Manufacturing Supply Chain Research Articles

Aerospace supply chains using blockchain technology: implications for sustainable development goals

PurposeThe interconnectedness of supply chain processes in the aerospace industry requires companies to operate with excellence and the ability to provide robust technologies such as blockchain technology (BCT) to aid supply chain productivity. This paper aims to examine the existing practices of aerospace supply chain management, identify how BCT is used in the aerospace supply chain and whether it affects environmental sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative research approach was used, and an online interview with informants was undertaken to collect data.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that BCT has a diverse function in achieving sustainable development goals.Practical implicationsThe manufacturing sector can be strengthened by successfully deploying BCT in aerospace supply chain management. It contributes to achieving sustainable development objectives by introducing transparency to the system and bolstering market position. BCT enables organisations to gain a competitive edge by attaining innovative operational excellence in the face of the complexity of the supply chain environment.Originality/valueThe findings can serve as a guide for anticipating the effectiveness of BCT in aerospace supply chain management.

Marketing Management in Agri-Business Organization

Strategic planning and execution are key components of marketing management in agri-business organisations, with the goal of maximising the reach and profitability of agricultural products. Traditional marketing concepts are blended with the specific difficulties and possibilities of the agriculture industry in this area. Important components include agriculturally specific advertising efforts, distribution methods, price strategies, product creation, consumer behaviour study, and market research. Supply chain knowledge, product seasonality, and familiarity with regulatory frameworks are all essential for successful marketing management in the agribusiness sector. Modern agri-business marketing techniques are greatly influenced by technological advancements and environmental initiatives. Businesses in the agricultural sector may get an edge in the market, strengthen relationships with customers, and expand their reach via the use of data analytics and digital technologies. Sustainable practices are becoming more important as stakeholders and customers want goods that are both ecologically and socially responsible. To keep up with the ever-changing nature of the agribusiness industry, this abstract focuses on the most important parts of marketing management and how new strategies are needed.

Digital product passport for sustainable and circular supply chain management: a structured review of use cases

ABSTRACT Digital product passport (DPP) is a key regulatory element of the latest European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan. By enhancing product traceability and supply chain transparency, its upcoming mandatory implementation aspires to improve resource circularity, cut emissions, and strengthen supply chain governance. However, the extant literature lacks a comprehensive understanding of DPP use cases in the supply chain and how they enable sustainable and circular supply chain management (SCM). To address this knowledge gap, this study first provides an overview of the current state of DPP in policy and practice. Based on a structured review of 82 DPP supply chain use cases in academic literature, we synthesise the functional areas that DPP can add value to improving supply chain sustainability and circularity. Informed by the review findings, we first discuss theoretical and practical implications of DPP-enabled sustainable and circular SCM, and then prioritise research needs in the emerging research domain.

Fresh produce supply chain network design and management using swarm intelligence: A case study of Egypt

Fresh produce supply chain network design and management using swarm intelligence: A case study of Egypt

A global multi-indicator assessment of the environmental impact of livestock products

Driven by a growing and more affluent population, changing diets and lifestyles, the demand for livestock products is expected to surge in the next decades. Satisfying this demand will result in additional pressures on land systems. The increasingly globalized supply chains of the livestock economy will further decouple many of these impacts from the places where livestock are reared. In this study, we determined the impact intensities of global livestock production across three environmental indicators: deforestation, biodiversity loss and marine eutrophication. To this end, we used global data on the production of crops (and grass), their trade and use as feed in livestock-production systems, as well as livestock production data. We found the highest deforestation and biodiversity impact intensities in the tropics in Central and South America, Southeast Asia and Central Western Africa. In contrast, the highest values for marine eutrophication intensities were found in countries located in Northern Europe and in South and in East Asia. Our analyses show differences caused by varying efficiencies in livestock production systems and by the sourcing patterns of feed items. In grazing systems for the production of ruminant meat, for example, the resulting impact intensities are dominated by the consumption of grass. In intensive and industrialized production systems, the bulk of the deforestation and, to a lesser extent, biodiversity impacts are linked to imported soybean feed. Our results can help identify livestock production systems and countries that would qualify as priority action targets, as well as potential entry points to make their livestock production systems more sustainable. They can also be used to assist consumers in comparing impacts across and within livestock food product types. Ultimately, understanding the environmental impacts embodied in global supply chains of livestock products can help create better regulatory policies and science-based interventions for protecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Innovative trends and strategies for the integral valorization of products in the beer supply chain

