Efficient Supply Chain Management Research Articles

A digital twin-enabled digital spare parts supply chain

An efficient and effective spare parts supply chain management is crucial to ensure highly available production systems. However, achieving such a spare parts supply chain management is challenging due to the intrinsic characteristics of spare parts. Traditional spare parts supply chains (TSPSCs) adopt large spare parts inventories to tackle such intrinsic characteristics, with disadvantages in terms of high inventory costs. Recently, Additive Manufacturing (AM) has shown breakthrough potential, allowing the transition from TSPSCs to digital spare parts supply chains (DSPSCs), where spare parts are no longer stored in large amounts but are stored digitally and produced only when needed. However, despite DSPSCs benefits, a complete transition from TSPSCs to DSPSCs is still far from becoming reality. Indeed, hindering such a transition is a lack of expertise in three main areas, i.e. how to design, operate, and control and monitor a DSPSC. With this position paper, we envision how a digital twin (DT) could overcome these issues, enabling a full transition to a DSPSC. Moreover, this work further concretely suggests how such a DT could be developed, providing the basis for developing both the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to render DSPSCs a reality.

Market Analysis and Entry Strategy for German Investors in the Specialty Coffee Segment of the Colombian Coffee Industry

The primary purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive market analysis and develop a strategic entry plan for German investors interested in the specialty coffee segment of the Colombian coffee industry. Utilizing a qualitative research methodology, this paper delves into various facets of the market, including an examination of consumer preferences, an analysis of the competitive landscape, an evaluation of supply chain dynamics, and a review of the legal and regulatory environment. The research reveals that German investors have a significant opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for specialty coffee in Germany by leveraging Colombia’s renowned reputation for producing high-quality coffee beans. However, achieving success in this venture necessitates a meticulous approach, including a strong emphasis on sustainability practices, efficient supply chain management, and strict adherence to local regulations. The paper culminates with a set of strategic recommendations, providing German investors with a roadmap to successfully enter and navigate the complex landscape of the Colombian specialty coffee market. These recommendations are designed to help investors align their strategies with market trends, mitigate potential risks, and seize the opportunities presented by this dynamic and evolving industry.

Re(I)novation of Supply Chain Management for the Improvement of Business Performance in Shallot Commodities

The poor condition of the Shallot Commodity Supply Chain can be observed from the fluctuations from upstream to downstream, due to the dynamic changes in the demand and supply quantities up to the distribution channel amounts. The (Re)innovation of Shallot Supply Chain Management is an innovation from the aspects of Partnership, Contractual Agreements, Transaction Systems, and Government Support. The objective of this research is to analyze the shallot supply chain model using the Food Supply Chain Framework (FSCN) approach. The method used is qualitative descriptive research, describing the behavior of the actors in the supply chain. This research was conducted from August 2022 to January 2023, using primary data collected through in-depth interviews with 152 respondents, shallot farmers in 5 regencies in Central Java. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling. The results of the study on the business performance of shallot commodities in forming an efficient supply chain management require criteria to improve partnerships, indicating that its marketing performance is already running well. Shallot commodity business actors are engaged in partnerships to monitor and evaluate marketing effectiveness periodically. This research has successfully enhanced the capabilities of the resources of the supply chain actors, making them more efficient and effective in transforming the agricultural sector.

Contract farming: a comparison of production and marketing contracts as sourcing strategies in the fast food restaurant industry

ABSTRACT The study sought to determine the most effective type of contract for sourcing broiler chickens from poultry farmers in Zimbabwe. Contract farming is used as a form of supplier development by restaurant businesses to source broiler chickens through either production or marketing contracts. However, it is yet to be evaluated whether supplier performances improve under production or marketing contracts. A sample of 50 chickens from production contract farmers and 50 from marketing contract farmers were assessed, summing to an effective sample size of 100 broiler chickens. Data was analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA). Results indicated that there are statistically significant differences between supplier performance metrics on the basis of the type of contracts farmers operated under. The poultry mortality rate was higher under marketing contracts than under production contracts. On-time delivery rate was higher under production contracts than under marketing contracts, while there were no statistically significant differences in the pre-slaughter weight of chickens between marketing and production contracts. The study therefore recommended that restaurant businesses as agro-processing firms stand to have effective and efficient supply chain management performance if they source their broiler chickens through production contracts rather than marketing contracts.

