Showing papers in "Supply Chain Management in 2009"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a conceptual framework for analysing CSR practices in global supply chains and demonstrate how a pioneering Swedish company, IKEA, implements and manages CSR practice at its suppliers.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to present a conceptual framework for analysing CSR practices in global supply chains. It also seeks to demonstrate how a pioneering Swedish company, IKEA, implements and manages CSR practices at its suppliers.Design/methodology/approach – A case analysis of IKEA illustrates the implementation and management of CSR practices in supply chains. The focus is on internal and external integration of CSR practices in the supply chain. IKEA holds a leading position in its supply chain and is a global brand‐owner. Personal interviews are performed with employees from one of the company's trading areas.Findings – Practising CSR in supply chains requires that CSR is embedded within the entire organisation, including subsidiaries abroad and offshore suppliers. It includes employee training and sharing of experience, training of key personnel at the supplier level, positive incentives for suppliers in the form of long‐term contracts and enlarged purchasing orders, and regular auditing of supp...
633 citations
TL;DR: In this article, sustainable procurement in the UK public sector is investigated using a questionnaire that draws on established scales for "purchasing social responsibility" and 106 responses were received from procurement officers.
Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to investigate sustainable procurement in the UK public sector.Design/methodology/approach – Sustainable procurement is investigated using a questionnaire that draws on established scales for “purchasing social responsibility”. The survey was administered across the UK public sector, and 106 responses were received from procurement officers.Findings – Analysis of quantitative and qualitative survey data reveal there is significant variation across public sector agencies in the nature of sustainable procurement practice. Local authorities have a particularly strong emphasis on buying from local and small suppliers relative to other sectors, health looks generally lower in many categories, and education appears to have something of an emphasis on environmental aspects of sustainable procurement. Cost has been found to be the leading barrier to sustainable procurement, and top management support the leading facilitator.Research limitations/implications – There is likely to be select...
504 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the ways in which local government authorities in England use their procurement function to foster sustainable development and highlight the importance of supporting factors, like transparency, organisational culture and strategy as well as leeway in public policy, for sustainable supply chain management in the public sector.
Abstract: Purpose: While the contribution of supply chain management to sustainability is receiving increasing attention in the private sector, there is still a scarcity of parallel studies of public procurement. Hence the purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which local government authorities in England use their procurement function to foster sustainable development.
Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses an exploratory approach. Based on a review of the existing literature, qualitative research into leading local government authorities is undertaken to draw out the multiple ways in which public procurement can support sustainable development.
Findings: At an aggregate level, local government procurers have adopted a wide range of initiatives to address all three aspects of sustainability. These are condensed into a typology of sustainable supply chain management for the public sector.
Research limitations/implications: The study highlights the importance of supporting factors, like transparency, organisational culture and strategy as well as leeway in public policy, for sustainable supply chain management in the public sector.
Practical implications: The experience of the best practice local authorities deserves wider recognition among practitioners, policy makers and academic researchers, not least given the objective of the UK government to be among the leaders in the European Union on sustainable procurement by 2009.
Originality/value: The proposed typology of sustainable supply chain management for the public sector can serve as a basis for future research in this area.
333 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a practical approach to performance measurement and a list of essential KPIs is presented, and the experience from and the review of, industry standards and best practices in supply chain performance measurement suggest that less is better.
Abstract: Purpose – Measuring or monitoring supply chain performance reveals the gap between planning and execution and helps companies to identify potential problems and areas for improvement. However, it is recognized that developing key performance indicators (KPIs), or metrics, is very challenging and a set of practical guidelines is not readily available for companies and supply chain management (SCM) practitioners. This paper seeks to offer a practical approach to performance measurement and to present a list of essential KPIs.Design/methodology/approach – This paper offers insights from industry in the area of supply chain performance measurement and a practical approach to developing performance metrics.Findings – The experience from, and the review of, industry standards and best practices in supply chain performance measurement suggest that “less is better” as to developing performance metrics. Companies should focus on only a small list of KPIs which are critical for their operations management, customer...
