Information Knowledge Systems Management - Volume 6, issue 4

Authors: Stephenson, Stephen V. | Sage, Andrew P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Enterprise resource-planning is intended to help ensure organizational success through operational velocity attainment, where operational velocity is defined as speed in delivering products or services to market while meeting all customer expectations in a timely manner and decreasing time for the appearance of a positive revenue stream as much as possible. This paper provides a case study of an evolutionary Enterprise Resource Planning Architecture Framework, which is used to enable an enterprise …to tailor its organizational process lifecycle by addressing the operational environment throughout its evolution. The results of an explanatory case study are presented to illustrate a cause and effect relationship within the unit of analysis: the Enterprise Integration Deployment Organization. The case study allowed the "how" and "why" questions to be asked regarding a contemporary set of events that occurred in the design and implementation of the enterprise resource planning architecture within the Enterprise Integration Deployment Organization. Show more

Citation: Information Knowledge Systems Management, vol. 6, no. 4, pp. 265-290, 2007

Authors: Kumar, Sameer | Chandra, Charu | Seppanen, Marvin S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The single player Beer Game supply chain simulation developed using Arena, Visio, Excel, VBA, OptQuest, and Crystal Reports software tools provides a virtual laboratory to analyze various scenarios for optimal design. The model uses animation, directed arrows to show flow of information and flow of material – work in process or finished goods at different stages of transformation, and icons to show an entity such as plant/factory, consumer, warehouse, etc. The model can be scaled …up to a larger network of suppliers, OEMs, etc. with multiple products and other features that replicate complexities in an industry supply chain. The detailed analytical presentation of the Beer Game simulation example provides a useful framework for learning about challenges in production logistics systems. The contribution of this paper is to complement and enhance the existing body of knowledge where Beer Game or a similar approach has been utilized in understanding the complexity of managing decision-making in supply chain. In addition, the concept of templates (that is, Excel Workbooks) introduced can be used to build a generic framework for supply chain design of any business operation. The distinguishing feature of this paper is the emphasis given to the integrated system development environment utilizing a simulation software to study, understand, and learn about supply chain management problems. The Bullwhip Effect is an important demand and supply coordination problem that affects numerous organizations (for example, in spite of the efficient Cisco e-hub, still the Bullwhip effect is limiting their performance) which is a major phenomenon incorporated in the Beer Game model. Show more

Keywords: Beer Game, supply chain management, Bullwhip effect, supply chain design, system integration, supply chain learning model, supply chain optimization, discrete event simulation

Citation: Information Knowledge Systems Management, vol. 6, no. 4, pp. 291-322, 2007

Authors: Kumar, Sameer | Aquino, Edgardo C. | Anderson, Elizabeth

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The objectives of this case study are to explore the strategy of business process outsourcing with focus on the service sector industry, and present a toolkit for deciding what and when to outsource in order to optimize a company's process metric, profitability or productivity while minimizing risks and exposures. The recommended process methodology for outsourcing features life cycle phases with go-no-go decisions in each phase. This assumes a mature, highly competitive company wanting to leverage the …global outsourcing market opportunities. Emphasis was given on the strategy creation and business analysis activities, which highlighted use of strategy formulation tools and business decision modeling. The software-based model was vetted against a fictitious company modeled after an existing e-commerce company, faced with an outsourcing decision for its website maintenance and call center operations. Decision modeling was conducted in two stages: 1) Using Decision Matrix and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), compare the attractiveness and risk numbers among three locations assessed – USA, India, and South Africa, and 2) Using @Risk software, perform a statistical/financial analysis and modeling. India turned out to be the best choice, where the company would expect to realize a significant increase in cash flow per year. This paper outlines a roadmap for managers contemplating an outsourcing strategy. Leveraging a business decision model will assist in choosing from among various alternatives and forecasting expected financial benefits. The authors also incorporated industry best practice of making go-no-go decisions for each phase of the project, serving as gates to the next phase. This will allow management to tightly manage resources and control cost of outsourcing. An original element of this paper is the business decision model for the service sector. Show more

Keywords: Outsourcing, business process outsourcing, cost of outsourcing, outsourcing process methodology, Decision Matrix, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, FMEA, @Risk

Citation: Information Knowledge Systems Management, vol. 6, no. 4, pp. 323-342, 2007

Authors: Kumar, Sameer | DuFresne, Christopher | Hahler, Kim

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: For the past twenty years, manufacturers have been outsourcing their production to China to take advantage of low labor costs. From years of experience, companies have implemented and redesigned systems to be the most effective and cost efficient, which has led to increased dependence on interconnected supply chains that are vulnerable to associated risks. US companies are recognizing the risks and starting to mitigate the risk as the impact becomes greater and more probable. This paper …discusses the outcomes and impacts of the occurrence of major supply chain risks from both a macro and micro point of view. A diagram outlining risks associated with Chinese trade is also included. The macro-level addresses the actions the US government – and the country as a whole – must take to maintain a viable relationship with China. On the micro-level, the analysis is presented on the most relevant risk management options. A risk mitigation prescriptive business model that covers both macro and micro views is also presented. The discussion is limited to the most relevant issues facing the United States when it comes to trading with China. It is also known that information reported on China is not always accurate or representative of reality. To offset this fact, broad research from various sources has been conducted to present an acceptable range of data. This study augments the nascent research on the potential outcomes of risks occurring in the China supply chain, and makes a case that risks are not only probable, but that the outcomes are acute. Show more

Keywords: China, supply chain risk, textiles, manufacturing outsourcing, risk mitigation

Citation: Information Knowledge Systems Management, vol. 6, no. 4, pp. 343-362, 2007

Article Type: Book Review

Citation: Information Knowledge Systems Management, vol. 6, no. 4, pp. 363-363, 2007