Supply Chain Integration Research Articles

PROGRESS: the sectoral approach to cyber resilience

AbstractEach critical infrastructure and vital service represents a unique instance of a complex socio-technical–economic system. Resilience in complex systems is an emergent behaviour that occurs from interactions between components and is not easily predictable from understanding each component in isolation. Yet, cybersecurity practice and maturity models still focus on the robustness of separate components: organizational units, firms, or IT applications. Such a fundamental mismatch between theory and tools is among the causes of pervasive cyber insecurity. We introduce the sectoral capability maturity model to enable a comprehensive improvement of systemic resilience. The promoting global cyber resilience for sectors cyber-capability maturity model incorporates the science of complex systems, cybersecurity frameworks, and two decades of CIP operations experience. The model was successfully applied in resilience assessment projects in a dozen countries. Real-life experience emphasizes the benefits of the sectoral approach to cyber resilience: creating feedback loops within the sector, integrating supply chain and third-party risks, facilitating information flows between stakeholders, enabling cooperation with and among ministries, departments and other authorities, weighting in the links and processes between actors in cybersecurity issues. The established value of the sectoral approach calls for applications that will improve the resilience of essential services while lowering sector-wide cybersecurity expenditures.

Enhancing ambidextrous green innovation: the role of green supply chain integration, knowledge capabilities and technology dynamism in manufacturing

PurposeIn the context of the environmental degradation challenge in manufacturing firms, greening the supply chain (SC) is the most widely endorsed method to mitigate the adverse repercussions of climate change. Based on organizational learning and resource dependence theories, the aim of this research is to know how green supply chain external integration (GSCEI) and green supply chain internal integration (GSCII) influence ambidextrous green innovation (AGI). It also examines the mediating roles of green absorptive capacity (GAC) and green knowledge integration capability (GKIC), as well as the moderating role of green technology dynamism (GTD).Design/methodology/approachTo assess the hypothesized model, data were obtained with 386 questionnaires from managers employed in manufacturing firms in Pakistan applying a cross-sectional approach. A partial least square structural equation modeling technique was implemented to evaluate the data.FindingsThe results revealed that GSCEI and GSCII substantially impact AGI. Moreover, GAC and GKIC serve as mediators between GSCEI and AGI. GAC and GKIC also intervene in the relationship between GSCII and AGI. GTD was significant as a moderator for the correlation between GSCEI and AGI. However, it does not moderate the relationship between GSCII and AGI.Practical implicationsThis research offers significant comprehension and an innovative approach for manufacturing organizations to curb environmental corrosion by stimulating AGI through green SC integration. It suggests to practitioners that integrating internal knowledge with external partners expands communication and collaboration to ensure that resources connected with environmental preservation flow smoothly.Originality/valueThis research is a valuable addition to the field, as it explores for the first time the missing link among the studied constructs. It opened the black box of how knowledge-related capabilities facilitate knowledge resources to elicit AGI, an area that has not yet been explored.

Supply Chain Integration and Coordination Applying SAP-ERP: A Case Study in the Fast-moving Consumer Goods Industry

In today’s competitive environment, the pursuit of effective approaches and novel technologies is a key driver for business success. Meanwhile, the coordination of internal and external processes with suppliers and customers is an effective solution for cost reduction, continuous quality improvement, and comprehensive risk management. Therefore, this study proposes a conceptual framework for coordinating and improving supply chain planning workflows using the capabilities of the SAP-ERP solution. The framework encompasses a joint vendor-buyer mathematical model to determine the optimal lot size and purchase quantities. It also provides a heuristic procedure for determining dead-stock in the distribution network. The recommended approach has been applied in a company in the fast-moving consumer goods industry. Key performance indicators, such as inventory volume and inventory turnover rate, were meticulously measured before and after the implementation of the framework. The results show a significant improvement in performance measures, including average total inventory and average inventory turnover, and a considerable impact of using the proposed framework.

