Supply Chain Professionals Research Articles

FACTORS AFFECTING THE SELECTION OF THIRD-PARTY LOGISTICS SERVICE PROVIDERS IN THE EDIBLE OIL INDUSTRY OF KARACHI

Purpose: Logistics plays an important role in integrating the supply chain of industries. But given the volatility and dynamic nature of supply chain management as a field, the factors that need to be considered when choosing a 3PL can vary based on geographic location, type of industry, nature of the product and so on. Therefore, this study aims to identify which factors impact 3PL Service Provider selection the most in the edible oil industry specifically based in Karachi.
 Design: The study describes and the theory of core competencies and how these competencies are used in the selection process of 3PL Service Providers. A survey was carried out through questionnaires to determine which competencies are best suited to choosing a 3PL Service Provider in the edible oil industry.
 Findings: The findings showed the Selection of 3PL Provider was most significantly impacted by two of the five variables Cost of Service and Operational Performance. Financial Performance showed a weak relationship while the last two variables were proven to have little or no relationship with the independent variable.
 Originality and Value: The study will help the supply chain professionals of the edible oil companies focus on certain factors while outsourcing their work most importantly selecting a 3PL service provider.

Mediating Effect of Integrated Systems on the Relationship between Supply Chain Management Practices and Public Healthcare Performance: Structural Equation Modeling

The performance of public healthcare facilities is critical, due to the impact on human lives. However, in Punjab, the infant and maternal mortality rates are 88 per 1000 and 227 per 100,000, respectively, while Pakistan ranks 149th in healthcare worldwide. Against these figures, the targets set in the 2018 Public Health Sector Plan, Building a Healthier Punjab seem overoptimistic. Hence, this study aimed to determine the mediating effect of integrated systems on the relationship between supply chain management practices and healthcare performance. Adopting a quantitative methodology, a survey questionnaire administered to 200 respondents, selected through cluster sampling from a target population 2899 in Punjab. SPSS and AMOS were used for the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modeling. Following validation of the measurement model, structural equation modeling found integrated systems exerted a significant and full mediating on the supply chain management practices–healthcare performance relationship. The indications are, therefore, that integrated systems and efficient supply chain management practices enhance patients care while minimizing healthcare costs. These findings should be useful to both public and private healthcare facilities, as well as other public organizations and supply chain professionals, by providing a fuller understanding of the issues. Future research studies could further broaden this knowledge through an investigation into the impact of backlog inventories on financial performance.

Online vehicle purchase behaviour and analytics among supply chain professionals: an exploratory study

A study of 286 supply chain professionals' perception of their customer base was completed to test the present research assumption that for a wide range of products or services, the internet has been undoubtedly a significant catalyst for this change, and customers searching for and purchasing an automobile are no exception to the trend. The perceptions of these professionals are very important in spacing future policies and attitudes on logistics. In examining online purchasing of an automobile, there were 10 significant clusters in creating the independent variable constructs, which were tested against a factor-based dependent variable construct, New Vehicle Purchase Incentives. All constructs were verified through confirmatory factor analysis techniques. These were statistically tested to determine the factors that impact a consumer's decision. The exploratory factor analysis and specific hypothesis testing illustrated that the major factors for online vehicle purchases were convenience, purchase agreements, online resistance, personal security concerns, intensity of internet use, income and price, low-cost bargain searching, energy and fun shopping, access concerns, and work use and privacy.

Online vehicle purchase behaviour and analytics among supply chain professionals: an exploratory study

A study of 286 supply chain professionals' perception of their customer base was completed to test the present research assumption that for a wide range of products or services, the internet has been undoubtedly a significant catalyst for this change, and customers searching for and purchasing an automobile are no exception to the trend. The perceptions of these professionals are very important in spacing future policies and attitudes on logistics. In examining online purchasing of an automobile, there were 10 significant clusters in creating the independent variable constructs, which were tested against a factor-based dependent variable construct, New Vehicle Purchase Incentives. All constructs were verified through confirmatory factor analysis techniques. These were statistically tested to determine the factors that impact a consumer's decision. The exploratory factor analysis and specific hypothesis testing illustrated that the major factors for online vehicle purchases were convenience, purchase agreements, online resistance, personal security concerns, intensity of internet use, income and price, low-cost bargain searching, energy and fun shopping, access concerns, and work use and privacy.