253 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the evolution from corporate social responsibility to supply chain responsibility via the examination of Waitrose, a leading UK food retailer, and provide specific challenges in developing from a corporate social watchdog approach to one in which the power in the chain is more balanced and where a holistic ap...
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the evolution from corporate social responsibility to supply chain responsibility via the examination of Waitrose, a leading UK food retailer. These two concepts differ substantially and illustrate contrasting approaches in terms of social responsibility development and application.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative case study methodology is used where managers from Waitrose and its suppliers, industry experts and representatives from professional bodies are interviewed. An observation of an ethical audit with a Waitrose supplier was also conducted.Findings – Findings show an example of good practice in the area of corporate social responsibility in the supply chain and illustrate the substantive progress that can be made in achieving supply chain responsibility. At the same time, the paper provides the specific challenges in developing from a corporate social watchdog approach to one in which the power in the chain is more balanced and where a holistic ap...
252 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a case study approach was adopted with information collected from company web sites, direct observation, and in-depth interviews with four major consumer electronic product manufacturers in China to determine the common external and internal drivers for reverse logistics implementation as well as the obstacles faced by the whole electronic industry.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on research undertaken to investigate whether current reverse logistics theories and models can be totally applied in developing countries like China using the electronic industry as a case study.Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach was adopted with information collected from company web sites, direct observation, and in‐depth interviews with four major consumer electronic product manufacturers in China. Findings were analyzed and compared across all the cases studied to determine the common external and internal drivers for reverse logistics implementation as well as the obstacles faced by the whole electronic industry. A comparison with the literature was made to identify the gaps between current theories and models and actual practices in China.Findings – The findings suggest that while reverse logistics drivers vary from company to company, barriers to reverse logistics are common and are mainly external. The major difficulty in implement...
250 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide insights into corporate achievements in supply chain management (SCM) and logistics management and detail how they might help disaster relief agencies, highlighting and identifying current practices, particularities, and challenges in disaster relief supply chains.
Abstract: This study seeks to provide insights into corporate achievements in supply chain management (SCM) and logistics management and to detail how they might help disaster agencies. The authors aim to highlight and identify current practices, particularities, and challenges in disaster relief supply chains. Both SCM and logistics management literature and examples drawn from real-life cases inform the development of the theoretical model. The theoretical, dual-cycle model that focuses on the key missions of disaster relief agencies: first, prevention and planning and, second, response and recovery. Three major contributions are offered: a concise representation of current practices and particularities of disaster relief supply chains compared with commercial SCM; challenges and barriers to the development of more efficient SCM practices, classified into learning, strategising, and coordinating and measurement issues; and a simple, functional model for understanding how collaborations between corporations and disaster relief agencies might help relief agencies meet SCM challenges. The study does not address culture-clash related considerations. Rather than representing the entire scope of real-life situations and practices, the analysis relies on key assumptions to help conceptualise collaborative paths. The study provides specific insights into how corporations might help improve the SCM practices by disaster relief agencies that continue to function without SCM professional expertise, tools, or staff. The paper shows that sharing supply chain and logistics expertise, technology, and infrastructure with relief agencies could be a way for corporations to demonstrate their good corporate citizenship. Collaborations between corporations and disaster agencies offer significant potential benefits.
242 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a case-based approach is used to describe a lean supply chain through value stream mapping (VSM) using a case study from the Ford Motor Company in Chung Li, Taiwan.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address “how Toyota can continuously and consistently achieve its dramatic success through its competences ‐ continuous waste elimination and the objective of long term philosophy”; the paper aims to summarize some solid suggestions and comprehensive ideas for those industries planning to implement lean production.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology used is the case based approach (CBA), which described lean supply chain (LSC) through value stream mapping (VSM) using a case study from the Ford Motor Company in Chung Li, Taiwan. The paper follows a four‐step problem solving process to demonstrate how lean supply chain affects product cost and quality.Findings – Using VSM case study to demonstrate LSC, all the measurable indices helpful for cost reduction, quality enhancement and lead time reduction are shown. The paper also provides some recommendations and basic principles to implement VSM successfully through P‐D‐C‐A improving cycle.Research limitations...
