Digital Supply Chain Research Articles

Proactiveness, knowledge management capability and innovation ambidexterity: an empirical examination of digital supply chain adoption

PurposeThis paper has predicted digital supply chain (DSC) adoption through the role of firms' proactiveness, knowledge management capability (KMC), innovation ambidexterity and the moderating effect of environmental dynamism.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data from 354 managers in manufacturing and service firms were analysed using the PLS-SEM model.FindingsThe present study's findings ascertained the significant role of innovation ambidexterity in influencing DSC adoption, given that innovation exploration's direct and mediating impacts were greater than innovation exploitation's. Firms' proactiveness had the highest path coefficient value among the endogenous variables as an indispensable source for firms to successfully embrace KMC and innovation ambidexterity. The role of firm size on DSC adoption was also significant, revealing that SMEs were more likely than larger firms to adopt DSC practices. Despite its significant effect on innovation ambidexterity, KMC surprisingly exhibited no direct influence on DSC adoption. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated the significant moderating role of environmental dynamism on the effect of KMC on innovation exploration.Research limitations/implicationsThis research endeavour has presented valuable insights for scholars and managers, furnishing them with a framework to facilitate decision-making processes regarding adopting DSC practices. A key insight gleaned from this study has been the remarkable value of firms' proactive behaviour and innovation ambidexterity in facilitating DSC adoption decisions. Such adoption has empowered organisations to deploy appropriate interventions and allocate resources efficiently, considering the pivotal role of innovation exploration in contrast to the relatively limited impact of innovation exploitation within this context. Managers may also underscore the significance of firm size in shaping DSC adoption decisions. Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been more likely to embrace DSC initiatives than their larger counterparts. The agile scale and streamlined organisational structures of SMEs often translate into faster decision-making processes, allowing for DSC adoption with relative ease. SMEs might also exhibit a greater openness to reap the benefits associated with DSC systems, such as improved operational efficiency and cost reduction.Originality/valueThe present study has advanced DSC adoption research by examining innovation ambidexterity, knowledge management capability and firms' proactiveness. It has also provided valuable insights for scholars and managers, presenting a framework for decision-making processes regarding DSC adoption in an emerging economy context.

Optimization and inventory management under stochastic demand using metaheuristic algorithm.

This study considers multi-period inventory systems for optimizing profit and storage space under stochastic demand. A nonlinear programming model based on random demand is proposed to simulate the inventory operation. The effective inventory management system is realized using a multi-objective grey wolf optimization (MOGWO) method, reducing storage space while maximizing profit. Numerical outcomes are used to confirm the efficacy of the optimal solutions. The numerical analysis and tests for multi-objective inventory optimization are performed in the four practical scenarios. The inventory model's sensitivity analysis is performed to verify the optimal solutions further. Especially the proposed approach allows businesses to optimize profits while regulating the storage space required to operate in inventory management. The supply chain performance can be significantly enhanced using inventory management strategies and inventory management practices. Finally, the novel decision-making strategy can offer new insights into effectively managing digital supply chain networks against market volatility.

Enhancing third-party logistics providers partnerships: An approach through the D.L.A.R.C.S supply chain paradigm

The effective selection of third-party logistics providers (3PLs) is crucial for achieving optimal supply chain performance. This study addresses the challenge of 3PL selection by adopting the comprehensive Digital, Lean, Agile, Resilient, Circular, and Sustainable (D.L.A.R.C.S) supply chain paradigm, which encompasses dimensions vital for managing modern supply chains, including digital, lean, agile, resilient, circular, and sustainable aspects. Recognising the interconnectedness of these dimensions, this paradigm emphasises their collective importance in enhancing supply chain operations. Utilising fuzzy SWARA (Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis) and BWM (Best Worst Method) techniques, the study evaluates and ranks 3PLs based on their performance within these dimensions. The analysis reveals pivotal criteria such as purchasing price, transportation cost, removal of wastes, service costs, reduction in costs, and crisis and risk management as paramount considerations in the 3PL selection process. These criteria not only provide specific insights but also serve as a foundation for a data-driven approach to decision-making. This research, beyond offering strategic alignment insights for outsourcing, contributes substantively to the broader discourse on supply chain management. The methodology employed in this study integrates diverse dimensions, offering a robust framework for 3PL selection, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability across industries. The findings offer valuable insights for tyre manufacturers seeking to optimise their logistics operations within the D.L.A.R.C.S. framework, contributing to the advancement of supply chain management in the tyre industry and beyond.

