Supply Chain Challenges Research Articles

Barriers to WHO prequalification of similar biotherapeutic insulin.

To identify the barriers preventing manufacturers of similar biotherapeutic human insulin from submitting their products to the World Health Organization (WHO) for prequalification. We used a self-administered questionnaire to collect data from companies producing similar biotherapeutic human insulin. We included questions about the insulin products manufactured, knowledge of WHO prequalification requirements, export of the products and compliance with good manufacturing practices. Companies had the possibility to provide additional relevant information. We sent the questionnaire to 20 manufacturers in total. We evaluated responses and organized the data into themes. We had a response rate of 55% (11/20 companies). Five broad themes emerged: (i)manufacturers and products; (ii)expressions of interest awareness and participation; (iii)need for technical assistance and training; (iv)market and supply chain challenges; and (v)approval for good manufacturing practices. The most important reasons for manufacturers' lack of response to WHO's expression-of-interest invitation were absence of a mechanism to guarantee return on investment, and perceived complexity of prequalification requirements for insulin-similar biotherapeutic products. To encourage greater participation in the WHO prequalification programme, international procurement agencies associated with the programme should consider establishing a platform to enter into advance purchasing agreements with manufacturers. In addition, WHO's Local Production and Assistance Unit should provide companies with ongoing technical assistance on the development of their human insulin products and improvement of their production facilities to comply with the WHO requirements for good manufacturing practices.

Re-Viewing Sumitro’s Policy and Industrial Maturity: Powering Downstream and Manufacturing Industries for Economic Growth and Sustainable Society

During the 1950s, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo contributed in a significant manner to the construction of the economy of Indonesia, along with other figures, namely Mohammad Hatta, Sjafruddin Prawiranegara, and Djuanda Kartawidjaja. During this period, Sumitro promoted policies to drive industrialization in Indonesia and self-reliance to transform Indonesia from a colonial economy into a developing nation. Soemitro Djojohadikusumo’s economic policies were pivotal in shaping Indonesia’s post-colonial economy; focusing on production and industrial sovereignty, he emphasized reducing dependency on imports by fostering domestic industries, especially strategic sectors like heavy industry and natural resource processing, which he saw as crucial to national sovereignty. Soemitro also promoted stimulating economic activities through both public investment and private sector engagement, aiming to diversify the economy and drive sustained growth. Many of the challenges Soemitro addressed, such as infrastructural gaps and weak technological readiness, which remain relevant today. This research analyzes to what extent the economic policy shaped by Sumitro impacts Indonesia’s development. This analysis has significance in understanding Indonesia’s contemporary economic planning and trends, particularly in terms of economic policy shaped by the newly elected President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto. Analysis of Sumitro’s policy is conducted through the lenses of the industrial maturity concept, which is relevant to growth theory, resource-based view, and development economics. Indonesia’s pursuit of industrial maturity is crucial for transforming its raw resource-based economy into one that competes globally by adding value to domestic production. The need to revitalize manufacturing and strengthen downstream industries is critical for boosting competitiveness and integrating circular economic principles that emphasize sustainability. Soemitro’s vision of empowering society aligns with modern approaches to creating a more inclusive economy. However, infrastructure bottlenecks, a lagging education system, and regulatory complexities continue to slow the progress. Addressing supply chain challenges through regional industrial clustering and focusing on efficiency will be vital for overcoming these barriers. Further empirical research is needed to explore how infrastructure, education reform, and regulatory simplification can enhance Indonesia’s industrial maturity and sustainable economic development.

Supply Chain Challenges and Counter Measures in the Recovery of Luxury Market

In the past, people’s understanding of the luxury consumer market was limited to the unattainable and expensive ones, which led to a series of problems, such as the fact that luxury brands need to find quality and reliable suppliers, the luxury market was hit hard during the COVID-19, the supply chain was broken, a large number of layoffs, a large number of store closures, and so on. Then there are the sharp price increases in the post-COVID-19 luxury market. Before formally writing this paper, I read and searched a lot of literature. I found that there were many articles on management, economy and business, but few articles could focus on how the luxury goods market before and after the novel coronavirus epidemic changed from a downturn to attracting a large number of customers to buy luxury goods even though the price increased many times. With the development of the global consumer market, the luxury market is playing an increasingly important role.

