Supply Information Research Articles

Research on Supply Chain Risk Prevention and Control of Medical Products Enterprises

This paper firstly analyzes the mode, development background and development status of the medical products supply chain, and finds that the medical products market shows an expanding trend, which requires the prevention and control of supply chain risks. Secondly, this paper identifies the risk factors existing in its current development, mainly supply risk, logistics risk, demand risk, information risk and cooperation risk, and analyzes the five types of risk in detail, points out the risk factors existing in each risk, and enumerates the impacts of each risk on each link of the medical products supply chain. Again, this paper combines the relevant risk factors to propose specific supply chain management countermeasures from three aspects, namely: using innovative digital supply chain models, optimizing internal supply chain processes, and improving the standardized management of medical products production. Finally, the whole paper is summarized and relevant conclusions are drawn, aiming to provide some references for giving full play to the role of medical products supply chain.

Medical Cannabis in Malaysia: Supply and Demand on Facebook

The internet has become a key hub for communication and information, including drug-related information. Evidence from other nations suggests that medical cannabis is also available online. Yet little is known about medical cannabis dealing on online services in Malaysia. This study examines the current supply and demand of medical cannabis on Malaysian Facebook Pages. Researchers searched for cannabis Facebook Pages in Malay and English between April and June 2022, using the keywords associated with cannabis and marijuana in popular search engines. The Facebook content, including the posts and users’ responses to supply and demand information for medical cannabis, were screened and analysed. Subsequently, the contents of the Facebook Pages were categorised into five themes: (1) demand for medical cannabis; (2) testimony; (3) supply information; (4) adverse health effects of medical cannabis; and (5) product types and routes of administration. The findings indicate that medical cannabis is available online and searchable via popular search engines, despite being illegal in Malaysia. A total of 46 Facebook Pages related to cannabis were identified in this study, where 13 pages sell medical cannabis directly, and 3 sell both medical and recreational cannabis. In addition to private messages via Facebook Messenger, most pages share contact details. The information on the sampled Facebook Pages reflected the growing demand and illegal sales of medical cannabis in Malaysia via online platforms since 2012. Thus, there is an urgent need for proper regulations and laws to control medical cannabis usage besides protecting patients against potentially harmful medical cannabis online.

Credit risk contagion in complex companies network–Empirical research based on listed agricultural companies

This study investigates credit risk contagion among listed agricultural companies using data from China's A-share market from 2002 to 2021, examining credit risk contagion mechanisms in the supply chain, investment, and information networks. Furthermore, we examine the moderating effect of network structure on credit risk contagion within networks. The results show that credit risk in the supply chain network has the greatest contagion effect, followed by investment and information networks. Credit risk is mainly transmitted through the capital path, product path, and information path. The network structure plays a crucial role in facilitating the contagion process. State-owned companies and companies with high customer concentration have higher risk resistance capacity. Research also shows a one-year time effect, indicating that the impact of credit risk contagion decreases over time. Finally, this study proposes suggestions for financial institutions, companies, and governments to enhance the risk-resisting abilities of the agricultural industry.

Obstetric Emergency Supply Chain Dynamics and Information Flow Among Obstetric Emergency Supply Chain Employees: Key Informant Interview Study.

