Supply Chain Performance Research Articles

Agribusiness Supply Chain Collaboration: Role of Innovation Capacity and Business Process Agility as Antecedents of Supply Chain Performance

This article examines the role of innovation capacity and business process agility (BPA) in the relationship between supply chain collaboration (SCC) and supply chain performance (SCP) of smallholder agro-based enterprises (SAEs). Based on the relational view and dynamic capability theories and the survey research design, the author used questionnaires to gather data from 226 SAEs who were sampled from agribusiness associations in four regions of Ghana via the quota sampling technique. Smart PLS-SEM 4.0 was used as the statistical method to analyze the data. The results showed that SCC has a significant and positive relationship with SCP, innovation capacity, and BPA. Innovation capacity significantly mediates the relationship between SCC and SCP. Furthermore, BPA fully mediates the relationship between SCC and innovation capacity, with innovation capacity also influencing SCP. This study integrates relational and capability-based views to propose a comprehensive theoretical model showing the inter-relational effect of SCC, BPA, and innovation capacity on SCP. The empirical findings widen the context of SCC literature to include SAEs from emerging economies in sub-Saharan Africa. The empirical findings enrich the understanding of how SAEs can manage their SCCs to develop and use specific capabilities that positively impact SCP. The uniqueness of this article rests in the proposed model and new empirical knowledge, which extends the scope of the relational and capability-based views and SCC literature to include innovation capacity, BPA, and SCP of SAEs in emerging markets.

Influence of Supply Chain Technological Integration on the Performance of Formal Manufacturing Firms in Mombasa County, Kenya

Technological integration within the supply chain has emerged as a pivotal determinant for the growth and competitiveness of manufacturing companies amidst the rapidly evolving business landscape. However, in Kenya, numerous firms encounter challenges in embracing and assimilating the latest technological advancements into their supply chain operations. This study aimed to assess the impact of supply chain technological integration on the performance of formal manufacturing firms in Mombasa County. Grounded on the Innovation Diffusion Theory, the research targeted 50 general procurement managers, 100 warehouse managers, and 100 general operation managers across 50 manufacturing enterprises. Utilizing the Yamane formula, a sample size of 152 respondents was determined, and data was collected through questionnaires. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS. The findings show that by enhancing operational efficacy and efficiency, the integration of supply chain technology significantly enhances overall business performance. Consequently, the study concludes that supply chain technological integration plays a positive role in influencing firm performance among formal manufacturing enterprises in Mombasa County. To optimize performance, it is recommended that firms invest in robust and reliable technologies. Furthermore, there is a need for additional research to explore the impact of supply chain technological integration on firm performance across diverse industries and regions within Kenya.

Integrated DEMATEL-ML approach for implementing lean supply chain in manufacturing sector

PurposeThe manufacturing sector is witnessing the need to continuously improve overall performance by eliminating inefficiencies in the supply chain. The adoption of lean concepts to address wasteful or non-value-adding activities in the supply chain is crucial. This article determines key factors of lean supply chain management (LSCM) for continuous improvement in the manufacturing sector.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology comprises three steps. The first step identifies critical factors of LSCM in manufacturing from prior research and a series of expert consultations. Critical factors are identified and validated that industries can leverage to attain their lean goals. The second step uses the decision-making and trial evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method to determine the causal relationship among the factors. DEMATEL analysis categorizes factors into cause and effect, which will assist industry personnel in decision-making. The third step involves further data analysis to visualize the importance of the most critical factors. It develops a machine learning (ML) model in the form of a decision tree that helps in assessing the factors into cause or effect groups via a threshold value of expert ratings.FindingsIT tools, JIT manufacturing and material handling and logistics form the most critical factors for LSCM implementation.Originality/valueThe analysis from DEMATEL and ML together will be beneficial for manufacturing practitioners to improve the supply chain performance based on the identified factors and their criticality towards LSCM implementation.

