Quality Of Supply Research Articles

Blockchain technology in agriculture: Ensuring transparency and traceability in the food supply chain

The study explores the transformative role of blockchain technology in enhancing transparency and traceability within the agricultural food supply chain. By leveraging blockchain's inherent characteristics of decentralization, immutability, and security, stakeholders can significantly improve information sharing and visibility from farm to consumer. The study delves into how blockchain addresses longstanding transparency and traceability issues that have plagued the agricultural sector. Real-world examples illustrate blockchain's successful application in agriculture, showcasing its capacity to boost transparency, operational efficiency, and trust among supply chain participants. These case studies demonstrate how blockchain creates tamper-proof records, enhances end-to-end visibility, and provides reliable, real time data. The technology's potential to combat fraud, promote sustainability, and ensure product authenticity is also explored. Furthermore, the research investigates blockchain's impact on food safety, particularly when integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and smart contracts. These synergies enable automated, secure data collection and the execution of predefined agreements, further streamlining supply chain processes. Successful implementations across various areas of supply chain management, including logistics, inventory tracking, and quality control, are highlighted to demonstrate the practical benefits of blockchain adoption. By providing an in-depth analysis of blockchain's potential, this study underscores its pivotal role in building consumer trust regarding food safety, quality, and origin. The research concludes by discussing the challenges and opportunities for widespread blockchain adoption in agriculture, offering insights into its future trajectory and potential to revolutionize the global food supply chain.

Advances in the use of active yeast in raising chickens

The broiler industry supplies quality protein, which is in constant development. It seeks productive strategies that improve production, health, growth, and survival and reduce the poultry industry's diseases, stress, and long-term environmental impact. Broiler chickens are exposed to numerous microorganisms that alter production, and this is an opportunity for yeasts to promote the growth of organisms, stimulate the immune system, improve health, promote changes in intestinal structure, and inhibit pathogens. This review summarizes the current knowledge and effect of active yeast species on raising chickens, nutrition, immunity, digestibility, changes in intestinal structure, and pathogens on those organisms. Due to their nutritional value, active yeasts are used as natural and alternative ingredients in broiler chickens. They are a source of b-glucans, chitin, nucleic acids, mannan-oligosaccharides, b-carotene, and vitamins. Enzymes they produce improve intestinal maturity and digestion. The immune and antioxidant properties of yeasts play an essential role as probiotics and immunostimulants to enhance the resistance of broilers against common viral and bacterial diseases. Bioactive products generated by active yeasts can improve intestinal microbiota and positively alter the immune response, phagocytosis, encapsulation, etc. Different active yeast species and strains have been used and have generated exciting results. They are popular as beneficial candidates for nutrition by maintaining broiler chickens’ health's and well-being conditions. Future studies must understand the functioning and effect of species and strains on broiler chickens in their different processes, the use of new research tools (proteomics, radioisotopes, real-time molecular biology, etc.) can facilitate these studies.

The Influence of CITO Procurement on Pharmaceutical Supply Chains: Efficiency, Challenges, and Outcomes

This paper investigates the role of CITO (Critical Item Time Order) procurement in optimizing pharmaceutical supply chains, particularly in contexts requiring rapid responses to urgent supply needs. CITO procurement is analyzed for its effectiveness in enhancing operational efficiency, cost management, and patient outcomes within healthcare settings. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies, the paper identifies both the strengths and challenges associated with CITO implementation. Key findings suggest that while CITO can significantly reduce lead times and stockouts, organizations must also address potential risks related to supplier quality and regulatory compliance. The study proposes strategies for optimizing CITO procurement processes, emphasizing the importance of technology and strong supplier relationships in ensuring reliable and timely access to critical medications. Ultimately, this research highlights CITO’s potential as a vital strategy in the evolving landscape of pharmaceutical supply chains, underscoring its relevance for improving healthcare delivery and patient care.

