Showing papers in "Supply Chain Management in 2008"

Benefits, barriers, and bridges to effective supply chain management

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this article is to provide academics and practitioners a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the benefits, barriers, and bridges to successful collaboration in strategic supply chains. Design/methodology/approach – A triangulation method consisting of a literature review, a cross‐functional mail survey, and 51 in‐depth case analyses was implemented. Senior managers from purchasing, manufacturing, and logistics were targeted in the mail survey. The break down by channel category interviews is as follows: 14 retailers, 13 finished goods assemblers, 12 first‐tier suppliers, three lower‐tier suppliers, and nine service providers. Findings – Customer satisfaction and service is perceived as more enduring than cost savings. All managers recognize technology, information, and measurement systems as major barriers to successful supply chain collaboration. However, the people issues – such as culture, trust, aversion to change, and willingness to collaborate – are more intractable. People are the key bridge to successful collaborative innovation and should therefore not be overlooked as companies invest in supply chain enablers such as technology, information, and measurement systems. Research limitations/implications – The average mail‐survey response rate was relatively low: 23.5 percent. The case study analyses were not consistent in frequency across channel functions. Although the majority of companies interviewed and surveyed were international, all surveys and interviews were managers based in the US. Practical implications – This study provides new insight into understanding the success and hindering factors of supply chain management. The extensive literature review, the cross‐channel analysis, and case studies provide academics and managers a macro picture of the goals, challenges, and strategies for implementing supply chain management. Originality/value – This paper uses triangulation methodology for examining key issues of supply chain management at multiple levels within the supply chain.

Drivers for the participation of small and medium‐sized suppliers in green supply chain initiatives

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to describe what facilitates small and medium‐sized suppliers in participating in green supply chain initiatives. These initiatives are inter‐organizational initiatives attempting to improve environmental performance throughout the entire supply chain. This paper seeks to examine buyer green supply chain management practices, government involvement, and internal readiness of the suppliers themselves, as possible drivers.Design/methodology/approach – The research framework and hypotheses were examined by using a mail survey conducted in South Korea in 2005. The empirical analysis used data from 142 small and medium‐sized suppliers. Validity and reliability of the scales for the construct of interest were assessed through a factor analysis and Cronbach‐alpha test. To test the hypotheses for the drivers of suppliers' willingness to participate in green supply chain initiatives, hierarchical linear regression was adopted.Findings – The study finds that buyer environmental requirement...

Trust and knowledge sharing in green supply chains

Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to examine how trust interacts with factors affecting interorganizational knowledge sharing in green supply chains, where cooperation and competition coexist.Design/methodology/approach – A new research model is developed which comprises nine constructs and 13 research hypotheses, with trust as a mediating construct. The nine constructs are measured by well‐supported measures in the literature. The hypotheses are tested on data collected from 288 major green manufacturing firms in Taiwan, using structural equation modeling.Findings – The paper finds that trust is the pivot of the factors influencing interorganizational knowledge sharing. The more a factor contributes to trust positively (such as participation and communication) or negatively (such as opportunistic behavior), the more the factor contributes to knowledge sharing correspondingly. The factors with no significant influence on trust (such as shared values and learning capacity) have no or less influence on knowledge sha...

Supply chain collaboration: capabilities for continuous innovation

Abstract: – The purpose of this study is to investigate how collaborative relationships enhance continuous innovation in the supply chain using case studies., – The data were collected from semi‐structured interviews with 23 managers in ten case studies. The main intention was to comprehend how these firms engaged in collaborative relationships and their importance for successful innovation. The study adopted a qualitative approach to investigating these factors., – The findings demonstrate how differing relationships can impact on the operation of firms and their capacities to innovate. The ability to work together with partners has enabled firms to integrate and link operations for increased effectiveness as well as embark on both radical and incremental innovation., – The research into the initiatives and strategies for collaboration was essentially exploratory. A qualitative approach using case studies acknowledged that the responses from managers were difficult to quantify or gauge the extent of these factors., – The findings have shown various methods where firms integrated with customers and suppliers in the supply chain. This was evident in the views of managers across all the firms examined, supporting the importance of collaboration and efficient allocation of resources throughout the supply chain. They were able to set procedures in their dealings with partners, sharing knowledge and processes, and subsequently joint‐planning and investing with them for better operations, systems and processes in the supply chain., – The case studies serve as examples for managers in logistics organisation who are contemplating strategies and issues on collaborative relationships. The study provides important lessons on how such relationships can impact on the operation of firms and their capability to innovate.

