Supply Chain Functions Research Articles

Supply Nets: The Logistics of Seafarer Abandonment

AbstractThis paper studies the infrastructural and organisational forms that facilitate labour exploitation within maritime logistics. My entry point is the rising wave of seafarer abandonments, which I approach not as isolated incidents of mismanagement but as an intensification of the flexibilising tendencies underpinning contemporary capitalism. I trace the recent history of these dynamics, examining their effect on shipping labour. I then investigate some of the specific legal and economic mechanics of shipping, focusing on debt, insurance, and bordering. Using supply chain mapping software, I study supply systems in a way that centres labour rather than the commodities being moved. I close by claiming that abandonments are not an accident, but an inevitable endpoint of a system designed to precaritise labour while protecting shipowners’ profits. Against this, I sketch out a new way of conceiving of supply chains—as supply nets, matrices of interconnected lines, prone to becoming tangled.

Article: The Data Is In The Details: Friendshoring, Data Flows and the Role of Digital Trade Rules

The label ‘friendshoring’ has recently emerged to describe an approach to supply chains that focuses on ensuring they can be relied upon, trusted and secured as opposed to just maximising their economic efficiency. Aspects of friendshoring have a longer history in the context of cross-border data flows, which have been (and are increasingly) subject to restrictions aimed at protecting privacy, cyber-security and national security interests. Data flows are critical to the functioning of modern supply chains and are themselves important sources of value. While the goals of data flow restrictions are often laudable, data friendshoring is not without risks and costs. It can have an uneasy relationship with existing trade rules, and spillover effects for other policy interests (including in relation to internet governance and the strength of the rules-based trading system). This article sets out the connections between friendshoring and data flow restrictions. It then examines the role that trade rules play in relation to data friendshoring, including the uncertainty of the application of certain current trade rules to data friendshoring and the benefits that digital trade rules can contribute in relation to data friendshoring. These benefits includes ameliorating the risks associated with data friendshoring, providing greater certainty for those involved in these arrangements, and enabling on-going discussions between potentially fragmented regimes to help rebuild trust over the longer term. digital trade, friendshoring, data flows

Shift to customer-centricity, its challenges and the future of smart supply chains

This paper delves into the evolving landscape of the supply chain and logistics industry, emphasising the growing imperative of customer-centricity. It examines key drivers propelling this shift, such as the surge in e-commerce, evolving customer expectations and intensified market competition. Beyond these primary forces, the common denominator facilitating customercentric supply chains is the comprehensive availability of customer data across diverse supply chain functions. Focusing on real-world examples, the paper unveils how businesses are tailoring products and services to foster customer-centric supply chain experiences using sustainable and collaborative supply chains. It also addresses challenges faced by companies while balancing operational efficiency with customer needs. Looking ahead, the paper navigates the trajectory of smart supply chains in an era marked by unprecedented global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts. It outlines strategic drivers such as real-time execution, sustainability, predictive demand forecasting and leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for a smarter, more adaptive supply chain. Readers can expect to glean insights into the multifaceted dimensions of customer-centric supply chains, learning about successful strategies, challenges and the roadmap for future-proofing supply chains in an increasingly dynamic global landscape. This paper offers actionable insights to adapt and innovate in an era where customer-centricity and smart supply chains are pivotal for sustainable success.

Service-oriented supply chain: what do we know about its risks?

ABSTRACT This study identifies the risks entailed in a service-oriented supply chain. By employing supply chain mapping, contingency, and Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) theories to elaborate a picture of the current knowledge, we were able to summarise and categorise the various risks into three main levels of cause. Next, these literature-based risks were narrowed down into a specific industry context and were then tested and confirmed using exploratory factor and confirmatory factor analyses to form an industry-oriented RBS for the construction business. The data were collected from 195 firms who participated in a large-scale survey sponsored by the Japanese Government to promote sustainable socio-economic development for the ASEAN region. As a result, seven risk categories related to demand, supply, operations, information, finance, time (delays) and external sources (human-made or natural-related) were identified and will be a valuable reference for researchers and practitioners. Furthermore, the relationship between identified risk and supply chain performance was explored. This paper is the first to introduce the concept and characteristics of a service-oriented supply chain by using a systematic review combined with a bibliometric mapping of the literature and an empirical study to generate both generic and industry-oriented RBSs in a single study.

