Supply Chain Disruptions Research Articles

Fault Detection of Wheelset Bearings through Vibration-Sound Fusion Data Based on Grey Wolf Optimizer and Support Vector Machine

This study aims to detect faults in wheelset bearings by analyzing vibration-sound fusion data, proposing a novel method based on Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). Wheelset bearings play a vital role in transportation. However, malfunctions in the bearing might result in extensive periods of inactivity and maintenance, disrupting supply chains, increasing operational costs, and causing delays that affect both businesses and consumers. Fast fault identification is crucial for minimizing maintenance expenses. In this paper, we proposed a new integration of GWO for optimizing SVM hyperparameters, specifically tailored for handling sound-vibration signals in fault detection. We have developed a new fault detection method that efficiently processes fusion data and performs rapid analysis and prediction within 0.0027 milliseconds per data segment, achieving a test accuracy of 98.3%. Compared to the SVM and neural network models built in MATLAB, the proposed method demonstrates superior detection performance. Overall, the GWO-SVM-based method proposed in this study shows significant advantages in fault detection of wheelset bearing vibrations, providing an efficient and reliable solution that is expected to reduce maintenance costs and improve the operational efficiency and reliability of equipment.

Global Value Chains: Sourcing Strategies for Resilience amidst COVID-19

COVID-19 has profoundly impacted the already vulnerable pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food supply chains, leading to disruptions in their sourcing processes. Hence, it is crucial to emphasize the universal imperative of enhancing resilience in Global Value Chains across various industries in today’s interconnected global economy. It seeks to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted GVCs and influenced the availability of critical resources. We have investigated the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on Global Value Chains due to its widespread disruption of supply chains, which has posed immediate challenges for businesses and necessitated resilience strategies. Our research reveals a consistent relationship between impact levels observed in domestic and international contexts. Changes in domestic impact levels closely align with those observed abroad, indicating a robust positive correlation. This correlation emphasizes the interdependence of sourcing challenges across both domestic and international spheres. We propose near-shoring as a management strategy by integrating regional market trends alongside digital transformation to optimize supply chain resilience, enabling businesses to cope with fluctuations in markets and take advantage on new possibilities.

Firm resilience, stressors, and entrepreneurial well-being: insights from women entrepreneurs in Ghana

PurposeThis study draws on the conservation of resources logic to theorize the role of firm resilience in explaining variations in entrepreneurial well-being under varying conditions of supply chain disruption and dependency ratio.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses ex-post survey data from 373 women entrepreneurs in diverse agricultural supply chains in Ghana, a sub-Saharan African country. Moderated regression analysis is employed to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicate that firm resilience has both positive and negative relationships with economic and subjective well-being, depending on the level of supply chain disruption and dependency ratio women entrepreneurs face. Notably, the findings suggest that firm resilience contributes more to economic and subjective well-being of women entrepreneurs when dependency ratio is low and supply chain disruption is high.Originality/valueThe study integrates firm resilience research and entrepreneurial well-being literature to provide new insights into theorizing and analyzing the benefit of firm resilience for women entrepreneurs’ well-being.

Designing a construction supply chain model using backup supplier aiming at optimizing resiliency against disruption

Resilience is a topic that has recently emerged concerning the basics of the construction project supply chain and we can consider it as a response to disruption in the supply chain of the project. Disruption also is an unavoidable reality in today’s complex and dynamic construction supply chain, the occurrence of which can cause irretrievable damages to the system, such as financial losses. Successful companies seek to minimize disruption and maintain adequate supply chain performance before disruption occurs, rather than looking for costly and challenging post-disruption solutions. This paper covers this gap by proposing a scenario-based mixed integer-programming model aiming to minimize logistics costs and delays, while scheduling projects to address selecting the appropriate supplier at risk of disruption. So far, this quantitative view was not presented in discussions about disruptions in the project supply chain, therefore different scenarios are applied in the process to validate the model. To improve its resilience level, this model benefits from back-up suppliers’ strategy. This study focuses on providing the required materials for the project site in an emergency without incurring additional costs using a back-up supplier. Results reveal the model’s suitability in confronting the unavailability of a supplier due to disruption.

