Chain Mapping Research Articles

A Quantitative Analysis of Risk Evaluation in Supply Chains: The Impact of Standardization and Technology Integration on Transport Logistics

Given that supply chain risk management is critical to the effectiveness, and resilience, of operating transportation logistics, the purpose of this study, essentially, is to examine the effect of standardizing risk evaluation on transportation logistics. Through a quantitative research approach, data is sourced, by surveys, from supply chain professionals, logistics directors, and corporate executives. The study shows that scenario analysis, quantitative risk assessment, qualitative risk assessment, supply chain mapping, and root cause analysis, as well as supply chain diversification, significantly, impact transport logistics performance. However, real-time monitoring, and tracking, are not, strongly, linked to changes in transport logistics performance. By implication, managers need to, first, equip their subordinates with the requisite resources to assist in technology integration; bearing in mind that such resources, aimed at transforming transport logistics performance, will, ultimately, allow these workers to appreciate both the usefulness of any considered technology and the ease of implementing such technology. Received: 16 August 2024 / Accepted: 13 November 2024 / Published: 20 November 2024

Logistics Structure Analysis for Selayar Tangerine Supply Chain Mapping

Citrus fruits are in demand not only for their freshness, but also for their fiber content as nutrients and vitamins, especially vitamin C and vitamin A, which are beneficial for health. Selayar Islands Regency is a citrus development area in South Sulawesi Province. The citrus crop developed in Selayar Islands Regency is the tangerine variety. Along with the development of the citrus plant area, the population of citrus plants in Selayar Islands Regency increases every year. This study aims to describe the mapping of the Selayar tangerine supply chain structure through logistics cost analysis to map the distribution of income between supply chains. The number of respondents in this study was 45 people. This research uses descriptive analysis with convenience and snowball sampling methods to get an objective picture. This research uses logistics cost analysis using the Activity Based Costing method. The results showed that the levels involved in the supply chain are farmers, collectors, wholesalers, small traders, and consumers. The results of the logistics cost calculation show material handling costs as the highest cost of the entire Selayar tangerine supply chain cost.

Role of supply chain digitalization and global supply chain in decarbonization of natural resources sector supply chain

Environmental management and decarbonization are becoming increasingly critical as industries seek sustainable development paths that align with global climate targets. As businesses aim to reduce their carbon footprint, integrating effective environmental strategies with technological advancements is essential. This necessitates a clear understanding of digital technologies and environmental policies to drive decarbonization efforts. In this context, this study explores the role of digitalization in reducing carbon emissions in the natural resources sector supply chain. Furthermore, it examines the role of supply chain mapping as a mediator in the relationship between supply chain digitalization and supply chain decarbonization efforts, providing a novel perspective on how technology can intersect to foster environmental sustainability. This research targets the metal sector supply chain, a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. The data for the study was gathered through a questionnaire administered to 246 employees from various levels of the metal industry in China. We employed Covariance-based Structural Equation Modelling (CB-SEM) using AMOs for analysis. Our results show that level digitalization of supply chain processes in the metal sector has a profound and direct impact on its supply chain decarbonization. Digital technologies facilitate more efficient resource use, improved energy efficiency, and the adoption of cleaner production methods. Importantly, the study identifies supply chain mapping as a crucial mechanism through which digitalization exerts its positive influence on decarbonization. Through detailed mapping, organizations can gain visibility over their entire supply chain, identifying carbon hotspots and opportunities for improvement that digital solutions can address. The novelty of this study lies in its systematic exploration of how supply chain mapping serves not just as a tool for transparency and efficiency but as a strategic facilitator of the beneficial impacts of digitalization on decarbonization.

How Does Supply Network Structure Influence Firms’ Financial Performance During Disruption?

