Showing papers on "Supply chain management published in 2023"

Green Closed-Loop Supply Chain Networks’ Response to Various Carbon Policies during COVID-19

Abstract: As concerns about the environment continue to increase and restrictions become tougher, professionals in business and legislators are being compelled to investigate the environmental effects of the activities associated with their supply chains. The control of carbon emissions by governments all over the world has involved the adoption of a variety of strategies to lower such emissions. This research optimizes COVID-19 pandemic logistics management as well as a green closed-loop supply chain design (GCLSCD) by basing it on carbon regulatory rules. This research looks at three of the most common types of normal CO2 restrictions. In the models that have been proposed, both costs and emissions are optimized. When it comes to supply chain (SC) activities, there is a delicate balance to strike between location selection, the many shipment alternatives, and the fees and releases. The models illustrate these tensions between competing priorities. Based on the numerical experiment, we illustrate the impact that a variety of policies have on costs in addition to the efficiency with which they reduce emissions. By analyzing the results of the models, managers can make predictions concerning how regulatory changes may affect overall emissions from SC operations.

Supply chain resilience: a tertiary study

Abstract: This tertiary study systematically analyses 65 literature reviews on supply chain resilience (SCR) published in academic journals or conference proceedings. Our focus is on the vulnerabilities and capabilities of a supply chain that need to be balanced to achieve resilience. We explore the interdependencies of these two categories of SCR by developing an innovative framework to realise capabilities after identifying the SCR vulnerabilities. First, we propose a framework that systematises the vulnerabilities and capabilities identified in the literature. Then, we discuss the identified SCR characteristics based on the framework and quantitatively evaluate the literature reviews' focus on the two SCR categories. A synthesis of the research results shows the SCR characteristics addressed in the literature and reveals deficits for specific vulnerabilities. Finally, we outline future research opportunities based on these findings by mapping SCR capabilities and vulnerabilities in light of Industry 4.0 and digital supply chain developments. Then, we derive research gaps and recommended actions for practitioners in the context of SCR and Industry 4.0.

ChatGPT in Supply Chains: Initial Evidence of Applications and Potential Research Agenda

Abstract: Background: ChatGPT has been largely discussed since it was launched in November 2022. Problem statement: the main approaches of ChatGPT in the recent and scarce literature are more focused on the impacts for general use, applied sciences and educational systems, which evidences a relevant gap for the management field, especially related to the supply chain area. Objectives: as a novel and initial contribution, this article aims to provide a viewpoint with the main applications and other issues regarding ChatGPT in supply chains, based on the initial discovered evidence. Methods: This viewpoint article is grounded on the few articles available in specialized magazines, blogs and company websites that approach potential applications and other issues of ChatGPT in supply chains, as a systematic literature review was not possible due to the absence of papers approaching the subject in the research databases. Contributions: this article contributes to the practitioners involved in supply chain activities who desire to have an initial and structured content related to the impacts and applications of ChatGPT on supply chains. It also seeks to encourage researchers on further research deployments in this field by presenting potential research agenda topics. Results: first evidence based on quality results from the analyzed content showed that, although it may take time until this technology evolves to a desirable level of maturity, it may be applied in different areas of supply chain management (e.g., route optimization, predictive maintenance, order shipment, customer and supplier relationships, data analysis, ordering process, automating invoices, reducing waste, workforce training and guidance, amongst others), with a potential generation of significant benefits such as cost reductions and the improvement of supply chain performance.

A Digital Strategy Development Framework for Supply Chains

Abstract: Digitalization has provoked rapid changes in the operational landscape, thus requiring prompt decision-making across end-to-end supply chains. Notwithstanding the fact that technology is the epicenter of digital transformation, more often than not, organizations fail to effectively adopt innovative applications, harness their full potential, and realize growth and competitiveness. Therefore, this article argues that a unique strategy formulation process is required to embrace digitalization in manufacturing supply chains. However, within the context of manufacturing networks, strategy formulation approaches are limited. To this end, this article adopts a case study approach to extract tacit knowledge across 12 multinational companies within the theoretical boundaries of corporate strategy development. Research findings and a theoretically derived framework demonstrate that there are three typologies of digital strategy development for manufacturing supply chains, namely: 1) top-down; 2) bottom-up; and 3) mixed. Every identified typology is supplemented with three determinant criteria for digital supply chain strategy formulation, i.e., number of suppliers, market demand, and product types. Noteworthy, the aforementioned strategies are context-dependent. This article contributes to the operations management field by formulating a novel strategy development framework for digital supply chains. The proposed framework, synthesized via strategic management theoretical views and primary evidence, can provide a reference point as companies chart their current and future digital supply chain strategy state.