226 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate a model of collaboration based on the notion of firms having strong working relationships with their suppliers and customers, and show that there is some support for this collaboration model, with both collaboration-based constructs influencing performance.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate a model of collaboration based on the notion of firms having strong working relationships with their suppliers and customers. Whilst issues associated with collaborative relationships between firms and their trading partners are a key theme currently being addressed in the supply chain management literature, there appears to be a lack of clear guidelines as to how such capability can be developed in a practical sense.Design/methodology/approach – Data from 418 Australian manufacturing plants are used to test the model. Two key constructs, customer relationship and supplier involvement, are developed. For predictive validity purposes, these constructs are regressed against firm performance construct.Findings – Results of structural equation modeling analysis show, inter alia, that there is some support for this collaboration model, with both collaboration‐based constructs influencing performance.Originality/value – The results provide an insight into ho...
224 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify the supply chain risks in the automotive and electronic industries in Brazil, and highlight the urgency of supply chain risk management (SCRM) implementation by using exploratory study methodology.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is twofold: to identify the supply chain risks in the automotive and electronic industries in Brazil, and to highlight the urgency of supply chain risk management (SCRM) implementation.Design/methodology/approach – It uses exploratory study methodology in the automotive and electronic industries, taking in consideration of the (SCRM) phase of initiation.Findings – There are significant practices to implement SCRM: better supply chain communication, SCRM and business continuity planning training program, and the creation of a chief risk officer position to manage the supply chain risks.Research limitations/implications – The limitation of this study comes from its small sample size. There are two simple reasons: many companies did not know SCRM and thus misinterpreted the information about SCRM.Practical implications – This case study promotes more preparedness for the two industries to manage the risks of supply chain.Originality/value – This study shows the risks that ...
216 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a case study approach was adopted to evaluate inventory management in the private healthcare sector in Malaysia, with a particular focus on the distribution of medicines from a wholesaler to clinics.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate inventory management in the private healthcare sector in Malaysia, with a particular focus on the distribution of medicines from a wholesaler to clinics. Currently, there are issues with service levels to clinics that need addressing.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopts a case study approach, with data collected through process mapping, interviews and data analysis. Data flow diagrams are used to visualise the organization's supply chain current and future process. Interviews are used to identify the main supply chain issues, with triangulation of these opinions through data analysis.
Findings – The findings identify two main issues within the case study company – urgent orders and stock availability at the wholesaler. From this, a future state design of the supply chain is proposed, based around vendor-managed inventory. Barriers to achieving this are also identified, including consideration of current supply chain management capabilities in Malaysia.
Research limitations/implications – Only a single case study supply chain is studied, although two echelons are investigated. While this may limit the generalisation of the findings, there is value in demonstrating the benefits modern supply chain management techniques can bring to developing world healthcare supply chains.
Practical implications – The paper shows that modern supply chain management techniques can bring benefits to healthcare supply chains in developing countries.
Originality/value – The value of the paper arises from providing a detailed analysis of a healthcare supply chain in the developing world. There have been only a small number of other studies published in the literature.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted an empirical study of the current status of supply management and corporate social responsibility in the Korean electronics industry and found that environmental and social pressures and standards are widely accepted and implemented for supply management.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is two‐fold: to survey research on supply management and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reported over the past two decades; and to carry out an empirical study of the current status of supply management and CSR in the Korean electronics industry.Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on an explorative approach, wherein “triangulation” is adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. A questionnaire survey with a 132‐company sample is employed as a quantitative method and the telephone interviews with 23 samples are used as a qualitative method. By adopting a triangulation approach, rich data and explanatory power can be obtained to answer the research question.Findings – The results of the study show that “environmental” pressures and standards are widely accepted and implemented for supply management in the Korean electronics industry. However, “social” pressures and standards are still not commonly used and there is a lack of implementation...