Supply Chain Visibility and Performance of Food and Beverage Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of supply chain visibility on the performance of food and beverage manufacturing firms in Kenya and to find out the moderating effect of supply chain technology on the performance of food and beverage manufacturing firms in Kenya.
 Methodology: The exploratory research design was used in the study which utilized both qualitative and quantitative data. All 270 food and beverage manufacturing firms in Kenya registered by Kenya Association of Manufacturers (2022) were considered using the census approach. Target population for the research was one participant from logistics, supply chain or operations department at each of the registered food and beverage manufacturing firms. Primary and secondary data was used, the primary data was collected using semi structured questionnaire that was administered by the researcher and research assistants. Samples of the questionnaire were pilot tested to test the reliability and validity before full scale data collection. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 software. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics while the inferential analysis was further carried out using structural equation modelling, ANOVA and regression coefficients to give effect of the explanatory variable.
 Findings: The study found out that supply chain visibility significantly influenced the performance of food and beverage manufacturing firms in Kenya at both when there was a moderator and without a moderating variable, supply chain technology. In the first model without moderator, it recorded a standardized estimate of 0.538 (p<0.000), indicating that as supply chain visibility increases, performance of food and beverage manufacturing firms also increases. Fit indices on structural equation modelling revealed a marginal fit with a chi-square test of 211.322 with 86 degrees of freedom (P-value =0.0492). The structural path for structural equation modelling from supply chain visibility to supply chain performance remains positive and significant. Standardized estimate of 1.347 and p-value was 0.001<0.05. Which indicates that the variability of supply chain visibility on the performance of food and beverage manufacturing firms could be explained by 53.8% when no moderator is included and increased to 134.7% when ,moderator, supply chain technology is incorporated thereby indicating a stronger relationship. The other fit indices that gave a satisfactory model fit when the moderator supply chain technology was used are RMR=.9196, GFI=.9263, NFI= .9473, RMSEA=.0184 and CFI=.9369 which implies that the model was fit to determine the relationship between supply chain visibility and performance of food and beverage manufacturing firms in Kenya and therein make conclusions and recommendations. ANOVA, regression coefficient and model summary (R2) were also used and indicated significance for there use with all recording p-value of 0.000<0.05.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: System theory of management was adopted and validated. By incorporating supply chain enabling technologies in the management and planning of production in a manufacturing firm, it has the potential of revolutionizing the business environment hence increasing flow of raw materials and other items into the company’s production plant, warehouses or retail locations in an effort to create visibility and enhanced performance. The theory can assist Kenya and the manufacturing firms in developing policies and strategies to assist manufacturing sector while creating competitive advantages through supply chain visibility. The study found out that some of the important supply chain mapping strategies to enhance performance of food and beverage manufacturing firms is supply chain visibility and supply chain technology.

Performance Evaluation of Intelligent Agricultural Supply Chain Based on Structural Equation Model

To solve the problems of unstable chain and poor supply chain (SC) function in the China’s agriculture industry, the relevant study is carried out on the function evaluation of the sustainable agricultural SC by structural equation modelling (SEM) under the background of digital technology. Primarily, the analysis is implemented on the research status of the sustainable SC and SC function. Then, starting with the relationship among big data (BD) application, information sharing, and sustainable SC function of agricultural production, a function evaluation model is implemented for the sustainable SC of SEM-based agricultural production. Next, a questionnaire is designed for the research on the impact of BD applications on the function of the sustainable agricultural SC. Ultimately, the statistical analysis of the obtained data reveals the correlation between the interaction and influence among the BD application, information sharing, and sustainable SC function of agricultural production. The results show that the BD application dimension, information sharing dimension, and all sub-dimensions have is beneficial to the function of the agricultural sustainable SC. The application of multidimensional cloud technology in BD has no obvious relationship with the dimensionality and level of information sharing, and the relationship between other corresponding dimensions shows a significant positive impact. A referenceable method is provided for the practice of sustainable SC management of agricultural production.