Cloud computing in supply chain management: Exploring the relationship

Abstract: This research study addresses the advantages and difficulties of Cloud Computing (CC) in Supply Chain Management (SCM). An overview of the current state of SCM and the difficulties businesses in this sector confront is presented at the beginning of the article. It then explores how cloud-based solutions can address these challenges, such as through the use of real-time data analytics, collaborative platforms, and intelligent automation. Additionally, the paper investigates the potential risks and challenges associated with cloud-based SCM, including data security and privacy concerns, vendor lock-in, and the need for robust disaster recovery plans. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic, the paper includes a case study that illustrates how a company successfully implemented cloud-based SCM solutions to improve their operations. The paper concludes by highlighting the key takeaways and insights from the research, and by identifying potential future directions for research in this field. Overall, this study delivers insightful information about the function of CC in SCM and offers useful suggestions for companies looking to use this technology to enhance their supply chain operations.

Supply Chain Resilience Assessment With Financial Considerations: A Bayesian Network-Based Method

Abstract: Supply chain resilience assessment and strengthening has become a strategic topic in supply chain management. Extant literature on the subject of supply chain resilience assessment mainly focuses on evaluating the operational performance (e.g., inventory, capacity, lead time) while overlooking aspects of the financial performance. This article presents an event-based Bayesian approach as an effective tool for modeling the causal relationships among variables at different time intervals to evaluate resilience across operational and financial criteria. The model focuses on two key elements of resilience—reliability (the ability of the system to sustain an original state) and recoverability (the ability of a system to recover following a disruption), which allows us to investigate how different operational and financial factors affect the network reliability, recoverability, and resilience. This article contributes to the literature in three ways—first, we incorporate a financial perspective to the quantitative study of supply chain resilience; second, we evaluate both the financial and operational aspects from a longitudinal perspective; third, we show that the financial performance of individual supply chain entities has a strong influence on the overall supply chain resilience. From a practical standpoint, the article presents a model that can help managers identify the weakest nodes in their supply chain, considering operational and financial aspects over time, allowing them to design and operate more resilient supply networks.

Blockchain Technology toward Smart Construction: Review and Future Directions

Abstract: The construction industry has been criticized for low productivity, lack of collaboration and information sharing, poor contract administration, and the like due to its decentralized and fragmented structure as well as sequential and chain-resembling nature. Recently, blockchain technology and its benefits have received wide attention and interest. This research synthesizes the research trends and needs of this growing area by means of a bibliometric-qualitative review method. Scopus and Web of Science were selected as the literature databases to retrieve relevant academic publications. Through a systematic literature search and screening, 181 related articles were identified for bibliometric analysis, and 149 publications were critically discussed in a qualitative review. The bibliometric results indicated the recent research regarding blockchain in construction is primarily directed into several clusters, such as “smart contract,” “Building Information Modeling (BIM),” “supply chain management,” “construction contract,” “construction and project management,” “digital twin,” and “smart city.” These clusters were further synthesized for a qualitative review revealing deep insight into research challenges and gaps. Both quantitative and qualitative review results were then mapped to the future directions. It was noted that future research needs to focus on (1) quantifying the cost-benefits of the blockchain applications in construction, e.g., return on investment, practitioners training, and improving industry readiness, (2) integration of blockchain with different project delivery systems, and (3) technology fusion with blockchain for construction management.