In a post pandemic world, supply chain mapping has become a key concern for almost any supply chain operation. A single focal supply chain network might have hundreds of suppliers including those that supply both goods and services. These increase exponentially as one traces the network downstream. Using a pair of networks from the auto industry (Ford and General Motors) as a basis for the analysis, we apply a data mining technique to filter for significant supply chain relationships in each of these networks over the period spanning 2018–2022. We then examine the structural metrics for each of these networks and compare these measures with applicable financial measures to elucidate how supply chain network structure affects financial performance. Our regression analyses reveal that supplier network structures significantly affect customers’ market value. Specifically, Tobin’s Q is negatively related to the number of suppliers they source from and the importance of the customer (e.g., Ford) to its suppliers, but it is positively associated with the tightness of supplier customer connection and the density of the network.

A-205 Evaluating the Cost and Importance of Supply Chain Resilience in the Clinical Laboratory

Abstract Background Recent pandemics, epidemics and outbreaks continually underscore the critical importance of resilient supply chains in healthcare, particularly in clinical laboratories where timely access to supplies is essential for patient care. Supply chain disruptions, whether due to global crises or localized challenges, can significantly impact laboratory operations, leading to delayed diagnoses, compromised patient outcomes, and increased costs. It is estimated that 70%-80% of a patients’ EMR is clinical laboratory results. Despite this, supply chain resilience in clinical laboratories remains an under-addressed issue and remains a buzzword. Methods To evaluate the cost and importance of supply chain resilience in the clinical laboratory, we conducted a comprehensive review and interviews with 9 Healthcare Supply Chain experts analyzing the impact of supply chain disruptions on laboratory operations and patient care. Data was also collected from a diverse range of clinical laboratories, including hospitals, independent labs, and research institutions, spanning different geographic regions as well as a survey of 50 Laboratory experts with a 50% response rate. Key metrics assessed included: -Frequency and duration of supply chain disruptions. -Financial costs incurred due to disruptions, including expenses related to expedited shipping, alternative sourcing, and inventory management. -Impact on laboratory workflow, turnaround times, and patient care outcomes. -Strategies employed to mitigate supply chain risks and enhance resilience. Results Our review revealed findings regarding the cost and importance of supply chain resilience in the clinical laboratory: -Supply chain disruptions were frequent, with 85% of laboratories experiencing at least one significant disruption in the past year and 100% in experienced disruptions 2022. -The average duration of disruptions was 2-3 weeks, leading to substantial delays in test processing and patient care. -Financial costs associated with disruptions averaged $50,000 per laboratory per annum, including expenses for rush orders, and premium-priced alternatives. -Common strategies employed were increased inventory or safety stocks, multi-vendor sourcing, and supply chain mapping. Conclusions The findings of this study underscore the critical importance of supply chain resilience in the clinical laboratory. Supply chain disruptions are not just inconveniences; they pose significant risks to patient safety, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability. Investing in supply chain resilience is imperative for laboratories to fulfill their mission of delivering timely and accurate patient results. To continue to enhance supply chain resilience, laboratories must adopt a proactive approach, leveraging data-driven insights and collaborative partnerships. This includes diversifying supplier networks and fostering closer collaboration between laboratory and procurement teams.

DockQ v2: improved automatic quality measure for protein multimers, nucleic acids, and small molecules.

It is important to assess the quality of modeled biomolecules to benchmark and assess the performance of different prediction methods. DockQ has emerged as the standard tool for assessing the quality of protein interfaces in model structures against given references. However, as predictions of large multimers with multiple chains become more common, DockQ needs to be updated with more functionality for robustness and speed. Moreover, as the field progresses and more methods are released to predict interactions between proteins and other types of molecules, such as nucleic acids and small molecules, it becomes necessary to have a tool that can assess all types of interactions. Here, we present a complete reimplementation of DockQ in pure Python. The updated version of DockQ is more portable, faster and introduces novel functionalities, such as automatic DockQ calculations for multiple interfaces and automatic chain mapping with multi-threading. These enhancements are designed to facilitate comparative analyses of protein complexes, particularly large multi-chain complexes. Furthermore, DockQ is now also able to score interfaces between proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecules. DockQ v2 is available online at: https://wallnerlab.org/DockQ.