Analysing supply chain risk management capabilities through collaborative and integrative approach

In the era of market turbulence and external uncertainty, supply chain risk management is getting top attention in almost every dynamic business. The study is carried out to empirically investigate relational factors influencing demand side and supply side risk management. A sample of 149 valid responses was gathered through a structured questionnaire from marketing, planning, supply chain and logistics professionals from the textile sector and was analysed using partial least square smart (PLS) structural equation modelling (SEM) using SmartPLS 3.2.4. This research will significantly contribute to the literature of supply chain risks management (SCRM) as well as helping risk management professionals to understand the integrative and collaborative approach to improve supply chain resilience and robustness.

Exploring the impact of healthcare agility and resilience on sustainable healthcare performance: moderating role of technology orientation

Agility and resilience are well known dynamic capabilities that aid supply chain (SC) firms to address customer requests and withstand disruptions in an adequate manner. Further studies also have acknowledged the performance implications of such dynamic capabilities. However, service SCs especially healthcare is yet to receive sufficient empirical attention. In this study, we explore the influence of healthcare agility and resilience on sustainable healthcare performance. Further, the conversion of agility and resilience to sustainable healthcare performance is contingent on technology and SC orientations of key healthcare SC firms. Hence, we explore the moderating role of technology and SC orientations. Perceptual responses were collected from 159 healthcare SC professionals through an online survey and were analysed using partial least squares in SmartPLS 2.0.M3. Findings suggested healthcare agility and resilience to have a strong influence on sustainable healthcare performance. Further the moderating role of technology orientation was profound on agility → performance linkage. The moderating role of SC orientation was also found significant on resilience → performance linkage. Implications for managers were also provided.

The dark side of social media connectivity

PurposeThe increasing use of social media after work hours for work purposes, termed social media connectivity (SMC), is an emerging phenomenon in supply chain management. Although SMC can have debilitating effects on supply chain professionals and their organizations, research on its effects on work-related attitudes, especially turnover intentions, remains largely unexplored. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of SMC on voluntary turnover of supply chain professionals and the resulting implications for them and their organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws from the conservation of resources theory and the concept of information overload to explain how SMC leads to emotional exhaustion and impacts turnover intentions of supply chain professionals, contingent on work–life balance. The model is tested using survey data (n=325) collected at multiple times from a large Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturer and distributor with spatially dispersed workforce and distribution facilities.FindingsThe results confirm that emotional exhaustion mediates the association between SMC and turnover intentions and that SMC exacerbates the intentions of supply chain professionals to quit their jobs. However, work–life balance is found to dampen the exhausting effects of SMC on emotional exhaustion thereby reducing its debilitating effects on turnover intentions of supply chain professionals.Originality/valueThe focus on SMC highlights the need for greater understanding of the dark side of social media on supply chain professionals and their organizations and how SMC can be better managed in an age of social media ubiquity.

How to operate a robust sourcing programme to manage human rights risks, and why you should do it

This paper focuses on the context in which labour rights violations are systemic in the global supply chains of food retailers. It outlines what the problems are, based on Oxfam’s experience and recent research. It discusses growing inequalities and highlights evidence that farmers and workers in supply chains that produce the food we eat are often unable to put food on the table for their own families. Women predominate in jobs that are more precarious, lower paid and lack effective representation. The paper outlines reasons for companies to act, highlighting the shortcomings of traditional compliance and audit approaches adequately to identify and mitigate risks. It explains why and how investors are scrutinising companies’ management of risks and opportunities associated with their workforce, including in the supply chain. And it alerts readers to a ratcheting up of legislation putting a duty on companies to take their responsibility to respect human rights in their operations and supply chain more seriously. Increasing awareness of social and human rights risks, opportunities and incentives can open new avenues to improve business effectiveness. Drawing on Oxfam’s experience of working with companies to address these challenges, the paper concludes with suggestions for the role of procurement professionals in ensuring good practice. It highlights the importance of understanding and support for these developments from C-suite and suggests ways that supply chain professionals can tackle these issues proactively.

