Showing papers in "International Journal of Business Performance and Supply Chain Modelling in 2015"

The Triple Helix model for innovation: a holistic exploration of barriers and enablers

Abstract: The Triple Helix model of innovation has attracted considerable attention in both developed and developing economies as an integral policy making tool to enhance innovation and promote economic development (Etzkowitz and Leydesdorff, 1997). Specifically it advocates the strengthening of the collaborative relationships between academia, industry and government to improve innovation. However, no studies have holistically examined the overall barriers and enablers in implementing, and attempting to operationalise, the Triple Helix model. This paper aims to contribute to the study of the Triple Helix model by investigating the main factors that influence the implementation and operationalisation of this model. The discussion begins with a description of the model, highlighting its emphasis on an evolutionary process towards developing the type of interactive collaboration that leads to all three actors achieving long term strategic goals. Following this a discussion of the enablers and barriers in implementing the model is presented.

Analysis of interactions among the drivers of green supply chain management

Abstract: The aim of the present research was to identify and analyse the interactions among drivers of implementing green supply chain management (GSCM) in automobile industries located in National Capital Region (NCR) of India. To meet out the above objective, 11 drivers were identified and analysed for the purpose of developing an ISM–based model; which provide a visible representation of driver's position, based on their driving and dependence nature. The analysis reveals that the driver 'legislative and regulatory compliances' occupy the base position due to its high driving nature. The other drivers namely: improve quality and ISO–14000 certification exists at the top positions and can be seen as an output of ISM model. The findings of this research may enable managers to make appropriate policy decisions and to formulate the strategies towards various enablers/drivers, depending upon the corresponding importance, for the effective implementation of green aspects in the supply chain.

An integrated fuzzy QFD and TOPSIS approach to enhance leanness in supply chain

Abstract: Lean principles are currently adopted in supply chain to ensure competitiveness in the global market and to meet customer requirements. This lean paradigm focuses on cost reduction using various tools and philosophies like just in time (JIT) and total quality management (TQM). To be lean, a supply chain must ensure many distinguishing lean attributes (LAs) influenced by lean enablers (LEs). In this paper, an integrated technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and quality function deployment (QFD) approach is proposed to increase the leanness of supply chain. The objective is to identify the most viable LEs to achieve the required LAs. Due to impreciseness and vagueness associated with decision-making problems, fuzzy logic is used to deal with linguistic judgments expressing relationships and correlations required by QFD. Presentation of a case study from the Indian food processing industry illustrates the proposed methodology.

A theoretical model to investigate customer loyalty on logistics service providers for sustainable business performance

Abstract: A business exists because of its customers and is sustained because of customer loyalty. Customer loyalty is repeat purchase and represents business sustainability. This paper develops a conceptual model to investigate the factors affecting customer loyalty towards the third party logistics (3PLs) service provider involving factors such as logistics service quality (LSQ) and customer satisfaction. A total of 174 feedbacks were received from the distributed 1,000 questionnaires. SmartPLS 2.0 was applied to these data to test the relationships among the variables in the study. The results indicate LSQ is an antecedent to customer satisfaction while customer satisfaction mediates between LSQ and loyalty. The results also reveal procedural switching costs moderate the relationship between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. This paper has extended the cognitive-affective-conative theory to supply chain/logistics studies.

IT enablement in sugar supply chain: an approach for farmers

Abstract: The study is to identify various issues at farmers' level on the basis of literature review and expert panel discussions for developing suitable relationship between them so that the facilitation of e-applications for optimising cane yield at farmer level can be made possible. A field survey was conducted for checking the relevance level of the identified issues at five-point Likert scale. A total of 30 sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, India were targeted to collect 120 responses from the managers to identify the issues in an unstructured way. For checking the scope of e-applications, a total of 243 respondents were collected randomly from 183 farmers and rest from 60 employees of IT companies who provide supply chain solutions. The result shows that all identified issues are developing positive relationships and provides suggestive IT solutions to them which will help in overall development of farmers involved in sugarcane production.

