Agile Supply Chain Research Articles

Optimizing Agility in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Using Digital Twins to Cope with the Ripple Effect

The pharmaceutical supply chain is a multilayered and complex structure designed to deliver medicines to customers in a timely manner while ensuring optimal quality and quantity of medicines. The COVID-19 outbreak exposed the vulnerability and uncertainty of the pharmaceutical supply chain, so managing the risks in the pharmaceutical supply chain has become particularly important. This study demonstrates that digital twin (DT) technology can improve pharmaceutical supply chain agility and reduce the ripple effect caused by disruptions. The ripple effect refers to the effect that a sudden disruption at one node in the supply chain has on causing a chain reaction in the rest of the supply chain. The most used risk management method today is the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which allows for real-time data sharing but has limitations in predicting and modeling the entire supply chain and lacks the ability to make quick decisions and simulate the entire supply chain. DT technology creates a virtual model of the supply chain, which enables continuous communication and information exchange between real assets and the virtual model, offering a promising alternative to risk management for pharmaceutical supply chains. risk management by providing a promising alternative. This study utilizes the AnyLogistix platform to construct a DT model and demonstrates the effectiveness of DT technology in reducing ripple effects and improving supply chain agility using quantitative analysis. This paper focuses on analyzing the pharmaceutical supply chain for 75mg aspirin tablets in London. A supply chain that operates normally, a supply chain that introduces a disruptive event (closure of the logistics center due to an earthquake), and a supply chain that applies a proactive strategy (activation of an alternate logistics center) to mitigate risk are simulated separately. The positive impact of DT technology on the supply chain is evaluated by analyzing the methods of key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory level, order fulfillment rate, and delivery time. The experimental results show that DT technology enhances the responsiveness, flexibility, speed, and proactivity of the supply chain, which significantly improves the agility of the supply chain. Proactive and effective strategies also reduce the financial impact of disruptions and service levels are quickly recovered. In addition, the proactive strategy stabilized inventory levels and reduced delayed orders. The above key metrics confirm the hypothesis that DT technology can improve supply chain agility and effectively reduce the ripple effect. Despite the significant conclusions drawn in this paper, there are some limitations. Firstly, sensitivity analysis and t-test were not used in the study for secondary testing, which resulted in the lack of reliability of the validation results. In addition, the possible interaction between the ripple effect and the bullwhip effect was not discussed, leading to a confounding factor in the experimental results. The above issues can be considered in further research in the future. Finally, this paper explores the possibilities and uses of introducing machine learning techniques and considers the supply chain risk factors of globalization. In summary, this study validates the potential of digital twin technology in improving agility and coping with ripple effects in pharmaceutical supply chains. As research continues, DT technology is expected to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce supply chain risk while ensuring patient safety.

Revolutionizing Freight Management: A Synergistic Approach Using IoT and Blockchain Technologies

This article explores the transformative potential of integrating Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain technologies in freight tracking and management. Traditional freight tracking methods often suffer from inaccuracies, delays, and lack of transparency, leading to inefficiencies across the supply chain. Integrating IoT devices, such as GPS trackers, RFID tags, and condition monitoring sensors, with blockchain's secure and immutable ledger system offers a promising solution to these challenges. This article examines the current state of freight tracking, the fundamentals of IoT and blockchain technologies, and their combined application in creating real-time, secure, and transparent freight management systems. It discusses the benefits of this integrated approach, including enhanced visibility, improved efficiency, reduced disputes, and more agile supply chain operations. The article also addresses the challenges and considerations in implementing such systems, including technical hurdles, data privacy concerns, scalability issues, and regulatory requirements. Finally, it explores future prospects and research directions, such as the integration with AI and machine learning and the potential for expanding applications beyond tracking to areas like autonomous logistics. Through a comprehensive analysis of current implementations and future possibilities, this article provides valuable insights into how IoT-blockchain integration is poised to revolutionize the freight industry, offering a roadmap for more efficient, secure, and transparent global supply chains.

