Supply Chain Integration Practices Research Articles

Empirical analysis of integration practices among agribusiness firms

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating effect of information sharing (IS) on the link between supply chain integration (SCI) practices (internal, customer and supplier) and internal process performance (IPP) by using selected agribusiness firms from an emerging economy, Ghana.Design/methodology/approachTo determine the effect of IS on the nexus between SCI practices and IPP, a research framework was developed and tested using data amassed from 156 agribusiness firms for the study. The data set was assessed and hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling.FindingsThe outcomes revealed that both INI and CI positively and significantly influenced IS. However, the results disclosed that SI has no significant positive effect on IS among the Ghanaian agribusiness firms. The findings of the study further discovered that IS fully mediates the relationship between INI, CI and IPP, whereas SI has a direct interaction with IPP.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing supply chain management research by empirically authenticating IS as the mediator between SCI practices and IPP. From the viewpoint of a developing economy, this paper identifies the significant connection that exists between SCI practices, IS and IPP. The outcomes recommend that IS is a core driving facilitator to reinforce the correlation between SCI practices and IPP.

Effect of IoT Capabilities and Energy Consumption behavior on Green Supply Chain Integration

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the next generation of internet-connected information communication technologies (ICT). IoT typically integrates supply chain activities to enhance green supply chain performance (GSCP). Since every organization has different IoT capabilities in comparison with other organizations, GSCP can enable supply chain integration activities for enhanced performance. The implementation of an IoT system can reduce the consumption of organizational resources like energy, electricity, and time and can increase the operational speed to gain better logistics and, ultimately, improved supply chain performance. This study has developed and empirically tested the relationship between IoT capabilities, energy consumption behavior (ECB), supply chain integration, green training (GT), and supply chain practices. Such a multidisciplinary relationship has not previously been established in the literature. The proposed study can fulfill the literature gap and opens new horizons for interdisciplinary research. Data used in this study are collected through offline and online survey methods. A total number of 250 out of 400 respondents participated in the survey. Data has been analyzed through partial least square—structure equation modeling (PLS—SEM) technique. The results of this study empirically test the developed model. IoT has a positive effect on supplier integration (SI), and customer integration (CI). Furthermore, SI and CI have a mediating role between IoT and GSCP, and GT has a positive impact on GSCP. It is concluded that the implementation of IoT can integrate CI and SI to increase GSCP. GT and ECB can ultimately improve GSCP. Additionally, the use of technology and GT can motivate employees to save energy and protect the environment to increase GSCP.

Identifying the Role of Supply Chain Integration Practices in the Adoption of Systemic Innovations

Identifying the Role of Supply Chain Integration Practices in the Adoption of Systemic Innovations

The impact of total quality management and supply chain integration on firm performance of container shipping companies in Singapore

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the influences of total quality management (TQM) and supply chain integration (SCI) practices on firm performance (FP) of container shipping industry in Singapore.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted with 159 container shipping companies in Singapore to examine the interrelationships between SCI and TQM practices and FP. A stepwise multiple regression analysis using SPSS version 14.0 was performed on the data.FindingsStatistical results suggest that both TQM and SCI practices have positive effects on service quality and FP but at different extents, while TQM also contributes positively to SCI.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample is the main limitation. The findings bear important implications for further research as understanding these dimensions can help to position key changes and industry improvement that will increase revenue and reduce cost to the container shipping companies in Singapore.Practical implicationsThis research provides guidelines for shipping managers on how to implement the SCI and TQM practices appropriately to boost their FP to the fullest extent.Social implicationsThis study has unique implications for social sustainability especially the container shipping industry, which is hard pressed to combat the challenges within the logistics/transportation sector.Originality/valueThis is perhaps the first study that examines the influence of SCI and TQM practices on the performance of container shipping firms that helps them see beyond the silo mentality and focus on greater value addition in FP.

