Supply Chain Practices Research Articles

Enhancing supply chain sustainability performance: the pivotal role of emerging technologies

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of sustainable supply chain practices on sustainability performance in North American and Canadian firms in a business-to-business (B2B) context, specifically focusing on the mediating role of emerging technologies. It aims to deepen the understanding of this complex relationship, contributing to both theoretical knowledge and practical applications. Design/methodology/approach This study collected data from supply chain managers in the USA and Canada using a mixed-methods approach that includes partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), necessary condition analysis (NCA) and importance-performance map analysis (IPMA). PLS-SEM was utilized to model the relationships between sustainable practices, emerging technologies and sustainability performance. NCA identified the essential conditions required for sustainability performance, while IPMA was used to assess the importance and performance of different constructs, helping to pinpoint areas where the managerial focus can yield the most significant improvements. Findings This study reveals that sustainable supply chain practices (SSCP) alone do not directly lead to enhanced sustainability performance. SSCP includes product design, procurement, investment recovery and social sustainability. Sustainability performance includes economic, environmental and social performance. Instead, adopting specific emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, wearable devices and virtual reality, is crucial. A significant threshold identified is these technologies’ 80% adoption rate for substantial performance improvements. Furthermore, this study distinguishes the varying impacts of different technologies on economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainability. Originality/value This research offers new insights by showing that emerging technologies fully mediate the relationship between SSCP and performance. It expands on existing literature by detailing the specific impacts of various technologies, moving beyond the generalized approach seen in prior research. Specific impacts of emerging digital technologies on SSCP and performance remain underexplored in a B2B environment, and this research aims to address this gap.

Blockchain adoption effect on supply chain integration, innovation management, and performance

Developing supply chain performance (SCP) has been a significant challenge in the present era, specifically in manufacturing firms. Hence, implementing blockchain technology within the firms makes it possible to address these challenges. The present study explores the role of blockchain adoption (BA) towards supply chain innovation capabilities (SCICs), competitive performance (CP), SCP, and supply chain integration (SCI) among the managerial-level employees of manufacturing firms in Egypt. The study is quantitative and followed scholars like Jum’a (2023), Wamba et al. (2020), and Sheel and Nath (2019). The study applied convenience sampling techniques and gathered data through a survey tool. The study utilizes 324 valid cases to infer the outcomes. The path analysis suggests a positive impact of BA on SCICs, SCP, CP, and SCI. Besides, the effect of SCICs and CP on SCP appears positive. On the other hand, the study found a negative effect of SCI on SCP among the managerial-level employees of Egyptian manufacturing firms. The company supports manufacturing and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in enhancing performance by adopting efficient blockchain technology. Moreover, by adopting blockchain technology, the organization would improve its supply chain practices and generate massive productivity and profit.

Enhancing Crossdocking for a Green Supply Chain Based on IoT and AI

In the realm of supply chain management, the integration of sustainable practices alongside competitive efficiency is increasingly crucial. This study explores the convergence of cross-docking methodologies with advanced technologies such as IoT and AI to enhance the sustainability of supply chains. Cross-docking, known for its direct transfer approach, minimizes storage duration and operational costs, potentially reducing environmental footprints associated with traditional logistics. Concurrently, IoT enables real-time monitoring of goods and environmental parameters, while AI-driven analytics optimize logistics operations with precision. This integrated approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also underscores the pivotal role of technological innovation in fostering sustainable supply chain practices. Insights from this study contribute to advancing sustainable logistics strategies tailored to contemporary environmental imperatives and industrial competitiveness.

