Supply Chain Framework Research Articles

Pharmaceutical supply chains and management innovation?

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate the implementation of innovative programmes within the downstream domain of the pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC), with the aim of informing improved service provision.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method approach was used to assess to what extent innovation could be adopted by hospital and community pharmacies to improve the delivery process of pharmaceutical products. Unstructured interviews and 130 questionnaires were collected and analysed to identify factors that facilitate or prevent innovation within PSC processes.FindingsThe analysis led to the creation of the innovative pharmaceutical supply chain framework (IPSCF) that provides guidance to health-care organisations about how supply chain management problems could be addressed by implementing innovative approaches. The results also indicated that the implementation of Lean and Reverse Logistics (RL) practices, supported by integrated information technology systems, can help health-care organisations to enhance their delivery in terms of quality (products and service quality), visibility (knowledge and information sharing), speed (response to customers and suppliers needs) and cost (minimisation of cost and waste).Practical implicationsThe study’s recommendations have potential implications for supply chain theory and practice, particularly for pharmacies in terms of innovation adoption. The IPSCF provides guidance to pharmacies and health-care organisations to develop more efficient and effective supply chain strategies.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the academic literature as it adds novel theoretical insights to highly complex delivery process innovation.

Green Closed-Loop Supply Chain Network under the COVID-19 Pandemic

The closed-loop supply chain considers conceptually the possibility of reverse logistics with the use of recycling, remanufacturing and disposal centers. This study contributes for the first time a green closed-loop supply chain framework for the ventilators, which are highly important in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed model simulates a case study of Iranian medical ventilator production. The proposed model includes environmental sustainability to limit the carbon emissions as a constraint. A novel stochastic optimization model with strategic and tactical decision making is presented for this closed-loop supply chain network design problem. To make the proposed ventilator logistics network design more realistic, most of the parameters are considered to be uncertain, along with the normal probability distribution. Finally, to show the managerial dimensions under the COVID-19 pandemic for our proposed model, some sensitivity analyses are performed. Results confirm the high impact of carbon emissions and demand variations on the optimal solution in the case of COVID-19.

Impact of disruptions in agri-food supply chain due to COVID-19 pandemic: contextualised resilience framework to achieve operational excellence

PurposeThe present study aims to assess the role of supply chain resilience as an operational excellence approach to deal with disruptions caused by coronavirus pandemic in the food supply chain of an agri-food supply firm.Design/methodology/approachThe case study method was used to analyse the disruptions faced by the agricultural food supply chain during the pandemic. The study applies a dynamic capability theory as a foundation to develop a contextualised resilience framework for agri-food supply chain to achieve operational excellence. The case has been analysed by using situation-actor-process (SAP) and learning-action-performance (LAP) framework.FindingsThe SAP aspect of framework points that the flexibility amongst actors for a resilient agriculture supply chain worsened due to the lockdown measures post COVID-19. The LAP aspect of framework suggests how resilience can be built at the supply, demand and logistics end through various proactive and reactive practices such as collaboration, coordination, ICT and ground-level inputs. Lack of commitment and inadequate support from top management towards supply chain resilience are also observed as significant challenges to maintain operational excellence during the pandemic.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the major implications of the study is that a mix of capabilities rather than a single capability can be the most appropriate way for making the supply chain resilient to maintain operational excellence during the pandemic. However, the sources of disruptions need to be duly recognised to derive the best-contextualised resilience framework for agri-food supply chains.Originality/valueThe development of a contextualised research framework as well as research propositions for analysing supply chain resilience are the major contribution of this study.

Investigating the dimensions, components and key indicators of supply chain management based on digital technologies

Purpose: Over the past decade, the advent of digital technologies has led to dramatic changes in the nature of business processes, and the introduction of the concept of digital developments has greatly affected various aspects of the business. New digital technologies are being prepared to transform all areas of what we call "traditional business processes." With the help of digital technologies, the speed, accuracy, and precision of processes in various businesses have been dramatically optimized, which has saved time, energy, and resources in organizations and businesses. Methodology: Supply Chain Management (SCM), as the core business priority of any manufacturing company, has placed itself in the focus of business owners. Suppliers, organizations, and supply chain agencies use the information and share it with others while generating information. Findings: In this regard, considering the importance and fundamental role of the supply chain in the organization and business, as well as the important effects that digital technologies can have on it, this paper reviews library dimensions, components, and key indicators of a chain by reviewing the library resources. Supply based on digital technologies. Originality/Value: This study provides a conceptual framework for the digital supply chain that demonstrates the importance of this chain.

