Supply Chain Policies Research Articles

Integrated multi-manned disassembly line balancing problem with reverse supply chain design strategies by considering lot sizing

ABSTRACT Due to strict governmental regulations, manufacturers have increasingly focused on recovering end-of-life (EoL) products through disassembly lines, aiming to achieve economic benefits while addressing the environmental aspects of supply chain sustainability. Disassembly line balancing (DLB) has become a key challenge for enterprises seeking to perform environmentally conscious manufacturing as part of a closed-loop supply chain policy. Therefore, designing a sustainable closed-loop supply chain requires analyzing interrelated problems by focusing on strategic-, tactical-, and operational-level decisions simultaneously. This study introduces an integrated problem that addresses multi-manned DLB, lot sizing, and reverse supply chain (RSC) design problems. To mathematically represent the problem, a generic optimization model is developed to minimize overall costs, including station opening, inventory holding, shortage, transportation, and collection center/facility opening costs. This study addresses several research questions to explore the impact of distribution strategies (centralized and decentralized) on multi-manned DLB and lot size decisions within the context of reverse supply chain design.

Pricing policies of dual-channel green supply chain: considering manufacturers’ dual behavioural preferences and government subsidies

As the green economy and e-commerce evolve, some manufacturers begin to engage in green production and use online direct channels to enhance competitiveness. However, the additional cost of green production makes manufacturers often show dual behavioural preferences of fairness concern and risk aversion when making decisions. Based on this, this study constructs the optimal pricing model of a dual-channel green supply chain, considering dual behavioural preferences of manufacturers’ fairness concern and risk aversion. In addition, no government subsidy, government research and development cost subsidy and green degree subsidy are also considered. This paper uses the Stackelberg game to find the optimal solution for the model. The findings illustrate that (1) Government subsidy mechanisms cannot coordinate the effects of manufacturers’ dual behavioural preferences on pricing policies of a dual-channel green supply chain. (2) Under the three different government subsidy conditions, manufacturers’ fairness concern and risk aversion will all reduce the green degree of products and online direct price of products. (3) The government research and development cost subsidy and green degree subsidy can both improve the green degree of products, offline retail price, market demand and members’ expected profits.

Postpartum Women's Experiences of Postnatal Care in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis.

Postnatal care (PNC) is a critical service for the health and well-being of new mothers and newborns. However, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), most efforts to improve maternal and child health have been directed toward enhancing skilled birth attendance and urgent obstetric and neonatal care. This is despite the fact that more than half of maternal deaths globally occur in the postnatal period, with 65% of these occurring in the first week following birth. One of the health system factors influencing PNC utilization is the women's previous PNC experience at healthcare facilities. The aim of this review was to gain a better understanding of women's experiences of PNC in SSA. This study followed a qualitative evidence synthesis design. The phenomenon of interest was postpartum women's experiences of PNC in SSA. PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Science Direct, Africa Journals Online (AJOL), SCOPUS, and Google Scholar were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2013 and 2023. To assess the quality of the included studies, we used an appraisal tool developed by the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre. Two authors independently extracted relevant data from the included studies. Thomas and Harden's thematic synthesis framework was used to synthesize the data. Eight articles were used in this review. Seven articles reported on qualitative studies, and one reported on a mixed-method study. All the included studies fully or partially met the 12 quality assessment criteria. Synthesis of the data resulted in the development of five analytical themes. The five themes were the adequacy of physical examination and communication of the findings, adequacy of PNC information, the quality of interactions with healthcare workers (HCWs), the availability of resources and adequacy of HCWs, and denial of care. The overall confidence in the review's findings was either moderate or high. Based on our findings, we recommend that countries in the region address staff shortages, implement task shifting, electronic medicine stock management systems, optimal supply chain policies, and train HCWs on PNC and interpersonal communication skills.

