Supply Chain Context Research Articles

Analyzing the Relationship between Risk Management Strategies and Supply Chain

Purpose: The purpose of this article examined how different risk management strategies affect supply chain resilience in Malaysia. It aims to identify effective strategies, such as supplier diversification and digitalization, that help Malaysian companies mitigate disruptions. The findings offer insights to enhance operational continuity and adaptability within Malaysia's unique risk environment. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study found that effective risk management strategies, like supplier diversification and real-time monitoring, significantly enhance supply chain resilience in Malaysia. Companies adopting these strategies experienced fewer disruptions and quicker recovery times. However, challenges such as high costs and limited technology access still hinder broader adoption among smaller firms. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resource-based view (RBV), contingency theory & high reliability theory (HRT) may be used to anchor future studies on the relationship between risk management strategies and supply chain resilience in Malaysia. Practically, companies should implement risk management strategies that are tailored to their specific supply chain contexts and risks. At the policy level, governments and industry bodies should support the adoption of resilience-enhancing technologies by offering financial incentives or subsidies, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Artificial Intelligence applications for Information management in sustainable Supply Chain Management: A Systematic Review and future research agenda

In a Sustainable Supply Chain (SSC) context, information management offers a unique perspective on the digital economy and information management. Artificial intelligence (AI) is developing into a more robust digital field to facilitate quick information access and intelligent decisions in expanding commercial contexts. These days, Supply Chains (SC) would crumble without robust information systems. Applying AI and information management is crucial in determining the direction of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). A systematic literature review (SLR) of the use of AI in SSCM is conducted in this research. The authors can identify crucial factors of the present literature using bibliometric and network analysis. AI is essential to the SSC to address sustainability challenges and manage the large volumes of data produced by numerous industrial processes. In the corpus of research that is already accessible, there is currently no comprehensive and bibliometric analysis of the potential for AI techniques for information management in SSC. Scientific publications were analysed from an objective point of view. Based on our results, we have drafted a proposal for an AI supply chain framework. Researchers, policymakers, and SCM practitioners may all benefit from the approach. This study is the first to analyse AI applications for information management in SSCM. In consideration of this, organizations are now exploring AI capabilities to improve operational efficiency and innovate their processes. This will assist industry people in understanding how AI methods support SC processes in their optimization to attain sustainability in SC practices.

A closed-loop dual-channel supply chain network for leather products: An integrated simulation optimization clustering approach

The leather industry is pivotal to the economic development of certain countries; however, it also poses significant environmental challenges. Thus, this study aims to design a closed-loop leather supply chain network that incorporates waste recycling and product regeneration processes. In light of the growing prevalence of both in-store and online shopping, the concept of a dual-channel supply chain is examined. Furthermore, as advertising through traditional and social media continues to expand, this research uniquely investigates the impact of two advertising modalities—SMS and social networks—alongside the design and layout of retail environments, considering their effects on product sales within the supply chain context. Additionally, outlet stores are integrated into the model to facilitate the sale of products that may become outdated over time, thereby enhancing the model's real-world applicability. To achieve this, a multi-product, multi-period mathematical model is developed to minimize costs and maximize customer responsiveness in both forward and reverse supply chain flows. The K-means clustering method is employed to categorize customers based on recency, frequency, and monetary (RFM) features. Through simulation, demand parameters are derived for each customer cluster across various scenarios. Moreover, the Aghezzaf approach is utilized to address scenario-based uncertainties within the model, and the proposed multi-objective model is solved using the Augmented Epsilon constraint method. A real-world case study is conducted to apply the proposed model, and critical parameters are examined through sensitivity analysis to validate its effectiveness. The findings suggest that incorporating return flows into the supply chain can significantly enhance both producer profitability and customer responsiveness regarding leather products.

Process mining in supply chain management: state-of-the-art, use cases and research outlook

Recent advances in process mining technology have extended its applicability beyond traditional domains such as healthcare, finance and manufacturing, making it increasingly relevant for addressing problems in supply chain management. In our research, we explore the integration of process mining techniques within the domain of supply chain management, focusing on uncovering inefficiencies, ensuring compliance, and identifying opportunities for improvement. Therefore, we first review the technological advances in process mining relevant to supply chain management and outline six relevant approaches. We then combine the identified methodologies with expert interviews to derive and validate six specific use cases where process mining can significantly contribute to supply chain efficiency and resilience. The paper presents a detailed description of these use cases, demonstrating how process mining can provide actionable insights for a wide range of supply chain problems. We discuss the implications of our findings for practitioners, who benefit from enhanced visibility and optimisation opportunities, and researchers, who are provided with a roadmap for exploration of this promising interdisciplinary field. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to explore potential use cases for process mining in a supply chain context, providing a comprehensive perspective on the potential benefits and challenges.

