Showing papers in "Supply Chain Management in 2013"

The impact of supply chain risk on supply chain integration and company performance: a global investigation

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically explore the relationships among supply chain risks (SCRs), supply chain integration (SCI), and company performance in a global context.Design/methodology/approach – This study is based on the High Performance Manufacturing (HPM) project database collected from 317 manufacturing plants in ten countries and three representative industries (machinery, electronics and transportation components), using structural equation modeling (SEM) methods.Findings – Results show that SCRs, especially supply delivery risk (SDR), are negatively related to SCI. There is a contingent relationship between SCI and performance. Different types of SCI play different roles in improving different types of company performance. Supplier, internal, and customer integration are the most important drivers for schedule attainment, competitive performance, and customer satisfaction, respectively.Originality/value – This study is one of the first empirical studies to explore how SCRs a...

Lean and agile supply chain strategies and supply chain responsiveness: The role of strategic supplier partnership and postponement

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of strategic supplier partnership and postponement respectively, on the relation between lean and agile supply chain strategy and supply chain responsiveness. Also, the authors look at the relation between supply chain responsiveness and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach – Applying the strategic-choice theory and the resource-based view of firms to the supply chain, the authors develop a research model to demonstrate the premise that implementing proper supply chain practices to support and execute supply chain strategy will enhance the responsiveness of the supply chain and the performance of the focal firm. The study utilizes survey data from 205 senior executives and managers in the purchasing and supply chain functions from manufacturing firms in the USA. The results are based on covariance-based analysis and structural equation modeling using AMOS software. Findings – The study finds that strategic supplier partnership fully media...

Exploring the role of social capital in facilitating supply chain resilience

Abstract: Purpose – There has been limited research examining the influence of inter‐organisational relationships and the social capital they may nurture in building SCRES. The authors aim to explore how three dimensions of social capital (cognitive, structural and relational) may act as facilitators or enablers of the four formative capabilities for SCRES (i.e. flexibility, velocity, visibility, and collaboration), identified by Juttner and Maklan.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from three separate tiers of the supply chain involved in the response to an extreme event (the Lambrigg, UK rail crash). Using a social constructionist approach, the paper explores how social capital may enable the emergence of formative capabilities for resilience.Findings – The data suggest that the dimensions of social capital may play an influential role in facilitating the four formative capabilities for SCRES and indicate the potential for these to be mutually reinforcing.Research limitations/implications – The pap...

The influence of green supply chain integration and environmental uncertainty on green innovation in Taiwan's IT industry

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between green supply chain integration (GSCI) and green innovation and to analyze the moderating effects of environmental uncertainty.Design/methodology/approach – A multi‐dimensional approach was employed to develop a comprehensive theoretical framework which encompasses various aspects of GSCI, green innovation and environmental uncertainty. To identify the effects of GSCI and environmental uncertainty on green innovation, hierarchical moderated regression analysis was applied using questionnaire data from 211 Taiwanese, information technology (IT) manufacturers.Findings – Supplier, customer and internal integration enhance both green product and process innovations. Demand uncertainty positively moderates each GSCI‐green innovation link. However, the moderating effect of technological uncertainty is insignificant.Research limitations/implications – This study conducted a cross‐sectional investigation of the Taiwanese IT industry. Theref...

Risk and resilience in agri‐food supply chains: the case of the ASDA PorkLink supply chain in Scotland

Abstract: Purpose – The paper examines one of Scotland's major pork supply chains and seeks to identify the key risks and challenges involved in developing a resilient agri‐food supply system, particularly with regard to primary product supply, and to show how risk management and collaboration amongst stakeholders can increase chain resilience.Design/methodology/approach – The case study involved in‐depth interviews with seven people involved in the chain and its management.Findings – Reduced supply chain vulnerability to risks arose through horizontal collaboration amongst producers, and vertical collaboration with the processor and retailer. Producers improved market and price security, and pig performance. For the processor and retailer the collaboration generated greater security of supply of an assured quality, improved communication with suppliers, and reduced demand risk as they could assure consumers on quality, animal welfare and product provenance.Research limitations/implications – The study's findings a...