Supply chain collaboration in industrial symbiosis networks

A strategy supporting the development towards a circular economy is industrial symbiosis (IS). It is a form of collaborative supply chain management aiming to make industry more sustainable and achieve collective benefits based on utilization of waste, by-products, and excess utilities between economically independent industries. Based on an extensive analysis of published studies on existing IS collaborations and interviews with central stakeholders of a comprehensive IS, this paper investigates IS from a supply chain collaboration perspective. A theoretical framework is built and used to discuss how industrial symbiosis pursues sustainability and to identify the main collaboration aspects and performance impacts. This framework is then used in the analysis of selected published cases. Based on this, we derive propositions on the organizational and operational requirements for collaboration in the context of IS networks, related to the supply chain integration and coordination practices. As IS has only received little attention in the operations and supply chain management community, our propositions directly lead to future research directions. Furthermore, the analysis in this paper provides directions to increase the feasibility and resource efficiency of IS networks and can hence be used by stakeholders involved in these networks.

A national culture perspective in the efficacy of supply chain integration practices

While today's supply chains involve partners from different countries, national culture has been a critical component in supply chain management. Yet, our understanding on its role in affecting the performance outcomes of supply chain integration (SCI) is limited. Using data collected from 19 countries and the GLOBE concept of national culture, we analyze the role of national culture in affecting SCI. This paper examines how differences in national culture influence SCI operational outcomes. Our results indicate that the collaborative behavior oriented national culture dimensions of future orientation, institutional collectivism, humane orientation and in-group collectivism moderate the extent to which SCI improves operational performance. Specifically, the relationship between internal integration and quality outcomes is moderated by institutional collectivism, humane orientation, and future orientation. The relationship between internal integration and cost is moderated by in-group collectivism, while the customer integration and delivery performance relationship is moderated by institutional collectivism.

Managing country disruption risks and improving operational performance: risk management along integrated supply chains

Increasingly complex supply chains and heightened disruption risks are bringing risk management to the forefront of managerial and research efforts. We examine how country disruption risks are related to the adoption of combined risk management and external supply chain integration practices, and how these combinations in turn are related to operational performance. We frame our propositions using information processing theory and complementarity theory. We combine primary data from the 6th International Manufacturing Strategy Survey on 21 countries, and secondary data on country level disruption risks to study these links. Our results indicate that companies in riskier countries, characterized by high operational contingencies risk, natural hazard and terrorism and political instability, use combined arcs of external supply chain integration and risk management practices. Such a combined approach is also related to higher operational performance. The findings suggest to managers that companies adopting risk management practices in combination with external integration achieve best operational results. We extend the arcs of integration concept to include also risk management practices thus showing that holistic risk management approaches along supply chains are positively related to operational performance. The combination of primary and secondary data, as well as the focus on exogenous risks distinguishes our approach from previous, mostly conceptual, studies on risks.

A resource-based view on enablers of supplier integration: evidence from China

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of human resource (HR) and manufacturing plant information technology (MP-IT) resource on companies’ internal integration capabilities and how these resources/capabilities influence supplier integration.Design/methodology/approach– Using data collected from 604 Chinese manufacturers, the authors empirically test the effects of different types of resources/capabilities on supplier integration.Findings– The results show that HR has both direct and indirect effects on supplier integration through their effects on internal integration capabilities. MP-IT resource only has significant indirect effects on supplier integration through internal integration capabilities. The results also indicate that HR is more important than MP-IT resource in improving internal integration capabilities and supplier integration.Originality/value– This study empirically investigates enablers of supplier integration in China, contributing to supply chain integration literature and practices.

The synergistic and complementary effects of supply chain justice and integration practices on supply chain performance: A conceptual framework and research propositions

In recent years, firms have been using their supply chain integration (SCI) as a competitive weapon in the intensive, globalised competitive arena. The contingent perspective in supply chain management maintains that it is necessary to observe the interaction between SCI practices and supply chain justice. A critical issue to be resolved is whether this fit leads to synergistic and complementary effects on supply chain performance. In order to contribute to this research problem, we analysed supply chain justice instances in order to determine the importance of supply chain justice, as well as highlights complementary role in SCI and its influences on supply chain performance. A conceptual framework has been developed and five propositions established to verify the contents of a theoretical study. Accordingly, balancing the adoption of SCI practices and supply chain justice will lead to the generation of greater benefits relative to the effect of both independent driving forces on supply chain performance. Furthermore, the proposed framework has been analysed in order to examine its applicability in the South African context. The study thereby suggests the empirical research guidelines and the paper concludes with a discussion of future research.

