Supply Chain Management Paradigm Research Articles

A Novel Advanced IoT System for Predictive Maintenance Systems and Supply Chain Optimization Solutions for Manufacturing Industries

This paper presents a pioneering approach to revolutionize manufacturing industries through the development of a novel advanced Internet of Things (IoT) system tailored for predictive maintenance and supply chain optimization. Leveraging the vast array of data generated within manufacturing environments, the proposed system integrates cutting-edge IoT technologies with advanced predictive analytics to enable proactive identification of equipment failures and optimization of supply chain operations. The research encompasses a comprehensive dataset comprising sensor data, maintenance records, and supply chain information sourced from industrial pumps, facilitating the creation of robust predictive maintenance models and insightful supply chain optimization strategies. Experimental procedures involve data pre-processing, feature engineering, and model development, followed by rigorous evaluation against ground truth data. The results showcase significant enhancements in equipment up-time; maintenance cost reduction, and supply chain responsiveness, demonstrating the efficacy and scalability of the IoT-based solutions. Through this innovative approach, manufacturing industries can achieve unprecedented levels of operational efficiency, cost savings, and competitive advantage, paving the way for transformative advancements in predictive maintenance and supply chain management paradigms.

Customer segmentation, pricing, and lead time decisions: A stochastic-user-equilibrium perspective

Multiple price/lead time options are often used as a competitive tool in supply chain operations when customers have heterogeneous price and lead time preferences. We study a two-echelon supply chain network consisting of manufacturers and retailers facing customers that differ in their price- and time-sensitivity. We examine how many price/lead time options should be provided by manufacturers and retailers under decentralized and centralized supply chain management with time-cost tradeoffs. We adopt a stochastic-user-equilibrium (SUE) approach in a supply chain network by incorporating discrete choice theory and using a multinomial logit-based variational inequality to express equilibrium conditions. This is one of the first papers to study time-cost tradeoffs in a supply chain network by introducing an SUE approach. One critical part of our analysis is the establishment of concavity of profit functions, which allows for analytical derivation of the equilibrium strategies. Another critical part of our analysis is the development of SUE conditions in decentralized and centralized supply chain networks. We demonstrate that the variance of heterogeneous customers’ time-sensitivity distribution plays a crucial role in customer segmentations in a time-cost tradeoff supply chain. We find that under SUE conditions, there exists a unique equilibrium in the decentralized and centralized supply chain networks, respectively. We conduct comparative statics analyze to demonstrate the effect of SUE and UE conditions and the influence of decentralized versus centralized supply chain management paradigms. We show how the SUE approach can be applied to supply chain network management with time-cost tradeoffs. Our approach can be extended to other tradeoff decision problems in supply chain network management, especially those in which customers are heterogeneous.

Impact of Management and Reverse Logistics on Recycling in a War Scenario

Nowadays organizations search to maximize their profits, particularly with regard to recyclable materials, making new strategies according to several emerging and changing scenarios. Logistics management is an important tool in achieving these goals, serving as a link between the market and the various areas of an organization. It is responsible for managing physical and organizational flows, both within and between organizations. Reverse logistics management of waste is one of the most complex areas in any organization, due to the financial effort needed in the separation and management of all waste, and due to the human resources allocated to those processes. The supply chain management paradigm, due to the emerging conflicts caused by war inducing extreme changes, shows that supply chains have massive difficulties and costs in obtaining raw materials, namely ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Thus, it is important to study the impact of management and reverse logistics on recycling in a “War” scenario, considering a case study from the Alto Minho region. This article’s research has the objective to raise awareness of the possible impacts of improving operations in the context of the recovery and recycling of electrical and electronic equipment through the concept of reverse logistics management. The importance of the recovery of this waste, among others, will necessarily have a great impact on logistics operation and, in particular, reverse logistics. This process includes the collection, separation, storage, reprocessing and reintroduction of electronic waste into the production chains of raw materials and components. With the crisis in production and shortages of semiconductors and raw materials, as is the case with some metals from Russia and Ukraine (exponentially aggravated by the war), this is a credible alternative. This is also relevant to the treatment of waste in landfills, transforming and converting these into biogas, which can be converted into electricity and introduced into the energy network. With this situation we obtain a triple benefit: cheaper electricity, waste treatment, and protection of future generations and the reintroduction of raw materials into production chains; these results are only possible to obtain through reverse logistics management concepts.

An integrated inventory model for multi-echelon supply chains with deteriorating items: a price-dependent demand approach

ABSTRACTThis study develops an operational policy for a three-echelon supply chain. A mathematical programming model is proposed to maximize the combined profit of the suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors. The model is developed under the supply chain management paradigm, which highlights the cooperation of all the nodes along the supply chain to improve performance criteria like total profit. We take into account the deteriorating nature of raw materials and final products. The proposed model was then applied to a real-world case of an Iranian supply chain active in the detergent production industry using its historical data for parameters. The model was solved using GAMS. Results indicate that the integrated approach was able to increase the supply chain’s total profit by 15%. Sensitivity analysis also showed that variable costs of final products are high, leaving a shallow margin. Other managerial insights are also drawn from results.