Optimal product pricing and lot sizing decisions for an omni-channel supply chain

In an omni-channel supply chain, companies offer customers multiple channels to interact with their brand. This allows for greater outreach and sales, resulting in increased customer loyalty and trust. Furthermore, there has been little discussion on the simultaneous consideration of strategic and tactical decisions under return policies in omni-channel supply chains. To maximize total profit, this research proposes a two-echelon supply chain, comprising a manufacturer and multiple retailers, including traditional, electronic and omni-channels. The non-deterministic demand function takes into account the sales price, refund price, delivery time and order quantities. A heuristic algorithm based on analysis of Karush–Kuhn–Tucker optimality conditions used to solve a nonlinear programming model. This research presents an analysis of the factors influencing the decision variables and profit of the entire supply chain and offers retailers a unique way to evaluate their performance and make operational decisions regarding price, delivery time and order quantities.

Dynamic Optimization of a Supply Chain Operation Model with Multiple Products

Determination of the optimal operational policy for an automotive supply chain is explored under a centralized management approach using dynamic programming. A deterministic optimal control model is proposed to meet multi-product demand over a period while minimizing a cost performance index for a five-echelon network. The production-inventory levels are the state variables and the raw material acquisition rates are the control variables to be decided in the problem. The novelties include parts mixing operations, assembly requirements, and a push–pull chain operation strategy. The continuous model is solved using Iterative Dynamic Programming, an algorithm with successful applications in chemical engineering problems. Its implementation here is the first in supply chain (SC) management models. The results demonstrate that the proposal is suitable to represent the dynamic behavior of the SC and provides useful information to outline a cooperative decision-making process. Managerial insights are derived to improve the resilience and efficiency of the chain.

Optimal strategies for carbon emissions policies in competitive closed-loop supply chains: A comparative analysis of carbon tax and cap-and-trade policies

This study addresses a comparative analysis of carbon emissions policies and optimal decisions in competitive closed-loop supply chains. It examines three policy scenarios: a single carbon tax, a single cap-and-trade, and a mixed policy. Competitive intensity, the degree of competition among manufacturers, and product recycling rate, a key element in closed-loop supply chains, can impact the comparative analysis of carbon policies and optimal decisions in competitive closed-loop supply chains. A supply chain system is constructed, consisting of two manufacturers and a shared retailer. We employ a decentralized decision-making approach, with a Cournot game between the manufacturers and a Stackelberg game with the retailer. The analysis considers the impacts of carbon tax, carbon trading price, and recycling rate on optimal decisions and total supply chain profit. The results demonstrate that the mixed carbon policy can yield superior economic and environmental benefits compared with the single carbon tax policy. Mixed policies are likely to be relatively less profitable in most cases than a single cap-and-trade policy. Notably, when the mixed carbon quota exceeds a certain threshold, the mixed policy surpasses the single cap-and-trade policy both economically and environmentally. This study extends previous research by examining the impacts of the recycling rate and various carbon policies on supply chain decisions and profit. The findings offer insights into optimal strategies for reducing supply chain carbon emissions, which benefits policymakers and managers. Finally, it suggests that enterprises should consider a mixed carbon policy to balance economic and environmental goals.

Supply chain resilience in the tourism and hospitality industry: A comprehensive examination of driving and restraining forces

Supply chain disruptions and a lack of resilient supply chains have adverse impact on the global economy. Particularly, complex nature of the tourism and hospitality industry makes it even more susceptible to failure when supply chain resiliency is rather low or does not exist. However, despite its significance, a comprehensive and systematic examination of building resilience in tourism and hospitality supply chains (THSCs) is lacking in the extant literature. The purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive framework that outlines the driving and restraining forces for building resilient THSCs. The decision framework proposed in this study integrates rough interval valued neutrosophic (RIVN) force field theory of change with RIVN-ISM-MICMAC methodology. The results showed that the restraining forces, such as lack of effective regulations and incentives and effective organizational and supply chain policies are the primary factors that constrain improving resilience in THSCs. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Which government policies to create sustainable food systems have the potential to simultaneously address undernutrition, obesity and environmental sustainability?

