Showing papers on "Value chain published in 2019"

Leveraging the Internet of Things and Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain Management

Abstract: Modern supply chains have evolved into highly complex value networks and turned into a vital source of competitive advantage. However, it has become increasingly challenging to verify the source of raw materials and maintain visibility of products and merchandise while they are moving through the value chain network. The application of the Internet of Things (IoT) can help companies to observe, track, and monitor products, activities, and processes within their respective value chain networks. Other applications of IoT include product monitoring to optimize operations in warehousing‚ manufacturing, and transportation. In combination with IoT, Blockchain technology can enable a broad range of different application scenarios to enhance value chain transparency and to increase B2B trust. When combined, IoT and Blockchain technology have the potential to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of modern supply chains. The contribution of this paper is twofold. First, we illustrate how the deployment of Blockchain technology in combination with IoT infrastructure can streamline and benefit modern supply chains and enhance value chain networks. Second, we derive six research propositions outlining how Blockchain technology can impact key features of the IoT (i.e., scalability, security, immutability and auditing, information flows, traceability and interoperability, quality) and thus lay the foundation for future research projects.

Sustainable production in a circular economy: A business model for re-distributed manufacturing

Abstract: The emergence of new technologies such as the Internet of Things, big data, and advanced robotics, together with risks such as climate change, rising labour costs, and a fluctuating economy, are challenging the current UK manufacturing model. In this paper, business models for re-distributed manufacture (RdM) are developed using anIDEF (Icam DEFinition for Function Modelling) description to serve as a guide for the implementation of the RdM concept in the consumer goods industry. This paper explores the viability of a re-distributed business model for manufacturers employing new manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing or three-dimensional (3D) printing, as part of a sustainable and circular production and consumption system. An As-Is value chain model is presented alongside the proposed new business model for a sustainable re-distributed manufacturing system. Both are illustrated via a case study drawn from the shoe manufacturing industry. The case study shows that there is a need for robust facilities in close proximity to the customer. These facilities are store fronts which can also manufacture, remanufacture, and provide services. The reduction in transportation and increase in customer involvement throughout the process are the main benefits that would accrue if a re-distributed model is implemented in the given industry.

Urbanization, livestock systems and food security in developing countries: A systematic review of the literature

Abstract: This study systematically reviews the peer-reviewed literature on livestock production and food security in urbanizing environments of developing countries to synthesize the existing evidence and identify priorities for future research. Specifically, a systematic literature review was undertaken using PubMed, ISI Web of Science and Scopus databases over the period 1980–2017, resulting in a final number of 72 articles meeting our selection criteria. The results revealed a fragmentation in the literature, which draws from a very small number of studies, and is positioned in widely varied research areas, environments, livestock systems and consumption patterns. With such heterogeneity, drawing generalizations from the literature may be unreachable. Furthermore, the literature is largely qualitative in nature, with very few comprehensive models to capture and integrate empirical evidence. Food security was typically found to be narrowly defined, focusing primarily on interlinks with livestock supply. Considerably less attention has been given to other relevant dimensions of food security, such as accessibility, utilization and stability. Another important finding of relevance to food security is a need to address the “missing middle” in livestock value chains since the literature has customarily concentrated extensively on the two ends of the livestock value chain, i.e., on production and consumption, while widely ignoring other elements and actors along the value chain. A further focus on the interrelationships between livestock production, food security and urbanization in developing countries through a holistic and interdisciplinary approach is recommended. Particularly, future research aiming to understand livestock systems in the context of rapid urbanization should put more emphasis on addressing the full continuum of the livestock value chain and the four dimensions that drive food security in developing countries and how they possibly interrelate.

