Supplier Relationships Research Articles

Supply chain adjustments to tariff shocks: Evidence from firm trade linkages in the 2018-2019 U.S. trade war

We use the 2018-2019 U.S. trade war to examine how supply chains adjustments to a tariff cost shock affect imports. Using confidential trade data, we show that the decline in imports of tariffed goods during the trade war was driven primarily by the exit of U.S. firms from import markets, discontinued buyer–supplier relationships, and reduced entry into importing. However, tariffed products where imports were concentrated in fewer suppliers exhibited smaller declines in import growth.

Machine Learning-Based Demand and Pricing Optimization for a Resilient Automotive Supply Chain

In the supply chain management of the automotive industry, this paper investigates the use of demand forecasting, supply optimization, and price optimization. Optimizing the supply chain is essential for satisfying changing customer needs, cutting expenses, and increasing revenue. This study aims to improve the accuracy of demand prediction, optimize supplier relationships, and simplify pricing strategies through the use of ML-driven models. To solve the difficulties faced by automakers in a volatile market, the suggested framework combines historical data analysis, market trends, and inventory management strategies. The results help the automotive industry's supply chain systems become more flexible and resilient.

Revolutionizing Procurement: How AI & Data Analytics Driving Cost Effective Solutions in EPC

This paper, therefore, discusses the revolution brought by AI and Data Analytics in the procurement processes of EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) and how each of the challenges, including cost control, enhanced efficiency and procurement downtime, could be solved using the two technologies. When the use of the procurement models is applied, the following benefits will be realized: supplier selection is facilitated using artificial intelligence, thereby automating the entire process; there is increased accuracy of costs compared to manual estimation, therefore reducing bias. The use of AI will allow better historical and real-time data analysis for procurement needs forecast, supplier evaluation and material cost prediction. Furthermore, machine learning algorithms can automate adjustments depending on real-time market variability, such for instance, a change in the price of the materials or a disruption in the supply chain, as well as execution flexibility regarding the project needs. Data Analytics also adds more weightage to procurement efficiency because it gives detailed analysis of the past and present procurement data. By utilizing state-of-the-art analytical frameworks, top managements are allowed to make powerful supplier analyses in relation to reliability, lead time, and cost of contracts prior to negotiations on contract supplier contracts and before contracting risks. What this study aims to do is to highlight real-life implementations of these technologies and how EPC firms can capitalize on these technologies to drive procurement efficiency, cost reduction, project delivery, and supplier relationship all for efficient project delivery. This paper thus provides a detailed discussion on the MI and TI of implementing AI and DA within procurement in the EPC sector via case studies and examples.

Supplier relationship management for sustainability: A comprehensive review of business intelligence applications

Supplier relationship management for sustainability: A comprehensive review of business intelligence applications

Repertory Grid Technique and Honey’s Content Analysis: gathering and processing qualitative data

Purpose This study aims to demonstrate a rigorous approach to applying the Repertory Grid Technique (RGT) and Honey’s Content Analysis (HCA) to obtain and process qualitative data through structured interviews. Design/methodology/approach An illustrative case study using the OpenRepGrid package from the open-source software R facilitates a deeper understanding of these techniques. The study subjects were employees of a corporate charter company. Findings The RGT enables the identification of key attributes as perceived by interviewees regarding the phenomenon, whereas HCA clarifies how these attributes impact the desired analysis outcome. The presented case study identified constructs related to the client–supplier relationship and their impact on service performance from the provider’s perspective. Research limitations/implications This study illustrates the use of qualitative methods based on an interpretative naturalistic approach to rigorously and systematically capture interviewees’ perspectives. Practical implications The combination of RGT and HCA can be a valuable tool for management studies by allowing controlled researcher interference in empirical investigations. In addition, the data-driven selection of constructs by interviewees can lead to the emergence of novel theories. Social implications Using diverse methodologies enables researchers to address complex managerial challenges that often surpass the capabilities of conventional analysis methods. Originality/value The proposed methodology offers a robust understanding of phenomena from the interviewees’ perspectives. Consequently, this study highlights the potential of these techniques for theoretical and empirical research in the field of administration.