Digital project driven supply chains: a new paradigm

PurposeThis paper aims to propose an integrated framework for digital project-driven supply chains (PDSC) to address multiple objectives in Architecture, Engineering, Construction and, Operations and Maintenance (AECO) value chain. Additionally, the following sub-objectives were also to be addressed: to assess emerging themes of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies in AECO and to identify lacunae in existing project supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThe research relies on qualitative approaches and mixed methodologies, for building theories based on domain expert interviews and questionnaire surveys administered on industry professionals. Hypothesis testing has been used to analyze data and identify significant 4IR technology applications and evolve a PDSC framework to address multiple objectives in the AECO context.Findings4IR technologies can completely revolutionize AECO supply chains and catapult the discipline into a completely new paradigm. The immense computing power unleashed can contribute to enhancing effectiveness in delivery. Technologies such as the Internet of Things, Internet of Services, Cloud Computing, Big Data, Smart Factory, 3 D-Printing, Cyber-Physical Systems or Embedded Systems, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Robotics hold immense future potential. The study proposes an integrated framework to address the multiple objectives of improved project delivery, increased productivity and cost savings, activity monitoring, reporting and agility, better workflow processes and reduction of wastage.Research limitations/implicationsThe study offers ideas for complete integration of the AECO supply chain to deliver value to end customers. It, however, relies on opinions, perspectives and recollections of respondents, which is its limitation. Their opinion is expected to be influenced by their domain and project expertise.Practical implicationsIn today’s global environment, information and data management is a meaningful intermediary in 4IR. It can be delivered with the aid of the cloud to collect, appraise and evaluate data efficiently; faster machine operations to manufacture quality goods at a lower cost; boost productivity; and competitiveness in AECO companies. Appropriate exchange of information and knowledge transfer will lead to innovation, effective communication in terms of frequency and quality of information; willingness to share information to improve overall performance; commitment to a common goal and mutual support; and continuous innovative effort.Originality/valueThis paper suggests fresh perspectives to integrated digital project-driven supply chains propelled by 4IR technologies, with a purpose to deliver multiple project objectives and end-customer value addition.

A multiperiod competitive supply chain framework with environmental policies and investments in sustainable operations

In this paper, we develop a supply chain network model in which firms compete noncooperatively in an oligopolistic manner in discrete time periods over a finite planning horizon. Each firm makes a strategic decision regarding its target sustainability rating and tactical decisions of product flows, in the presence of consumer preferences for sustainability and a variety of environmental policies. Such policies include ecological taxes for different types of pollution, subsidies for pollution control, command-and-control policies, as well as hybrid approaches with different possible combinations of policy instruments. Furthermore, our model captures dynamic changes in not only the consumer purchasing behavior, but also the operational costs and environmental pollution, as well as government environmental policies. A series of numerical examples evaluate the impacts of consumer preferences for sustainability and environmental policies on firms’ profitability and their environmental footprint. The results indicate that firms will improve sustainable operations as long as it is financially valuable for them to do so, which mandates governments and firms to educate consumers about sustainability. Numerical examples also reveal under which environmental policies sustainability can be profitable.

Transdisciplinary perspective on sustainable multi-tier supply chains: a triple bottom line inspired framework and future research directions

Global sourcing and increased interdependencies between organisations have created more complex multi-tier supply chains. While these supply chains have been instrumental in keeping the world moving, they equally pose sustainability issues. In the extant literature, there is a growing number of studies on sustainable multi-tier supply chains. However, there has been limited effort to take stock of existing research to set an agenda for future studies. To address this gap, this study reviews 64 articles through the lens of the triple bottom line theory. Based on the findings, the study develops a framework for sustainable multi-tier supply chains and provides direction for future research.

