Supply Chain Professionals Research Articles

Decoding food losses in pulses trade: proposing sustainable solutions from an Indian perspective

ABSTRACT Food losses are a critical concern for economic, social, and environmental sustainability within logistics systems. This paper quantifies food losses in India's pulses trade, examining specific cases and identifying causes and stages of losses in the international food supply chain. Focusing on sustainable development goals, it offers insights into food losses in internationally traded cargo (pulses), which rank second in the FAO-Food Loss Index and are India's second-largest imported food product. Using a descriptive research methodology, the study unravels the complexities of food losses in India's pulse supply chain. Primary data were collected via questionnaires from 130 importing firms and supply chain professionals, supplemented by secondary sources. Purposive sampling guided data collection from April 2023 to May 2024, involving virtual and physical stakeholder interactions. The comprehensive analysis provides strategies to mitigate food losses, laying the groundwork for improvements in India and other developing countries.

Integrating Resource-Based Theory and Contingency Theory for Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience in Malaysia: A Post-Pandemic Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted global supply chains, exposed their vulnerabilities and underscored the urgent need for enhanced resilience. In Malaysia, the pandemic's impact on supply chains has been profound, prompting a re-evaluation of existing strategies and frameworks. This study explores the integration of Resource-Based Theory (RBT) and Contingency Theory (CT) to enhance supply chain resilience in Malaysia. Through in-depth case studies and semi-structured interviews with senior managers and supply chain professionals, this research identifies key factors contributing to the successful implementation of an integrated resilience framework. The findings reveal that firms leveraging advanced technology, skilled workforce, and strategic partnerships can maintain operational efficiency and adaptability. Context-specific strategies such as diversifying suppliers, local sourcing, strategic stockpiling, and flexible logistics solutions are essential in responding to disruptions. Common challenges include high initial costs, coordination issues, regulatory hurdles, and cultural resistance to change. The integration of RBT and CT results in improved supply chain visibility, flexibility, robustness, and stakeholder collaboration. This study contributes to the academic discourse by offering practical insights for firms seeking to enhance supply chain resilience. It underscores the importance of combining internal strengths with adaptive strategies tailored to the external environment. The findings provide valuable guidance for both academia and industry in developing more robust and adaptive supply chain strategies in the post-pandemic landscape. Future research should explore the integration of RBT and CT across different contexts and industries and investigate the role of emerging technologies in enhancing supply chain resilience.

Applying a Theory of Change for Human Resources Development in Public Health Supply Chains in Rwanda.

The health supply chain (SC) system in Rwanda experienced a number of workforce-related challenges, including insufficient skilled supply chain management (SCM) professionals with the necessary competencies. The Human Resources for Supply Chain Management (HR4SCM) Theory of Change (TOC) provides a methodology to assess human resources (HR) management systems by explaining the preconditions required to achieve optimized workforce performance. We applied this model to design interventions to strengthen the Rwanda health SC workforce. We compared conditions in the health SC HR system in Rwanda with the 60 outcomes described as necessary for optimized workforce performance in the HR4SCM TOC model. We used a survey and participatory workshop at the central level, followed by structured interviews (N=35) with SC professionals in health centers, hospitals, and regional warehouses (N=20) in Southern Province and Kigali City to identify which outcomes already existed in the Rwandan HR system and which outcomes required strengthening through targeted interventions. We used focus groups (N=2) to refine interventions. We identified that 31 of the 60 outcomes were not sufficiently in place in the Rwandan health SC HR system. SCM workers had gaps in the technical and managerial competencies and did not have access to adequate training and professional development opportunities for certain required competencies. An SCM career path did not exist, and education was not available for all required SCM qualifications. Fourteen of these outcomes were prioritized for strengthening. We designed 20 workforce interventions with the Ministry of Health to address these deficiencies and selected indicators to monitor the interventions. Applying this HR TOC model enabled a systematic process to identify gaps, develop and prioritize interventions, and select indicators. Practitioners designing and evaluating SC workforce interventions should consider applying this methodology to design more effective, theory-driven interventions to improve SC workforce performance.