IntroductionA transformation of food systems is urgently needed, given their contribution to three ongoing and interlinked global health pandemics: (1) undernutrition and food insecurity, (2) obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and (3) climate change and biodiversity loss. As policymakers make decisions that shape food systems, this study aimed to identify and prioritise policies with double- or triple-duty potential to achieve healthier and more environmentally sustainable food systems.MethodsThis study undertook a 4-step methodological approach, including (i) a compilation of international policy recommendations, (ii) an online survey, (iii) four regional workshops with international experts and (iv) a ranking for prioritisation. Policies were identified and prioritised based on their double- or triple-duty potential, synergies and trade-offs. Using participatory and transdisciplinary approaches, policies were identified to have double- or triple-duty potential if they were deemed effective in tackling two or three of the primary outcomes of interest: (1) undernutrition, (2) obesity/NCDs and (3) environmental degradation.ResultsThe desk review identified 291 recommendations for governments, which were merged and classified into 46 initially proposed policies. Based on the results from the online survey, 61% of those policies were perceived to have double- or triple-duty potential. During the workshops, 4 potential synergies and 31 trade-offs of these policies were identified. The final list of 44 proposed policies for healthier and more environmentally sustainable food systems created was divided into two main policy domains: ‘food supply chains’ and ‘food environments’. The outcome with the most trade-offs identified was ‘undernutrition’, followed by ‘environmental sustainability’, and ‘obesity/NCDs’. Of the top five expert-ranked food supply chain policies, two were perceived to have triple-duty potential: (a) incentives for crop diversification; (b) support for start-ups, and small- and medium-sized enterprises. For food environments, three of the top five ranked policies had perceived triple-duty potential: (a) affordability of healthier and more sustainable diets; (b) subsidies for healthier and more sustainable foods; (c) restrictions on children's exposure to marketing through all media.ConclusionThis study identified and prioritised a comprehensive list of double- and triple-duty government policies for creating healthier and more environmentally sustainable food systems. As some proposed policies may have trade-offs across outcomes, they should be carefully contextualised, designed, implemented and monitored.

Classic Performing Arts Supply Chain Modeling in Covid 19 Protocol to Support D.I Yogyakarta Cultural Tourism Using Soft System Methodology

The performing arts are a unique and complex industry. To enjoy performing arts products, a customer must come to the rooms where the performance takes place. Performance products can be categorized as service products that do not have a physical form. Every performing arts performance always involves many works of art with a high level of coordination. The flow of materials and information (supply chain) moves very quickly within the limitations of space and time. Because the success of performing arts is influenced by many factors and actors, a performing arts manager must be able to manage the performing arts supply chain well.The Corona Virus Disease 19 (Covid-19) pandemic which has hit almost all corners of the world has formed new patterns of human behavior in working and interacting. Likewise, organizing and enjoying performing arts will look different compared to before the Covid-19 outbreak. The implementation of health protocols is needed to minimize the spread of the virus which has infected more than 13.2 billion people throughout the world.The performing arts supply chain policy model in the Covid-19 protocol to support cultural tourism in D.I Yogyakarta can be implemented by following the Joint Decree Guidelines of the Minister of Education and the Minister of Tourism and Economy dated 02 July 2020. Each actor must pay attention to the technical guidelines for preventing and controlling corona virus disease 2019. Each actor guarantees the hygiene of their respective performing arts equipment. Each actor maintains the form and duration of physical contact and pays attention to health protocols in activities throughout the performing arts supply chain. The performing arts model during the pandemic is realized in regulations that are in accordance with the technical guidelines for preventing and controlling the 2019 corona virus disease.

How well does the implementation of corporate zero-deforestation commitments in Indonesia align with aims to halt deforestation and include smallholders?