Justification of synergistic implementation of TQM-SCM using fuzzy-based simulation model

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the contribution of significant factors in the success of supply chain management (SCM) implementation and in synergistic approach (SCM-TQM) terms of business performance of Indian medium- and large-scale manufacturing industry.Design/methodology/approachThis research paper deploys the fuzzy inference system (fuzzy logic tool box) to evaluate the success of SCM and synergistic approach’s implementation. For this purpose, significant factors for each SCM approach as well as synergistic approach are identified from relevant literature and validated by industry experts.FindingsThe results of fuzzy rule viewer and surface view tool of fuzzy tool box in MATLAB have highlighted that synergistic approach is better as compared to SCM approach. Furthermore, top management support and leadership role, SCM issues and total quality management (TQM) issues have emerged as significant predictor variables for successful synergistic implementation of TQM-SCM in Indian industries.Originality/valueTQM and SCM are considered as performance improvement techniques by the manufacturing organizations. The present research work establishes that combined (TQM-SCM) initiatives have contributed more as compared to only SCM approach in the business performance of Indian manufacturing industry. So, the study stresses upon the need for improving coordination between various manufacturing parameters as well as competitive dimensions of TQM and SCM paradigms to enjoy higher potential of business performance.

Strategic impact of SCM and SCQM practices on competitive dimensions of Indian manufacturing industries

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the capabilities of total quality management (TQM) and supply chain management (SCM) and extract various significant factors which influence the implementation of SCM alone and synergy of both TQM–SCM in terms of business performance of Indian medium and large scale manufacturing industry. Design/methodology/approach In the present study, 116 Indian manufacturing organizations have been extensively surveyed to ascertain the inter-relationships between various success factors and competitive dimensions of SCM alone and for combined approach (TQM–SCM), through different statistical techniques. Further, to evaluate the significance of time period on competitive dimensions, two-tailed t-test has been deployed. Finally the discriminant validity test has been applied to extract highly successful and moderately successful organizations for both approaches. Findings The study compares the contributions played by only SCM initiatives and combined approach (TQM–SCM) initiatives toward realization of significant improvements of various competitive dimensions of Indian manufacturing organizations. Finally, this study reveals that synergistic relationship of TQM and SCM paradigms can be more helpful as compared to only SCM initiatives for Indian manufacturing industries to enhance overall business performance. Originality/value TQM and SCM are considered as performance improvement techniques by the manufacturing organizations. The present research work establishes that combined (TQM–SCM) initiatives have effectively contributed for realization of significant competitive dimensions, progressively from introduction to maturity phases. So, the study stresses upon the need for improving coordination between various manufacturing parameters as well as competitive dimensions of TQM and SCM paradigms to enjoy higher potential of business performance.

Trade-off among lean, agile, resilient and green paradigms: an empirical study on pharmaceutical industry in Jordan using a TOPSIS-entropy method

This study proposes an integrated multi-criteria decision analysis method (MCDM) to analyse trade-offs among different supply chain management (SCM) paradigms associated with competitive priorities. The study employs the entropy method to derive the alternative weights of the evaluation criteria. The study also employs the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) to rank feasible alternatives in order of preference, and then measure trade-offs among the conflicting objectives. A sensitivity analysis is performed to confirm the robustness of the proposed model. An empirical study approach is used to identify the trade-offs in the pharmaceutical supply chains context. The results indicate that the TOPSIS and entropy methods can be utilised in a multi-decision analysis process in which SCM paradigms should be implemented in order to positively influence the competitive position. The findings also reveal that competitive priorities differ between each paradigm. For the pharmaceutical industry of Jordan, the sequence of competitive priorities that arise from this study is thus: first 'quality' should be developed, then 'know-how', 'flexibility', 'delivery', 'customer focus', 'innovation', and finally, 'cost'. This finding represents that, the competitive priority that is most affected by the SCM paradigms is the 'quality' priority.

A MODEL TO EVALUATE SUPPLY CHAIN TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION INFLUENCE ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE

Supply Chain Management (SCM) aims to achieve organizational competitiveness. By including SCM paradigm and Information Technology (IT), companies aim to enhance their responsiveness and flexibility, and by changing their operations’ strategy, they attempt to improve their competitiveness. This study focuses on the organizational variable, IT capabilities, technological structure, and possible antecedents and their impact on Supply Chain Technology (SCT) implementation. This paper proposes a model to examine the way, which SCT implementation affects IT enabled Organizational Performance (OP). The data were achieved through the questionnaires, and then they were analysed by using Smart PLS 3 program. The data collected from 118 employees in IT sector of Iran’s customs administration provide strong support to the proposed research model. The results of this research showed that SCT implementation has a mediating effect on IT enabled OP improvement. Besides, the study revealed that IT capabilities have the most and organizational variable has the least influence on implementation of SCT. Based on other organization’s situations, they can use the suggested model with a little changes.