Competitive assessment of Indian wind power industry: A five forces model

Abstract: India is facing severe energy-related problems, including the deficiency of fossil fuel resources, greenhouse gas emissions, and an increase in power demand and supply gap due to overpopulation and growing industrial needs. In 2018, the average power demand and supply gap was 1617 MW, indicating that there is a deficit of 23 × 109 kWh in the country. In the meantime, a massive increase in electricity prices has made the affordability of electricity very difficult for domestic and industrial users. The development of alternative and renewable energy sources is very crucial to overcome these problems. Wind energy has emerged as a sustainable energy option for India in this respect. At the same time, the wind industry is facing several challenges as well. This paper aims to develop a value chain model of the wind power industry, assess the competitiveness of the Indian wind power industry, and comprehensively analyze the factors that have a significant influence on the industry by using the “Five Forces Model.” We employed a hybrid research methodology. First, we developed a novel value chain model for the wind power industry. Second, we conducted semistructured interviews with industry professionals on different aspects of the wind energy sector. Third, we critically analyzed official statistics and the related literature along with the national policy structure and regulations. As a result, the Five Forces Model was developed. Five main stakeholders of the Indian wind industry, i.e., buyers, suppliers, competitors, substitutes, and potential competitors, were examined to assess their effect on the development of the wind power industry. Research findings reveal the present status, challenges, the rivalry environment, industry's situation in this environment, and the future projections of the Indian wind power industry. Although the Indian government announced several policies with an aim to boost the wind industry, little substantial action has been taken for their meaningful implantation. The major government policies which need improvements are Generation-Based Incentives, Wind Bidding Scheme, and Tariff Policy. Our findings also highlight that there exists a gap between the expected and actual performances of the wind power industry value chain. Essential policy recommendations for the development of the industry have been suggested, including institutional coordination and decision-making, feed-in tariffs, reformations in the grid structure, encouragement of differentiated business models, enhancing research and development activities, developing professional base, and the full range of government support. This study will serve as a guide for government and stakeholders by understanding the dynamic relationship among all the factors influencing the competitiveness of the Indian wind power industry.

Airline Value Chain Capabilities and CSR Performance: The Connection Between CSR Leadership and CSR Culture with CSR Performance, Customer Satisfaction and Financial Performance

Abstract: This research examines Corporate Social Responsibility in Leadership (CSRL) and Culture (CSRC) as valuable resources of the value chain capabilities, and its influence on CSR Performance (CSRP), as well as its resulting effect on Customer Satisfaction (CS) and Financial Performance (FP) in the context of the airline industry. CSR entails the practice of social and environmental activities. These activities mainly concentrate on improving the relationships of a firm with its stakeholders, which consist of shareholders, charitable and community organisations, employees, suppliers, customers, and the environment ( Sprinkle and Maines, 2010 ). It is therefore in this context that this research adopts the concept of CSR which consists of two aspects of social and environmental sustainability. Based on the traditional value chain model by Porter of the mid 1980's, this research however also focuses on other robust and contemporary business thinking such as culture and leadership within the CSR setting. Three carriers in the aviation industry within the US and Asia Pacific markets are analysed and some resulting academic and managerial implications are discussed. Findings from this research highlights the importance of cultivating and promoting CSR culture and leadership so as to positively influence CSR performance, which can in turn enhance other aspects of firm performance specifically customer satisfaction and financial performance. Hence, this research provides incentives for managers to invest in CSR in their quest for sustainable performance. Building on the hypothesis that firms achieve sustainable performance and ultimately financial performance through the identification of value chain capabilities such as CSRL and CSRC, the findings of this research indicate that there is a strong requirement for sustainable firm performance in the current environment but this can only be achieved where the approach is embedded in the core business, by CSR leaders who can apply the concepts of value creation through a strong CSR culture. This research is original as it is perhaps one of the first studies which examine the linkage between CSR-related constructs of leadership, culture and performance.

Taxing the Multinational Enterprise: On the Forced Redesign of Global Value Chains and other Inefficiencies

Abstract: The taxation of the multinational enterprise (MNE) has been a continuing concern for policymakers. We argue that the changing nature of the mobile MNE (e.g., its improved ability to fine-slice the value chain and disperse it geographically) makes it increasingly important to rethink current tax policies. First, there should be more focus on the inefficiencies that arise when taxation leads to the inefficient location of MNE activities. Thus, MNEs may shift activities to low-tax jurisdictions that offer lucrative pecuniary and non-pecuniary incentives, but do not enable their investments to maximize their contribution to global value creation. Second, international tax regimes should ensure that MNEs pay for their consumption of local public goods, and public finance scholars have long known that the taxation-based distortions are minimized when the tax objects are immobile. However, the bulk of current tax policies are aimed at corporate profits that are both poor proxies for the consumption of local public goods as well as extremely mobile. Integrating theory from international business, public finance and economic geography, our analysis demonstrates that moving the incidence of taxation from corporate profits to dividends and consumption would unambiguously improve both wealth creation and efficiency.