Confirmatory factor analysis for the implementation of Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) in Malaysia's wastewater treatment industry

ABSTRACT This study investigates the critical enablers influencing the implementation of Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) in Malaysia's wastewater treatment industry. Through an extensive literature review and insights from the industry, 30 distinct enablers were identified and categorized based on their characteristics within wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) organizations, aimed at ensuring successful GLSS execution. Structural equation modelling was employed to validate the research model, utilizing data from 296 certified professionals in Malaysia. The analysis revealed five significant enablers, indicating moderate to high levels of GLSS adoption within the industry, with the ‘strategic’ and ‘resource’ enablers emerging as particularly influential factors. Subsequent confirmatory factor analysis further affirmed the validity and reliability of these enablers. Moreover, the findings demonstrated both convergent and discriminant validity, reinforcing the efficacy of these factors in measuring GLSS implementation in Malaysian WWTPs. The study highlights the critical importance of strategic planning and resource allocation while emphasizing the need to address cultural and environmental factors for successful GLSS adoption in the industry. However, enablers based on linkages, particularly those pertaining to supplier relationships and customer satisfaction, garnered the least consensus among respondents, indicating areas necessitating further attention and improvement.

Establishing Pharmacy in Nepal: A Practical Guide for Fresh Graduates

Establishing a pharmacy in Nepal presents an exciting yet challenging venture for fresh graduates. The journey involves navigating regulatory hurdles, managing inventory, and building strong supplier relationships. With proper guidance on market dynamics, licensing, and technology adoption, aspiring pharmacists can successfully contribute to the healthcare system while creating a thriving business.

How Do “One-Time Bidding, Average Price Win” Land Auction Rules Affect Land Prices: A Quasinatural Experiment in Suzhou, China

The land price reflects the supply and demand relationship in the land market and plays an important role in regulating land use. Improving land auction rules is of great significance for avoiding abnormal fluctuations in the land market and promoting the sustainable use of land resources. To regulate the abnormal fluctuations in the state-owned land use rights’ auction prices, Chinese local governments have implemented a “sealed one-time bidding, average price wins” rule. However, limited theoretical and empirical research that assesses its policy impact exists. This study examines the policy motivations behind this rule, constructing three game models; namely, static complete information, static incomplete information, and multiperiod repeated games. By deducing bidding strategies and equilibrium results, hypotheses are formulated. A baseline difference-in-differences (DID) and a dynamic policy effect model are designed, and the Python crawler is used to obtain 1182 microland auction samples in Suzhou. This study evaluates the impact of the one-time bidding rule on the starting prices, transaction prices, and premium rates. The empirical results underwent multiple robustness tests, eliminating potential endogeneity issues and biases. The results show that while the policy is effective in restraining the premium rate, indicating the bidding intensity in single-land auctions, it proves challenging to curb the long-term rise in land prices through continuous bidding auctions. Moreover, the policy may stimulate local governments to increase auction starting prices.

Supplier Relationship Management and Operational Performance: The Mediating Role of Supply Chain Resilience

This article examines the mediating role of supply chain resilience on the relationship between supplier relationship management and operational performance. The research utilized positivist philosophical assumptions and a quantitative research approach. The study used a sample of 179 food and beverages companies in Ghana to address the research objectives. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling. The findings of the study revealed that supplier relationship management positively impacts the operational performance of the food and beverages industry in Ghana. Additionally, the study found that supply chain resilience plays a significant role in enhancing the operational performance of firms within the food and beverages industry in Ghana. Finally, the analysis of the study concludes that supply chain resilience further plays a significant mediating role in increasing the impact of supplier relationship management and operational performance of the food and beverages industry. The study is significant because the findings would help expand existing literature on supplier relationship management, resilience, and operational performance, thereby offering valuable insights for theory, practice, and policy development.

