Current Supply Chain Research Articles

Processes and perceptions of chemotherapy supply chain in Ethiopia: A mixed-method study.

The impact and downstream effects of the chemotherapy supply chain in Ethiopia are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to identify perceived gaps in supply chain and characterize their impact on patient care. A concurrent mixed-method study was conducted at a large academic cancer center in Ethiopia. In-depth interviews (IDIs) and surveys were completed in collaboration with external stakeholders with knowledge about chemotherapy supply chain in Ethiopia. Thematic coding was used for qualitative analysis of IDI and descriptive statistics were used to summarize quantitative survey data. Six stakeholders participated in the IDIs and seven completed surveys. IDIs revealed that most chemotherapeutic agents are purchased by the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Agency (EPSA) and are distributed to cancer treatment centers. A free-market purchasing option also exists, but for chemotherapy obtained outside of government-subsidized channels, the potential for substandard or falsified chemotherapy was a concern. Participants expressed confidence that the correct treatment was administered to patients, but viewpoints on reliability and consistency of medication supply were variable. Quantitative data from the survey showed that participants were not confident that medications are prepared safely and correctly. Improper storage and manipulation of high-risk medications remain a significant risk to staff. This study provides insight from a healthcare staff perspective on how gaps in the chemotherapy supply chain process impact patient care in a low-income country. Inventory management, disruptions in supply chain, and product integrity were perceived as the largest gaps in the current chemotherapy supply chain structure.

Towards sustainable and resilient short food supply chains: a focus on sustainability practices and resilience capabilities using case study

PurposeThis study aims to advance current knowledge on resilient and sustainable short food supply chains, by identifying sustainability practices and resilience capabilities and how these interact.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical data were collected from three cases via 16 semi-structured interviews. This methodological choice answers a call to develop more case studies to better understand perspectives on sustainable and resilient supply chains. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis.FindingsSustainability practices may positively enhance the resilience of short food supply chains, and vice versa. Specifically, social sustainability practices are perceived as enablers of resilience capabilities, and production practices can have a positive or negative impact on resilience capabilities.Originality/valueThis research addresses an important gap in the current short food supply chains literature, by looking at sustainability and resilience in an integrated way for the first time. The proposed working hypotheses and conceptual framework illustrate the complex relationship between social, economic and environmental sustainability and five resilience capabilities within short food supply chains.

Redefining food safety traceability system through blockchain: findings, challenges and open issues.

In the last few decades, there has been an increase in food safety and traceability issues. To prevent accidents and misconduct, it became essential to establish Food Safety Traceability System (FSTS) to trace the food from producer to consumer. The traceability systems can help track food in supply chains from farms to retail. Numerous technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), sensor networks, and data mining have been integrated into traditional food supply chain systems to remove unsafe food products from the chain. But, these are not adequate for the current supply chain market. The emerging technology of blockchain can overcome safety and tracking issues. This can be possible with the help of blockchain features like transparent, decentralized, distributed, and immutable. Most of the previous works missed the discussion of the systematic process and technology involved in implementing the FSTS using blockchain. In this paper, we have discussed an organized state of research of the existing FSTS using blockchain. This survey paper aims to outline a detailed analysis of blockchain technology, FSTS using blockchain, consensus algorithms, security attacks, and solutions. Several survey papers and solutions based on blockchain are included in this research paper. Also, this work discusses some of the open research issues related to FSTS.

Empirical assessment of onion supply chain constraints in Bangladesh: A pre-covid to covid situation.

