Enhance Supply Chain Performance Research Articles

Embracing supply chain digitalization and unphysicalization to enhance supply chain performance: a conceptual framework

PurposeThe paper presents a research methodology that could be used to carry out a systematic literature review on the current state of the art of the technological development in the field of the digitalization and unphysicalization of supply chains (SCs). A three-dimensional conceptual framework focusing on the relationship between Digital Technologies (DTs), business processes and SC performance is presented. The study identifies the emerging practices and areas of SC management that could be positively affected by the implementation of DTs. With this in mind, the emerging practices have a high probability to be considered future best practices.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was conducted on DTs in SC management. The methodology used aims to algorithmically and objectively standardize the information incorporated into thousands of scientific documents. Selected papers were analyzed to investigate the recent literature on SC digitalization and unphysicalization. A total of 87 DTs were selected to be analyzed and subsequently grouped into 11 macro-categories. 17 business processes linked to SC management are taken into account and 17 different impacts on SC management are presented. From a set of 1,585 papers, 5,060 emerging practices were collected and singularly summarized combining DT, business process and impact on SC performance.FindingsA unique analytical perspective provided represents an important evolution when trying to organize the current literature on SC management. The widely used DTs in the practices and the most considered business processes and impacts are highlighted and described. The three-dimensional conceptual framework is graphically represented to allow for the emergence of the best combinations of DT, business process and impact on SC performance. These combinations suggest the most promising areas for the implementation of the emerging practices for SC digitalization and unphysicalization. Additional findings identify and define the most important contexts in which Big Data contributes to SC performance.Originality/valueThe research methodology used is offering progress through which to systemize the current practices as well as detect the potential of digitalization and unphysicalization under the three-dimensional conceptual framework. The paper provides a structured proposal for promising future research directions, assuming that the five research gaps as findings of this research could be the basis for prescriptions, as well as a future research agenda and theory development. Moreover, this research contributes to current managerial issues concerning SC management, referred to data and information management, efficiency and productivity of SC processes, market performance, SC relationship management and risk management in SC.

Impact of supply chain digitalization on supply chain resilience and performance: A multi-mediation model

The outbreak of COVID-19 has accelerated the building of resilient supply chains, and supply chain digitalization is gradually being recognized as an enabling means to this end. Nevertheless, scholars generally agree that more empirical studies will need to be conducted on how digitalization can facilitate supply chain resilience at various stages and enhance supply chain performance in a highly uncertain environment. To echo the call, this study develops a theoretical influence mechanism of “supply chain digitalization → supply chain resilience → supply chain performance” based on dynamic capability theory. The proposed relationships are validated using survey data collected from 210 Chinese manufacturing companies. The results help identify the paths digitalization and supply chain resilience can take to improve supply chain performance in a turbulent environment. The different roles of three supply chain resilience capabilities, namely absorptive capability (before the disruption), response capability (during the disruption), and recovery capability (after the disruption), which impact on supply chain performance differently, are highlighted. In addition, it is found that digitalization can bring a differential impact on these three supply chain resilience capabilities through different aspects of resource and structural adjustment measures. The findings also confirm the mediating role of absorptive capability, response capability, and recovery capability between digitalization and supply chain performance. During crisis, supply chain digitalization can increase cost-effectiveness, enhance information and communication efficiency, and promote supply chain resilience to achieve better performance. For theoretical contribution, this study enriches the research on supply chain digitalization and resilience by underpinning the relationships between the two with dynamic capability theory. For practical contribution, the research findings provide insights for enterprises to leverage digitalization to strengthen resilience in supply chain.

