Supply Chain Management Innovation Research Articles

Innovations in supply chain management for sustainable energy transition: lessons from leading enterprises

Innovations in supply chain management for sustainable energy transition: lessons from leading enterprises

The tone of buyer firms' annual reports and suppliers' green innovation: The spillover effects in the supply chain

AbstractGrounded in signaling theory, this study explores the effect of the tone of buyer firms' annual reports on suppliers' green innovation and investigates the factors influencing such spillover effects. We use a panel data regression method to analyze 748 paired buyer–supplier firm‐year observations of Chinese listed manufacturing firms from 2010 to 2020. We demonstrate that the tone of buyers' annual reports promotes suppliers' green innovation, showing a spillover effect on the supply chain. Furthermore, the signal strength and effectiveness may be affected by the signal environment. Specifically, buyers' power over suppliers (supply chain environment) and suppliers' industry competition (industry environment) positively moderate the spillover effects of green innovation. This study enriches signaling theory and contributes to the growing literature on green innovation in supply chain management and also provides significant implications for managers.

Inventory Optimization Using an AI-Powered Holistic Model for Decision-Support System

Abstract: This study presents a groundbreaking approach to inventory optimization through the implementation of an AIpowered holistic model within a decision-support system. Leveraging machine learning algorithms, specifically Logistic Regression (LR) and Decision Trees, the methodology explores historical sales data, supplier metrics, and market trends during an extensive Exploratory Data Analysis phase. The implementation of an AI-powered holistic model for inventory optimization in a decision-support system presents a transformative approach to managing and enhancing supply chain efficiency. The proposed methodology, integrating machine learning algorithms such as Logistic Regression and Decision Trees, has demonstrated its efficacy in achieving superior results compared to traditional models, as evidenced by higher accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 scores. The comprehensive exploration of historical sales data, supplier metrics, and market trends during the exploratory data analysis phase has facilitated a nuanced understanding of inventory dynamics. The seamless integration of the AI-powered model into the decision-support system has empowered organizations with timely and data-driven insights, fostering more agile and informed decision-making. The seamless integration of the AI-powered model into the decision-support system provides organizations with timely and data-driven insights, fostering agile and informed decisionmaking. Performance evaluation, including accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 scores, reveals that the proposed LR and Decision Tree models outperform the existing Support Vector Machine (SVM) model across all metrics. The LR model exhibits commendable precision, recall, and F1 score values of 0.95, 0.97, and 0.98, respectively, while the Decision Tree model demonstrates even higher values, with precision and recall at 0.96 and an exceptionally high F1 score of 0.99. These outcomes underscore the practical utility and robustness of the AI-powered holistic model in revolutionizing inventory management practices. While acknowledging challenges and limitations, this research signifies a crucial advancement in establishing responsive and intelligent decision-support systems for inventory optimization, paving the way for future innovations in supply chain management

Fair Trade Practices, Social Innovation and Social Impact: A Case of Mahaguthi Craft with A Conscience

This study presents the case of Mahaguthi Craft with a Conscience founded in 1984, a non-profit-distributing social enterprise that helps the marginalized small producers and generate employment. The main aim of this study is to evaluate fair trade practices, social innovation and social impact. This study is based on the primary data. This study analyzes data in the three different stages. First, evaluate the practices of fair trade by reviewing the existing documents, such as, self-declaration report of Mahaguthi and external social audit by World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO). That had been validated by an interview with the chief executive officer (CEO) of Mahaguthi Craft. Interview includes to evaluate social innovations and social impact Secondly, a structured survey questionnaire has been used to examine the social impact to beneficiaries, mainly, Mahaguthi employees. Results revels that Mahaguthi has been following ten principles of Fair Trade practices very effectively. Product innovation, supply chain management innovation, technology innovation, new business model and business ecosystem innovations are key points to Mahaguthi for positive change of social welfare of marginal group of peoples. Additionally, this study finds the major five components for measuring their impact to Mahaguthi staffs, such as, economic, self-confidence, organizational goal, social and leadership impact. Fair trade practices are the first stage of social innovation and positive impact to society. This case study may be the best example to practitioners and academia for operating social enterprise for social change through generation of employment.

