Supply Organizations Research Articles

Territories of the «northern delivery»: new approaches to categorization

Ensuring the sustainability of settlements in the Far North regions is achievable only through a comprehensive set of measures for the procurement and delivery of essential goods (primarily food and fuel) from other areas, known as the «Northern Delivery» The current supply system is marked by inefficiencies that create high risks of delivery disruptions. Enhancing this system requires developing and implementing optimal measures to influence the economic relationships within the «Northern Delivery» framework, alongside determining effective legal regulatory methods. A critical step in this process is the establishment of precise and strictly defined territorial boundaries for implementing these measures. At present, there is no legal formalization of spatial limits for the array of managerial, logistic, and socio-economic processes aimed at ensuring uninterrupted deliveries of goods for the «Northern Delivery» underscoring the importance of this research. The aim of this study is to define the criteria and their quantitative parameters to categorize the regions of the Far North and equivalent areas with limited cargo delivery periods. By synthesizing the work of both domestic and international scholars on the zoning of northern territories and assessing their transport accessibility, as well as utilizing cartographic research methods and focus groups, an algorithm for categorizing the settlements of the Far North regions has been developed. The identified selection criteria include transport accessibility, the presence of stable supply logistics chains, the duration of heating period, and the level of provision with basic food products. This categorization resulted in identifying of three groups of territories based on the supply organization mechanism: critical, supporting, and basic supply. The proposed categorization can be used to determine the spatial limits for legal regulation of the «Northern Delivery» and to develop a specific set of measures to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential goods.

Impact of relational norms on performance: interaction between solidarity, power and flexibility in buyer-supplier relationships

Buyer-supplier relationships are characterised by relational norms. These norms are bilateral expectations that can reduce opportunistic behaviour, improve value creation and develop cooperation among exchange parties. Drawing on relational exchange theory, this study explores how three relational norms, solidarity, power and flexibility are interrelated in supply chain relationships. We test a mediated model where solidarity and power directly impact relational performance and flexibility mediates these relationships. The mediated model was tested with matched pairs of data on 93 supply chain arrangements between buyer and supplier organisations. Results show that solidarity improves relational performance both directly and in the presence of flexibility. Power, on the other hand, does not impact relational performance, both directly and through flexibility. The results obtained, especially the importance of flexibility and solidarity for both buyers’ and suppliers’ managers in maintaining long-term benefits in supply chain exchanges, are discussed for theory, practice and research.

ESG transformation of water supply and sewerage enterprises in the Russian Federation to achieve sustainable development goals

Subject. This article discusses the issues of modernization of water supply and sewerage systems, housing and communal services as a whole, and the problem of rational use of water resources. Objectives. The article aims to determine areas for the development of water supply and wastewater disposal organizations, and develop mechanisms to reduce the negative impact of industry enterprises on the environment. Methods. For the study, I used the general scientific research methods. Results. The article finds that the key task of the industry is to reduce the depreciation of fixed assets. It is necessary to reduce water consumption and losses in production processes and during transportation. Conclusions. The introduction of green technologies will help increase the investment attractiveness of the industry. The Government of the Russian Federation considers water supply and wastewater disposal as a priority sector that ensure the country's sustainable development.

Impact of Seismic Geohazards on water supply systems and pipeline performance: Insights from the 2023 Kahramanmaras Earthquakes

This study delves into the profound repercussions of geohazards on water supply systems, specifically in the aftermath of the Kahramanmaras earthquakes. The influence of these geohazards was far-reaching, impacting a vast geographical expanse affected by the seismic events. The primary focus of this investigation centers on the provinces of Adiyaman, Gaziantep, and Hatay, providing representative damage examples from the earthquake-affected areas. The study illustrates various types of pipe failures induced by geohazards such as fault displacements, landslides, and liquefaction. The analysis encompasses diverse cases of damage, starting from the water resources, progressing through issues at transmission lines, and extending to challenges faced by pumping and treatment facilities. Key aspects of damages and geohazards are presented, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of these interactions. It is crucial to note the scarcity of real cases in the existing literature, emphasizing the need for extensive site investigations and dedicated research endeavors to construct a comprehensive database of case histories in this domain. This study addresses this gap, contributing valuable insights into the tangible impacts of geohazards on water supply systems. By comprehending and effectively addressing the risks associated with geohazards, water supply organizations can fortify the safety and resilience of their infrastructure. The findings presented herein offer a foundation for informed decision-making and strategic planning, fostering a proactive approach to mitigate potential damages and enhance the overall robustness of water supply systems in regions prone to seismic events and associated geohazards.