Regional Government Obligations in Fulfilling the Right to Clean Water

This study examines the regional government’s obligations in fulfilling the right to clean water to achieve public utility benefits, focusing on the Regional Water Utility Company (PDAM) in Bone Regency. The research adopts an empirical juridical method, combining field studies on the implementation of existing laws with data gathered through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results indicate that the fulfillment of the right to clean water by PDAM Bone Regency is not optimal. Challenges persist in three key aspects: quality, quantity, and continuity of water supply. The water quality often fails to meet standards, with issues such as turbidity reported by consumers. The quantity of water distributed remains insufficient to meet the needs of all citizens, particularly during extended dry seasons, and the continuity of water flow is inconsistent, disrupting daily activities. These issues hinder the realization of public welfare and equitable access to clean water, as mandated by Indonesia’s legal framework and human rights principles. This study highlights the need for improved management, infrastructure upgrades, and policy interventions to ensure the right to clean water is upheld for all citizens of Bone Regency.

Will vegetation restoration affect the supply-demand relationship of water yield in an arid and semi-arid watershed?

Natural processes, combined with human activities, determine the inherent quality of regional water supply and demand. However, the interaction between artificial vegetation restoration and water supply-demand dynamics remains insufficiently understood, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study focuses on the Jinghe River Basin (JRB) in the central Loess Plateau, aiming to investigate the changes in supply and demand of ecosystem water yield services and analyze factors affecting the water supply-demand relationship during the vegetation restoration, using the InVEST model, scenario analysis, and the Geodetector. The key findings are as follows: (1) Water shortages in the basin are concentrated in the southern and northern areas, while the southwestern and central areas exhibit water surpluses. Between 2000 and 2020, the water supply showed a first decline and then increase trend, whereas water demand exhibited an opposite trend, with 2009 and 2013 as turning points, respectively. These changes mitigated the basin's water scarcity. (2) Assuming constant meteorological factors and fixed water use indicators, water supply in the vegetation restoration areas decreased by 47.4 million m3, but water demand decreased by 89 million m3, indicating that vegetation restoration did not threaten human water availability. (3) Water supply is primarily influenced by meteorological factors, while water demand and the water supply-demand ratio (WSDR) are mainly driven by socio-economic factors. The influence of precipitation on water yield (q=0.69) outweighs that of land use (q=0.14), indicating that the reduction in water yield due to vegetation restoration is offset by the increased precipitation. This study provides insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics of water yield services and the relationship between vegetation restoration and water supply-demand in the arid and semi-arid regions.

A Real-Time Hierarchical Energy Management Strategy for FTPSS to Improve the PV/RBE Utilization and Power Supply Quality

A Real-Time Hierarchical Energy Management Strategy for FTPSS to Improve the PV/RBE Utilization and Power Supply Quality

A Highly Efficient System for Separating Glandular and Non-glandular Trichome of Cucumber Fruit for Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) trichomes play a critical role in resisting external biological and abiotic stresses. Glandular trichomes are particularly significant as they serve as sites for the synthesis and secretion of secondary metabolites, while non-glandular trichomes are pivotal for determining the appearance quality of cucumbers. However, current methods for separating trichomes encounter challenges such as low efficiency and insufficient accuracy, limiting their applicability in multi-omics sequencing studies. This protocol introduces an efficient system designed for the precise separation of glandular and non-glandular trichomes from cucumber fruit. The process begins with the pre-cooling of sorbitol buffer or ethanol solution and the RNA-free treatment of laboratory supplies, followed by sterilization and pre-cooling. After filling glass bottles with pre-cooling buffer and glass beads, cucumber ovaries are then placed in the glass bottles and the trichome is harvested by bead-beating method. The separation process involves sequential filtration through various steel sieves and centrifugation to separate trichomes. The separated trichomes obtained from this method are well-suited for subsequent multi-omics sequencing analyses. This protocol achieved high precision in separating glandular and non-glandular trichomes, significantly enhancing the efficiency of separation and sample collection processes. This advancement not only addresses existing limitations but also facilitates comprehensive studies aimed at exploring the genetic and biochemical diversity present within cucumber trichomes, thereby opening avenues for broader agricultural and biological research applications. Key features • Use cucumber fruits on the day of flowering. • Pre-cooling and RNA-free treatment ensure supply quality and purity. • Efficiently separate glandular and non-glandular trichomes. • Trichome samples are suitable for multi-omics sequencing analysis.

