Supply Chain Management Research Articles

The convergence of IoT and sustainability in global supply chains: Patterns, trends, and future directions

This study investigates the pivotal role of Internet of Things (IoT) applications in advancing sustainable supply chains through a comprehensive analysis of research trends, international collaborations, and thematic evolution. Utilizing data from the Web of Science database, the research employs an innovative methodological framework combining keyword network analysis, country collaboration networks, and thematic mapping. The study reveals seven distinct keyword communities, highlighting the dominance of enabling technologies and the emergence of sector-specific applications. Analysis of international collaborations identifies five country clusters, each with unique research foci and collaborative patterns. The thematic map and evolution analysis uncover critical research gaps, including underexplored areas such as security in IoT-enabled supply chains and the integration of smart city concepts. The study projects future research directions, emphasizing the convergence of artificial intelligence and IoT, and the need for more holistic approaches to sustainability in supply chain management. The findings underscore the potential of IoT to foster sustainable business models that balance economic, social, and environmental benefits. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on IoT applications in sustainable supply chains by providing a multifaceted analysis of the field’s structure, evolution, and future trajectory. The insights offered are valuable for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to leverage IoT for creating more efficient, resilient, and sustainable supply chains in an increasingly globalized and environmentally conscious market.

A dynamic management model for sustainable drug supply chain in hospital pharmacies in Iran.

Sustainable supply chain management encompasses the strategic coordination and control of material, information, and financial flows, as well as the collaborative efforts among the entities engaged in the medicinal supply chain. This research proposes a dynamic and sustainable supply chain management model tailored explicitly for the inpatient pharmacies of Medical Centers and Hospitals affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences. This is a quantitative study in terms of research objective and a qualitative study based on the stages in the conceptual development of the model. Therefore, the current study can be considered a mixed-methods approach. After identifying the key factors influencing the sustainability of the medicine supply chain, we conducted a dynamic analysis of the problem using system dynamics methodology. In order to simulate the system's behavior over 24 months, we utilized a combination of existing documentary information and expert opinions. The developed model was implemented using Vensim PLE software, allowing us to simulate and analyze the impact of various policies on the system. Medicine disposal exhibited an upward trend, particularly during the second 12-month period. Conversely, the trend of medicine expirations remained relatively stable in the initial months but showed an upward trajectory after that. The cost associated with disposed medicine experienced a consistent increase, with a higher rate observed during the second 12-month period. In contrast, sales of low-consumable medicine experienced a significant initial surge followed by a slower growth rate. Finally, the pharmacy's profit demonstrated an overall increasing trend, although the rate of increase was higher during the first 12 months. Among the various scenarios considered, namely "increasing the adequacy of human resources," "increasing the speed of response," and "utilizing pharmacists in the drug prescribing team," it was found that these interventions had a substantial effect on both enhancing the pharmacy's profit and reducing medication waste. Therefore, these scenarios were identified as having the most significant impact. The proposed model can serve as a valuable tool for forecasting and informing policy-making, providing insights into addressing the challenges associated with the sustainable drug supply chain in hospital pharmacies.

The adoption of blockchain and financing constraints: Evidence from China

Despite the recognized significance of blockchain in supply chain management literature, there has been a scarcity of studies empirically exploring the link between blockchain adoption and financing constraints. This paper delves into how blockchain adoption influences financing constraints, considering the moderating effects of environmental and firm-specific factors. Utilizing panel data from A-share listed firms in China over the period 2016–2021, our analysis reveals that blockchain adoption notably eases financing constraints. Additionally, we observe a spillover effect: the adoption of blockchain technology by a central enterprise can alleviate financing constraints for affiliated companies within their supply chain, including upstream and downstream firms. Our heterogeneity analysis indicates that the effectiveness of blockchain in reducing financing constraints is more pronounced in environments with robust internal and external governance and higher levels of marketization. Moreover, blockchain adoption can mitigate traditional finance's ownership bias against non-state-owned enterprises and the bargaining power disparities faced by central firms in the supply chain. In addition, in non-high-tech, non-heavy pollution, and non-manufacturing industries, firms can better alleviate financing constraints after adopting blockchain. These findings offer valuable insights for businesses looking to navigate the challenges and opportunities of mitigating financing constraints through blockchain adoption.

