Supply Network Research Articles

Differentiated Relational Strategies in Major Supplier Networks: A Blessing or a Curse in Collectivist Cultures?

ABSTRACTExtant literature highlights the positive performance outcomes of a differentiated supplier management strategy. However, this research presents counterintuitive findings in major supplier networks in a collectivist culture like China. In such contexts, differentiated supplier management strategies may violate the equality principle expected by major suppliers, hindering their collective value creation process and ultimately undermining the buyers' financial performance. Using a combination of survey data, secondary archival data from Chinese manufacturing firms and their major supplier networks, and qualitative triangulation, this research reveals that a buyer's differentiated relational strategy (DRS) in major supplier networks negatively affects its financial performance. The negative effects of a DRS intensify under demand uncertainty but lessen under technological uncertainty. This research reveals a contextualized perspective on differentiated supplier management strategies and enriches the literature on the effects of collectivist cultures in supply chain management.

Numerical analysis of the large-scale water supply network accident consequences on the engineering and geological conditions of a heritage site

Recent accidents in water supply networks have the negative impact on the state of the historical and architectural heritage of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, which has been formed over many centuries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We have analysed the water supply system emergency situation on the territory of the Metropolitan Garden that occurred in October 2022 during the Russian military aggression. It caused surface sinkholes, increased groundwater levels, and significant destruction of a historical underground – the Metropolitan Cellar. The study was carried out using numerical analysis implemented in Plaxis 2D. To resolve the uncertainties of the accident, several options for developing the emergency situation were considered, taking into account the number of probable pipe leakages, their size, etc. Accident parameterization was performed with a leakage volume of 1600.0 m3/day, considering damage to the water supply network in two locations. The volume of the watered soil mass was 7.0-8.5 thousand m3. We evaluated the state of destruction of the southern and southeastern branches of the Metropolitan Cellar. Engineering measures for strengthening the section of the Monastery walls with buttress elements, increasing the width of the foundations by means of additional concrete and piling are studied. The numerical calculations were verified using the results of geophysical surveys. Comparison of analytical calculations, geophysical surveys and field surveys showed that parts of the underground structure were completely destroyed. Their restoration is possible only by modern methods through reconstruction, that will lead to a loss of authenticity, which is unacceptable for historical structures. To take preventive actions for the protection of monuments, it is necessary to conduct continuous monitoring.

Hypoxia-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species: Their Role in Cancer Resistance and Emerging Therapies to Overcome It

Normal tissues typically maintain partial oxygen pressure within a range of 3–10% oxygen, ensuring homeostasis through a well-regulated oxygen supply and responsive vascular network. However, in solid tumors, rapid growth often outpaces angiogenesis, creating a hypoxic microenvironment that fosters tumor progression, altered metabolism and resistance to therapy. Hypoxic tumor regions experience uneven oxygen distribution with severe hypoxia in the core due to poor vascularization and high metabolic oxygen consumption. Cancer cells adapt to these conditions through metabolic shifts, predominantly relying on glycolysis, and by upregulating antioxidant defenses to mitigate reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative damage. Hypoxia-induced ROS, resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction and enzyme activation, exacerbates genomic instability, tumor aggressiveness, and therapy resistance. Overcoming hypoxia-induced ROS cancer resistance requires a multifaceted approach that targets various aspects of tumor biology. Emerging therapeutic strategies target hypoxia-induced resistance, focusing on hypoxia-inducible factors, ROS levels, and tumor microenvironment subpopulations. Combining innovative therapies with existing treatments holds promise for improving cancer outcomes and overcoming resistance mechanisms.

Disturbances occurring in the electrical installation, with particular emphasis on the negative impact of non-linear receivers on the supply network

Disturbances occurring in the electrical installation, with particular emphasis on the negative impact of non-linear receivers on the supply network

Public–Private Networks for Green Innovation: Insights From an Energy Sector Supply‐Chain Partnership

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the structure, dynamics, and outcomes of an innovative, sustainable Research & Development (R&D) project within an energy supply network. Using data from the La Graciosa Project, industry experience, media sources, and interviews with key participants, the study highlights how private firms, R&D institutions, and public administrations can effectively collaborate in green innovation initiatives through public–private networks. Key findings emphasize (i) the need for alignment with external conditions, supported by trust and incentives; (ii) the importance of a shared vision to unify diverse objectives; (iii) the value of clear contracts defining stakeholder roles and the role of neutral mediators in resolving conflicts; (iv) the potential for all partners to gain from collaborative efforts, even with varying benefits; (v) the importance of innovative thinking to advance sustainability goals; and (vi) the inclusion consumer, societal and natural well‐being. These insights provide practical guidance for managers to navigate changes in energy supply chains, including shifts in traditional producer–consumer relationships.

