Upstream Supply Chain Research Articles

Studying the Moderating Effects of Additive Manufacturing Best Practices Between Supply Chain Complexity and Its Performance

Background: Supply chain performance (SCP) is impacted by complexity brought about by static and dynamic drivers. This study aims to investigate the effects of supply chain complexity (SCC) on SCP and ascertain whether additive manufacturing best practices have moderating effects on this relationship. Methods: Using data from 29 Ethiopian footwear industries and 205 respondents, the relationship established in the theoretical framework was validated using structural equation modelling (SEM). Results: The study’s findings provided several important insights. First, upstream supply chain complexity (USSCC), midstream supply chain complexity (MSSCC), and downstream supply chain complexity (DSSCC) negatively affect SCP. Second, additive manufacturing best practices have significant moderation effects between supply chain complexity and supply chain performance. Third, the negative impacts of USSCC and MSSCC on SCP are reduced at a higher level of additive manufacturing adaptation. The findings of this study also revealed that the effects of DSSCC on SCP have no difference at both low and high levels of additive manufacturing best practices. Conclusions: This work offers the first empirical investigation to which the detrimental effects of SCC on SCP are mitigated or improved through the moderating role of additive manufacturing best practice.

Got milk? Got cybersecurity risks! Unraveling ransomware threats in the German dairy industry

PurposeThis study aims to explore the vulnerabilities of the dairy industry to ransomware threats, focusing particularly on the upstream supply chain and applying routine activity theory (RAT) to understand the evolving dynamics of cybercrime in critical infrastructure sectors.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing expert interviews and network analysis, this research investigates the exploitation of complex supply chain vulnerabilities by motivated offenders. It delves into the intricate interplay between digital threats and physical supply continuity.FindingsThe study uncovers that ransomware threats transcend digital boundaries, manifesting in disruptions to physical operations and presenting significant risks to food security. It underscores the threat posed by the convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT), emphasizing the urgent need for heightened awareness and robust defenses against this substantial menace.Practical implicationsAddressing cyber vulnerabilities in critical sectors like dairy ensures not only the security of operations but also safeguards broader societal interests such as food security. Collaboration and proactive measures are essential to mitigate potential social and economic disruptions caused by cyber incidents.Originality/valueThis research fills a knowledge gap by shedding light on the nexus between cyber threats and supply chain resilience. It emphasizes the need for industries to adapt traditional defense mechanisms in the face of sophisticated digital adversaries.

Retailer anticipated regret under carbon tax policy

Environmental policies such as carbon tax implementation significantly impact the technology choice and cost structure of the upstream manufacturer, affecting the downstream retailer’s the procurement decision and risk management in a sustainable supply chain. This study constructs a single-manufacturer-single-retailer supply chain model constrained by carbon tax policies to analyze the influence of retailer’s anticipated regret on the supply chain operation and environmental performance. Utilizing game theory, the research finds that the retailer’s anticipated regret behavior suppresses manufacturer’s willingness to invest in the green initiative, resulting in a non-monotonic effect on profits. When the retailer’s regret level is low and her demand for eco-friendly products is also low, the manufacturer tends to reduce the green investment and increase the wholesale price to maximize the marginal return. Although such the anticipated regret behavior by the retailer may stimulate the manufacturer’s profit growth, it reduces retailer’s profit. Conversely, as the retailer’s regret level increases, the manufacturer increases the green investment and reduces the wholesale price to induce higher procurement by the retailer, leading to a decline in the manufacturer’s profit but an upward trend in the retailer’s profit. This discovery suggests that the upstream supply chain manager, should closely the monitor retailer’s potential anticipated regret and adjust the corresponding strategy accordingly. Furthermore, the study finds that the lower level of retailer’s anticipated regret positively impact environmental behavior, offering the policymaker a new perspective on promoting the green supply chain practice.