Features and subjects of the contract for the supply of electricity to the consumer

In this study, the author examines in detail one of the types of sales contract - the energy supply contract, which in the late 20th - early 21st centuries is a necessary element of the life of society, a mandatory condition for the development of the economy, since the supply of energy resources to one degree or another requires all physical and entities. Over the past ten years, Ukrainian civil legislation, which regulates contractual relations, in particular relations in the field of energy supply, has radically changed. In the Civil Code of Ukraine, a whole group of articles regulating relations related to the conclusion, execution and termination of contracts in the field of energy supply appeared. The legal norms governing the relationship between electricity suppliers and its consumers have undergone radical changes. The relationship between the owner of energy and the organizations that transport it (electricity and heat networks) is being built in a fundamentally new way. Today, the question of whether energy is a thing and whether it can be the object of property rights is problematic and debatable. To what type is the contract according to which the power plant (as a supplier) undertakes to provide the consumer with electric energy? Can such an activity be considered contractual, since the power plant undertakes to carry out the work, the necessary delivery of energy to the consumer, or is it still another activity? In the article, the author considered the rules for concluding an energy supply contract and the features of a universal service provider. Particular attention is paid to the supplier of the «Last Event», the powers and duties of such an entity are disclosed. The author concludes that the contract for the supply of electric energy to the consumer can be considered both as a public contract and as a connection contract. The basic requirements for the electricity supplier from the consumer, the legality of its activity, the possibility of switching to a new supplier are indicated. Special features of the energy supply contract include: provision of energy through the connected network; availability of consumer energy metering devices; the right of the counterparty (energy supply organization) under the energy supply contract to supervise the technical condition of the consumer’s current receivers in order to ensure safety and reliable energy supply.

Perceived likelihood of standard employment by client organizations and the career mobility of outsourced employees: a self-driving human capital increment model

Externalized employment, aimed at reducing labor costs, is becoming increasingly prevalent. However, the effective implementation of management practices to improve the career mobility of outsourced employees remains unknown. Drawing from social cognitive theory, this study constructs a self-driven career mobility model for outsourced employees. What’s more, this study proposes the concept of differentiation in perceived organizational supports (DPOS), that is ‘the relative degree of outsourced employee’s perception of support from client organizational exceeds that from supplier organization in triangular employment relationships’, and regards it as a key boundary condition for outsourced employees to interpret the cognition of employment opportunities. Data were collected from a three-wave survey of 271 outsourced employees from 52 interorganizational teams. Results showed that the perceived likelihood of standard employment (PLSE) by client organizations positively predicts outsourced employees’ turnover intention from supplier organization. Job-related human capital development (JRHCD) and occupational self-efficacy play a chain mediating role between PLSE and turnover intention. DPOS moderates the relationship between PLSE and JRHCD, and also moderates the mediating and chain mediating effect of JRHCD and occupational self-efficacy. We discuss the implications of findings for outsourcing management research and practice.

Discussion on the recruitment strategy for apheresis platelet donors in Chongqing during a public health emergency.