EXPRESS: Impact of Industrial and Geographical Concentrations of Upstream Industries on Firm Performance During COVID-19

Using a large sample of supplier-firm relationships, we develop new measures to operationalize the industrial and geographical concentrations of firms' upstream industries. The developed measures show an upstream industry might be competitive and contain many suppliers (low industrial concentration) and yet be concentrated in a few countries (high geopolitical concentration) or a small geographical area (high geographical concentration), thus leaving the downstream firm vulnerable to geographical or geopolitical disruptions. Using COVID-19 as an exogenous shock, we document that the firms whose upstream suppliers are operating in industries that have high concentration (either geographically or geopolitically), on average, experienced a reduction of 250 million US dollars in quarterly sales. Thus, competitive industries with ample suppliers may still impose significant risks on downstream firms if the upstream suppliers' industries are concentrated mainly in a few countries or small geographical areas. Noteworthy, we find evidence that the link between upstream suppliers' industry-level concentrations and downstream firms' sales growth is heterogeneous. Specifically, firms can mitigate the negative relationship by adjusting their supply chain networks. The negative relationship is weaker for firms with a geopolitically diversified supply base and firms with more domestic suppliers. Our estimates are robust and consistently identified through several different empirical strategies. Our findings help policymakers and managers to systematically identify locations in supply networks that have the potential to create bottlenecks that may even threaten national security. Additionally, the proposed measures give policymakers insights into which industries to support for onshoring.

Leveraging synthetic data to tackle machine learning challenges in supply chains: challenges, methods, applications, and research opportunities

Machine learning (ML) has the potential to improve various supply chain management (SCM) tasks, namely demand forecasting, risk management, inventory management, production planning and control, supply network reconstruction, and distribution and logistics. However, the industrial application of ML in supply chains faces many challenges, particularly in data privacy and data scarcity. Synthetic data, which is artificially generated to mimic real-world data patterns, has shown promise in overcoming similar challenges in fields such as healthcare and finance. However, the application of synthetic data in the context of supply chains remains limited. This publication aims to analyze the challenges of machine learning operations (MLOps) for supply chain tasks and explain how synthetic data can address these challenges in a supply chain context. Moreover, the publication aims to identify suitable approaches to generate synthetic supply chain data. Based on the analysis, a research agenda is proposed as a guideline for future research activities to enable the use of synthetic data in the context of supply chains.

Optimizing supply chain performance in Somali SMEs: The role of internal and external integration

This study explores how supply chain integration (SCI) affects the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Data were gathered through surveys from SMEs in Mogadishu, Somalia, involving supply, logistics, and operations managers as well as employees. The findings indicate that SCI significantly enhances performance in areas such as cost efficiency, product quality, delivery timeliness, and operational effectiveness. The study highlights the importance of not only internal integration but also strong connections with suppliers and customers. It adds to existing research by providing empirical evidence on the performance benefits of supply network integration and the factors driving these improvements. The study recommends that managers adopt a comprehensive strategy to strengthen both internal integration and collaboration with external supply chain partners.