Enhancing internal supply chain management in manufacturing through a simulation-based digital twin platform

Digital Twin (DT) technology is profoundly changing the manufacturing landscape and supply chain management with its ability to create real-time digital replicas of physical processes, allowing for enhanced monitoring and optimized decision-making. However, the analysis of scientific literature reveals that further efforts are needed to spread the use of Industry 4.0 technologies, in the specific context of Internal Supply Chains (ISCs). The main aim of this study is to design, develop test and validate a multi-plant Simulation-Based DT production planning platform for ISCs management. A modular architecture is adopted, and the focus is on a Simulation-Based Digital Twin module, which uses an object-oriented structure and enables what-if analyses, involving several scheduling rules and ISC configurations. The proposed solution ensures flexibility and scalability, two crucial features in a constantly evolving market environment. The platform is tested and validated through a case study, involving a corporate group in the Oil & Gas manufacturing sector, which needs to improve the ISC performance, under a Make-To-Order production strategy. The comparison with a baseline scenario, where the platform is not adopted, shows that the proposed approach can significantly reduce the average flow time, the average tardiness, the number of late orders. This study has important practical implications because enables proactive and smart decision-making, aimed at resource optimization and continuous improvement, through predictive analytics and scenario analysis.

Enhancing customer satisfaction through IIoT-Enabled coopetition: Strategic insights and impacts

This research investigates the significant role of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to enable Coopetition Network Practices (CNPs) in enhancing the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the context of global digital supply chains. Employing a quantitative approach, our study reveals that CNPs contribute to a noTable 51.0 % improvement in factors determining customer satisfaction. This underscores the strategic importance of blending competition with collaboration to refine production processes and align with consumer expectations. Additionally, the research presents a remarkable 69.1 % boost in operational consistency and reports substantial progress in manufacturing flexibility and the value-to-weight ratio, witnessing increases of 125.8 % and 33.2 %, respectively. These improvements are pivotal in optimizing production resources, which in turn, have led to a 29.3 % decrease in customer complaints and a 15.6 % rise in on-time delivery rates. Conversely, a slight decline in the consistency of the value-to-weight ratio was observed, pointing to potential areas for future research. The findings decisively show that CNPs offer concrete advantages by enhancing customer satisfaction determinants and operational efficiency in SMEs. The paper advocates for future studies to directly measure customer satisfaction and to formulate actionable guidelines for the effective implementation of coopetition strategies. This proposed research direction aims to provide solutions to the manufacturing sector's emerging challenges, thereby promoting competitive advantage and growth in the digital era.

Unleashing supply chain agility: Leveraging data network effects for digital transformation

The global manufacturing supply chain is undergoing a digital transformation (DT) powered by various digital technologies. In both stable and turbulent environments, DT helps safeguard supply chain performance by enhancing supply chain agility. While research on the use of digital technologies and their impacts on supply chains is growing, there is a lack of an overarching theoretical lens to synthesize their diverse functionalities, effects, and benefits. To address this gap, we adapt the concept of the data network effect to the supply chain context and propose that DT improves supply chain performance by enhancing supply chain resilience (SCRes) and robustness (SCRob) capabilities. To validate our hypotheses, we conducted a large-scale survey for data collection and performed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) for data analysis. The results confirm the positive effect of DT on supply chain performance and the mediating roles of SCRob and SCRes. Our study contributes to the ongoing discussion on DT in the context of supply chains by introducing a novel theoretical perspective on the supply chain data network effect.