Impact of Enterprise Supply Chain Digitalization on Cost of Debt: A Four-Flows Perspective Analysis Using Explainable Machine Learning Methodology

Rising costs, complex supply chain management, and stringent regulations have created significant financial burdens on business sustainability, calling for new and rapid strategies to help enterprises transform. Supply chain digitalization (SCD) has emerged as a promising approach in the context of digitalization and globalization, with the potential to reduce an enterprise’s debt costs. Developing a strategic framework for SCD that effectively reduces the cost of debt (CoD) has become a key academic challenge, critical for ensuring business sustainability. To this end, under the perspective of four flows, SCD is deconstructed into four distinct features: logistics flow digitalization (LFD), product flow digitalization (PFD), information flow digitalization (IFD), and capital flow digitalization (CFD). To precisely measure the four SCD features and the dependent variable, COD, publicly available data from Chinese listed manufacturing enterprises such as annual report texts and financial statement data are collected, and various data mining technologies are also used to conduct data measurement and data processing. To comprehensively investigate the impact pattern of SCD on CoD, we employed the explainable machine learning methodology for data analysis. This methodology involved in-depth data discussions, cross-validation utilizing a series of machine learning models, and the utilization of Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) to explain the results generated by the models. To conduct sensitivity analysis, permutation feature importance (PFI) and partial dependence plots (PDPs) were also incorporated as supplementary explanatory methods, providing additional insights into the model’s explainability. Through the aforementioned research processes, the following findings are obtained: SCD can play a role in reducing CoD, but the effects of different SCD features are not exactly the same. Among the four SCD features, LFD, PFD, and IFD have the potential to significantly reduce CoD, with PFD having the most substantial impact, followed by LFD and IFD. In contrast, CFD has a relatively weak impact, and its role is challenging to discern. These findings provide significant guidance for enterprises in furthering their digitalization and supply chain development, helping them optimize SCD strategies more accurately to reduce CoD.

Facilitators, Barriers, and Potential Impacts of Implementation of e-Pharmacy in India and its Potential Impact on Cost, Quality, and Access to Medicines: Scoping Review.

e-Pharmacy can potentially solve problems related to the quality of services and products, cost, and access to medicines in low- and middle-income countries. This review aims to understand the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of e-pharmacy in India. This scoping review aimed (1) to understand the facilitators and barriers to the use of e-pharmacy in India and (2) to estimate the potential for e-pharmacy in India for improving access to medication, improving the quality of services and medicines, and decreasing costs of medications. All published and gray literature from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2021, relating to e-pharmacy, was searched from MEDLINE, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google using a systematic search strategy. In total, 1464 titles and abstracts were screened, of which 47 full-texts were included in the review. e-Pharmacy can potentially improve access to medications for remote areas, and old and debilitated individuals. e-Pharmacies can enable lean supply chain management, lower cost, and allow easy tracking of dispensed medicines. There is potential for integration of e-pharmacy services into the national program of Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana. However, the country is not adequately regulated to prevent the growth of illicit e-pharmacies. Lack of global accreditation and internet coverage, digital literacy, and transnational access are other challenges. E-pharmacy has the potential to improve universal health coverage in India by improving access to medicines and lowering the overall cost of health care. However, future growth will need specific regulations and accreditation mechanisms. Open Science Forum; https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/6R9YQ.

Embracing methodological evolution and diversity in logistics and supply chain management research

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to highlight the significance of advancing research methodologies in logistics, operations and supply chain management. It seeks to expand the scope of research questions and explore areas previously constrained by traditional methodological approaches, thereby enhancing the exploration of complex, real-world business issues.Design/methodology/approachThis commentary introduces and discusses the special issue on “Advances in Research Methodologies for Logistics and Supply Chain Management,” exploring methodological innovations, diversity and their potential to address complex business and disciplinary challenges. The commentary assesses a broad spectrum of methodologies, ranging from traditional qualitative and quantitative approaches to overlooked methods such as qualitative comparative analysis, netnography, design science, Bayesian networks, machine learning and repertory grid technique. This diverse methodological approach enables a comprehensive examination of emerging and ongoing challenges in the supply chain. In the final summary section, we highlight additional areas of research method innovation not covered in this special issue, offering a broader perspective on future directions for methodological advancements in SCM research.FindingsThe findings suggest that integrating less explored methodologies from various disciplines encourages a richer, multi-level analysis of the supply chain management landscape. This integration facilitates a deeper understanding of emerging challenges, such as geopolitical issues, global supply chain disruptions and the integration of new technologies. Additionally, the exploration of ‘white space' in research methodologies indicates significant potential for discovering new insights that bridge practical problems with theoretical contributions.Originality/valueThe value of this methodological diversity extends beyond academic enrichment. It catalyzes the generation of innovative insights crucial for business practitioners, policymakers, consultants and academics. By adopting varied research designs and methodologies, the research note can offer a broader spectrum of analytical perspectives, crucial for uncovering nuanced insights into complex, cross-cultural and relationship-based dynamics in supply chain research.