Russia, Ukraine and the climate crisis: Transforming circuits of power

The paper addresses a history of the present, doing so in relation to UN Sustainable Development Goal #13, that of taking urgent action to combat climate change. It uses key concepts from the circuits of power framework (Clegg 1989; 2023) to do so; notably the idea of social and system integration, adapted from Lockwood (1964). The focus is on the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on European system integration that is dependent on trade in fossils fuels. The paper begins by a backwards glance at how the Soviet Union disintegrated to become Putin’s Russia, via Gorbachev’s attempts at reforming the basis for social integration (Brown, 1997). It contrasts the social integration of Russia with that of the Western democracies. All of this discussion is preparatory to a consideration of Putin’s paradoxes in invading Ukraine and how the unanticipated consequences of this strategic choice point to an undermining of the basis of Putin’s power. The cost inflation and limiting of gas supplies to Europe by supply chain disruption that have been a consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine provide a massive stimulus for the greening of the global economy’s energy sources, thus undermining the resource based power on which the Russian economy is founded.

Capacity management in supply chains under risk of supply disruptions: a mathematical model for establishing capacity reservation contracts

ABSTRACT Capacity management and supply chain disruptions are the most challenging problems faced in high tech industries. This paper focuses on establishing a capacity reservation contract between a single supplier and two heterogeneous retailers in a two-stage supply chain, wherein the retailers purchase a product from the supplier and sell it to the customers. In this study, a mathematical model is built for all parties involved, incorporating numerous essential elements of a real contract. The proposed model aims to assist in determining the best solutions for the retailers’ reserved capacities to the supplier and the supplier’s constructed capacity. Analytical results and sensitivity analyses are presented to demonstrate how various cost elements, price, and uncertainty affect the optimal capacity decisions.

Competing buyers’ investment and ordering strategies under supply disruption

Supply chain disruptions can be costly and disruptive, and reducing supplier uncertainty through investments can be an effective strategy for mitigating these risks. In this study, we explore ordering and investment strategies in a downstream competitive environment, considering supply uncertainty. We consider two buyers ordering from a single supplier and competing in a Cournot market. Buyers must balance investment benefits against costs when making investment decisions. We find that without downstream competition, a relatively low investment proportion can yield a “win-win” outcome. Under downstream competition, an increased number of investors does not necessarily lead to higher supplier reliability. When both buyers invest at a high ratio, the significant decline in order quantities may results in lower supplier reliability. When there is only one investing buyer in the market, even though the competitor may benefit from spillover reliability enhancement — free-riding, the buyer may also be willing to provide an investment subsidy to improve the supplier’s reliability. When both buyers invest at a moderate ratio, downstream competition may benefit all supply chain members. Moreover, increasing wholesale price differentiation and endogenous investment ratios can effectively reduce free-riding behavior of the non-investing buyer. These findings have practical implications for supply chain managers aiming to reduce supply risks and allocate investment resources efficiently.

Indonesia's National Defense Resilience during Covid-19: Key Lessons

The COVID-19 pandemic tested national defense systems worldwide, including Indonesia's. This research aims to evaluate the resilience of Indonesia's National Defense System amid the global health crisis, focusing on the effectiveness of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in managing logistical challenges, key factors influencing interagency coordination, and the role of technological innovation. Utilizing a qualitative research method based on secondary data, the study analyzes reports, government documents, and academic literature to gather comprehensive insights. Findings reveal that the TNI effectively utilized its disaster response experience to establish robust logistical operations, despite facing supply chain disruptions and geographical challenges. Effective interagency coordination was facilitated by clear roles, communication channels, and collaborative efforts, although bureaucratic hurdles occasionally hindered efficiency. Technological innovations, including digital surveillance, data management, and secure communication platforms, significantly enhanced operational effectiveness and resilience. This research offers a novel perspective by integrating multiple facets of the defense response, highlighting the interplay between logistics, coordination, and technology. The insights gained can inform strategies to strengthen national defense capabilities in future crises.

