Supply Chain Strategy Research Articles

Implications of Refurbishing Authorization Strategy and Distribution Channel Choice in a Closed-Loop Supply Chain

This study examines the optimal authorization strategy for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), the optimal distribution channel choice for a platform, and their interactions. We developed four models based on the OEM’s two strategy choices — authorization and non-authorization strategies, and the platform having two distribution channels for refurbished products: reselling and agency selling channels. Our results indicate that the authorization strategy is optimal for the OEM when consumer’s preference for refurbished products is not sufficiently high. Unlike conventional research, an increase in the production cost of a new product leads to different choices for the OEM. Specifically, the OEM prefers a non-authorization strategy in the reselling channel and an authorization strategy in the agency selling channel. Moreover, under the OEM’s authorization strategy, the platform always adopts a reselling channel for refurbished products. However, under the OEM’s non-authorization strategy, the platform’s choice is determined by the commission fee and the production cost of the new product.

Unraveling Informality and Precarity: New Labor Law Strategies for the Global Reproduction Network of Cross-Border Surrogacy.

This paper provides an analysis of the complex global reproduction networks driving the rapidly expanding cross-border surrogacy industry in Asia's reproductive bioeconomy. It sheds light on the unique features of informal surrogacy networks, notable for their flexible business ties and non-standardized surrogate mother recruitment. These factors contribute to heightened vulnerability for surrogate mothers operating within these networks. While previous literature has underscored the merits of labor law in regulating the surrogacy industry, its application in informal cross-border surrogacy remains under-examined. To address this gap, this research delves into innovative labor law strategies with potential to better regulate the surrogacy sector. Drawing inspiration from progressive labor regulations and supply chain strategies in Bulgaria and Australia, the proposed model aims to redefine the traditional employment relationship. This shift is aimed at bolstering protection for surrogate mothers and enforcing accountability throughout the surrogacy business network. The model further advocates for a collective framework that fosters collaboration and mandates the documentation and registration of surrogacy contracts. Moreover, it underscores the critical significance of international collaboration in bridging regulatory gaps and distributing accountability across consumer and supply states.

Competitive used products collection strategies in a closed-loop supply chain through tri-partite evolutionary game theory

Competitive used products collection strategies in a closed-loop supply chain through tri-partite evolutionary game theory

The interplay of mineral and energy security: A nexus approach to Africa's economic diversification

The increasing global demand for critical minerals, driven by the energy transition and digitisation, can be a double-edged sword for resource-rich African countries (RRACs). While these countries possess abundant reserves of these minerals, they face a critical decision point. They must adapt their policies to leverage these resources for economic development in a rapidly changing landscape, at the same time balancing national interests with global call for decarbonisation. Simultaneously, the global shift towards renewable energy sources threatens to diminish the market for coal and gas resources, which are abundant in RRACs but underutilised. While this necessitates swift policy and strategic actions to facilitate resource utilisation for economic diversification, RRACs may find themselves in a race against time. Using insights from multi-stakeholder interviews and existing literature, this paper explores avenues for RRACs to industrialise and diversify their economies. The analysis underscores the significance of mineral and revenue utilisation; public-private collaboration; and regional strategies in investment, and supply and value chains for economic diversification in the context of energy transition.

Research on Government Green Subsidy Strategy of Heterogeneous Agricultural Product Supply Chain

To promote dual carbon targets, this study builds a heterogeneous agricultural product supply chain comprised of a green agricultural product producer, an ordinary agricultural products producer, and a retailer. This study constructs four strategic government green subsidy models, wherein the nongovernment subsidy, government subsidy for green agricultural producers, subsidy for green consumers, and dual subsidies. Based on Stackelberg’s game theory, this study analyzes the impact of differentiated green subsidies on heterogeneous agricultural product supply chain decision-making. The results show that the government will provide green subsidies only when the input cost coefficient of green quality is within a certain threshold. Consumers’ preference for green agricultural products will improve the level of green quality. The dual subsidy strategy of the government has the highest social welfare and can stimulate the motivation of green production. When considering the subsidy expenditure, the green consumer subsidy strategy can achieve a higher level of green quality and promote the consumption of green agricultural products. The government should combine different subsidy target effects and subsidy effects to provide appropriate green subsidy strategies. According to the corresponding subsidy strategy, the producers and retailers of heterogeneous agricultural products carry out green investment, reasonable pricing, and precision marketing.