Sustainable performance and supply chain leadership in logistic firms: the role of corporate sustainability strategies and digital supply chain

Purpose This study aims to investigate the relationship between supply chain leadership, digital supply chain practices and corporate sustainability strategies on the sustainability performance of logistics firms in Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest economies. It indicates that collaborative efforts within the supply chain context can improve sustainability performance. Design/methodology/approach Data from 468 firms in a major sub-Saharan African market were collected through a structured questionnaire. The analysis used descriptive statistics, principal component analysis and hierarchical regression analysis. Factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha analysis were used to assess the validity and reliability of the instrument. Findings The results of this study reveal significant findings: proactive sustainability strategies exert a substantial positive effect on sustainability performance (β = 0.694, SE = 0.025, p < 0.01). Even when proactive sustainability strategies are included in the model, the positive impact of reactive sustainability strategies remains significant (β = 0.694, SE = 0.025, p < 0.01: Model 5). Regarding the moderating role of proactive and reactive corporate sustainability strategies, there is a notable interaction effect between supply chain leadership and proactive sustainability strategies concerning sustainability performance (p < 0.05). This confirms the positive relationship between supply chain leadership and sustainability performance when proactive sustainability strategies are at a high level (β = 0.844, SE = 0.0010, p < 0.01), supporting H4 that this relationship strengthens with higher levels of proactive sustainability strategies. Conversely, for Hypothesis H5, the interaction effect of reactive sustainability strategies with supply chain leadership changes the relationship from significantly positive to significantly negative (β = −0.068, SE = 0.0009, p < 0.01). Using the Baron and Kenny approach to test mediation, the mediating effect of digital supply on digital leadership is significant (β = 0.345, p = 0.000, p < 0.01). Furthermore, the effect of digital supply on sustainability performance is statistically significant (β = 0.081, p = 0.006, p < 0.01), as is the effect of digital leadership on sustainability performance (β = 0.181, p = 0.000, p < 0.01). These results indicate a mediation effect of digital supply. Research limitations/implications This study of logistic management has limitations, including its cross-sectional nature, which precludes the establishment of causality, thus necessitating longitudinal research to determine causal relationships. In addition, the focus on Nigerian firms, which vary significantly in their stages of learning and institutional development, emphasizes the need for further research in diverse contexts. Future studies should examine alternative institutional environments or developed economies to validate these assumptions. Another limitation is the potential for bias due to six employees rating their firms on each variable; therefore, using multiple data sources is recommended to objectively evaluate the validity of the self-reported questionnaire. Practical implications This study advises managers to exercise caution when selecting between proactive and reactive sustainability strategies to enhance sustainability performance. Proactive strategies reinforce the relationship between supply chain leadership and sustainability performance, while reactive strategies diminish it. Therefore, managers are encouraged to adopt more proactive strategies. This paper suggests that managers in emerging economies should recognize the distinct impacts of proactive sustainability strategies and allocate more resources toward them to improve sustainability performance, even in competitive markets. In addition, it highlights the importance of digital supply in fostering sustainability performance. Originality/value This study presents a novel perspective on the moderating role of corporate sustainability strategies in the relationship between supply chain leadership and the sustainability performance of logistics firms. It provides empirical evidence and fresh insights on proactive and reactive sustainability strategies for logistics firms in Nigeria. The findings highlight that proactive sustainability strategies enhance the connection between supply chain leadership and sustainability performance, whereas reactive strategies do not.

A Research on Identifying Intertwined 4IR Technologies in the Supply Chain Context

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is the conversion of industries, economies, and so supply chains by a fusion related to technological, business, and social disruptive forces. The disruptive forces that cause the conversion discourse are the technologies it has enabled. This industrial revolution has a crucial impact on all industries, especially the manufacturing industry, and this effect sustains exponentially. The utilisation of The Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and the digital transformation of supply chains is a pivotal step today towards enhancing their competitiveness and their supply chain performance and being able to follow the supply chains of the future. However, implementing them alone is not enough; new ways to get the most benefit from them must be inquired. The combined utilisation of certain industrial revolution technologies boosts their efficiency and their contributions to companies and supply chains. This study investigated the correlational relationships of the eight most used The Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies in the supply chain context and determined the technologies with the highest relationship with each other and called them intertwined technologies. The sample size consists of 393 companies. The study is a guide for companies and supply chains that will implement these technologies or invest in a novel one.

The role of artificial intelligence in project management: a supply chain perspective

ABSTRACT Artificial intelligence continuously overtakes an increased number of functions within numerous business fields. Consistently, its appliance in supply chain-related project management is also constantly rising. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of artificial intelligent (AI) technologies in project management (PM) undertaken in supply chain (SC) contexts. Moreover, a focus is set on explaining the relationship between supply chain project management and AI, with emphasis on the appliance of AI in PM and the level of activities and operations that could be performed by the algorithms, AI-related integration challenges and risks and future anticipation of AI.

