Supply Chain Operational Performance Research Articles

Supply chain integration and operational performance of Kenya’s public health sector

This research objective is to determine the effect of the Supply Chain Integration dimensions on the operational performance of the of Kenya’s public health sector level five hospitals. The results are based on close-ended questionnaires from one hundred and sixty-four respondents working in the level five health facilities supply chain selected using simple random sampling. The data collected was subjected to completeness checks, before it was cleaned, coded, and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) for the generation of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results show that Supplier integration (β1, = 0.276; p value=0.000), customer integration (β2, = 0.119; p value=0.016) and internal integration (β3, = 0.232; p value=0.000) have a significant effect on operational performance. The R2was 0.429, indicating that 42.9% of the variation in operational performance is explicated by the variation of Supply chain integration dimensions. This implies that all three supply chain integration dimensions significantly influence operational performance. The study concludes that the government needs to internally integrate and embrace forward and backward integration with the customers and suppliers to leap the full benefits of an integrated health sector to accomplish the universal health care goals.

The Impacts of Different Dimensions of Supply Chain Integrations on Operational Performance Outcome Efficiency in the Fruit Supply Chain Management: A Comparative Study of Kerala and Sidama Zone.

The present study was undertaken with main objective of the impact of different dimensions of supply chain integration on operational outcome efficiency in the fruit supply chain on the comparative bases between Kerala state and Sidama Zone. For the purpose of the study, both primary and secondary sources of data/information were comprehensively revised and analyzed. Primary data were collected from 384 the fruit sellers in each study area (Kerala state and Sidama Zone). Whereas Secondary data sources were obtained from review of related books, journals, magazines, internet websites and Horticulture Mission Office, Vegetables and fruit promotions council office, Farm Information Bureau of Kerala State, districts revenue offices, districts' agricultural offices, trade and industry office, health sectors, recorded documents and annual reports in both the study areas. The collected data were organized and interpreted using statistical tools such as percentage, frequencies, means and econometric model i.e. multiple linear regressions. The result of multiple linear regression analysis shows that independent variables such as storage facility, inventory management, transportation access, procurement, internal integrations and eternal integrations were found to have significant effects on the fruits supply chain management operational performance outcome efficiency in both the study areas. Based on the findings, certain recommendations were forwarded to improve the supply chain operational performance of the fruits.

Environmental scanning, supply chain integration, responsiveness, and operational performance

PurposeIt remains unclear how environmental scanning (ES) can generate firm performance through supply chain management (SCM) practices. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of ES on operational performance through supply chain integration (SCI) and supply chain responsiveness (SCR).Design/methodology/approachThe scanning–interpretation–action–performance (SIAP) model and organization information processing theory (OIPT) are used to explain the ES–SCI–SCR–performance (S–I–A–P) relationships, which were tested by structural equation modeling of survey data of 329 manufacturing firms in China.FindingsThe results indicate that ES has a significant positive effect on SCI and SCR. SCI is significantly and positively related to SCR. SCR partially mediates the relationship between ES and operational performance, and fully mediates the relationship between SCI and operational performance.Practical implicationsSupply chain managers should collaborate with senior executives to obtain signals from ES activities, as input for building SCI and SCR and use SCI as a joint interpretation mechanism of ES signals for developing SCR to reap operational advantages in the rapidly changing business environment.Originality/valueStrategic management academics and practitioners have explicitly emphasized the importance of ES in developing strategic plans but are unsure about the role of SCM in creating operational advantages through ES. Using the SIAP model, this study theorizes and demonstrates how SCI and SCR transform signals from ES into operational performance. In doing so, a more precise application of OIPT is explicated in the supply chain context.

The mediating effect of internal integration on the relationship between supply chain integration and operational performance: Evidence from Moroccan manufacturing companies

Purpose: This paper aims to explain the direct effect of supply chain integration on operational performance of manufacturing companies and the mediating effect of internal integration on the relationship between external integration and operational performance.Design/methodology/approach: From an organizational capabilities perspective we consider internal integration as a set of intra-organizational capabilities and customer integration and supplier integration as a set of inter-organizational capabilities. In the basis of a sample of 75 Moroccan manufacturing companies, we used PLS – Structural Equation Modeling to study the direct effect of customer integration, internal integration and supplier integration on operational performance of manufacturers and to analyze the mediating effect of internal integration. Findings: The results show that customer integration, internal integration and supplier integration are all positively and significantly related to operational performance of the manufacturer and internal integration mediates relationship between costumer integration and operational performance but not relationship between supplier integration and operational performance. Research limitations/implications: This study focuses on a set of best practices for integrating flows and business processes that industrial companies need to implement in order to create value for final consumer and show how to use internal integration practices to benefit more from external integration.Originality/value: The result of this study extends the developing body of literature on supply chain integration by analyzing the effect of interaction between internal and external integration on the operational performance towards an organizational capabilities perspective in a specific Moroccan industrial context.