Women’s engagement in and outcomes from small-scale fisheries value chains in Malawi: effects of social relations

Abstract: Women play an important role within small-scale fishing communities in sub-Saharan Africa through engaging in fish value chain activities and contributing to household food security and income. There is, however, little empirical information about the nature of women’s engagement in small-scale fishery value chains and the outcomes of that engagement especially in Malawi, our study country. This study addresses the gap by examining (1) the ways in which women participate in fish value chains; (2) the outcomes of their participation at individual, household, and community level; and (3) how social relations influence the participation and the outcomes obtained. The study adopted a case study approach and draws upon qualitative data from the two small-scale fisheries in Msaka on Lake Malawi and Kachulu on Lake Chilwa. The research applies a social relations approach in the line of Kabeer, in examining women’s participation and outcomes of participation within the small-scale fisheries. Our study reveals that women provide significant social and economic benefits to their families and the broader community as they participate as processors and traders with a few participating at the production node as gear owners. The study also finds that women encounter challenges that may have potential to negatively affect their engagement in the small-scale value chains including gender-based discrimination as some women are restricted by their husbands to engage in the intermediary role especially at Kachulu; the few women who join the crew fishing face social exclusions, poor working conditions, care burden that limits women’s time to actively participate in value chain activities. The study highlights the social norms associated with hierarchical husband-wife relationships have negative effects on women’s participation and the outcomes derived in the value chain activities. This research adds to the body of work that examines issues of social relations and their impacts on the well-being and roles of women in small-scale fisheries.

Sustainability of Pork Production with Immunocastration in Europe

Abstract: Immunocastration, a technique to replace surgical castration of piglets, consists of two consecutive vaccinations to induce antibodies which transiently suppress testicular functions and avoid boar taint. It is a method to ensure both a high product quality and a high level of animal welfare. The impact of immunocastration on the three pillars of sustainability has been studied extensively. While all aspects of sustainability have been studied separately, however, a contemporary global overview of different aspects is missing. In immunocastrates, performance results are better than in barrows, but worse than in boars. The environmental impact of pork production with immunocastrates is lower than with barrows, but higher than with boars. The level of aggression is considerably lower in immunocastrates compared to boars. Societal concerns are mainly related to food safety, and are not supported by scientific evidence. After second vaccination, immunocastrates switch from a boar- to a barrow-like status. Therefore, the timing of second vaccination is a fine-tuning tool to balance advantages of boars with environmental and economic benefits against increased risk of welfare problems and boar taint. Nevertheless, both synergic and conflicting relationships between the pillars of sustainability must be communicated along the value chain to produce tailored pork products.

Operationalising resilience in tropical agricultural value chains

Abstract: The analysis of the concept of resilience in supply chain management studies mostly focuses on the downstream side of the value chain and tacitly assumes an unlimited supply of raw materials. This assumption is unreasonable for agricultural value chains, as upstream disruptions clearly have a material impact on the availability of raw materials, and indeed, are a common source of supply problems. This paper aims to present a framework for the operationalisation of the concept of socioecological resilience in agricultural value chains that incorporates upstream activities.,A citation network analysis was adopted to review articles. A conceptual framework is then advanced to identify elements of resilience and indicators relevant to tropical agricultural value chains.,There are limited studies that assess resilience in the food chain context. Flexibility, collaboration, adaptability and resourcefulness are key elements for assessing resilience at the individual chain actor level. However, the paper argues that adaptability is the relevant element for the assessment of resilience at an aggregate food system level because it considers the alteration of a system’s state of resilience.,The proposed framework and propositions accommodate stakeholder interactions in the value chain and could serve as a tool to guide the assessment of resilience in agricultural value chains.,This paper is one of the few to extend resilience to cover the socioecological interaction aspects for supply chains that yield the raw materials needed for continuity in channel-wide value creation processes.

Value-driven clustering of industrial additive manufacturing applications

Abstract: A prerequisite for the successful adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies in industry is the identification of areas, where such technologies could offer a clear competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the unique value-adding characteristics of AM, define areas of viable application in a firm value chain and discuss common implications of AM adoption for companies and their processes.,The research leverages a multi-case-study approach and considers interviews with AM adopting companies from the Swiss and central European region in the medical and industrial manufacturing industries. The authors rely on a value chain model comprising a new product development process and an order fulfillment process (OFP) to analyze the benefits of AM technologies.,The research identifies and defines seven clusters within a firm value chain, where the application of AM could create benefits for the adopting company and its customers. The authors suggest that understanding the AM process chain and the design experience are key to explaining the heterogeneous industrial maturity of the presented clusters. The authors further examine the suitability of AM technologies with agile development techniques to pursue incremental product launches in hardware. It is clearly a field requiring the attention of scholars.,This paper presents a value-driven approach for use-case identification and reveals implications of the industrial implementation of AM technologies. The resultant clustering model provides guidance to new AM adopters.

