Supply Chain Management Enablers Research Articles

Green supply chain management enablers: Mixed methods research

This paper contributes to the literature on green supply chain management (GSCM) by arguing for the use of mixed methods for theory building. The literature has identified antecedents and enablers for the adoption of GSCM practices. Nevertheless, there is relatively little research on building robust methodological approaches and techniques that take into account the dynamic nature of green supply chains. To address this gap, the paper firstly reviews systematically the literature on GSCM enablers; secondly, it argues for the use of mixed methods research to address questions related to GSCM enablers; thirdly, it uses interpretive structural modeling (ISM), MICMAC analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to illustrate the application of mixed methods in GSCM by testing a model on the enablers of GSCM; and fourthly, highlights the influence of enablers including, inter alia, top management commitment, institutional pressures, supplier and customer relationship management on financial and environmental performance. Finally, we conclude with limitations and further research directions.

A structural analysis of green supply chain management enablers in the UAE construction sector

The aim of the research is to develop a structural analysis of the enablers of green supply chain management (GSCM) in the UAE construction sector. An interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach is used to identify the contextual relationship of the enablers and to develop their hierarchical structure. Further the enablers are classified into visual quadrants on a graph using dependence-driving power analysis (DDPA). The hierarchical structure and graph will provide useful insights to corporates, government bodies and supply chain managers to understand and prioritise the key enablers of GSCM and the organisational strategies adopted by firms in the UAE. The study will contribute significantly to the first wave of empirical investigation in the region and will provide useful insights into GSCM in the UAE. A structural analysis of GSCM enablers as well as industry specific research of GSCM in construction sector is not previously developed in the UAE.

Modelling the SCM enablers: an integrated ISM‐fuzzy MICMAC approach

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the supply chain management enablers (SCMEs) and establish relationships among them using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and find out driving and dependence power of enablers, using fuzzy MICMAC (Matriced' Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée á un Classement) analysis.Design/methodology/approachA group of experts from industries and academics was consulted and ISM is used to develop the contextual relationship among various SCMEs for each dimension of SCM implementation. The results of ISM are used as an input to fuzzy MICMAC analysis, to identify the driving and dependence power of SCMEs.FindingsThis paper has identified 24 key SCMEs and developed an integrated model using ISM and the fuzzy MICMAC approach, which is helpful to identify and classify the important SCMEs and reveal the direct and indirect effects of each SCME on the SCM implementation. The integrated approach is developed, since the ISM model provides only binary relationship among SCMEs, while fuzzy MICMAC analysis provides precise analysis related to driving and dependence power of SCMEs.Research limitations/implicationsThe weightage for ISM model development and fuzzy MICMAC are obtained through the judgment of academicians and a few industry experts. It is only subjective judgment and any biasing by the person who is judging the SCMEs might influence the final result. A questionnaire survey can be conducted to catch the insight on these SCMEs from more organizations.Practical implicationsThis study has strong practical implications, for both practitioners as well as academicians. The practitioners need to concentrate on identified SCMEs more cautiously during SCM implementation in their organizations and the top management could formulate strategy for implementing these enablers obtained through ISM and fuzzy MICMAC analysis.Originality/valueThis is first kind of study to identify 24 SCMEs and further, to deploy ISM and fuzzy MICMAC to identify and classify the key SCMEs that influence SCM implementation in the organization.

Supply chain management: modelling the enablers using ISM and fuzzy MICMAC approach

The main objective of this paper is to identify the different supply chain management enablers (SCMEs) and analyse their inter-relationships for successful supply chain management (SCM) implementation in an organisation. Interpretative structural modelling (ISM) is used to develop the relationship among various SCMEs for each dimension of SCM implementation. The results of ISM are used as an input to fuzzy Matriced Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliqueeaun Classement (MICMAC) analysis to identify the driving and dependence power of SCMEs. This paper has identified 18 key SCMEs and developed integrated model using ISM and the fuzzy MICMAC approach, which is used to identify and classify the important enablers and reveal the direct and indirect effects of each enabler on the SCM implementation.