Navigating the interplay between innovation orientation, dynamic capabilities, and digital supply chain optimization: empirical insights from SMEs

This study empirically explores the influence of innovation orientation on the digital supply chain, mediated by dynamic capabilities within the context of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This study, rooted in a comprehensive evaluation of dynamic capabilities and innovation orientation, introduces a framework that could serve as a valuable resource for subsequent research. It contributes to the global discourse on optimizing digital supply chain practices among SMEs. Quantitative method was employed, gathering data from 212 professionals in SMEs in Dubai, UAE, via an online questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SmartPLS 4, focusing on reliability, validity, discriminant validity, and hypothesis testing. The findings show a significant influence of innovation orientation on the digital supply chain. Dynamic capabilities also exhibit an indirect yet substantial impact on the relationship between innovation orientation and the digital supply chain. The identified dynamic capabilities are instrumental in refining decisions associated with the circular economy and leveraging technology to enhance supply chain mechanisms. These capabilities foster positive correlations between the digital supply chain and innovation. The predominant advantage of digital supply chains for consumers lies in their agility and speed, facilitating swift response to customer demand and bolstering business efficiency. The model presented is a template for future research, which could expand its scope to include other industries like manufacturing or services, augmenting the robustness of the findings.

Linking of digital supply chains and digital transformation on the competitiveness of government companies in the supply chain 4.0 era

In the ever-growing digital era, technology has changed various aspects of human life, including the way governments manage supply chains in procuring goods and services. Digital transformation has opened new opportunities to increase efficiency, transparency, and accountability in procurement in government companies. This research aims to investigate the relationship between digital supply chains and competitiveness and the relationship between digital transformation and the competitiveness of government companies. This type of research is quantitative through survey methods. The population of this research is employees of government logistics companies who are responsible for supply chain processes, have digital activities and implement Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). The research questionnaire was designed using a Likert scale of 1 to 9, a scale of 1 indicating strongly disagree and a scale of 9 indicating strongly agree. Questionnaires were distributed via social media to 780 employees of government logistics companies related to supply chain processes, respondents were determined using a simple random sampling method. Of the 780 questionnaires that were returned, 570 were returned for analysis. Data analysis uses the partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) method with data analysis tools, namely SmartPLS 3.0. The data analysis stages are reliability, validity and hypothesis testing. The independent variables of this research are digital supply chain and digital transformation. The dependent variable is the company's competitiveness. The results of this research show that digital supply chains have a positive and significant relationship to competitiveness and digital transformation has a positive and significant relationship to competitiveness. By utilizing digital technology optimally, companies can obtain several extraordinary benefits. Among other things, companies will be able to expand markets and increase revenue more effectively. Apart from that, digital technology also makes it easier to monitor business activities, create structured financial reports, and reduce costs, especially in terms of marketing, logistics and shipping.

The Impact of Supply Chain Digitalization on Financing Efficiency of Small and Medium Enterprises: A Perspective of Supply Chain Resilience

Unlocking supply-demand bottlenecks, extending chains, supplementing links, and strengthening chains to enhance supply chain resilience are key to improving financing efficiency for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This paper, based on panel data of all SMEs listed on the Small and Medium Enterprise Board and the Growth Enterprise Board of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2015 to 2022, constructs a double-difference model to explore, for the first time, the impact of supply chain digitalization on the financing efficiency of SMEs and its transmission mechanism from the perspective of supply chain resilience. The research findings indicate that supply chain digitalization significantly enhances the financing efficiency of SMEs. Mechanism analysis suggests that supply chain resilience is the key transmission path through which supply chain digitalization enhances financing efficiency for SMEs. By optimizing supply chain dynamic capabilities, including proactive capability, reactive capability, and quality capability, to promote key resource integration such as cost control, fund circulation, and innovation collaboration, SMEs’ financing efficiency is empowered. Further analysis reveals that state-owned enterprises and SMEs in the central and eastern regions of China experience more significant improvements in financing efficiency. The conclusions of this paper provide policy implications for government initiatives to promote supply chain digitalization, ensure industrial chain security, and formulate differentiated policies targeting weak links in the process of supply chain digitalization.

Digital supply chain: literature review of seven related technologies

This paper systematically reviews literature related with digital supply chains (DSC) and investigates the application status and development trend of different digital technologies in supply chain management. The review is conducted from the perspective of seven key digital supply chain technologies, i.e. Internet of Things (IoT) & Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), 5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology (5G), 3D Printing, Big data (BD), Blockchain, Digital Twins (DT), and Intelligent autonomous vehicles (IAVs). It highlights the main limitations and opportunities of the various DSC technologies, provides an overview of prior studies, and identifies knowledge gaps by outlining the advantages, weaknesses and restrictions of individual technology. The paper also aims at providing a development framework as a roadmap for the match of different digital technologies with different strategic goals.