This study aimed to analyze the population characteristics of apheresis platelet donors in Chongqing Province and provide a scientific basis for the development of precise and efficient recruitment strategies. The ultimate goal is to increase the number of regular platelet donors in preparation for public health emergencies. This study involved 53,089 blood donors who donated apheresis platelets to the Chongqing Blood Center from 2020 to 2022. Data regarding age, sex, blood type, education level, occupation, and frequency of blood donation were collected and analyzed to identify factors influencing platelet donation. Between 2020 and 2022, the majority of apheresis platelet donors in Chongqing were aged 25-35 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.6:1. The ABO blood group distribution was O > A > B > AB. The apheresis platelet donors mainly consisted of college students, and the donors who had donated only once accounted for the greatest proportion. Based on the population characteristics of apheresis platelet donors in Chongqing, blood collection and supply organizations must refine emergency blood collection and supply plans during public health emergencies. This study underscores the importance of developing precise and efficient recruitment strategies for apheresis platelet donors and expanding the pool of regular apheresis platelet donors. These measures are essential to ensure the timely, safe, and effective use of clinical blood resources during public health emergencies.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ ПРОВЕДЕНИЯ ТЕНДЕРНЫХ ЗАКУПОК В ПРОМЫШЛЕННЫХ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯХ

The article presents a classification of tender procurements that are most often encountered in the practice of industrial organizations. Methods for carrying out competitive procurement are determined, the distinctive features of non-standard procurement and the conditions for their use are highlighted. Practical recommendations on participation in procurement for the supplier organization are given, typical inconsistencies of the procurement participant with price and non-cost indicators are identified. The approaches to the formation of non-cost indicators for assessing participants’ applications have been clarified. The specifics of holding electronic competitions, as well as competitions with limited participation, are considered.

Examination of the selection of logistics service providers

The selection of logistics service providers plays a crucial role in the success of an organization's supply chain management. The new industrial revolution taking place today provides solutions that prioritize the issue of quality and also raise reliability to a new level, both on the service provider's and user's sides. As businesses grow and expand, the need for efficient and reliable logistics services becomes increasingly important. This study examines how to determine the criteria for the selection of logistics service providers in the current technological environment. The choice of logistics service provider has significant implications for an organization's operations and overall performance. Optimum selection can lead to enhanced customer satisfaction, cost savings, improved efficiency, and a competitive advantage. However, poor selection can result in logistical inefficiencies, decreased customer satisfaction, increased costs, and negative impacts on organizational reputation. Hence, careful consideration and evaluation of potential service providers are crucial. The digitized environment offers a solution for accessing large-scale databases, which provide well-founded decision evaluation plans based on a large number of samples. The quality characteristics influencing the logistics parameters were examined and weighted from the perspective of customer requirements. By exploring various aspects, we aim to shed light on the intricacies of this process and provide insights that can assist organizations in making informed decisions. We attempt to make the indices that appear as bottlenecks in the specified order more efficient using an optimization procedure.

Accomplishing sustainable development goals through international management system standards and multinational supply chains

AbstractThe United Nations has set up 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030. This research investigates the role of management system standards and multinational supply chains in achieving SDGs and targets, as well as whether these two paths produce varying degrees of effectiveness in achieving these goals. Questionnaire‐based research is conducted among 264 Indian manufacturing organisations based on their certification status and MNE supplier status. Comparison of the surveyed organisations is carried out on three parameters, namely, number of targets for each SDG, fulfilment levels of these targets and extension of established targets further in the supply chain. Analysis of variance and t‐test methods are used to compare survey responses. Results show that the role of management system standards and auditing frameworks used by multinational enterprises is statistically similar in achieving SDGs. The role of management system standards in achieving each of the SDGs has not yet been attempted so far by using the aforementioned factors. The comparison of management system standards' auditing approaches with the auditing frameworks of multinational enterprises also provides a novel addition. Both multinationals and their supplier organisations can save time, money and effort by following either of the two approaches and avoiding the duplicity that is currently prevalent in practice. The research has theoretical implications for sustainability, modernisation and globalisation theories.