Assessing the rigor of case study research in supply chain management

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to assess the current practice in research on supply chain management applying a case study method. Two particular research fields, namely sustainable supply chain management (SustSCM) and performance supply chain management (PerformSCM), are used as examples.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a content analysis, where quality criteria for documenting case study research are analyzed. A total of 68 papers from the two research fields (51 SustSCM and 17 PerformSCM) forms the sample. The criteria of analysis chosen are taken from the case study research process.Findings – There are two major findings: first, supply chain researchers have to make a greater effort to collect data from supply chains (i.e. at least two, or better, three or more stages of the supply chains). Second, the research process needs to be more comprehensively documented in related peer‐reviewed journal publications. This way, the value of case study based research might be appreciated more, as...

Relative effects of design, integration and information sharing on supply chain performance

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this study is to empirically investigate the relative effects of supply chain integration, supply chain information sharing and supply chain design on supply chain performance.Design/methodology/approach – Data collected from 125 manufacturing firms in Turkey are used for analyzing the relationships between the study variables. Regression analyses are used to find the relative impacts of predictor variables (design, integration and information sharing) on flexibility, resource and output performances of a supply chain.Findings – According to the results of regression analyses, the only significant effects on resource and output performances belong to supply chain design. Integration and information sharing are correlated with performance measures, but their relative effect sizes are lower than supply chain design.Originality/value – The construct of supply chain design developed in this study reveals a significant impact on resource and output performances of a supply chain. Therefore...

The impact of logistics performance on organizational performance in a supply chain context

Abstract: Purpose – The paper's aim is to theorize and assess a logistics performance model incorporating logistics performance as the focal construct with supply chain management strategy as antecedent and organizational performance, both marketing and financial, as consequences.Design/methodology/approach – Data from a national sample of 142 plant and operations managers are analyzed using a structural equation modeling methodology.Findings – The results indicate that logistics performance is positively impacted by supply chain management strategy and that both logistics performance and supply chain management strategy positively impact marketing performance, which in turn positively impacts financial performance. Neither supply chain management strategy nor logistics performance was found to directly impact financial performance.Research limitations/implications – To compete at the supply chain level, manufacturers must adopt a supply chain management strategy. Such a strategy requires integration and coordinati...

Performance outcomes and success factors of vendor managed inventory (VMI)

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to seek to investigate performance outcomes of vendor managed inventory (VMI) from a buyer's perspective and enablers for its successful application.Design/methodology/approach – Structural equation modelling through Partial Least Squares (PLS) is used to identify relationships between four enablers (information systems, information sharing, information quality, and relationship quality), perceived VMI success, and three outcomes (cost reductions, customer service, and supply chain control).Findings – Buyer‐perceived VMI success is impacted by the quality of the buyer‐supplier relationship, the quality of the IT‐system and the intensity of information sharing, but not by the actual quality of the information shared. Furthermore, VMI leads to three performance outcomes: higher customer service levels, improved supply chain control and, to a lesser extent, cost reduction.Research limitations/implications – Although theory stipulates a positive impact of high quality in...

Supply chain maturity and performance in Brazil

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to investigate the relationship between supply chain maturity and performance, with specific references both to the business process orientation maturity model and to the supply chain operation reference model.Design/methodology/approach – Quantitative, survey based research was carried out with 478 Brazilian companies. Statistical analysis combined the use of descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling.Findings – Empirical results indicate a strong and positive statistical relationship between supply chain maturity and performance. The results also suggest that the deliver process maturity has a higher impact on overall performance than the other supply chain processes.Research limitations/implications – Quantifying supply chain maturity and performance is an opportunity for a company to align its performance measurements and process improvement actions with its broader policies and strategies. The use of this approach has been validated in several previo...