The effect of green supply chain management practices on carbon-neutral supply chain performance: the mediating role of logistics eco-centricity

PurposeUsing the lens of the natural resource-based view (NRBV) theory, this study investigates the effect of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices such as green manufacturing (GM), eco-design (ED), green purchasing (GP) and investment recovery (IR) on the carbon-neutral supply chain (CNSC) performance of firms through the mediating influence of logistics eco-centricity (LE).Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework that hypothesizes the relationship between GSCM practices, LE and the CNSC performance of firms is developed. Key GSCM practices are then identified using experts’ opinions. Furthermore, we collected responses from logistics companies to validate the conceptual framework using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method.FindingsThrough this study, we found that GSCM practices significantly improve a firm's CNSC performance, and the relationships between GSCM practices and CNSC performance are positively mediated by LE.Practical implicationsThe implications of the study suggest that logistics managers can benefit from the findings of this study to comprehend the impact of various GSCM techniques on LE and CNSC from the viewpoint of the NRBV paradigm.Originality/valueThis research provides valuable perspectives for managers and supply chain (SC) practitioners in their quest for sustainable and environmentally responsible SC operations through an extensive and novel analysis of the connection between GSCM practices, LE and CNSC performance.

Investigating the barriers and mitigation strategies for biogas adoption in a developing economy: A multi-stakeholder networks perspective

Biogas production is one of the sustainable solutions for tackling organic waste and addressing serious environmental issues. In developing nations, however, stakeholders such as farmers, biogas plant owners, project developers, and investors continue to face diverse challenges in biogas production. Research on potential mitigation strategies to address the complex challenges in biogas adoption in the developing countries context is also scarce. Accordingly, we adopted a multi-stakeholder networks perspective to investigate the barriers and potential strategies for biogas adoption in Pakistan. To this end, we conducted twelve semi-structured interviews with energy consultants and environmental experts working in the biogas industry. Building on the multi-stakeholder networks perspective, the findings contribute to the existing literature by critically analyzing diverse barriers such as the interference of farmer unions, fear of project failure, mindset issues of stakeholders, dependence on a few feedstock suppliers, and lack of policy safeguards for investors. Further, the findings provide in-depth insights into mitigation strategies such as engagement with local communities, proactive biogas policies and best practices in developed and developing economies, cost-benefit analysis of biogas production, close monitoring of the upstream supply chain activities in the biogas industry, incentivizing the segregation of municipal solid waste, and collaboration between industry and academia, which are lacking in the current literature. We argue that rich insights from the present study could facilitate practitioners, stakeholders, and policymakers in advancing sustainable biogas policies and regulatory frameworks, promoting alternative feedstock options, improving stakeholder collaboration, initiating biogas awareness programs, and effectively managing biogas supply chain operations.

Green supply chain management and firm sustainable performance: unlocking the role of transactional and transformational leadership in firm sustainable operations

AbstractCompanies are adopting innovative and environmentally friendly methods and technologies to mitigate the adverse effects of their products and services on the natural environment. Various internal and external factors influence a company’s ability to comply with such sustainability standards. This study specifically examines the connection between a company’s sustainable supply chain operations and a crucial internal factor, namely leadership. It focuses on comparing and contrasting the impacts of transformational and transactional leadership on green supply chain management (GSCM) and the overall sustainable performance of the company. Using a quantitative approach, the author conducted surveys among employees and managers and utilized structural equation modeling to analyze the model. The findings indicate that transformational leadership significantly impacts GSCM practices and sustainable organizational performance (OSP). However, the association between transactional leadership and GSCM is relatively weak. Additionally, it is observed that GSCM positively contributes to OSP. The results emphasize the importance of upper-level management involvement in green initiatives, particularly GSCM, to enhance the company’s environmental performance and ensure its long-term sustainability.

Improved Association Rule Mining-based Data Sanitisation with Blockchain for Secured Supply Chain Management

A supply chain management (SCM) method must include information sharing as a vital component in order to improve supply chain performance and boost an organisation’s strategic advantage. Since, due to a lack of trust concern over information leakage, and security breaches by nefarious individuals or groups, several organisations are hesitant to share information with their supply chain partners. This work presents a new supply chain management-based secure data transmission method. By using blockchain-based data storage, it is assumed that the manufacturers, suppliers, and customers would transfer data that must be kept private during transmission. As a consequence, this paper aims to provide an improved association rule mining with a data sanitisation scheme with an improved Apriori algorithm used in the proposed data sanitisation process. In particular, the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) will generate keys by considering the objective relying on the value of the preservation ratio, false rule generation, hiding failure, and degree of modification. The weights are adjusted via a novel Minkowski distance-based Namib beetle optimisation (MDNBO) technique, which also improves the performance of the LSTM model. The reverse process of encryption occurs when encrypted data are restored at the receiving end. By contrasting it with the old methods with regard to security as well, the proposed protected data in SCM with blockchain technology will be proved to be efficient.