Enhancing the competitive advantages of Vietnamese coffee through the exploration of causal loop modelling in the supply chain

Coffee supply chain management is the global operational strategy for enhancing the competitiveness of coffee companies. Enterprises are attempting to find ways to improve their competitiveness by changing their operation strategy through methods that include the implementation of the supply chain management paradigm. However, a thorough and critical review of existing literature is yet to be carried out in order to identify pertinent factors and gain useful insights into the role and effectiveness of causal loop modelling in coffee supply chain management. In this paper, researchers develop causal relationships among different variables that present enablers and outcomes - operating within many identified feedback loops. The resulting causal loop model provides coffee production managers with a snapshot of the dynamic interactions among elements in the coffee supply chain, which helps to identify proactive action in implementing the coffee supply chain philosophy for increasing the competitiveness of coffee products. Based on this review and analysis, recommendations are made regarding the application of the causal loop method in coffee supply chain management. Important future research directions are also indicated.

Enhancing the competitive advantages of Vietnamese coffee through the exploration of causal loop modelling in the supply chain

Coffee supply chain management is the global operational strategy for enhancing the competitiveness of coffee companies. Enterprises are attempting to find ways to improve their competitiveness by changing their operation strategy through methods that include the implementation of the supply chain management paradigm. However, a thorough and critical review of existing literature is yet to be carried out in order to identify pertinent factors and gain useful insights into the role and effectiveness of causal loop modelling in coffee supply chain management. In this paper, researchers develop causal relationships among different variables that present enablers and outcomes - operating within many identified feedback loops. The resulting causal loop model provides coffee production managers with a snapshot of the dynamic interactions among elements in the coffee supply chain, which helps to identify proactive action in implementing the coffee supply chain philosophy for increasing the competitiveness of coffee products. Based on this review and analysis, recommendations are made regarding the application of the causal loop method in coffee supply chain management. Important future research directions are also indicated.

LARG index

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to suggest a lean, agile, resilient, and green (LARG) index as a benchmarking tool to assess the leanness, agility, resilience and the greenness of the automotive companies and corresponding supply chain (SC).Design/methodology/approach– The proposed index incorporates LARG supply chain management paradigms and corresponding practices being both weighted according to their importance for the automotive SC sustainability. The Delphi technique is used to obtain the weights for each SC paradigm and a linear aggregated method is proposed. A case study approach related to the automotive SC is chosen to illustrate the LARG index application.Findings– The case study results confirmed the usefulness and ease of application of LARG index in a real world SC. The application of the suggested index to a set of companies, and consequently to their SC, makes possible to identify: the better and worst performer company in each paradigm, the LARG practices with higher levels of application among the companies, the LARG index for each company and also for the corresponding SC. This becomes an important benchmarking tool since comparative analysis regarding the LARG behaviours are possible to perform with the suggested index.Research limitations/implications– More LARG practices could be considered to improve the robustness of the index. Future studies should be conducted across more companies for improving the effectiveness of the approach, and more members should be included in the panel of Delphi technique for enhancing the validity of the suggested approach.Practical implications– SC companies will be able to assess their performance in terms of leanness, agility, resilience and greenness. A study like this could encourage all automotive companies to benchmark their organizations as regards their competitors, the best in class, and also the industry average.Originality/value– This paper contributes to the literature by introducing a new index for measuring the leanness, agility, resilience and greenness of companies and SCs. This index can be used by managers as a benchmarking tool to identify their LARG behaviour and compare it with their SC partners and seek for improvement.

TO THE QUESTION OF THE ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN

The article explores the history and usage of the of common expression ‘logistical chain’. The semantics suggests that the phrase is still under development and consensus has yet to be reached. Along with the term, the other phrases, such as ‘logistics system’ and ‘supply chain’ have been developed as synonyms. Meanwhile, the differentiation of these terms is considered as an inevitable task in the case of the realisation of an independent supply chain management paradigm. In this regard, for the assessment of the efficiency of the logistics chain, the model of flow (or modules) management and an integrated vector criterion is proposed.