Birleşik Krallık'ta tedarik zinciri kesintilerine tanıklık eden stratejik satın almadaki en iyi uygulamalara ilişkin bir araştırma

This study aims to identify best practices in strategic procurement to alleviate the impact of supply chain disruptions around the world. The UK and similar countries rely significantly on global procurement, and the disruptions caused by events like the COVID-19 outbreak and Brexit have severe impacts. The study is conducted in two phases, including a literature review and actual research with an apt methodology. The primary findings of this research are the identification of best practices and looking at the procurement function as a strategic function integrated with supply chain management to make supply chain resilient organizations. This study contributes to the expanding literature concentrating on evaluating the best practices for a sourcing organization to become supply chain resilient during significant supply chain disruptions.

Performance Evaluation of Retail Warehouses: A Combined MCDM Approach Using G-BWM and RATMI

Background: The retail sector has experienced significant growth in recent years, necessitating efficient supply chain management and sustainable logistics practices. Evaluating the performance of retail warehouses is crucial for meeting customer expectations and enhancing operational efficiency. Methods: This study employed a combined multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, using the group best–worst method (G-BWM) for weighting criteria and ranking the alternatives based on the trace-to-median index (RATMI) for warehouse ranking. The performance criteria were cost, quality, time, productivity, and safety. Data were collected from four mega retail warehouses in the western region of Saudi Arabia for evaluation and analysis. Results: The evaluation of retail warehouse performance using the MCDM approach provided valuable insights for decision-makers and warehouse experts. The criteria weights were determined using the G-BWM, and the RATMI enabled the ranking of the warehouses based on their weighted performance scores. The results highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each warehouse, facilitating strategic planning, resource allocation, and operational improvements. Conclusions: This study presents a novel combined MCDM performance evaluation approach for retail warehouses. The study has implications for effective decision-making processes, resource allocation, and operational efficiency. Furthermore, it serves as a foundation for future research, exploring additional dimensions of warehouse performance and enabling sustainable logistics within the broader supply chain context.

Efficient Green Supply Chain Management for Transit Manufacturing Enterprises Integrating AHP, K-NN, and MILP in the Context of Sustainable Development

Efficient Green Supply Chain Management for Transit Manufacturing Enterprises Integrating AHP, K-NN, and MILP in the Context of Sustainable Development

Sustainable supply chain control strategies for the natural stone market

The natural stone market is an important component of the modern economy, with increasing demand driven by a growing population and urbanization. However, the industry faces a range of challenges related to supply chain risk management, including sourcing raw materials, transportation, and quality control. Effective risk management is crucial for the success of any business in this sector, as it helps to minimize losses, maintain quality, and ensure timely delivery of products to customers. This paper proposes the use of a flexible decision-making approach to classify major risks and identify Effective mitigation strategies for order management in the natural stone market. The proposed method considers multiple criteria, including financial, operational, and mitigation factors, to develop a comprehensive risk assessment framework that can be used to optimize control processes. By implementing the proposed framework, stakeholders in the natural stone market can improve their risk management capabilities and enhance their competitive advantage in the global market. The framework can help to identify the most critical risks and prioritize mitigation strategies, resulting in a more efficient and Effective supply chain management system. This paper presents a real case study of a Brazilian company, which illustrates the practical application of the proposed methodological framework in the natural stone market, highlighting its Effectiveness in identifying and mitigating risks related to stone slabs transportation network. The insights gained from this case study have potential for application across various industries facing analogous challenges in managing risks within their supply chains.