New technologies bring new risks to the supply chain

Digital supply chains bring new risks. Some are purely technical, such as unsecured Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Others are geopolitical, such as trade sanctions that prevent businesses from acquiring critical materials. The greatest risks, however, are those that exist deep in the supply chain and have not yet been exposed. Supply chain professionals operating in a world of automated commerce need a foundational understanding of new technologies and practices, how they expose supply chain members to risk and what steps can be taken to leverage them safely. This paper provides practical strategies to secure IoT, 5G, 3D printing and software supply chains, and offers recommendations on creating structured processes around people, practices and vendors to participate in the global economy with confidence.

Supplier sustainability performance evaluation using the analytic network process

Abstract We develop a sustainability performance measurement framework for supplier evaluation and selection, using the Analytic Network Process (ANP) method. Even though the literature is rife with studies that deal with the supplier selection problem, companies that actively pursue sustainability strategies may need to add metrics that show suppliers’ sustainability performance. Existing models for measuring sustainability performance are limited in that they either evaluate the environmental and social performance separately, do not consider the inter-relationships between metrics across the three dimensions of sustainability, or utilize metrics that are difficult to obtain and evaluate accurately. To overcome this deficiency, we use the ANP method, that takes into account the interrelations between quantifiable and easy to obtain sustainability-related evaluation metrics. First, through an extensive literature review and feedback from an experts’ panel, we select and classify salient sustainability performance metrics related to supplier evaluation. With data collected through an extensive survey amongst 144 supply chain professionals in the UK and France, we develop the interdependencies between several sustainability metrics and determine the most critical metrics by calculating their relative weights. Results show that the selected socio-economic metrics carry the most relatively important role in supplier selection. Based on the findings of the study, we discuss implications for theory and practice. The proposed evaluation system can provide details on observing sustainable supply chain performance. It can also help to get a clearer insight into sustainability with a well-established quantitative decision-making process so that business strategies can be developed with more concerns on supply chain sustainability.

Factors influencing industrial procurement for supply chain professionals in Bangladesh

Abstract: Procurement is one of the key re-investing areas for business. Where 55% of revenue is spenton procurement of raw materials (Baily, 1987). For procurement, Supplier selection is core activity, as Shen and Yu (2013) and (Jafarnejad and Salimi, 2013) considers the efficiency of suppliers and is one ofthe most important competencies for the success of the entire supply chain. This study learns andcontributes the factors that affect Industrial Procurement decision while selecting suppliers. The purposeof this study is to observe the effect of independent variable (Cost of Product, Ease of BusinessTransaction, Delivery Performance, Reliability) on dependent variable (Procurement decision).The studydescribes that the relation between dependent variable have significant relationship with Procurementintention. This is quantitative study and sample size of this study is 204 and 12 questionnaires were usedfor collection of data. All of the respondents were supply chain/Procurement professionals from 140organizations in Bangladesh. The results of the study identified the mutual relationship among the allvariables. But Cost of Product and Reliability are highly considered followed by medium extent ofconsideration for Ease of Business and Delivery performance.

