Human Systems Management - Volume 21, issue 2

Authors: Kakati, M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In recent time, mass customization strategy is considered in some industries as those trends, if not taken up, that might make firms lose their markets to the competitors. Thus, managers concerned with strategic issues might adopt new technology as the only means of implementing this strategy. Often they might make an error in doing so. Mass customization is a completely discontinuous leap from mass production and requires a major paradigm shift and breakthrough thinking. Understanding customers is the starting point, not the dizzying possibilities of technology to produce variety that nobody wants. Mass customization requires careful preparation in every stage …of the supply chain and also enriching buying experience of customers. Innovation, quality improvement, time, flexibility, and cost management in every stage are essential pre-requisite of mass customization program. This paper critically analyses some of the issues of mass customization program and suggests measures for successful implementation of a mass customization strategy. Show more

Keywords: Mass customization, modular design, customization strategy, flexibility, paint industry, and organization transformation

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-2002-21201

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 85-93, 2002

Authors: Chandra, Charu | Kumar, Sameer | Smirnov, Alexander V.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The management of Supply Chain Systems is one of the major issues that a firm has to deal with in today's global economy. The purpose of this type of system is to transform incomplete information about the market and available resources into co-ordinated plans for production and replenishment of goods and services in the network formed by co-operating units. One of the goals of Internet-Based Management (e-management) is to facilitate transfer and sharing of data and knowledge in the context of supply chain structures. Knowledge-based modelling tools for supply chain management utilise reusable components and configure knowledge as needed, in …order to assist users (agents) in decision-making. This paper discusses a generic development methodology for e-management and conceptual modelling of supply chains. For illustration, applications from the automotive industry have been utilised. Show more

Keywords: Supply chain, supply chain modelling, e-management

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-2002-21202

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 95-113, 2002

Authors: Sgobbi, Francesca

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The availability of proper human capital represents a key-factor in order to support the current fast pace of diffusion of Internet-based applications. The careful assessment of the skills and competencies required to manage and develop Internet technologies in different application domains represents a necessary step to solve the emerging skill shortage and skill gap problems. While most existing analyses of skill needs in information and communication technologies deal with broad professional categories, the paper focuses the attention on a specific professional figure, the Web designer. By resorting to an on-line questionnaire administered to a sample of Italian Web designers, the …paper shows that jobholders recognise greater usefulness to organisational rather than technical knowledge domains. However, perceived skill gaps are larger in the case of technical skills and competencies. Moreover, specialisation paths are emerging. Show more

Keywords: Web design, skills, competencies, skill assessment, skill gap

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-2002-21203

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 115-128, 2002

Authors: Koong, Kai S. | Liu, Lai C. | Williams, De Lease

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: An increasing number of job seekers and corporate recruiters are using Internet Job Boards to look for job opportunities or to communicate job openings to prospective candidates around the globe. However, there are hundreds of Internet Job Boards in the e-recruiting sector. Each Internet Job Board provider has common as well as unique resources and attributes. This research examines the resources or attributes that are provided to job seekers and corporate recruiters by Internet Job Boards. Specifically, the objective of this study is to identify and classify the resources or attributes contained in the top five revenue generating Internet Job …Boards in the world. New graduates looking for jobs, persons interested in advancement opportunities, faculty advisors, and career counselors will find this study useful. Human resource managers, corporate recruiters, software engineers, systems designers, scholars interested in online research, and Job Board Providers will find the reported outcomes interesting. Show more

Keywords: Online job databases, Internet recruiting services, attributes, Internet Job Boards, e-recruiting

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-2002-21204

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 129-135, 2002

Authors: Yan, Daniel | Warner, Malcolm

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article argues that sino-foreign joint ventures (SFJVs) and wholly foreign-owned enterprises (WFOEs) have been influenced by a number of ongoing changes, for example, government policy toward foreign investment, indigenous management practices, human resource management practices and the nature of investment. In its overview of the longitudinal changes in these four areas, it suggests that foreign investors do not necessarily make an either WFOE or SFJV decision when considering their desirable mode of operation in China. Meanwhile, it argues that multinational corporations should take a dynamic approach to constantly re-position themselves as SFJVs in their business plans with respect to …the mentioned areas, so as to achieve the best result as China enters the WTO. Finally, this analysis sets out a preliminary ‘Dynamic Positioning Model’ of these two modes of operation in China, which serves as a foundation on which further hypotheses can be built. Show more

Keywords: China, economic reforms, foreign investment, human resource management, indigenous management, joint venture, longitudinal, multinational, PRC, wholly foreign-owned enterprise, World Trade Organisation

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-2002-21205

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 137-150, 2002

Article Type: Book Review

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-2002-21206

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 151-151, 2002