Financial performance in Industry 4.0 agile supply chains: evidence from manufacturing companies

PurposeThis study aims to examine the implementation of agile practices in Industry 4.0 to assess the financial performance measurements of manufacturing firms. It also investigates the relationship between supply chain performance and financial performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on an experimental research design by collecting data from 329 responses from key officials of manufacturing firms. The analyses are carried out to explore this modern concept with the help of the SPSS program, which is used to conduct a confirmatory factor and reliability analysis and Smart-partial least square (PLS) version 4.0 with structural equation modeling.FindingsThis research demonstrates the positive effect agile supply chain strategies in Industry 4.0 may have on manufacturing companies' financial performance as a whole. Everything throughout the supply chain in Industry 4.0, from the manufacturers to the end users, is taken into account as a potential performance booster. The values obtained from the model's study show that it is both dependable and effective, surpassing the threshold for such claims. The research is supported by factors like customer involvement (CUS), continuous improvement (CI), integration (INT), modularity (MOD), management style (MS) and supplier involvement (SI) but is undermined by factors including postponement (PPT).Research limitations/implicationsAccording to the findings of the study, Industry 4.0 firms' financial performance and overall competitiveness are significantly improved when their supply chains are more agile. A more agile supply chain helps businesses to more rapidly adapt to shifts in consumer demand, shorten the amount of time it takes to produce a product, enhance product quality and boost customer happiness. As a consequence of this, there will be an increase in revenue, an improvement in profitability and continued sustainable growth.Originality/valueThere are literary works available on agile practices in various fields, but the current study outlines the need to understand how supply chains perform financially under the mediating effect of agile supply chains in Industry 4.0 which contribute most to the organization's success. The study will aid companies in understanding how agile practices will further the overall performance of the organization financially.

Environmental and Social Factors in Supplier Assessment: Fuzzy-Based Green Supplier Selection

Supplier selection is a key process that entails selecting suppliers who provide high-quality, cost-effective products or services with predetermined schedules and quantities. Organisations are currently reconsidering their supply chain strategies in order to incorporate environmental and ecological issues into their operations. This involves a shift towards environmentally conscientious providers as well as the incorporation of environmental requirements into daily practises. This research paper investigates supplier evaluation strategies and selection criteria in depth. This study presents a novel methodology for assessing supply chain risk management in the setting of supplier management. This study’s focuses are cost, quality, delivery time, environmental performance, and social responsibility. The incorporation of administrative observation into supplier selection is illustrated, with the results compared to those of traditional methods. Our findings highlight the synergies between administrative observation and quantitative metrics, providing crucial insights into supplier sustainability performance and improving decision making. Finally, this study emphasises the importance of managerial observation in sustainable supplier selection, emphasising the relevance of subjective ratings to improve awareness of suppliers’ sustainability practises and minimise risks associated with weak quantitative assessments.

Supply chain decision based on green investment subsidy and risk aversion.

Considering the risk aversion characteristics of supply chain members, how to effectively design the government subsidy strategy and green supply chain strategy is a realistic and urgent issue. Regarding this, we optimize and compare four three-stage Stackelberg game models between government and a two-echelon green supply chain, namely both manufacturer and retailer risk neutral (BN), manufacturer risk aversion while retailer risk neutral (MA), retailer risk aversion while manufacturer risk neutral (RA) and both manufacturer and retailer risk aversion (BA). The government as the leader decides the subsidy rate of green input cost with the goal of maximizing social welfare; the manufacturer as the first follower makes decisions on product greenness and wholesale price to maximize its own interests; and the retailer as the second follower determines retail prices to maximize its own interests. Employing mathematical reasoning and numerical simulation investigate thoroughly the effects of the government subsidies and the members' risk aversion. Results indicate that an appropriate government subsidy investment has a positive effect on optimal decisions and related benefits. Risk aversion is in favor of improvement of product greenness and social welfare while reduction of retail price. With the increase of manufacturer risk aversion, green subsidy investment rate and retailer expected revenue increase; on the contrary, the wholesale price and manufacturer expected revenue decrease. With the increase of retailer risk aversion, the wholesale price and manufacturer expected revenue increase, while green subsidy investment rate and retailer expected revenue decrease. In the model of BN, product greenness and social welfare are the lowest, while retail price is the highest. BA is opposite to BN. In the model of RA, green subsidy investment rate and retailer expected revenue the lowest, while wholesale price and manufacturer expected revenue the highest. RA is opposite to MA. The government should formulate appropriate subsidy policies to encourage manufacturers to produce green products and raise consumers' green awareness. Enterprises should control their own risk aversion and assess the risk aversion of the other party reasonably.