An integrated approach for supplier selection and purchasing decisions

Abstract: Purpose – The paper seeks to provide academic researchers and practitioners with a better understanding about purchasing strategies through an integrated approach to supplier selection and purchasing decisions.Design/methodology/approach – This paper views supplier selection as a multi‐criteria problem. Through the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), in consideration of both quantitative and qualitative criteria, a set of candidate suppliers is identified. A multi‐objective linear programming (MOLP) model, with multiple objectives and a set of system constraints, is then formulated and solved to allocate the optimum order quantities to the candidate suppliers.Findings – The paper provides tradeoffs among different objectives, which are more consistent with the complexity and nature of the real‐world decision‐making environment. It also offers better information and solutions supporting effective purchasing decisions.Research limitations/implications – The main concept of the proposed approach can be appli...

In pursuit of a sustainable supply chain: insights from Westpac Banking Corporation

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to provide clues to industry and academia on how best to approach the challenge of developing a sustainable supply chain. A case study was undertaken of the Westpac Banking Corporation – one of the world's most socially responsible banks – to examine how they approached the challenge of managing corporate social responsibility (CSR) in their supply chain. This paper highlights some of the challenges and opportunities associated with extending corporate governance beyond the firm boundary. Specific attention is given to a discussion of assessment and governance tools. The use of a single case study limits the generalizability of these findings. Future research can build on these findings by extending the scope to include additional firms, regions and methods. A best practice model is developed from the discussion to provide practical guidance to firms. While the extension of CSR to the supply chain is an emerging area of interest, the literature provides few clues on how best to pursue sustainable supply chain management. This paper provides a valuable and timely contribution to this topic by reviewing the lessons and practices of a recognised CSR leader.

Supply chain visibility: lost in translation?

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe miscommunication about the ubiquitous term “supply chain visibility” (SCV), to propose a precise definition for it and identify its salient characteristics.Design/methodology/approach – A literature search was conducted to describe the widespread use of the term SCV and the miscommunication that occurs surrounding its use. The proposed definition and the salient characteristics of SCV are original conceptual contributions.Findings – The study finds that the term SCV is widely used in the supply chain management and logistics communities Many vendors, third party logistics providers, transportation and other companies profess to have or provide it, yet SCV remains one of the top issues consistently mentioned in surveys of supply chain management professionals. This occurs in part because of the confusion surrounding its meaning.Research limitations/implications – Usage of the term SCV is ubiquitous and a complete review of all sources is not possible, reve...

Supply risk management in a small company perspective

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to determine if owners of small manufacturing companies manage supply risk in similar ways and identify the practices constituting this potential joint approachDesign/methodology/approach – An interpretive case based methodology was applied in this research Interview data on the supply risk management practices of 11 SCOs (small company owners) were analysedFindings – The findings confirm that the 11 studied SCOs apply largely the same supply risk management practices, which can be characterised as defensive The approach covers risk elimination practices such as knowledge protection and local sourcing as the major practices, combined with relational practices such as fairness, loyalty, and seeking out responsive, dependable, and like‐minded suppliersResearch limitations/implications – The study focuses exclusively on small manufacturing companies Studies of other types of companies, such as trade or hi‐tech companies might reveal other practicesPractical implic

Supply chain redesign in the healthcare industry of Singapore

Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to investigate cost reduction in logistics and supply chain management of medical supplies.Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a case study.Findings – In many healthcare systems, executives focus on cost containment efforts to lower acquisition price of supplies instead of lowering the total delivered cost. However, the case in this research presents a novel contemporary approach to reduce costs by process reengineering in supply chain management.Originality/value – Healthcare managers are continually searching for innovative ways to contain costs without sacrificing quality. To achieve a reduction in costs, hospitals need to review their activities and associated costs, and eliminate nonvalue‐added activities. The novel process reengineering presented in this paper is concerned with the centralization of warehousing and the control of non‐production goods.