Assessing Strategies to Overcome Barriers for Drone Usage in Last-Mile Logistics: A Novel Hybrid Fuzzy MCDM Model

Effective last-mile (LM) delivery is critical to the efficient functioning of supply chains. In addition to speed and the cost of delivery, environmental and social sustainability are increasingly important factors in last-mile logistics (LML), especially in urban areas. Sustainable solutions such as drones attract special attention from researchers due to their high potential. The future of drone logistics is uncertain due to many barriers. This study analyzes, evaluates and ranks barriers to identify those that most significantly hinder broader drone adoption in LML, and proposes and ranks strategies to overcome them. This type of issue requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders with conflicting goals and interests. Therefore, the study employs a novel hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model that combines fuzzy Delphi-based fuzzy factor relationship (Fuzzy D-FARE) and fuzzy comprehensive distance-based ranking (Fuzzy COBRA) methods. The results indicate that the main obstacle to drone implementation in LM is the lack of aviation regulations. The risks of unauthorized access, data misuse, privacy breaches, and data security represent significant challenges. They are followed by ambiguously defined or burdensome requirements for insurance and liability for drone owners. The main contributions of this study are the establishment of a novel hybrid model, identification and ranking of barriers for broader application of drones in LML, and strategies for overcoming them.

SELECTED ASPECTS OF THE INFLUENCE ON THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE MODERN WAREHOUSE SPACE MARKET IN POLAND

Certainly, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on various spheres of our lives, including running a business not only in Poland, but also in Europe and around the world. The pandemic period had, among other things, a significant impact on the functioning of various supply chains, and thus also on the market of modern warehouse space, which is one of its elements. This type of space is essential for any logistics chain, as it contributes to its increasing resilience to a number of disruptions, such as dynamic changes in supply and demand, or other negative phenomena, such as disasters – which certainly includes pandemics.The article presents selected aspects of the impact of Covid-19 on the market of modern warehouse space in Poland. Moreover, the aim of the article is to present how this market has changed during the pandemic – the consequences, opportunities and development caused by pandemic.The preparation of the article was preceded by a number of multifaceted analyses of professional literature and journals, which consequently enabled the synthesis and formulation of key conclusions that should be developed in the future.

Control Towers in Logistics: an In-depth Exploration through Literature Analyses and Industry Case Studies

In the dynamic landscape of global commerce, effective supply chain management is crucial for business success. This research paper delves into the intricacies of supply chain control towers, exploring how these systems manage real-world business scenarios. The goal is to analyze diverse examples of supply chain control towers, sparking a discourse on their past approaches and future trajectories. The paper reviews theoretical foundations and practical aspects, employing case studies to provide updated insights. The research methodology involves an in-depth examination of a leading logistics company, 'ABC,' through a single-case study approach. Ethical considerations are prioritized in handling sensitive information. The historical perspectives on control tower implementations reveal the evolution of these systems to address specific business needs. The findings highlight meticulously developed control towers with defined structures, responsibilities, and processes. These control towers utilize key performance indicators (KPIs) and IT solutions for continuous monitoring and improvement. The research also unveils future trends, indicating that control towers are perceived not only as tools for optimization but also as potential revenue sources. The study proposes the term "Integrated Control Hub" to characterize multifaceted functions, emphasizing the need for integration in logistics and supply chain management. The paper concludes by discussing the commonalities and distinctions among the researched control towers, emphasizing their adaptive nature. It suggests practical applications for the future, focusing on data and process integration across supply chain functions. The author advocates for the acknowledgment of both logistic and supply chain control towers, emphasizing the importance of integrating these entities. The research provides valuable insights for industry practitioners, contributing to the ongoing discourse on the role and future of supply chain control towers.

