Integrating performance measurement, system dynamics, and problem-solving methods

An empirical research on developing a logistics performance scale

Purpose

The main objective of this study is to identify reliable and valid performance dimensions for both the identification and quantification of logistics performance that continues its development in the academic literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research approach was used in the scale development process. First, the logistical performance literature was analyzed in detail, and it was evaluated that the logistics performance consists mainly of logistics efficiency, logistics differentiation, logistics agility and logistics effectiveness dimensions. During the scale development process, opinions were obtained from academics, industry managers and pilot applications were carried out. For the implementation of the developed scale, a total of 108 companies engaged in logistics activities in Turkey were identified, and the developed scale was applied to 398 logistics professionals.

Findings

A 28-item logistics performance scale has been developed based on the resource-based theory to measure totally five-dimensional performance. First, the three items under the logistics agility dimension were separated from this dimension as a result of the exploratory factor analysis, and it was understood that these items belong to the “logistics flexibility” dimension. The established structure was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. The reliability and validity of the scale are within the range of acceptable values.

Research limitations/implications

The research data were collected from the Western Mediterranean region. The scale should be tested in different geographies.

Originality/value

By means of establishing a valid and reliable scale for logistics performance and its sub-dimensions, it is evaluated that this study will contribute to future research based on the measurement of logistics performance.

Modelling research productivity of university researchers using research incentives to crowd-in motivation

Purpose

The overall aim of this research is to propose a research incentive framework for academic staff members at the South African universities of technology (UoTs).

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory case study methodology was applied, while a questionnaire was used to (1) identify the factors that stimulated staff members' research activities; (2) assess what was considered an appropriate way of measuring research productivity and (3) identify appropriate research awards, recognition and rewards. Working from the self-determination theory (SDT), the results of the data analysis were used to develop a framework for ensuring crowding-in of research incentives into intrinsic motivation. This framework is anchored on the three main components (competence, autonomy and social relatedness) of the cognitive evaluation theory (CET) that provides guidelines for the design of a research incentive system.

Findings

Intrinsically motivated researchers tend to conduct research for their inherent satisfaction because it meets their basic individual psychological need for competence. Existing research incentives and productivity systems fail to provide intrinsic motivation for researchers. Recommendation for a framework for designing research incentive systems is centred on the researchers themselves. This approach contributes to a research environment that provides space for autonomy, creativity, flexibility and innovation and consequently a successful research output that is hinged on the ability to keep researchers intrinsically motivated.

Originality/value

A conceptual framework is proposed specifically for technically focused UoT suggesting that crowding-in the motivation of researcher incentives results in improved intrinsic-based motivation. The autonomy of researchers in particular is regarded as the most important driver of such motivation, with the availability of resources, collegiality and research skills and development ranking as the most important aspects specifically driving intrinsic motivation. The framework not only provides a tool for institutions of higher education focused on developing the technical skills, but also offers management at any type of university challenged with low research outputs and a poor research ethos with an alternative method to improve both the quantity and quality of research outputs.

Key performance indicators for turboelectric distributed propulsion

Purpose

Recent advancements in electrified transportation have been necessitated by the need to reduce environmentally harmful emissions. Accordingly, several aviation organisations and governments have introduced stringent emission reduction targets for 2050. One of the most promising technologies proposed for achieving these targets is turboelectric distributed propulsion (TeDP). The objective of this study was to explore and identify key indicators for enhancing the applicability of TeDP in air transportation.

Design/methodology/approach

An enhancement valuation method was proposed to overcome the challenges associated with TeDP in terms of technological, economic and environmental impacts. The result indicators (RIs) were determined; the associated performance indicators (PIs) were analysed and the key RIs and PIs for TeDP were identified. Quantitative measurements were acquired from a simulated TeDP case study model to estimate the established key PIs.

Findings

It was determined that real-world TeDP efficiency could be enhanced by up to 8% by optimising the identified key PIs.

Originality/value

This study is the first to identify the key PIs of TeDP and to include a techno-economic environmental risk analysis (TERA) based on the identified key PIs. The findings could guide developers and researchers towards potential focus areas to realise the adoption of TeDP.