Supply Chain Environmental Uncertainty, Competitive Advantage, and Operational Performance in Manufacturing Industry

Goal: This study investigates the impact of Supply Chain Environmental Uncertainty (SCEU) on competitive advantage and operational performance in manufacturing companies. The mediating role of competitive advantage and the moderating role of supply chain environmental uncertainty in the relationship between competitive advantage and operational performance were examined. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: This paper used quantitative approach to confirm the conceptual model. Data was collected through questionnaires from directors/operational managers in 121 large and medium-scale manufacturing companies in Southeast Sulawesi Indonesia. The analysis employs Generalized Structured Component Analysis (GSCA) to test the direct, mediating, and moderating effects of supply chain environmental uncertainty. Results: The findings demonstrate a significant positive influence of supply chain environmental uncertainty on competitive advantage and operational performance. However, competitive advantage does not significantly affect operational performance. The study reveals that competitive advantage is perfect mediator between supply chain environmental uncertainty and operational performance, while supply chain environmental uncertainty is a moderating predictor between competitive advantage and operational performance. Practical Implications: The research has implications for manufacturing company managers adapting to supply chain environmental uncertainty through supplier, customer, and technology considerations. It emphasizes the importance of adapting to supply chain environmental uncertainty to enhancing competitive advantage and operational performance in the manufacturing industry. Efforts to improve operational performance and strategically integrate competitive advantage should consider the business environment, including suppliers, customers, and technology. Limitations: This research is limited to large and medium-scale manufacturing industries, hindering generalization to other industries, particularly small-scale ones. Additionally, researchers can consider additional contextual factors such as supply chain integration, supply chain agility, and total quality management. Originality/Value: This study expands the theoretical framework of supply chain environmental uncertainty, competitive advantage, and operational performance through empirical testing of a theoretical model. The findings support the proposed model's validity and highlight the mediation role of competitive advantage and supply chain environmental uncertainty, providing a reference for future theory development and model building.

The Moderating Role of Supply Chain Agility on the Relationship Between Strategic Flexibility and Organizational Market Performance in Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical industry is key to the survival of the human race, but equally becoming increasingly susceptible to global disruptions. In Nigeria, records have shown that the industry is plagued with several problems, inclusive of low employee productivity, poor market share, low innovation performance, poor and marginal sales growth and low profitability, which are likely a result of a lack of strategic flexibility in the face of increasing environment turbulence and intense competition. Despite efforts from researchers, the moderating role of supply chain agility has been largely overlooked in the literature. Therefore, this study examines the moderating role of supply chain agility on the relationship between strategic flexibility (resource flexibility, coordination flexibility, proactive flexibility, reactive flexibility and futurity) and organisational performance. A survey research design was used to collect data from 642 management and senior staff employees of six pharmaceutical companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group. A total enumeration method was adopted for the study, with a well-structured adapted questionnaire, having Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients ranging from 0.725 to 0.945. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was chosen to achieve the research goal. The PLS-SEM analysis revealed that strategic flexibility positively affects organizational performance (β = -0.093, p> 0.050, Q2 = 0.644). However, supply chain agility negatively moderates this effect, indicating that while agility is beneficial independently, it can counteract the positive impact of strategic flexibility when combined. The study recommended that the management of pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria should pay serious attention to strategic flexibility as an organizational capability that can enhance performance in the face of increasing uncertainties in and unpredictability nature of the business environment.

The influence of supply chain agility on FMCG SME marketing flexibility and customer satisfaction

In the fast-paced Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must adapt swiftly to changing market conditions and consumer demands to stay competitive. This review explores the influence of supply chain agility on marketing flexibility and customer satisfaction in FMCG SMEs. Supply chain agility, characterized by responsiveness, adaptability, and real-time decision-making, enables SMEs to respond quickly to market shifts, optimize operations, and deliver products efficiently. As a result, agile supply chains directly impact the marketing flexibility of SMEs by enabling faster product launches, customization, and rapid adjustments to promotional strategies based on market feedback. This also highlights how marketing flexibility, supported by agile supply chains, enhances customer satisfaction by meeting expectations related to product availability, quality, and service delivery. Agile supply chains allow FMCG SMEs to reduce stockouts, improve order fulfillment times, and adapt to customer preferences, creating a seamless experience that fosters brand loyalty. Furthermore, this review presents case studies of FMCG SMEs that have successfully implemented agile supply chains to boost marketing responsiveness and customer satisfaction, demonstrating real-world applications of these strategies. By examining the interrelationship between supply chain agility, marketing flexibility, and customer satisfaction, this review emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to operations and marketing in FMCG SMEs. The findings suggest that investing in supply chain agility is critical for SMEs seeking to enhance their market adaptability and customer-centricity. The study concludes by offering recommendations for FMCG SMEs to develop agile supply chains that enable them to thrive in a competitive and ever-evolving marketplace, where customer satisfaction and rapid market response are key drivers of success. Keywords: Supply Chain, FMCG SME, Marketing Flexibility, Review.