Supply Chain Disruption Risk and Market Performance in Nigeria: A Case of Oil and Gas Marketing Companies

Purpose: Studies across developed and emerging economies alluded to the persistent decline in the performance of oil and gas marketing firms, which had been attributed to both micro-economic and macro-economic factors. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of supply chain disruptions on market performance of selected oil and gas marketing companies in Lagos State, Nigeria.
 Materials and Methods: The study adopted a survey research design. The total population of the study was 1,044 full-time employees of five selected oil and gas marketing companies in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry in Nigeria. The study sampled three hundred and sixty-two (362) respondents, who participated in the study. Stratified random sampling method was adopted, because it ensures less homogeneity, and a true representative of the sample, thereby the accuracy of statistical results can be higher than that of simple random sampling. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the primary data from the sample size. The research targeted 362 respondents in the survey, while 322 copies of the questionnaire administered were filled and returned. Therefore, the response rate was 91.7%.
 Findings: The three independent variables that were studied, explained 4.8% of the market performance as represented by adjusted R-square. This, therefore, meant that other variables not studied in this research contributed 95.2% of the market performance.
 Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that oil and gas marketing companies should increase their commitment to adopting scenario planning and supply chain mapping strategies, in order to mitigate risks threatening their supply chains, in order to accomplish better performance.

A Multi-objective integrated approach to address sustainability in a meat supply chain

Many supply chains have taken action to consider the principles of sustainability in their business over the past two decades. However, addressing sustainability is still a challenge due to imposing some restrictions. This could be more challenging in a food supply chain because of consuming a large amount of natural resources and its connection to public health. Regarding this significance, this research develops a mechanism to integrate all the primary functions of a meat supply chain given three pillars of sustainability: (i) cost, (ii) social aspect, and (iii) environmental aspect. To this end, we develop a three-objective mathematical formulation to integrate supplier selection, production planning, and product distribution in a meat supply chain. This study also identifies criteria representing suppliers’ impact on the environment and utilizes a Stochastic Analytic Hierarchy Process (SAHP) and TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) methods to gauge that impact and evaluate suppliers’ scores. Furthermore, a solution method is designed based on the Normalized Normal Constraint method to generate Pareto-optimal solutions. Lastly, we apply the developed mathematical formulation and the solution methodology using a numerical study inspired by a real case in Ontario, Canada. The results demonstrate that the developed solution methodology can generate diverse and practical Pareto-optimal solutions in which social and environmental aspects could be improved significantly by incurring a minor extra cost.

Simulation of Handling Operations in Marine Container Terminals for the Purposes of a Profession Simulator

Marine container terminals play an irreplaceable role in modern logistics. They ensure the functioning of material flows and supply chains. Optimal and efficient operations of terminals are increasingly based on full or partial automation. As a result, the expertise and skill prerequisites for service personnel and managers are increasing. This paper presents an original idea of creating a “profession simulator”. Its principle is based on the application of a dynamic computer simulation method. The results represent a generally valid concept for a “profession simulator” that can be calibrated for any container terminal. Within this concept, the inputs, outputs, and processes that take place in the profession simulator are defined. The simulation model is created with the Tecnomatix Plant Simulation program. Mathematical models are implemented for all individual processes in the simulation model. A programming method using the SimTalk 2.0 language is used for their implementation. The obtained results point to the possibility of using the profession simulator to analyze and monitor selected indicators regarding handling techniques, the utilization of maritime terminals, information about the number of transported containers, or the implementation of handling activities.

Modelling the Make Process of the Mineral Supply Chain Upstream Segment

The upstream segment of the minerals supply chain (MiSC) is the backbone for achieving the transition to clean energy by securing the supply of minerals. Recently, the MiSC has been disrupted, affecting mineral supply and generating uncertainty among clean energy producers. Supply chain (SC) mapping addresses this uncertainty, providing a holistic end-to-end view. However, MiSC mapping studies mainly focus on the downstream segment, leaving aside the upstream segment. In this context, the fundamental gap is the lack of standardized modelling frameworks that can accurately represent the upstream segment dynamics and, at the same time, seamlessly integrate with the downstream segment. This paper bridges this gap, designing a model for the MiSC upstream segment (MiSCOR). Framed within design science research methodology, MiSCOR is built by adapting two reference models, the Exploration and Mining Business Reference Model (EM) and the Supply Chain Operations Reference Model (SCOR), focusing on the commodity-making process. The MiSCOR demonstrates its applicability and robustness in real operational scenarios of one of the largest copper producers. MiSCOR provides a management tool for practitioners and decision-makers in the MISC’s upstream segment, offering blueprints to throw functional silos, foster collaboration, and a standardized framework that integrates seamlessly with the downstream segment.