Does firm innovativeness enable effective responses to supply chain disruptions? An empirical study

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nexus of relationships linking firm innovativeness, innovation magnitude, disruption severity, and supply chain resilience. These relationships are examined within a supply chain disruptions context. Design/methodology/approach – This study employed between subjects scenario-based experimental methodology combined with a survey method. Participants in the study were senior level logistics/supply chain and operations managers in US and European manufacturing companies. The hypotheses were tested via linear regression models. Findings – Findings suggest that both firm innovativeness and innovation magnitude are positively associated with supply chain resilience. In addition, it was found that disruption severity is positively associated with innovation magnitude. Research limitations/implications – Based on the findings, the authors expect that firm innovativeness as a dynamic capability should have a positive impact on achieving supply chain resilie...

Opposites attract: organisational culture and supply chain performance

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to expand the knowledge of buyer-supplier relationships by investigating the extent to which organisational cultural fit between a buyer and supply chain participants influences performance. Design/methodology/approach – The study was conducted in a FMCG supply chain. A cultural dimensions questionnaire was used in a focal organisation (the buyer) and it identified best and poorest performing supply chain. The results were analysed using a series of ANOVA's within the respective supply chains. The findings were then triangulated via qualitative methods. Findings – The findings demonstrate that complementarity rather than congruence between the supply chain partners achieved successful performance outcomes. Organisations in the high-performing supply chain had significantly different cultural profiles, reporting significant statistical differences across all six cultural dimensions. Organisations in the low-performing supply chain had almost identical profiles across all six cultural dimensions with significantly lower mean scores across each dimension. Research limitations/implications – The deconstruction of organisational culture into its constituent dimensions in a supply chain provides insights for academics. Propositions are presented which provide a platform for further studies. Future studies could develop these findings by using a larger sample, over a longer period of time, and adding mediating variables that impact supply chain outcomes. Practical implications – Managers should pay attention to cultural evaluation within the supplier selection process as well as finance or strategic evaluations. A shared supply chain culture of norm-based trust and openness may yield better outcomes and reduced conflict and uncertainty throughout the supply chain. Originality/value – This is one of the first papers to deconstruct and measure organisational cultural fit empirically in a supply chain context.

A systems approach for modelling supply chain risks

Abstract: Purpose – With increasing exposure to disruptions, it is vital for supply chains to manage risks proactively. Prediction of potential failure points and overall impact of these risks is challenging. In this paper, systems thinking concepts are applied for modelling supply chain risks. The purpose of this paper is to develop a holistic, systematic and quantitative risk assessment process for measuring the overall risk behaviour.Design/methodology/approach – A framework for supply chain risk management (SCRM) is developed and tested using an industrial case study. A systematically developed research design is employed to capture the dynamic behaviour of risks. Additionally, a system‐based supply chain risk model is conceptualized for risk modelling. Sensitivity modelling results are combined for validating the supply chain risk model.Findings – The systems approach for modelling supply chain risks predicts the failure points along with their overall risk impact in the supply chain network. System‐based risk...

Supply chains and supply networks: distinctions and overlaps

Abstract: Purpose – Although supply chain management is now an established field, the distinction between supply chains and supply networks is relatively immature and requires further investigation. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the distinction between supply chains and supply networks. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a review of the literature and assisted by input from academic experts during a relevant supply chain management workshop, this paper critiques seminal and extant theoretical developments in the field of supply chain management. Findings – The main contribution of this paper is the development of an outline classification of relevant dimensions where the concepts of supply chain and supply network are compared and their distinctive features are highlighted. The paper identifies strategic opportunities emanating from considering both the supply chain and supply network, and the associated levels of engagement with active and inactive members in terms of, inter alia, complexity, members...

