A longitudinal examination of JIT purchasing practices

PurposeTo examine the changes in just‐in‐time (JIT) purchasing practices over time.Design/methodology/approachThe evaluation of changes in JIT purchasing practices was done through a longitudinal study. The first study was performed in 1989. The second study was performed almost a decade later. The empirical studies measured the managerial perceptions of the importance of nine different areas of JIT purchasing activities. Regression and bootstrapping were used for comparison between time periods.FindingsThe study found similar results from a decade earlier on all but 17 out of a total of 103 JIT purchasing practices. The only significantly more important item was the contract provision for delivery frequency. It appears that purchasing professionals have learned and are more familiar with JIT purchasing practices. As a result four problem areas were significantly lower and 12 other practices deemed less important.Research limitations/implicationsSample size is a limitation for the study. The analysis suggested certain influences of SCM on JIT practices. More rigorous measurement of SCM needs to be undertaken to explore the degree of integration of JIT with SCM philosophy.Practical implicationsThe study identifies best JIT practices from a decade of practice.Originality/valueThis is a longitudinal study. It tracks the changes in practices and identifies best practices for managers.