Supply Chain Environmental Uncertainty, Competitive Advantage, and Operational Performance in Manufacturing Industry

Goal: This study investigates the impact of Supply Chain Environmental Uncertainty (SCEU) on competitive advantage and operational performance in manufacturing companies. The mediating role of competitive advantage and the moderating role of supply chain environmental uncertainty in the relationship between competitive advantage and operational performance were examined. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: This paper used quantitative approach to confirm the conceptual model. Data was collected through questionnaires from directors/operational managers in 121 large and medium-scale manufacturing companies in Southeast Sulawesi Indonesia. The analysis employs Generalized Structured Component Analysis (GSCA) to test the direct, mediating, and moderating effects of supply chain environmental uncertainty. Results: The findings demonstrate a significant positive influence of supply chain environmental uncertainty on competitive advantage and operational performance. However, competitive advantage does not significantly affect operational performance. The study reveals that competitive advantage is perfect mediator between supply chain environmental uncertainty and operational performance, while supply chain environmental uncertainty is a moderating predictor between competitive advantage and operational performance. Practical Implications: The research has implications for manufacturing company managers adapting to supply chain environmental uncertainty through supplier, customer, and technology considerations. It emphasizes the importance of adapting to supply chain environmental uncertainty to enhancing competitive advantage and operational performance in the manufacturing industry. Efforts to improve operational performance and strategically integrate competitive advantage should consider the business environment, including suppliers, customers, and technology. Limitations: This research is limited to large and medium-scale manufacturing industries, hindering generalization to other industries, particularly small-scale ones. Additionally, researchers can consider additional contextual factors such as supply chain integration, supply chain agility, and total quality management. Originality/Value: This study expands the theoretical framework of supply chain environmental uncertainty, competitive advantage, and operational performance through empirical testing of a theoretical model. The findings support the proposed model's validity and highlight the mediation role of competitive advantage and supply chain environmental uncertainty, providing a reference for future theory development and model building.

The Mediating Role of Supply Chain Integration in the Relationship Between Supply Chain Strategy and Logistics Performance

The Mediating Role of Supply Chain Integration in the Relationship Between Supply Chain Strategy and Logistics Performance

E-Business and supply chain integration is the ultimate online shopping

E-business has risen as a key empowering influence to drive supply chain integration. Organizations can use the internet to achieve worldwide visibility on their extended trading network. The influence of e-business on supply chain integration can be defined laterally the dimensions of information integration, synchronized planning, coordinated workflow, and new business models. An Important value can be added to e-business by enabling supply chain integration. In this report, the author has taken a popular rising e-commerce company from Bangladesh. The name of this company is AJKERDEAL. It is a Bangladeshi online retail company, that focuses on a low-cost-oriented supply chain to maintain cost efficiency. The company's success is attributed to its superior supply chain practices over local competitors. However, Western multinational retailers may struggle in Bangladesh due to their differing values, cultures, and beliefs, potentially jeopardizing their key market.

Examining the factors influencing sustainability performance in the UK food industry

ABSTRACT This research examines the role of organisational culture (OC) and supply chain integration (SCI) in improving sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP) in the food manufacturing industry in the UK. A competing value framework (CVF) was used to categorise OC into developmental, group, rational and hierarchical cultures. Qualitative interviews with 11 senior managers in the UK food industry were conducted and manually analysed. We found that three competing values in developmental, group and hierarchical cultures are effective in implementing and achieving higher SSCP. The values inherent in these cultures also trigger internal and external integration through which the firms acquire sustainability ideas, knowledge, training and skills from customers and suppliers to improve SSCP. We also found that within the context of sustainability, internal integration is critical to a successful external integration. The study contributes immensely to sustainability literature by highlighting the actual OC values relevant to achieving higher SSCP and establishing SCI’s mediating role. The study further assesses how SCI is established and formed by firms on the verge of achieving higher SSCP. Managers are advised to adopt blended competing values (developmental, group and hierarchical culture) and strengthen and heighten systemic SCI to implement sustainability practices, improve SSCP as well as overcome sustainability challenges.

Ensuring Food Safety through Effective Supply Chain Management:Challenges and Suggestions

Ensuring food safety is a complex challenge exacerbated by the global nature of modern supply chains. Effective supply chain management plays a crucial role in safeguarding food. This paper explores the concerns of food safety that causes by unethical food supply chain. Case studies from both developed and developing regions illustrate successful initiatives and highlight lessons learned. The role of collaboration among stakeholders—producers, processors, distributors, regulators, and consumers—is emphasized as crucial for effectively managing risks and ensuring compliance with safety standards throughout the supply chain. This essay examines how supply chain issues affect food safety through three case studies: China’s oil scandal mixing edible and chemical oils, the 2022 U.S. peanut butter recall due to salmonella contamination, and antibiotic-contaminated Vietnamese shrimp amid Japan’s nuclear water release. Each case underscores the impact on public health and trust. By examining three current cases, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how ineffective supply chain management can create food safety risks and reduce consumer confidence in the safety and integrity of the food supply chain and suggest possible course of action.