Challenges in the green building supply chain: multi-objective planning for prefabricated factory site selection

Challenges in the green building supply chain: multi-objective planning for prefabricated factory site selection

Middle spacepowers’ integration with the global supply chain for the space industry: Taiwan and Thailand

Abstract Space as a domain of economic and security competition between great powers has risen to become an arena of active statecraft for middle powers in the twenty-first century. It has set a high-stake stage for not only continuing struggles for catch-up industrialization of late developers but also offering opportunities to capture commercial gains of technological breakthroughs and globalization of markets. We examine these challenges for Taiwan and Thailand, surveying major trends in the emerging space industry and exploring four analytical perspectives on how government-business relations shape adaptive national industrial policies in high-technology sectors with proliferating end-users. We argue that the Asian developmental state model is evolving in response to specific challenges of a global supply chain for commercial space activities dominated by leading space firms and government regulatory actions in the United States. Significant differences in Taiwan’s and Thailand’s space and industrial policy approaches will likely create divergent technological trajectories and reinforce current constraints on improving national security. The longer-term prospect for middle spacepowers remains contingent on the space race between the United States and the People’s Republic of China.

Providing a framework to optimize the sustainable construction material supply chain with the possibility of horizontal transfers

The application of Supply Chain Management (SCM) principles has gained considerable attention across various industries to enhance operational efficiency and business performance. In the construction sector, SCM can guide managers in strategic planning and foster collaboration with suppliers, leading to more effective project execution. Despite its importance, limited research has focused on designing sustainable supply chains for construction materials under uncertain conditions. This study aims to bridge this gap by introducing a robust optimization framework that incorporates sustainable development criteria, specifically the minimization of harmful environmental effects and the reduction of worker unemployment. Additionally, the research introduces an innovative concept of horizontal transfers between downstream members, which not only reduces supply deficiencies but also indirectly increases profitability for these members. This article is a part of a Doctoral dissertation. It follows a two-step approach. First, suppliers of construction materials are ranked based on sustainable development criteria using a multi-criteria decision-making method. The best-ranked supplier is then integrated into a mathematical model for optimizing the supply chain design. Given the NP-hard nature of the problem, the CPLEX 12.1 solver with the epsilon constraint method is used to solve small-scale models. For larger-scale problems, three meta-heuristic algorithms are developed: multi-objective ant-lion, multi-objective gray wolf, and multi-objective dragonfly. The results show that while both the ant-lion and gray wolf algorithms deliver comparable average performance, the gray wolf algorithm excels in terms of solution time, making it more effective for real-time problem-solving. This makes the gray wolf algorithm the most efficient choice for addressing large-scale, multi-objective supply chain challenges. This research introduces a novel framework for designing sustainable construction supply chains under uncertain conditions. By focusing on criteria such as minimizing harmful environmental effects and reducing worker unemployment, this study addresses key aspects of sustainable development. Additionally, the innovative horizontal transfer mechanism and the insights into algorithmic performance provide valuable contributions to the field, especially for real-world applications in the construction industry.

Why “free maternal healthcare” is not entirely free in Ghana: a qualitative exploration of the role of street-level bureaucratic power

BackgroundGhana introduced a free maternal healthcare policy within its National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2008 to remove financial barriers to accessing maternal health services. Despite this policy, evidence suggests that women incur substantial out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for maternal health care. This study explores the underlying reasons for these persistent out-of-pocket payments within the context of Ghana’s free maternal healthcare policy.MethodsCross-sectional qualitative data were collected through interviews with a purposive sample of 14 mothers and 8 healthcare providers/administrators in two regions of Ghana between May and September 2022. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and imported into the NVivo 14.0 software for analysis. An iteratively developed codebook guided the coding process. Our thematic data analysis followed the Attride-Sterling framework for network analysis, identifying basic, organising themes and global themes.ResultsWe found that health systems and demand-side factors are responsible for the persistence of OOP payments despite the existence of the free maternal healthcare policy in Ghana. Reasons for these payments arose from health systems factors, particularly, NHIS structural issues – delayed and insufficient reimbursements, inadequate NHIS benefit coverage, stockouts and supply chain challenges and demand-side factors – mothers’ lack of education about the NHIS benefit package, and passing of cost onto patients. Due to structural and system level challenges, healthcare providers, exercising their street-level bureaucratic power, have partly repackaged the policy, enabling the persistence of out-of-pocket payments for maternal healthcare.ConclusionsUrgent measures are required to address the structural and administrative issues confronting Ghana’s free maternal health policy; otherwise, Ghana may not achieve the sustainable development goals targets on maternal and child health.