Global drivers of inflation: The role of supply chain disruptions and commodity price shocks

The determinants of inflation rates have been extensively studied with no clear consensus. Recent research highlights the growing influence of global supply factors, notably supply chain disruptions and commodity price shocks. This paper analyzes the changing impact of these global supply chain disruptions and commodity price shocks, compared to demand shocks, on inflation rates in Germany, Japan, the U.K., and the U.S. from 1998 to 2022. The findings reveal that since the mid-2010s, supply shocks have become the predominant drivers of inflation. After the Global Financial Crisis, commodity price shocks significantly affected inflation in Germany, the U.K., and the U.S., while the influence of global supply chain disruptions on inflation in all four countries surged following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public health measures and retailer channel strategy during pandemics

During COVID-19, public health measures triggered shifts in consumer behavior, disrupting supply chains and challenging physical stores’ viability. To navigate this uncertainty, retailers must adjust their channel strategies. Considering consumer heterogeneity in both retailer and channel preferences, this study examines how two competing brick-and-mortar retailers integrate online channels amidst varying pandemic conditions. Square-Hotelling models indicate that perceived severity and isolation necessity outweigh coupon offerings and delivery charges in integration decisions. As severity rises, asymmetric adoption emerges first, followed by symmetric adoption, and then asymmetric adoption again. Enhanced health knowledge dissemination prolongs the transition process of channel integration equilibria. Retailers should align strategies with perceived pandemic severity and public health measures, ensuring preparedness for channel integration.

Customer backlash against pandemic Surcharges: The mediating role of inferred negative motives and implications for the “Surcharge Economy”

The services sector was adversely affected by the pandemic. Supply chain disruptions, staff shortages, and low customer traffic led revenues to decline. To offset these challenges, some businesses introduced pandemic surcharges, which were not well received by customers. The current work aimed to understand customer backlash against pandemic surcharges and test potential strategies to reduce negative reactions to such surcharges. Across three experiments, results offer evidence for a key mediator whereby surcharges increase perceived negative firm motives, which leads to lower purchase, return, and tipping intentions. Making the surcharge optional and justifying it based on lost business were ineffective in reducing negative response to the surcharge. However, explaining that the surcharge was needed to cover additional cleaning costs or buy safety equipment reduced inferred negative motives and consequently increased purchase and tipping intentions. Implications for a broader “surcharge economy” are discussed.

Leveraging Supply Chain Reaction Time: The Effects of Big Data Analytics Capabilities on Organizational Resilience Enhancement in the Auto-Parts Industry

Big data analytics capabilities (BDACs) are strategic capabilities that expedite decision-making processes, empowering organizations to mitigate the impacts of supply chain disruptions. These capabilities enhance the ability of companies to be more proactive in detecting and predicting disruptive events, increasing their resilience. This study analyzed the effects BDACs have on firms’ reaction time and the effects companies’ reaction time has on their resilience. The research model was assessed with 263 responses from a survey with professionals of auto-parts companies in Brazil. Data were analyzed with the Partial-Least-Squares—Structural Equation Modeling method. Cluster analysis techniques were also applied. This study found that BDACs reduce reaction time, which, in turn, improves firms’ resilience. We also observed greater effects in first-tier and in companies with longer Industry 4.0 journeys, opening further perspectives to investigate the complex mediations of digital readiness, reaction time, and organizational resilience performance of firms and supply chains. Our research builds upon the dynamic capabilities theory and identifies BDACs as dynamic capabilities with the potential to enhance resilience by reducing data, analytical, and decision latencies, which are recognized as core elements of the reaction time concept, which is particularly crucial during disruptive supply chain events.

Evaluating firm resilience through responsiveness and logistics outsourcing in the COVID-19 era

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate how firms can enhance their resilience in response to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the study focuses on assessing responsiveness as an antecedent and logistics outsourcing as a boundary condition to resilience.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data collected from 286 manufacturing firms in Finland during 2021 are analysed to examine the relationships between supply chain responsiveness, logistics outsourcing and resilience.FindingsFirm responsiveness is found to improve resilience, while an increasing level of logistics outsourcing weakens this relationship. Surprisingly, geographic dispersion does not significantly affect supply chain responsiveness.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of the study include the focus on manufacturing firms in Finland and the reliance on survey data. Future research could explore additional factors influencing resilience and consider a broader range of industries and geographical regions.Practical implicationsThe findings offer valuable insights for managers seeking to enhance their firms’ resilience in the face of disruptions. By understanding the importance of responsiveness and the potential drawbacks of excessive logistics outsourcing, managers can make informed decisions to improve their firms’ ability to cope with unexpected challenges.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the understanding of resilience in supply chain disruptions by addressing fundamental questions related to efficiency, responsiveness, control and complexity. By examining the interplay between responsiveness, logistics outsourcing and resilience, the study enriches the understanding of how firms can effectively navigate unexpected challenges.