Optimizing Supplier Relationship Management: Key Challenges and Strategic Approaches for Organizations

Optimizing Supplier Relationship Management: Key Challenges and Strategic Approaches for Organizations

Supply chain management and the performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria

This paper examined the relationship between supply chain management practices (SCM) and performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. It aimed to explain how SCM practices like strategic suppliers’ alliances, information sharing, and collaborative governance impacts the performance of SMEs in Nigeria. SME success was measured using a continuum of operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability. To reach the study's goal, a survey research approach was used, with a sample of 352 respondents representing the owners and senior management members of registered SMEs in Nigeria. Because the study depended on quantitative analysis, respondents' opinions were collected using a standardised closed-ended questionnaire. The gathered data was analysed using IBM SPSS 28 and IBM AMOS. The study found a positive and substantial correlation between chosen SCM practices and the performance of SMEs in Nigeria, as shown by the coefficients and p-values (SSA = 0.544; P <.001; IFS = 0.621; P <.001; CGV = 0.673; P <.001). It is therefore argued that SCM techniques such as strategic partnerships with suppliers, information sharing, and collaborative governance have a favourable and significant influence on the performance of SMEs in Nigeria. Consistent with the findings and current literature, this study recommends that Nigerian SMEs form strategic supplier relationships by sharing continuous improvement programs with important suppliers and include key suppliers in their planning and goal-setting processes. Keywords: Supply Chain Management, Strategic Supplier Alliance, Information Sharing, Collaborative Governance, Performance.

The responses of ecosystem services in coastal cities to urbanization in 30 years: A case study of Qingdao City, China

Coastal urban areas play a pivotal role in regional economic growth, yet they are also sensitive regions where the natural environment interacts with human activities. Rapid urbanization has led to ecological issues, such as the degradation of key ecosystem services (ESs) in coastal cities. Understanding the impact of urbanization on the supply and demand of ESs in coastal cities is crucial for ensuring the healthy and sustainable development of the socio-economy in these areas. This study takes the coastal city of Qingdao as a case study, with a focus on the supply and demand relationships of seven key ESs—carbon sequestration, food production, habitat quality, recreational capacity, soil retention, water yield and marine aquaculture—as well as their responses to population growth, economic development, and spatial expansion, which are three distinct aspects of urbanization. The findings indicate that: (I) From 1992 to 2022, the evolution of different ESs exhibited variability, all displaying notable spatial imbalances. (II) During this period, the urbanization process in Qingdao had a pronounced negative effect on the supply and demand of ESs. Spatial urbanization had the most significant impact on carbon sequestration, food production, habitat quality, water yield, and marine aquaculture, while population urbanization most notably affected recreational capacity. (III) The sensitivity of different types of ESs to population, economic, and spatial urbanization varies. Carbon sequestration, food production, recreational capacity, soil retention, water yield, and marine aquaculture were most sensitive to economic urbanization, whereas habitat quality was most sensitive to spatial urbanization. This research provides a basis for decision-making in the sustainable development and comprehensive management of coastal cities and their ecosystems.

The effect of shared ecological value on buyer–supplier relationship within mountaineering tourism

Shared values play an important role in attracting new tourists, retaining existing ones and gaining an important competitive advantage. Building upon the Commitment-Trust model, this study tested the role of shared ecological values in the creation of tourist trust and relationship commitment, and finally tourist behavioral intention. To test the hypotheses, a sample consisting of 480 mountaineering tourists of two representative travel agencies were surveyed, and a mixed-method approach based on a quantitative survey (n = 436) and qualitative interviews (n = 60) was also adopted to examine their relationships. Results revealed that shared ecological values between tourists and travel agencies were significantly negative predictors of credibility, while credibility and benevolence emerged as significantly positive predictors of relationship commitment. Moreover, credibility and relationship commitment were partially positively predictors of tourist’s behavioral intentions. The findings enrich the extant knowledge on mountaineering tourist relationship marketing and human-nature relationships and provide implications for destination management and wildlife protection.

Matching and driving mechanism analysis of the supply and demand relationships of soil conservation services in karst peak-cluster depression basin in Southwest Guangxi, China