Behind the Scenes: How Logistics Shape Space Fantasy Science Fiction Narratives

This research note explores how logistics, though often overlooked, is a central element in space fantasy science fiction narratives. In Frank Herbert’s Dune, the spice—essential for interstellar travel—demonstrates how logistics influences space geopolitics. Star Wars highlights the logistical challenges involved in managing an intergalactic empire, from constructing the Death Stars to coordinating rebel fleets. In Star Trek, space exploration depends on intricate logistics to sustain ships, space stations, and diplomatic relations. Finally, Isaac Asimov’s Foundation illustrates how the collapse of logistics can lead to the downfall of an intergalactic empire. These films and novels reveal that logistics extends beyond mere materials and operations management; it becomes a key question of survival, power, and stability within these fictional universes. Science fiction narratives not only offer insights into future logistics but also prompts reflection on contemporary challenges in supply chain and infrastructure management.

A quadratically constrained mixed-integer non-linear programming model for multiple sink distributions

Rising traffic congestion and fuel costs pose significant challenges for supply chains with numerous retailers. This paper addresses these challenges by optimizing transportation routes for processed tomatoes within a long-haul and intercity distribution network. We use the heterogeneous capacitated vehicle routing problem framework to create a new quadratically constrained mixed-integer non-linear programming model that aims to meet demand at multiple destinations while minimizing transportation costs. Our model incorporates real-time data and route optimization strategies that consider traffic conditions based on freight time and route diversions for expedited deliveries. It aims to devise an optimal transportation schedule that minimizes fuel, operational, and maintenance costs while ensuring efficient delivery of tomato paste. By applying this model to a real-world case study, we estimate a significant 27.59% reduction in transportation costs, dropping them from GH¢20,270 ($1,638.91) to GH¢14,676 ($1,186.61) on average. This highlights the effectiveness of our strategy in lowering costs while maintaining smooth and efficient deliveries.

Application of simulation and machine learning in supply chain management: A synthesis of the literature using the Sim-ML literature classification framework

Stochastic modeling techniques, such as discrete-event and agent-based simulation, are widely used in supply chain management (SCM) for capturing real-world uncertainties. Over the last decade, data-driven approaches like machine learning (ML) have also gained prominence in SCM, employing methods such as supervised learning (SL), unsupervised learning (UL), and reinforcement learning (RL). As supply chains grow in complexity, hybrid models combining simulation (Sim) and ML are becoming increasingly common, and the field stands to gain from a structured review of this literature. Towards this, we developed the Sim-ML Literature Classification Framework, which includes a hierarchical taxonomy comprising five SC criteria, 22 Sim-ML classes and over 75 Sim-ML subclasses. We applied this framework to synthesize 99 papers, revealing significant diversity in how Sim-ML models are used to address supply chain challenges. Key findings include the recognition of the breadth of study objectives, identifying various forms of model hybridization achieved by combining discrete/continuous simulation techniques with SL, UL, and RL approaches, and the data flow mechanisms such as sequential and feedback methods employed by the simulation and ML elements of the hybrid model. Our findings also identify some gaps in the literature; for example, optimization is rarely incorporated into Sim-ML models. Also, most studies present Sim-ML models for addressing problems in general supply chains, likely due to the lack of access to industrial data. The review also highlights that Industry 4.0 technologies, such as digital twins and blockchain, are underrepresented in current research, as are topics like sustainability and transportation. These gaps suggest significant opportunities for future research. We provide guidelines for practitioners on applying Sim-ML models to manage supply chain drivers, mitigate the impact of disruptions, and integrate emerging technologies. Our review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and students interested in leveraging Sim-ML approaches in SCM.

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.

The Geography of Health: Onshoring Pharmaceutical Manufacturing to Address Supply Chain Challenges

The Geography of Health: Onshoring Pharmaceutical Manufacturing to Address Supply Chain Challenges

Pathogen genomic surveillance status among lower resource settings in Asia

Asia remains vulnerable to new and emerging infectious diseases. Understanding how to improve next generation sequencing (NGS) use in pathogen surveillance is an urgent priority for regional health security. Here we developed a pathogen genomic surveillance assessment framework to assess capacity in low-resource settings in South and Southeast Asia. Data collected between June 2022 and March 2023 from 42 institutions in 13 countries showed pathogen genomics capacity exists, but use is limited and under-resourced. All countries had NGS capacity and seven countries had strategic plans integrating pathogen genomics into wider surveillance efforts. Several pathogens were prioritized for human surveillance, but NGS application to environmental and human–animal interface surveillance was limited. Barriers to NGS implementation include reliance on external funding, supply chain challenges, trained personnel shortages and limited quality assurance mechanisms. Coordinated efforts are required to support national planning, address capacity gaps, enhance quality assurance and facilitate data sharing for decision making.