In response to growing scrutiny surrounding commodity-driven deforestation, companies have introduced zero-deforestation commitments (ZDCs) with ambitious environmental and social targets. However, such initiatives may not effectively reduce deforestation if they are not aligned with the spatial extent of remaining forests at risk. They may also fail to avert socio-economic risks if ZDCs do not consider smallholder farmers’ needs. We assess the spatial and functional fit of ZDCs by mapping commodity-driven deforestation and socio-economic risks, and comparing them to the spatial coverage and implementation of ZDCs in the Indonesian palm oil sector. Our study finds that companies’ ZDCs often underperform in four areas: traceability, compliance support for high-risk palm oil mills, transparency, and smallholder inclusion. In 2020, only one-third of companies sourcing from their own mills, and just 6% of those sourcing from external suppliers, achieved full traceability to plantations. Comparing the reach of ZDCs adopted by downstream buyers with those adopted by mill owners located further upstream, we find that high-quality ZDCs from buyers covered 62% of forests at risk, while mill owners’ ZDCs only covered 23% of forests at risk within the mill supply base. In Kalimantan and Papua, the current and future deforestation frontiers, the forests most at risk of conversion were predominantly covered by weak ZDCs lacking in policy comprehensiveness and implementation. Additionally, we find that only 46% of independent smallholder oil palm plots are in mill supply sheds whose owners offer programs and support for independent smallholders, indicating that smallholder inclusion is a significant challenge for ZDC companies. These results highlight the lack of spatial and functional alignment between supply chain policies and their local context as a significant gap in ZDC implementation and a challenge that the EU Deforestation Regulation will face.

A game-theoretical approach for the adoption of government-supported blockchain application in the IoT-enabled agricultural supply chain

Establishing a reliable, cost-effective, and data-accessible supply chain is a requirement for all administrations. The significance of such a supply chain lies in its ability to strengthen national resiliency, ensure economic security, and foster sustainable growth. Governments know financial investments and subsidies in infrastructure, logistics, and technology are necessary for a robust supply chain. This paper proposes an IoT-enabled agricultural supply chain that integrates with a cooperative Nash game between two parties: telecommunications operators and agricultural enterprises. The aim is to establish cooperative decision-making procedures in advance of the integration of blockchain technology into the supply chain, which is regulated by the subsidy policy of the government. The Nash game yields a unique Nash equilibrium, indicating that both parties can engage in cooperative negotiations regarding their participation in the blockchain application to maximize their financial profits. To illustrate the efficacy of Nash collaboration in blockchain adoption, this study presents two scenarios where non-cooperative behavior is explored to analyze stakeholder responses in competitive contexts. Numerical results justify the theoretical findings and suggest Nash cooperation among stakeholders instead of competition in the blockchain-based agri-food market, which leads to a more accessible market environment that ultimately benefits consumers. Moreover, the positive and negative aspects of the deployment of the government-supported blockchain application are derived through sensitivity analyses conducted on subsidy rate, agricultural market price, subsidy amount, and blockchain market. Practical managerial implications are derived from the findings and observations to help policymakers formulate blockchain policies in agricultural supply chains supported by governments.

The challenge of commodity-centric governance in sacrifice frontiers: Evidence from the Brazilian Cerrado's soy sector

Conservation governance is increasingly globalized, particularly supply chain polices implemented by multinational corporations. However, the ways that local elite narratives and power networks influence the design and implementation of policies is poorly understood. We examine the role that local agribusiness narratives have on producers’ resistance to supply chain policies through the concept of the “sacrifice frontier”. We theorize sacrifice frontiers are regions where reinforcing perceptions that conversion of native vegetation has high economic potential and low conservation importance combine with rapid processes of wealth and power consolidation by agribusiness interests. We posit that these dimensions of a sacrifice frontier make rapid land use change and ongoing social and ecological harm especially probable as they reinforce constraints on sustainability governance. Here, we build on existing theories of environmental sacrifice through the case of the Cerrado biome, Brazil’s most active deforestation frontier. We argue that in the Cerrado, and other sacrifice frontiers like it, interventions that seek to reduce native vegetation loss cannot rely on supply-chain led policies, but instead need to foster more territorial multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder discussions to alter the narrative of sociocultural and biodiversity sacrifice locally. We suggest this can be achieved by paying attention to local needs in a manner that is inclusive to all land users present within a targeted landscape.

