Contemporary Supply Chain Management Research Articles

The Relationship between Supply Chain Resilience and Digital Supply Chain and the Impact on Sustainability: Supply Chain Dynamism as a Moderator

This research aims to explore the complex interplay between supply chain resilience (SCR), digital supply chain (DSC), and sustainability, focusing on the moderating influence of supply chain dynamism. The goal is to understand how these elements interact within the framework of contemporary supply chain management and how they collectively contribute to enhancing sustainability outcomes. The sample size is 300 CEOs and managers. The study approach integrates quantitative research methods. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is utilized to quantitatively analyze the direct and indirect effects of SCR and DSC on sustainability. The numerous surveys we conduct among supply chain ecosystem stakeholders provide a rich picture of practical implications and contextual nuances. In sum, our early findings generally support a positive relationship between SCR and sustainability in and of itself, declaring the need for more resilient supply networks for sustainability. We further find the beneficial impact of digital technologies in promoting sustainability via enhancing environmental control and controlling for efficiency in supply chains. We also offer evidence to show that supply chain dynamism compounds the positive logic between SCR and DSC and sustainability. As a final word, it must be noted that our work speaks to the burgeoning literature on supply chain dynamism as a moderator by examining the direct and contingent effects of SCR and DSC not only on performance but sustainability. By shedding light on the moderating role of dynamism, the study provides fresh insights into the multifaceted nature of supply chain management and sustainability practices. The study’s findings enhance theoretical understanding by elucidating the synergistic effects of SCR, DSC, and sustainability in dynamic supply chain settings. The study augments the existing theoretical frameworks by integrating the concepts of resilience, digitalization, and sustainability into a comprehensive model. Practical and economical, the research offers actionable guidance for organizations aiming to improve sustainability performance through resilient and digitally advanced supply chains. By acknowledging the role of supply chain dynamism, managers can tailor strategies to manage disruptions effectively and leverage digital innovations. Economically, adopting sustainable practices can result in cost savings and competitive advantages. The research emphasizes the importance of aligning supply chain strategies with sustainability goals to drive long-term value and societal impact.

Machine Learning Enabled Inventory Control for Deteriorating Items with Carbon Emission and Trade Credit under Learning and Forgetting

This research introduces a novel approach to inventory control, leveraging machine learning techniques to optimize inventory decisions for deteriorating items while accounting for carbon emissions and trade credit policies. In contemporary supply chain management, sustainability considerations have become increasingly vital. The carbon footprint associated with inventory management practices necessitates innovative solutions to minimize environmental impact. Moreover, trade credit offers financial flexibility but requires careful management to maintain profitability. To address these complex challenges, our proposed framework integrates machine learning algorithms into inventory control to enhance decision-making precision. The model incorporates dynamic learning and forgetting effects, allowing the system to adapt to changing demand patterns over time. This adaptability is particularly critical when dealing with deteriorating items that exhibit non-constant demand rates. Carbon emissions are assessed throughout the supply chain, and environmentally conscious decisions are made to minimize the carbon footprint. Additionally, trade credit terms are optimized to strike a balance between financial constraints and inventory performance. Our approach demonstrates superior performance in terms of minimizing costs, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing supply chain resilience compared to traditional inventory management methods. Real-world case studies and simulations validate the effectiveness of our machine learning-enabled inventory control system, showcasing its practical applicability. This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable supply chain management by providing a comprehensive framework that combines AI-driven inventory control, carbon emission reduction, and trade credit optimization, ultimately fostering environmentally responsible and financially viable inventory decisions.