The mediating role of halal supply chain integrity in enhancing performance for halal herbal-based food SMEs

Purpose This paper aims to examine the influence of supply chain management by assessing the relationship between internal and external integration and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) owners’ Islamic practices in enhancing halal supply chain integrity (HSCI) and SMEs’ performance. Design/methodology/approach A total of 176 SMEs were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. The sample was selected using convenience sampling from two major halal exhibition events in Malaysia. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data and test the hypotheses. Findings The findings showed that supply chain integration (SCI), Islamic human capital and HSCI have a significant relationship with SMEs’ performance. It was also found that HSCI mediated the relationship between both SCI and Islamic human capital and SMEs’ performance. Practical implications SME owners or managers should be committed to developing the internal processes within the organization and strategizing to link these processes with the external processes to obtain the full benefits of integration. Furthermore, as the upper management, owners and managers must understand the supply chain challenges, priorities and practices thoroughly, as they are responsible for Islamic business ethics. They should work to provide support to increase religious orientation in the SMEs, as this would likely enhance all other factors. Originality/value This is one of the few types of research to use HSCI as a mediator in halal food studies in addition to improving SMEs’ performance.

David's Bridal bankruptcy: take two

Research methodology The case is a secondary sourced case. Information for the case was found from news articles and interviews. Case overview/synopsis David’s Bridal was a privately held corporation generating $1.3bn in annual revenue and employing over 12,000 employees. David’s Bridal filed bankruptcy not once but twice. This case examines the bridal industry and the environmental factors that led to the two bankruptcies. Bridal dresses are at the top of wedding categories. Environmental factors causing bankruptcy included online competition, reputation as seen through the eyes of the consumer, COVID, and supply chain challenges. David’s Bridal first looked to Jim Marcum to turn the corporation around and when this failed, they created a new management team after the second bankruptcy to save the company. Complexity academic level The case is designed as an interdisciplinary case for undergraduate leadership, advanced accounting or undergraduate strategy courses. The case was tested in MGMT 330: Leading People in Organizations. This case is appropriate for junior- and senior-level students.This case will be used in ACCT 402: Advanced Accounting – a senior-level course. The case gives perspective on going concern opinions and the strategic implications of bankruptcy.Possible textbooks▪ Christensen, T., Cottrell, D. and Budd, C. (2023). Advanced Financial Accounting (13th ed.). McGraw-Hill.▪ Hoyle, J., Schaefer, T. and Doupnik, T. (2024). Advanced Accounting (15th ed.). McGraw-Hill▪ Rothaermel, F. T. (2024). Strategic Management (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill

Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty: Navigating Supply Chain Challenges Through Proactive Risk Surveillance and Mitigation Strategies among SMEs in ASEAN countries

Background Supply chain risk management is crucial for the consumer products industry due to its vulnerability to uncertainties and risks. This study investigates the relationship between supply chain risks and performance among SMEs in the ASEAN countries. Supply chain performance, defined as meeting end-customer demands, involves ensuring commodity availability, on-time deliveries, and maintaining sufficient inventory and capacity across organizational boundaries from raw materials to the final consumer. Methods The study utilized a sample of 385 entrepreneurs from the consumer products industry in ASEAN countries. The research was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to establish the correlation between supply chain performance and risks. Factors related to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) for economic integration and regional trade agreements were incorporated to understand the diverse economic development, infrastructure, and regulatory environments across nations. Results The analysis revealed a strong correlation between supply chain risks and performance. Entrepreneurs in the consumer products industry should collaborate closely with governmental organizations to address the unique challenges posed by regulatory landscapes, cross-border logistics, and geopolitical risks within the ASEAN region. Adapting to cultural nuances and market variations, along with optimizing logistics and infrastructure, are crucial for successful supply chain risk management. Conclusions Effective supply chain risk management significantly enhances the performance of the consumer products industry’s supply chain. Entrepreneurs in this sector should align their strategies with regional and national governments to proactively address issues and mitigate risks. Continuous monitoring and adaptive measures are necessary to handle emerging risks in the dynamic market landscape. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, suggesting that supportive frameworks and policies are necessary to bolster SME capabilities in risk management. By fostering a collaborative environment between the public and private sectors, ASEAN countries can enhance overall supply chain resilience. Future research could explore sector-specific risk management practices and their impact on supply chain robustness, underscoring the imperative for SMEs to adopt proactive and integrated risk management approaches to thrive in a complex and evolving economic environment.