This review aims to explore the latest innovations in beer supply chain. Innovation is defined as the combined application of strategies that enhance intrinsic and extrinsic product characteristics while optimizing complementary aspects for a modern approach to the food market. The study is structured around key themes that define the overall quality of the beer supply chain: safety (wholesomeness and authenticity), biological quality (chemical composition, sensory profile, and nutritional quality), process quality, convenience, and commodities. The goal is to promote accurate dissemination of information within the beer community and dispel common misconceptions. These misconceptions often arise from flawed approaches, leading to the creation of urban legends and unfounded prejudices. Special attention is given to innovation and research in the craft beer sector, which is rapidly growing in Italy and the global market.

Supply chain model having stochastic lead time demand with variable production rate and demand dependent on price and advertisement

In this present study, a single-manufacturer and single-retailer supply chain management model are formulated for a single product. This study specifically looks at a supply chain with variable production rate, stochastic lead time demand, and price- and advertisement-dependent demand. By incorporating these complex aspects into a model, which enables to examine their combined effects on supply chain performance, this study adds to the body of knowledge. The study reveals unique insights into the complex interplay between pricing tactics, advertising efforts, production dynamics, and the variability brought on by stochastic lead times through meticulous study and modelling. Finally, the total system profit is calculated and optimized with all the decision variables. A classical approach is performed to obtain the optimized solution of the joint profit function along with the decision variables. Two models are discussed in the study: (1) the model with normally distributed lead time demand and (2) the model with distribution-free lead time demand. The joint profit of the supply chain is found to be lesser by 1% for the normally distributed lead time demand than the distribution free pattern. The comparison of the shipment policies and the safety factors for the different distribution patterns of the lead time demand are shown. Though the huge increment in the safety factor for unknown leadtime demand distribution may help in reducing the uncertainity factor and disruptions in the supply chain, but also it may unnecessarily tie up more capital which can be invested in other sectors of the supply chain.

Application scenario design and prospect of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in intelligent manufacturing and supply chain of traditional Chinese medicine

Intelligent manufacturing technologies, including databases, mathematical modeling, and information systems have played a significant role in process control, production management, and supply chain management in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) industry. However, their ability to process and utilize unstructured data, such as research and development reports, batch production records, quality inspection records, and supplier documents, is relatively weak. For text, images, language, and other unstructured data, generative artificial intelligence(AI) technology has shown strong potential for development in extracting information, extracting knowledge, semantic retrieval, and content generation. Generative AI is expected to provide a feasible set of tools for the utilization of unstructured data resources in the TCM industry. Based on years of research and industrial application experience in TCM intelligent manufacturing technology, this study reviewed the current situation of intelligent manufacturing in TCM and the utilization of unstructured data, analyzed the application value of generative AI in the TCM manufacturing process and supply chain, summarized four typical application scenarios, including intelligent pharmaceutical knowledge base/knowledge graph, intelligent on-the-job trai-ning, intelligent production quality control, and intelligent supply chain. Furthermore, this study also explained the data collection and processing, business process design, application potential, and value of each scenario based on industry demands. Finally, based on the integration of generative AI and TCM industrial models, the study proposed a preliminary concept of a smart industrial brain for TCM, aiming to provide a reference for the application of AI technology in the field of TCM manufacturing.