Social Sustainability Risk Assessment of Fresh Produce Supply Chain in China under Computer Technology and Digital Transformation

This paper investigates the social sustainability risks in China’s fresh produce supply chain amid ongoing digital transformation. As computer technologies reshape supply chain operations, understanding and mitigating associated social risks become paramount. This research aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of these risks, examining factors such as data and cyber security, inequality, and ethical sourcing concerns. Ten social risk criteria are identified through literature review and expert opinion. In a Sichuan case study, by integrating hybrid methodology Fuzzy Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Fuzzy VIKOR (VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje), Data Privacy and Security Risks (SR1) stands out as the most critical risk criterion in the supply chain with the highest Q value, followed by Ethical Use of Technology (SR4) and Digital Dependency (SR5). This paper offers insights into how stakeholders can navigate the intersection of digitalization and social sustainability to foster more resilient and equitable fresh produce supply chains.

The impact of cleaner production strategy on Sustainable supply chain performance

Abstract There is a paradigm shift occurring in organizations towards sustainable production through cleaner production strategies. This cleaner production concept has been proven to be cost-effective, result-oriented, environment-savvy and provides the organizations a cutting edge over their counterparts. However, there is a lack of awareness about cleaner production practices in Iraq while the current study analyzed one of the most important factories in Iraq for sugar production to understand the factors required for successful application of cleaner production strategy and the challenges to be expected. In this study, the researchers followed an exploratory research approach. For this study, a questionnaire was designed, validated and distributed randomly among 700 potential respondents working in various departments of the organization under study. Out of the total responses, 482 responses were considered and SEM-PLS analysis was conducted. The cleaner production strategies were applied through nine dimensions and the relationship between the performance of the factory and sustainable supply chain was found to be prominent. With a few limitations such as the choice of a single factory, weak relationship between the variables identified from hypothesis testing, the study is a first-of-its-kind in this domain, especially in dealing with sugar refineries. Based on the outcomes, policy recommendations were made to the decision makers and the government. It can be concluded that the application of modern technologies and effective resource management can help in achieving the goal of the study.

Efficient Management and Mitigation of Logistical Risks at Chennai Port’s Logistic Service Provider

This project explores the efficient management and mitigation of logistical risks by logistic service providers operating within the bustling environment of Chennai Port. The port, situated on the eastern coast of India, serves as a pivotal gateway for trade, handling a diverse array of cargo and accommodating a significant portion of the country's maritime activities. Given the dynamic nature of port operations and the multitude of risks inherent in logistics, understanding how logistic service providers navigate these challenges is essential for ensuring smooth and reliable supply chain operations. The study begins by identifying the diverse range of risks prevalent in the logistics landscape of Chennai port, encompassing operational, financial, regulatory, and environmental dimensions. Logistic service providers face challenges such as congestion, delays, fluctuating market conditions, compliance issues, and natural disasters, all of which can disrupt supply chain activities and incur substantial costs. Keywords: Logistic Services, Supply Chain Efficiency, Risk Management Practices, Real time Practices,

Impact of industry 4.0 on supply chain management

This study aims to analyze the impact of Industry 4.0 implementation on the supply chain and develop an implementation framework that considers the potential drivers and obstacles of the Industry 4.0 paradigm. A literature search examined the main drivers and barriers to implementing Industry 4.0 in four business areas: strategy, organization, technology, law, and ethics. A system dynamics model will be developed to understand the impact of the implementation of Industry 4.0 on supply chain parameters, and the identified drivers and barriers to technological change will be included. In addition to the empirical basis of this connection, a proposal was a theoretical framework for utilizing Industry 4.0 within the supply chain. The opportunities and new challenges for future supply chains were expected in Industry 4.0. This study analyzed various challenges in implementation and process and proposed a framework for effectively adapting and transferring the model of Industry 4.0 towards supply chains. The research aims to understand the challenges of integrating Industry 4.0 into their networks because it aims to examine the advantages of supply chain management. The implementation impact of Industry 4.0 on the supply chain performance can be analyzed using simulation analysis, and the driving causes and obstacles of this technological transition can be investigated. This connection is provided on an empirical basis. It is proposed that a new industrial conceptual framework be developed. Incorporate Industry 4.0 into your supply chain.