E‐procurement and supply chain performance

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this study is to discuss the relationship between e‐procurement and supply chain performance.Design/methodology/approach – Both interviews with practicing managers and an empirical study were conducted in the current study. Interviews with four practicing managers were conducted to gather the practical insights of the theoretical framework. Empirical data were collected from 108 Taiwanese enterprises.Findings – The paper found that partner relationships, information sharing, and supply chain integration can represent the processes through which e‐procurement contributes to supply chain performance. Supply chain integration has the highest standardized total effect on supply chain performance.Research limitations/implications – Future studies could more systematically analyze the relationships among e‐procurement, supply chain integration and supply chain performance. Cross‐level analysis is also worthy of investigation when considering the influence of technology‐usage characteristics...

Socially responsible supply chains: power asymmetries and joint dependence

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to analyse the role of relational power/dependent asymmetries and symmetries in shaping socially responsible supply chain management, whilst also examining how these issues are moderated by geographical distance between buyer and supplier.Design/methodology/approach – The study draws on data from 339 buyer‐supplier relationships, and the authors use a set of regression models to test their hypotheses.Findings – Joint dependency positively influences socially responsible supply chain management, whilst supplier power constrains it. Both joint dependency and buyer power become increasingly important determinants of socially responsible supply chain management as geographic distance increases.Research limitations/implications – Further work is needed to examine the conditions under which organisations will exercise their power advantage or their joint dependence position to improve socially responsible processes in the supply chain, as there may be situations where the ...

Supply and demand chain management: the effect of adding services to product offerings

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand how firms manage their product and service offerings, integrating supply chain management (SCM) and demand chain management (DCM) strategies. Adding services to the product portfolio of a firm may bring benefits to an organisation, but requires a reconsideration of the supply chain management approach. Design/methodology/approach – A survey is used to collect data, with valid questionnaires obtained for 4,227 UK-based respondents. Empirical analysis utilises structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings – The paper proposes that a combination of management approaches is required by firms which add services to their portfolio of traditional product offerings. A supply chain management approach may be suitable for traditional product offerings. The management of the services value chain, where the customers' role as value creator is a central feature of the construct, is better served by integration of the market orientation of DCM. Originality/value – Th...

The logistics service providers in eco-efficiency innovation: an empirical study

Abstract: Purpose – Sustainability and the search for solutions that are both efficient and ecologically sound (eco-efficient) have become topics of great interest. However, companies seeking to develop supply chain solutions that are eco-efficient are often hampered by their ability to control the wider supply chain and they may need to draw on external support from logistics service providers (LSPs). This paper aims to explore the innovative strategies undertaken by LSPs in the eco-efficiency arena and the logistics and learning capabilities needed to achieve eco-efficiency in supply chains. Design/methodology/approach – The insights derived from a systematic literature review approach to identify the most relevant articles to be included in the analysis represented the starting point for building the authors empirical investigation, based on case studies with in-depth interviews to investigate the phenomenon under consideration and to explore trends and evolving paradigms. Findings – The systematic literature re...

A manufacturer moving upstream: triadic collaboration for service delivery

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore servitization in the context of the service supply chain, particularly the effects of the relationship between the subsystem supplier and the end user on the supplier's as well as on the supply chain's ability to provide industrial services. In addition, it aims to present a solution to overcome the challenges of lack of this relationship.Design/methodology/approach – A case study incorporating an explorative design science approach identifies a theoretically novel and practically relevant problem in the field of service supply chain management. The study combines empirical data collection; systematic conceptualization of means and ends; evaluation of proposed solutions in iterative‐ and action‐oriented cycles; and theoretical explanation of the observed phenomena and outcomes.Findings – By establishing a triadic operational model with an integrator and end user, the subsystem supplier can servitize within a supply chain in which the end user relationship ...