Hedging the bet on digital transformation in strategic supply chain management: a theoretical integration and an empirical test

Abstract: Purpose This study conceptualizes the digital transformation (DT) strategy in a supply chain context, identifies its drivers from intra- and inter-organizational perspectives and examines the effect of the DT strategy on the strategic agility and financial performance of Chinese manufacturing firms. Design/methodology/approach The authors constructed a theoretical model by synthesizing the diffusion of innovation and organizational information processing theory (OIPT) and provided a set of hypotheses. The authors empirically tested the arguments using partial least squares structural equation modeling using data from a sample of 200 manufacturing firms in China. Findings The findings indicate that while supply chain connectivity positively affects DT adoption and DT routinization, data analytics capability and organizational learning positively influence DT adoption but not DT routinization. The mediation analysis also shows that DT strategy has significant direct effects on financial performance and a stronger indirect influence on financial performance via improved strategic agility. Research limitations/implications This study responds to repeated calls for a new understanding of supply chain DT strategy. In addition, the study offers important contributions to the literature by identifying the potential discord between the existing DT strategy and the supply chain context and proposes a new framework that provides essential theoretical underpinnings. Originality/value This study enriches the literature by conceptualizing and validating the dimensions, driving factors and performance implications of DT strategy in strategic supply chain management.

The Impact of Supply Chain Management Practices on Competitive Advantage: The Moderating Role of Big Data Analytics

Abstract: Purpose: The current study aims to investigate the moderating role of Big Data Analytics (BDA) on the relationship between supply chain management practices (SCMPs) and the competitive advantage (CA) in the Jordanian manufacturing firms. Design/methodology/approach: Quantitative method was used to collect data from 156 Jordanian manufacturing companies. And hierarchical linear multiple regression using SPSS technique was used to test the study hypotheses. Findings: The results show significant positive impact of SCMPs on CA. Specifically, a significant positive impact is found between information quality (IQ), and information sharing (ISh) on CA. However, strategic supplier partnership (SSP), and customer relationship management (CRM) had no impact on CA. However, the study found that BDA does not enhance the impact of SCMPs on CA. Research, Practical & Social implications: This study provides an inventory of knowledge about the reality of BDA and its moderating role on the relationship between SCMPs and CA, which contributes to enriching the library in overall and Jordanian in specific in this subject. Originality/value: This paper is one of the first papers in the Jordanian context to address the moderating effect of BDA between SCMPs and CA.

The role of blockchain-enabled supply chain applications in improving supply chain performance: the case of Jordanian manufacturing sector

Abstract: Purpose Blockchain technology has the potential to enhance information and knowledge management among members of the supply chain. This study aims to demonstrate the direct and indirect impact of blockchain adoption on achieving supply chain competitive advantage and improving innovation capabilities to achieve greater supply chain performance. Design/methodology/approach The study opted for a quantitative research approach. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 284 respondents from various Jordanian manufacturing firms. Smart PLS software was used to conduct structural equation modelling to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings The analysis revealed that investing in and using blockchain-enabled supply chain applications improves the ability to achieve higher levels of productivity, lead times, customer service and relationships with supply chain members. Moreover, blockchain technology integration with supply chain management processes has a positive impact on innovative activities that support supply chain operations. Finally, blockchain adoption has enhanced supply chain performance by reducing transaction costs, improving customer service and increasing the speed of supply chain operations. Research limitations/implications The study provides guidance for decision-makers and academicians on the use of blockchain adoption to improve supply chain performance. Future studies should use a larger sample size and random sampling techniques to achieve better generalizability of the results. Originality/value The study fulfils an identified gap in the application of blockchain technology to improving supply chain performance within a broader context that encompasses supply chain innovation capabilities and competitive advantage.

Climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in the garment industry supply chain network

Abstract: This study empirically tested the relationships of multinational enterprises (MNE) and non-MNE customer pressures with the compliance and commitment of garment industry suppliers to climate change adaptation (CCA) and the disaster risk reduction (DRR) goal (sustainable development goal 13). It further investigated the effect of mitigating climate change and disaster risks among sub-suppliers in the supply chain (SC) network on SC sustainability performance under the moderating effect of artificial intelligence-powered supplier-relationship management. The study applied a mixed-methods research approach. The literature review led to the development of the theoretical model and hypotheses generation and further testing, using structural equation modeling, which was followed by the qualitative investigation completed during the second phase. This study highlights the motivation behind CCA and DRR-related practices that can guide SC managers when creating effective sustainability policies.