Model and solution of sustainable bi-level emergency commodity allocation based on type-2 fuzzy theory

The allocation of emergency commodities is very important for efficient emergency response after a disaster. In this study, a sustainable multi-objective bi-level emergency commodity allocation model is established, providing a practical emergency commodity allocation strategy for humanitarian supply chains. First, type-2 fuzzy variables are used to describe uncertain transportation costs and handle them based on the conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) theory of type-2 fuzzy variables. Second, Karush-Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) conditions with complementary constraints are used, auxiliary variables are introduced, and global criteria are applied to achieve the equivalent transformation of the model. Finally, with the Wenchuan earthquake in China in 2008 as an example, we prove the necessity of introducing the CVaR for risk measurement and the practicability of using type-2 fuzzy variables to describe uncertain parameters by comparing this scenario with a risk-neutral situation and the proposed model with a model based on type-1 fuzzy theory. The novelties of this study include considering both the government and suppliers are decision-makers, exploiting CVaR to measure tail risk and using type-2 fuzzy theory to transform uncertain parameters. The contributions of this study include considering sustainability during the rescue process and proposing a CVaR formula based on type-2 theory.

Long-term emission reduction strategy in a three-echelon supply chain considering government intervention and Consumers’ low-carbon preferences

This paper investigates a three-echelon supply chain that consists of a supplier, a manufacturer, and a retailer. Owing to the government intervention and consumers’ low-carbon preferences, the market share is influenced by the carbon emission reduction technology improvement of the supplier and manufacturer and the low carbon advertisement of the retailer. We then construct the differential game model of three-echelon supply chain from the perspectives of decentralized, governmental intervention, supplier cost sharing and governmental intervention, and retailer cost sharing and governmental intervention. Main results are as follows: (1) the manufacturer and supplier's active investment in emission reduction technologies and retailer's advertisement will consistently increase the profits of supply chain members; (2) given that the government subsidizes the manufacturer's carbon emission reduction technology through tax exemption or tax reduction, the manufacturer will always fall into a prisoner's dilemma once the government's carbon emission limit exceeds a certain threshold range; (3) consumer preferences will have a positive effect on manufacturer and supplier's emission reduction strategies, whereas it has nothing to do with retailer's advertisement, and retailer's investment in advertising only depends on manufacturer's subsidy policy; (4) compared with decentralized scenario, Pareto improvement can always be realized whether the manufacturer chooses to cooperate with the supplier or retailer. Our results can provide theoretical basis for the carbon emission strategy of three-echelon supply chain members in low-carbon environment.

Global agricultural supply chains under tariff‐rate quotas

The tariff rate quota (TRQ) is a widely utilized market access instrument in global agricultural trade that allows a predetermined quantity of a product to be imported at a lower tariff rate than the usual rate. This study examines the design and administration of TRQ systems from an operations management perspective and analyzes their impact on market access, fill rates, and revenue for policymakers. We investigate the two most common TRQ administration methods, namely, licensing and first‐come, first‐served (FCFS) systems. We characterize the Nash equilibria (NE) of importers' strategies and observe how information delays and lead times can result in under‐utilization (i.e., imports being less than the quota limit) in licensing and over‐utilization (i.e., imports exceeding the quota limit) in FCFS TRQ systems. We introduce a dual TRQ system and demonstrate its superiority over licensing and FCFS systems. We study the effects of stock‐keeping options through customs‐bonded warehouses and the choice of logistics channels on arrival patterns and fill rates. We conduct a case study of the United Kingdom and the European Union imported beef market using customs data. Our numerical study provides an explanation for the suboptimality of the current TRQ systems and proposes modifications to transform the existing systems. Our findings offer practical directions for agricultural traders to reassess their supply chain strategies by considering the logistical implications of TRQ systems and understanding their competition. This study also urges policymakers to adopt an integrative approach in (re)designing TRQ systems, recognizing the pivotal role of supply chains in global agricultural trade.