Digital Technologies for Firms’ Competitive Advantage and Improved Supply Chain Performance

Supply chain operation is more competitive in a dynamic business environment. Developing supply chain capability is, hence, important for gaining a competitive advantage and overall improved supply chain performance. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of digital technologies to enhance supply chain performance and for firms to gain competitive advantage through improved supply chain capabilities. This study, through a survey questionnaire, gathered a total of 150 sample data from supply chain executives and managers in the ready-made garments (RMG) industry in Bangladesh. Findings of the study demonstrate that the digital supply chain is a significant contributor to improving the supply chain capabilities of RMG firms, and it subsequently leads to competitive advantage with a direct positive effect on firms’ supply chain performance. The findings also indicate that digital technology has a direct effect on supply chain capability and supply chain performance in RMG firms. Based on these empirical findings, the study draws conclusion that digital technology integration in the supply chain would have a positive contribution to supply chain agility and flexibility, which would enable firms to effectively engage supply chain partners in dealing with unexpected situations in business operations. This study contributes to the current literature on digital supply chain capabilities, and it also provides insights for supply chain managers, policymakers, and practitioners in the fields of supply chains, logistics, and business performance.

The role of blockchain-enabled supply chain applications in improving supply chain performance: the case of Jordanian manufacturing sector

PurposeBlockchain technology has the potential to enhance information and knowledge management among members of the supply chain. This study aims to demonstrate the direct and indirect impact of blockchain adoption on achieving supply chain competitive advantage and improving innovation capabilities to achieve greater supply chain performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study opted for a quantitative research approach. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 284 respondents from various Jordanian manufacturing firms. Smart PLS software was used to conduct structural equation modelling to test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe analysis revealed that investing in and using blockchain-enabled supply chain applications improves the ability to achieve higher levels of productivity, lead times, customer service and relationships with supply chain members. Moreover, blockchain technology integration with supply chain management processes has a positive impact on innovative activities that support supply chain operations. Finally, blockchain adoption has enhanced supply chain performance by reducing transaction costs, improving customer service and increasing the speed of supply chain operations.Research limitations/implicationsThe study provides guidance for decision-makers and academicians on the use of blockchain adoption to improve supply chain performance. Future studies should use a larger sample size and random sampling techniques to achieve better generalizability of the results.Originality/valueThe study fulfils an identified gap in the application of blockchain technology to improving supply chain performance within a broader context that encompasses supply chain innovation capabilities and competitive advantage.

Green Business Practices and the Success of Malaysia's Halal Food Companies

This study examines the impact of green practise (GP) antecedents—green halal supplier selection (SUPP), green halal manufacturing (GHM), and green halal logistics (GHL)—on supply chain performance in the context of halal food small and medium enterprises (SME). The study examined the relationship between GP antecedent and supply chain performance using data from 115 halal SME. To test the proposed hypothesis, this study employed quantitative methodology with a purposive sampling technique. In addition, multiple regression employing structural equation modeling-partial least square (SEM-PLS) is used to examine the collected data while maximising the variance captured. This study found that GHL among supply chain partners has a greater impact on the performance of halal supply chains. In addition, empirical data validate the significance of SUPP and GHM in enhancing the performance of the halal supply chain in the context of halal food SME. Incorporating the GP as a strategic approach to boost supply chain performance while ensuring the halal credibility of the product, the findings of this study will assist halal small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in refining their supply chain activity. This is the first study to examine the role of strategic green firm resources in enhancing supply chain performance.

The impact of agile strategy on supply chain performance: The mediating role of supply chain practices and customer relationships in the retail sector in Jordan

This research examines the influence of an agile supply chain strategy (ASC) on supply chain performance (SCP) within Jordan's retail industry. The study focuses on the intermediary role of SCP. Data was gathered from senior and executive management personnel responsible for supply chain functions in 37 retail companies in Jordan. The collected data was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to assess the proposed model. The results indicate that SCP, specifically strategic partnerships with suppliers and customer relationships, act as mediators between the ASC strategy and supply chain performance. The study offers practical recommendations derived from the findings to assist retail sector managers. These findings contribute to the understanding of how an agile strategy can enhance supply chain performance in the Jordan retail sector.