Analyzing the Critical Success Factors to Implement Green Supply Chain Management in the Apparel Manufacturing Industry: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals in the Emerging Economies

Abstract: Green supply chain management (GSCM) is an emerging concept of modern supply chain management (SCM) that integrates eco-friendly and ethical environmental concerns with the traditional supply chain by reducing the negative impacts of unsustainable manufacturing practices. Developed countries have already adopted different sustainable SCM practices. However, despite being one of the significant sources of export earnings in emerging economies like Bangladesh, the apparel manufacturing industry is still lagging in the case of GSCM implementation. This study, thereby, utilized an integrated multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, including gray theory and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method to identify, prioritize, and examine the relations among the critical success factors (CSFs) to implement GSCM practices in the Bangladeshi apparel manufacturing industry. The study initially identified the CSFs from the literature review. After expert validation, sixteen significant CSFs were finally analyzed by the gray-DEMATEL method. The findings revealed that 'demand from buyers', 'economic and tax benefits', and 'government rules and regulations' are the three most prominent CSFs to implement GSCM practices in the apparel manufacturing industry. The cause-effect relations among the CSFs were later explored, which indicated 'Economic and tax benefits' to be the most influencing and 'Supplier training and cooperation' to be the most influenced CSF. The study insights can potentially guide apparel industry managers in successfully implementing GSCM practices toward achieving long-term sustainability and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The effect of supply chain risk management on supply chain resilience: The intervening part of Internet-of-Things

Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of supply chain risk management on supply chain resilience in the presence of Internet-of-Things as an intermediate variable. In other words, the study seeks to identify whether supply chain risk management completely affects supply chain resilience. Collecting data by a questionnaire from a sample composed of managers of Jordanian industrial firms, the results show that supply chain risk management has a direct and indirect effect on supply chain resilience through Internet-of-Things. These results do not support the hypothesis that supply chain risk management completely affects supply chain resilience and accepted the hypothesis that Internet-of-Things intervenes the effect of supply chain risk management on supply chain resilience. The study contributes to the literature through filling a research gap regarding the mediating role of Internet-of-Things in the relationship between supply chain risk management and supply chain resilience and contributes to the industry through instructing managers to adopt technologies such as Internet-of-Things to help their firms cope with supply chain risks.

Applying a Hybrid MCDM Model to Evaluate Green Supply Chain Management Practices

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted global supply chain managers to reassess their operations. Developing a green supply chain requires successfully integrating environmental responsibility principles and benchmarks into supply chain management practices. In the past, there have been few studies on the most effective strategies for reducing the environmental impact of supply chains and improving their sustainability. This study used the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method to construct a structural model evaluation system of the green supply chain management (GSCM) to evaluate the interdependent relationships among dimensions and criteria. A GSCM evaluation system was created after using the DEMATEL-based ANP (DANP) to convert the GSCM evaluation indicators and impact factors into degrees of importance. This study explores the obstacles and challenges that organizations face when implementing GSCM practices and how these challenges can be overcome. The results found that organizational changes had the most significant impact, given that they would also improve the other three dimensions. Among the 16 evaluation criteria, resource allocation and market expansion optimization were the most important. Based on these findings, the study proposed specific improvement strategies that corporations and other stakeholders could use to adopt GSCM practices.

Analyzing the enablers of circular supply chain using Neutrosophic-ISM method: lessons from the Indian apparel industry

Abstract: PurposeThis research identifies the enablers for implementing circular supply chains (CSCEs) and analyzes interrelationships between them to quantify their driving and dependence power to understand the critical CSCEs.Design/methodology/approachInitially, 10 CSCEs are identified for the Indian apparel industries through an extant literature review and validated using the Delphi method by seeking experts' opinions. The identified CSCEs are subjected to a novel neutrosophic interpretive structural modeling (N-ISM) method to capture the interrelationships between CSCEs and compute the driving and dependence power of CSCEs.FindingsThe findings of the present research work revealed that “supportive legislative framework, awareness of circular economy's potential for revenue gain and availability of trained research and development (R&D) team” are the critical CSCEs that need to be considered while implementing a circular supply chain in apparel industries.Research limitations/implicationsThis study offers insightful implications to guide practitioners in implementing the circular economy in apparel supply chains.Originality/valueThis research work is one of the earlier studies to analyze the enablers for implementing circular supply chains. This study has explored CSCEs in the context of apparel industries. From a methodological perspective, the novel N-ISM method is worth highlighting as the originality of the work.