Social inclusion practices in the upstream supply chain: a systematic literature review

PurposeThis study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) on social inclusion within upstream supply chains, targeting a notable literature gap in modern SCM discourse. By delving into this critical, yet underexamined, domain, this study spotlights the pressing need to incorporate social inclusion practices, particularly as global supply chains face increased scrutiny over their social ramifications. It examines social inclusion’s intricacies, offering practical insights for industry professionals to adopt, so that trustworthy social inclusion practices can proliferate across their upstream supply chains, thereby making a substantial contribution to both theoretical understanding and practical application.Design/methodology/approachEmploying five search queries across two leading academic databases, this investigation reviewed 86 articles that examined social issues related to social inclusion in the upstream supply chain. Via content analysis, this study aims to answer essential research questions and employs statistical bibliometric analyses to investigate the collected data further.FindingsThis study’s findings establish a definition of social inclusion within the upstream supply chain and present a conceptual framework delineating levers and indicators for evaluating such practices. Through rigorous analysis, it becomes apparent that mechanisms such as supplier compliance, collaboration and development are crucial for promoting social inclusion; however, their importance differs at various levels of suppliers in multi-tiered supply chains. Furthermore, a methodological matrix is introduced for assessing social inclusion practices’ efficacy, equipping practitioners with a roadmap for developing and executing strategies that extend social inclusion efforts throughout the supply chain, as well as emphasising these levers through monitoring, assessment and application of six specified indicators.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the dialogue surrounding upstream supply chain management by spotlighting social inclusion practices, addressing the literature gap in comprehending how social inclusion dynamics operate within upstream supply chains and outlining a distinct direction for forthcoming research. By highlighting the pressing importance of enhancing social inclusion practices, this study not only enriches the theoretical landscape but also lays the groundwork for subsequent empirical studies aimed at deciphering the complexities and practical hurdles associated with the efficient execution of these practices.

Exploring the nexus of industry dynamism, climate risk exposure and mental health and well-being of owners of small and micro-sized suppliers: implications for sustainable supply chain management

PurposeAlthough climate change-related risks affect all stakeholders along the supply chain, the potential impact on small and micro-sized suppliers is incredibly excessive. The corresponding toll of these climate risk threats on the mental health and well-being of owners of small and micro-sized suppliers can adversely affect their participation in sustainability efforts, ultimately impacting the firm's performance. This often-overlooked dynamic forms the core of our research. We probe into two pivotal aspects: how industry dynamism and climate risk affect the mental health and well-being of owners of small and micro-sized suppliers and how, in turn, dictate involvement and, consequently, supply chain sustainability performance. This is further nuanced by the moderating role of the abusive behavior of buyers.Design/methodology/approachOur study is built on resource dependency theory and the supporting empirical evidence is fortified by a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. This study comprises three phases. In the first phase, our experiment examines the effect of industry dynamism and climate risk exposure on sustainable supply chain management performance. Hypotheses H1a and H1b are tested in the first phase. The second phase involves using a survey and structural equation modeling to test the comprehensiveness of the model. Here, the relationship between industry dynamism, climate risk exposure, mental health and well-being of owners of small and micro-sized supplier firms, supplier involvement and sustainable supply chain management (H2–H7) is tested in the second phase. In the third phase, we adopt a qualitative approach to verify and provide descriptive explanations of phase two findings.FindingsOur findings underscore the significance of small and micro-sized suppliers in sustainability, offering invaluable insights for both theoretical understanding and practical implementation. Our study highlights that buyers must allocate sufficient resources to support small and micro-sized supplier firms and collaborate closely to address climate change and its impacts.Practical implicationsThe key takeaway from this study is that buyer firms should consider SDG 3, which focuses on the good health and well-being of their employees and the mental health and well-being of owners of small and micro-sized suppliers in their upstream supply chain. This approach enhances sustainability performance in supply chains.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies that shows that industry dynamism and climate risk exposure can negatively impact small and micro-sized suppliers in the presence of a contextual element, i.e. abusive behavior of buyers, and ultimately, it negatively impacts sustainable supply chain performance dimensions.

