Supply Chain Competitive Advantage Research Articles

Deploying Industry 5.0 drivers to enhance sustainable supply chain risk resilience

ABSTRACT With global supply chains facing increasing complexity and uncertainty, mitigating sustainable supply chain risks (SSCRs) has become an important research topic. Industry 5.0 (I5.0) is a supplement to, and re-development of, Industry 4.0, but no research on improving supply chain resilience (SCRE) through I5.0 drivers to mitigate SSCRs currently exists. Therefore, we developed a QFD approach to investigate the relationship between SSCRs, SCRE, and I5.0 drivers. This study utilises the FDM-FDISM-ANP-TOPSIS method, considers China’s largest private logistics enterprises as the object of empirical analysis, and establishes a sustainable supply chain identification system and SCRE evaluation index system for logistics enterprises through two-stage House of Quality. The findings reveal that 20 key I5.0 significantly bolster 17 SCRE, thereby mitigating 13 SSCRs by QFD-MCDM framework. These I5.0 drivers play a pivotal role in enhancing SCRE of logistics enterprises. This study contributes to the field of supply chain risk resilience in sustainable engineering by integrating the perspectives of SSCRs, SCRE and I5.0. It underscores the necessity for managers in logistics enterprises to develop SCRE solutions that incorporate both SSCRs and I5.0 considerations. Furthermore, our findings offer valuable insights for other industries aiming to bolster their supply chain competitive advantages in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Sustainable supply chain management practices and firm performance: the mediating effect of firm capabilities

PurposeAcademics and businesses alike have begun to recognise sustainability as a vital component of supply chain competitive advantage in recent years. Inconclusive results have been found in empirical studies of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) that have ignored contextual variables concerning the dynamic role of firm capability in favour of testing alternative assumptions about the effect of various elements of the triple bottom line (TBL) on firm performance outcomes. The present study examines whether and how firm capabilities mediate the connection between SSCM, from a TBL standpoint, and firm financial performance outcomes.Design/methodology/approachUsing the stakeholder theory, the study employed 325 survey responses from firms operating in different industries in Ghana (a less-researched context but one that plays a key role regarding SSCM practices) and the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) technique to simultaneously assess the relationships amongst the variables.FindingsIt was discovered that the connections between all the TBL facets of SSCM practices and firm performance are positive and significant, and these relationships are mediated by firm capabilities.Originality/valueBy examining the underlying variables and relationships that contribute to the establishment of the rather complex relationship between SSCM practices from a TBL perspective and the performance of a firm, the research contributes to current knowledge on SSCM practices, firm capabilities and firm performance.

The effect of green supply chain management practices on corporate environmental performance: Does supply chain competitive advantage matter?

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of institutional pressure (IP), top management support (TMS), green supply chain management practices (GSCM), and supply chain competitive advantage (SCCA) on corporate environmental performance (EP). We also analyze the mediation effect of GSCM on the interplay between TMS and EP. Additionally, the paper also provides an analysis of the moderating role of SCCA between IP and EP. To attain the objective of this research, we assembled data from 710 business entities within the Shaanxi province of China utilizing a survey design approach. The structural equation model (SEM) was applied to test and assess the hypothetical outline. The study outcomes empirically show that TMS, GSCM, and SCCA positively and significantly impact EP. Interestingly, our study found an insignificant association between IP and EP. The study's results also demonstrate that IP directly relates to top management support. Moreover, the study's empirical findings reveal that GSCM positively mediates IP and EP. The study findings show that SCCA shapes IP and EP's connection. Accordingly, the practical implications of our study's findings suggest that business managers, investors, and government agencies must know the importance of adopting sustainable practices within the supply chain. Business managers must take action to integrate environmental criteria into supplier selection, evaluate suppliers' EP, and collaborate with eco‐friendly suppliers. Hence, government agencies, stakeholders, and business managers can use this information to shape regulations and policies that encourage businesses to adopt sustainable supply chain practices. Offering incentives such as tax benefits or grants for sustainability initiatives can also promote adoption. The study recommends that a business culture that targets improving EP due to IP and top management support is essential in achieving GSCM practices, thereby promising competitive advantage.