Facilitating learning and knowledge transfer through supplier development

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to explore how supplier development programmes can be adapted to create value for organisations through generation and transfer of knowledge between supply chain partnersDesign/methodology/approach – Based on the existing literature on supplier development, knowledge transfer and learning and on the interaction model of the Industrial Marketing and Purchasing group, certain factors that condition learning and knowledge transfer through supplier development programmes are discussed and a conceptual framework for improving knowledge transfer is developed Empirical research is conducted in four large multinational organisations, exploring how supply chain partners can better utilise their capabilities and facilitate knowledge transfer through these programmesFindings – Several organisational and relational factors that affect the success of knowledge transfer in supplier development programmes are identified and discussed and several management practices are proposed to enhance t

An exploration of reverse logistics practices in three companies

Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to report a case study that focuses on identifying what may be considered a typical or generic RL process flow as well as the key strategic issues that a firm may use for competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approach – The research involves mainly interviews and plant visits to three companies, all of which manage some RL activities.Findings – Highlighted are what type of RL process flow can be considered as generic, the type of technology innovation and IT a firm needs in order to operate an effective RL system and how these are integrated across the supply chain, the resource commitment (personnel, financial, upper‐level management) that a company needs to make to support successful RL efforts, and finally, the values firms derive from RL and the key performance indicators to measure these values for the RL operations.Originality/value – A typical returns flow process is provided that can guide managers efficiently on their RL activities. Strategic activities are also pres...

Barriers to the adoption of online supply chain solutions in small and medium enterprises

Abstract: Purpose – The objective of this paper is to identify and measure the perceived importance of barriers in the SME community to the adoption of internet business procurement and supply chain solutions.Design/methodology/approach – This was a telephone survey of a sample of 173 Canadian small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), stratified by size of company (small and medium) and according to whether they were distributors, retailers or manufacturers. The data were analyzed statistically through an analysis of variance approach.Findings – Few differences were found between SME internet adopters and non‐adopters. There is a need for education for all SME management on the benefits and drawbacks to using e‐business solutions. Inter‐organizational information systems that are required to link supply chain partners can be a serious barrier to online solutions. There is a significant dependency among supply chain partners in decisions on adopting online links. Flexibility, agility and ability of SMEs can help th...

Knowledge creation in a supply chain

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to analyze how organizational conditions, technology adoption, supplier relationship management and customer relationship management affect knowledge creation through socialization‐externalization combination, internalization (SECI) modes, and various ba, as proposed by Nonaka and Konno, in a supply chain.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative inquiry with thematic analysis, which focuses on a thin film transistor‐liquid crystal display (TFT‐LCD) panel manufacturer and an integrated circuits (IC) packaging and testing manufacturer, is presented in order to identify how these key factors affect knowledge creation in a supply chain environment through the SECI modes and ba.Findings – The results show that these critical factors facilitate different types of knowledge conversion process in order to achieve successful knowledge creation in a supply chain. Knowledge of the significant factors that were found in this study may be applicable to countries or areas such as Hong Kong,...

Linking order winning and external supply chain integration strategies

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present empirical results of an analysis of the strategic alignment between order winners selection and external supply chain integration strategies.Design/methodology/approach – The research instrument is an international survey from IMSS II. It was applied in 23 countries. ANOVA was used for statistical analyses.Findings – The findings show that firms choosing to use price as an order winner do not show any significant difference in the extent of external supply chain integration. On the other hand, firms that use delivery, customer service, quality and/or flexibility as order winners present differences in the extent to which they integrate their external supply chains.Research limitations/implications – The results should be treated with caution as any empirical study due to generalizability concerns. The data do not necessarily imply causal relationships, which could be an interesting topic to explore in further research.Practical implications – The study hig...

Creating satisfaction in the demand‐supply chain: the buyers' perspective

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research paper is to analyze the concept of satisfaction in firm‐supplier relationships.Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative approach is considered in the study. The paper offers a set of scales to analyze the main antecedents of the relationship quality concept. Causal relations are also analyzed by testing a model based on structural equations.Findings – Cooperation, communication, trust and adaptation to expectations explain satisfaction. Proposals for further research related to commitment and long‐term orientation of supply relationships are also included.Research limitations/implications – This paper takes the Spanish context as reference. Generalization of the conclusions should begin with a previous analysis to consider the similarities and differences between contexts. The data of the research are based on the buyer's perspective.Practical implications – Suppliers are able to identify elements affecting satisfaction. In order to establish lasting relationship...