The Utilization of Blockchain for Data Security for the Chronic Pain Physician.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the surge in medical data utilization, notably impacting chronic pain management given its enormous economist cost. While the collection and use of data enhances research and care quality, data exchange risks compromising integrity and privacy, exemplified by the Change Healthcare cyberattack. Here, we review the potential of blockchain for the utilization for cybersecurity in the healthcare system with an emphasis on the field of chronic pain. Blockchain technology emerges as a potential solution, offering decentralized, secure, and immutable data management. Blockchain ensures transparency, integrity, and data privacy, which is crucial in healthcare. Smart contracts may offer automated, secure management of implantable neuromodulation devices such as spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal pumps. Blockchain's potential in pharmaceutical supply chain integrity is exemplified in preliminary efforts ensuring that the medication retrieved by the patient is indeed the intended medication. Despite limitations such as speed of transactions, blockchain presents innovative avenues for healthcare security and quality improvement, necessitating further development for widespread implementation. Blockchain's applicability is not only applicable to chronic pain management, but can be used in medicine as a whole.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A SMART FACTORY USING INDUSTRY 4.0 TECHNOLOGIES

This systematic literature review examines the operational and organizational impacts of Industry 4.0 technologies on smart factories, drawing on insights from 120 peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2024. The study follows the PRISMA guidelines to ensure a transparent and rigorous review process, focusing on the key enablers of smart manufacturing, including cyber-physical systems (CPS), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). The findings reveal that smart factories offer significant benefits, including enhanced flexibility and customization, predictive maintenance that reduces downtime by up to 50%, and improved supply chain integration through real-time data sharing. Big data analytics plays a crucial role in optimizing operations by allowing factories to perform continuous real-time adjustments, improving efficiency and reducing resource waste. The review also highlights the evolving role of the workforce, with a growing need for technical skills and increased human-machine collaboration in smart manufacturing environments. However, challenges such as interoperability, cybersecurity, and the economic feasibility of large-scale smart factory implementations remain underexplored in the literature. Emerging technologies like blockchain and 5G offer promising solutions, but further research is required to assess their full potential. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the current state of smart factory technologies and outlines key areas for future research, particularly in addressing gaps related to standards, workforce adaptation, and security concerns.

Exploring the Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunities of Supply Chain Technology Adoption for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have a crucial impact on the Malaysian economy, making major contributions to the functioning of the supply chain. Integrating supply chain technology has become a crucial element in enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of SMEs in Malaysia. During recent years many developing and developed countries have witnessed the expansion of markets and supply chain networks; in the progress of these market and supply systems SMEs find various complexities when they are implementing or improving the technology integration of their supply chain. The current body of literature often addresses the adoption of technology in a general manner or within larger organizations, resulting in a significant gap in study about the specific circumstances and requirements of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study employs a rigorous methodology that analyzes relevant papers to examine the drivers, challenges, and opportunities for adopting supply chain technology among SMEs in Malaysia. By implementing supply chain technology, Malaysian SMEs can increase their performance in many areas of key performance indicators. This includes improving efficiency, optimizing inventory management, achieving cost savings, enhancing customer service, and increasing market competitiveness. It is believed that the findings of the study can be useful for managers of SMEs, policymakers, and interested stakeholders. This will enable SMEs to navigate the challenges of adopting technology more effectively and enhance global competitiveness.

Supply Chain Integration Capability, Intra-Cluster Co-Opetition Strategy, and Breakthrough Innovation: The Moderating Effect of Environmental Turbulence

Under the frequent occurrence of external environmental risks and in the context of breakthrough innovations driving new quality productivity, this study explores the intrinsic mechanisms by which supply chain integration affects enterprise breakthrough innovation. Grounded in supply chain integration and breakthrough innovation theories, we used statistical methods to analyze data from a sample of 209 valid enterprises. The study systematically interprets these mechanisms from the perspective of competition and examines the moderating effect of external environmental turbulence on competitive strategy. The results demonstrate that supply chain integration capability significantly and positively influences breakthrough innovation, with vertical and horizontal competing strategies acting as mediators. Additionally, environmental turbulence positively moderates the relationship between supply chain integration capability and horizontal competing strategies. The results of the study are of great theoretical and practical significance in promoting the integration of enterprises’ supply chains and enhancing their sustainable innovation capabilities.

