Exploring the trade‐off concept

Exploring factors influencing service trade-offs in the higher education sector: evidence from Malaysia

Purpose

Trade-offs are unavoidable in a competitive and difficult economic environment, causing a challenge for those wanting to provide consistently high-quality service across all touchpoints in the service delivery ecosystem, included in which is the higher education (HE) sector. This study aims to explore the key factors influencing service trade-offs related to the efforts of academics in Malaysia’s HE sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 400 full-time academics from several higher learning institutions in Malaysia. Data were analysed using the partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach.

Findings

The results reveal that service trade-offs in the HE sector were heavily influenced by service priorities. Customisation of services, meeting individual student needs, working under immense pressure within tight timeframes and focusing on teaching and research jointly contribute to academics’ service trade-offs in the HE sector. Indeed, the nature of the job necessitates such trade-offs by default, as academics are unable to cancel or postpone classes due to scheduling constraints and the requirement to be physically present during class sessions.

Practical implications

HE administrators and managers should provide academics with adequate resources, effective work allocation and optimal timeframes for task completion, as service priorities are the key factors influencing service trade-offs in Malaysia’s HE sector. The satisfaction of these needs would enable academics’ service priorities and trade-offs to be better balanced, thereby contributing to better operational efficiency, boosting organisational performance and maintaining business sustainability.

Originality/value

The empirical results serve to clarify the key factors influencing service trade-offs in the HE sector, thus expanding the extant literature, which has mostly concentrated on describing the same phenomena in the manufacturing sector. The proposed service trade-offs model would serve as a guideline for operational efficiencies in the HE sector to prevent future recurrence and reduce the potential risk of service disruption, thus mitigating the risk of dissatisfaction.

Marginal Trade-Offs for Improved Agro-Ecological Efficiency Using Data Envelopment Analysis

Today’s agricultural management decisions impact food security and sustainable ecosystems, even when operating with back-to-basic operations. In such endeavors, policymakers usually need a quantitative tool, such as trade-offs margins, to effectively adjust resource consumption or production. This paper applies the weighted slack-based measurement (SBM-DEA) program to 136 developing countries’ agricultural performance. First, it finds the current agricultural efficiency and then makes marginal trade-offs on desirable-output variables (such as crop yield and forest area) to see the effective changes in undesirable-output (such as methane and nitrous oxide emissions). The results show that choosing effective marginal trade-offs does not deteriorate the relative efficiency of the decision-making units (DMUs) below the efficient frontier line. Thus, such a method enables the decision-makers to determine the best marginal trade-off points to reach the optimal efficiencies and decide which output factor needs special brainstorming to design effective policy.

Trade-Offs for the Optimal Energy Efficiency of Road Transportation: Domestic Cases in Developing Countries

The increase in domestic transportation in developing countries may adversely affect the energy efficiency of road transportation due to effective productivity and carbon dioxide emissions (CO2). When evaluating quantitatively the countries on the efficiency frontier, poor efficiency can still be seen sometimes due to the slack available in undesirable output measures. This paper uses desirable and undesirable output variables, such as passenger-kilometers (PKM), tones-kilometers (TKM), and carbon dioxide (CO2), to compute the weakly efficient decision-making units (DMUs). The data envelopment analysis (DEA) technology is used to assess the efficiencies of the decision-making units (DMUs), which are countries in our case. Then, the trade-off method with efficient binding surfaces is used to attain the optimal efficiencies of the weakly efficient DMUs. The marginal rates aid this trade-off analysis. Resultantly, such marginal trade-offs do not deteriorate the efficiency of the DMUs below the frontier line. We calculate the maximum change (margin) in a specific variable amount when another variable’s amount is changed. Thus, such a computation gives us different margins, with which each output variable can be a traded off to bring a DMU further toward the closest optimal point possible. The marginal trade-off can help the managers and policymakers in effective decision-making, and it is further recommended to address efficiency damages (by the undesired outputs).

Trade-Offs in Competitive Transport Operations

One of the goals of developing a transport corridor is to promote socio-economic development by improving connectivity and sustainable transport operations, which largely depends on the operational strategy. Trade-off policies can be important tools for gaining the competitive advantage of road transport corridors, and thus, help facilitate sustainable growth and welfare. This article uses a case-based approach to observe the trade-offs in the first phase of transport infrastructure development, and then, in the second stage, further explores the trade-off variables in the transport operations strategy under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The results from the three cases of the parallel route system of the CPEC indicate that trade-off is an easily understandable and applicable method, which can foresee the operational gains or compromises for significant welfare of the regions. The implications of the trade-off are two fold, first is the “importance” of the trade-off, which is related to its impact on operational competitiveness. The other is the “sensitivity” of the trade-off, in terms of the change that will be caused to one variable when changing the other. The trade-off concept can be used for several landlocked transport corridors to achieve a competitive edge in transit trade.