TL;DR: In this article, a theoretical framework is proposed based on the relationship of human resource variables (staffing, training, evaluation, and compensation) and organization variables (structure, culture, and empowerment strategies) with supply chain integration and performance.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contrast traditional transaction‐based supply chain strategies with emerging relationship‐based strategies in human resource and organizational areas.Design/methodology/approach – A theoretical framework is proposed based on the relationship of human resource variables (staffing, training, evaluation, and compensation) and organization variables (structure, culture, and empowerment strategies) with supply chain integration and performance.Findings – A model is presented of the relationship of human resource and organization variables with supply chain integration and performance. Propositions are posited and conclusions are noted with suggestions for further research.Research limitations/implications – The paper is clearly only theoretical. Much empirical testing is yet to be done.Originality/value – The paper is among the first to focus the relationships of human resource strategies and organization variables with supply chain integration and performance. While t...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a closed-loop supply chain orientation as a strategic alternative available to supply chain organizations seeking competitive advantage in a setting that puts a premium on socially responsible decisions.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper's aim is to develop a closed‐loop supply chain orientation as a strategic alternative available to supply chain organizations seeking competitive advantage in a setting that puts a premium on socially responsible decisions.Design/methodology/approach – The literature describing the concepts of supply chain orientation and supply chain leadership is used to develop a framework for achieving a competitive advantage.Findings – Creating a closed‐loop supply chain orientation may be facilitated when the supply chain leader demonstrates a transformational leadership style, and when socially important environmental issues are present.Research limitations/implications – The paper presents a synthesis of previously unconnected concepts in a conceptual framework that sets a stage for future research in this area.Practical implications – The paper highlights the strategic importance of developing a closed‐loop supply chain orientation in the presence of environmental factors, and a supply chain l...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show how Social Accountability 8000 (SA8000) can help to manage supply chains by solving the problem of incomplete contracts as well as replacing trust in new partnerships, especially with respect to intangible performance indicators.
Abstract: Purpose – Contracts and trust are mechanisms to coordinate processes in supply chains. However, contracts are incomplete and trust takes time to develop. The aim of this paper is to show how Social Accountability 8000 (SA8000) can help to manage supply chains (in particular small and medium‐sized companies as its partners) by solving the problem of incomplete contracts as well as replacing trust in new partnerships, especially with respect to intangible performance indicators.Design/methodology/approach – Supply chain management (with an emphasis on coordination) and corporate social responsibility (with an emphasis on codes, especially SA8000) are briefly described, based on a literature review. These descriptions led to three research propositions. In the second part, four cases describe the practice of SA8000. The richness of the cases provides both literal and theoretical replication. Finally, the theoretical and empirical results are compared, with specific regard to the research propositions.Finding...
TL;DR: In this article, a methodology is proposed to address this issue by first identifying the appropriate selection criteria and then developing a mechanism for their inclusion and measurement in the evaluation process, such an evaluation process requires decision maker's preferences on the importance of these criteria as inputs.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to provide a tool for decision makers to help them with selection of the appropriate supplier.Design/methodology/approach – Companies often depend on their suppliers to meet customers' demands. Thus, the key to the success of these companies is selection of the appropriate supplier. A methodology is proposed to address this issue by first identifying the appropriate selection criteria and then developing a mechanism for their inclusion and measurement in the evaluation process. Such an evaluation process requires decision maker's preferences on the importance of these criteria as inputs.Findings – Human assessments contain some degree of subjectivity that often cannot be expressed in pure numeric scales and requires linguistic expressions. To capture this subjectivity the authors have applied fuzzy logic that allows the decision makers to express their preferences/opinions in linguistic terms. Decision maker's preferences on appropriate criteria as well as his/her perception of t...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors outline the anatomy of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that try to manage corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the supply chain and conclude that CSR activities directed towards the supply chains still remain the privilege of a small group of SMEs with quite advanced CSR systems.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline the anatomy of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) that try to manage corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the supply chain.Design/methodology/approach – The data used for analysis stem from a large‐scale survey of 1,071 Danish SMEs carried out in 2005.Findings – It is concluded that CSR activities directed towards the supply chains still remain the privilege of a small group of SMEs with quite advanced CSR systems.Research limitations/implications – The survey was not specifically designed for this article. Moreover, only Danish SMEs participated in the survey. Whether the evidence from Denmark can be generalised to cover SMEs in other countries is left to determine.Practical implications – The results indicate that there may be a need for more differentiated initiatives to promote CSR that will enable smaller enterprises to address CSR issues in the supply chain. Thus far, CSR has often been associated with large, high‐profile multinationals t...