The Economic Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on Labor Market and Stock Market

The pandemic has caused severe unrest and uncertainty in the labor market. Share prices have fallen sharply. However, the reasons behind it and the related policy effects still lack a unified explanation and summary. Therefore, the topic of this paper is the impact of the epidemic on the labor force and the stock market. The research method of this paper is as follows: firstly, the relevant data such as unemployment rate, hiring ratio and purchasing manager index are collected, and then the data are analyzed. The study found that the main reasons for the decline in labor demand may include business shutdowns, more cautious business investment and the psychological impact on workers. Fears of a potential recession, supply chain disruptions and uncertainty over the duration and severity of the outbreak have driven the rapid fall in share prices. The relevant policy recommendations further encourage local governments to use the surplus funds from unemployment insurance and other sources to support enterprises in maintaining employment stability. This paper will encourage the implementation of policies that delay or partially refund social security contributions. And strengthen the strategy of partially refunding unemployment insurance premiums, promoting local employment opportunities, and providing subsidies to ensure the overall stability of the employment situation. These policies are constantly evaluated and adjusted in light of changing economic conditions and employment trends to help maintain employment levels and support businesses during difficult times.

Internal- and external-sourcing strategy analysis of group manufacturing enterprises under semiconductor supply chain disruption risk

Semiconductor manufacturing enterprises face potential risks of supply disruption owing to economic and political factors. To enhance supply stability and industry sustainability, group manufacturing enterprises can establish internal suppliers to supply components exclusively to internal OEMs. However, under the competition from external suppliers and OEMs, it is unclear how group manufacturing enterprises decide on procurement strategies. We construct a two-echelon supply chain game model consisted of four supply chain stakeholders and analyze the group manufacturing enterprise's decision-makings on developing an internal supplier and procurement strategies. We obtain some remarkable findings. The optimal procurement decisions of group manufacturing enterprise, the internal OEM, and the internal supplier are different. Decision makers should consider which enterprise's profit is more important and choose the procurement strategy preferentially. Group manufacturing enterprise, the external supplier, and the competitive OEM cannot achieve a triple-win situation. Even if the internal supplier's technical level is high, the group manufacturing enterprise and the internal OEM cannot gain competitive advantages in the internal-sourcing scenario. Group manufacturing enterprise needs to pay more attention to the environmental impact. Furthermore, we extend the basic model and analyze the robustness of the conclusions.

Enhancing Economic, Social, and Ecological Resilience Through Sustainable Waterfront Development in Penang

The global economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted development across various regions, including Penang, where supply chain disruptions, restricted cash flow, and delayed progress have led to reduced economic growth for stakeholders and communities alike. This study aims to explore the interconnected economic, social, and ecological (ESE) systems within the context of sustainable waterfront development in Penang, focusing on how these systems contribute to economic resilience and dynamism. The land and water resources of Penang, strategically situated along vital maritime routes, present substantial potential for economic revitalization. A quantitative research approach was employed, gathering data from questionnaire surveys, revealing a positive correlation between ESE variables. Key attributes such as local authority governance, development scale and impact, business operations, place identity, heritage preservation, and waste management were found to play crucial roles in shaping sustainable waterfront initiatives. The study highlights that Penang’s core economic sectors—agriculture, mining and quarrying, manufacturing, construction, and services—have historically driven the local economy, but the growing focus on waterfront development offers new avenues for economic recovery and growth. The results validate the chosen quantitative methodology and underscore the importance of adopting integrated strategies to address land and water management challenges. By aligning with sustainability goals and adopting a holistic approach, Penang's waterfront development can foster resilience, ensuring long-term socio-economic and ecological balance. The insights provided contribute to a broader understanding of sustainable urban development and offer actionable strategies for policymakers and stakeholders involved in Penang's waterfront projects.