Identifying Digital Supply Chain Capabilities

In the global manufacturing sector, the ever-increasing digital transformation of Supply Chains (SCs) has become imperative, leading to building new digital and analytical capabilities to achieve SC competitiveness. However, building these new capabilities to integrate end-to-end Digital Supply Chains (DSCs) is a major challenge. There is a need to develop a SCM holistic view that facilitates the understanding of the fundamentals behind successful strategic alignment, information sharing, and collaborative decision-making across supply chains and networks. This paper examines key enabling digital and smart technologies transforming supply chains and networks through an explorative review of the scientific literature, identifying emerging DSC capabilities and technology adoption challenges that supply chains and networks face to achieve their digital transformation. Furthermore, this paper concludes that digital strategic alignment must be practised among DSC partners. The findings contribute to understanding how digital and analytical capabilities are built for DSC competitiveness – with implications for SCM theory and practice.

Digitalization Initiatives of Home Care Medical Supply Chain: A Case-Study-Based Approach

The exceptional COVID-19 crisis has shown the fragility of the health supply chain and the need for its digital transformation. However, digitization initiatives for healthcare supply chain have focused mainly on the hospital as a central point of consumption as well as on the relationship between the hospital and its suppliers. Thus, unlike previous studies that have focused on the digitalization of the internal supply chain of hospitals, this article is centered on the digitalization of external trajectories, particularly, the home care medical supply chain. This perspective complements the hospital-centric model, in which logistics activities are analyzed only from the point of view of the focal actor, which is the hospital. In order to understand this contemporary phenomenon embedded in a local context, we have conducted an in-depth case study. Based on an enriched model of the digital supply chain developed by Queiroz et al. (2021), this article offers for the first time a deep understanding and digitalization initiatives of the home care medical supply chain. The research proposals can guide logistics managers and nurses on their initiatives of digitalization of the home care medical supply chain, and further strengthen the healthcare development. This article draws the attention of healthcare stakeholders to the importance of efforts in the digitalization of external trajectories, thus allowing the healthcare system to adapt to the growing needs of elderly people and people with physical or mental disabilities.

Digitalization of Supply Chain and Its Impact on Cost, Firm Performance, and Resilience: Technology Turbulence and Top Management Commitment as Moderator

Digitalization of Supply Chain and Its Impact on Cost, Firm Performance, and Resilience: Technology Turbulence and Top Management Commitment as Moderator

The role of artificial intelligence on digital supply chain in industrial companies mediating effect of operational efficiency

The role of artificial intelligence on digital supply chain in industrial companies mediating effect of operational efficiency

The nexus between digital supply chain and sustainability: An empirical study in pharmaceutical companies in Jordan

The nexus between digital supply chain and sustainability: An empirical study in pharmaceutical companies in Jordan

The partnerships and logistics leadership in the SMEs: The impact of digital supply chain implementation

Digital supply chains play an important role in improving the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in this digital era. There has been no research that analyzes the relationship between digital leadership, leadership, and partnerships. The aim of this research is to analyze the defect of digital supply chain implementation on logistics leadership and the impact of digital supply chain implementation on partnerships and logistics leadership partnerships. The method of this research is quantitative and data analysis uses structural equation modeling (SEM) partial least squares (PLS) using tools. SmartPLS 3.0 software data is used for processing the data. Research data is obtained by distributing online questionnaires to 589 SME owners in Indonesia determined using a simple random sampling method. The online questionnaire is designed using a Likert scale from 1 to 7 and distributed via social media. The stages of data analysis are validity testing, reliability testing and hypothetical testing. Based on the results of data analysis, it is concluded that digital supply chain implementation has a positive and significant effect on logistics leadership, digital supply chain implementation has a positive and significant effect on partnerships and logistics leadership had a positive and significant effect on partnerships. The novelty of this research is the creation of a correlation model for variable partnerships, logistics leadership and digital supply chain implementation. The managerial implication of this research is to encourage increased partnerships and logistics leadership and we conclude that SMES managers must implement digital supply chain implementation. The theoretical implication of this research is that a new correlation model of partnerships, logistics leadership and digital supply chain implementation in SMEs is created.