TL;DR: In this paper, a profile deviation approach was applied to compute the alignment between SC strategy and environmental uncertainty, and the results of the study verify that the alignment is positively associated with SCM performance.
Abstract: Purpose – The right supply chain (SC) strategy is widely believed to be able to improve supply chain management (SCM) performance. Ignoring the important concept of alignment means that failures in SCM resulting from a mismatch between two or more crucial factors remain common. Accordingly, Lee proposed an environmental uncertainty framework to devise the right SC strategy. However, the proposed framework has thus far remained conceptual. Therefore, this study seeks to empirically investigate Lee's uncertainty framework and examine how alignment between SC strategy and environmental uncertainty impacts perceived SCM performance.Design/methodology/approach – A survey was designed and used to collect 243 usable responses from manufacturers. A profile deviation approach was applied to compute the alignment between SC strategy and environmental uncertainty.Findings – The results of the study verify that the alignment between SC strategy and environmental uncertainty is positively associated with SCM performan...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the relationship among strategy, flexibility, and performance in the supply chain context and found that innovative strategy firms must invest time and resources in developing new product and delivery flexibility; while customer-oriented strategy firms are required to invest heavily in developing sourcing, product, and deliver flexibility and follower strategy firms need no investment in any specific type of flexibility.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to examine the relationships among strategy, flexibility, and performance in the supply chain context.Design/methodology/approach – The research is based on a quantitative approach using a questionnaire survey and personal interviews from a total of 175 small and medium‐sized Canadian manufacturing companies. The identified constructs have been utilized to test a theoretical model using the path analysis technique.Findings – First, the findings provide evidence of direct effects of strategy on flexibility and flexibility on performance. Second, innovative strategy firms must invest time and resources in developing new product and delivery flexibility; while customer‐oriented strategy firms are required to invest heavily in developing sourcing, product, and delivery flexibility and follower strategy firms need no investment in any specific type of flexibility. Third, results demonstrated that Canadian manufacturers must reconsider how they use information technolog...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors studied the factors influencing the adoption of RFID technology and the relation between RFID adoption and supply chain performance for logistics companies in China, and found that there is a positive association between the willingness to adopt RFID technologies and the performance of logistics service providers.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the factors influencing the adoption of RFID technology and the relation between RFID technology adoption and supply chain performance for logistics companies.Design/methodology/approach – Determinants of RFID technology adoption are analyzed from the technological, organizational and environmental perspectives. Supply chain performance measurements consist of financial and non‐financial indices. Data were collected by means of delivering questionnaires to logistics service providers in China. A total of 574 logistics companies were analyzed.Findings – Logistics companies' willingness to adopt RFID technology are significantly influenced by the explicitness and accumulation of technology, organizational encouragement for innovation, quality of human resources, and governmental support. There is a positive association between the willingness to adopt RFID technology and supply chain performance for logistics service providers.Research limitations/implications...
TL;DR: In this article, structural equation modeling is employed to investigate the hypothesized relationships between strategic supply management skills and perceived reputation of a purchasing manager and a sample of 162 purchasing managers provided the data via survey.