For the past several decades, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health has worked to decrease the maternal mortality ratio (MMR)-the number of pregnant women dying per 100,000 live births. However, with the most recently reported MMR of 267, Ethiopia still ranks high in the MMR globally and needs additional interventions to lower the MMR to achieve the sustainable development goal of 70. One factor contributing to the current MMR is the frequent stockouts of critical medications and supplies needed to treat obstetric emergencies. This study describes the obstetric emergency supply chain (OESC) dynamics and information flow in Amhara, Ethiopia, as a crucial first step in closing stockouts and gaps in supply availability. Applying qualitative descriptive methodology, the research team performed 17 semistructured interviews with employees of the OESC at the federal, regional, and facility level to describe and gain an understanding of the system in the region, communication flow, and current barriers and facilitators to consistent emergency supply availability. The team performed inductive and deductive analysis and used the "Sociotechnical Model for Studying Health Information Technology in Complex Adaptive Healthcare Systems" to guide the deductive portion. The interviews identified several locations within the OESC where barriers could be addressed to improve overall facility-level readiness, such as gaps in communication about supply needs and availability in health care facilities and regional supply hubs and a lack of data transparency at the facility level. Ordering supplies through the integrated pharmaceutical logistics system was a well-established process and a frequently noted strength. Furthermore, having inventory data in one place was a benefit to pharmacists and supply managers who would need to use the data to determine their historic consumption. The greatest concern related to the workflow and communication of the OESC was an inability to accurately forecast future supply needs. This is a critical issue because inaccurate forecasting can lead to undersupplying and stockouts or oversupplying and waste of medication due to expiration. As a result of these interviews, we gained a nuanced understanding of the information needs for various levels of the health system to maintain a consistent supply of obstetric emergency resources and ultimately increase maternal survival. This study's findings will inform future work to create customized strategies that increase supply availability in facilities and the region overall, specifically the development of electronic dashboards to increase data availability at the regional and facility levels. Without comprehensive and timely data about the OESC, facilities will continue to remain in the dark about their true readiness to manage basic obstetric emergencies, and the central Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service and regional hubs will not have the necessary information to provide essential emergency supplies prospectively before stockouts and maternal deaths occur.

Source, distribution patterns and resources potential of selenium in soil of north Pakistan: Revealed by a national-scale geochemical mapping

During national scale geochemical mapping in Pakistan, 69 elements including selenium were analyzed in 2563 stream sediment samples, which filled the gap of selenium distribution in the middle section of Tethyan metallogenic belt. The sampling density was 1–2 sites /100 km2. The geochemical concentration of selenium in the samples range from 0.008 to 6.849 mg/kg with an average value of 0.306 mg/kg. The highest average concentration of Se was found in the Suleiman Fold and Thrust Belt (anomaly III3), whereas the lowest is in WKLT Kohistan-Ladakh Island Arc. The type of soil in Pakistan with the highest Se concentration is entisol. The high selenium anomalies are delineated in the northeast of Quetta, near Muslim Bagh, in Mekhtar-Musa Khel area and its southwest region, north of Quetta and Khushab. Three strong selenium anomalies have also been identified in the northeast of Islamabad, northwest of Rawalpindi and the east of Dargai, respectively. It is suggested that selenium anomalies, having a correlation with elements of Mo, CaO, S, Sr, are mainly caused by geological background of shale, coal and coal-bearing formations. Negative anomalies are mainly distributed in the northern Pakistan, which is mostly consists of bedrocks with no or very thin layer of soil. The product of anomaly intensity and variance are defined as prospecting favorable degree (Pfd). The product of Pfd and area (S) are defined as Quantity of Mineral (Qm). There are two anomalies with the highest Pfd in the east of Quetta city, and the anomaly in the southwest of Kundian ranks third. The selenium anomalies indicate the areas of potential Se enrichment and supply basic data and information for geochemical investigation on a larger scale or selenium relevant research.

Unlocking the potential: leveraging blockchain technology for agri-food supply chain performance and sustainability

PurposeBlockchain technology (BCT) has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing transparency and trust. However, the relationship between the benefits of BCT and agri-food supply chain performance (AFSCperf) remains underexplored. Therefore, the current study investigates the influence of BCT on AFSCperf and sustainability issues.Design/methodology/approachThrough a comprehensive literature review, various benefits of BCT are identified. Subsequently, a research framework is proposed based on data collected from questionnaire surveys and personal visits to professionals in the agri-food industry. The proposed framework is validated using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe findings reveal that BCT positively impacts AFSCperf by improving traceability, transparency, food safety and quality, immutability and trust. Additionally, BCT adoption enhances stakeholder collaboration, provides a decentralised network, improves data accessibility and yields a better return on investment, resulting in the overall improvement in AFSCperf and socio-economic sustainability.Practical implicationsThis study offers valuable practical insights for practitioners and academicians, establishing empirical links between the benefits of BCT and AFSCperf and providing a deeper understanding of BCT adoption.Originality/valueStakeholders, managers, policymakers and technology providers can leverage these findings to optimise the benefits of BCT in enhancing AFSCperf. Moreover, it utilises rigorous theoretical and empirical approaches, drawing on a multidisciplinary perspective encompassing food operations and supply chain literature, public policy, information technology, strategy, organisational theory and sustainability.