Unleashing the power of cloud adoption and artificial intelligence in optimizing resilience and sustainable manufacturing supply chain in the USA

PurposeRecent disruptions have sparked concern about building a resilient and sustainable manufacturing supply chain. While artificial intelligence (AI) strengthens resilience, research is needed to understand how cloud adoption can foster integration, collaboration, adaptation and sustainable manufacturing. Therefore, this study aimed to unleash the power of cloud adoption and AI in optimizing resilience and sustainable performance through collaboration and adaptive capabilities at manufacturing firms.Design/methodology/approachThis research followed a deductive approach and employed a quantitative method with a survey technique to collect data from its target population. The study used stratified random sampling with a sample size of 1,279 participants working in diverse manufacturing industries across California, Texas and New York.FindingsThis research investigated how companies can make their manufacturing supply chains more resilient and sustainable. The findings revealed that integrating the manufacturing supply chains can foster collaboration and enhance adaptability, leading to better performance (hypotheses H1-H7, except H5). Additionally, utilizing artificial intelligence helps improve adaptability, further strengthening resilience and sustainability (H8-H11). Interestingly, the study found that internal integration alone does not significantly impact collaboration (H5). This suggests that external factors are more critical in fostering collaboration within the manufacturing supply chain during disruptions.Originality/valueThis study dives into the complex world of interconnected factors (formative constructs in higher order) influencing manufacturing supply chains. Using advanced modeling techniques, it highlights the powerful impact of cloud-based integration. Cloud-based integration and artificial intelligence unlock significant improvements for manufacturers and decision-makers by enabling information processes and dynamic capability theory.

Enhancing sustainability in medical product supply chains: The role of remanufacturing and government subsidies

This study explores the impact of government subsidies on the production dynamics within the medical product supply chain, particularly focusing on the remanufacturing of medical goods. Amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has underscored the critical shortages in medical supplies, our research delves into the adoption of remanufacturing practices by medical product manufacturers as a strategic response to these shortages and environmental concerns. We investigate how government subsidies influence the production volumes of original manufacturers and remanufacturers and examine the competitive interplay between newly manufactured and remanufactured medical products. Through the development of three production game models—Scenario B (manufacturers produce both new and refurbished products), Scenario N (separate production of new and refurbished products by manufacturers and remanufacturers, respectively), and Scenario C (similar to Scenario N but includes a certification fee paid by remanufacturers to original manufacturers)—we analyze the strategies that could mitigate supply deficiencies during medical crises. Our findings indicate that the certification strategy (Scenario C) not only yields the highest total production of medical products but also offers a viable solution to enhance the sustainability of the entire medical production system by alleviating supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, we discuss the managerial implications of our results, emphasizing the potential of a joint remanufacturing strategy to stabilize the supply chain and foster environmental conservation. Lastly, we highlight our study's limitations and suggest future research directions, particularly concerning the variability in product quality and the reliance on government subsidies. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of green remanufacturing within the pharmaceutical supply chain, offering insights for manufacturers, remanufacturers, and policymakers aiming for sustainable industry practices.

Research on dynamic pricing and coordination model of fresh produce supply chain based on differential game considering traceability goodwill

This study aims to solve the current pricing and coordination problems in the fresh produce supply chain by proposing a dynamic pricing and coordination differential game model based on traceability goodwill to optimize the operational efficiency and profitability of the supply chain. Freshness and traceability are critical consumer trust and brand value factors incorporated into the dynamic pricing and coordination model in the agricultural supply chain. The research methodology of this paper integrates critical factors such as supply chain cost and market demand to construct a comprehensive differential game model. It also highlights the motivation of dynamic pricing strategy and coordination mechanism based on traceability goodwill. Through traceability goodwill, operating companies can better assess and manage product quality and improve consumer trust in agricultural products, thus enhancing brand value. The dynamic pricing strategy based on traceability goodwill can flexibly adjust prices according to changes in the quality characteristics of agricultural products and market demand, realizing a dynamic balance between supply and demand. On the other hand, the mutual cost-sharing and coordination mechanism promotes the synergy between the various links of the supply chain. It improves overall efficiency through cooperation coo, coordination, and other means. The validity and reliability of the model are verified through numerical simulation experiments. The numerical simulation results show that the dynamic pricing and coordination model based on traceability will significantly improve supply chain efficiency and profitability compared with the traditional model. Specifically, the interests of supply chain participants are balanced, and the overall supply chain operational efficiency is improved. The main contribution of this study is to propose a dynamic pricing and coordination model based on traceability goodwill and verify its superiority through numerical simulation experiments. This study provides a valuable reference for fresh agricultural products supply chain management and offers new ideas for improving supply chain efficiency and profitability.

