Context Of Supply Networks Research Articles

Looking for resource density in the platform supply network

In a platform supply network, a platform owner uses a digital platform to link other firms such as suppliers, customers, logistics firms and other service firms for resource combination to manage supply chains in a comprehensive manner. Resources from different providers are combined on the platform to create value for suppliers. The literature on the Service-Dominant Logic (SDL) has implied that resource density (defined as the optimal combination of resources) is key to value co-creation. Resource density is enhanced when the number and variety of resources and/or their combinability at the opportune time and place are boosted. Yet the process by which the platform owner, complementors (independent companies providing complementary services) and suppliers interact to make this happen is still unclear. This research aims to explore how these three kinds of actors interact to build a resource density situation that guarantees satisfactory value creation in a platform supply network. Based on a qualitative study of a Business-to-Business (B2B) e-commerce digital platform, we identify three mechanisms through which these companies achieve resource density. The findings demonstrate how the mechanisms for achieving resource density manifest in the platform supply network context. We reveal that resource density can be achieved at three different levels, and that artificial intelligence and digital platforms play key roles in optimizing resource density.

A circular innovation strategy in a supply network context: evidence from the packaging industry

PurposeThe research question is how can a company implement a circular innovation in a supply network context? Leveraging the main conceptual and interpretative models of the industrial marketing and purchasing thinking, this study aims to investigate the interplay between the process of circular innovation development and the changes in the structure and dynamics of the supply network in which innovation takes place.Design/methodology/approachThis research applies a case study design focusing on participant interaction dynamics. The case relates to an industrial company producing an innovative coating solution for compostable packaging. The data used to develop the case study came from multiple sources but primarily from semistructured interviews that cover the implementation of the circular innovation and the configuration of the circular network.FindingsThe dynamics of interconnected relationships can configure a circular network that interconnects business and non business actors through vertical, horizontal and heterogeneous relationships. The network configuration is supported by the new mobilizer actor that facilitates the sharing of circular knowledge within the circular network, together with the sharing of a market orientation and entrepreneurial orientation within the supply network, through the educational learning path.Originality/valueThis paper aims to contribute to a new understanding of how circular innovation can be developed, adopted and diffused. In a network, when circular innovation takes place, the focal issue is not the new product or technology in itself but how such innovation is developed and implemented by and through the reconfiguration of the business and non-business relationships into circular network.

Mitigating risk in global supplies to the maritime industry

The purpose of this study is to embed using dialogue to mitigate risk in a supply network context. A detailed case narrative is provided of a Norwegian machine parts importer's supply of goods from Shanghai to the maritime industry in Norway involving both shipbuilding and maintenance associated with shipping. The case shows how supply networks consist of tiers of suppliers working together. Risk is managed through an integrated effort involving how people communicate. Given that risk is perception, attention is directed to how risk may be conceived as boundary object; that through development of discourse, risk may be mitigated through dialogue in the supply network. This study provides insights for further conceptual development how to mitigate risk by integrating this conception as a dialogue element, a boundary object used to manage risk in the globalised physical distribution of parts in the maritime industry.

Computational Analysis and Visualization of Global Supply Network Risks

Management of supply network risks is a critical competency for today's global enterprises. Current practices and tools, however, have limited capabilities and do not allow for systemic exploration of alternate risk strategies. We develop a computational model of risk diffusion in global supply networks that is grounded in techniques from complex systems, network analysis, and epidemiological risk modeling. We draw on a unique, curated dataset of firms, their supply networks, and financial risk in the global electronics industry. Specifically, we assess and visualize the impact of network structure on risk diffusion and supply network health, and determine the impact of visibility on reduction and potential mitigation of cascading risks. Our approach enables decision makers to identify risks and determine potential paths of their diffusion. In doing so, we advance our understanding of the design and development of computational risk management tools in a global supply network context.

Dyadic Relationships and Power within a Supply Network Context

Dyadic Relationships and Power within a Supply Network Context

Integration and performance in a blood supply network

Although integration has received attention in healthcare, blood supply management literature has given more attention to the improvement of focal activities than to the integration of key processes, which is the focus in logistics and supply chain management. This article focuses on internal and external integration and examines their association with performance in the blood supply network context. In addition, the importance of managing focal activities efficiently is acknowledged. The article, therefore, proposes three perspectives for improving performance in supply networks. On the basis of this idea, a conceptual model is presented and the associations proposed are examined by using a survey approach. The results of the survey indicate that although focal activities separately enhanced would result in better performance, the possibilities for even better performance lie in 'doing things together'. Thus, to enhance blood supply network performance, internal and external integration should be emphasised.