The role of blockchain-enabled supply chain applications in improving supply chain performance: the case of Jordanian manufacturing sector

PurposeBlockchain technology has the potential to enhance information and knowledge management among members of the supply chain. This study aims to demonstrate the direct and indirect impact of blockchain adoption on achieving supply chain competitive advantage and improving innovation capabilities to achieve greater supply chain performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study opted for a quantitative research approach. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 284 respondents from various Jordanian manufacturing firms. Smart PLS software was used to conduct structural equation modelling to test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe analysis revealed that investing in and using blockchain-enabled supply chain applications improves the ability to achieve higher levels of productivity, lead times, customer service and relationships with supply chain members. Moreover, blockchain technology integration with supply chain management processes has a positive impact on innovative activities that support supply chain operations. Finally, blockchain adoption has enhanced supply chain performance by reducing transaction costs, improving customer service and increasing the speed of supply chain operations.Research limitations/implicationsThe study provides guidance for decision-makers and academicians on the use of blockchain adoption to improve supply chain performance. Future studies should use a larger sample size and random sampling techniques to achieve better generalizability of the results.Originality/valueThe study fulfils an identified gap in the application of blockchain technology to improving supply chain performance within a broader context that encompasses supply chain innovation capabilities and competitive advantage.

The Effect of Green Supply Chain Management Practices on Corporate Environmental Performance: Does Supply Chain Competitive Advantage Matter?

The Effect of Green Supply Chain Management Practices on Corporate Environmental Performance: Does Supply Chain Competitive Advantage Matter?

Unfolding the Linkage Between SCM Practices and Customer Responsiveness in Indian Automotive and Aerospace Manufacturing Firms

The study examines how the supply chain management (SCM) practices impact customer responsiveness, and the same has been tested empirically with the help of a conceptual framework based on a literature review. Previous studies on the relationship between supply chain variables and competitive advantage have been presented earlier with variables including customer satisfaction, quality and flexibility. Still, there is a shortage of literature on customer responsiveness. This study attempts to conduct a structured study well supported by the existing literature to establish the mentioned linkage. The study sample includes 433 employees from 10 Indian automobile and aerospace manufacturing organizations, and the responses have been analysed with structural equation modelling (SEM) and bivariate regression. The study establishes the linkage between SCM practices and customer responsiveness. The results infer that supply chain practices are antecedents to customer responsiveness. The study has also scrutinized the specific items of SCM practices construct that highly influences customer responsiveness. This study also highlights and identifies the research on the linkage between SCM practices and customer responsiveness in the Indian context. For practitioners, this study offers advice for effective policymaking to have more excellent customer responsiveness by concentrating on the specific elements of each SCM practice.

The Effect of Supply Chain Integration and Competitive Advantage on Supermarket Operational Performance in Ambon City

This study aims to analyze the effect of supply chain integration on operational performance, and also to analyze the effect of competitive advantage on operational performance. The sample used in this study were 42 managers/heads of the supermarket production division in Ambon City. The data analysis technique used is Partial Least Square (PLS). The results show that supply chain integration has a positive effect on operational performance, the results also show that competitive advantage has a positive effect on operational performance.

Supply Chain Management: A Study on Competitive Advantage Relationship and Operational Performance during Pandemic Covid 19 in Indonesia

This research was conducted to reveal the relationship between supply chain management, competitive advantage, and operational performance in coffee shops in Indonesia.  The Data collection was obtained by distributing questionnaires online. The population in this study were business actors in the coffee sector, especially in the coffee shops in Indonesia. Determination of the sample in this study using non-probability because the population size cannot be identified. The sample of this study was 177 respondents. The research data were analyzed using path analysis techniques with analysis tools using Partial Least Square (PLS). The result found that SCM, competitive advantage has a significant positive effect on operational performance, SCM has a significant positive effect on competitive advantage, and competitive advantage is the perfect mediator for the effect of SCM has a significant positive effect on operational performance at a coffee shop in Indonesia.

