each pairwise comparison of criteria is made through a questionnaire from each TNQA committee member. The membership function of trapezoidal fuzzy numbers is introduced to specify TNQA committee members’ intentions. After FHA, the reasonable range of each criterion weight of TNQA is determined. The current criteria weights of TNQA are properly verified.

PurposeThis study proposes an integrated collaborative web site among government agencies to enhance customer satisfaction with the service quality of government agencies.Design/methodology/approachThe present authors invited all involved public‐sector agencies to integrate their service processes into a model of one‐stop shopping and established collaborative mechanism for providing customized service.FindingsThe present study has identified five factors that were critical for success in such an undertaking. These factors included: establishing appropriate regulations for the implementation process; designing a viable collaborative‐service system; establishing a closely connected virtual organization; ensuring the participation of senior managers from all agencies; and obtaining the cooperation of the facilitators from various agencies (including appropriate merit and bonus incentives).Practical implicationsThe real challenge for establishing the collaborative‐service web site was managerial – in combining the service processes of a dozen or more agencies to make the model work. Managerial issues that need to be addressed were the design of service processes, the overall organizational structure, the establishment of audit and supervision procedures, and the establishment an operational model for the web site.Originality/valueThis web site serves as a successful “one‐stop‐shopping” model that increases customer satisfaction with the service quality of government agencies. This study provides information for other government agencies that might wish to establish similar collaborative models to enhance service in the public sector.

PurposeThe purpose of the research is to explore electronic marketplace (EM) strategies adopted by enterprises in free markets and controlled markets. Meanwhile, their differences are compared.Design/methodology/approachIn the research, the EM strategies adopted by enterprises in free markets from the value‐chain perspective are discussed first. Then, in‐depth interviews with enterprises in controlled markets are followed.FindingsThe effect on corporations' marketing effectiveness is rather limited because fewer competitors resulted in little competition and more monopolization in a controlled market. Also, the buyer focuses on product quality without a high awareness of the concept of cost.Practical implicationsThe results indicate that there are differences in EM strategies adopted by enterprises in free and controlled markets from the value‐chain perspective.Originality/valueFaced with the expanding internationalized markets, companies must carefully consider the operational modes and strategies of EMs.

PurposeThe adoption of automation has been suggested as one source to establish the competitiveness of manufacturing industries. The importance of government's role in promoting the automation adoption has been recognized. The Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan has been promoting the “Manufacturing Automation Promotion Policy (MAPP)” for more than 10 years. From the perspective of the government agent, whether the MAPP was effective is the most concerned issue. However, there is no research on evaluating the performance of MAPP undertaken by the government. This study aims to fill the gap.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed survey method; and a questionnaire was delivered to prospect respondents through the IDB promotion team.FindingsAccording to the analytical results, it was found that responding department has a significant impact on understanding automation policy and the need for technical personnel; enterprise size significantly affects needs for technical personnel.Practical implicationsThe research findings show, by implication, that the MAPP conducted by the Taiwan's IDB has been effective to a certain degree. Several suggestions for further advancing the effectiveness of the MAPP are made.Originality/valueThis study is the first research to examine the performance effectiveness of MAPP conducted by Taiwan's IDB. After a comprehensive literature, this study suggests that the program effectiveness can be evaluated in terms of awareness of MAPP, understanding of MAPP, benefits of MAPP, perceiving automation policy as incentive, needs for policy assistance, and needs for technical personnel.

This paper investigates customer knowledge management activities of Taiwan’s plastic industries. The results demonstrate that the bulk of customer knowledge comes from data related to customer purchase orders and complaints. Furthermore, marketing, production, and research and development are the main departments that developed and reuse customer knowledge. The benefits derived from knowledge management for enterprises do not vary with the position of the vendor on the business scope. In addition, the benefits derived by customers from knowledge management are directly related to the benefits gained by the five major business functions, while the benefits derived from the customer knowledge management are also directly related to customer satisfaction. Summarizing the above results, an Acquisition‐Development‐Reuse (ADR) model is proposed and can provide the enterprises with a systematic reference model when the business attempts to construct a customer knowledge management system.

Business process reengineering (BPR) has been widely applied in many enterprises. However, most cases have targeted large enterprises. In Taiwan, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for at least 95 per cent of all enterprises, have played an extremely important role in Taiwan’s economic growth. The question of whether those SMEs can successfully implement BPR in order to strengthen their management structure is an important issue. Undertakes a detailed case study of an SME whose profits had fallen dramatically and which successfully implemented organizational restructuring (OR). Discovers that, although the SME in question did not make use of information technology to achieve the goal of organizational restructuring, by adopting use of BPR concepts and methods it achieved its goal of transformation. The model used for the implementation procedure of OR should provide a useful reference for other SMEs in Taiwan seeking to achieve perpetual operation, because most SMEs will eventually encounter similar problems.

To build assembly machines to best suit the needs of anticipated production, machine builders need to spend much time deciding what type of machine system and control system to select and what kinds of devices to use in material handling. Especially when an expert builder leaves a company, knowledge goes with him and is lost to the company. Therefore, retention of valuable information in the form of a knowledge base is a very desirable resource. The purpose of this paper is to develop a computer‐based expert system that can be used as a consulting system by assembly machine builders to conquer the above difficulties. This expert system collects expert assembly machine knowledge and experience. Then, an evaluation is performed to ensure accuracy and reliability, and performance is evaluated by building a practical product. The expert system is found to be a valuable tool, providing significant information for machine builders.

Notes that, until now, to route robotics travel, most investigations have utilized the fixed coordinate of placement points and magazine of the traveling salesman problem (TSP) method to sequence the placement points after the magazine has been arbitrarily assigned. Points out that, in fact, robotics travel routing should be based on a relative coordinate because the robotics, board and magazine simultaneously move at different speeds during assembly. Consequently, the coordinates of placement point and magazine are constantly changing. In this study, a novel tabu search (TS) based approach is presented. The proposed approach can arrange the placement sequence and assign the magazine slots to yield a performance better than the conventional one. Results presented herein also demonstrate that the larger the number of placement points and/or part numbers, the better the performance.