In this innovative approach to the practice of social science, Charles Ragin explores the use of fuzzy sets to bridge the divide between quantitative and qualitative methods. Paradoxically, the fuzzy set is a powerful tool because it replaces an unwieldy, "fuzzy" instrument—the variable, which establishes only the positions of cases relative to each other, with a precise one—degree of membership in a well-defined set. Ragin argues that fuzzy sets allow a far richer dialogue between ideas and evidence in social research than previously possible. They let quantitative researchers abandon "homogenizing assumptions" about cases and causes, they extend diversity-oriented research strategies, and they provide a powerful connection between theory and data analysis. Most important, fuzzy sets can be carefully tailored to fit evolving theoretical concepts, sharpening quantitative tools with in-depth knowledge gained through qualitative, case-oriented inquiry. This book will revolutionize research methods not only in sociology, political science, and anthropology but in any field of inquiry dealing with complex patterns of causation.

Fuzzy-Set Social Science

Redesigning Social Inquiry Fuzzy Sets And Beyond

Strategy and Structure

This paper examines from the motivational perspective of the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) how individual values and attitudes in a developing country influence purchase intention of a green product. It also investigates how values may affect attitudes towards environmentally responsible purchase intention. The study analyzed data collected from 257 working respondents who were asked their views concerning their value sets, attitudes and purchase intention of cloth diapers using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique. Findings indicate individual consequences relating to amount of effort and convenience of consumers is negatively related to intention to purchase green product. Environmental consequences are not a significant predictor of environmentally responsible purchase intention. Conservation value was found to be positively related to attitude on environmental consequences but less intensely with individual consequences while both self-transcendence value and self-enhancement value were positively related to individual consequences. Individual consequences and self-enhancement value were negatively related to environmentally responsible purchase intention. This paper has shown that the extended TRA is applicable and also this paper has enhanced understanding of predictors of environmentally responsible purchase intention in a developing country context.

Green product purchase intention: Some insights from a developing country

The social dimension of sustainable development and its impact on supply chains have so far received less attention than the environmental dimension. The aim of the research is to explore the intersection between social issues, corporate social responsibility (CSR) actions and performance outcomes. A structured literature review of social issues in supply chains is presented, analysing the research published so far in peer-reviewed publications. Linking CSR and supply chain management allows the exploration of strategies and performance outcomes with a focus on social issues. The corresponding responsible supply chain actions adopted by firms to address these issues are grouped into communication, compliance and supplier development strategies. Social and economic as well as buyer and supplier performance are identified as the key outcomes, but the interactions among these constructs would require further research. This paper contributes to the understanding of managing social issues in supply chains by linking social issues, responsible supply chain actions and performance outcomes. The paper consolidates related research by offering an overarching conceptual framework and points to future research directions and simultaneously provides insights into the management of social issues in supply chains.

Management of social issues in supply chains: a literature review exploring social issues, actions and performance outcomes

The purpose of this study is to understand the drivers of social responsibility in purchasing (PSR). This study replicated and extended the range of empirical application of the model developed by Carter and Jennings (Journal of Business Logistics 25(1), 145-186, 2004). Consequently, the present study contributes to the nomological validity of concept of PSR or Purchasing Social Responsibility. The method used is derived from the previous study by Carter and Jennings (Journal of Business Logistics 25(1), 145-186, 2004), and the present study extends the application of that method to an Asian environment. The data were obtained from 197 respon- dents in Thailand. This sample was largely composed of purchasing and supply chain managers. Respondents were asked to indicate how different dimensions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) affect PSR. The findings of the present study suggest that all the six hypothesized paths have been substantiated. Individual values and people-oriented organizational culture are the most powerful predictors of PSR. This article contributes towards filling the gap in understanding the determinants of PSR in managing supply chains, particularly in an Asian context.