In Bangladesh, Covid-19 has wrecked devastation on people's livelihoods and economies. It began with supply chain disruptions affecting a variety of agricultural products, particularly perishable ones. Onion, the most consumed species in Bangladesh and Asia is also fallen into that category. The goal of this study was to shed light on the current onion supply chain as well as the constraints faced by the actors in Bangladesh's major onion-producing area markets (i.e., Pabna, Rajshahi, and Chapainawabganj). The extent to which pre-existing constraints on market actors of onion were discovered and distinguished in pre-covid to covid conditions. The backward supply chain analysis revealed that the local market seller supplied the majority of necessary farm inputs (i.e., seed, seedlings, and fertilizer). Wholesalers, commission agents (aratdars), local wholesalers (beparies), and retailers were all involved in forward connecting. Producers received roughly 71% of the retail price (0.76/kg), followed by retailers (BDT 2.07/kg), wholesalers (BDT 1.22/kg), commission agents (aratdars) (BDT 0.85/kg), and independent wholesalers (beparies) (BDT 0.36/kg). Moreover, a constraint factor index and econometric analysis were utilized to determine the most critical constraints and their influencing factors. Obstacles to onion production and commercialization ranged from moderate (66%) to severe (33.5%), with a few being fairly severe (0.5%). The paucity of high-quality seed, the cost and difficulty of timely transportation, and the market's inaccessibility to government intervention were all significant drawbacks to increased onion output. The primary impediments to onion marketing were a lack of or inability to receive marketing expertise, frequent demand fluctuations, and an insufficient storage facility for other market intermediaries. The findings of the study can assist in establishing a dynamic policy framework that includes procedure for expanding market infrastructure, rehabilitating current onion market actors through adequate training, assuring information abundance, and rapidly addressing market mishaps for ensuring sustainability.

Improving Safety by Evaluating the Impact of the Supply Chain and Drug Shortages on Health-Systems.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how fragile our healthcare supply chain is with product delays, drug shortages, and labor shortages being exacerbated in recent years. Objective: This article reviews current threats to the healthcare supply chain that impact patient safety and highlights potential solutions for the future. Method: A review of the literature was conducted, and important up-to-date resources associated with drug shortages and supply chain were analyzed to build foundational knowledge. Potential supply chain threats and solutions were then explored through further literature analyses. Conclusions: The information provided in this article helps to brief pharmacy leaders on current supply chain issues and solutions that can be integrated throughout the healthcare supply chain in the future.

COVID-19 and sustainability in textile, apparel and fashion use: An assessment of trends

Apart from the many social and health problems it has caused, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on most sectors of the economy worldwide. One of the areas where such impact is noticeable is the textile, apparel, and fashion (TAF) industry. The lockdowns and limited access to retailer outlets resulted in a considerable drop in consumption, creating problems related to the excess of stock, the decrease of sales, and the disposal of non-used items. This paper outlines the implications of the COVID-19 on the TAF sectors and European retailers. It analyzes how the current supply chains exacerbated stock control problems, and it reports on the changes in consumption during the pandemic. The worldwide restrictive measures implemented to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic were responsible for significant profit losses. Also, the decrease in consumption, caused by several geographically wide lockdowns, prompted a subsequent reduction in orders and sales, resulting in a significant number of constraints. The implementation of more environmentally friendly processes, including sustainable circularity as a competitiveness source to keep the TAF sectors in the loop and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, may help address the problems associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in the sustainability context, as reported in this paper.

HOW ANALYTICS CAN IMPROVE LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN IN MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES: PERSPECTIVES FROM EUROPE AND AMERICA

The research is focused on the role of big data analytics in logistics of transportation in multinational companies across the world. It shows new opportunities for current supply chain practices, while adding operational excellence and value. A survey was carried out among staff members of multinational companies from the Americas, and Europe. For the statistical investigation of survey data, an equation modeling was used. Results reveal that demand management, seller rating, and vendor satisfaction are the most important factors. The study also found that analytics affect efficiency, operational excellence, customer service, and cost savings in the supply chain industry. The goal is to reduce the gap between demand management and supply chain management by improving customer satisfaction, visibility, and visibility. The big data can produce substantial value added and monetary gains for companies and will quickly become common throughout the industry.

