Supply Chain Strategy Research Articles

Integrating Resource-Based Theory and Contingency Theory for Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience in Malaysia: A Post-Pandemic Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted global supply chains, exposed their vulnerabilities and underscored the urgent need for enhanced resilience. In Malaysia, the pandemic's impact on supply chains has been profound, prompting a re-evaluation of existing strategies and frameworks. This study explores the integration of Resource-Based Theory (RBT) and Contingency Theory (CT) to enhance supply chain resilience in Malaysia. Through in-depth case studies and semi-structured interviews with senior managers and supply chain professionals, this research identifies key factors contributing to the successful implementation of an integrated resilience framework. The findings reveal that firms leveraging advanced technology, skilled workforce, and strategic partnerships can maintain operational efficiency and adaptability. Context-specific strategies such as diversifying suppliers, local sourcing, strategic stockpiling, and flexible logistics solutions are essential in responding to disruptions. Common challenges include high initial costs, coordination issues, regulatory hurdles, and cultural resistance to change. The integration of RBT and CT results in improved supply chain visibility, flexibility, robustness, and stakeholder collaboration. This study contributes to the academic discourse by offering practical insights for firms seeking to enhance supply chain resilience. It underscores the importance of combining internal strengths with adaptive strategies tailored to the external environment. The findings provide valuable guidance for both academia and industry in developing more robust and adaptive supply chain strategies in the post-pandemic landscape. Future research should explore the integration of RBT and CT across different contexts and industries and investigate the role of emerging technologies in enhancing supply chain resilience.

Demand information sharing strategies in the e-waste reverse supply chain under remanufacturer encroachment risk

Demand information sharing strategies in the e-waste reverse supply chain under remanufacturer encroachment risk

Navigating Complexity: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This editorial introduces a special issue dedicated to exploring sustainable supply chains through an interdisciplinary lens, incorporating theories from International Relations (IR) to better understand the complexities of global logistics in an era marked by significant geopolitical shifts. As the demand for sustainable business practices grows, this issue highlights innovative research that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations into supply chain management. The contributions within this issue apply a mix of realist and liberalist IR perspectives to dissect the dynamics of global and local supply chain strategies, focusing on industries such as shipping and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in supply chain practices.

Big data service investment strategy for low-carbon supply chains with reference effect

Big data service investment strategy for low-carbon supply chains with reference effect

The role of open enterprises in overcoming the Middle-Technology Trap

This paper aims to unveil the role of openness in fostering enterprises to achieve technological progress. By conducting a comparative analysis of Chinese and Western companies’ supply chain strategies in the internet and new energy industries, the article finds that American enterprises have a higher level of supply chain openness than Chinese enterprises in both two industries. Based on the case analysis, that paper argues that openness plays a vital role in promoting technological innovation in enterprises. The profound influence of openness in promoting technological advancement may be observed through three aspects: openness at the technical level, openness in attracting talent, and openness in facilitating the development of rules and regulations. Accordingly, suggestions are proposed to assist Chinese enterprises in avoiding the “Middle-Technology Trap” through openness on the basis of legislation and public policy intervention. Meanwhile, the Chinese government is suggested to promote national coordination to establish a national unified market to realize the three levels of openness of the supply chain and industrial chain strategies: enterprise-level, domestic regional level, and international level.

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT COMO FATOR ESTRATÉGICO PARA A COMPETITIVIDADE E SUSTENTABILIDADE DAS ORGANIZAÇÕES: A IMPORTÂNCIA DA CADEIA DE SUPRIMENTOS PARA A ESTRATÉGIA COMPETITIVA DAS EMPRESAS

This paper has as objetive to introduce a study about the diferents teories that define the supply chain management as strategic factor and its importance to activities develop of sustainable way in organizations. The studies already performed demonstrate the complexity of operations involved and the importance of strategies adopted to serve the consumer Market of compettive way. A literature review was carried out in qualitative way, with the objective of identify main concepts about logistics, supply chain management, competitiviness and sustainability. The estudy provided a conceptual analysis about the theme, allowing to identify tools and methods used that can contribute to sustainable supply chain management. The biblioghaphic review made it possible search for elements that demonstrate the importance of activities that integrate the supply chain system and strategies adopted to the efficient management and competitive to organizations. The search collaborated to raise important questions about the effectiveness of actions in relation to sustentable use of resourses in logistics and supply chain.