Smart supply chain management in business education: Reflection on the pandemics

AbstractSmart supply chain management (SSCM) has recently attracted significant attention from both industry and academia, particularly in light of the COVID pandemic. This article reviews current literature on information and integration, process automation, advanced analytics, and related business curriculum in SSCM. Our survey results demonstrate a concerning lack of adoption of SSCM in business curriculum and reveal several major challenges faced by educators when teaching SSCM, including a scarcity of available teaching resources, a need for cross‐disciplinary knowledge, and a lack of industry experience among students. These findings lead to our exploration of SSCM application in various supply chain and operations functions (e.g., product design, sourcing and procurement, production, quality management, warehouse management and distribution, delivery, and supply chain risk management) during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Drawing on our analysis, we conclude by offering several recommendations for promoting SSCM in business education.

Strategies for increasing agricultural viability, resilience and sustainability amid disruptive events: An expert-based analysis of relevance

Responding to disruptive events is important to maintain supply chain viability. It is of the utmost importance to maintain functioning of agrifood supply chains as they provide essential goods for maintaining the population. However, there is a diverse pool of possible strategies to ensure the viability of agribusiness and agrifood supply chains. This paper seeks to identify the most relevant strategies for ensuring agrifood supply chain viability amid disruptive events. The case of Lithuania is analysed with a focus on the sustainability of the whole agri-food supply chain. Expert interviews involving farmers, associations, public sector representatives and academia are carried out to identify an effective policy path. Innovation, cooperation, diversification and knowledge-building are assessed as the candidate strategy options.

Mechanisms of Consumer Purchase Intent Formation in the Context of Live Streaming E-commerce

This paper investigates the factors influencing purchase intent in the context of live streaming e-commerce and the variations in their impact among consumers with different levels of digital literacy. By constructing a purchase intent model for live streaming e-commerce, we collected 248 valid survey responses through a questionnaire survey. We employed a structural equation modeling approach to verify the influence of five dimensions of perceived value on purchase intent in live streaming e-commerce and the moderating effect of digital literacy. The results indicate that consumers' perceived value significantly affects their purchase intent through their attitudes toward live streaming e-commerce. The order of the impact of perceived value dimensions on consumer attitudes is as follows: entertainment, supply chain perception, functionality, economy, and host characteristics. Notably, as consumers' digital literacy increases, they tend to focus more on the supply chain perception factor.

Supply chain disruption mitigation strategies to advance future research agenda: A systematic literature review

Growing complexity and vulnerability of global supply chains have led to significant challenges in supply chain functionality. Organizations face shortages, out-of-stock situations, and longer lead times for components, which impacts resilience and recovery processes. Numerous organizations have adopted diverse strategies to mitigate the effects of supply chain disruptions. Despite these efforts, current intricate supply chain complexities have rendered these strategies relatively ineffective in minimizing the impact of disruptions. This predicament can be attributed to a dearth of comprehensive knowledge and a skewed research emphasis, which collectively hindered development and application of robust effective strategies. There is scarcity of both theoretical comprehension and practical experience with specific mitigation strategies. Therefore, this study aims to bridge the critical research gaps by comprehensively examining 133 relevant studies on Supply Chain Disruption Mitigation Strategies (SCDMS). Through bibliometric and network analyses, the study performed quantitative analysis to shed light on evolving intellectual discourse and revealed the exponential rise in publications on SCDMS, which reflect the heightened relevance within contemporary, volatile and uncertain market landscape. This study provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding diverse mitigation strategies identified through systematic literature review by delving into theories, characteristics, methodology, and contextual analysis of SCDMS and propose a conceptual framework for organizations and researchers. The study has also analyzed how organizations can apply diverse mitigation strategies to reduce the impact and enhance recovery and resilience. Holistic and comprehensive review suggest that future research on SCDMS should focus on interactions of components such as unexplored mitigation strategies, implementation process, organisational resilience and supply chain disruptions. The potential challenges and benefits of implementing various mitigation strategies have also been provided along with future research directions. The analysis has been further enriched by inclusion of existing practices to enable the strategists to glean practical insights from successful cases.