Abstract: Purpose – There is a lack of extensive research related to the immediate consequences of supply management ethical responsibility (SMER) and the moderating and/or mediating factors that strengthen or weaken its consequences. Although the underlying presumption is that companies no longer have the luxury of ignoring the importance of SMER, the lack of empirical research of SMER's impact on supply management performance (SMP) reflects the need for research that draws on and empirically tests established theories concerning the role of corporate ethics within the context of supply management (SM). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the impact of SMER and strategic supply management skills on SM perceived reputation and performance.Design/methodology/approach – Structural equation modeling is employed to investigate the hypothesized relationships. A sample of 162 purchasing managers provided the data via survey.Findings – Strategic supply management skills and perceived reputation have a pos...
TL;DR: In this article, a broad foundation for future research in the area of strategic sourcing is provided by drawing from various well-established organizational theories, such as institutional theory, resource dependence theory, network theory, systems theory and critical theory.
Abstract: Purpose – The goal of this paper is to provide a broad foundation for future research in the area of strategic sourcing.Design/methodology/approach – The foundation is derived by drawing from various well‐established organizational theories. Specifically, strategic sourcing was viewed from the perspective of institutional theory, resource dependence theory, network theory, systems theory, resource/knowledge‐based views of the firm, transaction cost economics, agency theory, strategic choice theory, sociocognitive theory, and critical theory.Findings – By viewing strategic sourcing through the lens of ten organizational theories, this research provides multiple insights into many interrelated strategic sourcing questions, such as when to make, buy or ally, how many and which suppliers, and how to manage sourcing relationships. The paper offers a rich and diverse foundation to foster future theory‐building activities in sourcing and supply management research.Originality/value – While some of these theory b...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors highlight the problems with demand management in fresh food value chains and propose a framework for demand analysis and improved demand management, which is based on empirical evidence from multiple case studies undertaken in the UK food industry.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the problems with demand management in fresh food value chains and to propose a framework for demand analysis and improved demand management.Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on empirical evidence from multiple case studies undertaken in the UK food industry.Findings – Evidence from the case studies indicates a consistent misalignment of demand and supply, due to demand amplification, poor production systems and inconsistencies with information and data handling procedures.Research limitations/implications – The case study evidence is limited to the UK context and is therefore unlikely to be representative of the global situation in fresh food value chains. The proposed framework is based on the case study evidence but has not been formally tested.Practical implications – More collaboration, information sharing and joint planning from primary production through to retailing is critical if fresh food value chains are to function efficiently an...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an approach that two leading supply chain companies have used to identify and design alternative supply chain solutions according to their customers' demand chains, and describe industry best practice.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to present an approach that two leading supply chain companies have used to identify and design alternative supply chain solutions according to their customers' demand chainsDesign/methodology/approach – The paper describes industry best practiceFindings – The supplier of telecommunications equipment found that by deploying three different supply chains that corresponded to three types of customers' demand chains it could simultaneously improve customer satisfaction and effectiveness The supplier of fasteners found it could serve its different industrial customers with essentially two supply chain designsResearch limitations/implications – This is a practical best practice description and does not aim to contribute to academic research However, there are no academic contributions on procedures for supply chain re‐design according to customer demand chains Thus, the best practice described in the paper implies a need for research on this type of supply chain customizationPr
TL;DR: In this paper, a structured questionnaire was elaborated and applied to 125 representatives from suppliers of large supermarket chains to identify collaboration elements and evaluate their intensity in the Brazilian supermarket retail chain, especially the manufacturer-retailer channel.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to identify collaboration elements and evaluate their intensity in the Brazilian supermarket retail chain, especially the manufacturer‐retailer channel.Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire was elaborated and applied to 125 representatives from suppliers of large supermarket chains. Statistical methods including multivariate analysis were employed. Variables were grouped and composed into five indicators (joint actions, information sharing, interpersonal integration, gains and cost sharing, and strategic integration) to assess the degree of collaboration.Findings – The analyses showed that the interviewees considered interpersonal integration to be of greater importance to collaboration intensity than the other integration factors, such as gain or cost sharing or even strategic integration.Research limitations/implications – The research was conducted solely from the point of view of the industries that supply the large retail networks. The interviews were not...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe a conceptual framework and empirical illustrations of the transparency of SCM ethics in supply chains as a whole, and present a methodology to verify the correctness of the framework.