Decisions of dual-channel fresh agricultural product supply chains based on information sharing

PurposeThis paper studies the optimal decision-making and coordination problem of a dual-channel fresh agricultural product (FAP) supply chain. The purpose is to analyze the impact of information sharing on optimal decisions and propose a coordination mechanism to encourage supply chain members to share information.Design/methodology/approachThe two-echelon dual-channel FAP supply chain includes a manufacturer and a retailer. By using the Stackelberg game theory and the backward induction method, the optimal decisions are obtained under information symmetry and asymmetry and the coordination contract is designed.FindingsThe results show that supply chain members should comprehensively evaluate the specific situation of product attributes, coefficient of freshness-keeping cost and network operating costs to make decisions. Asymmetric information can exacerbate the deviation of optimal decisions among supply chain members and information sharing is always beneficial to manufacturers but not to retailers. The improved revenue-sharing and cost-sharing contract is an effective coordination mechanism.Practical implicationsThe conclusions can provide theoretical guidance for supply chain managers to deal with information asymmetry and improve the competitiveness of the supply chain.Originality/valueThis paper combines the three characteristics that are most closely related to the reality of supply chains, including horizontal and vertical competition of different channels, the perishable characteristics of FAPs and the uncertainty generated by asymmetric demand information.

Information System Inventory Of Office Writing Equipment At PT Lion Super Indo Majapahit Semarang Branch

A computerized system is the use of a computer as a tool in data processing activities that are carried out manually. Inventory is all kinds of company goods that are available to be processed in the production process or sold. PT LION SUPER INDO is a company operating in the trading sector. PT LION SUPER INDO has 151 branches, one of which is PT Lion Super Indo Majapahit branch. The problem that often arises is the management of office stationery, the availability of which is not maintained, because there are obstacles in the process of using office stationery activities which are recorded manually. This can result in excess, shortage, or running out of Office Stationery. The method used is through the process of observation and interviews, namely by observing the management of office stationery supplies and obtaining the data the author needs in implementing the system. Implementation takes the form of the final result achieved, namely the formation of an information system based on visual basic programming, because by using this system you will be able to process data quickly and accurately. From this research it can be concluded that with the design of an office stationery supply information system at PT LION SUPER INDO Majapahit Branch based on Visual Basic, it can provide accurate information services. If there is an order transaction, the office stationery data can also be added to the store warehouse data automatically. Likewise, if there is a usage transaction, it will automatically reduce the stock in the store's warehouse data, so that the office stationery data will match the physical goods. And makes it easier for leaders to make office stationery decisions in ordering in each period.

Effect of lean-green practice and green human resource on supply chain performance: a resource-based view