Empowering Smallholder Farmers through Farmer Organizations: Insights from Kenya and Burkina Faso

Abstract: The market-driven agricultural transformation of the global food system requires all, directly and indirectly, participating actors to compete efficiently and to adapt to changes in consumer demand and buyer requirements. Regarding product quantity and quality, smallholders, in particular, have to increase their reliability in order to be able to compete within the agricultural markets. Thus, innovative institutions are needed that integrate and strengthen the sustainability and linkage of and between each technological, economic, social, or political component of the value chain in order to (further) include smallholder farmers within the transforming food system. By adapting their approach and service portfolio both to changing market requirements and to scientific findings from empowerment research, farmer organizations (FO) could become one of the innovative key actors, increasing the competitiveness of their members SMEs' and reducing poverty, its impacts and its costs. The aim of this study is, on the one hand, to empirically test the previously constructed theoretical concept of empowerment and the applicability of the developed measuring scale. On the other hand, the study compares the current empowerment approaches of the surveyed FOs, in order to show by means of best practices, but also weak points, how applied empowerment approaches can be transferred and improved in the future. Theory-wise, the term "empowerment" is placed between the discussions of "repositioning" according to Bourdieu, the question of distribution and exercising economic, social, and political power according to Sen and recent findings from behavioral science on the changeability of mental models and thus behavior. By putting the theoretical findings into relation and into the context of agricultural development, the results are integrated into the broader discourse of reducing poverty and hunger. Thus, the overall objective of this study is to support the applied empowerment research and the interdisciplinary discourse on poverty and hunger reduction with some impulses for its further advancement.

Sustainability Benefits of RFID Technology in the Apparel Industry

Abstract: Digitalization and big data are currently moving many industries forward and creating value-added efficiency improvements, new services, and business models. One area in industrial digitalization is RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and related sensor technologies with benefits in asset visibility, employee productivity, risk management, loss, and theft mitigation. This literature review article is focused on specifically looking at digitalization in the apparel industry. Due to its complex global network, it has been a challenging industry to implement such technological advancements. Recent novel RFID system integrations have included highly innovative solutions in new store concepts, business models, and product traceability in the value chain. Inventory management has been improved by using RFID technology for creating and updating and for more efficient controls. Also, chain of custody of the various products in apparel and fashion can be more traceable and efficient. Improved customer connectivity and, therefore, customization are also important benefits using these technologies. Most benefits in using RFID in the apparel industry are related to economics and efficiencies. Similarly looking at scientific literature, the majority is focused on the more business-related value creation. In this publication, results of a systematically made literature review focusing on the three dimensions of sustainability (environmental, social, and economic systems) is reported. This review is done using value chain analyses, and it focuses on reported case studies to highlight the sustainability benefits of the RFID technology. According to the literature findings, this is the first review article that reports on the broader sustainability impact of RFID in the apparel industry. The findings show a very limited number of articles and the main focus of the articles found was in environmental aspects (44%). Following that was economic benefits (36%), and only a limited amount of research articles was found in social aspects of sustainability (20%). In addition to identifying the sustainability areas that RFID technology is related to, this article shows other areas of improvements using RFID technology in different parts of the apparel value chain.

Digital Opportunities for Trade in the Agriculture and Food Sectors

Abstract: How are new opportunities to create and share information shaping the digital transformation of the agriculture and food system, and thus potentially fostering its reorganisation? This report focuses on cross-border trade aspects along the global agriculture and food value chain, and looks at how changes brought about by digital technologies can influence who participates in the value chain, where value added is created, and how value is distributed between actors in the chain. However, it is not only changes in the agriculture and food sector from digital technologies that matters, but also the digital transformation of other actors in the global value chain (GVC) such as support services, logistics and governments. Digital technologies present a potential to reduce trade and transaction costs, including those related to identifying and negotiating a deal, proving compliance with standards and to delivering products across borders quickly and efficiently.

Analyzing food value chains for nutrition goals

Abstract: First proposed in 2010, the use of ‘value chain analysis’ to identify opportunities for targeted nutrition interventions in food systems is still an emerging method. This review explores and summar...

Sustainability as source of competitive advantages in mature sectors: The case of Ceramic District of Sassuolo (Italy)

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore how sustainability can become a source of competitive advantage for mature manufacturing sectors where technologies are standardized, and innovation is mainly generated across the value chain and not by individual companies.,From the methodological point of view, this research estimates the sustainability status of ceramic production in the Sassuolo district (Italy), using the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) model, and changing the observation point for the analysis, from the enterprise (micro level) to the entire sector (meso level).,This paper provides an analysis of the environmental, economic and social impacts of the four main types of ceramic tiles manufactured in Italy, both in aggregate terms for the entire sector and per square meter of product.,The methodological approach used in this research is easy to replicate both for companies when designing their sustainability strategies and for public decision makers when assessing the sustainability performance of a sector or supply chain.,For the first time, a socio-economic impact assessment is proposed for the ceramic sector, conducted in parallel with the environmental impact assessment through stakeholder mapping and prioritization.,This paper conceptualizes the theme of relations and interdependencies between ceramic producers organized in industrial districts and the territories in which they operate in order to determine empirically the sustainability performance of Italian ceramic sector, using the LCSA model with a territorial extension that presupposes an innovative contribution to current literature and practice.