The synergistic and complementary effects of supply chain justice and integration practices on supply - chain performance : a conceptual framework and research prepositions

In recent years, firms have been using their supply chain integration (SCI) as a competitive weapon in the intensive, globalised competitive arena. The contingent perspective in supply chain management maintains that it is necessary to observe the interaction between SCI practices and supply chain justice. A critical issue to be resolved is whether this fit leads to synergistic and complementary effects on supply chain performance. In order to contribute to this research problem, we analysed supply chain justice instances in order to determine the importance of supply chain justice, as well as highlights complementary role in SCI and its influences on supply chain performance. A conceptual framework has been developed and five propositions established to verify the contents of a theoretical study. Accordingly, balancing the adoption of SCI practices and supply chain justice will lead to the generation of greater benefits relative to the effect of both independent driving forces on supply chain performance. Furthermore, the proposed framework has been analysed in order to examine its applicability in the South African context. The study thereby suggests the empirical research guidelines and the paper concludes with a discussion of future research.

Research on the Impact of Supply Chain Integration Span on Firm Performance

As the core connotation of supply chain management, supply chain integration is the highest level of supply chain management development. This paper aims to explore the relationship between supply chain integration and building inter-firm linkages, and firm performance as well. Through building a theoretical model among them, and put forward the corresponding hypotheses and sub-hypotheses. We based on firms in Wuhan as the study samples to collect data and conduct the empirical analysis. The result of econometric analysis shows that span of integration is positively related to commitment to building inter-firm linkages and firm performance. Finally, propose ​​management recommendations and inspiration for firm’s supply chain integration and management practices.

Supply Chain Integration in the Manufacturing Firms in Developing Country: An Ethiopian Case Study

With the advancement of information and communication technologies, supply chain integration has been considered a strategic tool for firms to improve their competitiveness. The supply chain integration within processes and between organizations has enhanced value creation. However, the fragmented nature of the business in developing country demonstrates a noticeable difficulty in terms of competitiveness and efficiency. Lack of a relevant literature on practical experience in supply chain integration in developing countries is one of the challenges. The purpose of this research is to identify the level of interorganizational and intraorganizational supply chain integration practices. It also analyzes the challenges faced in the manufacturing firms in developing countries. The methodology followed a thorough review of literature and semistructured interviews amongst the Ethiopian manufacturing industries. The preliminary findings of the study highlight that prevailing approach to supply chain integration is limited to ad hoc functional based boundaries within the firm. The SC integration enablers are also restricted to the traditional way of communications such as telephone, fax, and letters. Firms need to focus on those issues that require attention in pursuance of greater SC integration.

Logistics and supply chain process integration as a source of competitive advantage

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of logistics and supply chain integration on firm competitiveness in manufacturing firms.Design/methodology/approach– Utilizing the resource-based view of competitive advantage along with the transaction cost economics theory, the authors address the critical role of logistics and supply chain strategy as the driver of logistics and supply chain integration and firm competitiveness. Structural equation modeling is used to determine the effect of two sets of logistics and supply chain integration practices (logistics/supply chain information integration and logistics/supply chain process integration) along with logistics outsourcing decision practices (logistics investment decisions and private warehousing decisions) on firm competitiveness.Findings– The results indicate that logistics/supply chain strategy is the main driver of logistics and supply chain integration and logistics decisions. Furthermore, the findings suggest that logistics/supply chain process integration is the most significant predictor of firm's competitive position.Research limitations/implications– Further examination and testing of the proposed model across multiple contexts is necessary for validity of the findings.Originality/value– This is one of the first studies that provide an empirical analysis on the importance of different sources of integration (information and process) in logistics and supply chain and their impact on firm competitiveness.