Classification of Factors Used to Predict Vehicle Break down in Commercial Vehicles

Prediction of vehicle breakdowns in commercial vehicles is of utmost importance to ensure the safety, reliability, and cost-effectivenessof road transport. In today's fast-paced and competitive business landscape, the smooth operation of commercialvehicles is crucial for ensuring efficient logistics and supply chain management. Unplanned breakdowns of commercial vehiclescan lead to significant financial losses, delays in delivery schedules, and potential damage to the reputation of the transportation companies. Commercial vehicle breakdowns pose significant challenges to both fleet operators and the broader transportation industry. The unexpected failure of a commercial vehicle can result in substantial costs, operational disruptions, and safetyhazards. In light of these considerations, the development of effective breakdown prediction models hasbecome an essentialendeavor.Predicting when andwhy abreakdownmight occurnotonly allows for proactive maintenance but also minimizes the economic and safety risksassociated withbreakdowns.©2024 STAIQC.Allrightsreserved

Optimization strategy of cross-border e-commerce supply chain network based on machine learning

Abstract The rapid development of cross-border e-commerce increases the complexity of supply chain management, and machine learning-based supply chain network optimization strategies are essential for improving efficiency and reducing costs. The study first analyzes the cross-border supply chain network topology and determines the multilayer network structure. Subsequently, an optimization model based on particle swarm algorithm (PSO) is proposed, including the mathematical model of the algorithm and improvement measures. The practical effect of the optimization strategy was verified through example analysis. It is found that the supply chain optimized with particle swarm algorithm has significant Improvement in terms of shipping accuracy, surface transportation ratio, and unit transportation cost. For example, the shipping accuracy of product A in 2022 increased to 95.3% compared to 2021, the proportion of surface transportation increased to 96.5%, and the unit transportation cost decreased by RMB 2.175 per kilogram. This study shows that the particle swarm algorithm can effectively optimize the cross-border e-commerce supply chain network, which is significant in achieving efficient supply chain management.

A Scoping Review of Postharvest Losses, Supply Chain Management, and Technology: Implications for Produce Quality in Developing Countries

Highlights A scoping review of 385 articles containing relevant literature, research studies, and connections among postharvest losses, produce quality, supply chain management, and technology use was performed. Several postharvest factors, including handling, pre-cooling, washing and sanitation, sorting and grading, packaging, storage, and transport, play key roles in maintaining produce quality, but stakeholders in developing countries or emerging economies often lack access, infrastructure, equipment, and capital, resulting in significant losses. Supply chain management plays an important role in reducing postharvest losses, yet managerial, socioeconomic, and supply hindrances create impediments to fresh food industries in developing countries. Recently developed technologies in cold storage, artificial intelligence, and tracking and tracing can have a significant impact on produce quality, and while developing countries have adopted new technologies rapidly, there are still financial, social, and regulatory obstacles limiting uptake. Abstract. Rising global population and increased demand for fresh food, especially in developing countries, underscore the critical need to address postharvest losses to ensure food security. Effective postharvest practices, supply chain management, and technology are key factors to sustaining produce quality. However, the magnitude and nature of these factors vary between developed and developing countries. Developed countries tend to have more efficient supply chain management systems, a highly skilled workforce, and greater access to advanced technologies, leading to a higher level of produce quality and fewer postharvest losses. In contrast, developing countries often suffer from inadequate infrastructure, a lack of access to modern technologies, a lack of skills to properly grade, sort, package, transport, and store produce, as well as poor quality control. Addressing these issues through improved supply chain management, the adoption of appropriate technologies, and training and education could lead to a reduction in postharvest losses, produce quality that is maintained, and a safer, more secure food supply. This article presents a scoping review of literature on postharvest factors, technologies, and practices resulting in the deterioration and losses of fruits and vegetables in fresh food supply chains, with an emphasis on developing countries. Existing and emerging technologies and supply chain management practices that maintain quality and facilitate the delivery of high-quality produce were highlighted. First, a conceptual framework for supply chains is presented to guide discussion on technical, economic, and policy opportunities and to provide insights that may strengthen the resilience of food systems in developing countries. Next, techniques and practices used in the produce industry were summarized, including how effective supply chain management can maintain quality and reduce postharvest losses at key distribution stages. Finally, recent literature on technology, applications, and barriers to adoption is presented, and strategies to strengthen supply chain resilience in developing countries are discussed. Keywords: Developing countries, Food loss, Food security, Postharvest losses, Postharvest management, Produce quality, Smallholder farmers, Supply chain management, Technology adoption.