Adoption of cloud computing technologies in supply chains

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to employ organizational information processing theory to assess how a firm's information processing requirements and capabilities combine to affect the intention to adopt cloud computing as an enabler of electronic supply chain management systems. Specifically, the paper examines the extent to which task uncertainty, environmental uncertainty, and inter‐organizational uncertainty affect intention to adopt cloud computing technology and how information processing capability may moderate these relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a multiple method approach, thus examining the hypothesized model with both quantitative and qualitative methods. To begin, the paper incorporates a Delphi study as a way in which to choose a practically relevant characterization of the moderating variable, information processing capability. The authors then use a survey method and hierarchical linear regression to quantitatively test their hypotheses. Finally, the authors employ interviews to gather additional qualitative data, which they examine via use of content analysis in order to provide additional insight into the tenability of the proposed model.FindingsThe quantitative analysis suggests that significant two‐way interactions exist between each independent variable and the moderating variable; each of these interactions is significantly related to intention to adopt cloud computing. The qualitative results support the assertion that information processing requirements and information processing capability affect intention to adopt cloud computing. These findings support the relationships addressed in the hypothesized model and suggest that the decision to adopt cloud computing is based upon complex circumstances.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited by the use of single key informants for both the quantitative and qualitative portions of the study. Nonetheless, this study enhances understanding of electronic supply chain management systems, and specifically cloud computing, through the application of organizational information processing theory. The authors’ mixed‐methods approach allowed them to draw more substantive conclusions; the findings provide a theoretical and empirical foundation for future research in this area, and also suggest the use of additional theoretical perspectives.Practical implicationsThis study provides insight that can help supply chain managers to better understand how requirements, when coupled with capabilities, may influence the decision to adopt cloud computing as an enabler of supply chain management systems.Originality/valueAs an emerging technology, cloud computing is changing the form and function of information technology infrastructures. This study enhances the understanding of how this technology may diffuse within the supply chain.

Are Indians ready to adopt online supply chain management?

E-commerce is the enabler of supply chain management (SCM). Indian industry is not using e-commerce tools for SCM to a great extent. The objective of this exploratory study is to understand the determinants of development of e-commerce in SCM within Indian industry and to test the value of supply chain functionalities and organisation strategies in explaining e-commerce development. The result confirmed with the literature that e-commerce functionalities and organisation functionalities influence the e-commerce development level. The study also showed that one of the factors of supply chain functionalities, SCM coordination level was significantly related to the e-commerce development level. Besides, e-commerce also facilitates e-bidding for sourcing decisions in SCM. Using the internet, reverse e-auctions allow suppliers to compete dynamically in real time for buyer's business. The buying organisations who have adopted reverse e-auctions and those not used e-auctions for sourcing decisions are also diffe...

Knowledge management in supply chain: An empirical study from France

Supply chain management has assumed a leading operations strategy position in both manufacturing and service industries, and over the past 10 years companies have seriously implemented supply chain management strategies in their organizations. Knowledge management (KM) is a major enabler of supply chain management, and is a critical element in information intensive and multi-cultured enterprise environments. Realizing the importance of knowledge management in supply chain (SC), an attempt has been made in this paper to propose a conceptual framework for KM in SC and to validate the framework with help of an empirical study conducted with French companies. Finally, a summary of findings and conclusions is presented for KM in SC.

Problem taxonomy: a step towards effective information sharing in supply chain management

Information sharing is a key enabler for supply chain management. The type of information required depends upon the supply chain problem to be solved. In this paper, supply chain problem taxonomy is proposed as the theoretical basis for designing information required for problem-solving. Problem taxonomy provides the overall framework under which problem-oriented information system components can be designed, and implemented. Supply chain problem taxonomy comprises: (a) classification of supply chain problems, (b) classification of problem solving methodologies for supply chain management, and (c) hierarchical classification of variables or factors necessary for dealing with problems. A reference model is proposed for formally representing these components. This paper also describes problem-specific information modeling implementation and how it can be applied in solving real-world problems.

Technology enablers for supply chain management

This paper describes the current business conditions and the four key factors that need to be integrated in order to improve the supply chain. The paper discusses how enterprise resource planning (ERP) is increasingly being used as a technology enabler for supply chain management and problems associated with its implementation.

Role of IT as an Enabler of Supply Chain Management

Indian firms have realised that adopting supply chain as a strategic competitive advantage tool has early payoffs. Information technology has played an important role among the firms that have been successful. They realised the importance of state-of-the-art information technology in linking supply with demand to achieve competitive advantage. Why do firms still fail to capitalise on the use of information technology? What inhibits this seamless flow of information across the supply chain? What are the lessons that can be drawn from those firms that have been able to use Information Technology successfully to add value and create sustainable value chain? This paper attempts to answer the above questions. It is an attempt to understand the role of Information Technology in supply chain management. We have reviewed the literature in order to understand how IT can effectively help supply chain become a strategic tool. With the help of exploratory research tools we have tried to find out how IT can be effectively utilised as a supply chain enabler. Our research findings are that aligning IT application to overall business strategy, managing processes rather than functions, developing cross functional teams, strategic alliance with suppliers and distributors, etc., create the right kind of organisational architecture, which help IT become a strategic competitive advantage tool.