Stakeholders' Perspectives Regarding Supply Chain System of Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines in Pakistan: A Qualitative Study.

The present study was undertaken to assess the current supply chain system of pharmaceuticals and vaccines in Pakistan in terms of structure, process, and outcomes, as well as related barriers and solutions for an effective supply chain system. A qualitative study was designed to explore stakeholders’ perceptions selected using the snowball sampling technique. A semi-structured interview guide was used to interview these respondents at a convenient time and place. After data collection, recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis. The results highlighted that the standard operating procedures (SOPs), checklists, and government guidelines were available at different levels, except for community pharmacies. Timely delivery of quality products and services along with market reputation, experience, and authorization were the key criteria used for supplier selection and evaluation. Good inventory management, financial models, effective coordination, training, and skill development programs were identified as key factors responsible for an efficient supply chain process. Availability of vaccines, their appropriate temperature monitoring, and transportation are also highly compromised in Pakistan. The results of the present study concluded that the current supply chain system in Pakistan is not up to the mark; major factors include poor forecasting and inventory control, delayed order placement, lack of training, inadequate involvement of professionally qualified staff, inadequate financing and procurement processes, and poor coordination and integration among all stakeholders.

Transiting to green growth in fossil export‐dependent economies: A pathway for Africa

AbstractDivestment from fossil fuels has been at the heart of global climate discourse. For developing countries that have traditionally been less emitters and at the receiving end of the severest economic impact of climate change, a sweeping divestment could lead to serious socio‐economic and political consequences. African countries must collectively adapt energy transition to local context and pursue a pragmatic approach that ensures a gradual transition from fossil fuels to a green economy. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) presents a unique platform for Africa to achieve net‐zero emissions by continued investments in fossil fuels while drastically cutting emissions arising from current externalised supply chains because AfCFTA will promote cleaner regional supply chains. Africa's fossil fuel‐dependent economies must redirect current fossil revenues into creating non‐fossil‐based industries while making a gradual‐but‐steady shift from fossil fuel as the source of fiscal revenues. African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) is partnering with the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) to establish an institutional structure, the African Energy Transition Bank that will support African fossil fuel‐dependent economies to achieve a smooth and orderly transition to green economies.

Digitalising food manufacturing

Digitalising food manufacturing

Competitiveness of the Shared Economy Model for Sustainable Management of Logistics Systems

This paper analyses the shared economy model to sustainably manage the tangible and in- tangible resources of logistics systems. A critical review of literature on the current supply chain management policy and technological platform in current use that supports it was done to suggest a new conceptual framework for logistics processes' sustainable management on a shared economy platform. This was examined according to how the concepts of new technologies influence logistics and the role of sustainable management platforms of the shared economy in enabling greater improved logistics processes. The inductive methodology approach was applied using multi-criteria analysis interpretive research method. The impact of the shared business model on each stakeholder and beneficiary varies according to how resources are consumed and its adoption according to the core business models requirements of each. Current scientific literature does not identify the impact this phenomenon has on companies in different sectors, as there is a lack of detailed analysis and evidence to fill this gap, particularly as the Internet of Things (IoT) monetize digital assets autonomously through the Economy of Things (EoT) marketplaces. From the analysis conducted, the findings provide a concept of the prototype framework required for the shared economy in the e-logistics' ecosystems rather than traditional ones, modelled using multi-criteria analysis interpretive methods as a strategic resource within the shared economy of supply chain management systems.

Relational Approaches Related to Digital Supply Chain Management Consolidation

This study provides a specific theoretical–applicative approach, of economic content, containing information and reference data in a logical and relational structure centered on aspects deemed suitable for enhancing the digital performance of the current supply chain management. The objective of the study is to correlate as closely as possible the theoretical scientific content with the practical side, with an emphasis on modernity. This objective led to the scientific interpretation, from a methodological perspective, of a relevant approach that proposes the analysis of several mathematical relationships and a case study that justifies the significance of the essential characteristics in ensuring the viability and resilience of the digitally consolidated Supply Chain Management. The work is particularly of interest and utility to entrepreneurs and managers involved in the construction and effective administration of (already digital) supply chain management, which is undergoing continual digital transformation and consolidation. In addition, this research will enhance the number of specialized sources that may be used for future research in this topic’s area of interest.