Competence Level of Graduates on Procurement Strategies for Digital Supply Chains in Tanzania

Strategic procurement enables companies to develop and enhance their advantage over its competitors –both by cost advantage or differentiation advantage. Accordingly, modern and future procurement is highly strategic in comparison to traditional and e-procurement practices. However, the extent to which the graduates are prepared on procurement strategies for digital supply chains is scarcely known in Tanzania. In other words, very little is known on the competence level of graduates on digital supply chain management. Therefore, this study evaluated the competence level of graduates on procurement strategies for digital supply chains in Tanzania. It specifically determined the level of awareness of graduates on procurement strategies for digital supply chains; the extent to which the graduates are prepared on procurement strategies for digital supply chains while at educational institutions studying, and ranking of skills on digital supply chains acquired by the graduates in relation to hard and soft supply chain skills. This study used quantitative approach with descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The data were collected from 500 graduates of Procurement and Supply in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Mwanza and Dodoma who were sampled using multi-stage sampling techniques. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that, majority of the graduates had low level of awareness on procurement strategies for digital supply chains. In addition, the majority of graduates were prepared on procurement strategies for digital supply chains to the very small extent. Moreover, skills on digital and soft supply chains were ranked thirdly/low in acquisition when at the education institutions compare to hard supply chain skills. The graduates acquired digital and soft supply chain skills in lower rate (rank) compare to hard supply chain skills acquired in moderate rate. It is generally concluded that, the graduates had low level of competence on procurement strategies for digital supply chains in Tanzania. This study advocates for serious engagement of both private and public stakeholders in collaborating with colleges/institutes in training on procurement strategies for digital supply chains in Tanzania in order to produce competent labour force for the digital world of work.

The role of big data analytics in the footwear supply chains: a multiple case study perspective

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the importance of big data analytics (BDA) and supply chain analytics for sustainable supply chain management in all types of enterprises in the footwear industry. The importance and implementation of BDA in supply chain management have been discussed in this research paper, and a conceptual framework is proposed for the implementation. Design/methodology/approach The previous research indicates that the application of BDA and supply chain analytics is the key point to establishing sustainable supply chain management. Even though there are several types of research on the implications of BDA, there is still a gap in practical implications in organizations. For a better understanding, comparison of frameworks has been done for literature support. Further, 11 in-depth, semi-structured interviews have been conducted with four organizations from the footwear industry, and a conceptual framework has been proposed. Findings This research demonstrates an important gap in the literature through a thorough investigation of how firms can improve operational efficiency and productivity through the framework application and whether it is feasible to apply this within the global footwear industry or not. In conclusion, the research has denoted that despite lack of understanding related to sustainability agendas and not having proper ERP or BDA systems, the organizations operating in Pakistan still met some standards of sustainability and are moving toward achieving more. Research limitations/implications The research has pointed out the importance of the integration of all stakeholders in the supply chain through a proposed framework that aligns and guides the stakeholders so that the policies and other constraints may be taken into consideration while revising sustainable supply chain strategies. Practical implications This study will help increase sustainability through the application of BDA technology, which will benefit various stakeholders, particularly those in the footwear industry. Originality/value This study has proposed a framework based on three stages of the implementation of BDA in the existing supply chain to maintain and achieve sustainability in the organization in the footwear industry. This three-stage framework covers many aspects that were not covered in the literature before.

An analysis of digital twin technologies enhancing supply chain viability: empirical evidence from multiple cases

Recent challenges, including the semiconductor shortage, the Suez Canal blockage, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Huthi attacks in the Red Sea, have shifted the focus of top management towards ensuring continuity and building resilience in their supply chain (SC). These threats manifest in supply shortages, manufacturing halts and significant revenue losses, prompting a re-evaluation of SC strategies and increased investment in digital technologies. Specifically, adopting digital twin technologies (DTTs) enhances organizations to cope with SC disruptions by providing real-time data, facilitating quick decision-making and enabling immediate actions or responses. Applying the theoretical lens of the practice-based view (PBV), the present research analyses five cases to illustrate how DTTs beneficially support SC viability (SCV) practices, enhancing operational performance subsequently. The study uses secondary data to provide empirical evidence on the Digital supply chain practice model (DSCPM). The findings highlight the DTT’s role in facilitating SCV practices, enhancing visibility, adaptability and velocity. From a managerial perspective, however, the study reveals a notable gap between potential benefits and practical implementations of DTTs.

What is the impact of demand patterns on integrated online-offline and buy-online-pickup in-store (BOPS) retail in a smart supply chain management?