Investigating the relationship between information quality, system quality, service quality, and supply chain performance in the manufacturing sector of Saudi Arabia: An empirical study

This research investigates the links between information quality, service quality, system quality, and supply chain performance in Saudi Arabia's manufacturing sector. The goal is to provide insights into the elements that impact supply chain outcomes and to identify critical performance drivers. Data was acquired from a sample of manufacturing organizations, and the correlations were analyzed using a structural equation modeling technique. Information quality, service quality, and supply chain performance are all shown to have substantial positive correlations. Higher levels of information quality and service quality relate to enhanced supply chain performance in the manufacturing sector. However, system quality was shown to have a comparatively smaller influence on supply chain performance, suggesting that investments in information management systems and service delivery methods may offer higher returns. The reliability and validity of the measuring scales employed in this research were evaluated and determined to be strong, assuring the precision and consistency of the findings. These results add to the current research by identifying the unique elements that influence supply chain performance in Saudi Arabia's manufacturing sector. The study has many implications for practitioners in the manufacturing sector as it discusses the significance of investing in information management systems, providing high-quality services, and continually evaluating and improving supply chain performance. Organizations may improve their competitiveness and create better supply chain results by concentrating on these areas. Additional elements and possible moderating or mediating variables may be investigated in future studies to acquire a better knowledge of the dynamics that impact supply chain performance. Overall, this research offers significant insights for practitioners and decision-makers in the manufacturing industry, directing them towards more appropriate methods to maximize supply chain performance and achieve long-term success.

Factors Affecting the Supply Chain Resilience and Supply Chain Performance

The key objective of this research study is to delve into the factors affecting supply chain resilience to enhance supply chain performance through the mediation of supply chain resilience. To perform this particular research, a quantitative method of research was applied. The process of data collection was performed by using the questionnaire technique. As it was impossible to collect data from every member of the targeted population thus, a sample of data was calculated using G*power software and obtained a sample size of 129 respondents. It was concluded that supply chain artificial intelligence, adaptive capability, and supply chain collaboration have a positive and significant influence on supply chain resilience and supply chain performance. At the same time, supply chain resilience also has a positive impact on supply chain performance. Thus, organizational and supply chain performance can be enhanced by adopting supply chain resilience and other organizational dynamic capacities. This particular research study provides insight to the practitioners and managers of manufacturing firms for improving their level of resilience in the supply chain. This specific research study plays a significant role in literature by highlighting the concept of supply chain resilience & supply chain performance of organizations.

Configuration of digital and physical infrastructure platforms: Private and public perspectives

Investments in infrastructure platforms aim to enhance supply chain performance. We build on network‐based models of platform growth to characterize configurations of digital and physical supply chain infrastructure. We define cross‐platform effect as the value accrued by a platform on one side of a multiplatform configuration as capability for the opposite side platform evolves. We posit that aligning cross‐platform effect across digital and physical infrastructure enhances system outcomes. Our arguments are informed by evidence on private–public partnerships for developing production and distribution infrastructure in the pharmaceutical industry. We identify enablers and inhibitors for cross‐platform effects within these data in terms of product and process technology readiness, path‐dependent standards creation, organizational alignment, regulatory fragmentation, and the desire towards such infrastructure yielding resilient outcomes. Implications of findings, in shaping analytical and empirical research on managing supply chain infrastructure, at the levels of firms, industries, and public policies are discussed.

Blockchain technology in supply chain management: an organizational theoretic overview and research agenda.

Blockchain technology is touted as a game-changer. Many experts consider blockchain technology as one of the disruptive innovations. Following significant success in the banking and finance sector, blockchain technology has found significant success in all fields, including health, manufacturing, transportation, disaster relief operations, and many others. Recently, the academician has contributed significantly towards understanding blockchain technology and its application in the management field. To understand how the literature on blockchain technology in the supply chain has progressed, we undertook an extensive review of the literature published in peer-reviewed journals using databases such as SCOPUS. We have further classified our literature into four stages (pre-adoption, adoption, implementation, and application). Finally, we synthesized the findings of the study and proposed a research framework to explain how an organization can build supply chain resilience and enhance supply chain performance with the help of blockchain technology. Finally, we have noted the limitations of the study and future research directions.