The Role of Micro Fulfilment Centers in Alleviating, in a Sustainable Way, the Urban Last Mile Logistics Problem: A Systematic Literature Review

This systematic literature review has as its aim to discuss how the use of micro fulfilment centers can help logistics and supply chain professionals in alleviating the urban last mile logistics problem. This systematic literature review adapts the SALSA approach, the PRISMA 2009 checklist, and the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram, while its validity is based on the utilization of the qualitative CASP checklist. In addition to the above, certain inclusion/exclusion criteria were used. The findings of this review underline that micro fulfilment centers are a key new approach in terms of alleviating the last mile logistics problem, in urban areas where space is extremely limited via a reduction in CO2 emissions, the use of new technologies not only in operations but also in the delivery of goods and the increase in customer satisfaction. This is an original and breakthrough literature review as it covers a gap in the existing literature that has to do with the role of micro fulfilment centers in urban areas in terms of alleviating the last mile logistics problem, a topic about which not much have been written until now as it is quite novel. This literature review gives a clear path for the researcher of the future in terms of approaching the urban last mile logistics problem via the lens of the use of micro fulfilment centers, while it contributes to the urban logistics industry in several ways.

Data-driven logistics collaboration for prefabricated supply chain with multiple factories

Prefabricated construction is increasingly replacing traditional methods due to its higher productivity, superior quality, and shorter construction time. This paper aims to optimize production and logistics collaboration within a three-tier prefabricated supply chain network to reduce overall costs and enhance response efficiency. A decision model was developed that integrates factory and logistics capacity, on-site assembly sequence, and outsourcing decisions to optimize resource allocation. The model demonstrates superior cost efficiency and resource allocation effectiveness over the Earliest Due Date (EDD) method through a hypothetical case study. This result provides robust decision support for supply chain professionals, offering significant practical implications for cost reduction and resource optimization. Our findings lay a foundation for future studies on supply chain management and optimization under dynamic conditions, offering new perspectives and methodologies.

Effects of External Adoption of E-Procurement on Financial Performance in Pakistan’s Manufacturing Sector

Purpose: This study examines the effects of external adoption of E-procurement on firms’ performance Design/Methodology/Approach: collected data from supply chain professionals in the manufacturing companies, the study employs a mixed-methods approach using both self-administered and online surveys. A questionnaire used for data collection, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed for data analysis through SmartPLS 3.2.9. Findings: The results reveal that while external adoption of e-procurement negatively influences financial performance, however it positively impacts information transparency and supply chain integration. Financial performance is not directly increased by Information transparency, though it fosters supply chain integration. Supply chain integration, in turn, positively contributes to financial performance. Moreover, when mediated with supply chain integration external adoption of e-procurement increases financial performance. Furthermore, a sequential mediation effect is observed, where both information transparency and supply chain integration mediate between e-procurement adoption and financial performance. Implications/Originality/Value: These results offer significant theoretical and practical implications for enhancing supply chain strategies in emerging markets. The study concludes by providing recommendations for future research directions, particularly about digital procurement systems.

Machine Learning and Digital Twins-enabled Supply Chain Resilience: A Framework for the Indian FMCG Sector

Disruptions highlight machine learning (ML)-powered digital twins as a significant technology to ensure supply chain resilience (SCR). The authors acquired supportive data by conducting semi-structured interviews with 37 fast-moving consumer goods supply chain professionals. Using open, axial and selective coding approaches, the authors mapped and discovered the themes that constitute the essential elements of ML-enabled SCR. The findings of the research underscore four principal capabilities in which ML is poised to enhance the resilience of supply chains, namely (a) visibility, (b) supply chain analytics, (c) managing levels of inventory and (d) consumer behaviour. The research implications employ empirical data to demonstrate how integrating ML with digital twins into the supply chain enhances resilience and presents a comprehensive framework utilizing ML to improve SCR. The research draws upon the dynamic capability view theory.

Augmenting supply chain resilience through AI and big data

PurposeNatural calamities like earthquakes, floods and epidemics/pandemics like COVID-19 significantly disrupt almost all the supply networks, ranging from medicines to numerous daily/emergency use items. Supply Chain Resilience is one such option to overcome the impact of the disruption, which is achieved by developing supply chain factors with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data Analytics (BDA).Design/methodology/approachThis research examines how organizations using AI and BDA can bring resilience to supply chains. To achieve the objective, the authors developed the methodology to gather useful information from the literature studied and developed the Total Interpretive Structural Modeling (TISM) by consulting 44 supply chain professionals. The authors developed a quantitative questionnaire to collect 229 responses and further test the model. With the analysis, a conceptual and comprehensive framework is developed.FindingsA major finding, this research advocates that supply chain resilience is contingent upon utilizing supply chain analytics. An empirical study provides further evidence that the utilization of supply chain analytics has a positive and favorable effect on the flexibility of demand forecasting to inventory management, resulting in increased efficiency.Originality/valueFew studies demonstrate the impact of advanced technology in building resilient supply chains by enhancing their factors. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no earlier researcher has attempted to infuse AI and BDA into supply chain factors to make them resilient.