Educational innovation in supply chain management and logistics for active learning in Latin America

PurposeThis study aims to present a conceptual framework aimed at promoting educational innovation in supply chain management and logistics (SCM&L). The framework can help to design active learning experiences regarding student learning outcomes that tackle current challenges in the discipline. Emphasizing the significance of linking students’ learning to real-world scenarios, the framework enables reflective learning through hands-on engagement in a constructive alignment, overcoming existing pedagogical limitations in the field.Design/methodology/approachThis study presents a qualitative research methodology that relies on the case study method. Three instances are presented to illustrate educational efforts of active learning in countries of Latin America, Bolivia, Mexico and Peru, linking real-world relevant situations to disciplinary teaching and learning.FindingsThe innovative learning experiences introduced in this study transform real-world SCM&L operations into distinctive educational opportunities. These experiences facilitate learning not only within traditional classrooms but also in urban areas of the Latin American region, enabling students to interact with educational partners in authentic settings to achieve their intended learning outcomes. These experiences are characterized by their focus on establishing meaningful connections between learning and local communities, businesses or specific contexts.Research limitations/implicationsThe study recognizes various limitations of conceptual, methodological, execution-related and research process aspects. First, not all academics in the SCM&L discipline may universally acknowledge the importance of educational innovation and active learning experiences because of limited pedagogical awareness. Moreover, execution-related limitations arise from the demanding nature of incorporating active pedagogical approaches into courses, as they can be resource-intensive and time-consuming. Regarding research process limitations, the case study limits generalizability and broader inferences because of its particular views and locations, which require further investigation with other instances across other disciplines and geographical regions for validation.Practical implicationsThe practical implementation of this framework within the MIT SCALE network for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) demonstrates its potential in meeting diverse academic and institutional expectations and providing educational benefits to students.Social implicationsThe study makes a valuable contribution to prioritizing and coordinating pedagogical research by investigating the success of learning outcomes achieved through active and experiential implementations in various contexts. It provides inspiring examples of innovative learning experiences that can drive new developments not only within the LAC region but also in other areas, prompting a shift away from traditional educational approaches.Originality/valueThis research presents a conceptual framework, which is developed from the insights obtained in the three learning experiences to guide future efforts in SCM&L education. The findings demonstrate how to structure active learning experiences based on authentic assessment and illustrate the potential for increased cooperation among institutions in Latin America. It also promotes the recognition of novel SCM&L active learning experiences and highlights some of the benefits of this approach.

Digital Analysis of Logistics and Supply Chain Management Innovation of E-commerce Enterprises in Green Economy

Abstract This paper centers on the logistics and supply chain management of e-commerce enterprises, studies the development mode of e-commerce logistics as well as the logistics process, and constructs a collaborative innovation model of e-commerce logistics integration based on supply chain management. Through the synergistic composite system in the role of management activities, the harmonious coexistence between the various components of the subsystem order parameter in order to achieve the overall effect of the system. The dynamic evolution process of consumers, e-commerce platforms and logistics enterprises is simulated and analyzed, and the optimal decision-making under the integrated collaborative innovation mode is studied. The results show that under the platform warehousing + distribution integration synergy (SP) mode, the double marginal effect is 0.865, and both e-commerce platform and logistics enterprises reach a steady state at 0.723. The purpose of this paper is to propose innovative supply chain management and logistics warehousing solutions that can achieve cross-border e-commerce logistics integration based on supply chain management.