Corporate Social Responsibility in Purchasing and Supply Chain

The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the interrelationships between various characteristics of information sharing and trust and their criticality for effective information-centred supply chain collaboration initiatives and, in turn, its criticality to overall firm’s performance.,A survey of 189 executives from different firms was conducted and the resulting data were analysed to investigate how collaboration enablers affect effective collaboration and to determine its impacts on organisational performance. Structural equation modelling through partial least squares is used to study the relationships between four enablers (trust, information readiness, information accuracy and information security), perceived collaboration success, and two outcomes (sales growth and overall operational performance).,The empirical results indicate that three collaboration enablers including trust, information readiness and secure sharing of information improve supply chain collaboration. The present study finds that “secure sharing of information” was the most important factor in fostering information sharing-centred collaboration. The present study also demonstrates that effective collaboration positively and significantly influences on firm’s performance.,This study provides researchers and practitioners with a more comprehensive understanding about the information sharing-centred collaboration, its enablers and effects on firms’ performance in a supply chain context. Future research should focus on developing additional constructs that may capture other drivers of effective collaboration.,The present study makes an empirical contribution to the body of knowledge by investigating an integrated framework focussing on the enablers of collaboration through information sharing and its impact on firms’ performance.

Supply chain collaboration and firm’s performance: The critical role of information sharing and trust

The purpose of this study is to understand how one of the most non-renewable countries is acting concerning the global challenge of energy supply vs. resources for energy generation. Saudi Arabia i...

Transition towards sustainable energy production – A review of the progress for solar energy in Saudi Arabia:

Purpose




The purpose of this paper is to understand the link between trust, technology and supply chain collaboration and their impact on firms’ operational performances.




Design/methodology/approach




Based on extant literature, a hypothesized model was developed and tested using structural equation modelling (i.e. AMOS). A survey was conducted to collect data from the supply chain managers of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies (more precisely in the food and beverage sector) in Thailand.




Findings




The study findings suggest that through an ongoing relationship, trust evolves and is shaped over time and can form a competitive capability that may not be easy for competitors to replicate. Both trust and technology are found to have significant impact on supply chain collaboration and on firms’ operational performances.




Research limitations/implications




One of the major limitations of the study is that the data were obtained from one single economy, which restricts its generalizability across other economies. The study was a cross-sectional and descriptive sample of the FMCG industry at a given point in time. A more stringent test of the relationships between trust, technology, supply chain collaboration and operational performance requires an in-depth case study or longitudinal study.




Practical implications




The findings will enable supply chain managers in the FMCG industry to understand the strategic role of trust and technology in building supply chain collaboration that leads to superior operational performance.




Originality/value




The paper clearly confirms that trust and technological capabilities are significantly associated with supply chain collaboration and operational performance. Most of the earlier supply chain collaboration research streams are based on developed economies where supply chain collaboration challenges are predictable, while the current study conducted is based on a developing economy setting. This study facilitates the author’s understanding of the challenges in managing supply chain collaboration within a developing economy.

The mediating role of supply chain collaboration on the relationship between technology, trust and operational performance: An empirical investigation

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of manufacturing strategies on Industry 4.0 supplier performance. Suppliers play a crucial role in manufacturing supply chains, and firms are dependent on identifying and managing them to enhance Industry 4.0 supplier performance.,A descriptive to causal research is conducted with survey and tested via multiple regression analysis. Using the extant literature, four manufacturing strategies are identified and analyzed as the determinants of supplier performance pertaining to the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). A survey was designed and targeted to 200 samples of manufacturing firms in Thailand. Finally, the research model was tested to examine the hypothesized relationships.,Based on the results, it was found that better quality and flexibility in manufacturing positively impact Industry 4.0 supplier performance. However, the rate of delivery and cost reduction did not have any statistical influence on the Industry 4.0 supplier performance.,The data for this study were collected from Thailand, only one country. Hence, the findings are indicative but not representative of other Asian countries. Also, the findings are not generalizable to other industries.,This study will enable supply chain professionals to understand the determinants of Industry 4.0 supplier performance within an Asian context, which will be valuable to them when sourcing from Asian suppliers. To compete successfully in increasingly globalized world, firms must use their resources effectively and productively. Firms must align their vital resources and capabilities to maximize competitive advantage.,The paper identifies the manufacturing strategies that significantly influence the Industry 4.0 supplier performance of manufacturing companies.

Mohammad Asif Salam

Papers

Corporate Social Responsibility in Purchasing and Supply Chain

Supply chain collaboration and firm’s performance: The critical role of information sharing and trust

Transition towards sustainable energy production – A review of the progress for solar energy in Saudi Arabia:

The mediating role of supply chain collaboration on the relationship between technology, trust and operational performance: An empirical investigation

Analyzing manufacturing strategies and Industry 4.0 supplier performance relationships from a resource-based perspective