Optimisation of recovery policies in the era of supply chain disruptions: a system dynamics and reinforcement learning approach

Incidents like the COVID-19 pandemic or military conflicts disrupted global supply chains, causing long-lasting shortages in multiple sectors. This so-called ripple effect denotes the propagation of disruptions to further elements of the supply chain. Due to the severity of the impact that the ripple effect has on revenues, service levels, and reputation among supply chain entities, it is essential to understand the related implications. Given the unpredictable nature of disrupting events, this study emphasises the value of a reactive development of effective recovery policies on an operational level. In this article, a system dynamics model for a supply chain is used as framework to investigate the ripple effect. Based on this model, recovery policies are generated using reinforcement learning (RL), which represents a novel approach in this context. As main findings, the experimental results demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach in mitigating the ripple effect based on secondary data from a major aerospace and defence supply chain and furthermore, the results indicate a broad applicability of the approach without the need for complete information about the disruption characteristics and supply chain entities. With further refinement and real-world implementation, the presented approach provides the potential to enhance supply chain resilience in practice.

Gendered impacts of COVID-19 in agri-food system and recovery pathways in India: A systematic review

The agricultural sector, essential for food security and economic stability, especially in developing countries such as India, faced significant disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Impacts included labour shortages, limited market access, disrupted supply chains and wasted perishable goods due to mobility restrictions. While many studies have addressed these effects in India, a conspicuous gap remains in understanding how gender dynamics intensify these vulnerabilities within the country. This review synthesises findings from 32 studies, shedding light on the intersection of gender and the pandemic's influence on India's agri-food system. Results revealed a noticeable underrepresentation of gender-centric research on COVID-19's agricultural impacts in India, with many studies being geographically limited. When gender was considered, few critically examined it as a socially constructed role, often reducing it to a mere variable. Women farmers, constrained by societal norms like lack of land rights and limited access to resources, endured more pronounced negative effects. Their participation in wage employment dropped, and household food security dwindled. Furthermore, women in India faced augmented domestic burdens, heightened domestic violence risks and health challenges. Notably absent from current research is a focus on the long-term economic recuperation of rural women post-pandemic within the Indian context and an exploration of varied gender-category impacts. Future research in India must adopt a longitudinal, intersectional lens, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies, to fully grasp and address these enduring gendered ramifications in the agri-food sector in the post-COVID-19 context.

Trends and Challenges after the Impact of COVID-19 and the Energy Crisis on Financial Markets

This review aims to examine the impact of increasing energy costs on the global economy, social cohesion, economic growth, and capital markets, with a particular focus on the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis intensified by the war in Ukraine. The methodology involves an extensive review of recent academic literature to cast light on these impacts. The study identifies significant disruptions in supply chains and heightened volatility in international capital markets due to these crises. Furthermore, the findings highlight the resulting challenges for policymakers, academics, market analysts, and professionals in addressing corporate sustainability in an increasingly uncertain environment. This paper underscores the continued relevance of energy issues as a central concern, both independently and in connection with broader economic sectors. Additionally, it discusses the importance of policy measures to enhance energy security and the transition towards sustainable energy solutions to mitigate these challenges and foster economic resilience.

Resilience and Innovation Strategies: How Businesses Adapt to Supply Chain Disruptions in the Post-Pandemic Era

The study explores strategies for dealing with supply chain disruptions in various industries in Turkey after the pandemic. The industries studied include manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, automotive, consumer electronics, retail, and food and beverage. The analysis involved using both qualitative data from interviews with six industry experts and quantitative analysis using NVivo and Python. NVivo and Python were utilized for thematic and sentiment analysis to summarize the findings. Common strategies identified include diversifying supply sources, integrating technology, and improving risk management. The study also revealed a consistent shift towards building resilient and agile supply chain systems. Additionally, the findings highlighted that while common strategies apply across different sectors, sector-specific differences also need to be considered when developing tailored strategies to address sector-specific challenges. This study not only addresses a significant gap in empirical insights into post-pandemic supply chain management but also provides managerial and policy recommendations for building supply chain resilience and fostering innovation in these sectors.