PurposeThe study examined a wide range of proactive supply chain practices to demonstrate a cross-linkage among them and to understand their effects on both practitioners of previous decision-making models, frameworks, strategies and policies. Here, six supply chain practices are empirically evaluated based on 28 constructs to investigate a comprehensive model and confirm the connections for achieving performance and competence. The study presents a conceptual model and examines the influence of many crucial factors, i.e. supply chain collaboration, knowledge, information sharing, green human resources (GHR) management and lean-green (LG) practices on supply chain performance.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling (SEM) examines the conceptual model and allied relationship. A sample of 175 respondents' data was collected to test the hypothesized relations. A resource based view (RBV) was adopted, and the questionnaires-based survey was conducted on the Indian supply chain professionals to explore the effect of LG and green human resource management (GHRM) practices on supply chain performance.FindingsThe study presented five constructs for supply chain capabilities (SCCA), five constructs for supply chain collaboration and integration (SCIN), four constructs for supply chain knowledge and information sharing (SCKI), five constructs for GHR, five constructs for LG practices (LGPR) and four constructs for lean-green SCM (LG-SCM) firm performance to be utilized for validation by the specific industry, company size and operational boundaries for attaining sustainability. The outcome emphasizes that SCCA positively influence GHRM, LG practices and LG supply chain firm performance. However, LG practices do not influence LG-SCM firm performance, particularly in India.Originality/valueThe study exploited multiple practices in a conceptual model to provide a widespread understanding of decision-making to assist in developing a holistic approach based on different practices for attaining organizational sustainability. The study stimulates the cross-pollination of ideas between many supply chain practices to better understand SCCA, SCIN, SCKI, GHRM and LG-SCM under a single roof for retaining organization performance.

Research and analysis of airline supply chain risk management-- Take Boeing Company as an example

In today’s business environment, supply chain risk management is becoming more and more important for the strategic position of airlines. As a highly complex organizational structure, the airline supply chain faces multiple challenges and potential risks that may negatively impact its operational efficiency, customer satisfaction and profitability. Therefore, a deep understanding of the key elements and practical experience of an airline’s supply chain risk management is essential to enhance its competitiveness. This paper aims to comprehensively explore the overview and core elements of airline supply chain risk management. Firstly, it clearly defines and introduces the characteristics of supply chain risk, as well as the main risk types faced by airline supply chain. Then, it delves into the key elements of airline supply chain risk management, including supply chain visibility and information sharing, supplier selection and evaluation, and inventory management and logistics planning. Then, a series of successful experiences of airline supply chain risk management are introduced, and methods of using advanced technologies and tools to mitigate supply chain risk are discussed.

Influence of Inventory Management Strategy on the Performance of Retail Chains in Nairobi Central Business District.

Operations strategy is the value-adding process used by the company to guarantee that customers receive value through the conversion of resources into finished goods and services. Operations management procedures include quality control, supply chain management, inventory management, risk management, and information technology. The main objective of this study was to establish the influence of inventory management strategy on the performance of retail chains in the Nairobi Central Business District. The study was anchored on the systems theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design and the target population was 34 retail chains within the Nairobi CBD area. The sample population involved 80 managers who were in charge of the retail chains in Nairobi CBD. Self-administered structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that inventory management strategy has a positive significant influence on the performance of retail chains in the Nairobi Central Business District. This is because an increase in a unit of inventory management strategy leads to an improvement of the performance of the retail chains. The study recommended that retail chains should implement inventory management practices that aim to reduce deadstock and minimize inventory holding costs. The study also recommended that organizations should utilize inventory forecasting techniques to accurately predict demand and adjust inventory levels accordingly. The study further recommended that retail chains should explore vendor-managed inventory (VMI) arrangements with key suppliers to maintain optimal stock levels. The study recommended that retail chains should regularly assess and update inventory turnover strategies to meet customer demand effectively.

Navigation Radar system compatible with IOT

The Internet of Things (IoT) aims to create a virtual platform for intelligent interactions among physical devices, vehicles, home appliances (smart homes), and other objects embedded with sensors and actuators that communicate via internet protocols (IP). In addition to RFID sensors, a radar-based sensor for IoT applications has been introduced. This emerging technology not only supplies information to the IoT system but also enhances security by detecting potential stealth threats to the smart environment. This paper investigates the feasibility of incorporating radar systems as sensor devices, contributing to the successful deployment of IoT systems. Additionally, it reviews various IoT architectures, with a focus on the sensor layer, as presented by different researchers.