A Research on Identifying Intertwined 4IR Technologies in the Supply Chain Context

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is the conversion of industries, economies, and so supply chains by a fusion related to technological, business, and social disruptive forces. The disruptive forces that cause the conversion discourse are the technologies it has enabled. This industrial revolution has a crucial impact on all industries, especially the manufacturing industry, and this effect sustains exponentially. The utilisation of The Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and the digital transformation of supply chains is a pivotal step today towards enhancing their competitiveness and their supply chain performance and being able to follow the supply chains of the future. However, implementing them alone is not enough; new ways to get the most benefit from them must be inquired. The combined utilisation of certain industrial revolution technologies boosts their efficiency and their contributions to companies and supply chains. This study investigated the correlational relationships of the eight most used The Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies in the supply chain context and determined the technologies with the highest relationship with each other and called them intertwined technologies. The sample size consists of 393 companies. The study is a guide for companies and supply chains that will implement these technologies or invest in a novel one.

Presenting a Framework to Professionalize Health Supply Chain Management.

Many countries have an insufficient supply of adequately skilled supply chain workers to manage health commodities, and no global standards in education or experience exist for the supply chain management (SCM) workforce managing health products. We present a professionalization framework for the health SCM workforce that provides a systematic process that countries can use to standardize and elevate the health SCM profession. In 2019, semistructured interviews were conducted with individuals from 10 leading organizations supporting in-country public health supply chains to explore approaches for an SCM professionalization framework. Interview data were analyzed using direct thematic analysis. Findings were then validated through a validation workshop with 11 individuals from 8 leading SCM organizations. Four associated components of this framework were developed: (1) The Library of Competencies and Designations contains management competencies grouped in 7 domains and supply chain technical competencies assigned to 5 professional designations; (2) The Collection of Roles and Job Descriptions contains 96 sample job descriptions; (3) The Mapping of Education displays the education offerings relevant to each competency across the 5 professional designations; and (4) The Implementation Approach for Health Supply Chains leads project teams to systematically apply these 3 tools in the supply chain context of a country. The SCM Professionalisation Framework provides a valuable tool to increase the supply of and demand for health SCM workers, increasing the recognition and use of SCM professionals within national health systems. Its utilization is a critical step in addressing the current workforce gap, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and ensuring that the health SCM workforce possesses the right competencies, skills, and qualifications to fulfill its roles. The comprehensive framework can be used by governments, employers, and education institutions to define and align SCM professional standards, competencies, and curricula with job requirements.

Enhancing firm information competencies: Impacts on information sharing and logistics performance

This study redefines information power and informational justice as information competencies drawing upon information-related theories. Furthermore, it investigates their impact on information sharing and logistics performance within inter-firm relationships in the supply chain context. To analyze their correlations and causal relationships, a survey was conducted with employees working in departments associated with supply chain management (SCM) in South Korea. A total of 300 copies of the questionnaire were used in statistical analysis, and a structural equation model was used for hypothesis testing. The findings indicate that both information power and informational justice exert a significant positive influence on information sharing. Moreover, information sharing significantly enhances logistics performance, serving as an outcome variable. This study integrates concepts related to information into a single framework called information competencies, while also redefining the role of information sharing. Inputs for academic scalability and practical implications for supply chain participants are discussed.

Is green optimism good for the environment but bad for firms?—A study on green optimism in a supply chain

With a growing number of consumers expressing their preferences for environment-friendly products, it has become a critical agenda for businesses to address environment and sustainability issues. However, there exists a discrepancy between consumers’ stated preferences and their actual purchasing behaviors. Accordingly, firms may overestimate market demand from environmentally conscious consumers, leading to ‘green optimism’ bias. We develop a stylized model to investigate how a manufacturer’s green optimism influences firms’ green investments and subsequent profits in a supply chain comprising a manufacturer and a retailer, both of whom can invest in greening. We consider two scenarios based on the leadership in the supply chain: retailer-led and manufacturer-led. Conventional wisdom suggests that optimism regarding the environmental demand could motivate firms to increase green investment but may harm profits due to biased decisions. Surprisingly, however, our analysis reveals that within a supply chain context, manufacturer’s green optimism may discourage green investment of the optimistic manufacturer and also the retailer. Moreover, green optimism bias may increase the profit of the optimistic manufacturer and lead to a win–win situation in a supply chain. We characterize the conditions under which such counter-intuitive results occur and explain the underlying mechanisms. In doing so, we also identify two distinct roles played by a retailer, ‘bias-reducing’ and ‘bias-intensifying’, depending on the supply chain leadership.