Building Organizational Resilience: In the Role of Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management plays a pivotal role in the broader landscape of organizational resilience. In an era of globalization and interconnectivity, supply chains have grown increasingly complex. They extend across borders, involve multiple suppliers, and are susceptible to various risks and disruptions. Consequently, the effectiveness of supply chain management is crucial in building and maintaining an organization’s resilience (McKinsey, 2022). At the heart of this connection is the acknowledgment that a well-orchestrated supply chain can be both a source of competitive advantage and a safeguard against potential disruptions. Efficient supply chain management enables organizations to maintain uninterrupted operations, even when facing adverse conditions. This paper looks at the role of supply chain management in building supply chain resilience. The research studies previous literature, the current trends in supply chain management, and where we see the tides shifting in the future. Keywords: Supply chain management, organizational resilience.

Healthcare cybersecurity and cybercrime supply chain risk management

Cybersecurity is paramount in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare industry, particularly as supply chain management and logistics undergo digital transformation. This study examines the substantial threat posed by cybercrime to patient safety, data security, and operational efficiency within healthcare logistics and supply chain management. These risks can significantly impact an organization’s reputation and financial stability, necessitating vigilant detection and mitigation efforts by healthcare companies. As the primary defence against online threats, cybersecurity plays a pivotal role in preventing data breaches, cyberattacks, and other malicious activities that could have devastating consequences for the healthcare sector. Its core objective is to ensure the availability, confidentiality, and integrity of data, systems, and resources within the realm of healthcare supply chain management and logistics. Patient data protection stands out as a critical aspect of cybersecurity in this context. Healthcare logistics and supply chain management systems frequently handle sensitive patient data, encompassing billing details and medical histories. The compromise of such data places patient trust and the organization’s regulatory compliance at risk, potentially leading to identity theft, fraudulent claims, and privacy breaches. Furthermore, safeguarding the security of medical equipment is of paramount importance. With the increasing connectivity of these devices through the Internet of Things (IoT), they become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Apart from jeopardizing patient safety, a breach in medical device security raises questions about the authenticity and reliability of healthcare products and services. Another pressing issue that healthcare institutions must address is unauthorised access to their systems. Cybercriminals persistently seek entry points into these systems to exploit vulnerabilities for illicit or profitable purposes. Robust cybersecurity measures are essential to thwarting unauthorised access and ensuring that only authorised individuals can access and modify sensitive medical data. Maintaining the accuracy of patient records is crucial for efficient supply chain management and healthcare logistics. Cyberattacks that manipulate or corrupt patient records can lead to medical errors, endangering patient safety. Consequently, cybersecurity measures must include safeguards to preserve the integrity and accuracy of these records. Beyond these immediate concerns, cybersecurity is instrumental in preventing disruptions to healthcare operations and services. Downtime resulting from cyberattacks can be catastrophic, impeding patient care and undermining the overall effectiveness of supply chain management and healthcare logistics. Cybersecurity safeguards continuous healthcare services by guaranteeing the security and accessibility of data and systems. Furthermore, cybersecurity plays a pivotal role in protecting the integrity, trust, and reputation of healthcare organizations. A cyberattack or data breach can tarnish an organization’s reputation and erode patient confidence. Such damage can have enduring repercussions, affecting an organization’s ability to attract clients, partners, and investors.

LEVERAGING COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES ON BUSINESS OUTCOMES POST-COVID-19 PANDEMIC: EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION FROM AFRICA

Background: The novel coronavirus has damaged the global economy, and business outcomes such as low profitability, poor sales, and weak market share, including intense competition, are widespread within the business ecosystem; however, competitive strategies have been some of the business decisions in recent times. Aim: The study, therefore, examined the effects of competitive strategies on business outcomes of selected consumer goods companies listed in Nigeria, the most populous and largest economy in Africa. Methods and Sample: The study adopted a survey research design, with a population of 22,466 staff members, comprising regular employees and top- and middle-level managers of twenty consumer goods companies listed on the Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX). The study used a proportionate stratified sampling technique to draw a convenient sample for the analysis. 491 copies of the questionnaire were administered to the respondents, with a response rate of 97.76%. Results: Findings showed that competitive strategies significantly and positively affected business outcomes (Adj. R2 = 0.563; F5/1306 = 337.061, p<0.05). Conclusion: The study recommended that the consumer goods companies often refer to Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) listed in Nigeria must have a market-development mindset, invest in consumer education, and integrate an efficient supply chain management model.