Enabling Green Supply Chain Practices and its Impact on Financial Performance with Moderation of i4.0 industrial Technologies

Enabling Green Supply Chain Practices and its Impact on Financial Performance with Moderation of i4.0 industrial Technologies

Unveiling sustainable supply chain practices and their impact on corporate logistics performance: An exploratory analysis of companies listed on the Moroccan stock exchange

Companies based in Morocco have recently begun to place greater emphasis on the sustainable supply chain practices (SSCP). As market and regulatory pressure on businesses to adopt environmentally conscious practices grows, companies listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange are turning to active research into innovative techniques that will enable them to enhance their logistical performance while also improving their ecological approach to business processes.Considering the nearly complete absence of research attempting to explain the relationship between the adoption of sustainable supply chain practices (SSCP) and the logistical performance of Moroccan businesses. It was important to investigate the field using a qualitative approach. Regarding our goals and methodology, we would like to describe, clarify, and comprehend the current state of sustainable logistics while also investigating the main practices and their effects on businesses' logistical performance in Morocco. To this end, we conducted a case study through semi-directive interviews with seven businesses listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange. These businesses are required to provide detailed financial and nonfinancial informations, including sustainability reports, providing crucial data on logistics operations and sustainability practices.The empirical analysis confirms the importance of SSCP in enhancing the logistical performance of businesses, making it crucial to integrate and align green practices with measures to promote sustainable logistics in order to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.

The effect of supply chain flexibility, supply chain governance and green supply chain practices on supply chain performance: TQM as a moderator

The effect of supply chain flexibility, supply chain governance and green supply chain practices on supply chain performance: TQM as a moderator

E-supply chain coordination and performance impacts: An empirical investigation

ABSTRACT This study addresses the critical need for coordinating electronic supply chain (E-SC) practices to maximize benefits for manufacturing firms. Despite existing literature, empirical studies have often overlooked the performance implications of such coordination. Using coordination theory, we argue that enhancing business value from E-SC investments requires integrating internal and external E-SC practices. We test three models to evaluate how coordinated practices impact operational and business performance, employing structural equation modeling on survey data from Omani manufacturing firms. The results confirm that effective coordination of internal and external E-SC practices mediates improved performance outcomes. This paper is the first empirical research to explore the mediating role of these coordinated practices in manufacturing contexts, highlighting several implications for the effective deployment and adoption of E-SC practices to achieve superior operational and business performance.

Reforming public sector supply chains in Limpopo: Unveiling governance challenges and strategic imperatives

Supply Chain Management (SCM) plays a vital role in any organization, facilitating trade both globally and locally. An organization with a robust SCM can easily meet demands, ensuring that goods or services are readily available and delivered promptly. However, poor structuring and management of SCM can lead to significant challenges, including service delivery failures. This study aims to analyze supply chain practices in the public sector in Limpopo Province, specifically focusing on public entities. The study seeks to identify weaknesses within the supply chain practices of public entities in Limpopo, highlighting issues such as lack of strategic alignment, inadequate policy implementation, and poor enforcement of SCM rules and regulations. A qualitative research approach was employed, collecting data through interviews with various experts from different public sectors to address the identified flaws in SCM practices. The findings reveal that there is a significant misalignment between supply chain and organizational strategies, which has led to service delivery backlogs, high levels of corruption, and continuous strikes across the province for better services. The study also finds that top-level management, including provincial leaders, do not perceive SCM as vital enough to warrant their attention, resulting in limited support for SCM practitioners. The lack of strategic focus and governance failures in SCM contribute to financial inefficiencies and poor service delivery, underscoring the need for provincial leaders to adopt a more strategic approach to SCM as a tool for improving public service delivery. This study provides insights into the critical role of SCM in the public sector, highlighting the urgent need for effective strategies, policy enforcement, and managerial support to mitigate governance and compliance failures. The research underscores the necessity for public entities in Limpopo to realign SCM strategies with organizational goals to enhance service delivery and combat corruption.

