Yingli Wang - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Yingli Wang

Sustainability, 2020

In a supply chain management context, the effective management of Information Technology (IT) fle... more In a supply chain management context, the effective management of Information Technology (IT) flexibility has been an issue to be resolved. However, no analytical method that calculates the required and actual level of IT flexibility dimensions has been proposed. This paper aims to provide an analytical tool that measures the required and actual levels of IT flexibility dimensions to provide the best value from a logistics firm’s IT flexibility. To do so, we propose a combined Importance‒Performance Analysis (IPA) and Partial Least Squared Structured Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) method based on a multidimensional IT flexibility model. By comparing industry-level data with client firm data, our method allows for effective identification of a client logistics company’s multiple IT flexibility gaps and indicates where particular management interventions are required. By proposing importance and performance as measurement scales, our research suggests an analytical tool that managers ca...

International Journal of Production Economics, 2017

IT flexibility is an increasingly important factor in today's dynamic business environment. Howev... more IT flexibility is an increasingly important factor in today's dynamic business environment. However, earlier research lacks 1) an integrated framework that corresponds to diverse processes for supply chain management and 2) an explanation of how IT flexibility affects firms' performance in the supply chain context. To fill these gaps, our study theorised a research model by integrating disparate streams of IT flexibility research with three types of IT flexibility, namely, operational, transactional, and strategic, and tested both the direct and indirect effects of the three IT flexibility types on firm performance. Our theoretical model uses an extended resourcebased view to highlight the role of IT flexibility in managing interdependent firm relationships in supply chains. Using a partial least squares approach to structured equation modelling analysis on 162 questionnaires from supply chain practitioners, we found two significant relationships: (1) transactional IT flexibility affects operational IT flexibility, and (2) operational IT flexibility affects strategic IT flexibility. Transactional IT flexibility also affects strategic IT flexibility, thus playing a pivotal role in the effectiveness of the other two flexibility types. In addition, it was identified that transactional and operational flexibilities affect firm performance indirectly, via process integration capability, while strategic flexibility directly affects firm performance. By classifying diverse IT flexibility attributes into three types, a comprehensive and explicit concept of IT flexibility in inter-organisational relationships is attained, which allows practitioners to target key resource investments to realise the full potential of IT in the supply chain.

Supply Chain Management and Knowledge Management, 2009

The growth in e-business over recent years, driven by developments in information and communicati... more The growth in e-business over recent years, driven by developments in information and communication technology, has resulted in the increased use of electronic marketplaces (EMs) for business-to-business transactions. Potentially, EMs can have a significant influence over the way that transactions are carried out, relationships are formed, supply chains are structured and profit flows are operated (Kaplan and Sawhney 2000). While many aspects of supply chain management have been considered, there are only a few studies that investigate the development of these EMs in logistics (Grieger 2003). In this chapter, we focus upon these electronic logistics marketplaces (ELMs), which are electronic hubs that use web-based systems to link shippers and carriers together for the purpose of collaboration or trading. At a basic level, an ELM involves three main parties — the shipper of goods, the carrier and a technology provider. While any of these parties can lead the ELM development, it is usual for the leader to be the shipper.

The International Journal of Logistics Management, 2015

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically how information and communicati... more Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically how information and communication technologies (ICT) can contribute to reduction of CO2 emissions in road freight transport and to identify opportunities for further improvements. Design/methodology/approach – This research adopts a multiple case study approach with three leading UK grocery retailers as exemplars of fast-moving consumer goods retailers, conducted using multiple data collection techniques including interviews, system demonstrations, onsite observations and the use of archive information. Findings – ICT solutions have a direct positive impact on CO2 emissions reduction but opportunities to further reduce CO2 emissions are perceived as lying beyond retailers’ own distribution networks. These opportunities are not fully utilised due to the complexities of collaborative ICT provisions and retailers’ reluctance to share information with competitors. Research limitations/implications – A limitation of the st...

Transforming Field and Service Operations, 2013

Efficient and on-time execution of field tasks has been found to rely heavily on internal availab... more Efficient and on-time execution of field tasks has been found to rely heavily on internal availability of inventories. However, the lack of flexibility in the way information flows along the logistics chain has led to poor inventory replenishment lead times. This results in delayed execution of field tasks and has a negative impact on customer experience. This chapter articulates the concept of communication flexibility, in the form of dimensions, by which operations managers may judge the ability of the logistics chain to configure and reconfigure information linkages in response to a changing environment. Until now the term ‘communication flexibility’ has been loosely used in the literature. This research establishes a more analytical definition that forms the foundation for more comprehensive empirical quantitative and qualitative research in the field of flexible operations. The research method is a combination of conceptual and literature review based research. The chapter proposes a conceptual model of intra-organisational communication flexibility which is composed of three levels, namely, transactional, operational and strategic. Each level consists of a number of dimensions and sub-dimensions that together define communication flexibility in logistics operations. Current research in the deployment of ICT in inventory projects is then considered in depth in order to preliminarily verify and validate the proposed model. This chapter provides an overview of current best practice and technological use in inventory management that emphasises the importance of visibility in the management of inventory achieved through ICT deployment.