Retailers aim to provide in-person and remote interactions to accelerate purchases through hybrid methods, which introduce additional delivery and emissions loads but create a seamless shopping experience. The challenges of unified inventory, customer information, pricing, demand forecasting complications, and order fulfillment are met successfully in the hybrid methods. Here, a smart supply chain management that integrates traditional physical presence with cloud-based and hybrid buy-online-pickup in-store channels is optimized to meet customer demand in different demand patterns. The demand patterns considered are linear, cubic, and normalized functions of the selling price, the advertising cost, and the product lifetime. The article incorporates sustainable supply chain and omnichannel strategies to optimize supply chain performance and profitability. The paper compares the results of the proposed models with traditional supply chain models and provides some managerial insights and suggestions for online retailers. Numerical simulation reveals that nonlinear price dependence in demand provides an opportunity for higher promotional investment with a substantial rise in optimal selling price and overall profit. The shift-to-imperfect probability is seen to be the volatile component in the solution surface. The markup of the offline channel has a greater impact than buy-online-pickup in-store markup.

Identification of Supply Chain Disruption Risks and Strategies in the Electric Vehicle Industry Based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP)

In recent years, the electric vehicle industry has witnessed unprecedented development opportunities. However, with rapid technological iterations and fluctuating market demands, the vulnerability and complexity of the electric vehicle supply chain have significantly increased the potential risk of supply chain disruptions. Against this backdrop, this study adopts the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to systematically analyze the risks of supply chain disruptions in the electric vehicle industry. By constructing a judgment matrix through industry data surveys and expert scoring, and conducting consistency checks, the weights of various risk factors are determined. The study finds that technological quality risk, demand forecast deviation, and logistics disruption are the primary factors affecting the stability of the electric vehicle supply chain. Additionally, although the probability is relatively low, the potential destructiveness of exogenous risks is equally undeniable. Accordingly, the study will propose targeted management strategies to enhance the resilience of the new energy vehicle supply chain at both the enterprise and industry levels in response to these risks.

Navigating economic crisis: Factors shaping resilience in Sri Lankan construction SME supply chains

In today’s construction industry, supply chains are subject to much greater disruption than they were in the past, resulting in a greater need for resilience. However, there is a gap in the literature that examines the resilience of construction small and medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) specifically focusing on developing countries. This article is a step towards identifying the factors influencing the resilience of construction SME supply chains taking the case of Sri Lanka: a developing country which is currently amidst a major economic crisis. This research study adopted a mixed-method approach, employing 08 structured interviews with employees ranging from executive level to top level management of 08 construction SMEs followed by a questionnaire survey considering a sample of 195 construction SMEs also with executive level to top level management of each construction SME. The findings indicated that Collaboration, Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), Internal Integration, and Outsourcing have a positive significant impact on the resilience of Sri Lankan construction SMEs’ supply chains during an economic crisis, while ‘collaboration’ and ‘EO’ are the most influential factors respectively. Therefore, construction SMEs must prioritize and enhance collaboration and EO when devising supply chain strategies to strengthen resilience during economic crises. This paper contributes to filling the research gap by investigating factors influencing construction SME supply chains in a developing country during an economic crisis. Moreover, it contributes to the knowledge by being one of the latest empirical studies focusing on the construction SME supply chains in Sri Lanka. The findings provide a valuable reference for both policymakers and practitioners seeking to improve the resilience of construction SME supply chains.

Supply chain strategies in a global context: a customer value-based perspective

ABSTRACT Customer value is influenced by several factors, which impose major challenges to global Supply Chains (SCs) and their management. This study aims to understand how companies tackle these challenges by focusing their global SC management on major strategies and supporting practices. Based on customer value theory, and recognising major trends affecting what end consumers value, we identify four global SC strategies: customer-driven, service-driven, resource-efficient, and closed-loop. A multiple case study carried out in eleven companies in the consumer goods industry explores the practices adopted per each SC strategy in managing global sourcing, production, and distribution networks. Results show the key requirement of selecting tailored practices for SC management that align with the context and the value expected by customers. Operational SC practices entail managing collaborative actions both up and downstream and competing with other SCs and can benefit from the implementation of appropriate digital technologies for customer value creation and delivery, as well as for continuous learning about customer needs.

The Role of The Supply Chain Strategy in Reducing Costs and Time in Industrial Companies

The Role of The Supply Chain Strategy in Reducing Costs and Time in Industrial Companies

Demand and supply characteristics, supply chain strategy and business performance

This study sought to examine the effect of demand and supply characteristics on business performance. This study adopted explanatory research design. This study adopted explanatory research design. A Purposive sampling (also known as judgment, selective or subjective sampling) sampling technique was used to obtain a total sample size of 252. A primary research instrument was used where questionnaires were adopted from literature. This study concludes that demand and supply characteristics have a positive and significant influence on supply chain strategy. Supply chain strategy has a positive and significant influence on business performance. Demand and supply characteristics have a negative but insignificant influence on business performance. Supply chain strategy positively and significantly mediates the relationship between demand and supply characteristics and business performance. The study is to help the management of organizations to develop the best strategy that will suit their demand and supply so that they can enjoy economies of scale.