SMEs as “transmitters” of CSR requirements in the supply chain

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop understanding of the role of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in relation to sustainable supply chain management, i.e. how corporate social responsibility (CSR) is integrated in their relationship with customers and suppliers.Design/methodology/approach – Drawing from a survey of CSR requirements among 410 Spanish SMEs, the paper examines the extent to which SMEs receive social and environmental requirements from diverse customer typologies and the extent to which they pass on such requirements to different supplier typologies.Findings – Based on survey results, it is concluded that large businesses are the most demanding customers in terms of the CSR requirements imposed to their SME suppliers. In turn, SMEs are able to transfer the requests received from their (larger) customers to their own suppliers.Research limitations/implications – The data are confined to companies located in a particular region (Catalonia in Spain), which questions its gen...

The lean and agile purchasing portfolio model

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to present a purchasing portfolio model for determining purchasing strategy at the component level of a product to support business strategy, addressing weaknesses in the often cited Kraljic‐type models. The work draws on Fisher's model to match supply strategy to product nature. However, Fisher's model was criticised very recently by Lo and Power in this journal because it is unclear how the “leagile” option should fit into it. This paper addresses this issue.Design/methodology/approach – The new portfolio model is based on the literature, particularly Fisher's seminal work. It is then applied to two case studies; an electric boiler manufacturer and an elevator manufacturer, both in South Korea. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to position purchased components in the model.Findings – Different purchasing strategies should be assigned to different components according to their impact on the competitive priorities. As the electric boiler is a functional produc...

Exploring synergetic effects between investments in environmental and quality/lean practices in supply chains

Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to report the empirical results examining potential synergetic effects between investments in environmental and quality/lean practices within the supply chain.Design/methodology/approach – Cross‐country survey data collected by the “Global Manufacturing Research Group” within Europe was utilized to test the hypotheses. Synergetic effects were conceptualized through interaction effects using ordinary least square regression (OLS) analysis.Findings – Results indicate that synergetic effects between traditional practices such as lean and quality and environmental practices are possible. More specifically, the impact of lean and quality practices on operational supply chain performance can be amplified through environmental practices such as ISO 14001, pollution prevention, recycling of materials and waste reduction.Originality/value – Although research on the performance impact of environmental practices within the supply chain context has matured over the past years, there is stil...

Trust and communication in European agri‐food chains

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess and explain the trust situation in EU agri‐food supply chains in the context of the assumption that the existence of well‐functioning trust‐based supplier‐buyer relationships enables a secure and safe food supply.Design/methodology/approach – Using structural equation modelling (SEM) and survey data (n=1,430) on supplier‐buyer relationships from six different countries, two commodity supply chains (meat and cereals) and two supply chain stages (farmer‐processor and processor‐retailer), main trust determinants are identified and discussed. By simultaneously covering two supply chain stages the analysis adopts a perspective beyond the dyad.Findings – The SEM results indicate that trust in supply chain partners can be significantly improved by effective communication and by positive past collaboration. The existence of personal bonds (ties) between partners does not seem to play a direct role in the retailer‐processor relationship but is important when dealing...

An assessment of the integration of seaports into supply chains using a structural equation model