The function and Significance of Supply Chain Under the New Situation of Global Economy

The supply chain is an important tool for any economic individual to obtain sustainable development and maintain core competitiveness, and it is also the guarantee of coordinating supply and demand in economic development and financial goods market transactions. Under the new situation of global economic development, most enterprises use more effi-cient and perfect processes to make their supply chain run efficiently in order to maintain competitiveness. On the basis of their respective divisions of labor, different enterprises have formed a pattern of mutual dependence, connection, and common development. The traditional competition among individual enterprises has gradually evolved into a compe-tition among different components of the supply chain. On the basis of perfect economic market, the supply chain further integrates various economic subjects and their activities in series, and refines the individual and overall layout in the economic cycle. This paper fo-cuses on the importance and role of supply chains in the new global economic development situation, specifically on how supply chains can promote and improve the development of economies, enterprises, and individuals. As well as the important coordination and promo-tion role of the supply chain in the whole market's resource processing and circulation in the process of economic development, the relevant research is carried out by means of inves-tigation, data collection, and consultation. After a series of studies, we have come to the conclusion that the supply chain plays an irreplaceable role and has significant significance in economic development and enterprise development in the global market and plays an important coordinating and helping role in the development of different industries.

Industry 4.0 digital transformation and opportunities for supply chain resilience: a comprehensive review and a strategic roadmap

Despite interest in opportunities that Industry 4.0 offers for Supply Chain Resilience (SCR), little is known about the underlying mechanisms for such contributions. The study develops a roadmap that explains how supply chains can capitalize on Industry 4.0 SCR functions. The study conducted a content-centric literature review and identified 16 functions through which Industry 4.0 enhances SCR. Results reveal that the Industry 4.0 SCR functions identified are highly interrelated, and supply chain members should align their digitalization strategies with the sequence in which Industry 4.0 delivers these functions. Industry 4.0 contribution to SCR first involves delivering data-centric functions such as supply chain automation, information and communication quality, process monitoring, and visibility. Industry 4.0 further allows supply chain partners to collaborate better on improving supply chain mapping, complexity management, and innovation capabilities. Through these functions and by increasing transparency, flexibility, and agility of supply chain operations, Industry 4.0 delivers more dependent but consequential resilience functions such as supply chain responsiveness, adaptive capability, and continuity management. The roadmap further explains how each pair of Industry 4.0 SCR functions mutually interact while contributing to the overall resilience of the supply chain. The study discusses possible implications and outlines important avenues for future research.

EFFECTS OF TOP MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT ON PERFORMANCE OF SUPPLY CHAIN FUNCTIONS IN TURKANA COUNTY GOVERNMENT

This study investigated the effects of top management commitment on the performance of supply chain functions in Turkana County. A descriptive research design was used for this study, with quantitative data being collected. The target population consisted of 137 respondents, including 10 Chief Officers, 18 County Public Service Board members, 41 County Executive Committee members, and 52 Directors in Turkana County Government offices. The sample size for this study was 102 respondents, and a structured questionnaire was developed and administered to the relevant departmental heads within the supply chain functions of the Turkana County Government. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to describe the data collected from the survey, while inferential statistics such as regression analysis and correlation analysis were used to test the hypotheses. Tables, graphs, and charts were used to present the data, enhancing clarity and ease of understanding. The findings of the study were presented in a comprehensive report. The study's hypotheses were examined by utilizing Pearson's Correlation Coefficient to determine the importance of the connections between the dependent and independent variables. The findings indicated a substantial and positive correlation between top management commitment and the effectiveness of supply chain operations in Turkana County. The study recommended that the county government should prioritize top management commitment to supply chain functions.