DETERMINANTS OF CORPORATE PERFORMANCE: EMPIRICAL STUDY ON FASHION SMEs IN DEPOK CITY

<p>This study aims to determine the effect of human competence and supply chain management on competitive advantage and its impact on corporate performance in Fashion SMEs in Depok City. The sample used in this study was 150 respondents of micro, small and medium business owners in the Depok City area with purposive sampling technique. This study uses data analysis with the SEM-Partial Least Square (PLS) approach in the form of the Smart-PLS version 3.0 application. The results of this study indicate human competence and supply chain management on corporate performance mediated by competitive advantage. This research is limited to MSME players in Depok City, so it cannot represent the performance of MSMEs as a whole.</p>

PENGARUH CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP, STRATEGIC SUPPLIER, INFORMATION SHARING & POSTPONEMENT TERHADAP ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE YANG DIMEDIASI INBOUND DAN OUTBOUND INNOVATION

Technological advancements and the growth of e-commerce have increased the complexity of supply chain management, making it more vulnerable to disruptions. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted this vulnerability, leading organizations to reassess traditional risk management approaches and emphasize collaborative partnerships to enhance supply chain value. This study aims to evaluate the impact of Customer Relationship (CR), Quality of Information Sharing (QIS), Strategic Supplier Partnership (SSP), Postponement (P), Top Management Knowledge Value (TMKV), and Knowledge Sharing Practice (KSP) on Organizational Performance (OP), with Inbound and Outbound Open Innovation (IOI and OOI) as mediating variables. Data was collected from 164 professionals in Jakarta using the Purposive Sampling method through online questionnaires on Google Forms. Data analysis was conducted using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method. The results of the study show that all independent variables positively affect organizational performance, although not all of these effects are significant. This indicates that effective integration between Supply Chain Management strategies and Open Innovation can improve organizational performance. TMKV has a significant positive impact on KSP, KSP also has a significant positive impact on IOI, IOI has a significant positive impact on OP, and KSP mediated by IOI is proven to have a significant positive effect in supporting OP, while OOI mediation is not proven. This study is not intended to generalize a theory due to the limitations in sample size, industry, and geographical area.

Enhancing a You Only Look Once-Plated Detector via Auxiliary Textual Coding for Multi-Scale Rotating Remote Sensing Objects in Transportation Monitoring Applications

With the rapid development of intelligent information technologies, remote sensing object detection has played an important role in different field applications. Particularly in recent years, it has attracted widespread attention in assisting with food safety supervision, which still faces troubling issues between oversized parameters and low performance that are challenging to solve. Hence, this article proposes a novel remote sensing detection framework for multi-scale objects with a rotating status and mutual occlusion, defined as EYMR-Net. This proposed approach is established on the YOLO-v7 architecture with a Swin Transformer backbone, which offers multi-scale receptive fields to mine massive features. Then, an enhanced attention module is added to exploit the spatial and dimensional interrelationships among different local characteristics. Subsequently, the effective rotating frame regression mechanism via circular smoothing labels is introduced to the EYMR-Net structure, addressing the problem of horizontal YOLO (You Only Look Once) frames ignoring direction changes. Extensive experiments on DOTA datasets demonstrated the outstanding performance of EYMR-Net, which achieved an impressive mAP0.5 of up to 74.3%. Further ablation experiments verified that our proposed approach obtains a balance between performance and efficiency, which is beneficial for practical remote sensing applications in transportation monitoring and supply chain management.

Economic Substantiation of Innovative Solutions for Direct Cooperation between Manufacturers and Restaurants

The traditional supply chain management between manufacturers and restaurants is not effective enough, considering its high costs, long turnaround times and reliance on third parties, which creates challenges to profitability and agility. This study aims to find out how this system helps optimise costs and supply chain management within the restaurant industry. Data was obtained through manager interviews for some middling and high-end restaurants presenting some operational issues confronted before and after the system was installed. A sample of 50 restaurants was selected using a stratified sampling technique, targeting various restaurant categories. A structured questionnaire was designed to interview restaurant managers on operational efficiency, cost reduction, and supply chain performance. The logistics costs, transaction costs and overall efficiency improvements, among other quantitative metrics, were monitored for the first and second intervals. To achieve this, the analysis used a difference-in-difference methodology, where restaurants before and after the implementation of the system were compared concerning specific performance indicators.Data was processed using SPSS Statistics 27, ensuring accuracy and reliability in the analysis. The findings show that wastage management cost efficiency has improved to 15%, while significant decreases have also been observed regarding transaction time and logistics costs. This also resulted in a substantial decline in time-to-order delivery which positively influences operational speed. Based on these findings, it is suggested that direct trade models would benefit the restaurant business in terms of cost savings and enhanced performance. The policy recommendations include promoting digital supply chain platforms using tax credits, assisting SMEs with government-sponsored projects, and facilitating direct interaction between producers and consumers.