A Smarter Way to Procure: Exploring the Use of Smart Contracts

Purpose:This article delves into the transformative potential of smart contracts in revolutionizing procurement within supply chain management, with a special focus on the healthcare industry. In line with the challenges posed by complex procurement processes, the study explores how self-executing digital contracts can enhance efficiency, security, and transparency. Theoretical framework:The article is grounded in the concept of smart contracts and their applications in procurement, serving as a bridge between emerging technology and supply chain management innovation. It draws upon an extensive body of literature and research related to smart contracts, supply chain management, and technology adoption. The study is designed to build upon this theoretical foundation, using two comprehensive case studies to provide real-world insights and practical applications. These case studies, situated within the healthcare industry, serve as tangible examples of how the theoretical concepts surrounding smart contracts manifest in actual procurement processes. Design/methodology/approach:To investigate the application of smart contracts in healthcare procurement, we employed a qualitative research approach. This encompassed an extensive literature review of academic papers, industry reports, and relevant articles, uncovering the unique advantages and challenges in procurement & supply chain management. Building upon these findings, we developed a groundbreaking smart contract-based procurement system, presented through sequence diagrams. To validate our solution, we implemented and rigorously tested it within a real-world Ethereum environment. Findings:Our research reveals that integrating smart contracts into procurement processes results in streamlined operations, diminished reliance on intermediaries, and heightened transparency and traceability. Moreover, the proposed solution showcases significant potential for enhancing procurement efficiency in the healthcare sector. Research, Practical & Social Implications: These findings present valuable insights with far-reaching implications and hold substantial implications for stakeholders. Healthcare organizations can harness smart contracts to optimize their procurement procedures, yielding improved efficiency, transparency, and security. In a rapidly digitalizing landscape, our research empowers companies to maintain their competitive edge while delivering enhanced value to partners and customers. Originality/value:This article contributes significantly to the existing literature by offering a comprehensive examination of smart contract integration within procurement function, set within the broader context of supply chain management. It introduces a pioneering solution and provides a validated methodology, paving the way for in-depth exploration of smart contracts' impact on diverse stakeholders across healthcare supply chains

Environmental innovation and corporate sustainability: evidence-based systematic literature review

PurposeSustainability at the corporate level is interpreted as the approach capable of creating prosperity over long-term horizons through targeted strategic integration, sustainable business system and societal transitions, beyond economic growth, along with environmental quality and social equity. In this context, this article aims to explore the interplay of the relationship between environmental innovation and corporate sustainability.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted in the Web of Science and Scopus databases for the last six decades to explore the proposed relationship. Data were selected on August 2, 2020, and the analysis period lasted until July 20, 2021. A research protocol consistent with the methodological rigor required in conducting an SLR was prepared for the mapping and analysis of relevant research.FindingsIn the last five years, there has been an evolution in research related to green innovation in supply chain management. Based on this evolution, there is a growing concern with the development of sustainable business models, taking into account the motivation to adopt green innovation practices aimed at corporate image. The purpose lies in verifying the organizational capabilities in achieving corporate sustainability practices and economic performance. The results show a greater concentration of studies exploring (1) sustainable business models, (2) the complexity of the sustainability tripod balance, in addition to (3) organizational strategies based on green and competitive practices.Originality/valueFew works explored the context of small and medium-sized companies, especially those located in emerging and underdeveloped countries. This opens up a promising field of research. The main contributions of this article are related to (1) the presentation of a portfolio of theoretical and methodological approaches on the subject, which allows the exploration of the possibilities of empirical studies; and (2) showing the current status of research on environmental innovation and its impact on corporate sustainability. This article explores the interplay of the relationship between environmental innovation and corporate sustainability and brings state-of-the-art research about the theme.