Antecedents of Risk Information Sharing & Processing Mechanism in Supply Chain: A social and technical Perspective

This paper emphasizes Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), whose execution can boost an organization's resilience and operating performance. Drawing on quantitative data from 231 supply chain professionals in various industries, the results highlight that subcomponents of SCRM—specifically strategy alignment and technology usage—significantly influence risk information sharing, analysis, and evaluation. Abstract Surprisingly, an SCRM-oriented culture does not significantly affect the exchange of risk information or the amount of risk partnership. At the same time, team support has insignificant effects on risk analysis and assessment. From these insights, it is evident that although having a culture of SCRM in place and some team involvement is beneficial, they could not, altogether, pave the way toward the organizational capability of evaluating and disseminating risk-related information. In its place, the emphasis on aligned SCRM strategy and technological advancement in the supply chain sector becomes a critical factor for risk mitigation. This suggests an absolute imperative for managers: to facilitate a technological-enabled SCRM approach that is collaborative, in line with the strategy, and allows integrated information processing. Fortifying these domains can help minimize weaknesses, increase response, and streamline the supply chain performance; continuous monitoring and improvement of information dissemination processes are essential, as they facilitate better risk management across the supply chain network.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Supply Chain Efficiency in Turkey

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of artificial intelligence on supply chain efficiency in Turkey. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly enhanced supply chain efficiency in Turkey. AI applications such as predictive analytics, demand forecasting, and optimization algorithms have streamlined operations, reduced costs, and improved decision-making. Automation of repetitive tasks through AI has increased productivity and accuracy in inventory management and logistics. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resource-based view (RBV) theory, dynamic capabilities theory & technology acceptance model (TAM) may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of artificial intelligence on supply chain efficiency in Turkey. Invest in continuous training and development programs for supply chain professionals to effectively utilize AI tools. Develop industry standards and regulatory frameworks for the ethical use of AI in supply chains. These policies should address data privacy, security, and the responsible use of AI technologies to protect stakeholders.

Ambidextrous supply chain strategy: roles and consequences with agile manufacturing and resilience

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of ambidextrous strategy on supply chain resilience and its impact on firm performance, employing the Dynamic Capabilities View.Design/methodology/approachThrough a survey of 215 supply chain professionals, the research employs a structural equation modeling analysis to examine the relationships between ambidexterity, agile operations, resilience, and performance.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that the ambidextrous strategy significantly enhances both agile operations and supply chain resilience. In turn, agile operations and resilience positively impact firm performance. The study also reveals that agile operations and supply chain resilience partially mediate the relationship between ambidextrous strategy and firm performance.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the supply chain management literature by highlighting the importance of an ambidextrous approach in fostering agile operations and resilience, thereby improving firm performance. It extends the dynamic capabilities view framework by elucidating how ambidexterity acts as a pivotal mechanism for adapting to disruptions and securing competitive advantage in volatile markets. Finally, measurements of ambidextrous strategy and resilience are provided to further enhance practitioners’ understanding of building these important components in networks.

Shaping closed-loop supply chain dynamics: Mitigating the bullwhip effect and improving customer satisfaction in production systems with material reuse

Modern societies are currently transitioning towards more circular economic models to reduce environmental impacts and leverage economic opportunities. Managing the emerging supply chains, more complex and uncertain, poses a considerable challenge for many organisations. This work examines the dynamic behaviour of these closed-loop systems under different replenishment policies and varying levels of product returns and lead times. We model a generalised multi-level, closed-loop supply chain of a production system with material reuse, drawing inspiration from the real-world operations of cider makers in Spain. We investigate its ability to effectively and efficiently satisfy the consumer through four performance metrics: fill rate, bullwhip ratio, inventory cover, and reuse demand share. Through experimentation techniques, we observe that the highest performance is generally obtained when the retailer applies a pure pull policy while the manufacturer adopts a level scheduling policy. This strategy, built on lean principles, can achieve much lower operational costs while providing similar, or even better, service levels compared to more popular and complex alternatives. Based on our findings, we provide a set of actionable managerial implications that would help supply chain professionals successfully implement and manage these supply chains.