Blockchain technology in agriculture: Enhancing supply chain transparency and traceability

Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative force in agriculture, offering significant potential to enhance supply chain transparency and traceability. This paper explores the application of blockchain in agricultural supply chains, emphasizing its role in addressing key challenges such as fraud, inefficiency, and lack of trust among stakeholders. By providing a decentralized and immutable ledger, blockchain ensures that every transaction within the agricultural supply chain is securely recorded, from farm to fork. This transparency helps combat issues like food fraud by verifying the authenticity and origin of products, thereby increasing consumer confidence and safeguarding brand reputation. Furthermore, blockchain enhances traceability, allowing for real-time tracking of agricultural products throughout the supply chain. This capability is particularly valuable in ensuring food safety, as it enables rapid identification and response to contamination incidents, thus reducing the scope of foodborne illness outbreaks. The technology also facilitates more efficient supply chain management by streamlining processes, reducing the need for intermediaries, and minimizing paperwork, leading to cost savings and faster transaction times. Despite its potential, the adoption of blockchain in agriculture faces challenges, including the need for technological infrastructure, the cost of implementation, and the necessity of widespread stakeholder collaboration. Additionally, the integration of blockchain with other technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence, is critical to maximizing its benefits and ensuring seamless data flow within the supply chain. In conclusion, blockchain technology holds the promise of revolutionizing agricultural supply chains by enhancing transparency, traceability, and efficiency. As the industry continues to evolve, the adoption of blockchain could lead to more sustainable and trustworthy food systems, benefiting producers, consumers, and the environment. However, overcoming implementation barriers and fostering collaboration across the supply chain are essential for realizing the full potential of blockchain in agriculture. Keywords: Blockchain Technology, Agriculture, supply Chain, Transparency, Traceability.

Research on the Marketing and Business Operation Model of Chinese Coffee Brands - A Case Study of Luckin Coffee

As a rapidly emerging coffee chain brand in the Chinese market, Luckin Coffee has attracted a lot of attention for its low-price strategy and rapid expansion mode. Luckin Coffee's low-price business model realizes the dual goals of price concessions and high-quality products, which challenges the business model and profitability of the traditional coffee industry. Luckin Coffee adopts a unique operation model that makes it stand out in a competitive market. According to the study of Luckin's profitability model and the comparison of the coffee industry, this research analyze the business logic and operation principle behind it. Through low-priced sales, Internet+ model, efficient supply chain management, diversified product portfolio, and rapid expansion of the number of stores, Luckin Coffee has successfully constructed a competitive business model and operation principle, which lays the foundation of its rapid rise in China's coffee market.Meanwhile, there are problems with Luckin Coffee's business model, and this study makes recommendations for its future development.

An integrated Optimization Model of Product Mix, Assortment Packing, and Distribution in A Fashion Footwear Company

Recognizing the paramount importance of operational effectiveness and resource management in supply chain management (SCM) of the fashion industry, this study addresses a specific challenge faced by a prominent Indonesian fashion footwear company. The inefficiency is due to repetitive sorting and packaging processes during product distribution, which significantly impact optimal production mixes and product distribution from the distribution center to the point of sale. A crucial aspect is also the optimization of the delivery route. To address these challenges and minimize the total cost of ownership, the study proposes an integrated optimization model. This model simultaneously determines the optimal production quantity, assortment packaging, and distribution channels, taking into account decision variables related to distribution in configuration boxes, overload and underload products, as well as production numbers that respond to store-specific demand fluctuations. A notable contribution of this research is the integration of product mix decisions into the assortment packaging and distribution model, which represents a novel approach. The optimal solution determined using the LINGO 18.0 software highlights the significant influence of product penalty costs and product demand parameters on the objective function, while shipping costs have no noticeable influence. By emphasizing the integration of product mix decisions into the optimization framework, this research contributes significantly to improving the understanding and practical application of efficient supply chain management in the fashion industry.