The role of green supply chain practices in competitive advantage in the automotive industry

The research examines how the application of GSCP can support competitive advantage in the automotive industry by exposing concerns and pressures in the field and showing the necessity of improving sustainable management. Extensive Supply Chain Management, green purchasing, sustainable transport and closed-loop systems that comprise of GSCP, enhances both environmental conservation and firm operations, under emissions standards and EPR polices. The study also looks at aspects on how sustainable innovation impacts competitive capabilities, problems accruing, and how best to integrate sustainability with successful green practices with reference to Tesla, Toyota, and BMW among the leading firms. Through filling the theoretical-practical gap in sustainable supply chain management, the results can provide important knowledge for academics, practitioners, and policymakers, for proving that sustainability can as a strategic resource in the automotive industry. This paper provides guidance on how green supply chain practices contribute to the competitiveness of some of the prominent automobile companies. As the following analyses indicate, all three companies show that sustainability within supply chains creates strategic worth and enhanced performance. Implementing principles such as green purchasing, energy management and waste minimization, they cut operating costs and align to a more planet sensitive market environment. Further research should be conducted to investigate the sustainability effects of green supply chain and the effects of the regulatory norms regarding their implementation across all industries.

An Analysis on Digitalization on Supply Chain Transparency, Traceability and Accountability with Special Reference to VRL, Bangalore

This study, “An Analysis on Digitalization in Supply Chain Transparency, Traceability, and Accountability with Special Reference to VRL, Bangalore” examines the impact of digitalization on the supply chain practices of VRL Logistics, a leading logistics company in India. The focus is on how digital technologies have enhanced transparency, traceability, and accountability within VRL’s supply chain. The research explores the use of digital tools such as ERP systems, IoT devices, and blockchain technology to improve supply chain visibility. It discusses how these technologies enable VRL to track the movement of goods in real-time, provide accurate data to stakeholders, and reduce risks by enhancing operational transparency. The study also investigates the company’s adoption of digital traceability systems, which have improved the ability to track goods, verify product details, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, the research highlights the role of digital solutions in ensuring accountability among suppliers and partners, helping VRL monitor performance, delivery timelines, and product quality. This study reference to testing throught T-Testing. KEYWORDS: Digitalization And Supply Chain Transparency, Supply Chain Traceability, Supply Chain Accountability, E-Commerce.

Supply Chain Finance, Supply Chain Concentration and Corporate ESG Performance

Creating diversified value has become a strategic goal for contemporary corporate development, with supply chain finance offering new avenues to enhance environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. This study analyzes a dataset from A-share listed companies spanning 2014 to 2023 to empirically investigate how supply chain finance influences ESG performance and the moderating role of supply chain concentration. Results indicate that advancements in supply chain finance positively impact ESG performance, providing companies with a pathway to strengthen sustainable practices. However, a higher supply chain concentration has a significant negative relationship with supply chain financing, indicating that companies with more concentrated supply chains may face challenges in fully leveraging supply chain finance to enhance ESG outcomes. Additionally, supply chain concentration negatively mediates the relationship between supply chain finance and ESG performance, suggesting that supply chain structure influences the effectiveness of financial strategies on ESG outcomes. This research provides theoretical and empirical insights to guide companies toward sustainable decision-making and improved supply chain practices aligned with ESG objectives.

Towards Transformative Supply Chain Research and Practice: A Critical Systems Perspective

ABSTRACTThe argument that the supply chain discipline needed to make an epistemological break with functionalism in favour of a systems approach was made by Mears‐Young and Jackson (1997) but it has largely been overlooked. This paper seeks to address this oversight by demonstrating what a systems (multiparadigm, multimethodological) approach involves and means for supply chain theory and practice: the adoption of a broad range of paradigmatic perspectives, the juxtaposition and interplay of different perspectives and the creation of opportunities for understanding and action that offer the potential for transformational insight and change. Such a systems approach is demonstrated through the employment of three contrasting perspectives (objective‐positivist, subjective‐interpretivist and radical‐critical) to the case study of the supply chain for personal protective equipment (PPE) in the United Kingdom during the first year of the Covid pandemic. This case study is complex and multifaceted and demonstrates well the urgent practical need for a systems approach to supply chain theory and practice as each supply chain perspective offers only partial insight and understanding. In summary, this paper seeks to advance supply chain theory and practice by articulating what a systems approach to it involves.