O efeito mediador da resource based view (RBV) na relação entre gestão da cadeia de suprimentos e desempenho operacional

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar a mediação da resource based view (RBV) na relação entre gestão da cadeia suprimentos (GCS) e desempenho operacional (DO), tendo como amostras, as empresas dos polos de tecnologia do Brasil. Para tal, realizou-se um estudo exploratório e descritivo composto de duas fases. A primeira, do tipo qualitativo foram coletados dados em uma amostra de 10 empresas e tratadas pela análise de conteúdo. A segunda, do tipo quantitativo, precedido de pré-teste, foram coletados dados junto a uma amostra de 125 empresas e tratadas pela estatística multivariada. O resultado mostrou que a RBV exerce função mediadora entre GCS e DO, pois os valores de coeficiente estrutural e valor t achados no modelo foram maiores na presença da RBV do que na relação direta entre GCS e DO.

Role of compatibility and supply chain process integration in facilitating supply chain capabilities and organizational performance

Purpose This study aims to investigate how compatibility between supply chain partners’ technological systems, as well as cultural and operational values, enhance supply chain process integration. Additionally, the paper examines whether supply chain capabilities mediate the relationship between supply chain process integration and organizational performance. The contradictory findings on the relationship between supply chain process integration and organizational performance in prior research point to the need for investigating the possibility of supply chain capabilities having a mediating effect on the link between the two factors. Design/methodology/approach The study used survey data from 302 managers and executives responsible for supply chain functions in food and hardware retailing businesses in Australia. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the proposed hypotheses, and then Zhao et al.’s (2010) procedure was used to test for mediation effects. Findings The results indicate that technical, operational and cultural compatibility facilitates supply chain process integration. In support of dynamic capabilities theory, the study reveals the importance of integrating resources among supply chain partners to achieve supply chain capabilities, operational and competitive performance. Additionally, the current study found supply chain capabilities to play a mediating role on the relationships between supply chain process integration and organizational performance. Originality/value The paper contributes to supply chain management literature by identifying technical, operational and cultural compatibility as antecedents to supply chain process integration. By revealing the mediating role of supply chain capabilities, the paper highlights how supply chain process integration enhance operational and competitive performance.

Supply chain risk assessment in pharmaceutical industries: an empirical approach

Supply chain risks are one of the significant hurdles faced by the organisations in achieving operational excellence. The purpose of this study is to assess the supply chain risks in the pharmaceutical industries and their influence on supply chain operational performance (SCOP). Through extent literature review, we have identified 44 items which are classified under five constructs consisting of supplier risk (SR), production risk (PR), demand risk (DR), infrastructure risk (IR) and macro risk (MR). Using these constructs, a structured questionnaire has been developed. An online survey was conducted in the pharmaceutical industries yielding a response rate of 66.20%. To validate the hypotheses between these constructs and SCOP, we used Structural equation modelling (SEM). From the SEM result expect demand risks, all other threats have the negative relationship with SCOP (i.e., the higher the chances, the lower the SCOP).Further, to rank the organisation based on their SCOP, we proposed a supply chain risk assessment index (SCRAI) based on the ratings obtained from the experts using Fuzzy techniques. From these results, it is clear that SCRAI is essential for evaluating the organisation's efficiency on supply chain operations.

Supply chain risk assessment in pharmaceutical industries: an empirical approach

Supply chain risks are one of the significant hurdles faced by the organisations in achieving operational excellence. The purpose of this study is to assess the supply chain risks in the pharmaceutical industries and their influence on supply chain operational performance (SCOP). Through extent literature review, we have identified 44 items which are classified under five constructs consisting of supplier risk (SR), production risk (PR), demand risk (DR), infrastructure risk (IR) and macro risk (MR). Using these constructs, a structured questionnaire has been developed. An online survey was conducted in the pharmaceutical industries yielding a response rate of 66.20%. To validate the hypotheses between these constructs and SCOP, we used Structural equation modelling (SEM). From the SEM result expect demand risks, all other threats have the negative relationship with SCOP (i.e., the higher the chances, the lower the SCOP).Further, to rank the organisation based on their SCOP, we proposed a supply chain risk assessment index (SCRAI) based on the ratings obtained from the experts using Fuzzy techniques. From these results, it is clear that SCRAI is essential for evaluating the organisation's efficiency on supply chain operations.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology as a strategic tool towards higher performance of supply chain operations in textile and apparel industry of Malaysia

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology as a strategic tool towards higher performance of supply chain operations in textile and apparel industry of Malaysia

Relationship between customer collaboration in supply chain management and operational performance of manufacturing companies

This paper presents the results of empirical analysis on the relationship between customer collaboration practices in supply chain management and operational performance of manufacturing companies. Data were collected between 2013 and 2015 from 304 manufacturing companies in 13 countries across the world in the framework of high-performance manufacturing project. The results of statistical descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis indicate that customer collaboration practices have positive relationship with operational performance in terms of quality, cost, delivery speed, on-time delivery and flexibility. This study suggests the researchers and managers to develop and implement a set of customer collaboration practices to improve supply chain management effectiveness.