Behind the Scenes: How Logistics Shape Space Fantasy Science Fiction Narratives

This research note explores how logistics, though often overlooked, is a central element in space fantasy science fiction narratives. In Frank Herbert’s Dune, the spice—essential for interstellar travel—demonstrates how logistics influences space geopolitics. Star Wars highlights the logistical challenges involved in managing an intergalactic empire, from constructing the Death Stars to coordinating rebel fleets. In Star Trek, space exploration depends on intricate logistics to sustain ships, space stations, and diplomatic relations. Finally, Isaac Asimov’s Foundation illustrates how the collapse of logistics can lead to the downfall of an intergalactic empire. These films and novels reveal that logistics extends beyond mere materials and operations management; it becomes a key question of survival, power, and stability within these fictional universes. Science fiction narratives not only offer insights into future logistics but also prompts reflection on contemporary challenges in supply chain and infrastructure management.

Impact of Supply Chain Agility and Collaboration on Supply Chain Performance: The Moderating Role of Artificial Intelligence

Supply chain resilience is not a novel concept in the supply chain industry; however, its significance importance is increasing, especially in the face of global disruptive events like natural and man-made disasters. Agility and collaboration are critical supply chain resilience elements for enhancing supply chain performance. However, the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the impact of agility and collaboration on performance remains unexplored. Therefore, the major objective of this study was to examine the impact of supply chain agility and collaboration on supply chain performance within the healthcare sector in Qatar. In the same vein, it examined the moderating role of AI in these relationships. The study utilized 564 responses from supply chain and clinical unit managers in Qatar and was analysed using the partial least squares (PLS) path modelling technique. The findings of the study indicate a significant positive relationship between supply chain agility, collaboration, and performance. Furthermore, these relationships are found to be positively moderated by AI. This study supports the research paradigm and provides evidence regarding supply chain agility and collaboration and their impact on supply chain performance. More importantly, this study is among the first to provide empirical evidence on the moderating role of AI in enhancing these relationships.

Variable‐weight combined forecasting model with causal analysis and clustering for refined oil sales forecasting

AbstractForecasting refined oil sales is essential in energy supply chain management. However, accurate forecasting is limited by several factors, including multiple influences of external features, heterogeneity of different gasoline stations, and difficulty in balancing linear and nonlinear forecasting. To address these issues, we propose a novel variable‐weight combined forecasting model. In the first stage, the model incorporates causal analysis and clustering methods to provide a quantitative description of multiple effects of external features and highly correlated aggregation of homogeneous data. Subsequently, based on the patterns of external feature influences learned from historical data, variable‐weight combined forecasting is realized to balance linear and nonlinear forecasting dynamically. Experiments based on real sales data procured from several regions demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms other benchmark and widely used models in terms of forecasting accuracy and statistical significance. The ablation experimental results confirm the significance of causal analysis, clustering, and variable‐weight combined forecasting in improving the balance between linear and nonlinear forecasting. Moreover, our results indicate that improving the quality of clustering can yield greater benefits than improving the amount of training data. Finally, we also explore whether the forecasting superiority translates into better inventory control, and our results show that the proposed optimization model can effectively balance inventory cost and service level, while also better suppress the bullwhip effect.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Green Shipping: Research Progress and Challenges for Sustainable Maritime Transport

This paper aims to systematically review and analyze the literature on green shipping, focusing on research trends, key areas, and future directions. A bibliometric analysis is conducted on 1339 articles published between 2000 and 2023, using data from the SCI-EXPANDED and SSCI core collections on the Web of Science platform. Co-occurrence analyses are performed for authors, countries, institutions, and keywords. The analysis reveals exponential growth in green shipping research over the past decade, with a significant increase since 2019. China leads in publication output and international collaboration. Key research areas identified include sustainable development, green energy, green ports, and green supply chain management. Green shipping research is rapidly expanding, emphasizing sustainable practices and technological advancements. Future research is expected to integrate artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and other advanced technologies to further promote sustainability. Strengthening international cooperation and interdisciplinary integration will be crucial for advancing the global green shipping agenda.