Assessing the Relationship Between Electrical Conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids of Different Water Resources in a Large-scale Irrigation Scheme in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin of Turkiye

Climate change and the growth of the population have led to changes in both the quantity and the quality of water resources. In Turkiye, a Mediterranean country, over 75% of its surface water is used for irrigation. Given the average annual precipitation (574 mm) of Turkiye, except for the Black Sea Region, all arable land in the country relies on irrigation to maintain sustainable food production. Agriculture constitutes 6% of Turkiye’s gross domestic product (GDP), with exports including crops such as cotton, corn, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, nuts, citrus orchards, and various fruits. As a result, the water provided for irrigation in any irrigation system must meet acceptable water quality standards to ensure sustainability of irrigation and food security. This study aims to a) investigate two essential irrigation water parameters: Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and b) evaluate their empirical relationship using samples collected from various water sources within a large-scale irrigation district, covering an area of 9495 ha in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkiye. Water samples were collected over one year, from October 2022 to September 2023. A total of thirteen locations were considered: a) Seven agricultural drainage channels, b) Four irrigation water sources (Seyhan River, Ceyhan River, one spring, and one groundwater well), c) Two outlets - the existing research catchment outlet and the other downstream. EC values of water samples were determined by using a benchtop type EC meter in the laboratory and TDS was determined by gravimetric method. Research results showed that there was a statistically significant correlation (r≥0.98) between EC and TDS across all water samples. The proportionality constant (K) ranged predominantly between 400-800 and was consistent with literature indicating the linear relationship between EC and TDS. Research findings suggest that the quality of different water supplies is suitable for the irrigation of all kinds of crops grown in the Lower Seyhan Plain of Turkiye. The overall characteristics of the average EC and TDS values throughout the year are reflected in the proposed equations for each water body. However, in future research, we suggest that the water sample volume should be at least 100 ml in order to provide more accurate results for water quality assessment.

Public Distribution System: An Exploration of Constraints in Rural and Urban Areas

India's Public Distribution System (PDS) plays a critical role in addressing poverty and enhancing food security by providing essential commodities at subsidized rates. Despite its significant contributions, the system faces numerous challenges, including poor quality of food grains, irregular supply, and limited availability of specified items. This study investigates these constraints in Telangana, employing Garrett’s ranking technique to evaluate issues faced by beneficiaries across urban and rural areas. Data collected from 240 beneficiaries reveal that poor quality food grains and the non-availability of specified items are the most pressing concerns. The findings emphasize the need for improved quality control, timely supply chain management, and expansion of item availability to enhance the efficacy of the PDS and ensure equitable food security.

Addressing Supply Chain Administration Challenges in the Construction Industry: A TOPSIS-Based Evaluation Approach

A multitude of Supply Chain Administration issues could make it difficult for commodities, information, and services to move effectively within the construction sector. Poor collaboration and communication may be the outcome of several stakeholders and the fragmented nature of the building industry. This dispersion makes it difficult to coordinate tasks effectively, which can cause delays and ineffectiveness. Additionally, a lack of transparency regarding material availability, location, and status can lead to miscommunication and poor decision-making. Unreliable lead times for materials and equipment, along with inventory management complexities, further exacerbate supply chain issues. Inefficient transportation and logistics, quality control and inspection problems, project complexity, and environmental sustainability concerns are other key challenges. Overcoming these obstacles requires proactive planning, effective communication, and the implementation of technologies to enhance visibility and coordination throughout the chain of supply in construction. The research significance of studying Construction Supply Chain Administration Issues lies in its potential to address critical industry challenges. By identifying and understanding the specific issues faced in construction supply chains, researchers can develop strategies and solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize delays in construction projects. Improved Supply Chain Administration can lead to streamlined operations, optimized inventory management, better coordination among stakeholders, and enhanced sustainability practices. This research contributes to the advancement of the construction industry by enabling more effective decision-making, improved project outcomes, and increased competitiveness for construction companies. Since TOPSIS is a multi-criteria decision-analytical method, it is given priority. A decision-making technique called TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) ranks alternatives according to how closely they resemble the ideal solution and how far they are from the unfavorable ideal answer. Alternative Parameters taken as Supllier1, Supllier2, Supllier3, Supllier4. Evaluation parameters taken as Quality, reputation, technology, level, compatibility, cost, distance. The highest-ranking Supply Chain Administration Issues in the Construction Industry utilizing the TOPSIS Analysis approach is shown in Table 5 along with the preference score. Supplier 1 is in first place, followed by Supplier 2 in second, Supplier 3 in third, and Supplier 4 in last. The TOPSIS approach is used to produce the end product. Construction Supply Chain Administration Issues pose significant challenges in the modern era. Embracing technology, fostering collaboration, and optimizing logistics are vital for tackling issues like supplier reliability, cost control, quality assurance, and distance-related inefficiencies. By addressing these challenges head-on, the construction industry can achieve improved project outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. It is imperative to prioritize transparency, agility, and innovation to transform the supply chain and adapt to the evolving needs of the modern construction landscape. This will drive industry-wide progress, foster resilience, and ensure successful project delivery in an increasingly complex and competitive environment.