The impact of agile supply chain strategy on manufacturers’ ambidextrous innovation—the role of relational governance and information technology capability

The impact of agile supply chain strategy on manufacturers’ ambidextrous innovation—the role of relational governance and information technology capability

Strategies for Green Supply Chain for Agriculture Equipment Manufacturing Industries: Perspective of Blockchain- IoT Integrated Architecture

In order to protect the environment, manufacturing sectors have begun implementing a green supply chain (GSC) strategy. Governments are enacting increasingly stringent environmental regulations; consequently, industries must reduce the environmental impact of their supply chains. Our research investigates the barriers to implementing a GSC in the agriculture equipment manufacturing industries (AEMI). This research aims to discover and prioritize the barriers that impede the implementation of sustainable supply chain strategies in the AEMI. Through an in-depth literature review, contributions from experts, and empirical analysis, seventy-one barriers are identified across ten categories. The top barrier in each category is determined using the Delphi approach. The Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (F-TOPSIS) method creates an exhaustive framework that evaluates and ranks these barriers. The top five barriers are the lack of an environmental partnership with buyers and suppliers, the design complexity when reusing or recycling old goods or products, carbon emissions, paint shop emissions, lack of environmental education and training professionals that lack the necessary skills and less manpower available for the greening supply chain. This framework facilitates decision-makers to organize resources and create effective strategies for overcoming identified barriers. In addition, we proposed a blockchain IoT integrated architecture and strategies. This integrated architecture and strategies will help to mitigate all GSC barriers. It also increases the supply chain's transparency, traceability and effectiveness, fostering sustainability practices and reducing environmental impacts. Blockchain and IoT facilitate real-time data collaboration, computerized transactions and the implementation of smart contracts, thereby enhancing cooperation, trust and collaboration among stakeholders. Implementing GSC practices enables manufacturers to reduce waste and increase productivity, thereby saving funds. In addition, adopting sustainable practices improves these industries' reputation and brand image among environmentally conscious customers, investors and other stakeholders.

Mitigating data inaccuracy and supply chain challenges in Western Romania's automotive industry

The purpose of this paper was to emphasize the importance of data accuracy within internal logistics systems and their extended influence on supply chains in automotive industry through 6-month multiple case studies conducted on 3 first tier original equipment manufacturers (OEM) based in Western Romania. The study investigates the most common causes of data inaccuracies among automotive suppliers and their approaches to reduce consequential supply chain issues and be more agile. Data collection and analysis revealed that main issues arise due to ordering quantities mismatching actual customer demand, a wide range of order lot sizes, lead times and delivery reliability concerns and the reluctance to shift away from mainstream cost-effectiveness and towards strategic added value thinking. These issues sourced significant other related operational challenges such as excessive inventory, short-term stockouts and subsequent express shipping services or product-related inconveniences (quality and capacity levels, contracted volumes and dedicated lines). The paper sources different logistics and supply chain strategies used by the 3 OEMs, their features and operational performance, as well as their overall effectiveness, which can be applied by other automotive industry suppliers to improve own results. Introducing more reliable real-time data collection tools and performance metrics has started hauling more focus towards solving these prevalent issues with some ongoing improvement projects showing up to 25% better results. For one of the 3 OEMs introducing a new warehouse management system has already sourced an overall quality increase (5 percentage points) due to a 60% higher utilization of its production equipment.

Competitive Supply Chain Strategy Optimization Based on Game Model and NSGA-II Algorithm

Competitive Supply Chain Strategy Optimization Based on Game Model and NSGA-II Algorithm

한국의 e커머스 시장 전략방향 연구: Business Model Canvas, 5Force Model을 이용한 공급망 전략 측면

Purpose: This study derives a sustainable strategic direction for K-commerce companies to respond to a threatened entry of multinational companies, mainly Chinese (C-commerce) companies, into the Korean e-commerce market. Research design, data, and methodology: The methodology includes a market approach, the Business Model Canvas, and the 5Force Model for the study period from March to July 2024. Results: The direction of Korea's e-commerce market success strategy, classified into asset type and non-asset type, is that the first is One Strength, which has the competitiveness and entry power to lead existing competitors. The second is that One Medle has the bargaining power of suppliers that can protect existing customers from conversion due to consumer benefits and seller benefits. The third is Three Weakness, which is facing the threat of new entrants, the bargaining power of buyers, and the threat of alternative products, so there are always risks. Conclusions: The implications of the “One Strength, One Medle, and Three Weakness” sector derived from Korea's e-commerce market strategic direction study are summarized into three in terms of supply chain strategy and presented in the text.