Differential metal supply networks between central and northeast Thailand, and Northwest Cambodia during the Mid-Late Iron Age: silver, copper and lead alloy artefacts from 2nd-8th c. AD Non Ban Jak

Differential metal supply networks between central and northeast Thailand, and Northwest Cambodia during the Mid-Late Iron Age: silver, copper and lead alloy artefacts from 2nd-8th c. AD Non Ban Jak

Construction of a Block-Based Water-Level Monitoring System for RDII Management in a Separate Sewer System

In a separate sewer system designed to independently discharge sewage and stormwater, operational issues such as sewage manhole overflow and overloading of the sewage treatment plant capacity can arise during rainfall events owing to Rainfall-Derived Inflow and Infiltration (RDII) into the sewage pipelines. Although various management strategies for RDII have been studied both domestically and internationally, research on monitoring systems that can precisely identify specific locations where RDII occurs remains insufficient. Therefore, this study analyzed the shortcomings of the existing water-level monitoring system using a case study of City A, which was designed as a separate sewer system. To efficiently manage RDII, we propose a methodology for establishing a block-based water-level monitoring system divided into large, middle, and small blocks, inspired by the block system concept used in water supply networks. By conducting water-level observations at the exits of the middle and small blocks, the specific locations of RDII occurrence can be identified. This approach is expected to facilitate effective and prompt countermeasures by accurately identifying the locations where RDII occurs.

Investigating the impact of supply chain integration on operational performance with a mediating role of supply chain capabilities of the SME sector in Pakistan

Different firms do not compete like distinct units from extremely competitive business perspectives but slightly as participants in numerous supply networks. Therefore, this research aims to study the impact of supply chain integration (supplier, internal and customer) on operational performance with a mediating role of supply chain capabilities of the manufacturing industry of Karachi, Pakistan. This research will analyze 175 survey responses from employees working in the SME sector of Karachi, Pakistan. Partial Least Square-Structural equation modelling is used to analyze the data. Results show that supply chain integration has a significant impact on operational performance. Furthermore, supply chain integration significantly impacts operational performance by mediating supply chain capabilities. The results of the current study suggest that supply chain integration improves performance.

The role of 4IR technologies and organizational culture in enhancing manufacturing supply chain performance

This study seeks to create a model for the management of the steel production supply chain in South Africa amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), tackling persistent interruptions and delays within the supply chain despite current models. A mixed methodology was utilised in the model's development. The qualitative component entailed a Delphi research corroborated by literature to ascertain pertinent hypotheses, whereas the quantitative component validated the model through structural equation modelling (SEM) utilising SmartPLS software. The research delineated a seven-construct framework comprising cooperation, integration, communication, supply chain structure, Fourth Industrial Revolution technology, organisational culture, and trust. The amalgamation of these designs proved enough for improving the efficacy of the steel production supply chain. The research revealed that the use of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and the cultivation of a conducive organisational culture are essential for effective supply chain management in the steel manufacturing industry. The research presents a detailed model that facilitates the planning and organisation of steel industry supply networks in South Africa. This approach underscores the necessity of a cooperative organisational culture, client contentment, and the incorporation of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. Steel industry stakeholders are urged to implement adaptable supply chain frameworks (lean, agile, leagile) based on project goals. This study enhances theoretical frameworks by highlighting essential features that have not been previously incorporated into supply chain management models for the steel sector, including the integration of Fourth Industrial Revolution technology and organisational culture. It provides actionable insights for stakeholders in steel manufacture, enhancing supply chain performance via the proposed paradigm. The research methodology improves comprehension of supply chain management within the framework of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

Water Services. Circular Integrated Management as a Management Strategy

ABSTRACTThe commitment to new solutions, the preservation of good basic practices, the safeguarding of people and goods, the valorization of water resources, the promotion of efficient building solutions, and the sustainability of public spaces are suggested as aspects that must appear in an integrated vision of the water infrastructure management.According to a holistic view of the management of these infrastructures, operational gains could be channeled, circularly, to investments in innovative solutions. This change must be carried out in the sense of efficiency, environmental sustainability, and circular management of the urban water cycle.The methodology of circular integrated management (CIM) is presented, which consists of an integrated management strategy for water supply and wastewater and rainwater drainage, also considering the management of solid waste and urban space, in a common model. The production of energy in water supply networks, in water treatment plants (WTP) and in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), and the recovery of treatment residues in WTP and WWTP are also included in this common strategy.