Compositional Design of Soft Magnetic High Entropy Alloys by Minimizing Magnetostriction Coefficient in (Fe0.3Co0.5Ni0.2)100−x(Al1/3Si2/3)x System

Developing cost-effective soft magnetic alloys with excellent mechanical properties is very important to energy-saving industries. This study investigated the magnetic and mechanical properties of a series of (Fe0.3Co0.5Ni0.2)100−x(Al1/3Si2/3)x high-entropy alloys (HEAs) (x = 0, 5, 10, 15, and 25) at room temperature. The Fe0.3Co0.5Ni0.2 base alloy composition was chosen since it has very the smallest saturation magnetostriction coefficient. It was found that the (Fe0.3Co0.5Ni0.2)95(Al1/3Si2/3)5 alloy maintains a simple face-centered cubic (FCC) solid solution structure in the states of as-cast, cold-rolled, and after annealing at 1000 °C. The alloy after annealing exhibits a tensile yield strength of 235 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 572 MPa, an elongation of 38%, a saturation magnetization (Ms) of 1.49 T, and a coercivity of 96 A/m. The alloy not only demonstrates an optimal combination of soft magnetic and mechanical properties, it also shows advantages of easy fabrication and processing and high thermal stability over silicon steel and amorphous soft magnetic materials. Therefore, the alloy of (Fe0.3Co0.5Ni0.2)95(Al1/3Si2/3)5 holds good potential as next-generation soft magnets for wide-range industrial applications.

Improving productivity through strategic alignment of competitive capabilities

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the productivity performance at the firm level from the perspective of manufacturing capability development at the process level. Moreover, it reveals how alignment of manufacturing capabilities with market requirements has influenced a firm’s productivity over a period that includes the 2008 global recession.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework was derived from established theories and employed as part of a case study design encompassing a multiple methods research approach. The case of a UK SME was selected to reflect some of the issues associated with the wider productivity stagnation experienced by the UK economy in recent years.

Findings

The firm’s manufacturing strategy had become incrementally misaligned with market requirements due to external changes in its business environment. The complex relationships between capabilities such as quality, speed and cost were characterised. Realigning the firm’s manufacturing strategy to regain productivity performance required a range of prioritised actions including capital investment and changes in management practices concerning bottom-up process improvement and regular, top-down strategy review.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the case study cannot be generalised and the outcomes are specific to just one firm. However, the approach lends itself to replication, particularly within SMEs.

Originality/value

Prior studies have focussed on capability development at higher levels of abstraction. The study operationalized established theoretical perspectives at the firm level to derive context-based outcomes that can be used to improve manufacturing strategy alignment and productivity. Furthermore, the study contributes empirical evidence from the SME sector to the ongoing debate regarding the UK’s productivity puzzle.

Supply chain integration and performance relationship: a moderating effects review

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to interpret the relationship between supply chain integration (SCI) and performance and to find empirical evidence of the moderating factors that affects said relationship, as well as to describe, classify, and discuss the empirical evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of 72 studies published during the period 2001-2015 is offered. A multi-criteria approach is used to sort, structure and classify papers with the purpose of contributing to the discussion.

Findings

The direct relationship between SCI and performance shows mostly positive results; however, the moderating effects analyzed show a clear lack of consistency since their effect and significance vary depending on the measures used, both in SCI and performance.

Research limitations/implications

The use of specific keywords of SCI to select an initial sample of papers may lead to a narrow perspective, although snowballing was used to include relevant papers initially excluded.

Originality/value

The analysis and classification of moderating factors as well as the measure of their tendency help to better understand the questions that remain unsolved regarding SCI and performance. Propositions for further research are suggested.

Improving retail supply flexibility using buyer-supplier relational capabilities

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role of three important relational capabilities – absorptive capacity (AC), transactive memory systems (TMS), and organisational interoperability (OI); on the flexibility of buyer-supplier relationships and performance in retail supply chains. Drawing on the relational view of strategic management, the impact of relational capabilities on two forms of supply chain flexibility is examined – configuration flexibility (CF) for switching suppliers with minimal penalties, and planning and control flexibility (PCF) for altering supply schedules, quality, and delivery lead-time.

Design/methodology/approach

Strategic- and tactical-level managers from 211 retail stores in the UK were surveyed. The authors validated a measurement model with structural equation modelling and tested four hypotheses on the mediating role of relational capabilities on supply chain flexibility and retail performance, controlling for size, duration of relationship, and market segment.

Findings

Results showed that the three relational capabilities partially mediated the positive effect of CF and PCF on operational performance in big middle and niche retailers. Examining the interaction effect of the forms of flexibility on the relational capabilities and performance, the authors found positive interaction effects on TMS and OI but a non-significant effect on AC.

Practical implications

In addition to providing novel theoretical insights on supply chain flexibility, the findings have practical implications for supplier selection and buyer-supplier relationship management.