Experiences of community-based water supply organizations partnerships in rural areas of Colombia

Abstract Clean water for human consumption in rural areas of Latin America and the Caribbean is usually provided by community-based water supply organizations (CBWSOs). Collaborative partnerships with community-based water supply organizations (CBWSOPs) are established to tackle technical and institutional challenges concerning safe water supply. This article analyses some features of the CBWSOs and their partnerships, based on the experience of ACUANARIÑO and ASDAL – Tres Esquinas, two CBWSOs located in Valle del Cauca – Colombia, following their participation at the local, municipal (ASOOCSAS Tuluá), subnational (Asociación de Organizaciones Comunitarias Prestadoras de Servicios Públicos de Agua y Saneamiento de Colombia (AQUACOL)), national (COCSASCOL), and transnational levels (CLOCSAS). The main findings of this work, after using a participatory approach, are that initial partnerships between CBWSOs emerge from informal agreements built on the neighbourhood logic typical of rurality; however, as moving towards higher scales, agreements become more formal to allow for dialogue and discussion with governmental organizations in the water and sanitation sector. This is also a strategy for the recognition of community water management. Thus, CBWSOPs are construed under a collaborative and non-profit approach, in the manner of water operator partnerships.

Impact of Internet of Things Adoption on Organizational Performance: A Mediating Analysis of Supply Chain Integration, Performance, and Competitive Advantage

Companies, in emerging economies and beyond, struggle to develop integration mechanisms that deliver supply chain performance and competitive advantages. Those striving for organizational performance by streamlining supply chain processes must assess the challenges and benefits of employing technologies for supply chain integration. This study’s objective is to analyze the supply chain integration antecedents required to enable supply chain performance, competitive advantages, and organization performance. Although prior research indicates that the Internet of Things (IoT), as one of the enabling technologies, plays an instrumental role in enhancing organization performance through supply chain integration, no empirical tests have been performed before. Therefore, this study examines the direct and indirect effects of the IoT’s impact on organizational performance through different mediating variables—supply chain integration, supply chain performance, and competitive advantages. This study uses survey data from Saudi Arabian companies that adopted IoT-based applications in their supply chains. The results from partial least squares structural equation modeling indicate that the benefits and challenges of IoT adoption significantly affect supply chain integration. Moreover, supply chain integration partially mediates the relationship between IoT, supply chain performance, and competitive advantages while supply chain performance and competitive advantages mediate the relationship between supply chain integration and organization performance. This study offers theoretical implications regarding how dynamic capabilities are associated with supply chain integration and how they influence organizational performance; it also reveals valuable managerial insights.

Multilevel Value Co-Creation Within Key Accounts

Optimizing complex service partnerships requires an understanding of multilevel value co-creation processes in a customer-supplier ecosystem. Such strategic business-to-business relationships impact supplier costs and revenues, necessitating dedicated personnel across hierarchical levels to co-create value. The authors study the customer-supplier ecosystem intra-organizationally across firm levels to understand value expectations and orientations, and extra-organizationally to identify supplier harmonization strategies for managing multilevel value co-creation. Empirically, the authors conduct a multilevel-multisource qualitative case study within a strategic partnership, with a service contract valued at over $100 million per year, that includes senior- and frontline-level interviews in the key account customer organization (32 participants) and supplier organization (22 participants). The analysis focuses on how institutions, spanning contracts, and behavioral norms within the business-to-business customer-supplier ecosystem, govern actions and aspirations. Findings typify the nature of divergent value expectations between customer hierarchies along with level-specific co-creation orientations. As future prognosis hinges on harmonizing practices and institutions to address discrepancies in value visibility across customer levels, such an assessment also enables actionable strategies to enhance reengagement. The findings collectively offer theoretical implications for key account management (KAM) research, influencing areas such as professionalization of KAM, effectiveness in KAM, and network dynamics within KAM.

