Article

 

Leading logistics dynamics to cost-efficient management (p.11-27)

by

Andreas P. Kakouris, University of the Aegean

Panagiotis K. Finos, Hellenic Open University

Athanassios Mihiotis, Hellenic Open University

Keywords : Logistics, Profitability, Corporate strategy, Strategic alliances, Business organizations

JEL classification : M1

Abstract

This paper details an early examination of innovative activities within both inbound and outbound logistics that create value and competitive advantage. Moreover, this paper revisits Alling and Tyndall’s (1990) ten logistics rules which govern the contribution logistics can make to profitability. Our research adopted a case-study approach. Hence semi-structured interviews with supply chain managers were conducted within four lead organizations. The findings defend the significance of the logistics principles mentioned by Alling and Tyndall since they can unlock the hidden value of logistics within their enterprises and across their extended supply chains.

 

 

The way people and societies perceive the nature and context of risk is different, due to psychological and cultural issues (p.29-46)

by

Evangelia Fragouli, Aarhus University & University of Dundee

Pavlos Thedoulou, University of Dundee

Keywords : Risk, Perception, Culture

JEL classification : Q3, Q4

Abstract

Risk perception, is the people’s judgments and assessment of dangerous situations that might impose threats to their well-being. However, the way in which people and societies manage the risks, has the special feature of the selectiveness, as to what risks peoples and societies, actually gives rise to concern.. This paper will examine the factors which lead to the different ways people perceive the nature and the context of the risk from a psychological, national and personal cultural perspective. From the psychological point of view, risk perception process is based on the people’s danger experience and how the information about the source of risk is communicated in people’s psychological mechanism. This psychological mechanism is the one which is responsible for posing uncertainty to people. Moreover, the psychological and cultural studies on how people and societies really assess risks have been shown that people, anywhere in the world regardless of their cultural background, use particular criteria to form their own opinion about risks. Despite this, the effectiveness of these criteria in the public opinion-forming differs considerably, according to people’s social group and their personal characteristics and dimensions.

 

 

ABC in metal industry: A tool for gaining competitive advantage (p.47-59)

by

Ioannis Kafetzidakis, Hellenic Open University

Athanassios Mihiotis, Hellenic Open University

Keywords : Competitive advantage, Activity based costing, Metal industry, Supply chain

JEL classification : M1

Abstract

In todays’ global competition environment, supply chain management (SCM) is considered to be a really crucial tool for managers helping them to optimize performance of enterprises. This paper examines the level of adoption of SCM strategies and particularly the activity based costing strategy in a large Greek metal industry. Metal industries have special characteristics that differentiate them strongly from the other type of industries especially due to the big life cycle of the products they produce, the fact that the companies are high capital-intensive and finally due to their global excess production. This means that the low cost of SCM is without doubt a basic prerequisite for a company aiming to acquire a competitive advantage. Current study first dentifies the level of adoption of activity based costing in a big exporting greek metal industry, then valuates the contribution of the strategy to the supply chain management and the performance of the organization and finally focuses on the weaknesses of the Activity Based Costing (ABC) model suggesting specific strategic choices for the gain of competitive advantage which is proved to be a key component to enhance productivity, performance and profitability.

 

 

The relationship between TQM and financial performance of Greek companies of structural construction sector during crisis period (p.61-78)

by

G. Kampouridis, Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece

A.Ch. Yiannopoulos, Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece

G.I. Giannopoulos, Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece

S.A. Tsirkas, Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece

Keywords : Quality, Financial performance, Quantitative analysis, Economic recession

JEL classification : L61, L74, M11

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to contribute, through a quantitative analysis, in the investigation of an important problem: What is the impact of ISO 9001:2008 certification and Process Management practices on the financial performance of companies in structural construction industry during the years 2008-2011 of deep economic recession in Greece. The financial and social crisis in Greece has had a major impact in the field of structural construction industry with extremely negative impact not only on financial outcomes but also on the viability of some of them. The work is based on published financial statements, official presentations of the companies in their respective websites and selected interviews with managers - owners. It is shown, that companies that regularly use - both in production and administration - process management practices had less negative impacts in terms of liquidity and efficiency. Nevertheless, it seems that total quality management utilized techniques could not prevent undesirable effects regarding profitability and solvency.