Originality/value

Overall, the study highlights the impacts of relational capabilities on adopted operational strategies such as flexibility, buyer-supplier relationships, and retail performance.

Rethinking Skinner’s model: strategic trade-offs in products and services

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to further clarify the link between the theoretical and practical/real-life implications of a seminal topic in the strategic operations management field: Wickham Skinner’s strategic trade-offs model. This will help researchers, practitioners and students to realize the “everyday life” consequences of this highly influential model.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical analysis is made of previous research dealing with the strategic trade-offs model. Building on these investigations, a Popperian approach is used to logically develop the model, and the authors demonstrate how it can be empirically tested.

Findings

Previous investigations on Skinner’s model mainly focus on trade-offs between competitive capabilities (e.g. cost, quality, delivery) at the firm level. This paper demonstrates that the implications of this model necessarily should include consideration of the strategic trade-offs between the competitive characteristics of products/services that practitioners, students and the general public can observe.

Originality/value

While previous investigations have provided necessary clarifications, no paper has addressed the issue of the existence of strategic trade-offs between the competitive characteristics of products/services. This paper offers guidelines for researchers and practitioners on the way that the strategic trade-offs model can be conceptualized, understood and tested.

O processo de formação de estratégias de manufatura em empresas brasileiras de médio e pequeno porte

A presente pesquisa é uma investigação exploratória, com o objetivo de melhor entender os processos de formação da estratégia de manufatura nas empresas brasileiras de médio e pequeno porte. Desenvolve-se uma matriz para o auxílio da tipificação e análise dos processos de formação de estratégias de manufatura, com uma dimensão representando o sentido predominante do processo (top-down ou bottom-up) e a outra, a consideração ou não da existência de trade-offs entre critérios de desempenho no processo de formação das estratégias de manufatura. Essa matriz é então aplicada na análise em profundidade de quatro estudos de caso de empresas brasileiras de médio porte. Conclusões são tiradas sobre como as empresas pesquisadas formam suas estratégias de operação em termos de (a) definição de prioridades competitivas; (b) estabelecimento de objetivos de desempenho para a manufatura; (c) priorização de programas de melhoramentos da manufatura; e (d) definição dos indicadores de eficácia da manufatura. É também proposta, entre outras, hipótese de existência de correlação entre os processos bottom-up de formação das estratégias e a contribuição da manufatura na competitividade da empresa.

A literature review of maintenance performance measurement

Purpose

This research aims to examine the relevant literature related to maintenance performance measurement in the manufacturing sector. In the process, innovative approaches and models utilized to measure and manage maintenance performance in manufacturing operational settings are classified and examined. Based on this investigation, future research directions and themes are identified.

Design/methodology/approach

A database of 251 peer‐reviewed publications, published during the last 30 years, was utilized for the purpose of this research. The published works included contributions from both practitioners and scholars.

Findings

This literature review‐based research revealed important themes related to evolution of maintenance performance management. These themes focus on the effective utilization of maintenance resources, information systems support, and human factor management. Based on this literature review, a conceptual framework, which traces the different operational and organizational facets of the evolution of maintenance performance management, is offered.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that the area of maintenance performance and management is in need of more future systematic research efforts aimed at solidifying theoretical constructs and promoting the utilization of more practical applications.

Practical implications

Findings derived from this investigation have relevant manufacturing implications. In this context, understanding the different approaches to maintenance performance measurement and management, as utilized in manufacturing organizations, is critical to these organizations' performance improvement efforts.

Originality/value

Understanding the types and scopes of the different approaches and models utilized to manage and measure maintenance performance in manufacturing operational settings is important in light of the growing competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.

Trade-offs em serviços customizados e o ponto de vista do cliente

Os trade-offs em estratégia de operações podem ser descritos como as incompatibilidades operacionais existentes entre diferentes critérios competitivos. Serviços customizados implicam entregas mais demoradas e custos de produção mais elevados do que serviços padronizados. Considerando que as preferências dos clientes terão repercussões para as escolhas estratégicas dos critérios competitivos e para os trade-offs da área de operações, esta pesquisa buscou avaliar as relações entre os atributos customização, tempo de entrega e preço baixo, sob o ponto de vista do cliente, verificando a ocorrência dos trade-offs. Estudos que envolvem a existência e razões desses possíveis trade-offs têm sido recorrentes na literatura; porém pouca atenção tem sido colocada na influência dos clientes para essa questão. Para isso foi realizada um levantamento survey com 243 clientes de serviços customizados de comunicação de dados de uma operadora de telecomunicações para avaliação da importância de cada um destes atributos. Os resultados mostraram que o trade-off entre customização e tempo de entrega foi pouco relevante no caso estudado. Por outro lado, os resultados sugerem que o trade-off entre customização e custos é relevante para o serviço analisado.