Digital Supply Chain Management and Technology to Enhance Resilience by Building and Using End-to-End Visibility During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In practice, an increased interest into end-to-end visibility as a future-oriented driver and capability of resilient supply chains can be observed. However, the research in this area is in its infancy. Even less is understood about resilience and the potentials of a digital supply chain in pandemic settings. Based on an analysis of the relevant literature supplemented with the multiple case studies constructed with the use of primary data, we build a framework that could be instructive for supply chain managers seeking to manage resilience during pandemic disruptions and using digital technology. Our main methodological contributions are unlocking the value and potentials of end-to-end supply chain visibility for resilience management in the face of pandemic disruptions. We propose an associated design and implementation framework containing multiple dimensions—management, organizational, and technological. The outcomes of the article offer a conceptual guideline concerning the potentials and implementation of end-to-end visibility in the management of supply chain resilience.

Developing Supply Chain Capabilities Through Digitalization and Viability for Controlling the Ripple Effect

The COVID-19 pandemic affected all industries and presented manufacturing firms with enormous challenges, with considerable changes in consumer demand for goods and services. Supply chain management disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak resulted in several socio-economic roadblocks. The slow propagation of disruption risk results in a ripple effect along the entire chain. The lack of resilience and risk management capability is the prime cause, attributed to the unavailability of digital resources, skills, and knowledge. The main objective of this article is to develop supply chain capability for disruption risk management and supply chain resilience for competitive gain in terms of controlling the ripple effect. The resource-based view approach was used to develop the theoretical structure in this article. Supply chain digitalization and viability provide necessary resources to develop the capability for managing risk and resilience to tackle the impact of disruptions due to pandemics, war, recession, and other such massive challenges on the supply chain. Seven hypotheses were proposed and evaluated for relevance using structural equation modeling (SEM). In total, 199 valid responses to a survey on SEM were gathered and examined using the AMOS V-21 software. Our research findings supported all the proposed hypotheses, thereby generating positive theoretical evidence for practitioners to digitalize their supply chain for enhanced supply chain capabilities and effective control of the ripple effect.

Embracing the Digital Intelligence: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Mass Customization

This paper provides an insightful exploration of Mass Customization (MC), a rising trend in the modern manufacturing landscape that couples the efficiency of large-scale production with the allure of personalized products. It elucidates MC’s operational, market-related, and customer engagement challenges, offering optimization strategies grounded in digital intelligence technology and Supply Chain Agility (SCA). The paper delves into the role of 3D printing, Flexible Manufacturing Systems, data-driven designs, and Digital Twin Technology, illustrating how these technologies can enhance MC processes. It also underscores the importance of SCA in mediating the complex relationship between these technologies and MC capabilities, thus offering a nuanced understanding of its implementation. The study concludes that the integration of digital intelligence technology, paired with the enhancement of SCA, can effectively navigate the complexities of MC, providing a competitive edge in today’s volatile market landscape. This research is a significant theoretical and practical guide for organizations aspiring to transition toward MC amidst the digital revolution.

Вплив прямих іноземних інвестицій на менш розвинені регіони

The article is devoted to the study of the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) and the activities of TNCs in less developed regions (LDRs), which can lead to a break in value chains and to an increasingly complex division of labor, more complex decisions on location and directions of regional development. The author presents different types and mechanisms of FDI in more developed regions (MDRs) and in LDRs. The main approaches to FDI in the LDRs, developed in economic theory, are evaluated. Attention is drawn to that that international production and FDI will have significant implications for the LDRs in the near future. The development of factory automation is likely to reduce the feasibility of low labor costs, low-cost locations, which, in turn, will lead to increased reuse, attraction of resources in high-tech industries and a decrease in the level of added value of services. Increasing digitalization of supply chains is likely to lead to the emergence of more complex global production networks, the expansion of international production in both low-tech industries and higher value-added services. Increased automation and digitalization, trends in regional integration towards more stable local and regional sources of supply, and a push to become less dependent on imports of strategic goods undertaken by more developed regions (MDRs) are likely to lead to stronger organization of production networks on a macro-regional scale. The article urges experts to continue researching FDI in the face of uneven development.

Examining the Effects of Digital Supply Chain Practices on Supply Chain Viability and Operational Performance: A Practice-Based View

Examining the Effects of Digital Supply Chain Practices on Supply Chain Viability and Operational Performance: A Practice-Based View

Digital Supply Chain Capabilities: Mitigating Disruptions and Leveraging Competitive Advantage Under COVID-19

Digital Supply Chain Capabilities: Mitigating Disruptions and Leveraging Competitive Advantage Under COVID-19

Developing a Conceptual Framework Process to Understand the Implementation of Digital Supply Chain Management by a Food Manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprise in Malaysia

Developing a Conceptual Framework Process to Understand the Implementation of Digital Supply Chain Management by a Food Manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprise in Malaysia