Calculation of the winding data of the on and off coils of a bistable polarized electromagnet for a vacuum medium voltage contactor

Medium voltage vacuum contactors consist of switching and drive modules. When developing or improving the designs of contactors, the switching module must meet the requirements set forth by their manufacturers. In accordance with these requirements, a drive module is being developed, which consists of a mechanical system and an electromagnet. The operation of the mechanical system of the contactor depends on correctly selected contact springs, and the operation of the electromagnet depends on traction forces during switching operations. The design of a vacuum contactor with a bistable polarized electromagnet with two ON and OFF coils is considered in the article. The counteracting characteristic of the mechanical system of the contactor is constructed and the forces acting on the electromagnet in the ON and OFF positions of the contactor are determined. The FEMM model of a bistable polarized electromagnet was developed and the minimum MMF value of the ON and OFF windings was determined. The resulting traction characteristic of a bistable polarized electromagnet is constructed at the minimum MMF value of the ON and OFF winding sand the working gap. It was determined that when performing the switching operation and using the ON and OFF winding at the same time, it was possible to reduce the MMF of the electromagnet operation. The winding data of the ON and OFF coils were calculated at different values of the nominal diameter of the wire and the voltage of the power supply network, and, in accordance with this, the minimum value of the MMF of the windings was determined

Reliability assessment of the thyristor module of high-voltage hybrid switchgears in reservation conditions

In the article, the authors proposed a methodology for evaluating the main indicators of the operational reliability of a high-voltage thyristor module, which is an element of electric power equipment, using the example of the design of such electrical devices as hybrid switches and converters in the structure of traction substations, power supply systems of metallurgical complexes, etc. The proposed method makes it possible to estimate the prob-ability of failure-free operation of the real design of the thyristor module, taking into account its design and implementation scheme, as well as the level and depth of redundancy of the semiconductor devices included in it. As initial data, the proposed method involves the use of electrical load parameters in terms of voltage and current and their redistribution as the reserve resource is exhausted, taking into account the design features of both the electrical device itself and the power supply network where it is located. is established. The proposed method makes it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the influence of design factors (the number of semiconductor devices, the principle and depth of redundancy, the economic component, etc.) on the main indicators of the operational reliability of the corresponding types of high-voltage equipment, taking into account the electrical load and its changes. The proposed method was tested on the example of a real scheme of the thyristor module of the on-load tap-changer switching device, which was in industrial operation for a long time in the most unfavourable conditions in the power supply structure of the metallurgical industry, where there is high switching frequency, load fluctuations, etc. The implementation of this technique in the conditions of designing high-voltage switching and converting electrical equipment, as well as its operation in the power supply structure, allows to evaluate the influence of the structural features of the semiconductor part, taking into account the load mode, as well as the influence of external and operational factors. A more accurate determination of the effectiveness of the proposed methodology for predicting operational reliability indicators depending on the mode and depth of the load and the type of backup system can be achieved by conducting an additional series of experimental tests on the choice of the type of theoretical system. distribution law and determination of its parameters for specific designs of electrical devices. Thus, a conclusion was made about the possibility of using the obtained results to evaluate the parameters of the operational reliability of the above-mentioned high-voltage equipment, which is used as part of switchgear and power supply systems in both high and low voltage conditions.

Leveraging AI and BDA for enhanced supply chain visibility and resilience in the US: a systematic literature review

The advancements in technology over the past quarter-century have yielded significant transformations in supply chain management, alongside several other sectors. The utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data Analytics (BDA) has the capacity to greatly enhance the resilience of supply networks and enable more efficient management of resources within the supply chain. The advancements in AI and BDA have brought about significant transformations in the operational practices related to supply chain resilience, making them the forefront of these innovations. It is vital to elucidate the correlation between AI, BDA and supply chain resilience in order to comprehend the manner in which these transformations manifest themselves within this domain. The integration of AI and BDA technologies into supply chain management has emerged as a crucial avenue for enhancing efficiency, agility, and responsiveness in modern business operations. The objective of this study is to explore the benefits of AI and BDA in boosting supply chain resilience and visibility many. The researchers employed the Kitchenham guidelines to conduct a systematic literature review. The investigation is carried out utilizing online scholarly database systems, yielding a total of 207 initial publications, which are further narrowed down to 30 published studies spanning the period from 2013 to 2023. The research paper could be of interest to pertinent players in the business sector due to its provision of a comprehensive examination of the potential benefits associated with AI and BDA in the context of supply chain resilience and visibility.