Can “dual credit” replace “subsidies” successfully? -based on analysis of vehicle supply chain decisions under the digital transformation of technology

Transportation is the second largest source of carbon emissions today, with more than 80% of the carbon emitted from automobile operations. Hence, reducing the fuel consumption per unit mileage while vigorously developing new energy vehicles has become an inevitable choice for carbon emission reduction. So, this paper applies the differential game approach to investigate the production trade-offs of fuel and new energy vehicles, fuel consumption reduction, and digital technology investment strategies in an automotive supply chain under a dynamic framework. In addition, it further analyzes whether the dual credit policy (DCP) can promote the healthy development of China's auto market after the withdrawal of the purchase subsidy policy for new energy vehicles (PSP). The results show that the implementation of DCP will reduce the sales of fuel vehicles with fuel consumption higher than the critical value (HFCV) but will not promote the willingness of manufacturers to invest in fuel consumption reduction of HFCV; the abolition of the PSP will not reduce the demand for fuel vehicles, nor will it affect the investment in fuel consumption reduction of fuel vehicles, but it will reduce the consumer demand for new energy vehicles. However, assuming that the government appropriately adjusts the intrinsic mechanism of the DCP, such as increasing the requirement for the proportion of new energy vehicles in the sales of cars by manufacturers and the value of the points per unit of new energy vehicles, it will be possible to promote the growth of new energy vehicles while discouraging the production of fuel-intensive vehicles. In addition, If the government abolishes PSP, the maximum rate of change in the profits of the manufacturer, retailer, and the entire supply chain in the parameter change intervals analyzed in our numerical example is only 1.6%, 0.04%, and 0.13%, respectively, which can be said to have minimal impact. The findings provide a theoretical basis for the government's choice of carbon regulation policy for the automotive supply chain.

Japan's Supply Chain Policy and its Implications for South Korea

Japan's Supply Chain Policy and its Implications for South Korea

Collaboration Policy for Two-Echelon Green Industrial Supply Chain with Carbon Emissions Using Particle Swarm Optimization

Collaboration Policy for Two-Echelon Green Industrial Supply Chain with Carbon Emissions Using Particle Swarm Optimization

Gasoline Policy Simulation to Increase Responsiveness Using System Dynamics: A Case Study of Indonesia’s Gasoline Downstream Supply Chain

In the supply chain, inventory planning plays a crucial role in achieving a balance between supply and demand. This study aims to investigate a supply chain policy that can achieve an impressive level of responsiveness, reaching close to 100%. Additionally, by focusing on the supply chain of RON 92 gasoline in Indonesia, the research aims to identify the key factors influencing responsiveness instability. To achieve these objectives, a simulation model was used to analyze the inventory policy, considering various factors such as demand, production, safety stock coverage, transportation delays, production capacity, and importation due to insufficient production capacity. The results showed that forecasting accuracy is the main determinant of the responsiveness rate. Moreover, maintaining a minimum inventory level of 28 days yielded an impressive 99% responsiveness rate, provided that the deviation in demand does not exceed 5% of the forecast. The analytical tool used in the system dynamics framework was a simulation, which significantly contributed to the research findings. However, it is important to note that this research has limitations, specifically in its inability to analyze crude oil supply. Therefore, further research is necessary to thoroughly examine this aspect and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the overall supply chain dynamics.

An application of deep reinforcement learning and vendor-managed inventory in perishable supply chain management

This article delves into the challenging supply chain management domain, explicitly addressing the intricate issue of perishable inventory allocation within a two-echelon supply chain. The approach outlined here leverages deep reinforcement learning with a keen understanding of the inherent stochasticity arising from uncertain demands and variable supply conditions. The examined supply chain encompasses two retailers and a central distribution center operating under a vendor-managed inventory system. The primary goal of this research is to combat the prevalent problems of wastage and shortages frequently encountered at the retail level in such supply chains. The study employs the Advantage Actor-Critic (A2C) algorithm, tailored to handle the continuous action space inherent in inventory allocation. To rigorously evaluate this approach, empirical data from a real-world blood supply chain in Tabriz is used for numerical experiments. This practical case study involves a single distribution center and two hospitals. The outcomes of these experiments affirm the effectiveness of the A2C algorithm, showcasing its ability to address the complex inventory allocation problem successfully. Furthermore, the research highlights that the algorithm outperforms existing supply chain policies, underscoring the pivotal role of optimal allocation in enhancing efficiency and operational excellence in perishable supply chains.