Teaching data‐driven decision making for inventory analysis with Monte Carlo simulation

AbstractInventory management and the ability to make data‐driven decisions under uncertainty are two critical components of supply chain management. This brief describes how an Excel‐based Monte Carlo simulation of fuel and lottery purchases can be used to teach students to analyze a system with randomness. This exercise can serve as a group or individual assignment to demonstrate the ability of Monte Carlo simulation to estimate solutions involving uncertainty and to teach undergraduate business students how to implement a basic multiperiod fixed‐interval inventory policy with order‐up‐to‐levels. The important concepts of cycle service levels and confidence intervals are emphasized as are the proper implementation of one‐tailed and two‐tailed critical values. Students are encouraged to compare algebraic solutions to their simulation results.

Integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) into the Supply Chain of India's Passenger Car Industry: Mitigating Technical Uncertainties

This study explores the application of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in the context of the Indian passenger car industry's supply chain, with a specific focus on addressing technical uncertainties. The research aims to investigate how TAM can be leveraged to enhance the adoption and utilization of advanced technologies, thereby improving supply chain efficiency and resilience. The Indian passenger car industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand and technological advancements. However, technical uncertainties pose significant challenges to supply chain management. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) offers a valuable framework for understanding the factors influencing technology adoption. This study integrates TAM into the supply chain of the Indian passenger car industry to identify key drivers and barriers to technology acceptance.

Research on the Game Model of Green Technology Investment in a Two-Echelon Manufacturing Supply Chain Under Carbon Tax Regulation

Using a Stackelberg game model, this research examines the impact of government-imposed carbon taxes on the sustainability of a two-echelon supply chain. The analysis focuses on the interactions between upstream suppliers and downstream manufacturers, taking into account how manufacturers’ carbon emissions influence market demand, as well as how sustainability levels and price affect this demand. The results show that a centralized system has a lesser potential for total profit development in the supply chain than a decentralized system. To encourage investment in green technologies throughout the supply chain, this paper proposes two coordination mechanisms: a green subsidy and a two-part tariff contract. Numerical study reveals that a win–win scenario for the supply chain requires suppliers to share part of the costs. Furthermore, under a two-part tariff contract, successfully managing fixed costs can result in total profit levels comparable to those in a centralized system. The research also makes strategy recommendations, such as differentiating carbon levies, improving supply chain coordination, and assessing fixed costs. These aim to provide theoretical and practical implications for supply chain management in order to assist businesses and policymakers in effectively responding to the problems of climate change.

Supplier Optimization Strategy, Risk Strategy and Enterprise Supply Chain Performance of SMEs

Purpose: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Bamenda City are integral to the region's economic development, contributing significantly to employment, innovation, and economic growth. Supply chain management involves the coordination and optimization of activities related to sourcing, production, and delivery of products and services. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplier optimization strategy and risk strategy on the enterprise supply chain performance of SMES in Bamenda City. Methods: Data for this study was obtained with the help of a structured questionnaire. By combining both designs, the study can first describe the existing situation or relationships (descriptive), and then explore or test potential causes and effects (causal). The partial least square regression model was used to analyze the paper. Results: Results from partial least squares structural equation models (PLS-SEM) revealed a positive insignificant effect of supplier optimization strategy on supply chain performance. Risk strategy was also found to exert a positive effect on supply chain performance everything being equal. Implications: Although supplier optimization has a positive impact on supply chain performance, the effect is insignificant. This suggests that while the strategy is directionally sound, it may need to be enhanced or refined. Also, given the positive significant effect of the risk strategy on supply chain performance, organizations should continue to focus on and invest in risk management.

AgroChain: Decentralised Supply Chain Management System

The “AgroChain: Decentralized Supply Chain Management System” research project explores the concept of decentralized supply chains for agriculture and their potential to revolutionize the food distribution system. Decentralized supply chains for agriculture are transforming the way food is produced, distributed, and consumed. By leveraging blockchain technology, smart contracts, peer-to-peer networks, and farmer cooperatives, this innovative system promotes transparency, reduces waste, empowers smallholder farmers, and ensures a resilient and sustainable global food supply. The proposed solutions to challenges include implementing blockchain technology for transparency, enabling direct-to-consumer models for fairer prices, utilizing data analytics and IoT devices for efficiency, promoting sustainability practices, supporting farmer cooperatives and capacity building, and exploring privacy-enhancing technologies

Модели цепей поставок и их классификация

The article discusses various models of supply chains of goods. The classification and models of supply chains are considered. The basic concepts and elements of supply chain management are revealed. The theoretical basis of the article is research conducted in such fields of knowledge as logistics and supply chain management. Logistics supply chains are an important element in the activities of any company. They include the planning, production and management of goods, services and information from the point of origin to the point of consumption. Supply chains coordinate complex patterns of movement and transportation, shipment and receipt, import and export operations, warehousing, inventory management, procurement, production planning and customer service.