The role of power in market control in supplier-buyer relations

This study investigates the role of power dynamics in market control within supplier-buyer relationships, with a specific focus on blockchain technology adoption in supply chain networks. Using five focus group discussions, comprising of diverse participants categorized by sector, location, gender, and company size, the research explores how power influences decision-making processes. Findings reveal that larger companies often prioritize stability over innovation, limiting their willingness to adopt disruptive technologies like blockchain. In contrast, smaller firms demonstrate greater flexibility and openness to change. Beyond company size, factors such as product uniqueness, strategic network positions, and the personalities of decision-makers play critical roles in shaping blockchain adoption. Participants also reported persistent pressure from both suppliers and buyers to accept unfavorable terms, underscoring power imbalances that constrain smaller players. The analysis is framed within the conceptual structure of a model with a focus on the nuanced interplay of power and decision-making in the context of supply networks. Qualitative analysis of the discussions, conducted with Atlas.ti software, highlights the influence of sectoral differences, geographical variations, and gender dynamics in supply chain negotiations. This study provides valuable insights into the barriers and enablers of blockchain adoption within complex supply chain networks, emphasizing the critical interplay of power and communication in shaping market control.

Economia solidária e produção de alimentos

Alternative economies are responses to conventional economic systems, such as the solidarity economy, which tend to have an impact on changes in food supply systems, aiming for a transition to sustainability. With this in mind, the article addresses the importance of the solidarity economy for food production in the interrelation between the terms solidarity economy and food. This is a comprehensive review, which its approach is organized into four sections: the first discusses the path to food security and the sustainability of food systems, demonstrating the challenges for global food security. The second refers to the principles of cooperativism, particularly its social organizations, with an emphasis on cooperatives and the solidarity economy. The third describes the influence of short chains on alternative food supply networks, based on an overview of the interdisciplinary dimension of these short food circuits. And finally, the fourth covers the debate on organic production as an alternative in food networks, presenting innovations achieved by organic farming. This is an analysis of studies already carried out on the global food system linked to a complex multifactorial dimension, in which organic farming and the solidarity economy can be an alternative to the transition to sustainability in food production chains.

Supply chain antecedents and consequences of servitization: a systematic literature review

Servitization poses several challenges to supply chain managers. Existing supply chain features can facilitate or hinder servitization, which, in turn, transforms supply chain features, requiring planning and adaptation. We address this bidirectional relationship through a systematic literature review (n = 70), analysing ten supply chain features across three dimensions: configuration, collaboration and coordination. We find that decentralized supply networks, aligned strategies, high trust, improved information technology and joint planning are antecedents supportive of servitization. Both upstream and downstream supply chain positions provide resources essential for servitization, while different vertical integration levels support different types of services. Consequences of servitization include a downstream shift, increased outsourcing, stronger operational linkages and potential power imbalances, favouring firms with strategic resources. After comparing and integrating the diverse literature perspectives, we summarize our findings in two tables and a conceptual framework. We conclude by providing six future research directions and a checklist of managerial recommendations.

A wireless sensor network IoT platform for consumption and quality monitoring of drinking water

Generally, municipal water supply companies use manual collection and laboratory analysis for water quality testing. However, these methods have limitations such as lack of real-time information, inability to sample the entire water supply, and high costs. Therefore, continuous, real-time water quality monitoring is crucial for public health protection and ensuring that the whole water supply network is monitored. This paper proposes an Internet of Things (IoT) platform for the measurement of consumption and the quality of drinking water in rural or semi-rural environments. Data collected through temperature, flow, potential of hydrogen (pH), turbidity, and Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) sensors is exchanged with a database through a long-range wireless communication protocol. Two mobile applications and one desktop application were also developed, with the purpose of being used by simple users, technicians, and network administrators respectively. The presented implementation process includes the design of the hardware surrounding the ESP32 microcontroller and its mounted peripherals, as well as the software run by the microcontroller and the mobile devices. A prototype system was built and tested under controlled conditions, successfully recognizing an increase in water turbidity and its unsuitability when contaminated with different agents. This method may prove to be a financially advantageous solution for rural, semi-rural, and even urban environments when used with groups of data collection nodes, helping significantly in the upkeep and surveillance of the water supply network.