Impact of smart factory adoption on manufacturing performance and sustainability: an empirical analysis

PurposePrevious studies have focused on explaining the developmental paths and the relevant skills necessary for smart factories, based on an extensive review of the literature. Unfortunately, there is a deficit of empirical analyses that present an in-depth overview of smart factory development. Although the literature supports the benefits of smart factories, it remains unclear whether there should be government intervention (GI) to facilitate or regulate such adoption. This study will provide an in-depth empirical analysis of smart factory adoption (SFA) and its role in manufacturing performance (MP) and sustainable manufacturing (SM).Design/methodology/approachThis study used non-probability convenience and referral sampling techniques for data collection. This approach considered production managers from each company that participated in the survey questionnaire; thus, each production manager represented one firm. A total of 240 managers from several manufacturing companies participated in the study. This study employed direct and moderating hypotheses tested using PROCESS Macro, which Andrew Hayes developed for SPSS.FindingsThe study identified three fundamental elements of a smart factory: manufacturing big data (MBD), process automation (PA) and supply chain integration (SCI) and analyzed them individually to see how they affect MP. According to the results, building a smart factory has positive and significant impacts on MP and SM. Furthermore, this study explores the role of GI in promoting smart factory deployment for both production performance and sustainable production. The study found that GI did not have a significant moderating effect but did have a positive relationship with SM.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the literature on smart factories by examining the impact of SFA on MP and SM. This provides a more comprehensive overview of the potential benefits of smart factories across various aspects, such as the application of big data, adoption of automation technology and integration of the supply chain. This study suggests that managers and decision-makers consider investing in smart factory implementation to improve factory productivity and enhance sustainability. Policymakers and government officials can promote the adoption of smart factories by providing incentives, funding, and resources to manufacturing firms.Originality/valueThere is a scarcity of research measuring the actual performance of manufacturing firms that have already adopted smart factories, and this study seeks to address this gap in the literature. This study focuses on the implementation of manufacturing big data, process automation and supply chain integration and how the adoption of these technologies improves MP and provides a SM environment by conducting a real-time study of manufacturing organizations. This study presents an initial effort to explore the role of government involvement in promoting smart factories.

Does the Bike-Sharing Platform Share Its Own Private Information or Not in a Reverse Supply Chain?

Bike sharing facilitates the public’s daily lives and possesses substantial market demand, yet its overwhelming presence has triggered some environmental problems. To enhance resource utilization efficiency, we examine the decision-making strategies within a reverse supply chain considering the private information of the bike-sharing platform. Using Stackelberg games, two models are formulated in order to investigate whether the platform should share its own private information when the used shared bikes are recycled. A supply chain without private information is provided as a benchmark for comparison, and we obtain the optimal equilibrium strategies of the benchmark and the proposed model. Furthermore, how the optimal strategies change with the variation in parameters and the impacts of the private information on the optimal strategies are discussed. The results show that information asymmetry could lead to a reduction in supply chain efficiency. Thus, a two-part pricing contract is introduced to incentivize the platform to share information and coordinate the supply chain, which can effectively improve the performance of the integral supply chain and implement a “win-win” strategy for the third-party remanufacturer and the platform.

Research on the Investment Value of BYD Based on SWOT, Financial, and Valuation Methods

Against the backdrop of environmental degradation, green energy transformation is a strategic measure to address climate change and promote green development. The new energy vehicle industry is experiencing an unprecedented period of rapid growth. As a leading player in this sector, BYD's development is virtually representative of the Chinese new energy vehicle industry. SWOT analysis, financial analysis, and valuation analysis are crucial criteria for assessing the development status of a company. Through the analysis of profitability, operational capability, and P/E ratio data, the development status, operational capability, market competitiveness, and growth potential of a company can be directly reflected. The results show vertical integration of supply chain and cost advantage is the main strength of BYD, however it has the weakness of excessive dependence on Chinese government subsidies. From the perspective of financial performance, it has great profitability and its operating capacity situation is good. Moreover, the valuation shows it is worth for investment. This provides decision-makers with information and suggestions on enterprise management, investment, and financing, helping investors and managers make rational decisions.