Lean Supply Chain Practices and the Performance of Kassmatt Supermarkets Limited

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of lean supply chain practices on the performance of Kassmatt Supermarket Limited.
 Methodology: A descriptive research design was used for the investigation. The study targeted 180 employees from Kassmatt supermarket limited. The sample size of the study was 124 respondents. The researcher utilized self-administered questionnaires to collect primary data with the aid of the drop and pick method. The pilot study utilized 10 percent of the actual sample size, which was equal to 12 participants. The data obtained from the questionnaires was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 28. The study employed percentages, frequencies, means and standard deviations to analyze descriptive research. Inferential analysis was also done. Tables were used to present findings. Finally, multiple regression model was fitted into the study.
 Results: The findings revealed a positive significant relationship between lean supply chain practices in the elements of demand management, process standardization, lean customer practice, lean transport [predictor variables] and performance of Kassmatt Supermarkets Ltd. The study concluded that Kassmatt had implemented the aforementioned lean supply chain practices with the aim of improving its firm performance.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study enhances our understanding of lean supply chain methods and company performance. The study validated and extended supply chain management and performance theories by evaluating lean approaches in retail. The study's finding of additional variables that may affect lean practices and performance led to new suggestions. The study informed managers and practitioners about lean supply chain benefits. The study helped Kassmatt Supermarkets Limited and other merchants improve their supply chain management and operations. Supply chain management innovation and development may help organizations stay competitive in the rapidly changing business environment, according to the paper. The study informed policymakers and regulators on how lean supply chain methods may affect retail sector efficiency. Lean methods improve consumer satisfaction, waste reduction, and efficiency, which can inform retail supply chain excellence policies. The research also stressed the need of regulations encouraging industry-wide cooperation and knowledge sharing, which can increase innovation and efficiency.

The role of innovation and information sharing in supply chain management and business performance of halal products in tourism destinations

Each company will make every effort to improve productivity, efficiency, fast, easy service, and continue to create various new innovations to stay ahead and survive in the market. In addition to productivity and efficiency that need to be improved, companies must also understand and know what consumers need. This study aims to determine and explain the effect of information sharing and innovation in Supply Chain Management partially on company performance. Data was collected by distributing questionnaires. The unit of research analysis is the tourism sector SMEs in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. Respondents who were used as samples were 210 people. The analytical method used in testing the hypothesis is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using Partial Least Square (PLS). This research has succeeded in proving the existence of mediation of information sharing and significant innovation in the relationship between supply chain management and performance.

Key Success Factors For Supply Chain Management Innovation From Cross-Border Medical Cooperation Under “Belt And Road”

Aim: This article aims to identify key success factors (KSFs) of supply chain management (SCM) innovation and the effect on improving stakeholders value of cross-border medical cooperation platforms between China and countries along the “Belt and Road.”
 Methodology:In this study, a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was used for analysis. For qualitative analysis, the Delphi method achieved two results: firstly, a consensus was reached on the key success factors of SCM innovation, with a consensus rate of over 80%; secondly, the index system of the influence factors of SCM innovation on stakeholder value was improved.
 Results:For quantitative analysis, the Regression Analysis results showed that the five factors of SCM innovation have different degrees of effect on the value of the three groups of stakeholders, which are shown as the improvement of stakeholder value.The results of this study are recommended forstrategy formulation and innovation implementation in supply chain management.
 Conclusion:Each of the five criteria impacted the shareholder value of pharmaceutical corporations, medical care providers, and patients to varying degrees. The results of Regression Analysis revealed a substantial association between SCM innovation and the value of stakeholders. The three hypotheses tested in this study have been confirmed. Five KSF-based SCM innovation has a substantial impact on enhancing the stakeholder value of pharmaceutical businesses, medical care agencies, and patients. This article is intended to assist businesses and individuals in the cross-border medical services market in enhancing the quality and degree of supply chain management.