A Case Study of Sharing the Harmonic Voltage Distortion Responsibility between the Utility and the Consumer

The aim of this paper is to apply a methodology towards the sharing of responsibility between the utility and the consumer with reference to the occurrence of harmonic voltage distortions at the point of common coupling (PCC). The approach is based on the measured values of harmonic voltage and current as well as the supply and load harmonic impedance information. In addition to the general method principles, the paper focuses a specific application involving a real industrial installation, fed by 230 kV and having a large amount of rectifiers. The results are then used to verify the proposal consistency regarding the sharing of the responsibilities between the utility and the industry as far as the harmonic voltage distortion is concerned. The proposed process finds sustenance during the implementation of mitigation procedures with sights to the attendance of the standards of quality established by the regulating agencies.

Carolife – Life Caring Solutions

In times of medical emergencies, individuals always face difficulties in finding the most suitable hospital for necessary treatment. They may navigate from one healthcare facility to another, medications, and blood supply. Hospital finder will solve these problems. This application is designed to help individuals to find the best medical care for their needs in a convenient way. It uses GPS-Global Positioning System in smart phones to find the nearest hospitals that offer the desired medical specialities, such as cardiology, neurology etc. It also shows the routes from the current location to the selected hospital through Google Maps, saving time and reducing stress for the users. Moreover, it supplies information about the hospitals, such as their facilities, doctors, blood banks, laboratories, and appointment schedules. Users can search for hospitals based on their requirements. They can also access their earlier medical history through the application by logging in to keep the privacy of the users. This application aims to reduce the hassle of searching for specific medical services and improve the health outcomes of the users/patients by providing them with reliable and relevant information. Key Words: GPS, Google Maps, Blood Bank, Appointment Schedules, Privacy

Blockchains for SMEs: A Fit-Viability perspective moderated by organizational innovation diffusion for supply chain performance

This paper empirically examines the suitability of blockchain for improving supply chain performance in small-medium enterprises through the theoretical lens of the fit-viability model against the impact of organisation innovation diffusion level Data gathered from 206 respondents are analysed using partial least square-structured equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN). The findings of this study show empirically that enhanced supply chain connectivity, information sharing, and supply chain visibility are fit for enhancing supply chain performance. Economics, management support, and technology infrastructure are important for blockchain viability. Further, an organisation’s innovation diffusion level affects the fitness of blockchain for supply chain performance but not viability. The transformational effects of blockchain are mainly centred on its security and trust-enhancing features. However, its deployment continues to be marred by technical complexities and often, scenarios that seem opportune may be a poor fit. This study is among the few that consider the impact of blockchain on supply chain performance through a fit-viability lens against the effect of organisation innovation diffusion level.

국제물류주선업의 혁신요인과 혁신이 성과에 미치는 영향

Due to changes in needs of customers, business environment, and technological developments, the scope of Freight Forwarder services has expanded with the increased complexity. Expanded service scop of freight forwarder plays key role in increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty by providing comprehensive logistics services from global supply chain management, value-added services, information and consulting. However, domestic companies are meeting with cutthroat competition for the price rather than improving the quality of services. Consequentially, competitiveness in the international arena is weakening by only focusing on a price war. Domestic logistics companies should break away from this hyper competition on price. Instead, concentrating on creating customer value to secure a competitive edge beyond the traditional role of transportation in the new economic market, and innovation would be essential. Regardless of high necessity for in-depth research on this, there are not many innovation studies on the domestic Freight Forwarder yet. In this study, Innovation type had been sorted into service and management. This division is focusing on the nature of logistics industry with seeing uncertainty of technology, the characteristics of CEOs, information system of the logistics, and personal traits as the factors which influencing to innovation in freight forwarding. Logistics performance was classified into efficiency and effectiveness, and corporate performance was measured as financial performance. Research result was proved that innovation factors have positive effects on both service and management revolutionization. Also on the efficiency and effectiveness of logistics. In addition, it was demonstrated that efficiency and effectiveness, which are logistics performance, have a positive effect on a company's financial performance.