Agro-Processing Value Chains Mapping and Technology Needs Assessment for Nyeri County, Kenya

A sectoral value chain mapping of the County Government of Nyeri, Kenya was initiated and implemented with regard to agro-processing of various forms of plant resources: food crops, textile/natural products, honey/animal feeds/ bio-energy/ICT, environment & biotechnology, essential oils, engineering services and Blue Economy. In this case, the following value-chain processes were assessed: Tea, Coffee; Oil crops; Banana & Dairy products with the support of service providers and prototypic environments. It also looked into value-addition practices and other cross-cutting factors. The cross-sectional study uncovered distinctions and issues including variability in the power supply, absence of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), minimal value addition, existence of counterfeit inputs, and unsuitable equipment. Recommendations include provision of standby power supply, provision of standard operating procedures, potential innovation in value addition, procurement of adequate equipment, and formulation of measures concerning genuine farm inputs. Therefore, by providing an enabling environment and putting into practice the strategies articulated in the study, sustainable agricultural-based growth and hence economic development in Nyeri County will be inevitably achieved under the Kenya Vision 2030.

Efficient simulation of open quantum systems coupled to a reservoir through multiple channels.

It is challenging to simulate open quantum systems that are connected to a reservoir through multiple channels. For example, vibrations may induce fluctuations in both energy gaps and electronic couplings, which represent two independent channels of system-bath couplings. Systems of this kind are ubiquitous in the processes of excited state radiationless decay. Combined with density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) and matrix product states (MPS) methods, we develop an interaction-picture chain mapping strategy for vibrational reservoirs to simulate the dynamics of these open systems, resulting in time-dependent spatially local system-bath couplings in the chain-mapped Hamiltonian. This transformation causes the entanglement generated by the system-bath interactions to be restricted within a narrow frequency window of vibrational modes, enabling efficient DMRG/MPS dynamical simulations. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by simulating singlet fission dynamics using a generalized spin-boson Hamiltonian with both diagonal and off-diagonal system-bath couplings. This approach generalizes an earlier interaction-picture chain mapping scheme, allowing for efficient and exact simulation of systems with multi-channel system-bath couplings using matrix product states, which may further our understanding of nonlocal exciton-phonon couplings in exciton transport and the non-Condon effect in energy and electron transfer.

Strategies for Performance Optimization: Risk Mitigation in Tourism Supply Chains of Indonesia

In the context of optimizing performance, the tourism industry has great potential as a source of income for regions and countries. One area that has great potential in the tourism industry is Rembang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. However, this industry is also vulnerable to various risks, such as natural disasters, pandemics, and security issues. Therefore, this research aims to identify risks in the tourism industry supply chain in Rembang Regency and develop effective mitigation strategies. The research method used is decision matrix risk assessment (DMRA), which involves supply chain mapping, risk identification, risk assessment, risk response development, and risk response control. The results of identifying risks that need to be mitigated from travel agents to tourist activities include fluctuating products/services, incompatibility with tourist destinations, and failure in promotional programs. Meanwhile, stakeholder activities in the tourism industry include failure in formulating policies and promotional programs. Proposed mitigation measures include diversifying supply chains, improving communication between suppliers and the tourism industry, and developing flexible policies. Implementation of this strategy is expected to strengthen the tourism industry supply chain in Rembang Regency, improve the tourist experience, and support sustainable economic growth. Risk mitigation in the tourism industry also contributes to the performance of the tourism industry and the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) by providing benefits to the environment, economy, and local communities.

MPSDynamics.jl: Tensor network simulations for finite-temperature (non-Markovian) open quantum system dynamics.