The impact of social media, big data and IOT on the supply chain management performance

The development of Industry 4.0, a new digital industrial technology, has a favorable effect on how well the supply chain functions. Big Data, Social Media, and the Internet of Things (IoT) have all been proposed as ways to enhance supply chain performance. Although there has been limited exploratory research in this area, the favorable impact of the Internet of Things (IoT), Social Media, and Big Data on Supply Chain on supply chain and company performance has been empirically confirmed. How the logistics sector is being impacted by Big Data, IoT, and Social Media from a business and customer perspective? Can the Supply Chain be managed and controlled more effectively because of the integration of social media and ICT? Does Supply chain management get better with the incorporation of information and communication technology? The initial goal of this study is to demonstrate the connection that already exists between supply chain management, social media, big data, and the internet of things. Second, we'll discuss how the integration of social media, big data, and the internet of things has affected the sustainability, efficiency, and various flows of supply chain management.

Impact of Information Sharing on Supply Chain Performance with Mediation of Trust

This paper investigates the impact of information sharing with suppliers on supply chain performance while mediating the effect of trust. In this descriptive study, quantitative research will involve a questionnaire as a research instrument with boundary-spanning managers involved in sharing information with suppliers. Multiple research papers in different industries are used to see the impact of information sharing. In this study, information sharing with suppliers is integral in improving supply chain performance, impacting the overall business performance. Trust as a mediating factor improves sharing of information, but it will not directly influence the enhancement of supply chain performance. The findings will help managers understand and evaluate the importance of information sharing with a supplier and its effect on supply chain performance and enable them to make better decisions that enhance supply chain performance. The study is conducted in a specified time frame which bound the research to a particular period. Geographical boundaries also limit the study as it determines the impact of the research on the pharmaceutical industry of Pakistan, located in Karachi. Organizations need to develop a system that promotes information sharing by investing in technologies that support exchanging information between partners. Building trust and forming collaborative ties will ensure progression in the results of the supply chain network.

Developing relational embeddedness of logistics service provider to enhance supply chain performance in transitive triads

PurposeThe study seeks to explore the effect of socialization mechanisms on relational embeddedness of logistics service providers (LSP), and relational performance of dyads, and finally their resulting effect on the supply chain performance in transitive triads.Design/methodology/approachTo elaborate on the major constructs of the study, the researchers use the theoretical lens specifically provided by social capital theory (SCT), and relational view (RV). Consequently, the researchers use SCT to examine the role of the socialization process, used by the supplier and customer, to develop relational embeddedness of logistics service providers in triads. Next, the researchers use the RV, complemented by the underpinnings of supply chain practice view (SCPV) to elaborate on the relational performance of dyads and supply chain performance. The study uses partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to estimate the higher component model (HCM) and test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe results obtained from a sample of 350 transitive triads suggest that relational embeddedness of LSPs is only shaped by the mechanisms of formal socialization, developed by the supplier and customer. Interestingly, informal socialization appears to be insignificant for this process. The results indicate that relational embeddedness of logistics service providers has a positive effect on the relational performance of three dyads, which in turn, has a positive effect on the supply chain performance in transitive triads.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the intriguing avenues of future research is to investigate the dynamics of supply chains. It would be also worthwhile to make use of the specificity of transitive triads, formed by the supplier, customer and LSP, to explore whether and under which circumstances (e.g. reciprocity, symmetry) the strong ties encourage the transfer and integration of knowledge among actors, and the weak ties accelerate the search for information. In connection with that, the other interesting research avenue would be to investigate the information benefits derived from the nonredundant triads.Originality/valueAlthough there is a number of recent studies that show empirical evidence for developing relational embeddedness in transitive triads, to date, little research interest has been paid to how relational embeddedness of LSPs is shaped within the supply chain structures, and how it finally affects the supply chain performance.