Integrating AI in Sustainable Supply Chain Practices: Comparative Analysis between the USA and Europe

Integrating AI in Sustainable Supply Chain Practices: Comparative Analysis between the USA and Europe

The Impact of Digital Technologies on Supply Chain Resilience: A Framework Analysis

In the context of global disruptions, such as the COVID-19 and geopolitical shifts, the significance of supply chain resilience (SCRES) has grown. These disruptions have highlighted the need for more resilient, flexible, and adaptable supply chains that can respond to unexpected emergencies. This paper examines the role of digital technologies in enhancing SCRES through a framework that integrates digitalization with supply chain performance. By synthesizing existing literature and utilizing a framework analysis, the study evaluates key indicators that influence various resilience dimensions. It further clarifies the intricate relationship between digitalization, SCRES, and performance outcomes. A case study of 3Ms digital revolution highlights the importance of digital tools in improving supply chain practice during disruptions. The findings of this study highlight that digital technologies are not only pivotal for enhancing SCRES but are also crucial for building a resilient supply chain capable of mitigating future uncertainties and optimizing performance across the entire supply chain network.

Green Supply Chain Management, Business Performance, and Future Challenges: Evidence from Emerging Industrial Sector

This research explores the relationships between green supply chain management (GSCM), lean management (LM), corporate social responsibility (CSR), and business performance (BP) in the industrial sector of Saudi Arabia. The project is implemented within the Vision 2030 framework, which aspires to green the Saudi economy by transitioning it from reliance on hydrocarbons to a diversified, sustainable economy. A quantitative approach was implemented, which involved the application of the structural equation modeling analysis for the survey data from 345 managers in the industrial sector in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region. The results revealed that GSCM directly makes a significant contribution to LM, CSR, and BP. Also, the study found that LM was the positive factor that mediated the relationship between GSCM and BP. Nevertheless, no such associations were found between CSR and BP, nor was there an indirect effect of CSR as the mediator variable. The research underscores the supreme role lean management plays in translating environmentally friendly supply chain practices into better business performance. It reveals that industrial companies wishing to gain the advantages of narrowing their supply chain by using green practices should also simultaneously implement a lean management system to improve efficiency.

Green Supply Chain Practices and Environmental Performance: A Moderated Role of Adaptive Green Culture and Mediated Role of Competitive Pressure

The global push for sustainability has driven firms to adopt green supply chain management (GSCM) practices to mitigate environmental impacts and enhance performance. However, the link between GSCM and environmental performance (EP) remains inconclusive, particularly in developing economies and polluting industries, such as textiles. This study investigates the impact of GSCM on EP in the Turkish textile sector, addressing gaps in the understanding of the mediating role of competitive pressure (CP) and the moderating influence of adaptive green culture (AGC). Grounded in the natural resource-based view (NRBV) and stakeholder theory, this study employs a quantitative approach. Data were collected through a structured survey of 408 Turkish textile industry managers using purposive sampling. The findings confirm that GSCM positively affects EP and CP and that CP mediates the relationship between GSCM and EP. AGC further enhances the direct and indirect effects of GSCM on EP. This research contributes by demonstrating how cultural adaptability and competitive pressure optimize green practices, providing valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to advance sustainable supply chains in emerging economies.

Application of Supply Chain Operations Reference Model (Scor) Among Small and Medium-Sized Fresh Food Enterprises in Guangdong Province: An Input to Similar Industry Benchmarking

The dissertation proposal assesses the SCOR model's application in Guangdong Province's fresh food e-commerce sector using a mixed-method approach with data from 420 SMEs. It aims to analyze supply chain management efficiency across key dimensions like planning, procurement, production, distribution, and returns.The study reveals that SMEs are generally satisfied with their supply chain management, despite a surprising finding that supply chain efficiency is universal and balanced among SMEs, regardless of size or financial performance. This challenges the common belief that efficiency is directly linked to business size or financials.The research offers recommendations for stakeholders, including policymakers and managers, to improve supply chain maturity and efficiency. It aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of supply chain practices and inspire further exploration of optimization strategies in the fresh food e-commerce sector in Guangdong and other regions.