Packaging design model from a supply chain approach

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to present an integrated management model for packaging design.Design/methodology/approach – This model is the result of research of the concepts of packaging, logistics and “packaging logistics”. With this approach in mind, the design and development of packaging are structured on four basic corner‐stones, i.e. the definition and understanding of design requirements (logistics, marketing and environmental aspects), the definition of an appropriate organizational structure, the application of “best practices”, and, finally, establishing a control system.Findings – It was found that the management model developed provides companies with a useful quantitative tool to find the “trade‐off” between the logistics costs reduction and the differentiation capacity linked to packaging.Originality/value – The model proposed is designed to fill a gap in the measurement systems for making an evaluation of the detailed impact on the overall operation of the supply chain in certain packaging de...

Using e‐procurement applications to achieve integration: what role does firm size play?

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to empirically investigate the role of firm size in the use of e‐procurement applications that vary in their ability to facilitate supply chain integration.Design/methodology/approach – The sample was drawn from members of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). Purchasing professionals employed in 33 different industries completed a self‐administered questionnaire.Findings – A total of 128 useable surveys were received. The data revealed a significant relationship between firm size and e‐procurement application. Specifically, larger firms were more likely to use integrative types of e‐procurement.Research limitations/implications – The study was limited in that it excluded purchasing professionals employed in the service sector. In addition, it only focused on the relationship between a single variable and e‐procurement application.Practical implications – This research provides support for studies that suggest that firm size is related to IT use. In addition,...

A composite framework of supply chain management and enterprise planning for small and medium‐sized manufacturing enterprises

Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to examine the factors which influence the ability of SMEs to align their enterprise‐planning systems with the requirements and constraints of supply chain relationships in order to meet their own and their customers' strategic and operational requirements. The objectives are to: identify the range of trading relationships that exist between an SME in the manufacturing sector and its customers and suppliers; examine the implications of these external relationships for the SME's internal enterprise‐planning system; develop a composite framework of enterprise planning and supply chain management which allows manufacturing SMEs to understand how these interact and can be aligned.Design/methodology/approach – The paper develops a composite framework that allows first‐ or second‐tier manufacturing SMEs to identify the types of relationships in which they are involved and how they can understand and address their internal arrangements in order to meet their external obligations. In de...

The challenges of supply strategy selection in a project environment: evidence from UK naval shipbuilding

Abstract: Purpose – There is a view that firms should decide between a lean or agile approach to supply management primarily on the basis of whether their product offering is “functional” (predictable demand, low variety and a long life cycle) or “innovative” (unpredictable demand, high variety and a short life cycle). This paper aims to present and test the proposition that this dichotomy is less useful in complex, one‐off project environments, such as shipbuilding or construction, because projects typically require the assembly of many different, largely functional, products in a unique or innovative configuration.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reports a case study focusing on one of the supply chains serving a major UK shipyard. The case study data were gathered by means of semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews with key personnel (procurement, sales, production, materials management and engineering/design) from each company within the defined supply chain.Findings – The case study reveals that the des...

Applying the analytic hierarchy process to the offshore outsourcing location decision

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that there is a wealth of academic literature that qualitatively examines the outsourcing and offshoring from a go/no go perspective. The paper examines the complex “where to outsource” question by applying a quantitative approach called Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP).Design/methodology/approach – The authors examine a Fortune 500 company's real‐world decision about where to outsource and summarize the current selection process employed by the company. We then apply our AHP model to the company's decision and compare the results.Findings – There are four major findings: the location selection decision is a component of the outsource supplier selection decision; the AHP model effectively manages the complexity of the decision making process, incorporating all decision criteria harmoniously; a method such as AHP, which is able to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative criteria into evaluations, would streamline the decision‐making process; and the AHP ...