Abstract: Purpose – The changing role of seaports in supply chains has been the subject of extensive research in the recent literature. The strategic development of seaport terminals, responding to the need for closer integration into supply chains, invites a more detailed examination of the influence of the supply chain structures on seaport performance. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the effects of supply chain structures, especially the degree of integration of seaports into supply chains, on seaport performance. Design/methodology/approach – The parameters for a structural equation model were identified in the first instance from the supply chain and seaport operations and management literature. The structural equation model itself was then devised, and subsequently refined, using data from Korean seaport terminal operators, shipping companies and freight forwarding companies. The structural equation model was used to assess the level of supply chain integration of seaports and the relationship to port performance. Findings – The results indicate that the integration of seaports into supply chains has a positive impact on both the effectiveness and the efficiency of seaport performance. In addition, antecedents to seaport supply chain integration are identified; these suggest that a strong orientation to supply chain integration within a port operating company enables the company to adopt and implement a strategy that integrates functions within the port and with other upstream and downstream organisations. Research limitations/implications – As the field data were geographically limited to one country, extending the findings of this study to other geographical areas may not be possible, although the approach taken, using the structural equation modelling technique, should be transferrable elsewhere. Cross-validation of the model would widen its applicability to other areas. The paper provides a framework that allows other researchers to examine the level of integration of ports into supply chains. Practical implications – The potential benefits of closer integration of seaports into supply chains are shown with supply chain integration having a positive effect on port performance. Seaports which do not integrate with their supply chains have a lower level of performance. Thus, enhanced port performance accruing from closer integration would have positive implications both for port and terminal managers and for other supply chain participants. Originality/value – This study, for the first time, empirically examines the impact of the integration into supply chains of seaports on their performance. This is achieved by the development of a structural equation model which is then tested in the field, thus extending the existing literature which is largely conceptual or descriptive.

Exploring the performance effect of HPWS on professional service supply chain management

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this study is to better understand service supply chain management by analysing the professional service supply chain in professional service firms (PSFs) and exploring how the high performance work systems (HPWS) influence professional service supply chain performance. In addition, this study seeks to examine the relationship between professional service supply chain performance and the overall organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach – Analysis of PSF suggests a three-step of professional service supply chain as the clients' requests, partners forming working teams or so-called team formation and utilization, and delivering of solutions or services to clients. Based on extensive literature review, the authors hypothesize that HPWS have a positive impact on the professional service supply chain performance and the team formation and utilization mediates the link. They also hypothesize the positive link between the professional service supply chain performance and the overall organisational firm performance. Employing survey method, data was collected from 93 accounting firms at two time points. In May 2010 (Time 1), a survey including questions on HPWS, team formation and utilization and professional service supply chain performance were sent out to the managing partners and HR directors in accounting firms based in Ireland. Around one year later (Time 2), another survey measuring firm performance was sent out. This data allowed the authors to establish causal pattern in their results. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to analyse data to test hypotheses. Findings – The results indicate the positive link between HPWS and the professional service supply chain performance. The team formation and utilization mediates the above relationship. In addition, professional service supply chain performance was found to be positively linked to the firm performance. Research limitations/implications – The present study is limited in terms of sample size, single industry and self-report data. Future research also needs to examine more mediators or moderators – the mechanisms through which HPWS work on the professional service supply chain. Practical implications – Firms using higher level of HPWS experience better professional service supply chain performance. Human resource management practices that promote employees' ability, motivation and opportunities which allow teams to be formed more effectively to work with clients enhance organizational performance and higher profit levels. Managers able to effectively adopt and implement these teamwork-based HR practices and encourage and support employees' collaboration through such practices enhance the firm's professional service supply chain effectiveness and its organisational performance. Social implications – The authors' study focuses on the service supply chain management operations within the professional service firms. In doing so, their research answers the call by Ellram et al. for more supply chain management research with respect to the service sector. It addresses a significant research gap identified by Rahman and Wu, namely, “relatively little attention has been given to the service suppliers' perspective”. By linking service supply chain management and human resource management, this study also answers a few calls for more research on the interaction of human resource management and supply chain management, service supply chain and human resource management in professional service firms. Originality/value – This is one of the few studies to analyse the professional service supply chain management and assess the human resource management and supply chain management link. Moreover, it is the first study which empirically establishes the link between human resource management and professional service supply chain performance in PSFs.