The mediating role of technology and logistic integration in the relationship between supply chain capability and supply chain operational performance

The mediating role of technology and logistic integration in the relationship between supply chain capability and supply chain operational performance

The Impact of Information Technology Capability on Supply Chain Technology Adoption and Supply Chain Operational Performance: a Resource based View

Organization increasingly relies on the supply chain technology to improve the supply chain operational performance. Yet, past evidence suggests that the adoption of supply chain technology does not guarantee enhanced supply chain operational performance. Drawing from the Resource Based View, this study found that information technology (IT) capability enabled supply chain technology adoption in achieving supply chain operational performance. Supply chain technology serves as a system in transforming IT capability into a higher value resources for an organization. The adoption of supply chain technology in managing supply chain deserved attention from researchers and practitioners, because business benefits from supply chain technology adoption improve firm’s supply chain performances which enhance reliability, improve responsiveness, increase agility, and minimize cost in operation functions. This study provides a unique theoretical framework intended to aid researchers and practitioners develop a more thorough understanding of the linkages between information technology capability, supply chain technology adoption, and supply chain operational performance. The total of 201 questionnaires were sent to Malaysia's textile and apparel company that is listed in the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) and Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) directory. The total of 121 usable responses were obtained and analyzed through Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The discussion of this study is followed by presenting the results of the survey on the relationship of IT capability on supply chain technology adoption and supply chain operational performance. The results shown that supply chain technology adoption is mediating the relationship between IT capability and supply chain operation performance.

Supply chain quality integration: relational antecedents and operational consequences

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impacts of relational capital on supply chain quality integration (SCQI) and operational performance from the holistic perspective of the entire supply chain.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling with LISREL was used to test the conceptual model based on data collected from 308 companies in China.FindingsThe results indicate that with the exception of internal relational capital not having a significant impact on customer quality integration, supplier, internal and customer relational capital have positive impacts on supplier, internal and customer quality integration, which consequently improve operational performance. The results also show that internal relational capital has positive impacts on supplier and customer relational capital, and internal quality integration has positive impacts on supplier and customer quality integration.Practical implicationsThe results provide important managerial insights for the improvement of operational performance through the development of relational capital and the implementation of SCQI practices throughout the supply chain.Originality/valueThe authors contribute to the relational capital and supply chain quality management literature by exploring the effectiveness of relational capital in improving SCQI and operational performance from the holistic perspective of the entire supply chain. The findings enrich the knowledge of SCQI management from the perspective of relational capital.

Extending green supply chain management activities to manufacturing small and medium enterprises in a developing economy

Background: The implementation of green supply chain management activities as a business strategy remains unfamiliar to many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries such as South Africa. Setting: Implementation of green supply chain management activities by South African SMEs is necessary, given both the high failure rate of such enterprises in the country and the proven ability of such activities to promote the success of businesses. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between green supply chain management activities, operational performance and supply chain performance in manufacturing SMEs in South Africa. Methods: Data were collected from 219 manufacturing SMEs operating within Gauteng. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the psychometric properties of measurement scales. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling. Results: Four green supply chain management activities, namely green purchasing, reverse logistics, environmental collaboration with suppliers and green manufacturing, exerted a positive influence on operational performance. Environmental collaboration with suppliers exerted the highest influence on operational performance when compared to green purchasing, reverse logistics and green manufacturing. In turn, operational performance exerted a strong positive influence on supply chain performance. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that manufacturing SMEs in developing countries could benefit by adopting green supply chain management activities, with improvements being realised in terms of increases in both operational and supply chain performance.

Managing risks in the fisheries supply chain using House of Risk Framework (HOR) and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM)

One of the sectors which contributes importantly to the development of Vietnam economy is fishery industry. However, during recent year, it has been witnessed many difficulties on managing the performance of the fishery supply chain operations as a whole. In this paper, a framework for supply chain risk management (SCRM) is proposed. Initially, all the activities are mapped by using Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model. Next, the risk ranking is analyzed in House of Risk. Furthermore, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) is used to identify inter-relationships among supply chain risks and to visualize the risks according to their levels. For illustration, the model has been tested in several case studies with fishery companies in Can Tho, Mekong Delta. This study identifies 22 risk events and 20 risk agents through the supply chain. Also, the risk priority could be used for further House of Risk with proactive actions in future studies.