The karst peak-cluster depression basin in southwestern Guangxi, characterized by a fragile ecological environment and intensive human activities, is characterized by rocky desertification and ecological function degradation. This degradation not only impairs the region’s ecological integrity but also limits its ecological and welfare benefits. Traditionally, the estimation of soil conservation service supply and demand in karst areas relies on internationally recognized models, which often exclude the critical factor of karst desertification. This omission introduces significant uncertainty in the assessment of soil supply and demand in karst terrains. To address this gap, our study employs an adapted revised universal soil loss equation model tailored for karst regions to conduct a quantitative analysis of the soil supply–demand relationship in southwestern Guangxi. We explore its spatiotemporal evolution and spatial matching characteristics utilizing geographic detectors to identify the driving factors influencing the ecological supply-to-demand ratio (ESDR). Our findings revealed the following: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the soil conservation supply–demand ratio in the study area showed a fluctuating upward trend, with an overall increase of approximately 63.29%. Specifically, there was a fluctuating increase from 2000 to 2008 and from 2013 to 2020, while a downward trend was observed from 2009 to 2012. (2) The predominant matching pattern of the soil conservation services in the research area was “low supply, low demand”, which was primarily located in the southeastern part of southwestern Guangxi. (3) The supply–demand relationship of soil conservation services is significantly influenced by factors such as vegetation coverage, slope, soil type, and lithology, with each factor exhibiting a marked interactive effect on the ESDR. This study evaluates and reveals the supply–demand relationship and driving mechanisms of soil conservation services in the karst region of southwestern Guangxi, which contributes to the precise formulation of strategies for rocky desertification prevention and ecological restoration.

Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices and Financial Sustainability of Listed Consumer Goods Firm in Nigeria

Purpose: The significance of sustainable supply chain management practice to the financial sustainability necessitated this study which aimed to evaluate the effects of sustainable supply chain management practices on financial sustainability of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria. In the course of the study, the primary objectives of the study were to determine the effect of supplier relationship management on the financial sustainability of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria and to evaluate the effect of lean supply chain practices on the financial sustainability of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria. Methodology: The population of this study comprised of all the twenty-one (21) listed consumer goods firms under Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). The sample for this study comprised of forty (40) respondents selected from each of the three chosen consumer goods companies, totaling One hundred and twenty (120) respondents. The study adopted both purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. Primary data was collected through electronic questionnaires distributed via Google Forms. Descriptive statistical tools, including measures of central tendency such as mean, and measures of variability such as standard deviation, was employed for data analysis. Findings: The result of the analysis reveal that: (i) with the result of hypothesis one; the results revealed that F-statistics stands at 3.478 with a p-value < than 0.05 at 0.033. This implies that the positive effect of supplier relationship management on financial sustainability of listed consumer gods firms is significant. (ii) For hypotheses two, the results revealed that F-statistics stands at 3.133 with a p-value < than 0.05 at 0.04. This implies that the positive effect of lean supply chain practices on financial sustainability of listed consumer gods firms is significant. Originality/ Value: No research was found regarding the sustainable supply chain management practices and financial sustainability during the time period of 2024. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study concluded that sustainable supply chain management practices enhance financial sustainability of consumer goods firms in Nigeria. The study recommended that firms should prioritize building strong relationships with suppliers, integrate sustainability considerations into their operations, implement lean supply chain practices, strengthen internal controls to mitigate fraud risk, invest in employee training, foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, and regularly monitor and evaluate performance.

Enhancing Supply Chain Management for Improved Performance: A Case Study of Mambilla Beverages Nig. Limited

In today's dynamic business environment, effective supply chain management (SCM) is crucial for organizations seeking to enhance performance and gain a competitive edge. This study investigates the impact of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and Transportation Efficiency (TE) on the performance of Mambilla Beverages Nig. Limited (MBNL). The research adopts a quantitative approach, utilizing survey data collected from 171 respondents within the organization. The findings reveal significant positive effect of SRM, TE, on MBNL's performance, as evidenced by regression analysis results. Specifically, the study finds that strong supplier relationships and efficient transportation logistics significantly contribute to MBNL's sales performance. Based on these findings, recommendations are provided for MBNL to strengthen supplier relationships, enhance transportation efficiency, embrace technology, and prioritize training and development initiatives. By implementing these recommendations, MBNL can optimize its supply chain operations, improve operational efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth in the competitive beverage industry.

Performance of State Corporations in Kenya: The Role of Electronic Supplier Relationship Management

This paper aims to examine the relationship between electronic supplier relationship management (e-SRM) and the performance of state corporations in Kenya. Effective management of supplier relationships is crucial for enhancing suppliers' contributions to organizational performance. However, the adoption of electronic means for managing these relationships has been insufficiently explored, particularly in the public sector. The study focused on all 248 state corporations in Kenya, from which a sample of 153 corporations was selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Employing a descriptive correlational research design, primary data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicate a significant relationship between electronic supplier relationship management and the performance of state corporations in Kenya (β = 0.843, P = 0.0001 < 0.05). The study concludes that the persistent underperformance of state corporations is significantly linked to the limited adoption of electronic supplier relationship management practices. Therefore, it is recommended that state corporations, through their senior management, including heads of procurement and supply chain, integrate electronic supplier relationship management to streamline their supplier relationships and enhance overall performance.