The roles of supply chain integration, eco-design and digital transformation in improving sustainable construction performance

The roles of supply chain integration, eco-design and digital transformation in improving sustainable construction performance

Adaptive Strategies and Sustainable Innovations of Chinese Contractors in the Belt and Road Initiative: A Social Network and Supply Chain Integration Perspective

As global economic integration and rapid technological advancements transform international business, international engineering contracting has become essential for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). This paper investigates the significant impact of China’s strategic initiatives, notably the “Going Global” strategy and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), on the operational practices of Chinese enterprises involved in overseas investments. Central to this transformation is the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model, which emphasizes the integration of supply chain management and stakeholder collaboration to enhance performance in international EPC projects and underscores the crucial role of these elements in promoting sustainability. Incorporating insights from social network data analysis, this study reveals that contractors collaborating with various stakeholders—such as owners/consulting engineers, domestic and foreign customs departments, and group headquarters/design parties—exhibit a high degree of similarity in personnel profiles. This suggests that the internal organizational structure and personnel allocation of contractors could be optimized to enhance operational efficiency, aligning with the collaborative patterns identified. This study addresses a critical research gap by exploring how effective supply chain management and collaborative stakeholder engagement within multinational EPC projects contribute to sustainable outcomes. Employing advanced social network analysis software, the research examines the complex interactions among stakeholders and their influence on procurement dynamics. Findings indicate that strong relational networks and strategic collaborations significantly enhance procurement efficiency and project success, underscoring the importance of supply chain integration. Ultimately, integrating supply chain management principles into the EPC model not only offers innovative perspectives for advancing sustainability in international projects but also provides actionable insights for improving project outcomes within the BRI framework. This research underscores the pivotal role of supply chain organization and stakeholder cooperation in achieving sustainability objectives, thereby enriching the discourse on sustainable enterprise operation and supply chain management in the context of global initiatives.

Global Trends and Practices of Industry 4.0 Applications in the Clothing Sector: A Systematic Literature Review

The potential of Industry 4.0 enabling tools is emerging as a strategic factor for the adaptation and innovation of companies in the clothing sector. Thus, the aim is to identify global trends and practices in I4.0 applications in the clothing sector based on a systematic literature review. From the systematic literature review, 11 articles were selected from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The results showed global trends in the application of I4.0 enabling tools, such as the Internet of Things, Cybersecurity and Additive Manufacturing, in addition to the benefits that I4.0 can provide in manufacturing, such as the possibility of efficient processes with lower operating costs. When studying the perception of businesspeople, the most critical dimensions were: vertical integration, flexibility, data analysis, supply chain integration, traceability, remote production monitoring, strategy, organizational culture and people. The originality of the paper is highlighted by its specific sectoral focus, emerging applications of Industry 4.0 and holistic approach to the value chain. In addition to the academic contribution in terms of mapping key global trends, identifying challenges and opportunities and providing a basis for future research, the results can provide practical recommendations for companies in the apparel sector seeking to start or accelerate their digital transformation journey.

Distributed Software Build Assurance for Software Supply Chain Integrity

Computing and networking are increasingly implemented in software. We design and build a software build assurance scheme detecting if there have been injections or modifications in the various steps in the software supply chain, including the source code, compiling, and distribution. Building on the reproducible build and software bill of materials (SBOM), our work is distinguished from previous research in assuring multiple software artifacts across the software supply chain. Reproducible build, in particular, enables our scheme, as our scheme requires the software materials/artifacts to be consistent across machines with the same operating system/specifications. Furthermore, we use blockchain to deliver the proof reference, which enables our scheme to be distributed so that the assurance beneficiary and verifier are the same, i.e., the node downloading the software verifies its own materials, artifacts, and outputs. Blockchain also significantly improves the assurance efficiency. We first describe and explain our scheme using abstraction and then implement our scheme to assure Ethereum as the target software to provide concrete proof-of-concept implementation, validation, and experimental analyses. Our scheme enables more significant performance gains than relying on a centralized server thanks to the use of blockchain (e.g., two to three orders of magnitude quicker in verification) and adds small overheads (e.g., generating and verifying proof have an overhead of approximately one second, which is two orders of magnitude smaller than the software download or build processes).

Investment ability: a catalyst for omni-channel supply chain integration

Investment ability: a catalyst for omni-channel supply chain integration