Striving for Excellence: Deconstruction of Total Quality Management Measuring Model for Croatian Furniture Industry

The significance of Total Quality Management (TQM) lies in its ability to enhance organizational efficiency, foster continuous improvement, and cultivate a culture of quality, ultimately leading to increased customer satisfaction and sustained success. Conducted within the context of the Croatian furniture industry, this research aims to analyze and understand TQM, identify key implementation factors, and formulate a tailored assessment model. The methodology involves a literature review, the integration of relevant TQM factors, and empirical research using a structured questionnaire distributed among a representative sample of Croatian furniture companies. The resulting model encompasses Supplier Quality Management, Engagement of People, Employee Education, Continuous Improvement, Process Management, Company Strategy, Introduction of New Products, Customer Orientation, and Leadership Involvement. Empirical validation demonstrates positive correlations and high reliability. Despite its industry- and country-specific focus, this research offers valuable insights for academics and managers, providing a foundational set of key TQM implementation factors that are applicable beyond the studied context. In addition, the furniture industry, relying on wood as its main raw material, significantly contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through sustainable manufacturing practices, with an emphasis on TQM in production.

The sustainable development goals, master plans and the school curriculum: an interdisciplinary scoping review

The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, through the 2030 Agenda, seeks to address the various problems affecting the global population. For this, 17 goals and 162 subgoals were established, agreed by the member countries in 2015 at the COP 21 event in Paris. Therefore, the objective of this Scoping Review was to collect data produced in the world literature, which addressed themes linked to sustainability, education, curriculum, water and basic sanitation, in an integrated way, which dealt more specifically with goals 4 (Quality Education) and 6 (Water and Basic Sanitation) of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It also aimed to find teaching networks in the most diverse countries, which used the curriculum, to bring the themes proposed by the UN into the classroom. To search for articles published in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, the period from June 2017 to June 2022 was taken into account. In addition, official guiding documents were also investigated. A total of 2,803 potential items were obtained. From this total, around 2,720 were eliminated for not meeting the guiding strings in this research, leaving 83 articles/documents. After further reading, 44 articles/documents met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was found on all continents and in the most diverse countries, with different priorities. The countries that are part of the OECD have worked on these issues intending to improve their indicators. The so-called emerging countries (Brazil, Russia, China, India, South Africa, and Turkey, among others), on the other hand, treat the same data to improve educational metrics and universalize the quality of water supply and sanitation. Finally, in the countries that fall into the peripheral group, the findings were based on a rights guarantee approach, i.e., still from the perspective of implementing and consolidating public policies, such as some Latin American countries, South/Southeast Asia, and the vast majority of sub-Saharan African countries.

