Abstract
The Cold Supply Chain (CSC) is an integral part of the supply chain of perishable products. The aim of this research is to examine the inhibitors that have a major impact on the performance of CSC operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study provides a synthesis and suggests a hierarchical model among CSC inhibitors and their respective relevance. The hierarchical synthesis of twelve (12) primary CSC inhibitors is achieved through a comprehensive literature review and consultation with academics and CSC professionals. This study used semi-structured interviews, a fuzzy interpretive structural modeling (FISM) and a Fuzzy-MICMAC (FMICMAC) analysis to explore and establish the relationship between and among identified inhibitors. FISM is used to examine the interaction between inhibitors, while FMICMAC analysis is used to examine the nature of inhibitors on the basis of their dependence and driving power. The results of the FISM and FMICMAC analysis show the inter-relationships and relative dominance of identified inhibitors. The results show that some inhibitors are of high strategic importance due to their high driving power and low dependence. These inhibitors seek more management attention in order to improve their effectiveness. The result of a hierarchical model helps to understand the influence of a particular inhibitor on others. ‘Higher capital and operating costs’ occupy the highest level in the FISM model. The ‘fragmented cold supply chains’, ‘lack of skilled labor’, ‘inadequate information system infrastructure’ and ‘lack of commitment by top level management’ had strong driving power but weak dependence, which characterizes them as independent inhibitors. Management should be extra careful when dealing with these inhibitors as they influence the effects of other variables at the top of the FISM hierarchy in the overall management of the cold supply chain. The study also suggests a number of recommendations for addressing these inhibitors in cold supply chains operating in the UAE. With due attention and care for these inhibitors, the operation of the cold supply chains is likely to be even more successful.
Highlights
Introduction & review of previous studiesOn account of changing preferences owing to lifestyle in metro cities, high-income levels, rising middle class, and growing urbanization [1], there has been an ever-increasing dependency on organized retail stores along with round-the corner fast-food chains in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
On account of changing preferences owing to lifestyle in metro cities, high-income levels, rising middle class, and growing urbanization [1], there has been an ever-increasing dependency on organized retail stores along with round-the corner fast-food chains in the UAE
A recent positive drift of research studies in this area is presumed to have contributed to the emergence of cold supply chain management as an adjunct discipline of knowledge [4]
Summary
On account of changing preferences owing to lifestyle in metro cities, high-income levels, rising middle class, and growing urbanization [1], there has been an ever-increasing dependency on organized retail stores along with round-the corner fast-food chains in the UAE. Some of the key challenges (inhibitors) include the lack of encouraging evidence, post-harvest losses [21], strict allocation of cost-benefit accountability due to the highly fragmented industry, and a large number of players that already exist in this supply chain: foods; illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) products; higher costs of advanced temperature monitoring automated response systems like RFID instead of simple bar code system [22]; required specialized training [13] and culture change; and costs associated with mandatory refrigerant changeover with upgrading efficiency and flexible capacity [23] To add to this growing list, the food products being necessarily halal [24], like in the case of Malaysia, adds more to the cold supply chain management issues in the UAE. The initial list of 17 inhibitors was narrowed down to 12, which were used for ISM modeling
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