Role of Circular Economy, Industry 4.0 and Supply Chain Management for Tribal Economy: A Systematic Review

The linkage of Circular Economy (CE) with Industry 4.0 (Ind 4.0) can help in tapping the hidden creativity and innovation in Supply Chain Management (SCM) through an intersection of the natural and digital world. The authors have attempted to establish a connection between CE, Ind 4.0 and SCM in context of tribal economy. In this paper a systematic literature review (SLR) of 47 research articles using the PRISMA protocol and VOSviewer Software has been done. The SLR is based on peer-reviewed articles which were extracted from the Web of Science Database between 2015 and 2022. The VOSviewer software helped the authors in identifying three key themes: (i) Integration/Interoperability between Ind 4.0, Circular Economy Model and Supply Chain Management to achieve Sustainability; (ii) Challenges & Emerging Opportunities for Tribal economy and (iii) Relationship between Ind 4.0, Supply Chain Management & Circular Economy. Furthermore, the paper proposes a conceptual framework in the form of ‘Barriers, Mitigation Strategies & Opportunities’ associated with the integration of CE and Ind 4.0. This study would help in acknowledging the role of integrated systems (CE, Ind 4.0 and SCM) which may help in improving the current tribal working culture.

A Qualitative Study on Innovation and Dimensional Aspects of the Omnichannel Retail Business Model

The purpose of the study is to elucidate linkage of Omnichannel retail business model with innovation and technological advancements. The study is exploratory and qualitative in nature, based on primary and secondary data sources collected from varied retail sectors such as fashion, furniture, eyecare and electronics . The study has used Business Model Canvass (BMC) as a tool for strategic analysis. The study presents findings about business model and strategies in Omnichannel context from Indian retailers. The findings of the study posits four main dimensions resultant of digitalization and technological advancements in Omnichannel retail, namely Omnichannel Intensity, Organizational Structure Integration, Operations and Supply Chain Management Innovation, Data Analytics and Intelligence. Cross-channel Integration and Data Analytics & Intelligence have been found to be contributing enormously towards the strategic growth of Omnichannel retailers, thus emerging as the prominent managerial implications of the study.

Implementing Indian Innovations through Trained Extension Functionaries for Improving the Agriculture in Africa and Asia

Agriculture in India has metamorphosed a lot during the last seven decades from being a subsistence farming to commercial agriculture. The innovations in Indian agriculture have paved the way for seeing agriculture as an agri-business enterprise. The creation of diverse agribusiness opportunities amidst the existing constraints and challenges has reoriented the farming in India. Having seen the positive changes in agriculture due to the agribusiness orientation in India, other countries in Asia and Africa are keen to adopt this approach in their countries. The selected officials representing Government, civil society and private firms from Africa and Asia were trained under Feed the Future India Triangular Training during 2019 on Agribusiness innovations in India and the opportunities for their countries. Following the training, the research study conducted showed that, Indian agribusiness innovations in supply chain management, good agriculture practices and promoting Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) are perceived as best interventions by the trainees to address the problems of lack of improved technologies for small farmers, unorganized market, lack of institutional resources and lack of agri mechanization in their countries.

The Changing Role of Customs: Customs Aligning With Supply Chain and Information Management

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE) introduced concepts of supply chain supervision and authorised operator schemes. While it has been implemented in many countries, supply chain supervision still requires further exploration and development. In this article we present a vision on how the role of Customs could change in the coming years, taking into account innovations in supply chain management and information technology. We present how the Customs Administration of The Netherlands adapts their supervision, based on these innovations. The innovations range from the data pipeline to collect extra data to cross-validate customs declarations, the use of big data and data analytics, new advances in detection technology, handheld apps to check goods and drones to support surveillance.

Applications of open innovation to the supply chain system in the SMEs

The close-knitted structure of a supply chain seems to leave no room for the word 'open'. Closeness builds trust, enables information sharing, benefits transportation and more. Somehow, openness started to benefit supply chain management recently, through a trend called 'open innovation'. Based on gathered anecdotes and our interviews of industry professionals, we attempted to present a more complete picture of open innovation in supply chain management, including its potential benefits, major concerns, adoption hurdles, and future solutions. Our findings identified current perceptions of supply chain practitioners on open innovation and major hurdles and difficulties of implementing open innovation in supply chain functions other than just product development. Our research contributed to the current literature of open innovation by updating its implementation status, identifying adoption and implementation issues, and proposing strategic considerations within the context of supply chain management.