The Influence of Inter-Organizational System Use and Supply Chain Capabilities on Supply Chain Performance

This study is explored the influencing factor that is pivotal in the supply chain. More explicitly, the main emphasize of this research was on IOS use and supply chain management capabilities, and supply chain performance. A quantitative approach was adopted for this study, and a multi-item measurement scale was adapted from previous studies; a structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Two hundred thirty-six responses were collected from supply chain employees in various textile sectors. Further, regression analysis was applied for hypothesis testing. The analysis of employees' responses collected from various firms reveals that the use of IOS increases the level of supply chain performance and directly enhances the capabilities of SCM. In addition, it was observed that the influence of SCM capabilities on supply chain performance was very insightful, influential, and even more significant than the impact of IOS use on SC performance. This research study can be helpful for supply chain managers and decision-makers. It gives them guidance for enhancing the supply chain resilience of an organization. It provides a framework containing Communication, Intelligence, Information exchange, Integration, Coordination, and Responsiveness to enhance supply chain performance.

Enhancing supply chain performance using RFID technology and decision support systems in the industry 4.0–A systematic literature review

Supply Chain processes are continuously marred by myriad factors including varying demands, changing routes, major disruptions, and compliance issues. Therefore, supply chains require monitoring and ongoing optimization. Data science uses real-time data to provide analytical insights, leading to automation and improved decision making. RFID is an ideal technology to source big data, particularly in supply chains, because RFID tags are consumed across supply chain process, which includes scanning raw materials, completing products, transporting goods, and storing products, with accuracy and speed. This study carries out a systematic literature review of research articles published during the timeline (2000-2021) that discuss the role of RFID technology in developing decision support systems that optimize supply chains in light of Industry 4.0. Furthermore, the study offers recommendations on operational efficiency of supply chains while reducing the costs of implementing the RFID technology. The core contribution of this paper is its analysis and evaluation of various RFID implementation methods in supply chains with the aim of saving time effectively and achieving cost efficiencies.

Smart supply chain management in Industry 4.0: the review, research agenda and strategies in North America.

The emerging information and communication technologies (ICT) related to Industry 4.0 play a critical role to enhance supply chain performance. Employing the smart technologies has led to so-called smart supply chains. Understanding how Industry 4.0 and related ICT affect smart supply chains and how smart supply chains evolve with the support of the advanced technologies are vital to practical and academic communities. Existing review works on smart supply chains with ICT mainly rely on the academic literature alone. This paper presents an integrated approach to explore the effects of Industry 4.0 and related ICT on smart supply chains, by combining introduction of the current national strategies in North America, the research status analysis on ICT assisted supply chains from the major North American national research councils, and a systematic literature review of the subject. Besides, we introduce a smart supply chain hierarchical framework with multi-level intelligence. Furthermore, the challenges faced by supply chains under Industry 4.0 and future research directions are discussed as well.

Blockchain Technology for Enhancing Supply Chain Performance and Reducing the Threats Arising from the COVID-19 Pandemic

The blockchain is expected to radically alter people’s real-time interactions and transactions, culminating in the birth of a new economy in a digital era [...]