The MPSDynamics.jl package provides an easy-to-use interface for performing open quantum systems simulations at zero and finite temperatures. The package has been developed with the aim of studying non-Markovian open system dynamics using the state-of-the-art numerically exact Thermalized-Time Evolving Density operator with Orthonormal Polynomials Algorithm based on environment chain mapping. The simulations rely on a tensor network representation of the quantum states as matrix product states (MPS) and tree tensor network states. Written in the Julia programming language, MPSDynamics.jl is a versatile open-source package providing a choice of several variants of the Time-Dependent Variational Principle method for time evolution (including novel bond-adaptive one-site algorithms). The package also provides strong support for the measurement of single and multi-site observables, as well as the storing and logging of data, which makes it a useful tool for the study of many-body physics. It currently handles long-range interactions, time-dependent Hamiltonians, multiple environments, bosonic and fermionic environments, and joint system-environment observables.

Piggery Value Chain Mapping in Bengaluru: A Comprehensive Analysis of Rearing Systems

The study examines the piggery value chain in Bengaluru, focusing on 35 breeders and fattening farmers across Bengaluru rural and Bengaluru urban areas. It analyses distinct rearing systems, breeding practices, feeding strategies, and healthcare protocols among respondents. Breeders predominantly utilize intensive rearing systems (100%) for optimized breeding outcomes, while fattening farmers prefer semi-intensive methods (85.71%) to balance care with natural behaviours. Variations in housing preferences show that 46.67 per cent of fattening farmers use efficient drainage systems compared to none among breeders. Feeding practices differ significantly 100 per cent of breeders employ stall feeding, whereas 75 per cent of fattening farmers practice scavenging feeding with 25 per cent engaging in mixed feeding. Feeding frequency is consistently twice daily among all respondents (100%). The deworming practices at 45.71 per cent overall, with 100 per cent among breeders and 60 per cent among fattening farmers. Vaccination is practiced exclusively by breeders (100 %). Veterinary aid satisfaction rates are 31.43 per cent overall, with 40 per cent among fattening farmers. A detailed value chain map visually depicts stages from input supply to consumption, elucidating stakeholder roles crucial for productivity enhancement, animal welfare promotion, and sustainable practices within Bengaluru's piggery sector.

Unlocking the potential of digital technologies for sustainable supply chain management strategies

ABSTRACT The advent of digital technologies (DTs) has transformed traditional supply chains into agile, efficient, and sustainable networks, known as Supply Chain 4.0. Digital supply chain management (DSCM) is crucial in enhancing supply chain (SC) sustainability by integrating digital tools to improve efficiency, transparency, and environmental stewardship. This study aims to examine the impact of DSCM on SC sustainability, assess the role of a firm’s intellectual capital (IC) in adopting DSCM, and explore the mediating role of supply chain mapping between DSCM and SC sustainability. Focusing on Pakistan’s textile sector, we employed a mixed-method approach, starting with a quantitative analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), followed by a qualitative case study of two textile companies. Our findings reveal a significant positive relationship between IC and DSCM adoption, underscoring the importance of knowledge resources in leveraging DTs for SC improvement. However, the direct impact of DSCM on SC sustainability was not supported, indicating the need for intermediary processes or factors to enhance the sustainability outcomes of DSCM.

Unlocking the potential of lac cultivation: A strategic approach to marketing dynamics using value chain mapping

Unlocking the potential of lac cultivation: A strategic approach to marketing dynamics using value chain mapping

Livestock Value Chain Mapping in Kajiado and Narok Counties, Kenya

The livestock value chain encompasses a comprehensive range of activities involving various actors that facilitate the conveyance of the final product to the consumer through different stages of collection, processing, production, and final delivery. This case report presents the findings from the mapping of livestock value chains in Narok and Kajiado Counties, Kenya. The study aimed to determine the status and gaps within the value chain, as well as the technological needs of enterprises engaged in the value chain. The ultimate goal was to foster innovation, enhance the productivity of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), improve managerial and technical skills, strengthen local supply chains, and reduce gender disparities within the value chain. The study employed well-structured questionnaires and interviews in both counties to capture the technological status and needs, map all stages of the value chains, outline the main activities and actors, and identify existing gaps. Three primary value chains in the livestock subsector were identified: dairy, beef, and leather. Each of these value chains was studied and analyzed separately. The activities and actors involved at each stage, from inputs and production to transformation and marketing, were examined. The findings highlight intervention areas and provide recommendations to improve the three value chains.