3D printing strategic deployment: the supply chain perspective

Abstract: The emergence and application of 3D Printing (3DP) is changing the way products are developed and reach the customer, allowing for unprecedented customisation options. Past research has focussed on the modus operandi of the technology, providing indications for wider future adoption. 3DP is predicted to complement current production processes and is anticipated to have a profound effect on the value chain and, therefore, on supply chain (SC) management. Management-related 3DP research has, however, been largely fragmented in terms of analysing the strategic deployment of 3DP and the corresponding effects on performance objectives. The aim of this paper is to identify, define and exemplify typical 3DP deployment strategies pursued.,The approach taken is a critical literature review, synthesising and interpreting past research on cross-industry deployment of 3DP, including illustrative examples. This enabled the development of a framework of current stage knowledge.,Building on past research, the authors propose a conceptual framework to be used as a classification system for 3DP operations, based on process and SC level configurations across different industries. They discuss the potential impact on operations performance objectives and then highlight research gaps, proposing specific research avenues to enhance understanding of the effects of 3DP adoption on SCs.,The proposed framework outlines strategic guidelines for 3DP and provides practitioners with the range of strategic options available for 3DP deployment and anticipated impacts on performance.,The framework can be used to map 3DP deployment at an operational level and identify the likely impact on performance objectives. Relevant implications and a future research agenda are explored.

Lean Six Sigma applied to process performance and improvement model for the development of electric scooter water-cooling green motor assembly

Abstract: In response to the environmental issues triggered by global warming, worldwide companies gradually put the factor of carbon emission into the process of product lifecycle, developing green technology or adopting cleaner production aimed at sustainable development. Lean Six Sigma has advantages of cutting waste and facilitating process improvements as well as system analysis, helping enterprises create the overall business benefits in the value chain. Used in the renewable energy industry, it can promote the triple bottom line (TBL), the performance of sustainable production for corporate profit, social responsibility and environmental responsibility. Therefore, this work took the process performance of the electric scooter water-cooling green motor manufactured in Taiwan with the world’s highest density of scooters as a case study. The developed performance evaluation and improvement model for manufacturing scheduling and process quality achieved the goal of economic benefits of enhancing process ...

NOVAAS: A Reference Implementation of Industrie4.0 Asset Administration Shell with best-of-breed practices from IT engineering

Abstract: The fundamental role played by “new technologies” to enhance the manufacturing infrastructure, products and services is confirmed by the strategies, roadmaps and initiatives established by the developed countries such as EU-28, US, China and Japan. Putting the light on Europe, the key priorities for manufacturing are aligned with the Industry 4.0 strategy/program where the proliferation of cyber-physical systems (CPSs) and technologies like predictive data analytics, cloud and edge computing are creating the foundation for smart factory, i.e. the efficient and effective connection between products, processes and their related services. However, even if the smart factory vision is quite clear, in practice, it is still unclear how it can be implemented in a way to allow the transparent data exchange between all the layers of a manufacturing company, as well as, between the manufacturing company and the value chain partners. Within the German Industrie4.0 program, the Asset Administration Shell concept is defined to create a standardized digital representation of the asset while ensuring interoperability between all the applications within the manufacturing ecosystem. In this paper, an implementation of the asset administration shell is provided – also called NOVAAS – based on the deep usage of internet technologies, languages and software engineering techniques and methods (such as DevOps, microservices, continuous integration, etc.). The main goal is to contribute towards a generic and extensible reference implementation of the concept.

A Systematic Literature Review on the Titanium Metal Product Value Chain

Abstract: This article presents a systematic literature review (SLR) on the titanium metal product value chain. Globally this value chain is fragmented, meaning that successive production stages rarely occur within the same country, and information published on the value chain is limited. The aim of this review was to collect the literature to create and elaborate on the titanium metal product value chain. The SLR followed a combined building block searching strategy and a criterion analysis to obtain relevant literature on production stages in the value chain. The value chain was based on the three main sections that comprise the titanium metal industry: the raw material, the processes and technologies, and the market. From the main sections, eight production stages were identified and discussed. Arising from the literature review, these stages will be applied as a baseline to understand the requirements for improving the underdeveloped titanium industry in South Africa.