Contract Cost Management and Supply Chain Performance of County Referral Hospitals in Kenya

A large body of literature underscores the impact of contract management on supply chain performance from diverse contexts. Although the concept of contract cost management and supply chain performance has extensively been researched from the Kenyan context, most of the studies have zeroed in on manufacturing supply chains. Therefore, the study seeks to establish the relationship between contract cost management and supply chain performance of county referral hospitals in Kenya. The study is anchored on transactional cost economies theory. The study employed a descriptive research design and mainly concentrated on the forty-seven county referral hospitals in Kenya. In order to meet the research objective, the respondents were chosen based on the sample frame. The heads of department in each of these departments: procurement, finance, and stores were employed as a unit of observation across the referral hospitals. The pilot study targeted 10 respondents which is 10% of the final study sample size of who were randomly selected in each of the firms. The primary data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire that had both open and closed ended questions, designed to obtain definite responses. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 28) was used to analyze the data and present the variables through coding and summarizing the responses of all the respondents and the analyzed data was presented in form of tables. The Cronbach’s Alpha value was greater than 0.7 which indicated that the questionnaire met the minimum acceptable threshold. The study findings showed that contract cost management significantly influence the supply chain performance of county referral hospitals in Kenya. The study concluded that performance was predicted to improve for every unit increase in these practices. The study further recommends that county referral hospitals should implement electronic document management systems for contract documentation, streamlining processes, and improving overall efficiency. Some recommendations included through choosing right software, systems configuration, document importation, user training, and need identification.

Quality and Pricing Decisions in a Dual-Channel Closed-Loop Supply Chain Considering Imperfect Product Recycling

Level of quality not only affects demand but also affects the proportion of imperfect products and then affects profit. This paper takes the quality level as a decision variable, considers both the consumer demand and the recovery of imperfect products in a dual-channel closed-loop supply chain (CLSC), and studies the significance of a revenue-sharing contract for coordination. The results show that the relationship between the optimal price and the quality level is affected by the repair cost of imperfect products and that the consumer’s attention to price and quality affects the trend of the overall profit with the quality level. In some cases, simply improving the quality level cannot expand the demand and is not even conducive to the improvement of green supply chain profits. It is also found that in both centralized and decentralized scenarios, coordination contracts can effectively motivate retailers to collect waste and help improve the economic efficiency of green supply chains.

Optimizing supply chain management: strategic business models and solutions using SAP S/4HANA

In today's highly competitive and rapidly evolving business environment, optimizing supply chain management (SCM) has become a critical imperative for organizations aiming to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. SAP S/4HANA, a next-generation enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite, offers a comprehensive and integrated platform for streamlining and modernizing SCM processes. This review explores the strategic business models and solutions facilitated by SAP S/4HANA, focusing on its impact on various facets of supply chain operations, including procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and inventory management. The implementation of SAP S/4HANA enables organizations to leverage advanced analytics, real-time data processing, and intelligent automation to optimize supply chain functions. By providing a unified view of supply chain activities, SAP S/4HANA enhances visibility, enabling proactive decision-making and fostering a more responsive and agile supply chain. Key features such as predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms facilitate demand forecasting and inventory optimization, reducing the risk of stockouts and overstock situations. Furthermore, SAP S/4HANA supports the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, allowing for real-time monitoring of assets and operations. This connectivity enhances the ability to manage logistics and transportation more efficiently, reducing lead times and improving delivery performance. The platform's ability to harmonize data from various sources also aids in supplier collaboration, ensuring better alignment with suppliers' capabilities and enhancing the overall supply chain resilience. Strategic business models enabled by SAP S/4HANA include just-in-time (JIT) production, which minimizes inventory costs, and demand-driven replenishment, which aligns production schedules with actual customer demand. Additionally, the adoption of digital twin technology within SAP S/4HANA allows for virtual modeling and simulation of supply chain scenarios, facilitating strategic planning and risk management. In conclusion, SAP S/4HANA provides a robust foundation for optimizing supply chain management through its advanced technological capabilities and integrated approach. Organizations adopting SAP S/4HANA can achieve significant improvements in supply chain efficiency, agility, and resilience, positioning themselves for sustained competitive advantage in the dynamic global market. This exploration highlights the transformative potential of SAP S/4HANA in redefining supply chain strategies and operational excellence.