Introduction to the Special Issue: Leveraging Global Value Chains for innovation and industrialization in Africa

The global nature of innovation has led to the emergence of Global Innovation Networks (GINs) and Global Value Chains (GVCs), facilitating knowledge exchange and economic activities across borders. GVCs offer platforms for accessing external knowledge and fostering innovation. They have evolved through three eras of innovation models: the Linear and Closed Model (LCM), the Interactive and Closed Model (ICM), and the Interactive and Open Model (IOM). The IOM emphasizes open innovation principles, intersecting with GINs and GVCs. Lessons from East Asian and Latin American countries highlight strategic practices for GVC integration, focusing on export-oriented industrialization, education, technology policies, infrastructure, and SME support. In Africa, GVC engagement spans agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors, driving economic growth, job creation, and technological advancements. To advance GVC participation in Africa, a research agenda, policy directions, and action plans are proposed. The research agenda emphasizes GVC governance, value addition, sustainability, innovation, and regional integration. Policy directions focus on infrastructure development, trade facilitation, SME support, human capital development, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. African businesses are encouraged to conduct value chain mapping, form strategic partnerships, embrace technology, ensure quality assurance, invest in capacity building, and diversify markets to leverage the potential of GVCs for economic transformation and global competitiveness.

The Development of Risk Assessments and Supplier Resilience Models for Military Industrial Supply Chains Considering Rare Disruptions

Background: Supply chain risk and resilience in non-profit-seeking industries involving governmental agencies and quasi-governmental agencies have been under-studied. This paper focuses on the military industrial supply chain to demonstrate the development of risk assessment and supplier resilience models considering one-off disruption events such as the COVID-19 disruption. Methods: We establish relevant resilience-based categories through a literature review, supported by the experiences of supply chain experts within the military industry. We quantify the severity of the identified resilience categories, their detectability, and their occurrence probabilities. The failure modes and effects analysis technique is used to evaluate the risk priorities for the resilience categories to develop a risk assessment model. The risk assessment model is then extended to a supplier resilience model by incorporating specific rare disruption factors, which can act as a scenario planning tool. Results: It is found that (i) the top four resilience sub-categories are financial, topical data, business continuity planning, and supply chain mapping, while cost reduction strategies and green material usage are the least important; (ii) the main areas requiring focus are topical data, supply chain depth awareness, business continuity management, and internal risk management; and (iii) suppliers have least resilience in the areas of ‘topical information’ and ‘business continuity strategy’. Conclusions: The tool developed can help military industrial supply chains identify the main areas to enhance resilience from multiple perspectives of severity, occurrence probability, detectability, and suppliers.

Value Chain Analysis of Groundnut in Tamil Nadu, India

Oilseeds provide vegetable oils which not only form an essential part of human diet but also serve as an important raw material for the manufacture of soaps, paints, varnishes, hair oils, lubricants and various other products. Among all the oilseed crops groundnut is an important oilseed and supplementary food crop. Itis also called as ‘the king of oilseeds. In Tamil Nadu, Ground nut is being cultivated in almost all the districts. Totally, 240 farmers were contacted from 24 villages spread over in 8 blocks of 2 districts. Besides farmers, traders and processors were contacted in each district at the rate of 10 traders per district. The data were analysed by using value chain mapping and price spread analysis. Results indicated that cost of cultivation under rainfed condition was Rs. 30967.81 per ha and Rs. 34789.21 per ha under irrigated condition. The net income realised was Rs. 30628.38 and Rs.32450.26 per ha in rainfed and irrigated condition respectively. The results reveal that net income from groundnut was found to be higher under irrigated condition. Value chain analysis indicated that there were 5 marketing channels through which groundnut were marketed by the sample farmers. Nearly 23.33 percent of the sample farmers sold the produce to the village merchants. The percentage of the sample farmers marketed through commission agents and regulated markets were 25.00 and 33.33, respectively.