A Supply Chain Framework for Identified Internet Services Based on Blockchain

The Named Data Networking is designed to ensure that each Data entity named allows its producer to digitally sign it. Therefore, the NDN project proposed to delivery of poisoned material an important management paradigm of Testing ground NDN for the actual data validation. This model, however, raises two problems in reality to search for false content: (1) a single point of failure is easily triggered by a centralised architecture, in particular where a root-key fails, because of its lack of dependency on keys across sites, and (2) an unnecessary certificate chain overhead for signing verification. This research suggests a key organization framework built on a blockchain in NDN, which addresses lack of mutual confidence among sites with no trust-based anchors. In particular both site nodes shape a licence blockchain to save public key hatches to guarantee validity, and the proxy gateway takes part to check that contacts among the router then the blockchain are overly regular. In accumulation, NDN is revamped to hold, validate and revoke a publicly important information object and scheme. The findings of our review and appraisal suggest that fewer verification numbers and greater verification reliability can be supported in the proposed arrangement.

Supply Chain Framework of Vertical Cooperation of Qinghai Tibet Yak Industry

Supply Chain Framework of Vertical Cooperation of Qinghai Tibet Yak Industry

AOSR 2.0: A Novel Approach and Thorough Validation of an Agent-Oriented Storage and Retrieval WMS Planner for SMEs, under Industry 4.0

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), with the help of cyber-physical systems (CPS), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), is transforming the way industrial setups are designed. Recent literature has provided insight about large firms gaining benefits from Industry 4.0, but many of these benefits do not translate to SMEs. The agent-oriented smart factory (AOSF) framework provides a solution to help bridge the gap between Industry 4.0 frameworks and SME-oriented setups by providing a general and high-level supply chain (SC) framework and an associated agent-oriented storage and retrieval (AOSR)-based warehouse management strategy. This paper presents the extended heuristics of the AOSR algorithm and details how it improves the performance efficiency in an SME-oriented warehouse. A detailed discussion on the thorough validation via scenario-based experimentation and test cases explain how AOSR yielded 60–148% improved performance metrics in certain key areas of a warehouse.

Bi-objective optimal design of Hydrogen and Methane Supply Chains based on Power-to-Gas systems

This paper presents a methodological design framework for Hydrogen and Methane Supply Chains (HMSC) based on Power-to-Gas (PtG) systems. The novelty of the work is twofold, first considering a specific demand for hydrogen for electromobility in addition to the hydrogen demand required as a feedstock to produce synthetic methane from the methanation process and performing a bi-objective optimization of the HMSC to provide effective support for the study of deployment scenarios. The approach is based on a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) approach with augmented epsilon-constraint implemented in the GAMS environment according to a multi-period approach (2035–2050) with several available energy sources (wind, PV, hydro, national network) for hydrogen production. Carbon dioxide sources stem mainly from methanization and gasification processes. The objectives to be minimized simultaneously are the Total Annual Cost and the greenhouse gas emissions related to the whole HMSC over the entire period studied.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Performance-based contracts in the sharing economy: A supply chain framework with application of Internet of Things

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Performance-based contracts in the sharing economy: A supply chain framework with application of Internet of Things

A methodological design framework for hydrogen and methane supply chain with special focus on Power-to-Gas systems: Application to Occitanie region, France

This work presents a methodological design framework for Hydrogen and Methane Supply Chains (HMSC). An innovative approach is to focus on Power-to-Hydrogen (PtH) and Power-to-Methane (PtM) concepts, and their interactions with other technologies, and energy carriers (i.e., Steam Methane Reforming – SMR, and natural gas). The overall objective of this work is to perform single objective and multi-objective optimizations for HMSC design to provide effective support for deployment scenarios. The methodological framework developed is based on a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) approach with augmented ε-constraint implemented in the GAMS environment according to a multi-period approach (2035-2050). Several available energy sources (wind, PV, hydro, national power grid, and natural gas) for hydrogen production through electrolysis and SMR are included. Carbon dioxide sources stem mainly from methanization and gasification processes, which are used to produce methane through methanation. The objective to be minimised in the single optimization approach is the total annual cost considering the externality of greenhouse gas emissions through the carbon price for the whole HMSC over the entire period studied. The multi-objective optimization includes as objectives the total annual cost, greenhouse gas emissions, and the total methane production from methanation. The Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), and the greenhouse gas emissions for each energy carrier are also computed. The results show that renewable hydrogen from PtG can be competitive with SMR through the implementation of carbon prices below 0.27 €/kgCO2. In the case of synthetic methane, the available resources can meet the demand through PtG, and even if synthetic methane for natural gas network injection is thus far from competitive with natural gas, power-to-gas technologies have the potential to decarbonize the fossil economy and achieve a circular economy through CO2 recovery.