Supply risks in JIT implementation

Abstract: Risk is inevitable and inherent element for running any business. Management must be aware of the risks involved. It should evaluate the consequences of risks and device a risk mitigation plan accordingly; otherwise the business may get collapsed. For more than 20 years, supply chain management practices adopting lean or just-in-time (JIT) concepts to trim down waste within the overall supply chain. Adoption of JIT concepts in purchase has reduced total supply chain costs, however lead to inbuilt complexity and risks. One of the most significant tasks of top management is to recognise and address critical supply risks in JIT adoption. The objective of this paper is to explore and categorise significant supply risks in JIT implementation from buyer's perspective. Thirty JIT supply risks have been identified and discussed after reviewing the relevant literature.

Holistic modelling, simulation and visualisation of demand and supply chains

Abstract: The evolution of the economic and technological contexts pressure businesses toward transforming their demand and supply chains to become more customer–centric, collaborative, innovation enabling, agile and personalised Simulation models are needed to contrast actual vs proposed chains, analyse the dynamic performance of these chains, and understand their overall behaviour in specific contexts This paper proposes a holistic agent–oriented approach for modelling, simulation and visualisation of such demand and supply chains The simulation platform for extended enterprises (SPEE) developed exploits multiple concurrent viewers that can both illustrate global multi–perspective insights into the supply chain as well as tunnel down to highly detailed information This allows decision makers to embed themselves into the simulation and obtain the holistic visualisation needed to support their decisions

Prospects for on-farm anaerobic digestion as a renewable energy technology in the UK: learning from early adopters

Abstract: Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a renewable energy technology that could make a significant contribution to climate change mitigation. Despite early recognition of its potential role within a diverse low-carbon energy mix in the UK, the on-farm AD sector has stubbornly refused to grow beyond the 'early adopter' stage at a time when some other European countries, notably Germany, recorded a huge expansion in uptake. This research investigates the experiences of early adopters in South West England, and examines the factors in making on-farm AD a viable renewable energy enterprise. The findings, drawn from six case studies, indicate that land, labour and capital resource-related requirements, along with significant regulatory and financial barriers, are together a huge hurdle to clear before a would-be on-farm AD plant operator can be confident that a viable business enterprise will result from investment.

Information communication technology and sustainable food supply chain: a resource-based analysis

Abstract: Increasing population leads to growing food demand. However, the competition for land, water, and energy puts pressure on the food supply chain system. Therefore, developing a sustainable food supply chain (SFSC) is emerging as a strategic imperative for the Chinese food industry. There are three aspects of sustainability, which need to be considered: social, environmental, and economic. This research focuses on how information and communication technologies can be used to improve sustainable food supply chains in China. This paper draws on resource-based theories, which describe the kinds of ICT resources and capabilities that are likely to enable one firm to outperform a competing firm in relation to some given process. The empirical research is based on 89 responses from a survey with Chinese food retailers' manager, the regression analysis are used. The findings suggest that ICT resources are moderated by inter-firm coordination to influence the SFSC performance.

A stochastic approach for a novel p-hub location-allocation problem with opening and reopening modes

Abstract: A hub location problem appears in a variety of applications involving airline systems, cargo delivery systems and telecommunication network design. The plants known as hubs serve client nodes involving hub and spoke nodes. To act optimally plants work through time horizon. Thus, opening, reopening and active modes as well as their operational cost are accounted for. We have a single objective function that minimises the total expected cost. Additionally, to come close more and more to reality, we consider a stochastic environment, in which a scenario-based type is considered and dedicated a specific probability. The experimental results illustrate the impact of the stochastic environment compared to the deterministic one. A stochastic mathematical model yields a less amount of the objective function value compared with the deterministic one. Finally, a wide sensitivity analysis is performed to recognise the impact of the main parameters on the final solutions.

Modelling and analysis of coordination of a three-level supply chain with use of price discount along with delay in payment

Abstract: Coordination improves the performance of a supply chain system. Two popular coordination mechanisms are 'price discount' and 'delay in payment'. The effect of these two mechanisms individually on supply chain performance has already been reported in literature. In this work, the two mechanisms 'price discount' and 'delay in payment' are used simultaneously to coordinate a three-level supply chain system. The problem has been modelled mathematically and solved. The result obtained in the case is compared with that obtained when using 'price discount' alone. It is seen that use of 'price discount' along with 'delay in payment' enhances the supply chain profit significantly compared to the case of price discounts alone.