The impact of supply chain integration on firm performance

Purpose– This paper aims to provide empirical evidence of the effectiveness of various supply chain integration (SCI) practices under different competitive strategies in terms of cost leadership and differentiation.Design/methodology/approach– Survey methodology was used to collect data from 604 Chinese manufacturers. Hierarchical linear regression was used to analyze the moderating effects.Findings– The results showed that competitive strategies significantly influenced the effectiveness of SCI practices, including internal, process and product integration. More specifically, internal integration significantly affected the financial performance of cost leaders, while process integration contributed more to the financial performance of differentiators. However, competitive strategies had no significant moderating effect on the relationship between SCI and operational performance.Research limitations/implications– This study contributes to the literature by exploring the effectiveness of various SCI practices in relation to firm performance under different competitive strategies. The results should be treated with caution, as they may be more meaningful in China.Practical implications– The findings clarify the alignment of SCI with competitive strategies for practitioners, so that they can allocate their limited resources to build various SCI capabilities based on their strategic choices.Originality/value– The results enhance the body of knowledge on SCI from the perspective of contextual factors to explore its effectiveness at a more detailed level. This study extends the literature on the match between competitive strategies and SCI in improving financial performance.

Integrating developing country manufacturing industries into global supply chain

Purpose: Due to globalization of manufacturing activities, the arena of competition and competitiveness advantage is moving from firms towards supply chains and networks. With the recent advancement of information and communication technologies this participation are becoming as common business practice in developed countries firms. Companies were more integrated into the world market for the global nature of the sourcing, manufacturing and distribution. These changes create both challenges and opportunities for the manufacturing industries in developing countries. The objective of this paper is to examine the level of inter-organizational and intra-organizational supply chain integration practices in developing country, Ethiopia. Design/methodology/approach: An industrial questionnaires survey was used to collect the current practices of the manufacturing industries in Ethiopia as an example of the developing countries. Descriptive statistics is primarily used for the analysis. Findings: Results show a low level of supply chain relationship both in intra and inter organizational supply chain integration level among members. Accordingly, such issues require much attention to facilitate a greater integration within the supply chains in the Ethiopian manufacturing industries. Research limitations/implications: The paper focuses on examining the practices of Ethiopian manufacturing industries empirical data. The interpretation of results should be taken with prudence. Originality/Value: The manufacturing industry in developing countries (MIDC) has been a part of the global supply chains for long time as a supplier of raw material and manufacturer of primary products. Currently, the MIDC is trying to access the different markets segment of the world even with new products starting from their local market to the complex and dynamic international market. Nevertheless, their supply chains are inefficient and hence, their competitiveness level far from the norm expected. The supply chain integration will bring positive impacts and benefits for manufacturers in developing countries if it adopted properly.

Supply Chain Integration: A Framework of Validation using Structural Equation Modeling

The purpose of this study was to test and redefine the measurement of supply chain integration practices in the manufacturing industry in Malaysia as a developing country. The study employed a survey method where data collection was done through a questionnaire composed of supply chain integration dimensions; internal integration and external integration. Data was obtained from 113 respondents, from manufacturing firms across Malaysia. The collected responses were analysed using Partial Least Square based Structural Equation Modeling, [PLS] to test and validate supply chain integration measurement and its model confirmation in a developing country. Findings suggest that supplier, customer and internal integration eminently established inter-organisational capabilities through supply chain integration both externally and internally. The sample consisted logistics managers, supply chain managers and operational managers with vast operational experience. As there was only one respondent from each of the firms, it is open to response biasness. Managers from manufacturing firms in Malaysia could employ the selected supply chain integration elements in developing key performance indicators to enable and enhance inter-organisational capabilities. The research is an original contribution to the body of knowledge as supply chain integration is used to measure inter-organisational integration among manufacturing firms in a developing country like Malaysia – something that has not been attempted by researchers in this field.