Supply chain management practices and operational performance of fair price shops in India: an empirical study

Supply chain management practices and operational performance of fair price shops in India: an empirical study

Green supply chain management initiatives and operational competitive performance

PurposeManufacturing organizations have begun to implement green supply chain management (GSCM) practices in response to customer demand for products and services that are environmentally sustainable and that are created through environmentally sustainable practices and in response to governmental environmental regulations. Despite rising concerns about green management, there seem to be few studies investigating GSCM and its impacts on the operational competitive capabilities from a developing economy. The purpose of this paper is to understand the extent of GSCM practices’ implementation in Ghana and how such practices impact firms’ operational competitive capabilities.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling was used to study the relationship between GSCM practices and firm operational competitive performance in terms of cost, quality, flexibility, and delivery time using a survey of informants.FindingsUsing data from Ghana, the work demonstrates that GSCM practices such as environmental management systems (EMSs) and green purchasing (GP) practices will have a positive relationship with firm’s operational competitive performance in terms of cost, quality, and flexibility, but seems to have no positive relationship with delivery time. Further moderation analysis indicates that the paths from environmental management practices to reduced cost and flexibility were significant, indicating that the effect of environmental management practices on operational efficiency differs among services, manufacturing, construction and mining. The paths from Green purchase to improved quality, delivery time, flexibility, and reduced cost were insignificant.Research limitations/implicationsThe results indicate the relevance and the implications of GSCM practices such as implementing comprehensive EMSs and GP on operational competitive performance on firms from a developing country such as Ghana. Specifically, the results indicate that when organizations invest in GSCM practices, they are likely to achieve cost reductions, improved quality, and flexibility. The relationship between GSCM practices is moderated by various industrial sectors.Practical implicationsThe research shows how GSCM practices such as EMSs implementation and GP practices can enhance firm’s operational competitive performance.Originality/valueThe work illustrates and provides some insights and build on the literature in the area of green supply chain and firms’ operational competitiveness from a developing country’s environment.

Supply chain information integration, flexibility, and operational performance

PurposeSupply chain flexibility is crucial for firms to respond to uncertain circumstances caused by environmental factors, such as the diversity of customer demands, problems of product safety, and adjustments of industrial policies. To investigate the approach to enhance supply chain flexibility, the purpose of this paper is to propose that both internal and external information integration contribute to reactive and proactive supply chain flexibilities, which elicit high operational performance.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of 84 food companies that have been listed three years in China and content analysis based on their annual reports, evidence was collected to test the hypotheses through hierarchical regressions.FindingsThe results reveal that external information integration results in both reactive and proactive flexibilities, which further improve operational performance. Internal information integration positively affects both reactive and proactive flexibilities, but its mediating role was not determined in the study.Originality/valueThe research provides insights into how supply chain flexibility mediates the effect of supply chain information integration on operational performance in the context of the Chinese food industry.

Coordination quality index: a metric for measuring the quality of coordination efforts in humanitarian supply chain

The effectiveness of the coordination practice has a direct consequence on the performance of humanitarian supply chain operations and it becomes imperative for the managers to quantify the effectiveness of the coordination activities. This study aims to provide humanitarian agencies with a tool to measure effectiveness of its coordination strategies. Coordination quality index (CQI) is introduced as an aggregate measure of the degree of implementation of various coordination practices carried out. Furthermore, the application of the proposed methodology is demonstrated in the setting of Chennai flood relief activities. The results indicate that the overall quality score obtained for coordination during the Chennai floods was moderate to low. The major reason for the poor coordination was due to poor information sharing, large diversity of actors and lack of streamlined organisational mandates. It also found that, though there were efforts to improve coordination, the expected benefits of these activities were not achieved.

Coordination quality index: a metric for measuring the quality of coordination efforts in humanitarian supply chain

The effectiveness of the coordination practice has a direct consequence on the performance of humanitarian supply chain operations and it becomes imperative for the managers to quantify the effectiveness of the coordination activities. This study aims to provide humanitarian agencies with a tool to measure effectiveness of its coordination strategies. Coordination quality index (CQI) is introduced as an aggregate measure of the degree of implementation of various coordination practices carried out. Furthermore, the application of the proposed methodology is demonstrated in the setting of Chennai flood relief activities. The results indicate that the overall quality score obtained for coordination during the Chennai floods was moderate to low. The major reason for the poor coordination was due to poor information sharing, large diversity of actors and lack of streamlined organisational mandates. It also found that, though there were efforts to improve coordination, the expected benefits of these activities were not achieved.