Exploring the Mediating Role of Strategic Synergy between Supply Chain Agility and Smart Logistics at Jordanian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies

Exploring the Mediating Role of Strategic Synergy between Supply Chain Agility and Smart Logistics at Jordanian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies

How do collaborative systems affect organizational agility and performance in supply chains?

How do collaborative systems affect organizational agility and performance in supply chains?

The interplay of digital transformation, agility, environmental volatility, and innovation to spur enterprise performance: Evidence from Chinese electric vehicle firms

Given the rapid growth of China's electric vehicle (EV) industry, with sales expected to reach over 10 million units annually by 2025, there is an urgent need to understand how digital logistics, supply chain agility, and innovation can drive sustainable performance amidst increasing environmental volatility. This study utilises the dynamic capability theory and proposes a framework that examines the interplay between digital transformation, agility, dual innovation, environmental volatility, and enterprise performance. A survey was circulated among the managers working in the EV industry. We received 197 responses. The data was analysed using Smart PLS software using structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings reveal that digital transformation has significant positive relationships with enterprise performance, agile capability, and innovation capability. Additionally, agile and innovation capabilities have positive effects on enterprise performance. The study recommends investment in digital transformation programs and fostering an agile, innovative culture in the EV industry.

Humanitarian Supply Chain Agility: A Blockchain Integration Perspective

Humanitarian Supply Chain Agility: A Blockchain Integration Perspective

Impact of Supply Chain Agility and Collaboration on Supply Chain Performance: The Moderating Role of Artificial Intelligence

Supply chain resilience is not a novel concept in the supply chain industry; however, its significance importance is increasing, especially in the face of global disruptive events like natural and man-made disasters. Agility and collaboration are critical supply chain resilience elements for enhancing supply chain performance. However, the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the impact of agility and collaboration on performance remains unexplored. Therefore, the major objective of this study was to examine the impact of supply chain agility and collaboration on supply chain performance within the healthcare sector in Qatar. In the same vein, it examined the moderating role of AI in these relationships. The study utilized 564 responses from supply chain and clinical unit managers in Qatar and was analysed using the partial least squares (PLS) path modelling technique. The findings of the study indicate a significant positive relationship between supply chain agility, collaboration, and performance. Furthermore, these relationships are found to be positively moderated by AI. This study supports the research paradigm and provides evidence regarding supply chain agility and collaboration and their impact on supply chain performance. More importantly, this study is among the first to provide empirical evidence on the moderating role of AI in enhancing these relationships.

The Impact of Supply Chain Agility on Operational Performance in Dairy Companies in Jordan

The Impact of Supply Chain Agility on Operational Performance in Dairy Companies in Jordan

The Effect of Information Sharing, Supply Chain Collaboration and Supply Chain Agility on Supply Chain Performance in Food and Beverage SME in the Bogor Region

This study analyzes the influence of information sharing, supply chain collaboration, and supply chain agility on supply chain performance in the food and beverage industry in the Greater Jakarta area. The main focus of this study is to evaluate the extent to which information sharing practices and collaboration between supply chain partners, as well as the ability of the supply chain to respond to change, affect overall supply chain performance. The method used was a survey with SME respondents in the food and beverage sector. The results showed that information sharing has a significant positive influence on supply chain collaboration and supply chain agility, which in turn improves supply chain performance. This research makes an important contribution to the development of supply chain management theory and practice, particularly in the context of SME in the food and beverage sector.