Navigating Supply Chain Complexity: Empirical Insights from the Developing Country Readymade Garments Industry

Purpose- The study aims to develop an efficient model to handle challenges of supply chain management in readymade garments industry. This paper illustrates the systematic literature reviews and experimental evidence-based study of readymade garments companies of a developing Asian country. The present study also finds the pattern for the healthy and sustained development of clothing enterprises. Design/methodology/approach- This paper illustrates the systematic literature reviews and experimental evidence-based study of readymade garments companies of a developing Asian country. The existing qualitative and quantitative studies were reviewed to find out the challenges in supply chain and the recommendable solutions are provided. The studies undertaken in Asian developing countries were only considered in this study. Findings- The innovation on supply chain management for readymade garments company in developing country will help enterprise to setup legal guidelines for smooth production process. The new innovative supply chain management has two characteristics, a balance of high efficiency and cost saving. Dual-source supply chain management, manufacturing outsourcing, and multi-supplier management are three elements of it. The ICT information management platform is a critical component in ensuring the supply chain flexibility of the clothing industry. Implications- Through the research of application and analysis of the innovative supply chain systems of readymade garment industry of Asian developing countries. It helps to setup guideline, and direction for the practical operation way of modern enterprise with innovative supply chain system knowledge and practice. Originality/value- All this relies on its unique and efficient supply chain management, this paper explains and analyzed innovative supply chain management. This paper also contributes by providing solution to overcome from the challenges of supply chain management in readymade garments industry. Paper Type- Research paper

Logistics 4.0: Exploring Artificial Intelligence Trends in Efficient Supply Chain Management

Introduction: In the current era of globalization and digitalization, international logistics faces unique challenges and opportunities. The growing demand for efficient supply chain management, combined with the need to reduce costs and improve services, has led to the adoption of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI has become a key catalyst in the transformation of logistics, giving way to what is known as Logistics 4.0. This paper explores the most recent trends of AI in international logistics and its integration into education, with a specific focus on the San Mateo University Foundation.Methods: This mixed study, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, begins with quantitative data collection and analysis, followed by a qualitative phase. The qualitative approach focuses on students' perceptions of logistics training, while the quantitative approach describes how they perceive AI tools. The research included students and companies in Bogota, analyzing their familiarity with AI and its implementation in practice.Results: The findings indicate that AI is increasingly relevant in logistics, especially in process automation and data-driven decision making. Most companies surveyed have a good understanding of AI, but less than half implement it in their operations. Students recognize the importance of AI in logistics and its positive impact on education. There is consensus on the role of AI in improving educational quality, highlighting its usefulness in optimizing processes and personalizing learning.Conclusions: The research highlights the crucial role of AI in modern logistics and its ability to improve operational efficiency. The integration of AI in international business education is critical to enrich students' learning experience and prepare them for the challenges of the labor market. The blended methodology used is effective in gaining a holistic view of AI integration in logistics and its educational impact. The conclusions provide guidelines for curriculum development in international business with a focus on international logistics, aligning curricula with emerging trends in logistics and AI.

Developing the Balanced Scorecard to Assess Investment Risks in Islamic Banks: The Yemeni Environment as a Model

this research aims to provide a Proposal Approach to developing a balanced scorecard for the use of assessing investment risks in Islamic banks. The researchers focused on the risks that are unique to Islamic banks from traditional banks, represented by the risk of the rate of return, the displaced commercial risk, the Fiduciary risk, Al- shari’a non-compliance risk, and the risk of investment in capital. To achieve this, the researchers relied on applying the Proposal Approach for three Islamic banks in Yemen due to the availability of their data in the annual reports. The results showed that there is a deficiency in the assessment of investment risks in Islamic banks with regard to the risks the Islamic banks are unique for, such as risk of the rate of return , the displaced commercial risk, the Fiduciary risk, Al- shari’a non-compliance risk, and the risk of investment in capital, It focused its attention on common risks between Islamic and commercial banks, such as credit risks, market risks, liquidity risks, and operational risks. The results also showed an effective role for the balanced scorecard in assessing investment risks in Islamic banks, which enhances the role of risk management in controlling and monitoring of the investment risks and taking appropriate procedures to reduce these risks to the acceptable levels. Keywords: Investment Risks, Risk Assessment, Balanced Scorecard.