An integrated fuzzy sustainable supplier evaluation and selection framework for green supply chains in reverse logistics.

Green supply chain management considers the environmental effects of all activities related to the supply chain, from obtaining raw materials to the final delivery of finished goods. Selecting the right supplier is a critical decision in green supply chain management. We propose a fuzzy green supplier selection model for sustainable supply chains in reverse logistics. We define a novel hierarchical fuzzy best-worst method (HFBWM) to determine the importance weights of the green criteria and sub-criteria selected. The fuzzy extension of Shannon’s entropy, a more complex evaluation method, is also used to determine the criteria weights, providing a reference comparison benchmark. Several hybrid models integrating both weighting techniques with fuzzy versions of complex proportional assessment (COPRAS), multi-objective optimization by ratio analysis plus the full multiplicative form (MULTIMOORA), and the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) are designed to rank the suppliers based on their ability to recycle in reverse logistics. We aggregate these methods’ ranking results through a consensus ranking model and illustrate the capacity of relatively simple methods such as fuzzy COPRAS and fuzzy MOORA to provide robust rankings highly correlated with those delivered by more complex techniques such as fuzzy MULTIMOORA. We also find that the ranking results obtained by these hybrid models are more consistent when HFBWM determines the weights. A case study in the asphalt manufacturing industry is presented to demonstrate the proposed methods’ applicability and efficacy.

A sustainable Blockchain framework for the halal food supply chain: Lessons from Malaysia

This study proposes a sustainable blockchain framework for the halal food supply chain. As is widely acknowledged, blockchain could enhance supply chain integrity, but its impacts on the halal food supply chain are unknown. Disruptive technologies for Industry 4.0 can improve transparency, which is desperately needed in the food supply chain; however, various challenges are also incurred. Based on five in-depth halal food supply chain case studies, this paper reveals a practical framework for overcoming the challenges faced by the halal food supply chain pertaining to blockchain implementation. The framework comprises five key challenges that are vital to small and medium enterprises in halal food supply chain blockchain implementation. The findings also indicate that the halal food supply chain can gain a congruent and fresh perspective in inducing or superseding blockchain technology. In addition, the roles of supply chain integration and food regulations as the key enablers on the success of blockchain technology in the halal food supply chain are also discussed in this study. Additionally, the limitations and future research directions are also discussed.

Blockchain-based trust management for agricultural green supply: A game theoretic approach

Information and communication technology provides e-agriculture with data storage and data analysis capabilities, among which data collection is mainly achieved through a large number of sensors with limited computing and storage capabilities. Since sensors with low security protection are vulnerable to various attacks in agriculture environment, it is challenging to ensure the correctness of the collected data and secure data processing. Most of the existing works mainly consider how to perform data analysis and secure storage, while ignoring the security of the collection task. In this paper, we propose a green supply chain framework based on non-cooperative game, in which we designed a more scientific game theory model based on the Bayesian formula that combines past experience with the current situation. This model ensures the reliability of the data provided by various sensors. In order to manage the equipment in the system more intelligently and flexibly, we propose a green data supply chain and develop trust management to record the trust values of sensors in the blockchain, which significantly improved the transparency and trust of the system. Finally, we conduct simulations to evaluate the performances.