A comprehensive analysis of linear and non-linear deterioration rates in dual-warehouse inventory systems

This study presents an inventory system where items have an initial linear deterioration rate that transitions to a non-linear pattern, addressing a critical aspect of contemporary supply chain management. Our research introduces a dual warehouse inventory model comprising a rented facility and utilizing an owned warehouse. This unique approach is geared towards products experiencing a shift in deterioration rates, starting linearly and progressing non-linearly. The model operates under a constant demand rate, allowing for partial backlogging during shortages. Key to our analysis are distinct holding costs assigned to each warehouse, reflecting real-world scenarios. We derive conditions that minimize the total cost, supporting these with numerical examples spanning various parameter settings. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis evaluates the influence of each parameter’s alteration, keeping others constant. This analysis illuminates the model’s robustness and adaptability to different operational contexts. The findings offer significant managerial implications, providing valuable insights for effectively managing inventory in scenarios where product deterioration rates change over time. Our approach distinguishes itself by integrating linear and non-linear deterioration patterns within a dual warehouse system, a novel contribution to inventory management literature. The practical relevance of our model is underlined by its applicability in diverse supply chain environments, making it an essential tool for contemporary inventory management strategies.

A comprehensive survey of contemporary supply chain management practices in charting the digital age revolution

A new era of supply chain management has been brought about by the digital age, which is completely changing the way companies organize, carry out, and maximize their operations. This survey report provides an in-depth analysis of supply chain management's present situation in this digital environment. Utilizing a comprehensive analysis of extant literature, papers, and studies, it pinpoints and investigates the pivotal patterns, obstacles, and prospects that enterprises encounter when adopting digital technology inside their supply chains. This article explores the range of digital technologies, including blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), that have transformed supply chain management. We provide a classified overview of the area by examining the data from many sources and emphasizing recurring elements that characterize the contemporary supply chain environment. We also take into account the effects of digitalization on corporate operations, such as the difficulties associated with data protection, the necessity of change management, and the possibility of increased productivity. Case studies of industry leaders who have successfully transitioned to the digital era shed light on best practices and offer useful insights. Looking forward, we offer a glimpse into the future of supply chain management, predicting and discussing emerging trends and technologies, such as 5G connectivity and sustainability initiatives. This paper concludes with a call to action, emphasizing the importance of staying ahead in the digital age for organizations seeking to remain competitive, agile, and resilient in an ever-evolving business landscape. It also suggests areas for future research and development, guiding further exploration in the field.

Causes and consequences of bullwhip effect on the boutique industry of Dhaka city

The phenomenon of the bullwhip effect (BWE) has become a pressing concern in contemporary supply chain management. Every echelon of the supply chain faces the negative consequences of BWE somehow. So, it is crucial to determine the reasons responsible for the BWE to mitigate the consequences. The boutique industry in Bangladesh is a rapidly growing industrial sector. In this study, we focused on finding the reasons and consequences of the bullwhip effect on the boutique industry in Dhaka city. The main targets of this study are to examine the underlying reasons for the BWE, identify the most significant causes from the perspective of Dhaka city, and determine the major consequences of the bullwhip effect. Studies of previous literature and consultation with experts have identified sixteen common causes behind the bullwhip effect. This study uses a survey-based method; respondents are chosen through clustered sampling. Necessary data have been collected with a semi-organized inquiry form. Among all the 16 causes, six causes are found to be the most significant causes from the perspective of retailers and wholesalers. SPSS Version 26 has been used for statistical analysis to make the final decision. We also found ten consequences commonly faced by these two echelons of the boutiques' supply chain because of the bullwhip effect. These are high inventory costs, workforce wastages and higher labor costs, higher replenishment lead-time, higher transportation costs, tension in the buyer-supplier relationship, product unavailability, loss of profit, poor customer service, etc.

Environmental and Economic Benefits of Closed-Loop Supply Chains: A Case Study of Recycling and Re-manufacturing of Materials and Components

In an epoch marked by escalating apprehensions regarding the depletion of resources and the destruction of the environment, the notion of closed-loop supply chains (CLSCs) has garnered recognition as a viable and sustainable resolution. The present study examines the interdependent connection between environmental conservation and economic advancement by analysing the recycling and re-manufacturing procedures inside closed-loop supply chains. This paper utilises an extensive case study to investigate the crucial significance of closed-loop supply chains in the processes of recycling and re-manufacturing materials and components. Through a comprehensive examination of the complex relationship between environmental benefits and economic advantages, this study reveals the diverse and nuanced effects that arise from the implementation of closed-loop systems in contemporary supply chain management. The study utilises a mixed-methods methodology, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative studies. The study used quantitative data to measure the extent to which recycling and re-manufacturing processes contribute to the decrease of raw material usage, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the capacity of closed-loop supply chains to promote circular economy concepts, reduce waste output, and mitigate the environmental impact of companies. This study provides valuable insights that may be utilised by practitioners, politicians, and corporations to make well-informed decisions that prioritise both environmental protection and economic growth in their supply chain strategy.