Blockchain Technology for tracking and tracing containers: model and conception

The maritime industry has increasingly integrated advanced technologies such as AI, Blockchain, Big Data, and IoT, transforming traditional port operations into smart facilities aimed at enhancing global trade competitiveness. A particular focus has been on improving tracking and tracing services, with Blockchain technology emerging as pivotal for ensuring data integrity, transparency, and traceability across supply chains. This article proposes a blockchain-based tracking and tracing system model tailored for monitoring containers in Moroccan ports. Utilizing the Unified Modeling Language (UML), the model seeks to optimize resource allocation and boost stakeholder satisfaction through detailed diagrams and functional data requirements depiction. Despite challenges such as IoT terminal platform connectivity and operator resitance, successful implementation was achieved, establishing a foundational framework for a comprehensive container monitoring system. This model provides valuable insights for supply chain professionals and scholars interested in item tracking, aiming to integrate Blockchain with technologies like RFID, GPS, RTLS, QR Codes, BLE, and IoT sensors to enhance port operation efficiency and container management effectiveness. By leveraging these integrated technologies, ports can further improve operational efficiency and ensure accurate traceability of containers throughout the supply chain, contributing to overall trade facilitation and economic growth..

Sustainable Supply Chain Management: A Comparative Analysis of Green Practices in Various Industries

In recent years, sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) has emerged as a critical component for organizations aiming to enhance their environmental performance while maintaining economic viability. This study presents a comparative analysis of green practices across various industries, including manufacturing, retail, and agriculture. By examining the implementation of sustainable practices such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable sourcing, this research highlights the diverse approaches adopted by different sectors in their quest for sustainability. The analysis employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data collected from industry reports, case studies, and surveys of supply chain professionals. Key findings reveal that while some industries, like retail, have made significant strides in adopting circular economy principles, others, such as manufacturing, still face challenges in integrating sustainable practices due to regulatory and cost-related barriers. Furthermore, the study identifies best practices and innovative strategies that have led to successful implementation of SSCM, including collaboration with stakeholders and investment in green technologies. This analysis not only underscores the importance of contextual factors in shaping green practices but also offers valuable insights for organizations seeking to enhance their sustainability efforts. By fostering a deeper understanding of industry-specific challenges and opportunities, this research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable supply chain management and provides a roadmap for future initiatives to promote environmental stewardship across sectors. Keywords: Sustainable supply chain management, SSCM, green practices, comparative analysis, sustainability, drivers, stakeholders

Green capabilities and procurement practices: paving the way for environmental sustainability

The significance of sustainability awareness in society has captured the attention of both scholars and professionals. The pursuit of environmental sustainability has transitioned from an aspiration to an urgent matter. Understanding the interplay between green capabilities and green procurement practices has become key to improving performance. This study investigated the nexus between green capabilities and the adoption of green procurement practices to improve their collective impact on environmental sustainability. Green capabilities and green purchasing practices were theorized. A conceptual framework was developed to address the sustainability problems in the supply chain. Quantitative research with a structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 203 respondents. The unity of analysis was the supply chain professionals working in fast moving markets in Oman. Validity and reliability of data was determined. A structural equation modelling was applied to analyse the data. The results show that the incorporation of green capabilities into green purchasing practices can lead to environmental sustainability. These findings provide supply chain managers with insights into implementing environmentally friendly practices within their respective entities. The government of Oman as a major purchaser of goods and services can lead by example by incorporating green procurement principles into its own procurement processes. Thus, the government can stimulate demand for sustainable goods and encourage private sector adoption of green practices.

Transformative supply chain research: A new frontier for SCM scholars

AbstractThis special topic forum (STF) on Transformative Supply Chain Research introduces a new direction in logistics and supply chain research to guide scholars in addressing the wicked problems facing 21st century society. Supply chain professionals are increasingly addressing corporate social responsibility, changing expectations from customers, resource scarcity, a changing climate, civic and political unrest, to name but a few issues of our times. But scholars have only begun to address these issues from a transformative lens, in which we consider the role of logistics and supply chain management in creating well‐being outcomes for the benefit of society. This editorial presents a 5‐pronged research agenda to guide researchers, while highlighting the three articles in this STF that serve as exemplars of transformative supply chain research.