Evaluating the Organisational Performance through the BSC-MCDM Framework in Packed Food Products Supply Chain

Evaluating the Organisational Performance through the BSC-MCDM Framework in Packed Food Products Supply Chain

Investigating the Structural Composition of Contemporary Sustainable Organic Agriculture Supply Chains: A Case Study from Thailand

The global demand for organic produce has surged, with notable growth among Thai consumers. However, within Thailand's organic agricultural sectors, supply chain obscurity has impeded the understanding and resolution of emerging challenges associated with meeting this rising demand. Public interest has traditionally centered on mainstream economic sectors, resulting in inadequate attention to the sustainable organic farming supply chains. This study aims to explore the complexities of current sustainable organic supply chain configurations in Thailand, addressing gaps that lead to suboptimal planning and non-sustainable practices. Utilizing the Integration Definition for Function Modeling (IDEF0) framework, this research collected data from key stakeholders through in-depth interviews. Participants included representatives from each stage of the supply chain, providing comprehensive insights into the operational dynamics. The analysis identified several critical challenges within the supply chain, including insufficient collaborative planning, reduced productivity, inaccurate demand forecasting, ineffective budgetary planning, and inadequate cold chain management. These challenges highlight the fragmented nature of the current supply chain and the need for strategic improvements. To address these shortcomings, the study suggests integrating technological advancements in demand planning, operations, and budgeting, fostering collaboration among supply chain members, and forming strategic partnerships with cold chain management service providers. These recommendations aim to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of Thailand's organic produce supply chain, ensuring it can meet increasing global and domestic demands effectively.

DEVELOPMENT OF DOMESTIC INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE COLD SUPPLY CHAIN OF PERISHABLE PRODUCTS

The purpose of the work is to analyze the cold supply chain of perishable products (PP) of the agro-industrial complex (AIC) of the country, to assess the volume of production of SPP that requires compliance with the temperature regime; to analyze the transportation of perishable goods of the Republic of Kazakhstan by all modes of transport, to analyze the load capacity of refrigerated vehicles in the country, to identify problems of storage and transportation infrastructure in the supply chains of the PP, to determine the directions of their development, to develop recommendations for improving the efficiency of functioning and development of the infrastructure of the cold chain. The work uses statistical and analytical methods of generalization and comparative analysis, an expert survey. The paper provides recommendations for business and the state to improve the areas of the cold chain of the PP, namely: it is necessary to create an authorized state body, which will be entrusted with the authority to develop the running chain of food products, to address issues of regulation of the cold chain market; the adoption of new regulatory documents to improve the turnover of the PP; investments in the running chain, training. Keywords: perishable products; supply chain; logistics infrastructure; vegetable store; food warehouse.