How do supply chain managers perceive the relationship between resilience and sustainability practices? An exploratory study

AbstractEven though resilience and sustainability are the two overarching strategic goals of contemporary supply chain management, very few studies have investigated the relationship between resilience and sustainability practices. To increase our theoretical understanding of this important relationship, this paper examines the extent to which supply chain managers perceive tensions and complementarities between both sets of practices. Using a paradox theory lens, the paper conducted in‐depth interviews with 31 supply chain managers in Western Europe and the Middle East that reveal a complex and multifaceted relationship. Namely, our findings indicate that some supply chain managers perceive the relationship as conflictive, others as synergistic, whereas a third group sees them as fundamentally orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, our findings uncover specific perceived complementarities and tension areas. Taken together, in responding to calls for research on the topic, our findings contribute to the advancement of theory regarding supply chain resilience and supply chain sustainability practices and address the need to shed more light on the tensions faced by supply chain managers when implementing distinct sets of supply chain practices.

Multi-criteria decision making for supplier selection: a literature critique

In contemporary supply chain management, a company’s performance is largely dependent on its strategic choice of suppliers. The complexity of supplier evaluation and selection is driving the development of novel support techniques and their integration into multi-criteria decision-making processes. This review identifies the most prevalent approaches in the supply chain management literature (1998–2018), analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches, and discusses the most popular supplier selection attributes. The non-conventional, emerging methods in domain literature are also discussed, and future research directions are proposed. Supplier selection approaches are classified into individual, integrated, and non-conventional approaches. To overcome the limitations associated with these tools when used individually, most of the published works have used integrated techniques, among which integrated fuzzy and analytic hierarchy process methods are most popular. We conclude that while some of the methodologies are common, the more non-conventional approaches, such as market utility-based models, are rarely used in the supplier selection literature, leaving much opportunity to further develop these less-used approaches and, ultimately, aid decision-makers in supply chain management.

Supplier selection for steelmaking company by using combined Grey-Marcos methods

Abstract. The process of selecting the right suppliers should be seen as more than simply scanning a set of available price lists and comparing them, but rather as including a wide range of different criteria, whether qualitative or quantitative. In contemporary supply chain management, potential supplier performance is evaluated on the basis of multiple criteria rather than considering cost as the main criterion in decision-making. This makes the process of selecting the best supplier from a group of suppliers a complex and difficult process, due to the multiplicity of criteria that must be taken into account in the evaluation process. The aim of this study is to implement a hybrid Grey theory-MARCOS methods for decision-making regarding the selection of suppliers in the Libyan Iron and Steel Company (LISCO) to help it compete. This hybrid model is divided into two phases: the first consists of determining the weights of the criteria that contribute to decision-making, which has been done using the Grey theory, and the second phase consists of selecting the best supplier from among the six suppliers, which has been completed using the MARCOS model. For the purpose of measuring the effectiveness of the model, it has been compared to three other methods, CODAS, TOPSIS, and VIKOR. The results showed that the proposed method was effectively able to select the best supplier among the six alternative suppliers.

The human chain in logistics and supply chain management research and practice

It is now widely recognised that effective logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) plays a vital role in economic and wider societal well-being. A key facet of contemporary supply chain management (SCM) thinking is the shift away from traditionally fragmented supply chain configurations to ones that are characterised by high levels of integration of supply chain processes and data. Experience suggests that success in achieving higher levels of supply chain integration (SCI) depends on both physical and technical aspects (ie the so-called ‘hard-wiring’), as well as human and behavioural components (ie the so-called ‘soft-wiring’). It would appear, however, that the latter has received relatively little attention in the LSCM academic literature. Furthermore, the empirical evidence suggests that the majority of supply chain improvement initiatives in companies have been primarily concerned with technological, structural and process issues. This paper argues that the difficulties often encountered in attempting to put LSCM theory into practice are largely a consequence of a lack of focus on, and understanding of, the human dimension. Based on this discussion, the paper offers some suggestions for improvement in this area to both the supply chain research and practitioner communities. It uses several cultural and literary references throughout to illustrate these suggestions.