The impact of blockchain adoption on competitive performance: the mediating role of process and relational innovation

ABSTRACTWhile Blockchain is heralded as an industry ‘game changer’, empirical studies have yet to demonstrate how it has positive performance impacts. Building on emerging blockchain research and the information technology adoption literature, this study develops a research model that links blockchain adoption in the supply chain to competitive performance through process innovation and relational innovation. The study uses data collected from 344 supply chain professionals working in companies with Blockchain experience and partial least squares modelling to test the proposed model. The results support the research model and confirm that competitive performance is directly improved through blockchain adoption and also indirectly through blockchain-enabled process and relational innovation. Our findings advance practice and theory by contributing to the emerging literature on blockchain and enriching our understanding of the performance impacts of blockchain adoption and use in the supply chain.

When practices count

PurposeSustainable consumption and production (SCP) assist managers to improve their operational efficiency while aiming at reducing the generation of waste. The purpose of this paper is to construct a structural model of the SCP practices in a supply chain context.Design/methodology/approachThe work is based on the experience of supply chain professionals, a case study and literature review related to SCP. The present work recommends an assessment framework by prioritizing the SCP oriented practices using best-worst method.FindingsThe current work is an effort to understand the significance of SCP practices and to reveal their level of influence in developing a sustainable culture in value chains. Data for this work are derived from an automotive company operating in India. Findings reveal that the “resource efficiency” acquires the highest rank and “sharing assets” acquires the last lank among all SCP practices.Research limitations/implicationsIt is difficult to finalize the SCP practices. This work uses the expert’s approach for this. In this way, the process needs to be conducted very carefully.Practical implicationsThis research can assist automotive managers and practitioners in efficiently utilizing their companies’ resources, which would result in superior business effectiveness by generating higher employment opportunities in value chains.Originality/valueEfforts have been made to contribute in the identification and analysis of SCP oriented practices. The developed structural model will help in understanding the ranking of practices.

Tortoise, not the hare: Digital transformation of supply chain business processes

With the rapid development of digital technologies, many supply chain professionals are wondering how to move forward. Three technologies are poised to change supply chain business processes: robotic process automation (RPA), artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) and blockchain. Based on interviews with supply chain professionals in 14 large, mature manufacturing and service organizations, we outline the promise of each technology and forecast their broad-scale adoption potential. Organizations should take the following measures to ensure their readiness to adopt and effectively use one or more of these technologies: (1) identify a supply chain technology visionary who can lead through the maze of technologies and the changing digital landscape, (2) develop a digital technology roadmap for their supply chain processes, and (3) update foundational information systems.

Impact of Supply Chain Flexibility and Supplier Development on Supply Chain Effectiveness in Automotive Industry of Pakistan

The purpose of this research is to study the significance of supply chain strategies namely supplier development and supply chain flexibility towards supply chain effectiveness in automotive industry of Pakistan. A survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires to collect data from 300 supply chain professionals working in automotive manufacturing companies of Pakistan. The finding indicates that supplier development and supply chain flexibility have positive and significant impact on supply chain effectiveness in automotive industry of Pakistan. The research will help policy makers and management to integrate strategies and practices related to supplier development and flexibility to improve supply chain effectiveness in order to be competitive in automotive industry of Pakistan. 

Impact of Supplier Development and Inventory Control on Supply Chain Effectiveness in Manufacturing Companies of Pakistan

The purpose of this research is to study the impact of supplier development and inventory control on supply chain effectiveness in manufacturing companies of Pakistan. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from the supply chain professionals working in different manufacturing companies of Pakistan. The study utilizes sample size of 200 and applying different statistical analysis such as Factor analysis, correlation and multiple regressions to check the hypothesis. The result indicates that supplier development and inventory control are significantly correlated with supply chain effectiveness. The result further explains that supplier development and inventory control have a significant and positive impact on supply chain effectiveness of manufacturing companies in Pakistan. Findings are helpful to supply chain practitioners and management in implementing a supply chain strategy that focuses on modern procurement procedures minimum use of inventory hence contributing in supply chain effectiveness. This will ultimately benefits the manufacturing companies in winning competitive advantage. 