Healthcare Executive Highlights for Second Quarter 2024

This article reviews second-quarter macroeconomic indicators, noting mixed GDP growth, inflation trends, and labor market conditions. It emphasizes the importance of effective coordination between fiscal and monetary policies to mitigate risks like stagflation. Healthcare remains a major contributor to GDP and job creation, underscoring the need for healthcare leaders to engage with policymakers at all levels. Looking ahead to the third quarter of 2024, it anticipates discretionary spending pressures, supply chain challenges, and the impact of geopolitical and environmental factors.

Optimizing the organization of the first mile in agri-food supply chains with a heterogeneous fleet using a mixed-integer linear model

Consumers are increasingly demanding high-quality food, which presents significant challenges for agricultural supply chains. While the majority of research in the agri-food sector has concentrated on optimizing logistics costs and meeting demand by focusing on minimizing the last mile, the complexity of the first mile in the agricultural supply chain has been less explored. Farmers must efficiently manage the harvesting process and the transportation of harvested produce to consolidation centers to ensure the delivery of high-quality products. This paper addresses this research gap by introducing a mixed-integer programming model that leverages vehicle routing problem concepts to optimize the logistics processes involved in transporting harvested products from various fields to a central depot. The primary objective is to minimize total logistics costs associated with visiting different fields during a pick-up round using multiple vehicles. The model has been applied to a case study involving an agricultural cooperative in Greece as part of the European BBTWINS project, which aims to enhance agri-food value chain digitalization for improved resource efficiency. The results demonstrate that organizing the first mile of the agri-food supply chain with a cooled vehicle for pick-up rounds can reduce logistics costs by up to 40% compared to the current practices.

Innovative Resource Distribution Through Multi-Agent Supply Chain Scheduling Leveraging Honey Bee Optimization Techniques

Many people and things involved in the supply chain can be represented by a network of linked agents in a multi-agent system. To achieve distribution and manufacturing targets efficiently, actions in a supply chain must be scheduled by tracking and organizing the allocation of resources. Healthcare, energy, aerospace, agriculture, and manufacturing are some of the industries that make use of it to better allocate and coordinate resources in complex networks. The goal of multi-agent supply chains is to lower costs and meet demand in dynamic contexts through efficient resource allocation and planning. Traditional approaches, such as linear programming and heuristic algorithmic approaches, have problems with adaptation and scalability. This study offers a novel scheduling method, Resource Distribution by Honey Bee Optimization (RDHBO), to circumvent these issues. It is based on a tactic that the honey bee uses when foraging. In this model, scout bees and foragers take on the role of actors, investigating and making the most of potential new ways to divide up resources by employing HBO strategies. The foraging agents look for places that have been profitable in the past, and the scouting agents carefully examine the supply chain to find places where resources might be available. The proposed RDHBO architecture allows for better supply chain scheduling by encouraging effective utilization and investigation, better communication, dynamic adaptability, autonomous decision-making, and efficiency of complicated systems. This method leads to an adaptable supply chain, lower operational costs, and more scalability and adaptability. This paper presents a formidable alternative to conventional optimization methods by demonstrating an efficient approach to dealing with complicated supply chain challenges.

The effect of supply chain integration, management commitment, and sustainable supply chain practices on non-profit organizations performance using SEM-FsQCA: Evidence from Afghanistan

This study explores the impact of supply chain integration, management commitment, and sustainable supply chain practices on the performance of non-profit organizations in Afghanistan. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (FsQCA) with 169 participants, it finds that supply chain integration enhances sustainable supply chain practices and overall performance. Management commitment improves sustainable supply chain practice, while supply chain challenges significantly affect organizational performance. FsQCA reveals key factors like sustainable supply chain practices and management commitment, highlighting their contribution to positive outcomes. Overcoming supply chain challenges within an integrated framework is crucial for non-profit performance enhancement.