The effect of supply chain security management on security performance in container shipping operations

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this study is to empirically identify crucial dimensions of security management in the container shipping sector in Taiwan and assess their impacts on security performance.Design/methodology/approach – Data for this study were collected by questionnaire survey. An exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify crucial security management dimensions in the container shipping sector. Multiple regression analysis was then performed to examine the effect of security management on the security performance.Findings – Four crucial security management dimensions were identified: facility and cargo management; accident prevention and processing; information management; and partner relationship management. Multiple regression analysis revealed that information management and partner relationship management had significant positive effects on safety performance, whereas partner relationship management had a significant positive effect on customs clearance performance.Research limitations/...

The influence of relationship quality on the innovation capacity in traditional food chains

Abstract: Purpose – Relational aspects between actors in a chain have been found to influence innovation capacity. Yet, many studies focus rather on groups of chain members, without investigating personalized links between the chain members. Other research involved case‐studies on a limited number of individual chains. The purpose of this paper is to examine quantitatively how the perceived relationship quality among three relational linked chain members affects the innovation capacity in traditional food chains beyond the dyad.Design/methodology/approach – Evidence is drawn from a survey of 90 triplets of firms (three interlinked chain members), with each triplet belonging to a single individual traditional food chain. Research was conducted in three European countries and six traditional food product categories. Heterogeneity across these chains is examined based on cluster analysis. Binary logistic regression is used to examine the influence of relationship quality on the innovation capacity in the chains.Findin...

Innovative supply chain practices: the state of French companies

Abstract: Purpose – This research aims to explore innovation in supply chain management. Innovation has often been studied in supply chain relationships and specifically from a product point of view. The authors aim to observe innovation by focusing on the different practices and collaborations suppliers and customers are developing to improve their competitiveness and the performance of the whole supply chain.Design/methodology/approach – A review of previous literature on innovation in supply chain management is presented and the authors design an interview guide for their data collection that is developed from their previous literature review on innovation in supply chain management. Data are collected from 68 innovations in French companies and subsequently analyzed to identify the major elements of innovations in supply chain management.Findings – The key findings of the paper identify the major components affecting innovative supply chain practices and SC performance. The results suggest that innovation is es...

A case study of supplier selection in developing economies: a perspective on institutional theory and corporate social responsibility

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of supplier selection activities in a service sector organisation in Nigeria. It aims to examine the role of normative forces within the context of Institutional Theory.Design/methodology/approach – A single case study approach was used. Action research utilising participant observation was used in data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS.Findings – Criteria relating to corporate social responsibility (CSR) proved to be a significant weakness for Nigerian suppliers, as most of the bidding organisations were unable to show evidence of, for example, payment of taxes and insurance for their employees. However, suppliers of services, in general, performed better than suppliers of products.Practical implications – Suppliers of products and services in Nigeria need to improve their performance with respect to CSR in particular. As most of these organisations are small businesses, they had previousl...

Teaching reputational risk management in the supply chain

Abstract: Purpose – In the supply chain context, professionals manage various risks that have the potential to disrupt supplies. Surprisingly, one kind of risk is often overlooked: reputational risk. It is critical to recognise the risk potential that impacts on the reputation of the organisation. Furthermore, managers require an appropriate tool set to control it. The present paper aims to have a twin focus: first, it will lay out the basic premises behind corporate reputation, reputational risk, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Second, the practical implications will be addressed that lead to a substantial teaching component.Design/methodology/approach – The present paper is based on two research stages. Initially, the authors adopted the “reflective practitioner” philosophy that aimed at discovering the common beliefs in practice that explain working processes and management thought. In particular, they explored the foundation of CSR, reputation and risk management with specialists in dedicated worksho...

Priorities and determinants for supply chain management skills development in manufacturing firms

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to find out the current SCM skill development priorities in manufacturing firms and how the structural properties of the supply chain translate into demand for SCM skills in manufacturing firms.Design/methodology/approach – An internet survey was designed and conducted. The responses of 154 manufacturing companies operating in Finland were analysed through descriptive statistics and regression analyses.Findings – The supply chain management skills with an inter‐organisational focus tend to have a higher development priority than the skills with an intra‐organisational focus. The top five skills for development are: demand forecasting and supply planning; sourcing and supplier management; customer and distribution channel management; production planning and control; and information systems for logistics and production planning. Structural properties of the supply chain seem to have an effect on skills that are related to supply chain design and information flow infras...