The Principal-Agent Theoretical Ramifications on Digital Transformation of Ports in Emerging Economies

Background: Scholarly literature indicates a slow pace at which maritime ports fully embrace digital transformation (DT). The reasons to this are largely anecdotal and lack solid empirical grounding. This inhibits an overall understanding of DT’s tenets and the development of evidence-based policies and targeted actions. Methods: This study deployed a qualitative case study strategy to unpack the challenges of undertaking DT through the lens of principal-agent theory (PAT). Results: Analysis of data collected through 13 semi-structured interviews from a port’s value chain stakeholders revealed five thematic challenges that contradict successful implementation of DT. These included interagency constraints and system ownership tussles; system sabotage and prevalent corruption; prevalent human agency in port operations; cultural constraints; and political influence on port governance. Conclusions: To address these challenges, the study proposes a four-stage empirically grounded DT strategy framework that guides both practitioners and policymakers through DT endeavors. The framework includes: (1) the port’s value chain mapping, (2) stakeholder engagement, (3) resource mobilization, and (4) effective monitoring. For scholars, we provide an avenue for testing statistical significance of association and causality among the identified challenges.

A circular economy framework for the assessment of bio-based value chains

Circular economy, the new trend to think, do, use, and produce, poses new challenges in redesigning the industrial Value Chains (VCs). Achieving sustainability is stimulating innovation in existing markets and imposing differentiations in value chains with pioneering processes and products. An essential requirement in the pursuit of solutions is the existence of an evaluation framework that fosters circularity right from the initial phases of process and product development. This article focuses on establishing the connection between circularity strategies and the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) in various domains, specifically in innovative material production, such as bio-plastic bottle closures, multifunctional rubber panels, and wood composite bearings, within alternative value chains. This methodological approach was verified in the framework of the European Union funded GREEN-LOOP project to demonstrate the feasibility of producing bio-based materials. A comprehensive analysis of the value chain mapping was carried out, accompanied by the evaluation of circular economy practices at each stage. The assessment established a roadmap to enhance the value chain from both technological and environmental perspectives, as illustrated in the Circular Value Chain Canvas. The results have shown that the implementation of the circularity concepts already in the design phase can effectively support the Circular Economy transition.

Sectoral Value Chain Mapping in Kakamega County, Kenya

The Kenyan agricultural sector will play a pivot role in achieving its national development roadmap, Vision 2030. This report explores the agricultural value chains within Kakamega County, Kenya, focusing on sweet potatoes, bananas, soya beans, vegetables, palm oil, honey, and avocados. Data collection for the study primarily involved direct engagement with stakeholders across the various sub-counties. The study revealed the unique characteristics and challenges faced in each value chain, laying the foundation for understanding the local agricultural dynamics. These challenges included equipment shortage, lack of technical skills, and poor marketing strategies. Recommendations are put forward to address the specific hurdles and optimize opportunities within each value chain. Fostering cooperative formations, exploring value addition and enhancement of technical skills are the common themes across the recommendations for the value chains. Further, training, certification acquisition, research and development and process optimization have been suggested to bolster productivity, quality and market competitiveness. The proposed interventions require collaborative effort from the stakeholders including government agencies, non-governmental organizations and the local communities. By creating an enabling environment and implementing the recommended strategies, sustainable agricultural-based growth and economic development, aligning with the national Vision 2030, can be fostered in Kakamega County, Kenya