Проблемы реализации критериев теплосетевых организаций: договорные отношения между теплоснабжающей организацией и владельцем тепловых сетей, утратившим статус теплосетевой организации

This article deals with the challenges of implementing the heat network organization criteria and the fate of contractual relations between heat supply organizations and heat network owners that lost the heat network organization status. The author concludes that the special legislation on heat supply does not provide a procedure for terminating contractual relations between a heat supply organization and an entity that does not meet the heat network organization criteria, even if the parties had a contract for heat energy (heat carrier) transmission services before the criteria came into force. This situation leads to different interpretations of the procedure for applying the criteria and gives rise to disputes between heat supply organizations and heat network owners. The lack of a straightforward and unambiguous mechanism for applying the criteria in price zones has resulted in the necessity for heat supply organizations and heat network owners to defend their rights in court and administratively. Analysis of the general provisions of civil legislation indicates that contracts between heat supply organizations and heat network owners that do not meet the criteria are subject to termination due to impossibility of performance. Additionally, heat supply organizations have the right to verify that heat network owners comply with the heat network organization criteria. The author concludes that developing a mechanism of interaction between the parties is necessary when concluding and implementing contracts for heat energy (heat carrier) transmission services.

Faith-based pharmaceutical supply chains and their role in African pharmaceutical systems: a qualitative systematic review

For the health system to function well, the population must have equitable access to quality, affordable pharmaceutical supplies; however, pharmaceutical systems in Africa are challenged by inadequate funding, drug stock outs and irregular supplies, a shortage of trained pharmacy personnel, and a lack of systems for drug regulation and quality. Faith-based health providers, as private, not-for-profit actors, have long complemented public sector efforts in the supply of pharmaceuticals in Africa. However, the contribution of faith-based health providers in pharmaceutical systems has not been formally studied. This study examines the nature and function of faith-based healthcare providers in improving access to pharmaceutical supplies in Africa. To do so, we conducted an exploratory qualitative systematic review to identify documents that contain information on faith-based involvement in pharmaceutical supply in Africa. The review identified 20 articles for inclusion. These articles were analyzed using thematic, narrative analysis. The analysis revealed a significant evidence gap relating to the contribution of private-not-for-profit, faith-based providers to African pharmaceutical systems. The review suggests that while faith-based drug supply organizations have existed for a long time and contribute significantly to national pharmaceutical systems, there is very little known about the nature of faith-based pharmaceutical providers and how they complement public sector pharmaceutical systems. In many contexts, faith-based involvement in pharmaceutical systems improved access for the general population and increased the supply of pharmaceuticals in national systems. Faith-based drug supply organizations also often provide pharmaceutical supplies to both rural and urban areas, often targeting rural and remote areas particularly. The review also indicates that faith-based drug supply organizations improved access to medicines and related commodities and, despite a lack of regulation in many contexts, have the potential to make a positive contribution to quality assurance of pharmaceuticals. In summary, the analysis confirmed that faith-based involvement in pharmaceutical supply chains contributes to strengthening the national health system by complementing the public pharmaceutical system through improved access to medicines and related commodities in Africa. These conclusions corroborate the need to continually document and acknowledge faith-based healthcare providers’ efforts which could guide the formulation of stringent, evidence-based strategies.

Exploring Artificial Intelligence for Supply Chain Resilience and Organization Performance in Developing Country: A Case of Nigeria

Increase in complexity, the development of economic changes and the globalization of

Relationship between organization supply chain capabilities and organization responsiveness

The link between an organization's supply chain's capacities and responsiveness has been identified as one of the main issues in ensuring business performance and achieving competitive advantage. Indeed, to achieve efficient responses to customers' needs, working across organizational boundaries is essential. This study shows positive relationships between an organization's supply chain capabilities and organizational responsiveness. This study identified two key issues: (1) the connection between supply chain capabilities and organizational responsiveness and (2) the impact of supply chain capabilities on organization responsiveness. In a taxonomy, various scenarios of the relationship between supply chain capabilities and organization responsiveness were developed, and different studies were used to demonstrate the experience of intra and inter-organizational activities in economic growth. The findings of numerous studies show in detail that an organization's supply chain capabilities are essential for improving organizational responsiveness and competitiveness. Supply chain capabilities not only directly enhance operational efficiency but also help with collaborative practices that help strengthen internal skills in turn.