Indicators of sustainable business practices: Woolworths in South Africa

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how Woolworths, a South African retail chain, evaluates and controls its sustainable business practices using economic, environmental and social indicators. Design/methodology/approach – A content analysis of Woolworths' comprehensive 2008‐2011 sustainability and annual reports examined how this retail chain evaluates and implements its sustainable business practices. Findings – The results indicate that such indicators play a significant role in evaluating and implementing various Woolworths' business practices aimed at sustainability. In addition, Woolworths' comprehensive governance system ensures that its sustainable business practices are implemented and targets achieved. Research limitations/implications – The case study demonstrates that businesses can remain profitable, while at the same time protecting the natural environment and striving for sustainable business practices. Practical implications – This example demonstrates how government influence, institutional mechanisms and senior management commitment to a project ultimately has gone some way to minimise barriers to the adoption of sustainable practices. Originality/value – The example provides not only a seed of knowledge for others in retailing, but also guidance to both practice in general and theory in the field of sustainable business practices. It demonstrates how an organization has taken strategic action, extended this beyond the firm's boundaries and into the supply chain. The case study illustrates how one organization can act as the change agent in the network.

Developing competencies of supply chain professionals in Australia: collaboration between businesses, universities and industry associations

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe collaboration between businesses, universities and industry associations in Australia with the aim of developing an appropriate set of competencies for supply chain professionals.Design/methodology/approach – Three related initiatives are described involving questionnaire surveys (Initiatives 1 and 3) and a series of meetings involving representatives from businesses, universities and industry associations (Initiative 2).Findings – Initiative 1 identifies that although supply chain professionals in Australia are highly educated, they had limited training in relation to supply chain management. Initiative 2 developed a set of 20 competencies for supply chain professionals and their importance was then assessed in Initiative 3. Generally, high importance is highlighted for the set of competencies. Maintaining momentum of the collaboration is identified as a challenge.Research limitations/implications – One specific limitation is the somewhat low response ra...

Optimization, risk assessment and resilience in LNG transportation systems

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to address how to systematically address vulnerability in a maritime transportation system using a formal vulnerability assessment approach, create quantitative measures of disruption risk and test the effect of mitigating measures. These quantitative data are prerequisites for cost efficiency calculations, and may be obtained without requiring excessive resources.Design/methodology/approach – Supply chain simulation using heuristics‐based planning tools offers an approach to quantify the impact of disruption scenarios and mitigating measures. This is used to enrich a risk‐based approach to maritime supply chain vulnerability assessment. Monte Carlo simulation is used to simulate a stochastic nature of disruptions.Findings – The exemplary assessment of a maritime liquefied natural gas (LNG) transportation system illustrates the potential for providing quantitative data about the cost of disruptions and the effects of mitigating measures, which are foundations for more precise cos...

Global logistics management curriculum: perspective from practitioners in Taiwan

Abstract: Purpose – This study attempts to list and rank the necessary skills required of a global logistics professional based on objective evaluations from industry.Design/methodology/approach – This paper adopts a novel mixed‐methods approach using elements of concept mapping (brainstorming, multi‐dimensional scaling, cluster analysis), and link analysis. Concept mapping through repeated brainstorming by industry practitioners helps to summarize the key skill required of an effective global logistician. The multidimensional scaling method and cluster analysis support the classification and weighting of the capabilities into nine clusters. Link analysis helps to evaluate the significance of the results and addresses the gap between industry and academic perceptions of the existing global logistics curriculum in Taiwan.Findings – In dealing with globalization, a logistician needs to be able to integrate, communicate, and analyze from an international perspective, perform financial analysis, maintain good industry ...