Driving success through digital transformation: influence of Industry 4.0 on lean, agile, resilient, green supply chain practices

PurposeGrowing emphasis on long-term viability prompts researchers and industry professionals to collaborate on innovative approaches for sustainability and survival. Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technology's importance drives active adoption by firms amidst evolving business dynamics. This research examines the influence of I4.0 technologies on lean, agile resilient and green practices and their impact on supply chain performance.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data from Pakistani manufacturing enterprises were analyzed using SMART PLS to explore the relationship between I4.0 technology, supply chain practices and supply chain performance.Findings I4.0 technologies significantly impact all practices, while agile and resilient supply chain approaches partially mediate the relationship with supply chain performance.Practical implicationsInsights from this research guide policymakers and business experts in implementing and managing lean, agile, resilient and green practices. Integrating these principles with digital technology solutions enhances supply chain performance.Originality/valueThis study advances understanding of the interplay between I4.0 technologies, practices and supply chain performance, providing a basis for further research and practical implications.

Research on Sustainable Supplier Evaluation Index System in Architectural Design Industry

Sustainable development has been popularized and emphasized in many industries. Great attention has been paid to the sustainability performance of the whole supply chain, with evaluating suppliers’ sustainability being particularly critical. However, research on sustainable development in the consulting service industry remains to be discovered, and few academic studies have analyzed the supplier selection indices derived from this industry. This paper conducted a case study in a design institute using the Delphi method to investigate the concept and characteristics of sustainable suppliers. Keywords derived from surveys and literature were collected, sorted, and established into a comprehensive hierarchy index system for sustainability evaluation. Finally, based on the improved failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the failure risk of the indices was analyzed with weighted risk factors to obtain the high-risk key evaluation indices, which provided a simplified scheme for enterprises to streamline the evaluation process on sustainable suppliers. The results show the reliability of the improved FMEA model by differentiating the risk value and ranking. Suggestions for sustainable improvement are provided.

Supply Chain Agility And Performance Of Commercial State Corporation In Nairobi City County, Kenya

Supply Chain Agility And Performance Of Commercial State Corporation In Nairobi City County, Kenya

Supply Chain Optimization in the Package Industry through Machine Learning Analysis

The package industry relies heavily on efficient supply chain management to meet customer demands and maintain profitability. However, managing complex supply chains involving multiple suppliers, transportation networks, and distribution channels poses significant challenges. This research proposes a machine learning-based approach to optimize supply chain operations in the package industry. By analysing historical data on supply chain activities, including procurement, inventory management, and distribution, our system aims to identify patterns and trends to improve decision-making processes. Machine learning algorithms such as support vector machine, naive Bayes, and logistic regression are utilized to forecast demand, optimize inventory levels, and streamline logistics operations. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in enhancing supply chain efficiency and reducing operational costs in the package industry.

How to Complete Supply Chain Integration and Improve Supply Chain Performance Through Relationship Governance in the Digital Age

In the process of manufacturing supply chain development, because appropriate governance mechanisms are lacking, manufacturing supply chain stability, integration and other aspects face many challenges. Such as opportunism, “free riding” and data leakage affect supply chain development. Thus, many manufacturing firms are adopting supply chain relationship governance (SCRG) as a strategic to enhance performance. Using data collected from a survey of 295 manufacturing firms, this paper confirms the influence of SCRG on supply chain performance (SCP). The mediating effect of supply chain integration (SCI) and the moderating effect of digital capabilities (DCs) are explored. The results show that SCRG has a beneficial effect on SCP. SCI plays a partial mediating role in SCRG and SCP. DCs positively moderate the relationship between SCRG and SCI. This study is one of the first to explore the role of DCs in the relationship between supply chain partners and the impact on performance. It provides fresh perspectives and real-world evidence for determining the importance of SCRG strategies.