The provision of logistics services relies heavily on effective intra- and particularly inter-org... more The provision of logistics services relies heavily on effective intra- and particularly inter-organisational information exchange and communication to which ICT is seen as a key enabler. Effective communication among shippers (consignors), carriers and customers (consignees) helps to foster collaborative relationships, reduce uncertainties and performance-related errors, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and customer responsiveness. Innovative logistics practices that are based on the use of the state-of-art technologies are often referred to as 'smart logistics', i.e. flexible and able to cope with uncertainties. The proposed research is about understanding how increased connectivity and visibility enabled by recent advances in ICT, particularly the Internet, could be harnessed for innovative logistics provisions ('smart logistics') through the lens of defining and measuring communication flexibility. Even though much attention has been focused on the logistics flexibility concept in recent years, one critical dimension is missing - namely, communication flexibility. While the profound effect of ICT in supporting flexible operations, be it at supply chain level or manufacturing level, is well recognised, academic researchers need a more rigorous approach in assessing inter-organisational communication within the logistics context. This is the major driver and novelty of this proposal. Inter-organisational communication flexibility here is defined as the extent to which the firms are able to configure and reconfigure their information linkages in responding to the changing environment. The main objectives are to develop a conceptual model capturing the key indicators of communication flexibility and subsequently validate the model using a large scale survey. As a result, an appropriate method for assessing the level of communication flexibility and its impact to logistics performance will be established, thus laying the foundation for this important yet largely overlooked subject. The data required for this research will be acquired through three focus group discussions, six case studies and a survey of seven hundred plus companies targeting shippers, carriers and ICT providers in the UK. The proposed research is also timely; as it investigates and consolidates the key emerging technologies in the logistics field for instance real time tracking technologies using Global Positioning System (GPS) and electronic logistics marketplaces based on cloud computing solutions. Used separately or in combination they will facilitate interorganisational communication at different levels. Such technologies only emerged recently and therefore by incorporating them, this study advances and updates our knowledge towards the use of ICT in the logistics field. Consequently this research is of great value to practitioners as it will guide them to make sense out of and leverage such emerging technologies for competitive advantages.

An emerging business model, known as Electronic Logistics Marketplace (ELM), is increasingly bein... more An emerging business model, known as Electronic Logistics Marketplace (ELM), is increasingly being recognised for its potential to address the issue of poor vehicle utilisation. This research investigates the feasibility of setting up a neutral government-supported regional ELM which will fully exploit the potential of such a collaborative network across industries and achieve transport optimisation at a regional level. There has been a lack of studies in this particular field. A qualitative research method is deployed. The findings suggest that while many companies are positive towards the concept of a regional ELM, mixed feelings exist in different sectors, in particular in the haulage industry. We note that most concerns and barriers are commensurate with previous generic research on ELM, although such issues as anti-competitiveness are specific to a regional ELM..

International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 2008

One way in which companies can obtain competitive advantage is through customising their logistic... more One way in which companies can obtain competitive advantage is through customising their logistics operations to particular market segments. A challenge for businesses pursuing this strategy is to develop a performance measurement (PM) system that enables the differing objectives of divergent distribution channels to be met. However, this issue has not been fully addressed in the literature, with the one

Industrial Marketing Management, 2011

Since the 1990s there has been a rich literature on business-to-business electronic marketplaces.... more Since the 1990s there has been a rich literature on business-to-business electronic marketplaces. While many aspects of supply chain management have been considered, there are only a few studies which investigate the development and application of these electronic marketplaces in logistics. These can be termed Electronic Logistics Marketplaces (ELM). The paper aims to understand the rationale behind a particular type of ELM, termed 'collaborative ELM', and evaluates the impact of introducing such an ELM. To do this, an in depth case study in the UK fast moving consumer goods industry is used. Data has been collected from shippers, transport companies and the technology provider using a range of tools, including interviews, quantitative data analysis and process mapping. The research reveals that the collaborative ELM is still a relatively new business model. It has potential for growth in optimizing supply chain networks and enabling not only vertical collaboration between shippers and carriers but also horizontal collaboration between shippers and/or between carriers. It identifies the motives behind a collaborative ELM, and demonstrates how such a system is implemented through the configurations of information system, process and collaborative arrangements. The impact on the different participating parties is also examined. Finally the necessary conditions for a successful implementation are derived in the light of the research findings.

Industrial Management & Data Systems, 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate electronic logistics marketplaces (ELMs), especia... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate electronic logistics marketplaces (ELMs), especially closed systems based on long‐term relationships between shippers and carriers. It aims to establish likely operational models and investigate their relationship with tailored logistics.Design/methodology/approachMultiple case‐studies with shippers, carriers and technology providers, involving interviews, process mapping, work‐shops and system demonstrations.FindingsKey attributes in relation to processes, relationships and technology are identified. Finding reveal that the ELM business model is still at its infancy stage but with huge potential for growth in optimizing supply chain networks, and enabling the provision of tailored logistics.Practical implicationsBusiness‐to‐business electronic marketplaces are becoming more common in practice. By characterizing the different operational models, decision makers in logistics can identify which structure is best suited for their particul...

International Journal of Services Operations and …, 2007

... Our underlying logic is based on Kim and Lee [11] that an ERA should be independent of its te... more ... Our underlying logic is based on Kim and Lee [11] that an ERA should be independent of its technical architecture and any particular ... Multiple, variety of systems from different control components with standardised interface are connected via ehub ▪ Closed system ▪ Complex ...

International Journal of Services Operations and Informatics, 2007

... structures in practise (Goldsby and Eckert, 2003) or classify different e-business models in ... more ... structures in practise (Goldsby and Eckert, 2003) or classify different e-business models in terms of function and salient features (Kim and Shunk ... Multiple, variety of systems from different control components with standardised interface are connected via e-hub Closed system ...