An empirical investigation of supply chain operations reference model practices and supply chain performance

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a scale measurement of supply chain operations reference (SCOR)-related performance indicators and proposed constructs, SCOR-related performance indicators as practices within the Indian manufacturing sector.Design/methodology/approachA literature-based model on SCOR processes with five constructs and respective performance indicators was empirically validated by using a structured questionnaire. A total of 155 respondents among Indian manufacturing sector participated in this research, and the returned questionnaires were analyzed by using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe study established a relationship among the SCOR-related performance indicators and overall supply chain performance indicators (OSCPI). The moderation effect of demographic characteristics, namely, employee size, company age and type of company showed significant differences between SCOR-related performance indicators and overall supply chain indicators.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of the study is limited to specific Indian manufacturing firms. The survey could not represent whole population of manufacturing sector.Practical implicationsThe findings assist managers/supply chain practitioners in improving the performance measures identified using the standard framework, i.e., SCOR processes, overall supply chain performance measures as standard practices for Indian manufacturing sector for a profitable and sustainable business growth in global environment.Originality/valueThis research holds a value for suggested practices under SCOR processes and the proposed model for OSCPI, a path finder/performance measurement tool for supply chain professionals in the Indian context.

Challenges with big data analytics in service supply chains in the UAE

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the challenges associated with big data analytics (BDA) in service supply chains in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive questionnaire has been developed based on semi-structured interviews with different administrators and IT experts. In the second phase, data (n=164) are collected from procurement, operations, administration and customer service staff in the UAE. In the third phase, responses are examined using principal component analysis to identify eight major challenges for big data. A structural model is developed to examine the significance of these dimensions to the notion of big data challenges in supply chains.FindingsThe statistical model shows 66 percent variance of response to BDA, which is caused by technical, cultural, ethical, operational, tactical, procedural, functional and organizational challenges. These are positively correlated measurement challenges with BDA in service supply chains.Research limitations/implicationsService supply chain professionals and stakeholders believe that catering to the challenges with BDA must be a multi-faceted approach and not limited to specific practices.Practical implicationsThe challenges with BDA should be taken into planning and implementation from a holistic perspective. The framework in this paper can have both theoretical and practical implications.Originality/valueThe contribution of this paper is to advance the understanding of BDA in service sector by viewing it from the perspective of different stakeholders.

Drivers of supply chain transparency and its effects on performance measures in the automotive industry: case of a developing country

In this competitive era, the smooth flow of information with clarity and consistency has gained a lot of importance to improve decision making for managing logistics and distribution. This research investigates the factors important to augment supply chain transparency. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is applied for an empirical validation of the proposed research model and to identify the factors contributing supply chain transparency (SCT) and outcomes of SCT on four performance indicators (i.e., operations, supplier, relational and technical performance). The questionnaire survey was utilised with 218 valid responses from supply chain professionals associated with automotive companies in Pakistan. The result reveals that SCT has a significant positive effect on various dimensions of supply chain performance. SCT influences high on operational performance and relational performance. The study will be beneficial for supply chain specialists in formulating strategies to improve distribution performance through improving transparency in their multitier supply chains.

Drivers of supply chain transparency and its effects on performance measures in the automotive industry: case of a developing country

In this competitive era, the smooth flow of information with clarity and consistency has gained a lot of importance to improve decision making for managing logistics and distribution. This research investigates the factors important to augment supply chain transparency. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is applied for an empirical validation of the proposed research model and to identify the factors contributing supply chain transparency (SCT) and outcomes of SCT on four performance indicators (i.e., operations, supplier, relational and technical performance). The questionnaire survey was utilised with 218 valid responses from supply chain professionals associated with automotive companies in Pakistan. The result reveals that SCT has a significant positive effect on various dimensions of supply chain performance. SCT influences high on operational performance and relational performance. The study will be beneficial for supply chain specialists in formulating strategies to improve distribution performance through improving transparency in their multitier supply chains.