Supply Chain Management: A Study on Competitive Advantage Relationship and Operational Performance during Pandemic Covid 19 in Indonesia

This research was conducted to reveal the relationship between supply chain management, competitive advantage, and operational performance in coffee shops in Indonesia.  The Data collection was obtained by distributing questionnaires online. The population in this study were business actors in the coffee sector, especially in the coffee shops in Indonesia. Determination of the sample in this study using non-probability because the population size cannot be identified. The sample of this study was 177 respondents. The research data were analyzed using path analysis techniques with analysis tools using Partial Least Square (PLS). The result found that SCM, competitive advantage has a significant positive effect on operational performance, SCM has a significant positive effect on competitive advantage, and competitive advantage is the perfect mediator for the effect of SCM has a significant positive effect on operational performance at a coffee shop in Indonesia.

Triggering sustainable firm performance, supply chain competitive advantage, and green innovation through lean, green, and agile supply chain practices.

Due to extensive industrial activities, many environmental challenges have devastated human beings and environmental integrity. Therefore, sustainable supply chain (SC) practices (lean, green, and agile - LGA) gained momentum in the manufacturing industry. Considering the importance of LGA-SC, this study investigates the impact of LGA-SC practices on green innovation (GI), supply chain competitive advantage (SCPA), supply chain responsiveness (SCR), and sustainable firm performance (SFP). Data were collected from employees of the manufacturing industry in China. The proposed conceptual framework was verified by using structural equation modeling. The empirical results indicate that LGA-SC practices are statistically associated with GI, SCR, SCPA, and SFP. Moreover, this research finds that GI and SCR play mediating roles between LGA-SC practices and SCPA. GC positively moderates the relationship between LGA-SC practices and GI, and IP also acts as a strong moderator between GI and SCPA. To the authors' best knowledge, this study is the pioneer to provide insights about a novel framework combing LGA-SC practices, SCPA, and SFP with mediating role of GI and moderating role of GI and IP. This study supports managers of the Chinese manufacturing sector to further extend strong roots for LGA-SC adoption.

Comparing Supply Chain Risks Ranking in Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Methods Using the Proposed Three-Dimensional Integration Mean Method

Risks play an important role in supply chain vulnerability, performance maintenance, and competitive advantage. Therefore, appropriate risk assessment and ranking are among the top priorities of managers and experts in the supply chain. Because there are several quantitative and qualitative risks in the supply chain, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) and, in particular, multi attribute decision making (MADM) methods are used to rank them. Depending on the type of supply chain, the difference in criteria and information available, it is possible to use existing MCDM methods to rank supply chain risks or introduce new methods. In these methods, options are compared on the basis of different criteria according to mathematical methods. Each of these methods uses their own approaches and assumptions. Therefore, there will be different solutions to the ranking. In this case, one or more methods may be selected as the best method. But it cannot be sure that the superior method is chosen correctly. In this paper, decision making methods are compared with each other for an appropriate method to be chosen. Case examples from the related literature have been compared with the proposed method (three-dimensional integrated mean method). To evaluate the validity of the proposed method, the results were sent to experts in various industries along with the proposed method. For analysis the accuracy of experts’ opinions, One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Frequencies and Explore tests have been used in SPSS software with 95% confidence level. The obtained results show high reliability of the proposed method for determining an appropriate decision-making method in supply chain risk assessment. However, the proposed method is used for ranking of supplier selection in this paper, but it can be used for many decision-making procedures.

The country context in Triple-A supply chains: an advanced PLS–SEM research study in emerging vs developed countries