Information Technology Capability, Supply Chain Practices and Leagility: A Systematic Literature Review

To cope with the unpredictabilities of the ever-changing modern business environment, businesses need strategies that help them maintain efficiency and flexibility. Leagility, an amalgam of “lean” and “agile”, enables them to integrate both advantages. Lean strategy improves efficiency by minimizing waste and costs, while agile strategy allows businesses to rapidly adapt to market trends. Despite its importance for businesses, leagility has received little attention in the literature. Moreover, research on the relationship between IT capability, supply chain practices and leagility, is limited. This systematic literature review addresses these concerns. Based on an analysis of 30 related articles, this study finds increasing interest in the topic, but notably in China, India and the US, with fewer studies from other developing countries. Moreover, most leagility studies are quantitative. These findings challenge previous studies claiming that a majority of the studies are qualitative. Additionally, a sound majority of leagility studies relate to the manufacturing sector, which questions other studies expressing the need for more research on this sector. Further conclusions from the present study indicate that efficiency, effectiveness, responsiveness, and flexibility are the most important dimensions of leagility for successful supply chain performance. Also, leagility requires IT capability, comprising especially IT infrastructure, IT human resources, and IT integration. Also, to help businesses adjust swiftly to market changes, while being efficient, information sharing, information quality, strategic supplier partnership, and postponement, are essential to leagile supply chain practices. This study suggests the need for further research in understudied locations on leagility, IT capability, and supply chain practices, using qualitative and mixed-method approaches to fully comprehend the issue. Studying how emerging technologies and global crisis influence these interactions may also help in developing more robust, flexible and successful supply chain strategies.

Unveiling Green Supply Chain Practices: A Bibliometric Analysis and Unfolding Emerging Trends

Supply chain management is a multi-dimensional approach. Growing eco-consciousness has forced businesses to optimize operations and incorporate green practices across all the stages of supply chain in manufacturing and service sectors. Reviewing the past research literature propels us to understand its current and future prospects. Employing a systematic analysis, this research explores the intellectual structure of green supply chain practices and their connection to performance outcomes in various industries. This study covers a systematic literature review, content analysis, and bibliometric analysis on green supply chain management using VosViewer. It utilizes a PRISMA-guided screening method for identification, screening, eligibility and inclusion of literature from the literature available since 1999. The bibliometric analysis reveals key contributors, thematic clusters, prevailing theoretical frameworks, and emerging research trends in the domain of green supply chain management. China, followed by the United States and the United Kingdom, emerged as leading contributors to research in this area, driven by rapid economic growth, heightened environmental concerns, and well-established academic and industrial infrastructures. The study identifies eight thematic clusters within green supply chain management, including the triple bottom line, circular economy, and carbon emissions. The most highly cited papers within these clusters were examined for their methodologies, tools, and key findings, highlighting the prominent theories utilized in this field. Moreover, the research discusses how advanced technologies such as AI, blockchain, and big data analytics are poised to transform supply chains by enhancing decision-making and mitigating risks, thus playing a pivotal role in the future of green supply chain management.

Developing inventory optimization frameworks to minimize economic loss in supply chain management

Inventory optimization is pivotal in mitigating economic losses and enhancing efficiency in supply chain management. This paper examines the challenges associated with traditional inventory practices, including inefficiencies, demand variability, and supply chain disruptions, which lead to substantial financial and operational setbacks. Building on theoretical foundations and insights from existing research, a comprehensive inventory optimization framework is proposed, integrating advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud-based systems. The framework emphasizes data-driven decision-making, real-time tracking, lean inventory management, and sustainability, offering scalable solutions for diverse industries. Practical recommendations for implementation include investments in advanced technologies, collaborative supply chain practices, and continuous performance monitoring. The proposed framework aims to reduce costs, improve operational resilience, and align inventory management with broader economic and environmental goals. By adopting this innovative approach, organizations can navigate the complexities of modern supply chains and achieve long-term success.. Keywords: Inventory Optimization, Supply Chain Management, Economic Losses, Advanced Technologies, Lean Inventory, Sustainability.