Big data analytics capabilities and supply chain performance: testing a moderated mediation model using partial least squares approach

Abstract: PurposeIn this study, the authors investigate the effect of big data analytics capability (BDAC) on supply chain performance (SCP) to assess the mediating effect of supply chain innovation (SCI) and the moderating effect of a data-driven culture (DDC).Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected the primary data through an online questionnaire survey from the manufacturing sector operating in Jordan. The authors used 420 samples for the final data analysis, which the authors performed via partial least squares structural equation modelling using SmartPLS 3.3.9 software.FindingsThe results indicate that BDAC has a strong relationship with SCI and SCP. SCI shows a positive relationship with SCP as well as a mediating effect on SCI. The authors confirmed that DDC moderated the relationship between SCI and SCP.Originality/valueThe authors developed a conceptual and empirical model to investigate the relationship between BDAC, SCI, DDC and SCP. The authors contributed new theoretical and managerial insights that add value to the supply chain management literature through testing the moderated-mediated model of these constructs in Jordan’s manufacturing sector.

Supply chain resilience and performance of manufacturing firms: role of supply chain disruption

Abstract: PurposeThe current study sought to investigate the moderating effect of supply chain disruptions (SCD) (supply chain – supply disruption, catastrophic disruption and infrastructure disruption) on the relationship between supply chain resilience (SCR) and supply chain performance (SCP) of manufacturing firms in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThe quantitative research approach and explanatory research designs were utilised. A sample of 345 manufacturing firms were drawn from a population of 2,495 manufacturing firms in the Accra metropolis. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to accomplish the research objectives.FindingsFirst, the study revealed that SCR has a significant positive effect on SCP. Second, the authors found reasonable evidence to support that SCD have a significant positive moderating effect on the relationship between SCR and SCP, except for supply chain catastrophic disruption which had a negative impact. It can be concluded that the components of SCD have heterogeneous impact in the SCR and SCP nexus.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to manufacturing firms in Ghana and does not make a distinction among resilience strategies.Practical implicationsIncreased SCR boost manufacturing companies' supply chains' performance and aid to lessen the adverse effects of SCD relating to infrastructure and supply. It implies that supply chain managers are able to reduce the effects of infrastructure and supply disruptions. Also, techniques that reduce the adverse impact of SCD relating to catastrophe would be beneficial for supply chain managers in Ghana and other countries with comparable economic environments.Originality/valueThe study provides a unique contribution on the moderating role of the dimensions of SCD (supply, infrastructure and catastrophic) on the nexus between SCR and SCP in a developing economy context in a dynamic changing environment. Policymakers would get better insights into instituting the required policies needed to revamp firms with weak supply chains as a result of supply chain disruption.

The role of e-supply chain collaboration in collaborative innovation and value-co creation

Abstract: The present study examines the relationships between e-supply chain collaboration, collaborative innovation, supply chain agility, and value co-creation. The empirical data was collected from essential industries and analysed using the Smart-PLS-SEM approach. The sample consisted of 221 participants from different managerial levels. The findings show that e-supply chain collaboration has a significant impact on collaborative innovation, supply chain agility, and value co-creation. They also show that collaborative innovation and corporate sustainability significantly impact value co-creation. These findings provide valuable contributions in the fields of e-supply chain collaboration, supply chain management, collaborative innovation, and dynamic capabilities theory as it applies to responses to unprecedented worldwide emergencies and crises.