Framework for a resilient religious tourism supply chain for mitigating post-pandemic risk

PurposeThis paper aims to study the religious tourism supply chain and understand and introduce resilience across the same to mitigate post-pandemic disruptions.Design/methodology/approachIn this manuscript, a systematic literature review has been done to identify the gaps in the religious tourism supply chain, which gives adequate revenue to India but not studied yet. The identified gap shaped this study's objectives and research questions and guided the authors to devise a theoretical framework for the religious tourism supply chain.FindingsThe key findings of this research paper led to identifying both threats and opportunities for the religious tourism supply chain, which has been into existence and caused many disasters in the past. As pandemic Covid-19 shut the doors of these religious destinations for extended periods, it became necessary for governments, state authorities and private parties to think and devise the post unlock operating processes for this supply chain. This thinking directed the authors to create a framework for the smooth flow of people and other services across this supply chain. The collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders at various levels can realize the actual working of the suggested framework. A stagewise set of processes has been proposed to understand the resilience across the religious tourism supply chain and reduce disruptions.Practical implicationsCovid-19 pandemic has devastated the world economies and disrupted the supply chains of all sectors. The paper elaborates the need for cohesive efforts to introduce resilience across humanitarian supply chains and phase-wise processes to reduce the disruptions caused by various disasters. These systematic efforts will familiarize the readers with the need for resilience across the religious tourism supply chain. Still, it would also assist in generating revenue for the Indian government and reviving the economy soon.Originality/valueThe trade of religious tourism adds a significant contribution to the Indian economy in terms of revenue, employment, visibility of culture and destination, etc. The Covid-19 pandemic has immensely disrupted the tourism sector supply chain, resulting in huge losses (FICCI report 2020). The introduction and implementation of resilience across the religious tourism supply chain can diminish the losses and assist in reviving the economy soon. Construct of resilience across the religious tourism supply chain has not been studied yet. This manuscript contributes to identifying post-pandemic challenges across the religious tourism supply chain and ways to integrate resilience to reduce disruptions caused by disasters.

Integrated textile material and production management in a fuzzy environment: A logistics perspective

The purpose of this paper is to study the integrated physical material management (including suppliers’ selection, order allocation, and multi-mode inbound transportation) and multi-site aggregate production planning with direct shipping. A multi-objective programming model is developed to determine the material purchasing plan, transportation modes, and production-related decisions in a (non-overlapped) multi-period tactical planning horizon. An interactive algorithm is developed, based on the interval expected value of fuzzy numbers and satisfaction degree, to obtain compromise solutions. Finally, numerical studies show the usefulness of our proposed framework in the clothing supply chain.

The role of negative entropy within supply chain sustainability.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chains are today confronted with more uncertainties than ever before. In the face of unanticipated disruptions, being resilient and sustainable has been rewarding for supply chains in terms of competitive advantage. However, literature is still far from possessing an encompassing sustainable supply chain framework (SSCF). As a contribution to the extant literature, the present study expounds a prominent concept termed negative entropy and explores its role in the SSCF. To accomplish this goal, the effect of negative entropy on supply chain sustainability is tested. Following the open systems theory and drawing from the collaboration and information management aspects of the negative entropy, co-creation, open innovation and network governance concepts which are considered to be relevant in this context are selected to be the antecedents of negative entropy. The empirical research is conducted on prominent logistics service providers and firms from various sectors with approved research and development departments in Turkey. The obtained data were subjected to covariance-based structural equation modeling analysis via Lisrel program. According to results, negative entropy is found to be a robust element in explaining supply chain sustainability. Furthermore, whereas co-creation and network governance reflected significant effects on negative entropy, surprisingly, open innovation demonstrated no substantial impact. This paper opens up a new front in sustainable supply chain management studies with a notable empirical study introducing negative entropy in the context of open systems theory.

Digital supply chains in omnichannel retail: A conceptual framework

AbstractThis inductive research provides a deeper understanding of the digital transformation of retail supply chains and its underlying impact on supply chain strategy and operational structure. In this context, we develop a conceptual framework of digital retail supply chains to identify the key elements and their interactions. We offer a theoretically derived explanation of the ecosystem characterization of digital supply chains and show how retail supply chains fit this characterization. The supply chain ecosystem provides retail firms a way to strategize an organizational outlook that enables digitization of conventional supply chain processes. We find that emerging digital supply chains harness corporate digital awareness to operate within an ecosystem that iteratively guides the digital transformation process. The subsequent analysis highlights a digital transformation process that incorporates real‐time reporting, speed of discovery/action, visibility across the enterprise, and flexibility to react to environmental changes. Consequently, these contributing elements enable executional flexibility that is the hallmark of digital supply chains. We conclude by theorizing relevant research propositions that describe relational connections among the constituent elements of the digital supply chain framework and offer avenues for future research.