Integrating environmental and entrepreneurship advocacy into enviropreneurship through green supply chain management, waste management, and green innovation: A study on SMEs of US

Many entrepreneurs across the US are the key players in building a greener economy. Their agility and innovative spirit offer a source of potential solutions. This is especially true for small businesses, which can quickly adapt to sustainable practices. Therefore, this research investigated the direct and indirect (mediating) roles of waste management and green innovations in green supply chain management and enviropreneurship performance, which is a transition from environmental to enviropreneurship advocacy. This study used a deductive approach with a quantitative research method. A study of a survey for 835 supply chain professionals in US small and medium enterprises used a Structural Equation Modeling technique to test specific research hypotheses. The findings of this study unveiled a positive and significant effect of exogenous variables on endogenous variables. Besides waste management and green innovation, a significant mediation was found between the relationships between green supply chain management and entrepreneurship performance. This research highlights key strategies to boost entrepreneurial performance. Green practices enhance environmental outcomes, minimize waste, bolster stakeholder relationships, lead to cost savings, and improve brand reputation and regulatory compliance. The study identifies areas needing improvement and supports sustainable development. Adhering to environmental regulations shows a commitment to sustainability and helps avoid legal issues. By following these recommendations, managers can foster a greener future for their organizations. This research presented "enviropreneurship performance" as a key factor for businesses implementing green supply chains and practices. It proposes an innovative model that connects green practices to this performance, providing important insights for future studies. The study validated this concept by employing a Resource-based View and testing the hypotheses using structural equation modeling, which enhanced the understanding of enviropreneurship within a developed economy.

Product Innovation Using Agile Practices in Supply Chain Management Curriculum

The dynamic business landscape demands supply chain professionals with Agile project management skills. This study introduces a novel course project simulating a new product launch for a Fortune 500 company. We designed a theoretical multi-phase student team-based Agile project as part of an undergraduate Supply Chain Management course. This article describes implementing a project where teams are guided through the "Agile Way" using scaffolding of the Scrum framework. The project is designed using team-based learning of Agile methodologies. Agile methodologies often emphasize collaboration and open communication, which can foster psychological safety in teams. Using Agile frameworks and the designed templates, student teams work through theoretical Agile product innovation phases for a Fortune 500 company throughout the semester. Students simulate a product launch and apply Agile practices. A validated Agile survey assessed student learning outcomes across two semesters. Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive impact of using Agile templates on student understanding of Agile practices, team collaboration, and continuous improvement. This project offers a practical and adaptable framework and provides insights into using Agile management in the classroom. This study contributes to understanding student learning processes and outcomes using Agile project management and outlines teaching methods for a Supply Chain Management class that successfully implements Agile management projects.

Validation of Instrument Measuring the Impact of SCM Practices and SCM Agility on Competitive Advantage and Organization Performance in Indian Pharmaceutical Firms

Over the years, rival companies have appropriately turned their attention towards effectively monitoring their supply chains. There is an emphasis on implementing supply chain management practices (SCMP) and promoting supply chain agility, which will lead to increased performance and competitive edge. The researchers covered SCM practices and competitive advantage under five sub-constructs while SCM agility and performance were represented by two sub-constructs. The study aimed to provide a questionnaire that is both reliable and valid, designed to measure the impact of supply chain management (SCM) practices and SCM agility on competitive advantage and firm performance within the Indian pharmaceutical industry. Data collection was done using a simple random sampling technique which gave 227 complete responses obtained from listed as well as unlisted pharmaceutical companies. The data was then statistically analysed using IBM SPSS 26 and SmartPLS 4. The resultant questionnaire instrument can be used by supply chain professionals in the pharmaceutical industry in order to conduct primary research and to derive insights that would help in crucial decision-making regarding pharmaceutical SCM with the aim of improving organizational performance.

Supply Chain Limitations in the South African Engineering Sector-Supply Chain Professionals Views

The engineering industry has several obstacles as the worldwide economy slows, including macroeconomic hardship, lack of resources, organizational deficiencies, and an overall incapacity to respond to major concerns. In the past few years, they have gotten increasingly intense and serious. Empirical supply chain administration studies identify impediments that hinder the engineering industry in emerging nations, such as South Africa. This research aims to investigate supply chain limitations in the South African engineering industry. The literature was evaluated as well as interviews that were semi-structured and were used to get thoughts from 15 senior supply chain professionals. To examine qualitative data, ATLAS.ti (version 7) software was used for content analysis. The conversations revealed six topics, such as a shortage of capital in supply chains, innovative supply chain process restrictions, supply chain administration changes, supply chain cooperation, supply chain administration, and scheduling administration. engineering companies should use systems to manage their supply chains, integrated options, and collaboration managing project techniques and technology. The findings reveal a shortage of expenditure in supply management processes and the fact that engineering companies are still lacking a strategic perspective on managing their supply chains. However, it seems that supply chain tactics may improve an organization's efficiency and business performance in engineering companies.