PurposeThis paper analyzes whether the Triple-A supply chain (SC)–competitive advantage (CA) relationship is influenced by the country context and considers the case of emerging vs developed countries. Any differences in the importance of the three Triple-A SC dimensions (agility, adaptability and alignment) and a potential synergy effect among them when pursuing CA are also analyzed.Design/methodology/approachPartial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method is applied to an international multiple informant sample of 304 manufacturing plants in nine developed and five emerging countries.FindingsA significant positive relationship is found between the Triple-A SC and CA in the full sample and in the two separate samples of emerging and developed countries, which is more intense in the emerging countries. For the same samples, it is also concluded that (1) there are no significant differences in the importance of SC adaptability (SC-Ad), SC agility (SC-Ag) and SC alignment (SC-Al) as levers in the Triple-A SC–CA relationship and (2) a synergy effect among the Triple-A SC dimensions when pursuing CA is not supported.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study brings new evidence to the previous research on Triple-A SC and its relationship with CA in different country contexts. For managers, this work (1) shows that Triple A should be considered in the design of global SCs irrespective of the country context and (2) offers a first approach for determining the Triple-A SC levers that must be taken into consideration when pursuing a CA.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to Triple-A SC theory development. It is the first research study that analyzes the effect of the country context on the Triple-A SC–CA relationship and the importance of each of the Triple-A SC dimensions and their possible synergy effect when pursuing CA using a multiinformant international sample taken from different country contexts.

Exploration and Exploitation in Supply Chain Management Practices, Competitive Advantage, Firm Performance, and Boundary Conditions

Exploration and Exploitation in Supply Chain Management Practices, Competitive Advantage, Firm Performance, and Boundary Conditions

Improving Green Market Orientation, Green Supply Chain Relationship Quality, and Green Absorptive Capacity to Enhance Green Competitive Advantage in the Green Supply Chain

This study examines the influences of market orientation, supply chain relationship quality, and absorptive capacity on competitive advantage in green supply chains. We examine the intensity of these relationships in a green supply chain context. This study aims to figure out the effects of green market orientation (GMO), green supply chain relationship quality (GRQ), and green absorptive capacity (GAC) on green competitive advantage (GCA) in a supply chain. We find a significant positive association between these constructs. It highlights the importance of antecedents such as GMO, GRQ, and GAC on improving GCA. We jointly investigate the effects of GMO, GRQ, and GAC on green supply chain competitive advantage. This study uses Process Macro 2.15 to test the mediation effect between GMO and GCA. The result shows that GRQ and GAC completely mediate the relationship between GMO and GCA and that the effect sizes are 0.11 and 0.20, respectively. This study also reruns the model to clarify whether competing models are better than our model. However, the performance of such a competing model is poor. Finally, we accept our model instead of the competing model. GMO and GRQ among team managers and employees appear to contribute positively to GCA. Although GAC does not directly influence GCA, GMO has a significant total effect on GCA when intervened by GRQ and GAC. The key contribution is that green market orientation, i.e., the employee culture and the emphasis on being environmentally responsible, is a key antecedent to GRQ, GAC, and GCA. Managerial implications of the findings are listed.

Sustainability practices in tourism supply chain with confirmatory factor analysis

The purpose of the research paper is to provide insight to the Indian hotel administrators by identifying key sustainability practices that can be jointly adopted with their supply chain members and will effectively contribute to the management of hospitality operations. A comprehensive framework is developed and a confirmatory factor analysis is used to test the relationship between the observed indicators and their factors. A set of reliable and valid measurements of sustainability practices in tourism supply chain that aims at the betterment of hospitality management methods is an outcome of the paper. The identified sustainability practices are used for conceptualisation of the model which can be logically used by the practicing managers in tourism supply chain and gain competitive advantage. The findings clearly suggest that sustainability practices need to be looked from the supply chain perspective than as individually.

A supply chain management quality management and competitive advantage framework for Thai orchid exporters

A supply chain management quality management and competitive advantage framework for Thai orchid exporters

The triple-As supply chain competitive advantage

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to draw on resource orchestration theory (ROT) and resource advantage theory (RAT) to develop a measurement scale for supply chain competitive advantage (SCCA) as a second-order construct with the dimensions of agility, adaptability and alignment (triple-A).Design/methodology/approachA survey research design is adopted to collect primary and secondary data from 182 international firms. The paper utilizes a scale development procedure to develop a measurement instrument and assess its psychometric properties. The scale’s predictive validity is tested using both subjective and objective data. Additionally, the simultaneous effect of triple-A is tested using latent congruent modeling.FindingsDrawing upon ROT and RAT, this study introduces SCCA as a second-order construct composed of SC agility, adaptability and alignment. In addition, the findings show that an SCCA has a direct and positive impact on firms’ financial and market performance.Originality/valueExisting literature indicates that competition has shifted from inter-firm to inter-SC. To account for this change in competition level, past studies have suggested various capabilities that SCs must possess to offer a competitive advantage, such as triple-As. However, drawing upon RAT and ROT, the authors argue that the SCCA construct accounts for sources of advantage in both the resource side and the demand side. The authors further assert that possessing supply chain resources (i.e. agility, adaptability, alignment as disparate resources) is not sufficient to create advantage but the resources must be orchestrated to create SCCA (i.e. the combination of agility, adaptability and alignment).