Premilinary analysis of cross-shareholding in the green supply chain and recommendations for regulatory policy in the Philippines

Cross-shareholding is increasingly used in supply chains to improve strategic synergy between companies. However, regulations on cross-ownership within green supply chains are still in their early stages of development. Cross-ownership affects both the government’s pricing strategy and its carbon reduction policies. Additionally, the cross-shareholding structure impacts the profitability of the supply chain by introducing power dynamics between manufacturers and retailers. When cross-shareholding regulations and models are implemented, manufacturers and retailers within the supply chain exhibit more substantial reductions in their carbon footprint and experience increased profits, particularly in decentralized supply chains when cross ownership surpasses a specific threshold. The adoption of cross-shareholding profit-sharing agreements could enhance the performance of green supply chains. This article synthesizes the views of scholars on cross shareholding in the supply chain. It uses analytical methods to evaluate the role of the negotiation process, trade credit, and cross-shareholding in the supply chain. The article uses jurisprudence to recommend a cross shareholding policy in the Philippines to enhance supply chain efficiency. It uses the “Stackelberg Leadership Model” to analyze the impact of cross-shareholding on two levels of the supply chain, offering recommendations for future implementation to improve supply chain efficiency. The article recommends that the Philippines’ supply chain policy include mechanisms to encourage new companies to join the existing cross-ownership network, capitalize on the impact of cross-shareholding on supply chain assessment, and develop ways to use equity ratio and trade credit. These recommendations aim to refine policy and legislation in the Philippines to effectively utilize trade credit, equity ratios, and cross-shareholdings in supply chain management.

Demand-Side Actors in Agricultural Supply Chain Sustainability: An Assessment of Motivations for Action, Implementation Challenges, and Research Frontiers

Agricultural supply chains of forest-risk commodities such as soy, palm oil, and cocoa have risen to the top of the global sustainability agenda. Demand-side actors, including consumer-goods companies, retailers, and civil society organizations have coalesced around a growing number of sustainable supply chain policies. However, despite rapid advances in tools and methods to convert data into useful information about impacts and policy effectiveness, and their implementation for decision-making is lagging. There is an urgent need to examine such demand-led action and understand how to accelerate progress towards agricultural supply chain sustainability. Here, we explore how demand-side actors within globalized supply chains see limitations in knowledge and barriers to progress in the context of forest-risk commodities. We draw from 20 semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions with manufacturers, retailers, NGOs, and data providers. Our findings show that civil society pressure in consumer regions is perceived as a key driver guiding action, that certification is commonly sought to reduce detrimental impacts, but that collaboration to tackle systemic issues remains a gap. Companies also highlight the need for simple, timely, and meaningful metrics to assess impacts—practical usability concerns that need to be considered in the search for ever-greater accuracy in capturing complex phenomena.

Reducing forced labour in supply chains: what could traditional companies learn from social enterprises?

PurposeForced labour is one of the most exploitative practices in supply chains, generating serious human right abuses. The authors seek to understand how relationships for reducing forced labour are influenced by institutional logics. The emerging supply chain efforts of social enterprises offer particularly intriguing approaches, as their social mission can spur creative new approaches and reshape widely adopted management practices.Design/methodology/approachThe authors study supplier relationships in the smartphone industry and compare the evolving practices of two cases: the first, a growing novel social enterprise; and the second, a high-profile commercial firm that has adopted a progressive role in combating forced labour.FindingsThe underlying institutional logic influenced each firm's willingness to act beyond its direct suppliers and to collaborate in flexible ways that create systematic change. Moreover, while both focal firms had clear, well-documented procedures related to forced labour, the integration, rather than decoupling, of forced labour and general supply chain policies provided a more effective way to reduce the risks of forced labour in social enterprises.Research limitations/implicationsAs authors’ comparative case study approach may lack generalizability, future research is needed to broadly test their propositions.Practical implicationsThe paper identifies preconditions in terms of institutional logics to successfully reduce the risk of forced labour in supply chains.Originality/valueThis paper discusses how social enterprises can provide a learning laboratory that enables commercial firms to identify options for supplier relationship improvement.