Big data analytics in supply chain decarbonisation: a systematic literature review and future research directions

Abstract: Supply chain decarbonisation has become a strategic requirement in the era of a net-zero economy. Despite the significant role of Big Data Analytics (BDA) in decarbonising the supply chain (SC), no prior study has evaluated it systematically. The present study aims to provide a systematic literature review on the applications and outcomes of big data analytics in SC decarbonisation. A total of 69 papers on applying BDA technology for supply chain decarbonisation published between 2016 and 2021 have been selected following the PRISMA protocol. The findings show that the topic is evolving. Studies employed methods such as surveys (30), case studies (11), and conceptual research designs (8). Thematic analysis reveals that 65% of the studies are grounded in resource-advantage theories, organisational theories, and system theories. Studies from India and China (35%) dominate the topic, while most studies have been conducted on the food and manufacturing industries. Further, this study applied the Antecedent-Decision-Outcomes (ADO) framework in BDA-based SC decarbonisation. Antecedents include BDA resources and capabilities, workforce skills, and supplier capabilities. Decisions refer to improving decision-making across the supply chain. Outcomes refer to improving decarbonisation, sustainable growth, and sustainable innovativeness. Future research directions and questions are provided using the Theory-Context-Methodology (TCM) framework.

Embracing supply chain digitalization and unphysicalization to enhance supply chain performance: a conceptual framework

Abstract: PurposeThe paper presents a research methodology that could be used to carry out a systematic literature review on the current state of the art of the technological development in the field of the digitalization and unphysicalization of supply chains (SCs). A three-dimensional conceptual framework focusing on the relationship between Digital Technologies (DTs), business processes and SC performance is presented. The study identifies the emerging practices and areas of SC management that could be positively affected by the implementation of DTs. With this in mind, the emerging practices have a high probability to be considered future best practices.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was conducted on DTs in SC management. The methodology used aims to algorithmically and objectively standardize the information incorporated into thousands of scientific documents. Selected papers were analyzed to investigate the recent literature on SC digitalization and unphysicalization. A total of 87 DTs were selected to be analyzed and subsequently grouped into 11 macro-categories. 17 business processes linked to SC management are taken into account and 17 different impacts on SC management are presented. From a set of 1,585 papers, 5,060 emerging practices were collected and singularly summarized combining DT, business process and impact on SC performance.FindingsA unique analytical perspective provided represents an important evolution when trying to organize the current literature on SC management. The widely used DTs in the practices and the most considered business processes and impacts are highlighted and described. The three-dimensional conceptual framework is graphically represented to allow for the emergence of the best combinations of DT, business process and impact on SC performance. These combinations suggest the most promising areas for the implementation of the emerging practices for SC digitalization and unphysicalization. Additional findings identify and define the most important contexts in which Big Data contributes to SC performance.Originality/valueThe research methodology used is offering progress through which to systemize the current practices as well as detect the potential of digitalization and unphysicalization under the three-dimensional conceptual framework. The paper provides a structured proposal for promising future research directions, assuming that the five research gaps as findings of this research could be the basis for prescriptions, as well as a future research agenda and theory development. Moreover, this research contributes to current managerial issues concerning SC management, referred to data and information management, efficiency and productivity of SC processes, market performance, SC relationship management and risk management in SC.

Data-driven review of blockchain applications in supply chain management: key research themes and future directions

Abstract: Blockchain (BC) applications in supply chain management (SCM) have recently received extensive attention. It is important to synthesise the extant literature on the field to identify key research themes and navigate potential future directions. This study thus develops an efficient, scalable data-driven review approach that uses text mining and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA)-based topic modelling for automatic content analysis of full-text documents. Our method overcomes the drawbacks of traditional systematic literature reviews using either manual coding or bibliographic analysis for article classifications, which are highly time-consuming and biased when dealing with large amounts of text. 108 papers published between 2017 and 2022 were analysed which identified 10 key research themes, including revenue management, sustainability, traceability, manufacturing system, scheduling in cloud manufacturing, healthcare SCM, anti-counterfeit system, logistics and transportation, system architecture development, and food & agriculture SC. Five future directions are then suggested, including (1) integration of BC and other emerging technologies for global and scalable SCM, (2) crypto-X applications in SCM, (3) BC-enabled closed-loop SCM, (4) the environmental and social impacts of BC-based SCM and (5) decentralised autonomous organisations in SCM.