Keywords
Citation
Kaipia, R. (2010), "2010 Awards for Excellence", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 21 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijlm.2010.30021caa.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
2010 Awards for Excellence
Article Type: Awards for Excellence From: International Journal of Logistics Management, Volume 21, Issue 3
Outstanding Paper
International Journal of Logistics Management
"Coordinating material and information flows with supply chain planning"
Riikka KaipiaHelsinki University of Technology, Espoo, Finland
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study how companies can select a supply chain planning (SCP) mechanism to improve the balance between material flow and information flow.
Design/methodology/approach – The methodology of the paper is an inductive case study approach. Coordination theory is used as a background for the paper. Based on a literature survey, determinants of the selection of a SCP approach are defined. Cases of SCP are used to validate the framework presented.
Findings – The paper suggests that specific supply chain characteristics need to be balanced by selecting a coordination mechanism that uses information optimally to support the material flow. Flexible material flow needs frequent updates of the plan based on accurate information. If frequent information sharing and planning practices are used to support inflexible material flow, the result may be volatility in plans, and planning resources are wasted. If a flexible material flow is supported by inadequate information, waste may be produced in the material flow, in the form of excess inventories or capacity.
Research limitations/implications – The paper presents a framework for finding the balance between information flows and material flows and for applying a coordination mechanism.
Practical implications – Companies can use the framework to analyse the management of their material flow and their use of information. In future research, the framework could be developed to give more support for situations with different levels and sources of uncertainty.
Originality/value – The framework provides a new perspective on the discussion how information should be used to improve supply chain performance.
Keywords Information exchange, Manufacturing systems, Materials management, Supply chain management
www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/09574090910954882
Highly Commended Papers
International Journal of Logistics Management
"Organizational alignment and supply chain governance structure: introduction and construct validation"
Bryan Ashenbaum, Arnold Maltz, Lisa Ellram and Mark A. BarrattVol. 20 No. 1, 2009
"Supply chain security culture: measure development and validation"
Zachary Williams, Nicole Ponder and Chad W. AutryVol. 20 No. 2, 2009
Outstanding reviewer
Professor Scott B. Keller, The University of West Florida, USAVol. 20 No. 2, 2009