Unlocking the Role of Language and National Culture: Effects on Supply Chain Operations in a Global Context

We investigate how language, an essential part of culture, affects manufacturing firms’ supply chain operations management practices, including the cash conversion cycle and its components. Based on the Sapir–Whorf hypothesis, which theorizes that a language's structure may affect how its speakers think, prior studies have established that using the future tense to describe future events increases one's mental distance from the future, reducing a person's concern about it. Building upon this foundation, we hypothesize that firms in weak future-time reference countries are likely to be better prepared for future volatility in demand for their products and therefore carry higher inventory to avoid potential stockouts. We also hypothesize that firms in weak future-time reference countries are more apprehensive about long-term relationships with their customers and hence extend longer credit terms to them. Finally, we hypothesize that firms in weak future-time reference countries have longer operating and cash conversion cycles due to carrying higher levels of inventory and extending longer credit terms to customers. The empirical results using a large global sample of 193,625 firm-year observations from 45 countries support our hypotheses. In terms of economic significance, on average, the cash conversion cycle of firms in weak future-time reference countries is ∼ 11% longer than that of firms in strong future-time reference countries. We also find that the effect of language is dominant over the influence of traditional cultural dimensions. Together, the results suggest that time encoding in the language of a firm is a determining factor in its supply chain operations.

Blockchain in the Supply Chain: Systematic Review of the Literature for a Performance Improvement Proposal Based on a Conceptual Framework

Blockchain offers innovative solutions with information flow that improves the supply chain. This research aimed to present an overview of how blockchain technology can improve supply chain performance with a focus on visibility, reliability, security, analysis, and risk management. A systematic literature review was carried out and the selection of 72 articles that met the inclusion criteria was made in the Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore with the use of the keywords “blockchain” and “supply chain performance,” in the time frame from 2017 to 2022. Studies show that there is a gap in the investigation of this theme, so it is critical to build a conceptual framework for blockchain adoption in the supply chain. It is concluded that visibility, reliability, security, and risk management can improve the supply chain with blockchain deployment in conjunction with other digital technologies.

Research on Inventory Sustainable Development Strategy for Maximizing Cost-Effectiveness in Supply Chain

This study addresses the challenges of the expanding global online retail market by developing an innovative inventory management strategy that promotes sustainable development. We propose an integrated planning model that utilizes a newly enhanced Parallel Chicken Swarm Optimization (PCSO) algorithm alongside the established Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model and the (s, S) inventory policy. Our model demonstrates its effectiveness through simulation experiments, showcasing its ability to dynamically adjust inventory thresholds based on daily forecasted demand, which significantly optimizes replenishment strategies. Notably, our model achieves a total cost reduction while maintaining a high service level of 0.761467 and reduces computational time to 82.32 s, highlighting its efficiency and adaptability. The innovation of this research lies in the application of the PCSO algorithm to dynamically manage inventory in real-time, aligning with sustainable inventory management practices. This study significantly contributes to the field by enhancing the economic and environmental sustainability of supply chain operations.

Analyzing the drivers of the low-carbon construction supply chain based on an integrated DEMATEL–ANP approach

PurposeCarbon reduction in the construction supply chain can critically affect the construction industry’s transition to an environmentally sustainable one. However, implementing carbon reduction in all parties is restricted because of the poor understanding of the drivers influencing the low-carbon construction supply chain (LCCSC). The purpose of this paper is to systematically identify the drivers of LCCSC, analyze their causality, and prioritize the importance of their management.Design/methodology/approachA decision-making analysis process was developed using an integrated decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL)–analytical network process (ANP). First, the hierarchical drivers of the LCCSC were identified through a literature review. The DEMATEL method was subsequently applied to analyze the interactions between the drivers, including the direction and strength of impact. Finally, the ANP analysis was used to obtain the drivers’ weights; consequently, their priorities were established.FindingsVarious factors with complex interactions drive LCCSC. With respect to their influence relationships, incentive policy, regulatory policy, consumers’ low-carbon preference, market competition, supply chain performance, and managers’ low-carbon awareness have more significant center degrees and are cause drivers. Their strong correlations and influence on other drivers should be noticed. In terms of weights in the driver system, regulatory policy, consumers’ low-carbon preference, supply chain performance, and incentive policy are the key drivers of LCCSC and require primary attention. Other drivers, such as supply chain collaboration, employee motivation, and public participation, play a minor driving role with less management priority.Originality/valueDespite some contributing studies with localized perspectives, the systematic analysis of LCCSC drivers is limited, especially considering their intricate interactions. This paper establishes the LCCSC driver system, explores the influence relationships among the drivers, and determines the key drivers. Hence, it contributes to the sustainable construction supply chain domain by enabling decision-makers and practitioners to systematically understand the drivers of LCCSC and gain management implications on priority issues with limited resources.