Quality-driven sustainability in Jordan’s food export supply chains

Purpose This paper aims to address the imperative of establishing adaptive sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) within the context of export food supply chains (EFSC) in Jordan, with potential global applicability. The research introduces a new conceptual framework validated through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), prioritizing critical factors based on five expert opinions. The practical and managerial outcomes emphasize achieving sustainable supply chain performance through quality-driven sustainability (QDS), encapsulated in a practical framework (SSCQM). Employing the concept of QDS, this study aims to develop a novel decision framework for Sustainable Supply Chain Quality Management (SSCQM). Design/methodology/approach Conducted as an empirical qualitative study in Jordan, the research employs a systematic literature review to identify research gaps and establish the initial conceptual framework. A pilot case is subsequently conducted to refine the framework, followed by Case Studies of four Triads, elucidating network relationships between suppliers, manufacturers and customers. A total of 32 semi-structured interviews, complemented by observations, tours and document analysis, individually explored each case during the exploratory stage. Cross-analysis of the four cases at the explanatory stage provides empirical insights, and data triangulation, literature review and validation using NVivo enhance the robustness of the findings. Findings The amalgamation of the three perspectives, when treated individually, results in the integrated category of QDS influencing sustainability (SUST) performance, evident in economic, environmental and social dimensions. Various sustainable initiatives have emerged through the relationships within the Triad, comprising a company, supplier and customer in the supply chain and its broader environment, including society, aiming for enhanced sustainable development and SUST performance. Recognizing the urgency of Supply Chain Management (SCM) in the Middle East, where global supply chains are susceptible to disruptions leading to food shortages and insecurity, this research investigates the state of EFSC in the export food industry in Jordan. The novel decision (SSCQM) framework equips managers and policymakers with knowledge and practices applicable to focal actors in Triads within their EFSCs, particularly in developing countries, thereby contributing to enhancing the export food industry’s sustainability. Research limitations/implications This research provides empirical and contextual justifications for the supply chain-quality model (SSCQM) that advocates for business organizations how a desirable, sizeable and significant outcome/shock can be triggered via embedding quality elements in an international supply chain specifically in Jordan. The research also offers significant implications for practising supply chain experts in terms of how they can effectively utilize the supply chain quality to align other players in the supply chain, revenue potential, customer retainability and employee retention to achieve superior organizational performance. The research selectively encompasses three key perspectives of supply chain networks (SCN), total quality management (TQM) and SUST to elucidate the essence of SCM. Originality/value This research contributes towards filling the gap as a lack of empirical research.

Can Company Size and Region Shape the Sustainability Landscape?

This research investigates the status of green innovation within the supply chain context, emphasizing the roles of organizational support, competitive pressure, and relative advantage. A total of 286 valid samples collected from employees within the supply chain of the manufacturing industry in China were analyzed. Findings reveal significant impacts of organizational support, competitive pressure, and relative advantage on green supply chain innovation adoption, with nuances observed based on organizational characteristics and regional differences. Competitive pressure is a key driver for small organizations to adopt green supply chain innovations, whereas the relative advantage significantly influences larger organizations' adoption intentions. Organizations in different regions exhibit different adoption intentions of green supply chain innovations. Practical implications for managers in different contexts are discussed, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies to leverage strengths and mitigate challenges in fostering sustainable and innovative supply chains.

The influence of business analytics on supply chain ambidexterity: the mediating role of market learning

Purpose The main purpose of this study is to assess the influence of business analytics (BA) on supply chain ambidexterity (SCA) and market learning (ML) in the context of Iran as a developing country. Design/methodology/approach The study population encompasses a range of key positions such as senior managers, supply chain managers, senior IT managers and senior marketing and marketing research managers in Iran. Through a survey, a questionnaire was designed to gather data from these individuals. The data collected from a total of 214 participants underwent rigorous analysis using structural equation modeling. Findings Findings revealed BA has a positive influence on SCA and ML. Furthermore, the study found that distinct facets of ML, namely, exploratory and exploitative learning, exerted a positive influence on SCA. Additionally, the investigation uncovered that the mechanisms of exploratory ML and exploitative ML play a partially mediating role in the relationship between BA and SCA. Research limitations/implications It is prudent to acknowledge that the study’s sampled entities were exclusively Iranian companies, potentially curtailing the extent of generalizability of our findings. Originality/value This research contributes valuable theoretical insights and practical implications to policymakers and top managers of organizations, particularly the surveyed organizations to formulate and implement an appropriate strategy to avail of BA techniques toward enhancing SCA. Also, this study provides significant insights into the determinants of SCA and demonstrates how organizations can leverage data analytics and ML to attain sustained growth and ambidexterity within the supply chain context.