Концепція маркетингової логістики продукції рослинництва та її роль у економічній діяльності сільськогоспо-дарських підприємств

This study adopts a unique approach, drawing on the dialectical method of cognition, fundamental economic theory, marketing, and logistics principles, as well as the works of domestic and foreign scientists. The focus is on the formation of marketing logistics concepts for agricultural enterprises in crop production in the agri-food products market, presenting a fresh perspective that will intrigue and engage the reader. To carry out the research, various general and special scientific research methods were used, including theoretical generalization and comparison (formulation of conclusions and terminology in marketing logistics), monographic (in-depth study of marketing logistics), historical-retrospective (analysis of marketing logistics development), heuristic (assessment of marketing logistics processes in agri-food product markets), graphic (representation of research results and economic process trends), etc. The ‘supply chain of agro-food products’ and its economic significance are explained in detail, making the audience aware of its crucial role. The study establishes the crucial role of logistics in supplying agri-food products for ensuring global food security and promoting competitiveness in Ukraine’s agricultural sector. An analysis of the functions of marketing and logistics of agricultural enterprises revealed a strong connection between the two. Typically, this relationship is demonstrated through elements of the marketing mix, such as product and pricing policies and distribution policies. The product policy in marketing is identified as the most significant element of the marketing mix for agrarian sector enterprises. The author’s definition of the economic essence of the concept of “marketing logistics” is proposed, which performs the management function of coordinating and coordinating marketing and logistics activities in food supply chains and is focused on methods that ensure an adequate level of customer service to provide competitive advantages to enterprises of the agrarian sector in the markets of agri-food products. The concept of marketing logistics for an agricultural enterprise was developed to improve the effectiveness of logistics functions in agrarian formations and implement marketing-based logistics activities. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the long-term evolution (1961-2021) and price forecast (2023-2031) for agri-food products in real terms. It also offers insights into the structure of global consumption of agri-food products according to needs (food needs, animal feed, biofuel, other needs) in 2019-2021, and a forecast of its development for 2031 based on data from the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This information will keep the audience informed and prepared for future developments in the agri-food industry. Keywords: marketing logistics, logistics supply chains of agri-food products, world prices for agri-food products, grain crops, corn, food safety, the complex marketing of an agricultural enterprise, the concept of marketing logistics of an agricultural enterprise.

Four‐party evolutionary game analysis of geographical indication product quality control issues with network media‐assisted supervision

AbstractThis study focuses on addressing quality supervision issues related to opportunistic behavior within the geographical indication product supply chain. It constructs an evolutionary game model comprising suppliers, distributors, government, and network media. Through analysis, it examines the influence of key factors on the decision‐making dynamics of game participants and presents management suggestions accordingly. The findings are as follows: firstly, the dual supervision model with the assistance of network media can compensate for the regulatory gaps of the government's single supervision model. Secondly, the credibility of network media plays a pivotal role in determining the efficacy of public opinion supervision. With high credibility, measures such as increasing the synergy coefficient, imposing higher fines or compensation amounts, and enhancing the impact of reputational factors can all restrain the misconduct of operating entities. Conversely, when credibility is low, not only does the supervisory function of network media falter, but it also leads to reputational damage for both the operating entities and the government. Thirdly, differentiated management should be adopted for entities in different nodes of the supply chain; higher constraint intensity should be imposed on distributors compared to suppliers. The outcomes of this study provide some analytical paths for supply chain quality supervision and corporate behavior management and underscore the significance of collaborative regulation for sustainable industry practices.

Redefining supply chain sustainability: introducing the context of extreme weather events

PurposeExtreme weather events are on the rise around the globe. Nevertheless, it is unclear how these extreme weather events have impacted the supply chain sustainability (SCS) framework. To this end, this paper aims to identify and analyze the aspects and criteria to enable manufacturing firms to navigate shifts toward SCS under extreme weather events.Design/methodology/approachThe Best-Worst Method is deployed and extended with the entropy concept to obtain the degree of significance of the identified framework of aspects and criteria for SCS in the context of extreme weather events through the lens of managers in the manufacturing firms of a developing country-Nigeria.FindingsThe results show that extreme weather preparedness and economic aspects take center stage and are most critical for overcoming the risk of unsustainable patterns within manufacturing supply chains under extreme weather events in developing country.Originality/valueThis study advances the body of knowledge by identifying how extreme weather events have become a significant moderator of the SCS framework in manufacturing firms. This research will assist decision-makers in the manufacturing sector to position viable niche regimes to achieve SCS in the context of extreme weather events for expected performance gains.