Transport and logistics innovations in supply chain management: Evidence from Kazakhstan

Transport and logistics innovations in supply chain management: Evidence from Kazakhstan

Linking corporate sustainability and innovation in supply chain management – evidence of a Taiwan leading glass recycling company

ABSTRACTThis empirical study presents a combination of insights from corporate sustainability practices, supply chain management, and innovation literature, and a case study to discover new understandings on factors influencing firms to incorporate sustainable innovation initiatives into their supply chain practices. There is an apparent lack of literature in this field due to its modernity and evolving nature. Also, there is a lack of insights into how firms could translate sustainable innovation initiatives into practice. This study addresses this gap by examining a successful glass recycling company through the lenses of sustainable innovation context and the Global Reporting Initiative G3 Guideline framework. Primary data are collected through observations and in-depth interview before it is coded and analysed using nVivo. The findings show that sustainable innovation practices are mainly directed at improving the technological processes, resource sharing, and reduction of production cost among supply chain partners. A conceptual sustainable innovation framework is also proposed. This study contributes to sustainable innovation literature by providing insights into the evaluation of a firm's innovative sustainability efforts.

Relational asymmetry, trust, and innovation in supply chain management: a non-linear approach

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the non-linear aspects of the asymmetry-performance relationship under varying conditions of trust and innovation. Its novel approach is useful for addressing the strategic elements of supply chain management (SCM) relationships based on trust and innovation decisions.Design/methodology/approachResults are based on a study of 90 managers from small- and medium-sized firms in Spain. Instead of a classical linear relationship analysis, the authors performed a non-linear analysis, using polynomial modeling and Warp 3 partial least squares method, which provides a more nuanced view of the data and constitutes an original approach to empirical research in SCM.FindingsThis study adds a new viewpoint on SC relationships by suggesting that not all trust and innovation development leads directly to performance improvement. The principal finding is, in varying trust and innovation contexts, that the influences of asymmetry on performance have uneven characteristics and follow non-linear paths.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on only one particular institutional environment in one country. The data are also cross-sectional, which makes it difficult to empirically test causality.Practical implicationsThe findings provide rational insights to managers on when it is appropriate to reduce (or not) asymmetric relationships with partners.Originality/valueTrust and innovation are important and ones of the key requirements of supply chain relationships in any environment, this study argues that the interactions of key SCM elements that drive members to better performance are more complex and non-linear.

A supply chain sustainability innovation framework and evaluation methodology

Sustainability is hinged on innovation. The importance of sustainable innovation management in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) cannot be underestimated. Studies on SSCM have emphasised the need for sustainable innovation in achieving sustainability but none provide deep insights into sustainable innovation management in SSCM implementation. This lack of research depth stimulates this study to identify and investigate criteria for sustainable supply chain management innovation advancement. This paper proposes a sustainable innovation criteria framework for investigating sustainable supply chains in manufacturing companies. To exemplify the applicability and efficiency of the proposed framework, a sample of five Indian manufacturing companies are used to evaluate and prioritise the sustainable innovation management criteria, using the ‘best–worst’ multi-criteria decision-making (BW-MCDM) model. The criteria weights for all companies from BWM are aggregated, averaged and used for ranking. The respondent managers viewed ‘financial availability for innovation’ as the most important sustainable innovation sub-criteria. The results of the study will inform industrial managers, practitioners and decision-makers on which criteria to focus on during the implementation stage, to increase sustainability in manufacturing supply chains, and further advance corporate and supply chain sustainable development. The framework may also serve as a theoretical construct for a future empirical study on sustainable supply chain innovation in the manufacturing sector. This paper sets the stage for further research in sustainable innovation practices in the manufacturing sector and its supply chains.