Achieving Competitive Advantage through Supply Chain Integration in the Cocoa Industry: A Case Study of Olam Ghana Limited and Produce Buying Company Limited

The problem of partial supply chain integration has been going on with some organizations in Ghana especially in the cocoa industry. The study sort to empirically, examine supply chain integration practices that could lead to improved performance and competitive advantage; as well as major constrains to competitive advantage within the cocoa industry in Ghana . The study envisaged that, the causes of the industry’s inability to integrate supply chain variables and appropriate solutions found; to curtail the problems of poor performance and effectively integrate supply chain functions for the industry to make informed decisions to improve their businesses and gain competitive advantage. The study revealed the relative importance index run on the mean factors that, some of the case companies stood strong in terms of internal integration using the general relative importance index as benchmark. All the factors of customer integration and supplier integration proved to be very important but not much statistically significant difference between the ratings of the case companies. Even though, some were slightly ahead of others. The study further revealed that there was a positive correlation between all the variables of supply chain integration. The ANOVA analysis confirms existing theory that the three aspects of supply chain integration together lead to improved performance and competitive advantage. Finally, the Cocoa industry, particularly PBC and Olam should adopt pragmatic approach to implement all the three aspects of supply chain integration to improve their performance to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the cocoa industry.

Modelling the integration‐performance relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of different dimensions of supply chain integration on performance, while considering both the interconnections between these supply chain integration dimensions and the effect of context. Specifically, the authors investigate the relationship between two enablers (communication infrastructure and cooperative behaviour) and two practices (planning information and joint improvement), and the moderating effect of supply complexity on their relationship with performance.Design/methodology/approachA survey among 145 Dutch and Spanish manufacturers is used to gather data on the buyer‐supplier relationship. Both the sample and two subsamples – for high and low supply complexity – are analysed using SmartPLS.FindingsThe paper finds that two dimensions – communication infrastructure and cooperative behaviour – enable the two collaborative practices: joint improvement and planning information. All mentioned supply chain integration dimensions, except joint improvement are related to performance, but specifically if the supply complexity is high. Among these dimensions the effect of cooperative behaviour is relatively high.Originality/valueThis paper adds to our understanding of how contingencies influence the supply chain. It is the first paper that investigates the moderating effect of the complexity of the process of delivery (supply complexity) on the effectiveness of supply chain integration practices.

Process Integration and Information Sharing in Supply Chains

ABSTRACTThis study examines whether the potential for hold-up in supply chains influences the extent of process integration and information sharing between partners. The analysis uses performance scorecards and financial performance data collected from a major manufacturer regarding its contractual arrangements with 156 distributors. I find that distributors engage in less extensive process integration and information sharing with the manufacturer as the potential for hold-up increases, measured by the asymmetry of interdependence between partners. I also find that distributors engage in more extensive process integration and information sharing as the potential for hold-up decreases, measured by the magnitude of interdependence between partners. Additional evidence shows that more extensive process integration and information sharing have favorable financial performance implications for supply chain partners and enhance the likelihood of distributor contract renewal. Overall, the results indicate that the potential for hold-up can restrict the performance benefits available to partners from developing more extensive supply chain integration practices.Data Availability: A confidentiality agreement restricts data availability. Some data have been modified by a common factor to preserve research site confidentiality.

Port integration in global supply chains: measures and implications for maritime logistics

The aim of this article is to define and empirically develop measures of seaport integration in global supply chains and to infer implications for maritime logistics. A literature review identified four key parameters hypothesised to be part of the higher-order construct of ‘terminal supply chain integration’ (TESCI). Data for operationalizing the conceptualised variables were obtained via a large scale survey of container terminal operators. A model was developed and validated using confirmatory factor analysis. The validated parameters of the higher-order construct of ‘TESCI’ included ‘information and communication systems’, ‘value-added services’, ‘multimodal systems and operations’, and ‘supply chain integration practices’. The study provides implications for maritime logistics by focusing on key parameters such as determination of costs, revenues, performance, productivity, and competitive advantage for international supply chains.