Opportunities in Critical Rare Earth Metal Recycling Value Chains for Economic Growth with Sustainable Technological Innovations

Rare earth elements (REEs) are often referred to as the industrial vitamins and the key drivers of the industry 4.0 revolution. The current global supply chain of REEs for green and high-tech applications with more than 220 metric kilotons per year involves a huge environmental impact (backpack) as well as the piling up of radioactive by-products to about 1.5 times the amount of REEs produced. E-wastes and municipal solid waste streams are attractive secondary resources. The current opinion paper discusses the recycling of rare earth metals along the value chain with the opportunities and challenges associated with it. The way to mitigate the economic constraints has been pointed out in terms of competitive quality and recovery of the REEs when compared with the mineral exploration options in the market. It is also emphasised that the technical complexity, capital expenditures and operating expenses need to fit the economic boundary conditions to make the recycling viable. In future, the appropriate REE-rich feedstocks such as fluorescent lamp e-waste powders and magnets can be potential secondary sources of the critical raw materials necessary for the green transition. The success of the viable recycling approaches and technologies will largely depend on the public–private partnerships based on hybrid financing models and local know-how generation to compete with quasi-monopoly in the REE supply chains. However, to break the monopolies, it will not be sufficient to only recycle the REEs; it will also be relevant to diversify the industries that produce REE-containing goods from recycled waste streams.

Towards carbon neutrality: Improving resource efficiency of the rare earth elements in China

Rare earth elements (REEs) are essential for promoting clean energy technologies and making high-performance materials because of their unique physical and chemical properties. In order to respond to climate change, the Chinese government has promised to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. Under such a circumstance, the demand for REEs will increase significantly. However, several challenges exist in current REEs supply chain management in China. This policy brief discusses these challenges from a life cycle perspective, covering REEs mining, smelting, manufacturing, waste management, and recycling. Policy recommendations on future REEs supply chain management are then proposed, including adequate mining quota, a strategic REEs list, innovative high-tech applications, and circular economy.

Rethinking the use of bio-based plastics to accelerate the decarbonization of our society

The need to tackle the current environmental impact of plastics is driving the development of new bio-based materials. Although these bioplastics offer carbon footprint reductions, their role in a more sustainable economy is still unclear. Herein, a systematic review was performed to understand the impact of producing bioplastics. This information was used to perform a life cycle assessment considering different end-of-life scenarios. Then a Smart Use of Materials based on the assumption of only using certain materials in targeted applications was proposed. It was found that the dedicated use of bio-polyethylene terephthalate for packaging and polylactic acid for textiles can offer a carbon footprint reduction of up to 67% and 80% respectively. Therefore, we present a major opportunity to decarbonize our society using current technologies and supply chains. This concept contributes to building a society that understands the place of bio-based materials and addresses pollution from a material selection perspective.

Modeling and analysis of port supply chain system based on Fabric blockchain

With the development of international trade, the core position of port transportation progressively emerges. However, most current port supply chain systems adopt a centralized data management mode. Each operator in the supply chain has its platform and data set, which is prone to form information islands and can create trust issues, resulting in the inefficient overall operation of the supply chain. To improve the efficiency of the supply chain, a port supply chain system based on Fabric blockchain (Fabric-PSChain) is designed and implemented. In the proposed system, four smart contracts are developed by taking advantage of the blockchain’s decentralized, tamper-free, distributed consensus, combined with the Role-Based Access Control Policy (RBACP), realizing the functions of access control policy formulation, enterprise list query, cargo order uploading, and order query. At the same time, the regulator node is added to the Fabric-PSchain system to enhance the credibility and security of data and meet regulatory compliance requirements. Experimental results show that the Fabric-PSChain system has vital confidentiality and data sharing that can speed up the operation of the port supply chain business and has significant application value for the shipping logistics industry.