Consumer‐Based Supply Chain Management Performance Research: A Structured Literature Review

ABSTRACTEnd‐consumers have become significantly prevalent in the contemporary supply chain management (SCM) dialogue. Due, in part, to the rapid development of mobile technologies and the growing emphasis on online retail order fulfillment and omni‐channel SCM, there has been a shift toward more research on consumer‐oriented SCM practices in the academic literature. This fairly new, but growing, body of research that has contributed to our understanding of the link between SCM and consumers has proliferated, yet without an overarching theory‐driven conceptualization to connect to. The purpose of this article is to address this gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive review of research that has focused directly on consumer issues in SCM, and in doing so, present a conceptual model to add structure and clarity to this body of work. Based on themes that emerged from the literature, we propose the concept of “consumer‐based supply chain management performance” as a framework to represent this research domain. Moreover, in presenting the framework and associated categories, future research opportunities are suggested, with the aim of further contributing to the growth, development, and structure of this contemporary SCM dialogue.

Supply chain evolution – theory, concepts and science

PurposeSupply chains evolve and change in size, shape and configuration, and in how they are coordinated, controlled and managed. Some supply chains are mature and relatively unchanging. Some are subject to significant change. New supply chains may emerge and evolve for a variety of reasons. The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of supply chain evolution and address the question “What makes a supply chain like it is?”Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses and develops key aspects, concepts and principal themes concerning the emergence and evolution of supply chains over their lifecycle.FindingsThe paper defines the supply chain lifecycle and identifies six factors that interact and may affect a supply chain over its lifecycle – technology and innovation, economics, markets and competition, policy and regulation, procurement and sourcing, supply chain strategies and re-engineering. A number of emergent themes and propositions on factors affecting a supply chain’s characteristics over its lifecycle are presented. The paper argues that a new science is needed to investigate and understand the supply chain lifecycle.Practical implicationsSupply chains are critical for the world economy and essential for modern life. Understanding the supply chain lifecycle and how supply chains evolve provides new perspectives for contemporary supply chain design and management.Originality/valueThe paper presents detailed analysis, critique and reflections from leading researchers on emerging, evolving and mature supply chains.

An exploration of the strategic antecedents of firm supply chain agility: The role of a firm's orientations

Agility has been identified as one of the most salient issues of contemporary supply chain management (Lee, 2004). Despite its importance, there has been limited theory development in supply chain agility at the firm level. The antecedents of firm supply chain agility are understood even less as they have been primarily addressed at an operational level. Gligor and Holcomb (2012b) emphasized that more research is needed to identify the firm supply chain agility strategic level antecedents. Gligor et al. (2015) specifically called for future research to investigate the role of market orientation and supply chain orientation in achieving supply chain agility. We address this call and expand on the work of Braunscheidel and Suresh (2009) who explored the role of different managerial orientations in achieving supply chain agility. The current research hypothesizes that market orientation has a direct impact on firm supply chain agility. Further, it is not enough to be market oriented to achieve a high level of supply chain agility; rather, a supply chain orientation also needs to be developed. In order to increase the explanatory power of our model we account for the impact of environmental uncertainty (Dess and Beard, 1984). Important theoretical and managerial implications are put forth as well.

Contemporary strategic supply chain management (SCM) and logistics issues in Asia

Contemporary strategic supply chain management (SCM) and logistics issues in Asia

Comparison of neural network application for fuzzy and ANFIS approaches for multi-criteria decision making problems

In this study, Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) is used for multi-criteria decision making in supplier evaluation and selection problem. The contemporary supply-chain management is looking for both quantitative and qualitative measures other than just getting the lowest price. After evaluating a number of distinct suppliers, determining the reliable suppliers by ANFIS model with better approximation will support decision makers. To this end, ANFIS is evaluated for different data sets with the attributes of the suppliers and their scores that are gathered from a previous study conducted for the same problem under the name of Neural Network (NN) application for fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making model. In the proposed ANFIS model built for determining supplier score, linear regression analysis (R-value) and Mean Square Error (MSE) were 0.8467 and 0.0134, respectively, while they were 0.7733 and 0.0193 for NN for fuzzy. ANFIS gives better results according to MSEs. Hence, it is determined that ANFIS algorithm can be used in multi-criteria decision making problems for supplier evaluation and selection with more precise and reliable results.