Optimizing Carbon Capture Supply Chains with AI-Driven Supplier Quality Management and Predictive Analytics

As the need for sustainable practices grows, carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems have become critical in mitigating environmental impact by reducing carbon emissions. This study explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing the CCS supply chain, with a specific focus on supplier quality management and predictive analytics. By integrating AI technologies, companies can optimize their supply chains, minimize operational costs, and improve supplier quality performance. Supply chain managers can better forecast disruptions, identify potential risks, and enhance decision-making using predictive analytics. This paper synthesizes recent research on AI applications in CCS, assessing its impact on supplier quality management and operational efficiency. Key findings indicate that AI-driven supplier management systems significantly enhance carbon capture efficiency, reducing overall emissions and facilitating more streamlined CCS operations.

Supply Chain Integration, Quality, and Knowledge Management in the Aerospace Industry

In recent years, Supply Chain Integration (SCI) has gained attention in academic and empirical research. However, SCI has little consensus on conceptualizations, definitions, and dimensions. This research aims to analyze how quality management and knowledge management contribute to integrating the supply chain and participate in solving some of this misleading analysis of the aerospace industry in Queretaro, Mexico. To evaluate the influence of the variables, the structural equation modeling was used using the partial least squares approach (SEM-PLS). A census was made of the 48 firms in the aerospace industry through an interview with the firm’s executives. The model results show that knowledge management positively and significantly influences supply chain integration. Information and knowledge acquisition, both internally and externally, are essential for firms to improve their performance. Firms also must develop quality management systems that involve all the participants to integrate into global supply chains.

From wild to captive: Understanding the main nutritional diseases of sharks in public aquariums.

The establishment of a well-adapted and accurate feeding regimen is a fundamental determining factor in the maintenance of shark species in captivity. Replicating the natural diet in captivity is commonly accepted and recommended. Given the diverse nutritional composition of prey, supplementation may become necessary. The captive environment poses unique challenges, making sharks susceptible to an array of health issues, including numerous diseases. Mitigating these risks demands detailed husbandry practices, an appropriate physical environment and a balanced diet. Supplementation, encompassing vitamins and minerals, becomes imperative for the provision of essential nutrients. This complexity has rendered the formulation of an adapted feeding plan for aquarists exceptionally challenging. The scarcity of information in these species adds to the issue, mandating extrapolation from various shark groups and to species with analogous characteristics. This literature review concentrates predominantly on benthic and pelagic shark species prevalent in contemporary aquariums. The central argument posits that dietary choices in captivity rely on factors such as availability, quality and consistency of supply. The advocated approach highlights the importance of a balanced, diverse feeding that closely mirrors natural diets. It is then crucial to emphasize that these are general guidelines, and the specific dietary requisites may diverge between shark species. Collaborating with experts in marine biology, shark husbandry and veterinary care is imperative for the formulation and perpetuation of an adapted diet for captive sharks.

Analysis of Optimization Strategies for Inverter Circuits in Microgrid Independent Power Generation

With the continuous growth of global energy demand and the increasingly severe environmental problems, microgrid technology, as an important direction of energy transition, has been developing rapidly in China's construction in recent years. This paper systematically introduces the basic concept, structure, power source and its power supply mode of microgrid, and deeply analyzes the optimization strategy of inverter circuits in independent power generation of microgrid. The performance of inverter circuit, as a key technology for converting DC power to AC power in microgrid, directly affects the energy conversion efficiency and power supply quality of the grid. This paper focuses on the improved sag control strategy and virtual synchronous generator (VSG) strategy, which significantly improve the stability and power quality of microgrids by enhancing the flexibility of power control and the adaptability to renewable energy sources. By comprehensively analyzing the current literature and research results, this paper reveals the central role of sag control in independent power generation in microgrids and points out the reasons why it is indispensable in many studies.