Abstract: Purpose – The objective is to describe a conceptual framework and empirical illustrations of the transparency of SCM ethics in supply chains as a whole. Design/methodology/approach – The research i ...
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual framework was developed considering five key perspectives (characteristics, economics, dynamic capabilities, technology and institutions) to evaluate the member's risk in relationship and derived the hypothesis from the framework.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to identify the up‐stream supply chain member's (manufacturers, suppliers, supplier's service providers) characteristics, economics, dynamic capabilities, technology and institutional perspectives of risk in relationship to develop a trust building model through risk evaluation and to address the issue: should a supply chain member strive to build the trust or strive to reduce the risk with its members and from which perspectives?Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual framework was developed considering five key perspectives (characteristics, economics, dynamic capabilities, technology and institutions) to evaluate the member's risk in relationship and derived the hypothesis from the framework. A survey was conducted in UAE packaged food industry upstream supply chain covering senior managers of 102 companies. Data were analysed using multiple regression analyses through SPSS. The selected supply chain members of this industry include packaged food products companies as manu...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify the critical distribution practices of agile supply chains and provide a comprehensive framework that can be used to improve the responsiveness of supply chains, and provide empirical evidence that agile supply chain distribution enhances organisational performance.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical distribution practices of agile supply chains and provide a comprehensive framework that can be used to improve the responsiveness of supply chains. The research is carried out in the context of different manufacturing industries and provides empirical evidence that agile supply chain distribution enhances organisational performance.Design/methodology/approach – The paper employed survey research, using a sample of 128 manufacturing companies.Findings – The paper explores the critical distribution practices of supply chains that make supply chains agile. Collaborative distribution, order commitment, distribution flexibility and inventory management are the key SCM distribution practices associated with agile supply chains, and have significant impact on organisational performance.Research limitations/implications – Data were collected from a single node/respondent of a supply chain. Further research could be carried out using mutiple node dat...
TL;DR: In this article, the problem of public procurement's contribution in moving from the current global economic downturn and accelerating the economic recovery is considered, and suggestions for more radical short-term procurement strategic interventions are set out and justified as accelerating economic recovery.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to consider the problem of public procurement's contribution in moving from the current global economic downturn and accelerating the economic recovery.Design/methodology/approach – A literature review is used to establish perceived local government procurement best practice. Secondary research is then drawn upon to establish local government procurement's response to the current economic recession. The paper is set within the context of English local government. The paper's contribution is in highlighting that perceived best public procurement practice may well, in the short‐term, be inappropriate and perhaps delay economic recovery. Suggestions for more radical short‐term procurement strategic interventions are set out and justified as accelerating the economic recovery. The suggestions are considered appropriate, not only for the current crisis, but also for future economic downturns or indeed any country facing such a situation.Findings – The analysis suggests that English lo...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlight the advantages that an intermodal logistics platform may provide to companies integrating a supply chain, both to manufacturers/distributors and to logistics providers.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the advantages that an intermodal logistics platform may provide to companies integrating a supply chain, both to manufacturers/distributors and to logistics providers.Design/methodology/approach – This paper introduces a new logistics platform, PLAZA, the largest in Europe, and which was installed in Zaragoza, where some international companies, including Inditex, are established.Findings – The intermodality and integration provided by an intermodal logistics platform may provide competitive advantages to global supply chains.Research limitations/implications – This paper is based on a specific case study and, therefore, the conclusions may be only partially generalized to other domains. However, the case results from this example may offer a useful guide to assist managers of global supply chains.Practical implications – Firms should consider the option of intermodality and the integration of some of the activities of its supply chain in order to decre...