The Advantages of The Blockchain Supply Chain Under the Influence of the Epidemic --Take the Retail Industry as an Example

Under the development of globalization, the integration of value chain resources and information has become a prerequisite for optimizing the supply chain. Blockchain technology can effectively analyze and optimize the information of various departments in real-time. This paper studies the advantages of blockchain technology in the upgrading and management of the retail supply chain through the case study method. The research conclusion found that blockchain supply chain technology is still in the development stage. Through the analysis of the supply chains of the three companies, it can be concluded that the current blockchain supply chain network is not well established, lacks corresponding digital technology, and requires corresponding legal regulations on the dissemination of information chains.

Optimizing the number of deployed yard cranes in a container terminal

Container terminals play an essential role in the current global supply chain, and their efficiency influences businesses throughout the supply chain. One of the most critical decisions in the operation of container terminals is the number of deployed rubber tyred gantry (RTG) cranes to handle the containers. The RTG crane is the main equipment that handles containers in the stacking area of many container terminals worldwide. Every shift, container terminal operators decide how many RTG cranes are needed to stack and retrieve containers. This decision, if made optimally, can significantly improve the daily throughput of terminals and dramatically reduce port congestion. This article aims to determine the optimal number of RTG cranes in a container terminal by formulating the problem as a mixed-integer linear program. Our proposed formulation can find optimal solutions efficiently, usually in less than a second. The results show that the workload, storage capacity, and shift duration significantly influence the optimal number of RTG cranes.

Analysis of Logistics Cost on Smallholder and Middleman to Foster Tea Supply Chain: A Case Study in Central Java Province, Indonesia

The competitiveness of Indonesian tea in the global market is diminishing due to the oversupply and inability to provide agile logistics and market-oriented quality. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the current tea supply chain and analyze the logistics cost based on the activity-based costing (ABC) method in the smallholder and middleman tier to foster the sustainability of tea agribusiness. It was conducted in three main areas in Central Java Province, Indonesia, namely Batang, Pekalongan, and Banjarnegara regency. The method used was an in-depth interview and a semi-structured questionnaire to gain holistic information from 181 respondents. The results showed that material handling activity and transportation have the highest portion of the smallholder’s and middleman logistics costs, respectively. The total logistics cost of smallholders varied from case to case, ranging from IDR 821.7 to IDR 1,075.0 per kg of fresh tea leaves. Transportation activity and administration costs make up 30.8% of the total smallholder’s logistics cost. Meanwhile, the current development of the global tea market promotes policy adaptation on the commercial plantation tier and increases the cost of labor for plucking activity up to 2.5 times. Additionally, this study discovered the profit range of smallholders and middlemen. Therefore, the collaborative work of all parties is necessary to succeed in sustainable tea agribusiness.

Forestry 4.0 and Industry 4.0: Use case on wildfire behavior predictions

Forest industries deserve special attention due to relations between environmental impact and social and economic development. The increase of forest fires caused by the untenable exploitation has motivated the application of concepts such as Industry/Forestry 4.0 and Internet of Forest Things (IoFT) towards improving the performance of current supply chains and assuming an environmental responsibility. This research focuses on the application of IoFT for the prediction of wildfires behavior and proposes a semantic platform for heterogeneous IoFT data aggregation that grants interoperability through semantic technologies. The dataset considered climatic- and vegetation-related data gathered by Brazilian government sensors and satellite information on fires, and Machine Learning predicted the areas affected after a fire event. Both platform and predictions were validated and Random Forest predicted the area with 89% accuracy, showing better performance than Deep Neural Network, with 79%.