Quality effort strategies of video service supply chain considering fans preference and data-driven marketing under derived demand

In the era of “Internet +”, video service as a new cultural industry model has attracted a multitude of attention. Especially under the influence of COVID-19, the importance of video service in people’s daily life becomes more prominent. In this paper, a video service supply chain (VSSC) composed of a video service platform and a video service supplier is researched. The video service supplier provides basic service and two-stages derived service to users through the video service platform. By analyzing the platform pricing scenario and supplier pricing scenario considering data-driven marketing (DDM), four models are established: No-DDM + platform pricing scenario, No-DDM + supplier pricing scenario, DDM + platform pricing scenario, and DDM + supplier pricing scenario. By using game theory, the optimal strategies, and optimal profits of VSSC members under four scenarios are obtained. Finally, the impact of basic market size, fans preference and data-driven marketing efficiency on the optimal strategies, optimal profits, profit growth rates, and model choiceof VSSC members are discussed, and relevant conclusions are drawn to give management enlightenment.

Two-period decision strategies in a dual-channel supply chain considering reference price and online reviews

The rapid development of e-commerce and Internet technology impacts the consumer purchasing practices and the decision-making of the supply chain. In this regard, dealing with online reviews and reference price together for a competitive interaction in a two-period dual-channel scenario is one of the main challenges. To address this interaction, in the present research, we consider a dual-channel supply chain with a two-period. The selling price and the reference price impact on the retailer’s demand in both channels. Whereas, the online reviews influence the demands of the direct channels only. The manufacturer, who announces wholesale prices and direct channel selling prices, is Stackelberg game’s leader and the retailer is the follower. Two different decision-making strategies (I, II) are made by both players: (I) The manufacturer and the retailer both make all their decisions at the beginning of the selling season. (II) Here all decisions are made at the beginning of each selling period. In order to compare these strategies, we create a centralized policy as a benchmark scenario. The optimal solutions of the supply chain and each player are determined and analyzed. The numerical and sensitivity analysis suggests that the responsive pricing can bring additional benefits to both the players.

중국 인터넷 전자상거래의 물류아웃소싱 협력관계가 물류성과에 미치는 영향 연구

This study focuses on increasingly competitive Chinese e-commerce enterprises and explores the impact of logistics outsourcing partnerships on service expansion and logistics outcomes in supply chain strategy. The research results show that among the determining factors of logistics outsourcing, reducing costs will affect the improvement of service levels in addition to traditional functions, as well as considerations for the use and compatibility of information systems (+). Among the determining factors of logistics outsourcing, the improvement of service level and the utilization and compatibility of information systems have a positive (+) impact on the level of logistics outsourcing. In addition, besides traditional functions, all other functions in the outsourcing level have a meaningful impact on logistics efficiency and effectiveness. In the context of logistics outsourcing decisions, cost reduction has been confirmed as an extremely critical factor. Companies should focus not only on outsourcing traditional logistics functions but also on improving service levels and enhancing the utilization and compatibility of information systems to achieve cost savings. The effective utilization of information systems and compatibility are key elements in elevating the level of outsourcing. Companies need to develop and enhance their ability to effectively use information systems while maintaining compatibility with other systems, which contributes to increased efficiency in logistics management. Furthermore, this underscores the importance of viewing outsourcing as a strategic tool rather than just a means for cost reduction, allowing companies to gain a competitive edge. To achieve the best results, a comprehensive approach that considers both traditional functions and service-related aspects, along with information system functionalities, is necessary. Such an integrated approach is expected to enhance the level of logistics outsourcing and optimize logistics performance.

"Sustainable Strategies in the Food Supply Chain: Evaluating Environmental Impact with Life Cycle Assessment"

This study aims to evaluate the environmental impact of various sustainable strategies implemented within the food supply chain, utilizing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as a core methodology. The paper begins by identifying critical points in the food supply chain where sustainability practices can be integrated, ranging from agricultural production to processing, distribution, consumption, and waste management. Through a comprehensive review and application of LCA, the research quantifies the environmental benefits and trade-offs of adopting practices such as reduced use of chemical inputs, implementation of circular economy principles, and enhancement of logistics and packaging solutions. The findings demonstrate that strategic interventions in the supply chain can significantly reduce carbon footprints, water usage, and waste generation, contributing to the overall sustainability of the food system. The study further discusses the implications of these strategies for stakeholders, including policymakers, producers, retailers, and consumers, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable outcomes. Additionally, the paper explores the challenges and opportunities in scaling these practices, considering technological, economic, and social factors. The research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable food systems and offers practical insights for implementing LCA in evaluating and improving environmental performance in the food supply chain.

