Abordagem metodológica para avaliação de relacionamentos de redes de empresas: um exemplo de aplicação na indústria brasileira de autopeças

Many researchers emphasize the increasing dynamics of business globalization, virtually as a new order of driving rules to be considered and included regarding operations management. In this sense, and trying to attain a set of suitable competitive conditions according to the needs of their business, the very internal processes of management and decision making have been growing in terms of complexity and range of issues to be considered. To do so, it is important to understand and absorb possible changes in competitive conditions as they arise. This paper aims to present a conceptual model and a case study to illustrate the assessment of the relationships involving actors within an operations network. The understanding of the basis behind these relationships and the identification of the existing hierarchic profile governing them, represent primary items to be considered embedded in a decision making system. The results obtained suggest the possibility to make use of the proposed model as an auxiliary tool to assess existing relationships within an operations network.

Improving logistics services through the technology used in fleet management

Outsourcing logistics has established itself in the area of the LSP (Logistics Service Provider), which offers a range of services to its customers. In this line, transportation is characterized as one of the most important services, and therefore efficient fleet management is essential for establishing a high level of customer service. With advances in technology and vehicle tracking systems, this approach of management has gained new possibilities for the improvement of logistics services. By studying the specific case of an LSP, this paper investigates the use of these technologies in the management of their business and services. The results indicate that the LSP seeks to increase its services and to streamline information in order to respond to customer needs in real time. It is also evident in this case under study that the combination of the technology available together with the fleet management system has become a distinguishing feature for this LSP, one which increases their skills and important information for both customers and business.