Risk perception on logistics outsourcing of retail chains: model development and empirical verification in Taiwan

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to develop a qualitative risk model to empirically identify the important outsourcing risks of logistical functions using the data of Taiwanese retail chains.Design/methodology/approach – Transaction cost theory (TCT) and resourced based view (RBV) were combined to develop risk events. Analytical hierarchy process was used for risk calibration. Valid data from 75 outsourcer chains and 41 in‐house chains were collected through a three‐stage survey. Outsourcers were further clustered by risk perception using Wards' and K‐mean clustering and examined by an ANOVA. Results of outsourcers and in‐house chains were compared using nonparametric Spearman rank correlation test.Findings – The risk perception increases as the number of functions outsourced increases. Risks related to transaction costs and strategic resources were both significant. Of the three main risks identified, asset risk and competence risk are more serious concerns than relationship risk. The values of information risk...

Value chain analysis in the UK beef foodservice sector

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this article is to discuss the results from a UK government‐funded applied research programme on value chain analysis that examined the beef foodservice sector The demands and dynamics of this sector differ markedly from those of the supermarket, which is the dominant channel for beef produce and which forms the focus of the existing literature This is a challenging environment for the application of collaborative supply chain improvement principles because of its high level of regulatory control, power relationships and low profit margins Design/methodology/approach – This is an applied research project that was case study based and employed the value chain analysis method Empirical work was conducted over an 11‐month period and included a one‐week whole‐team study tour to Argentina Informants encompassed UK and Argentine livestock producers, an Argentine meat processor, a UK meat import operation, a UK meat processor, a UK foodservice distribution centre and two foodservice restaurants Findings – The paper concentrates on the key findings pertinent to the upstream members of the above chain It highlights specific supply chain waste elimination opportunities at both producer and processor level It also establishes valuable learning points for the UK beef industry as a whole Originality/value – This study represents the first holistic and non‐partisan study of its type within the UK beef industry This paper adds to the limited body of knowledge on supply chain management within the foodservice sector It also provides the first explanation and analysis of its kind on supply chain operations within the Argentine beef industry It quantifies the magnitude and nature of the cost advantage afforded the Argentine producer over its best practice counterpart Finally, it presents a number of reflections upon the implications of this study for the concept of best practice and also the Lean paradigm

The impact of information technology on the financial performance of third‐party logistics firms in China

Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to examine the impact of information technology (IT) on the financial performance of third‐party logistics (3PL) firms in China.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire‐based mail survey was conducted in mainland China. Path analysis and spline regressions were used to model the relationship between IT and financial performance.Findings – This study found that IT can significantly improve 3PL firms’ financial performance and there are complementarity and plateau effects of influencing financial performance between IT advantage and executives’ involvement in both IT and business strategy planning.Research limitations/implications – The modeled relationship between IT and competitive advantages may not hold in different cultural environments and industrial settings. The sample size was small. Perceptual performance data were used.Practical implications – To achieve better financial performance, it is essential for 3PL firms to sense strategically the importance of IT and commit...

The emergent demand chain management: key features and illustration from the beef business

Abstract: Purpose – The paper seeks to delineate the emergence of demand chain management (DCM) from a theoretical perspective and to illustrate its occurrence in practice.Design/methodology/approach – The DCM concept is examined empirically through a case study with retailers involved in the beef chain in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil).Findings – The paper reveals that the DCM concept derives from the supply chain management (SCM) concept, but with a strong emphasis on demand management due to the incorporation of the market orientation perspective. In the beef business in the Rio Grande do Sul, two distinct practices were observed: SCM and DCM practice. The SCM practice is tightly related to the traditional beef market, whereas the DCM practice emphasizes understanding customers and the sequential capabilities for responding to their requirements.Originality/value – By establishing the evolutionary development from SCM to DCM, businesses will certainly gain insights about how to become more responsive, a...

Supply Chain Management Ethics : Conceptual Framework and Illustration

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a conceptual framework of Supply Chain Management Ethics (SCM-ethics). Design/methodology/approach – The research is based upon a qualitative appr ...