Understanding dynamic distribution capabilities to enhance supply chain performance: a dynamic capability view

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate and understand the factors that contribute to the enhancement in the process of supply chain activities, specifically among manufacturing industries.Design/methodology/approachThis paper follows the quantitative approach by disseminating a structured questionnaire to supply chain practitioners working in manufacturing industries. A sample of 109 responses is gathered from senior employees involved in sales and operations planning. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses are performed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the model. Lastly, SmartPLS is used to test the hypotheses proposed in the study.FindingsThe findings revealed that demand sensing and managing practices positively impact supply chain performance by creating dynamic distribution capabilities. It is observed that distribution capabilities integrate both efficient and effective handling of resources. However, demand management practice has insignificant relationship with supply chain performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors suggest that supply chain management must expand in firms, and importance must be given as supply chain performance can provide competitive advantage in order to sustain in today's competitive market.Practical implicationsThe findings can help decision-makers working in the planning process by identifying the right tools to sense the market and react accordingly.Originality/valueThis paper is an initial effort to understand the dynamic distribution capabilities by establishing the link with the studied variables, especially in the manufacturing industries in Pakistan.

EFFECT OF INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON SUPPLY CHAIN PERFORMANCE AMONG AGRI-MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN RWANDA

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determines the effect of Internal Environment Management Practices on Supply Chain Performance among Agri-Manufacturing Firms in RwandaMethodology: This study employed both cross-sectional and explanatory research design and is in line with positivism approach. The target population was 567 top and middle employees in supply chain department from 67 Agri-Manufacturing Firms. Stratified and simple random sampling was used to select a sample of 226. This study collected both secondary and primary data, but mainly primary data using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed with the aid of SPSS version 22.0 (Hayes and Matthes, 2009) using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Hypothesis 1 to 4 was tested using multiple regression model, while hypothesis 5 was tested using hierarchical regression.Results: Findings showed that internal environmental management positively and significantly influences supply chain performanceUnique contribution to Theory and Practice: It is therefore important for both the senior managers and mid – level managers to be committed and supportive of GSCM. Besides that, there is need for the firm to have total quality environmental management and ISO 14001 for environmental compliance. As well, having a team within the firm that is tasked with environmental improvements will go a long way in enhancing supply chain performance

Assessment of Factors Contributing to Medicine Expiry in Rwanda: Case of the Medical Procurement and Production Division

BackgroundRegardless of the significant efforts used and put in place to enhance supply chain performance in Rwanda, there is still poor inventory management and big loss due to expiry of medicines at Medical Procurement and Production Division (MPPD).ObjectiveTo assess the factors that contributes to expiry of medicines at MPPD and formulate recommendations for the improvement of the current situation.MethodsThis is a descriptive cross-sectional study used for 25 respondents. A questionnaire containing closed-ended questions was used focusing on factors contributing to expiries of medicines for each product category managed by MPPD from 2014-2018. Additionally, the researcher reviewed all inventory reports, including expiries for the same period under study. The study focused on targeting respondents working at MPPD as pharmacists both technical and administrative, also other non-pharmacist working in the warehouse were considered as respondents. The hard copy of questionnaire was handed over to 26 respondents and requested to provide filled questionnaire within seven days. Twenty-five respondents were able to return the filled questionnaire on time, giving 96% response rate.ResultsThe study found that in MPPD, medicines are still expiring. During five years (from 2014 up to 2018) the total expired products were valued at RWF 6,046,778,655 for all program categories: HIV commodities had the largest share 53.3%, Essential Medicines 22.5%, Malaria 13%, Maternal Child Health commodities 5.7%, Products used for Community health workers 4.5%, TB products 1% and 0.1% for Family Planning products. The study found that major contributing factors for expiry of health commodities at MPPD, are ranked as follows: Supply chain management 90%, other factors 73%, Poor storage management 68% and Excessive drug supply 67%.
 ConclusionConsidering the study results, it looks like no significant effect of excessive drug supply and inventory management on the expiration of medicines at MPPD. However, the Supply Chain Management components are the most vulnerable to contribute to the expiration of medicines at MPPD. There are many changes to be done inside the institution to remedy the issue of expiration like working according to the standard operating procedures, improving the Skills of personnel in supply chain management, empowering the procurement unit with skilled personnel and improving the communication with stakeholders to facilitate the smooth and quick replenishment and distribution of the stock.
 Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2021;4(2): 281-291