Factors Affecting the Performance of the Community-Based Water Supply Organisations (CBWSOs) in Katavi Districts, Tanzania

This study assessed the factors affecting the Performance of Community-Based Water Supply Organisations (CBWSOs) in managing water supply schemes in Katavi rural areas. An inductive approach and exploratory design were employed in this study. The study population comprised 48 respondents, comprising the region's management team and supervisory board members of selected CBWSOs. Data was collected through one on one In-depth interviews, field observation and literature reviews. The findings revealed firstly, financial management was identified as a critical aspect, emphasising the importance of community participation in the collection of funds. Secondly, Regular infrastructure maintenance is essential for water supply reliability. Thirdly Positive political influence involves securing funding and resources, creating a supportive regulatory environment, promoting community engagement, and advocating for the interests of CBWSOs. In contrast, negative political influence hinders decision-making processes and neglects the responsibilities of supporting and overseeing CBWSOs. Lastly, community awareness was identified as a significant factor. Community participation in the collection of funds fosters financial sustainability, a sense of ownership, responsible resource utilisation, and transparency. Based on these findings, some of the recommendations and policy implications proposed include supporting financial sustainability, establishing a regulatory framework for infrastructure maintenance, minimising negative political interference, promoting community awareness and participation, providing capacity building and implementing a monitoring and evaluation framework.

Leveraging graph theory approach for managing design principles for sustainable manufacturing of industry 4.0: A case study of electrical equipment manufacturing industry

Analyzing design principles and supply chain sustainability are critical for organizational success in today's competitive marketplace. The process of evaluating an organization's supply chain design principles and manufacturing sustainability entails incorporating various sources of information, which are typically uncertain, incomplete, and subjective in nature. Particularly when various organizations are confronted with significant principles such as a lack of interoperability, decentralization, virtualization, real-time and capabilities, service orientation, and so on. Using graph theory and a matrix approach (GTMA), this article attempts to analyze the interaction between design principles-related factors with a focus on operational excellence, growth and sustainability in supply chains by considering the business of Industry 4.0. We have considered electrical equipment manufacturing Industry 4.0 as test ground. Based on a literature review and expert opinions, we identified several key principles, and then explored the most significant one using graph theory and a matrix approach. The findings indicate that autonomy has been evaluated as the most significant challenge to manage design principles most effectively for sustainable manufacturing in the Industry 4.0 context. Therefore, organizations must enhance autonomous systems capable of operating and making decisions alone, without relying on external instructions or support, in order to achieve sustainability. This and the other identified principles to achieving corporate supply chain sustainability are ranked in this paper. These findings will be useful for managers and policymakers managing the interaction between people and processes, as well as corporate sustainability management in Industry 4.0-based supply chain organizations. The unique contributions of this paper can aid in the improvement of design principles and the sustainability of emerging economies' Industry 4.0 perspectives.

Medicine Crisis Indicators in the Pharmaceutical System of Iran: A Descriptive Strategic Analysis

Introduction: Iran is one of the countries that frequently encounters natural disasters. Providing and delivering medicine and initiating treatment for the injured in the early stages of disasters and crisis play a significant role in reducing pain, fatal injuries, and increasing the chances of recovery and survival for the injured individuals. Aim: To design a model for drug management during crises and hazards in Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted from October 2019 to November 2020 at Department of Health Services Management, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. The opinions of 30 health and drug experts from the Food and Drug Administration and the Ministry of Health in Iran were considered in developing the initial conceptual model. Subsequently, a questionnaire was designed, and its validity and reliability were confirmed. The questionnaire evaluated seven parameters, including supply chain, policy-making, organisation, guidance and leadership, crisis instances, planning, and education. These parameters were scored on a Likert scale from 1 to 5. The total number of respondents was 403. Direct or reverse encoding was applied depending on the nature of the positive or negative questions. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) version 22 software. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to develop the final model for drug management during crises and hazards. Results: The results highlighted the importance of factors such as supply chain, policy-making, organisation, guidance and leadership, crisis instances, planning, and education in influencing drug management during crises and disasters. These findings were based on the perspectives of intermediate and senior managers in the medicine supply and distribution system in Iran. Conclusion: The model presented in the present study presents and emphasises the crucial factors that impact drug management during crises and disasters.