공급사슬네트워크에서 비즈니스 애널리틱스의 영향에 관한 연구

The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the relationship between organizational business analytics capability and supply chain performance in order to identify the impact of business analytics in supply chain network. Specifically, drawing on literature streams in Supply Chain Operations Reference Model and Information Processing Theory, this study conceptualizes the notion of business analytics capability in supply chain network, develops its structure as a reflective model, and tests the constructs and operational measures in the model. And then this study investigates the relationship between analytics capabilities in the plan, source, make and deliver area of the supply chain network and its performance using business process orientation and information system support as moderators that form the basis of our theory. Conducting an empirical study of 170 Korean manufacturing firms, this study, through the successive stages of measurement model analysis, provides empirical evidence for modeling reflective indicator and construct of business analytics capability in supply chain network. As a result, the construct of business analytics capability is posited to reflect a combination through analytics capabilities in the plan, source, make and deliver area of the supply chain network. And the findings suggest the existence of a statistically significant relationship between business analytics capabilities and supply chain performance. The moderation effect of information systems support is considerably stronger than the effect of business process orientation. These findings provide a better understanding of the areas in supply chain network where the impact of business analytics may be the strongest.

Antecedent configurations toward supply chain resilience: The joint impact of supply chain integration and big data analytics capability

AbstractMany antecedents identified as essential to supply chain resilience (SCR) are often studied independently, without considering their synergistic effects. Based on a case study and resource orchestration theory, this article focuses on configurations of different antecedents regarding supply chain integration and big data analytics capability to develop proactive and reactive SCR. Using survey data from 277 Chinese manufacturing firms, we consider three dimensions of supply chain integration, information integration, operational integration and relational integration, and three dimensions of big data analytics capability, technical skills, managerial skills and data driven‐decision culture, and conduct fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explore antecedent configurations generating high proactive and reactive SCR. We find that multiple antecedent configurations can achieve high SCR and configurations for high proactive and reactive SCR are not identical, which may involve alternative effects across different antecedents. We further implement propensity score matching analysis and reveal that firms following these configurations for high SCR also have better economic and operational performance. Moreover, we check the robustness of findings by using secondary data and attributes analysis with machine learning. This article complements and extends existing SCR literature from the configurational perspective and provides practical insights for managers to build SCR.

Contextual Bayesian optimization of congestion pricing with day-to-day dynamics

Congestion pricing is a common approach to alleviate urban traffic congestion. The design of second-best congestion pricing schemes is typically formulated as non-linear programming and bi-level optimization problems, where the lower-level problem involves either a static or dynamic network equilibrium model. The complexity of these bi-level toll optimization problems increases considerably when incorporating day-to-day dynamic models of travel behavior and dynamic models of network congestion. These models are often operationalized using simulation, and consequently, the toll design problem is a computationally challenging simulation-based optimization problem where the evaluation of a single candidate pricing scheme involves simulating the day-to-day model until convergence. In order to circumvent this issue, we propose a contextual Bayesian optimization (BO) framework, where the BO scheme is embedded within the day-to-day dynamic model by using temporal contextual information. The framework implicitly incorporates the relationship between the objective function across days and uses past days’ observations (function evaluations) as weak priors when constructing the Gaussian process underlying the BO algorithm for the current day’s toll optimization problem, resulting in gains in computational efficiency.The contextual BO approach is applied to the design of distance-based pricing schemes for the morning commute problem. We demonstrate numerically that the scheme converges to the system optimum, and moreover, utilizes a significantly smaller number of simulation evaluations (ten-fold reduction) than the standard approach wherein each function evaluation involves simulating the day-to-day model until convergence. From a policy perspective, we find that the distance-based schemes yield significant welfare gains relative to area-based schemes and show that the design of the distance-based tariff scheme can significantly affect distributional impacts. A suitably designed two-part tariff structure can partially offset the relatively large welfare losses of travelers with longer commute distances while maintaining overall welfare. The proposed contextual BO scheme is also extended to incorporate context specific demand and supply information, which can be of value to policy-makers when evaluating optimal toll design schemes under a wide range of scenarios in a computational tractable manner.

Supply chain performance, information and communication technology capital formation, and green growth in top carbon emitter economies

Supply chain performance, information and communication technology capital formation, and green growth in top carbon emitter economies