Cause marketing decisions in supply chains: cause effect and marketing effect

This paper studies a cause marketing (CM) design problem incorporating donation amount, marketing expenditure, and product pricing as decision variables in a manufacturer-retailer supply chain context. We investigate five CM decision models: centralized supply chain conducting CM (Model C), manufacturer conducting CM (Model M), retailer conducting CM (Model R), manufacturer leading CM collaboration (Model MC), and retailer leading CM collaboration (Model RC). The models incorporate not only the ‘cause effect’ of consumers' increased willingness to purchase but also the ‘marketing effect’, meaning the market-base expansion associated with marketing efforts in a CM campaign. A key insight is that CM should never be adopted in the absence of marketing effect but can be adopted in the absence of cause effect. Comparing different models reveals that there can be consistency or conflict in CM mode choice among supply chain members. It is also found that an influencing parameter in CM collaboration is the allocation proportion of marketing expenditure rather than that of donation amount. These results indicate that the marketing effect, which has long been neglected in the literature, is a driving factor for firms to conduct CM, and the impact of corresponding marketing efforts should be emphasised.

Considering economic-environmental dimension in the integrated strategic and tactical optimization of Ethiopia's bioethanol supply chain coupled with operational planning

The global supply chain has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its intricate nature and operational challenges. Companies face the crucial task of integrating various components to maintain competitiveness and enhance overall performance across the supply chain. Achieving this goal necessitates vertical integration to ensure coherence and coordination among decision-making processes at different temporal and spatial scales, bridging the gap between strategic, tactical, and operational decisions. This article proposes a mathematical model that integrates the three previous decisions within the supply chain context, aiming to maintain coherence while considering economic and environmental objectives (few papers cover this challenge). By addressing the complexities of multi-scale modeling and optimization, the model seeks to provide a holistic view of supply chain operations. The model focuses on the transport decisions at the operational level, resulting in the coupling between a strategic and tactical model and a vehicle routing problem. Nonetheless, achieving this integration effectively from a modeling and resolution point of view leads to computational and methodological challenges due to the multi-scale, multi-site, and multi-objective nature of the problem, requiring an innovative approach for effective model resolution. The contributions of this article pave the way towards more sustainable and efficient supply chain operations. The model capabilities are exemplified through the real case study of the bioethanol supply chain in Ethiopia. For the location of the different firms of the supply chain, the country is divided into 58 zones (second level administrative subdivision in Ethiopia) to have a precise mapping of the area. The result of the case study shows that in adding the operational level decisions to the strategic-tactical ones has not only changed the topology of the network configurations but has greatly affected the economic and environmental criteria due to more precise estimation of all activities. The results put also in highlight that there is a compromise to find between both previous objectives by identifying Pareto alternative scenarios.

Cybersecurity in supply chains: Addressing emerging threats with strategic measures

This review paper explores the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats within supply chains, highlighting strategic measures necessary to mitigate these risks. As supply chains integrate more deeply with digital technologies and global networks, they become more vulnerable to sophisticated cyber attacks that can severely disrupt operational integrity and security. This paper synthesizes existing literature to outline the major cybersecurity challenges faced by supply chains, examining case studies and best practices from various industries. Our findings underscore the prevalent threats such as ransomware, phishing, and insider attacks, which exploit the complex interdependencies and digital interfaces in supply chains. The review identifies effective strategic responses, including the integration of comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks, enhanced inter-organizational cooperation, and the implementation of real-time threat detection systems. Conclusively, the paper advocates for a holistic and proactive approach to cybersecurity, emphasizing continuous improvement and adaptive strategies to protect against the dynamic nature of cyber threats in supply chain contexts. Keywords: Cybersecurity, Supply Chain Management, Risk Assessment, Continuous Monitoring, Incident Response, Blockchain Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Collaboration and Information Sharing, Cyber Threats, Emerging Technologies.