EXAMINING THE INTEGRATION OF INDUSTRY 4.0 TECHNOLOGIES IN MANUFACTURING

The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies is transforming manufacturing, enhancing efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. This research paper explores the application of key technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics in the sector. By analyzing a comprehensive dataset that includes supply chain metrics from major corporations like Apple, Amazon, and Google, the study examines the impact of Industry 4.0 practices on critical supply chain performance indicators, including inventory turnover ratio, lead time, and customer satisfaction. Industry 4.0 technologies are reshaping supply chain management (SCM) strategies such as lean manufacturing, agile SCM, and cross-docking. AI and block chain are shown to significantly enhance supply chain agility and resilience. Companies that integrate these technologies tend to have more streamlined operations, shorter lead times, and higher customer satisfaction rates. Environmental sustainability practices are becoming increasingly important as businesses strive for more eco-friendly manufacturing processes. The study finds that organizations employing agile supply chain practices and leveraging advanced technologies often demonstrate superior operational efficiency and financial performance. The integration of these technologies also introduces challenges, such as increased supply chain complexity and risk management concerns. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of how Industry 4.0 technologies are revolutionizing manufacturing and supply chain dynamics. It highlights the future trajectory of smart manufacturing and emphasizes the need for continued innovation to address emerging challenges. The research offers insights into how companies can adapt their supply chain strategies to thrive in the evolving landscape of digital transformation and automation.

The impact of agile supply chain strategy on manufacturers’ ambidextrous innovation—the role of relational governance and information technology capability

The impact of agile supply chain strategy on manufacturers’ ambidextrous innovation—the role of relational governance and information technology capability

Agile Supply Chain Management In FashionIndustry

The fashion industry is one of the most globalized sectors, featuring a complex and widespread supply chain. Often, clothing is designed in one country, produced in another, and then distributed and sold across multiple international markets. This global scope and complexity necessitate an agile approach to supply chain management. Agile supply chains are engineered to be flexible, responsive, and adaptable, enabling companies to swiftly respond to shifts in consumer demands and market conditions. By adopting agile principles, fashion companies can more effectively navigate the intricacies of global operations, ensuring that products reach the appropriate markets at the right time, thereby sustaining competitiveness and meeting consumer expectations in a fast-paced industry

A critical review of machine learning applications in supply chain risk management

This article examines the transformative role of Machine Learning (ML) in Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), emphasizing its ability to enhance risk prediction and mitigation through real-time, data-driven insights. It demonstrates how ML applications like demand forecasting, inventory optimization, supplier risk assessment, and fraud detection improve supply chain resilience by analyzing large datasets to identify patterns, predict risks, and recommend proactive actions. However, the article also highlights key challenges, including data quality, availability, and privacy issues, which limit the effectiveness of ML models. Integrating ML with legacy systems poses additional technical and financial difficulties, particularly for smaller businesses. High implementation costs and scalability constraints further hinder widespread adoption. Ethical concerns, such as data bias and privacy, still need to be explored, raising questions about responsible ML use in supply chains. Future research should address these gaps by improving data governance frameworks for accuracy and privacy, developing scalable ML models suited to various supply chain environments, and exploring synergies with technologies like blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT). These advancements will help realize ML’s full potential, fostering more agile, transparent, and resilient supply chains capable of navigating complex global risks. By tackling these challenges, ML can shift SCRM from reactive to proactive, ensuring long-term operational continuity and a competitive edge in the evolving global market.

تعزيز رشاقة وأداء سلسلة التوريد من خلال المشتريات الإلكترونية: دراسة للقطاع الصناعيّ الفلسطينيّ

Objective: The study aimed to explore the direct impact of e-procurement on the agility and performance of the supply chain in the Palestinian industrial sector. Methodology: The questionnaire was used as the main tool for the study. It contained a set of questions to measure the study variables. It was designed based on previous studies. This study was conducted on a sample of 288 individuals from the owners of companies in the Palestinian industrial sector, their managers and decision-makers. A number of hypotheses were formulated and examined using the structural equation model (Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), using the statistical program SmartPls4. Results: The study found a positive significant impact of e-procurement in its combined dimensions (e-design, e-sources, e-negotiation, and e-evaluation) on the agility of the supply chain. As for the results of the impact of the individual dimensions of e-procurement, the study found a positive significant impact for all dimensions except the dimension of e-negotiation on the agility of the supply chain. The study also found a positive significant impact for both e-procurement and supply chain agility on its performance. Conclusion: E-procurement is an important tool in enhancing the agility of the supply chain in the industrial sector, and an important factor in improving the performance of this chain.