The Impact of Long Term Relationship, Process Integration, Cooperation On Supply Chain Management Performance And Competitive Advantage

This research is conducted on Small and Medium Industries of Gumelem Coconut Sugarlocated in Gumelem, Susukan Subdistrict, Banjarnegara Regency. This study takes the title:"The Influence of Long Term Relationship, Process Integration, Cooperation on SupplyChain Management Performance and Its Impact on Competitive Advantage (Study onGumMem Coconut Sugar IKM)". The purpose of this study was to determine the effect oflong term relationships, process integration, cooperation on supply chain managementperformance and its effect on competitive advantage. The population in this study were allsmall and medium-sized industries of coconut sugar gumelem in Gumelem Kulon. Thenumber of respondents taken in this study were 71 respondents. Sample Randon Samplingis used in determining this respondent. Based on the results of research and analysis ofdata using Multiple Regression Analysis and Simple Regression Analysis shows that: (1)Long term relationships have a positive effect on supply chain management performance,(2) Process integration has a positive effect on supply chain management performance, (3)Cooperation has an effect positive for supply chain management performance, (4) Supplychain management performance has a positive effect on competitive advantage. Theimplications of the above conclusions are in an effort to increase customer satisfaction, theproducers should pay attention to various policies relating to long term relationships,process integration, cooperation. The efforts made are to improve the supply chainmanagement performance in full in accordance with the needs, policies, trust, cooperationrelated to customer satisfaction of coconut sugar gumelem. And also in order to maintaintight competition in the industrial world, companies must improve supply chain managementperformance.

An integrated fuzzy Delphi and fuzzy inference system for ranking the solutions to overcome the supply chain knowledge flow barriers

Supply chain (SC) is assumed as a leading operations strategy in both manufacturing and service organisations. Knowledge is recognised as an important source of competitive advantage in SC. However, evidence suggests that there are several SC knowledge flow barriers (SCKFBs) which obstruct knowledge flow in SC. The purpose of this research is to identify SCKFBs and propose solutions to overcome the SCKFBs. The weight of major SCKFBs is calculated by fuzzy Delphi (FD) method and ranking of the solutions of SCKFBs is evaluated using the fuzzy inference system (FIS) method. To overcome SCKFBs, the top rank solutions obtained are visible technologies that offer real-time customer and demand knowledge, building strategic relationships with SC partners and induce mutual trust with SC partners. This study may be one of the first to bring together a large range of SCKFBs on the same platform, and an attempt to give solutions for SCKFBs.

Triple-A and competitive advantage in supply chains: Empirical research in developed countries

Based on his own experience in a number of companies, Lee (2004) posits that the Triple-A (agility, adaptability and alignment) is essential for supply chain (SC) management to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage (CA). However, there is a lack of empirical research that analyzes the Triple-A SC and its impacts on CA. The objective of the present work is to address this omission and to provide empirical evidence on this topic using a multiple-informant, international sample from eight developed countries. A consistent partial least squares structural equation model (PLSc) is used on data for 151 manufacturing plants in three industrial sectors to determine whether agility, alignment and adaptability have individual and/or joint effects on achieving a CA in SCs. In relation to the individual effects, different CAs are achieved by each of the Triple-A variables. SC adaptability has been shown to have a significant positive relationship with all the dimensions of CA. SC alignment affects most of these dimensions, but SC agility only affects financial CA and flexibility CA. This research does, however, confirm the positive relationship for the joint effect of the Triple-A SC variables and CA. The effects are significant on all the CA measures except quality. Important implications can be drawn for managers by showing how SC levers can be set to improve performance indicators.