Spillover Effects and Regional Determinants in the Ecuadorian Clean-Cooking Program: A Spatiotemporal Econometric Analysis

Developing countries are making great efforts to electrify, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and deal with climate change. In 2014, Ecuador launched the clean-cooking program Programa de Cocción Eficiente (PCE) aimed at replacing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-fired cookstoves and boilers with electric devices. This paper explores the spatial determinants of participation in this program using detailed subnational socioeconomic data and a monthly electricity dataset (2015–2021) at the parish level. We identify relevant spillover effects in participation, which are higher in parishes with a better quality of supply. Moreover, participation in other subsidized programs positively affects participation in the PCE. Policy recommendations include the need to perform detailed spatial analyses and implement a place-based approach to these programs, considering potential spatial effects and the spatial heterogeneity of parishes. Finally, regulatory incentives to improve the quality of supply are essential to increasing the success of these programs. JEL Classification: Q01, Q43, Q52, Q56

An Empirical Study on the Impact of Local Financial Capacity on the Supply Efficiency of Ecological Public Goods

Improving the quality and level of ecological public goods supply is crucial for enhancing the public happiness index and ensuring ecological welfare. A high-quality ecological environment generates significant positive externalities, making the provision of such goods a key focus of government expenditure. The ability of local governments to adequately fund the supply of ecological public goods depends on the strength of their financial capacity. Based on the panel data of 30 provincial-level regions in China from 2007 to 2019, this paper uses the super-efficiency Slack-Based Measure (SBM) model and the dynamic Malmquist index to measure the supply efficiency of provincial-level regional ecological public goods including undesirable outputs. Furthermore, the panel Tobit model and the system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) model are used to empirically test the impact of local fiscal capacity on the supply efficiency of ecological public goods. The results show that fiscal absorption capacity can significantly improve the supply efficiency of ecological public goods, and the economic growth preference of fiscal allocation capacity can also significantly improve the supply efficiency of ecological public goods, indicating that under the influence of the current economic structure transformation and ecological civilization construction, the distortion of local governments in the supply of public goods has been improved, while the administrative consumption preference of fiscal allocation capacity hinders the improvement of the supply efficiency of ecological public goods, and the fiscal self-sufficiency has a lag in improving the supply efficiency of ecological public goods. Fiscal transfer payments have significantly improved the efficiency of the supply of ecological public goods.

Assessing the Extent of Utilization and Availability of Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Assessment of Students by Lecturers in University

This study assessed the extent of utilization and availability of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching and assessment at Ambrose Alli University. As educational paradigms shift towards digitalization. This study employed survey research design. A snowball sampling method was used to select 103 lecturers who provide the relevant data or information regarding the extent of availability and utilization of AI in teaching and assessment of students. The instrument for data collection was a self-developed semi structured questionnaire, entitled Availability and Utilization of AI in Teaching and Assessment of Students by Lecturers in Ambrose Alli University (AUAITASLAAU). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0 was used to analyze the data collected. The study found that a positive reception of AI-enhanced teaching and assessment tools among both Lecturers and Students, highlighting increased engagement, personalized learning experiences, and efficient assessment mechanisms. However, concerns related to data privacy, accessibility, and technological proficiency remain significant barriers to widespread AI adoption. The author logically concluded that the adoption of AI for teaching and assessment of students by lecturers within the university setting will measurably improve the teaching and unbiased assessment of students. The author recommended, among others, that before implementing AI, the management of Ambrose Alli University should endeavour to improve on the quality of electricity power supply.

Influence of Supplier Relationship Management on Product Quality

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of supplier relationship management on product quality. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low-cost advantage as compared to field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: effective Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) practices, such as performance monitoring, collaboration, and trust-building, significantly enhance product quality. These practices reduce defect rates, improve compliance, and boost customer satisfaction. Strong supplier relationships foster innovation, align quality objectives, and streamline processes, making SRM a critical enabler for achieving consistent quality standards and maintaining competitive advantage in dynamic markets. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resource-Based View (RBV), Transaction Cost Economics (TCE) Theory and Stakeholder Theory in supply chain and management maybe used to anchor future studies influence of supplier relationship management on product quality. Theories should incorporate variables such as cultural, technological, and economic differences, providing a more globally relevant understanding of SRM's influence on product quality. Firms should adapt SRM practices to their industry-specific needs. For instance, green supply chains might prioritize sustainability metrics, while high-tech sectors may emphasize innovation partnerships. Policymakers should promote industry-wide standards for supplier evaluations and quality compliance to ensure consistency and accountability across supply chains