Analysis of enablers for the implementation of leagile supply chain management using an integrated fuzzy QFD approach

Global competition and market uncertainty has forced organizations to become more responsive and efficient which thereby drives interest in the concept of supply chain leanness and agility. The leagile supply chain management paradigm includes lean and agile principles and has attained greater importance in the current scenario. The objective of this work is to identify the most appropriate leagile enablers for implementation by companies based on the characteristics of the related market by linking competitive bases, leagile attributes and leagile enablers. In this paper, a quality function deployment (QFD) approach integrated with analytical hierarchy process and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution is proposed to enhance the leagility of the supply chain. Fuzzy logic is used to deal with linguistic judgments expressing relationships and the correlations required by QFD. The presentation of a case study from the Indian food processing industry illustrates the proposed methodology. This approach will help the management to exploit the most influential enablers in achieving the desired degree of leagility.

Impact of supply chain management practices on sustainability

Abstract This paper aims to investigate the impact of lean, resilient and green supply chain management practices on supply chain sustainability. A deductive research approach was used to derive a conceptual model. Eighteen research propositions are suggested and tested with empirical data derived from five case studies belonging to the Portuguese automotive supply chain. A conceptual model to assess the impact of lean, resilient and green practices on supply chain sustainability was derived from the data analysis. The practices with significant impact on supply chain sustainability are: “waste elimination,” “supply chain risk management” and “cleaner production.” The following lean, resilient and green supply chain management practices do not have a significant impact on supply chain sustainability: “flexible transportation,” “flexible sourcing,” “ISO 14001 certification,” and “reverse logistics.” The paper provides a taxonomy for lean, resilient and green supply chain management practices at three levels: upstream, organization and downstream. Practitioners can use this taxonomy as a checklist to identify possible practices to achieve their sustainability goals. The proposed model makes it possible for researchers to develop surveys in order to better explore the proposed relationships. This paper presents an innovative approach since it studies simultaneously the three dimensions of sustainability (environmental, social and economic), and the lean, resilient and green supply chain management paradigms which are considered strategic for supply chain competitiveness. Identification of the conceptual relationships between supply chain management practices and sustainability is a contribution that the authors hope will become a forward step in the development of new theoretical approaches and empirical research in the field of supply chain management and sustainability.

Focus on Fairtrade: Propositions for Integrating Fairtrade and Supply Chain Management Research

Driven by increased consumer interest and stakeholder pressure, the number of Fairtrade (FT) products has been steadily increasing. The mainstreaming of FT means that the products are now facing stiff competition within the generic product categories in which they operate. While consumers may pressure organizations for ethical conduct, they are less willing to pay premium prices for fairly traded products. For FT to continue to grow, more efficient operating models are required to offset the premium prices paid to producers to ensure competitiveness in the market. One such improvement approach may be the management of FT supply chains. To investigate the feasibility of this approach, this article systematically combines literature on FT with key supply chain management (SCM) constructs and theories. We discuss existing SCM paradigms in the context of FT and demonstrate aspects where the efficiency of FT chains needs to be improved to ensure their viability. We present propositions that demonstrate the key limitations of the FT model from the point of view of SCM theory and practice and suggest the potential changes needed in the management of FT supply chains. The article provides a timely first attempt to systematically combine FT with SCM constructs, thus establishing a basis for the further development of FT chains and for the improvement of the operating efficiency within them.

Rapid manufacturing: impact on supply chain methodologies and practice

This paper demonstrates the use of Rapid Manufacturing (RM) as the enabling technology for flexible manufacturing in a number of industrial sectors. This paper discusses the evolution of Rapid Prototyping (RP) to RM and the current issues that require further research for the successful integration of this technology within manufacturing companies. The use of RM will have particular impact on supply chain management paradigms such as lean and agile and has particular strategic fit with mass customisation. The effect of RM will have on these paradigms is discussed and confirmed with example cases from automotive production, motor sport and medical devices industries. In conclusion, RM has already been shown in the three cases to offer benefits, particularly where fast reconfiguration of the manufacturing process is required and with the production of customised components.

Information systems in supply chain integration and management

Supply chain management (SCM) is the 21st century global operations strategy for achieving organizational competitiveness. Companies are attempting to find ways to improve their flexibility and responsiveness and in turn competitiveness by changing their operations strategy, methods and technologies that include the implementation of SCM paradigm and information technology (IT). However, a thorough and critical review of literature is yet to be carried out with the objective of bringing out pertinent factors and useful insights into the role and implications of IT in SCM. In this paper, the literature available on IT in SCM have been classified using suitable criteria and then critically reviewed to develop a framework for studying the applications of IT in SCM. Based on this review and analysis, recommendations have been made regarding the application of IT in SCM and some future research directions are indicated.

Toward the Development of a Supply Chain Management Paradigm: A Conceptual Framework

SUMMARYThis article provides a structured analysis for conceptual and theoretical developments in the field of supply chain management. The article proposes a conceptualization of the supply chain problem domain called the “3S Model.” The model highlights three dimensions of interest to supply chain scholars and practitioners alike: the synthesis of the business and resources network; the characteristics of synergy between different actors in the network; and the synchronization of all operational decisions related to the control of the production and delivery of goods and services.