Social media usage and sustainable performance in manufacturing supply chains: exploring dynamic capabilities

Due to the global impact of COVID-19, businesses and supply chains worldwide have been disrupted, leading to challenges for manufacturing firms and customers. Social media usage (SMU) is a vital and valuable tool that builds customer-centric supply chains by effectively communicating large volumes of valuable data. This study examines the influence of social media usage on the development of dynamic capabilities, including supply chain sensing capabilities (SCSC), knowledge sharing capability (KSC), and social capital (SC), which are crucial for constructing agile and resilient supply chains that can effectively respond to dynamic and turbulent environments, ultimately enhancing sustainable business performance. To assess the proposed investigation model, data was gathered through a structured questionnaire administered to supply chain members currently engaged with manufacturing firms. The evaluation of the proposed hypotheses is carried out through the application of structural equation modeling (SEM). The results of this study offer empirical evidence supporting the proposition that SMU within manufacturing firms promotes the development of sensing capabilities, knowledge-sharing capability, and social capital. Furthermore, this study tests the moderation role of environmental dynamism in the relationship between social media use and sustainable business performance. This underscores the pivotal role played by SMU in facilitating the adaptation and responsiveness of the supply chain to dynamic and uncertain environments, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of organizations.

A nexus of multiple integrations and business performance through supply chain agility and supply flexibility: a dynamic capability view

Purpose Manufacturing capability is a crucial component of every nation’s economy and pharmaceuticals are frequently a significant part of the manufacturing sector. Pharmaceutical supply chains are essential to health-care systems, contributing to living quality and shorter hospital stays. This study aims to examine the role of multiple integrations on business performance (BP) through supply chain flexibility (SCF) and supply chain agility (SCA). Design/methodology/approach Data was collected from 198 supply chain professionals in the pharmaceutical sector of the developing economy of Pakistan. The sample was collected based on a nonprobability purposive sampling approach. A five-point Likert-scale survey was used and analyzed with the PLS-SEM technique using SmartPLS 4. Findings This study found that process integration (PI) does not affect SCA, whereas relationship integration and measurement integration positively affect SCA. SCA positively impacts BP. In contrast, all integrations significantly influenced supply flexibility and BP except for PI. Finally, SCF significantly mediates the relationship between all integrations and BP. Originality/value This study examined the relationships of multiple integrations on BP, directly and indirectly, through SCF and agility. The theory of dynamic capabilities has been applied and extended to increase the comprehensiveness of the findings. A developing economy’s pharmaceutical industry supply chain was examined, producing empirical evidence of the results.

Supply chain agility in humanitarian organisations: examining the role of self-organisation, information integration and adaptability in South Sudan

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose and validate a theoretical model to investigate the relationship between self-organisation, information integration, adaptability and supply chain agility in humanitarian organisations. Design/methodology/approach A theoretical model was developed from extant studies and assessed through a structured questionnaire survey of 86 humanitarian organisations operating in South Sudan. The data were analysed using partial least square structural equation modelling. Findings The study found that self-organisation has a discernible positive influence on supply chain agility not only directly but also indirectly through adaptability. Further, information integration does not significantly influence supply chain agility directly but is fully mediated by adaptability. Together, the antecedent variables account for 53.9% variance in supply chain agility. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to providing an empirical understanding of a humanitarian supply chain as a complex adaptive system and hence the need to incorporate self-organising and adaptive dimensions in supply chain management practice. Furthermore, it confirms the centrality of the complex adaptive system feature of adaptability when building supply chain agility through self-organisation and information integration. Practical implications The findings provide a firm ground for managerial decisions on investment in self-organisation and information integration dimensions so as to enhance adaptability and improve supply chain agility in humanitarian organisations. Originality/value This study is distinctive in the sense that it uses the complex adaptive system variables to empirically validate the relationships between self-organisation, information integration, adaptability and supply chain agility in humanitarian organisations in the world’s youngest developing economy with a long history of conflict and humanitarian intervention. The mediating influence of adaptability examined in this study is also novel.