Perception gap and its impact on supply chain performance

Abstract: The main purpose of this paper is to frame the perception differences between the buyer and supplier on the supply chain's operational delivery, and to investigate their causal relation to the overall supply chain performance. A conceptual three-level model is developed to theorise the structural existence of the perception gaps in primarily a dyadic buyer-supplier setting. Using the primary data gathered through a major survey exercise, confirmative factor analysis and structural equation modelling were conducted to test the hypotheses on the significance and relevance of the perception gaps in supply chain management. This study provides a better conceptual understanding of the perception differences on the required as well as achieved operational deliveries within the supplier-buyer dyad, and reveals their significant and negative causal impact on the overall supply chain performance.

Occupational risk management in construction supply chain

Abstract: The building is historically a driver of the economy, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, moving a huge chain of suppliers of raw materials, supplies and services, besides building a country's infrastructure and the homes of millions of people. But working conditions in this sector that is so important to the country are not the best, exposing workers to risks of work accidents and occupational diseases. Therefore, this study sought to present the main occupational hazards in the construction industry, discussing alternatives for effective risk management by reducing the rates of accidents and illness among workers. In this research, case studies were done in small and medium–sized construction sector facing the residential construction market. It was also proposed solutions for the implementation of risk management and occupational health and safety for businesses to succeed and lower the rates of accidents at work, health and safety, and quality of work life in these companies.

Evaluating fit of supplier performance to decision maker's goals for on-time delivery and product quality: a fuzzy set-based approach

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how a fuzzy goal-setting approach can be effectively utilised for supplier selection multi-criteria decision making. Fuzzy logic is used to manage the process of supplier selection based upon performance aspects of on-time delivery (i.e., not early or late) and product quality defined by non-damaged parts or lack of design conformance. Managerial goals for these performance criteria are set that recognise the integrative nature of the production process and vendor performance. Then based on fuzzy probabilities of meeting or exceeding the company goals, a degree of fit to the goals is derived allowing a rank ordering of suppliers for specific situations. While only two parameters are used in the application of the model developed herein, the algorithm can be expanded to any number of criteria and experts without loss of generality. The results illustrate the dynamic nature of scenario setting in decision making. The model is recommended as ideally suitable for small to medium size companies since computations can be performed utilising standard spreadsheet software.

Applying value stream mapping as promotion of lean manufacturing in a warehouse of automotive replacement parts in the search for greater competitiveness

Abstract: This study aims to demonstrate, through a case study, a practical approach to using the value stream mapping (VSM) in support of promotion of lean thinking practices, which were employed in the warehouse of spare parts and accessories in a multinational automaker to control their stocks and improve internal processes, thereby reducing their costs and increasing their market competitiveness. The results achieved not only exceeded financial expectations but also changed part of the warehouse culture, where the VSM was conducted in an integrated way to the traditional materials management approach previously applied, the work was focused on reducing waste, variations and overloads that are the main focus in programs of excellence in companies in the quest for continuous improvement.

Mediation effects of sustainable supply chain strategies on supply chain functions and firm performance

Abstract: This research examines the direction of relationship among the functions of supply chain and sustainable supply chain strategies on firm performance. Moreover, this research validates how the sustainable supply chain strategy mediates between supply chain function and firm performance. The various aspects related to study variables which have been addressed in the previous literature were probed and subsequently a measurement framework was initially developed and proved. Subsequently, three hypotheses were formulated and a concept model was developed. A nationwide survey among the supply chain professionals within manufacturing firms was undertaken. The concept model was tested to measure direct effect and indirect effect by using structural equation model. The inference that can be drawn from the results of the survey is that the sustainable supply chain strategy and the firm performance are impacted positively and sustainable supply chain strategy mediates between supply chain function and firm performance. This research adds value to the literature by providing valid and reliable metrics to measure firm performance in the context of sustainable supply chain activities.

Integrated inventory model with uniform demand for one vendor one customer

Abstract: This article investigates the problems in inventory system and develops a model, integrated vendor–customer inventory policy for items with imperfect quality also with inspection errors and shortage cost. Quantity of delivered items to the customer is identical at each shipment. Production process is imperfect and it may produce certain number of defective items. Screening process is conducted at the customer's end, but the inspector may incorrectly classify a non–defective item as defective or incorrectly classify a defective item as non–defective. Integrated total cost of the vendor and the customer is calculated to provide the optimal solution. Each lot contains a variable number of defective items and completely backordered, shortages are permitted. The objective is to minimise the total costs. An impressive cost reduction is shown through integrated model in comparison to an independent decision, with the help of numerical examples.