Author: Sime Curkovic

A robust process and the supporting systems for managing information about suppliers can create a competitive advantage for companies and allow them to out innovate competitors. Large amounts of data, specifically supplier identification, qualification, and engagement information, has become overwhelming to track. The data required for processing, distributing or selling products and services is often inaccurate, inconsistent, and incomplete. The fact remains that most organizations have no real strategy when...

Click here for full access to ISO 14000 paper Formally adopted in 1996 by the International  Organization of Standardization, ISO 14000 represents a new voluntary international environmental standard which will likely be adopted by the vast majority of corporations. While the literature is clearly divided in its assessment of ISO 14000, an underlying common theme is that the decision to achieve ISO 14000 certification constitutes a major undertaking for most...

Here is the research paper associated with this blog... Curkovic, S., Melnyk, S.A., Handfield, R.B., and Calantone, R.J.  “Investigating the Linkage Between Total Quality Management and Environmentally Responsible Manufacturing.”  IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, vol. 47, no. 4, November, 2000, p. 444-464. Click here for a copy of the paper associated with this blog Environmentally Responsible Manufacturing (ERM) is a relatively new concept that can be viewed as a product...

While the literature is clearly divided in its assessment of Sustainability and Social Responsibility, an underlying common theme is that the decision to achieve Sustainability constitutes a major undertaking for most firms, especially in the supply chain.  Such an undertaking, it is argued, does not take place in a vacuum.  Rather, it is a response to a number of factors or influences.  However, no research to date has empirically identified...

This project’s focus was on the structure, implementation, and maintenance of a formal system for managing risks in the supply chain.  A common theme is that the decision to manage supply chain risks constitutes a major undertaking for most firms.  Such an undertaking, it is argued, does not take place in a vacuum.  Rather, it is a response to a number of factors or influences.  However, no research to date...

Here is the research paper associated with this blog, click Another paper associated with this blog In my study of first tier suppliers to North American automobile manufacturers, we examined relationships between competitive dimensions of quality (e.g., design quality, conformance quality) and overall firm performance (e.g., ROI, Market Share).  Most quality programs identified by examining international practices have focused on improving quality control through strengthening conformance to specifications.  However, conformance...

Click here for access to the research paper for this blog Another research paper that goes along with this blog This study examines relationships among (1) the extent of use of 10 quality-related action programs, (2) performance on 8 quality dimensions, and (3) 6 measures of firm performance.  The focus is on the automotive supply industry.  The results show that, first, usage of each of the 10 action programs is...

Full access to research paper, just click here Many of the espoused criticisms of quality standards such as ISO 9000 by managers seem valid on the surface but may actually mask an underlying strategic position of an organization. Our study attempts to demonstrate that companies who fully integrate a QMS can reap significant benefits internal and externally in terms of quality assurance.  Quality standards such as ISO 9000 do not...

Our research examined the value of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) supplier support by testing a structural model that relates need for support with actual support received, and the impact of that support on implementation, operational and business success. Current research is expanded by simultaneously testing the relationship between these factors in a single model. The recent adoption of a specific subset of AMT was the unit of analysis. The proposed...

Here is a copy of the paper, it has over 10,000 reads Here is a complete risk case study paper we did w/ Steelcase Supply chain risk management (SCRM) is a key component of not only supply success but firm success as well.  Supply chain risks can be mitigated to a great extent by the qualification and selection of the appropriate supplier.  The purpose of this study was to identify...