A fuzzy multi-objective programming model for supplier selection with volume discount and risk criteria

In contemporary supply chain management, the performance of potential suppliers is evaluated against multiple criteria. In this paper, a fuzzy multi-objective programming model is outlined to propose supplier selection taking quantitative, qualitative, and risk factors into consideration. Also quantity discount has been considered to determine the best suppliers and to place the optimal order quantities among them. The mixed integer derivative nonlinear programming is obtained from fuzzy multi-objective programming model by chance-constrained method. To solve this problem, an innovative method is proposed. In addition, several “what if” scenarios are facilitated. Finally, a real-life sample is used to validate the proposed model.

Study of Supply Chain Management Theory in Manufacturing Innovation

With the changes in a variety of environmental factors, supply chain management on competitive potential impact become more and more important, the development of supply chain management is to establish a theoretical basis, in addition to the theory of constraints and Heide symbol on the outside , inventory theory, the theory of purchasing, logistics theory has gradually become the theoretical basis. In addition, the mode of management of the supply chain management, management techniques was also discussed, as well as the differences between traditional supply management and contemporary supply chain management. At last we elaborate application of supply chain management theory at home and abroad.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Supply Chain Agility: Conceptualization and Scale Development

Although agility has been identified as one of the most important issues of contemporary supply chain management, the theoretical basis for understanding supply chain agility is fragmented. This research addresses the gap related to the ambiguity surrounding the dimensions and definitions of firm supply chain agility by employing a multidisciplinary literature review to gain an in‐depth understanding of agility. In addition, a comprehensive measurement instrument that draws on the foundations of social and life science theory is developed and empirically validated. The results of the research indicate that firm supply chain agility is composed of five distinct dimensions including alertness, accessibility, decisiveness, swiftness, and flexibility. Based on these elements, a comprehensive definition of firm supply chain agility is developed for further theoretical testing of the concept.

Assessing the managerial relevance of contemporary supply chain management research

PurposeDiscussions about the managerial relevance of scholarly research have been taking place for decades and the topic continues to be a source of debate in a number of business disciplines. The purpose of this paper is to make an initial attempt to empirically assess the relevance of supply chain management research.Design/methodology/approachQualitative methods were utilized to provide some initial evidence that can help validate or refute assumptions about perceived relevance in contemporary supply chain management research.FindingsFindings of this research indicate that the most impactful supply chain management issues for managers are internal supply chain organizational structure, communication and information exchange, information technology, forecasting and sales and operations planning, and strategic leadership. Some of these managerial issues appear to be well aligned with recent research trends, but other issues are not frequently researched.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research opportunities are identified based on managerial feedback. Results of this study also suggest that a broader view of supply chain management may be appropriate if researchers want to be managerially relevant.Practical implicationsThis research potentially highlights opportunities for firms to gain a competitive advantage via their approach to supply chain management.Originality/valueThis research utilizes a unique approach to assess managerially relevant topics through a “magic wand” interviewing technique (i.e. “If we gave you a magic wand and granted you just one wish, what would you wish for to improve your supply chain?”).

A new nonlinear model for multiple criteria supplier-selection problem

Supplier evaluation and selection problem has been studied extensively. Various decision-making approaches have been proposed to tackle the problem. In contemporary supply chain management, the performance of potential suppliers is evaluated against multiple criteria rather than considering a single factor-cost. This article proposes a new weighted nonlinear model to solve the multiple criteria supplier-selection problem. The proposed model not only incorporates multiple criteria for supplier selection but also maintains the effects of weights in the final solution. An illustrative example is presented to compare the proposed model and those in the literature.