USING TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT PATTERNS APPROACH TO EXAMINE THE BUSINESS PERFORMANCE OF TAIWAN'S LOGISTIC FIRMS

ABSTRACT

Following appropriate literature review, this study defines 14 technique and management subjects and surveys Taiwan's logistic industry in order to compare the difference of the levels of importance and execution between these subjects. Individual analysis is used to extract the respective, critical successful factors in the technique and management aspects. Based on such key factors, fuzzy clustering method is applied to categorize the firms into three distinct patterns, namely “Excellent performance”, “Requiring improvement” and “Management leading”. Results may help the managers better focus on these key success factors, thus, enhancing each firms' logistic technology and adjust management strategy. The technology aspects focus the following binary-factors: inventory & delivery, quickness and friendliness, and sales & distribution. The management aspects focus on inventory strategy, supply chain integration, and customer service. All three firms are invited to refer to these findings, to the ways of adjusting logistic technology and management strategy relevant for each distinct pattern of use. Business performances are then described in terms of the technique characteristics and management system. Finally, each firm can identify its position in relation to the industry as a whole, and instigate changes to the management system and utilize the recommended means designed to promote its performance.

Keywords:

• Logistic Industry
• Technology Patterns
• Management Patterns
• Fuzzy Clustering Analysis