BRalu Profile: the procurement strategy

Learning outcomes After completion of the case study, students will be able to understand BRalu Profile’s product range, customer base and historical developments; analyze how BRalu Profile’s procurement strategy evolved and its impact on business profitability; calculate and compare procurement costs and evaluate their role in decision-making for different suppliers; examine how market conditions (includes domestic and international dynamics) and pricing strategies influence procurement choices; assess the pros and cons of different procurement options and make informed recommendations based on supply chain principles; and identify potential procurement risks (e.g. currency exchange rates and supplier reliability) and propose strategies to mitigate them. Case overview/synopsis This case study explored the challenges faced by BRalu Profile, a prominent aluminum profile products company based in Ahmedabad, India. It focused on the critical task of supplier evaluation, selection and the complexities of maintaining relationships with existing suppliers. This case study delved into the intricate dynamics of procurement decisions within the supply chain and their direct impact on the firm’s overall performance. It also emphasized the supply chain’s susceptibility to disruptions and their consequences on company operations and supplier selection criteria. The protagonist, Dhaval Choladiya, had to navigate the complexities of cost-benefit analysis to identify the most suitable supplier, maximizing the firm’s net benefit while considering nonpricing parameters. This case study revealed the critical importance of maintaining strong supplier relationships in a competitive market and offered insights into the complexities of sourcing. Complexity academic level This case study is suitable for an undergraduate or graduate-level course on strategic sourcing or supply chain management or a risk management module in operations, strategy or finance course (e.g. how to deal with input cost fluctuations). Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy.

Machine learning driven building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) envelope design optimization

By integrating renewable energy systems (RESs) into buildings, Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) reshape the demand–supply relationship, offering substantial benefits such as reduced energy usage, lower greenhouse gas emissions, improved indoor comfort, and architectural enhancement. However, designing optimal BIPV systems involves balancing multiple parameters and conflicting objectives, making it a complex, computationally intensive process. This study proposes a data-driven optimization framework to enhance BIPV envelope design during the detailed design phase. The novelties of this research lie in 1) the use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) as a surrogate model for rapid prediction, and 2) a multi-objective optimization (MOO)framework tailored for BIPV design at the detailed design phase. The proposed framework integrates ANN-based predictive modelling with an NSGA-II optimization component to generate optimal BIPV configurations efficiently. Implemented in Python, this approach is validated through a benchmark case study in Melbourne, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing computational demands while achieving balanced energy, economic, and indoor comfort performance. This research advances sustainable building design by addressing gaps in current optimization frameworks and providing practical tools for architects and designers, promoting the wider adoption of BIPV solutions with significant computational savings.

The profitability implications of supplier concentration during economic recession and restoration: the moderating role of supply localization

Economic recessions and restoration change the dynamics of demand and supply in the supply chain. How to match supplier relationships with the dynamic changes to sharp profitability performance is pivotal for firms’ supply chain management during economic waves. Based on the Resource Dependence Theory, changes in demand-side and supply-side resources alter the power-balanced relationship between a firm and its concentrated supplier, affecting the implications of supplier concentration on a firm’s profitability performance in the economic recessions and restoration stages. Furthermore, we consider the moderating role of suppliers’ spatial location, exploring whether a higher proportion of intra-provincial suppliers (i.e., supply localization) helps improve the profitability implications of supplier concentration. Based on the sample of 3319 listed companies in China from 2020 to 2021, we find that: (1) in the economic recession stage, supplier concentration is positively correlated with firm profitability, and this positive relationship is amplified by a higher proportion of intra-provincial supplier transactions; (2) in the economic restoration stage, supplier concentration is negatively correlated with firm profitability, and the higher proportion of intra-provincial supplier transactions aggravates this negative relationship. The 2SLS method is applied to verify the main effects, and we used alternative variable measurements and different model settings to verify the robustness of the findings. The results provide a deeper reference for firms to consider appropriate supplier relationships in response to economic waves.