SNA 기반 제품 트래킹 제조데이터를 활용한 공급사슬 최적화 방안 연구

This study aims to comprehensively understand the complex dynamics within the supply chain by visualizing the local supply chain of Company K, an essential company in the metal surface treatment field in the region, through social network analysis and evaluating the structure, relationships, and interdependence between companies. Do this. Connectivity, betweenness, proximity, and eigenvector centrality indicators were used to identify the dominant influence of key hubs (S3HY, S3SY) and hidden pivotal nodes (S1SY) within the supply chain. This analysis is expected to be a theoretical and empirical basis for strategic decision-making and optimal supply chain strategy establishment.

Dampak Supply Chain dalam Menghubungkan Inovasi dan Kinerja Bisnis Kedai Kopi di Kabupaten Aceh Barat

Coffee shops in West Aceh Regency have grown rapidly from the city centre and spread to the coast. But in reality, many coffee shops in West Aceh Regency also have low operational performance, so they experience business failure (bankruptcy). Because West Aceh Regency does not cultivate coffee plants, the coffee supply chain in the coffee shop industry depends on the supply of raw materials from other areas. This study aims to identify and evaluate the adaptability and competence of coffee shop business players. This research is crucial because it relates to supply chain strategies that may seize opportunities and adapt to changing market situations. This research topic is relatively new because research that discusses the effect of Supply chain strategies in mediating innovation and business performance in MSMEs is still lacking. Previous research was mainly researched from the perspective of consumers, so this study was reviewed from the perspective of entrepreneurs. This quantitative research with SEM PLS analysis was conducted in West Aceh Regency. The sample size was 60 respondents, namely coffee shop business actors spread across six sub-districts in West Aceh Regency. The findings demonstrated a strong direct correlation between innovation factors and the success of coffee shops in the West Aceh Regency. However, innovation has no indirect impact on business performance when lean supply chain factors are used as a mediator. However, when supply chain mediation is used, there is a sizable indirect impact of innovation on corporate success. Given how competitive the coffee industry is becoming in West Aceh Regency, this research is anticipated to advance knowledge significantly and offer insight into creating supply chain strategies and innovation. Moreover, this study might be used as a guide for future supply chain-related investigations.

Government Subsidy’s Effect on the Channel Strategies of Energy-Saving Supply Chain

Government Subsidy’s Effect on the Channel Strategies of Energy-Saving Supply Chain

Examining the impact of the gig-economy, as a new challenge for supply chain strategy

The economic weight of the so-called gig-economy, a system of market service providers, contractors and their employers, based on ad hoc contracts on demand, is growing. This trend, which is significantly transforming the labour market, is not leaving the business models of supply chain actors untouched. Today, the gig-economy model is also becoming increasingly prominent in logistics, with more and more people opting for this economic, entrepreneurial form of business and becoming freelancers. This model offers a number of advantages for workers, freelancers and employers alike. The gig-economy sheds new light on several issues - not only labour-related - but such also as: what factors play a role in the decision of the client and the contractor when they conclude an agreement to perform a service, this study deals with them. The study also explores how the benefits of the gig-economy are perceived by employers, what the keys to success might be, what competences are needed and how efficiency can be measured.

The interaction between manufacturer-encroachment and information sharing in a closed-loop supply chain under technology licensing

This paper investigates the interaction between a retailer’s information sharing behaviour and a manufacturer’s encroachment strategies in a closed-loop supply chain in which the manufacturer licenses a third party to remanufacture. We apply the Stackelberg game to obtain the optimal pricing and production decisions and show that, information sharing always brings a profit increase to the manufacturer while a profit loss to the retailer. The retailer may be willing to share information in presence of manufacturer encroachment. We also show that, no matter whether the manufacturer remanufactures by himself or licenses the third party to remanufacture, the encroachment case is always profitable to the manufacturer due to the dual revenues from both the producing and marketing activities. In addition, whether the encroachment case is beneficial for the retailer is contingent on the encroachment cost. Specifically, when the encroachment cost is high enough, the encroachment case dominates the no-encroachment case because the manufacturer prefers to sell more products through the traditional retail channel rather than the direct selling channel. These results provide a new insight into information sharing and manufacturer-encroachment in a closed-loop supply chain.