Blending low-carbon hydrogen with natural gas: Impact on energy and life cycle emissions in natural gas pipelines

Hydrogen (H2) is considered an alternative energy carrier to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to power and heat generation. A quantitative analysis was conducted to estimate the energy intensity and GHG emissions associated with the transportation of NG/H2 mixture in high-pressure transmission pipeline, considering blending ratios up to 100% of low-carbon H2. The life cycle emissions were obtained by including upstream supply chain emissions, compression and transportation emissions, and end use combustion emissions of the NG/H2 blend. This study accounts for global warming potential of fugitive methane and H2 emissions associated with pipeline transportation of the blend in the life cycle analysis. A significant reduction in the overall life cycle GHG emissions can be achieved when delivering the same volume throughput but at a reduced energy flow to end users. However, to maintain the nominal energy throughput of the pipeline regardless of the H2 mole fraction, a maximum reduction of about 6% is obtained as the H2 mole fraction in the blend will be practically limited to approximately 30% H2 when the pipeline operates at capacity.

Exploring energy management integration into upstream supply chains: a systematic literature review

In the effort to limit global warming to 1.5°C above the pre-industrial level, decarbonization of supply chains is crucial. Companies will need to reduce not only their direct and indirect emissions (scope 1 and 2) but also their indirect emissions (scope 3). In some sectors, the upstream scope 3 emissions can actually be larger than the companies’ direct emissions. Therefore, a systematic literature review was carried out to understand how previous research in the field of supply chain management (SCM) approached energy efficiency and energy management in the upstream supply chain. The results indicate that only a few studies have addressed energy efficiency within SCM, and the majority assess energy solely as total energy use, without exploring opportunities to reduce final energy use among upstream suppliers. Moreover, results show that there is a lack of standards and methods to assess suppliers’ energy use, making it difficult for suppliers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to overcome barriers to implementing energy management. In conclusion, even though energy efficiency is a cost-effective means to reduce CO2 emissions, only a limited number of studies in the field of SCM have integrated energy efficiency, revealing a vast knowledge gap in this field.

The Intention to Adopt Parcel Lockers as A Last-Mile Delivery Services in Malaysia

Last-mile delivery serves as the final connection between the upstream supply chain operations and the end consumers, acting as the ultimate link in the supply chain. Research indicates that the logistics sector has experienced significant financial gains as a result of the swift growth of online commerce. Nevertheless, there has been much attention given to the difficulties that accompany the potential benefits of parcel lockers. To overcome the limitations of conventional last-mile logistics in various distribution scenarios and to update the delivery service concept with advanced technology, the implementation of self-collection services is necessary. This research aims to utilize the Theory of Planned Behavior to investigate consumers' preferences in adopting parcel locker services. Specifically, the study seeks to identify the patterns and dimensions of consumer preferences, such as convenience, reliability, relative advantage, and complexity. Additionally, the research examines the mediation effect of customers' attitudes towards parcel locker services in determining their intention to adopt this service. The data was gathered via Google Forms from 138 participants situated within Malaysia. The study's hypotheses were tested using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0. The results indicated that consumer preference which comprise of convenience, reliability, relative advantage, and complexity, had a substantial impact on consumers' sentiments towards parcel locker service. Furthermore, the results indicated that the attitude towards parcel locker service acts as a mediator in the relation between consumer preferences and the intention to utilize parcel locker service. Therefore, this research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on parcel locker services in Malaysia, a topic that is still in its early stages in the country. This enhances the value of the research findings and is highly relevant to bridge the gap in the emerging literature on parcel locker service in Malaysia.

Investigating the barriers and mitigation strategies for biogas adoption in a developing economy: A multi-stakeholder networks perspective

Biogas production is one of the sustainable solutions for tackling organic waste and addressing serious environmental issues. In developing nations, however, stakeholders such as farmers, biogas plant owners, project developers, and investors continue to face diverse challenges in biogas production. Research on potential mitigation strategies to address the complex challenges in biogas adoption in the developing countries context is also scarce. Accordingly, we adopted a multi-stakeholder networks perspective to investigate the barriers and potential strategies for biogas adoption in Pakistan. To this end, we conducted twelve semi-structured interviews with energy consultants and environmental experts working in the biogas industry. Building on the multi-stakeholder networks perspective, the findings contribute to the existing literature by critically analyzing diverse barriers such as the interference of farmer unions, fear of project failure, mindset issues of stakeholders, dependence on a few feedstock suppliers, and lack of policy safeguards for investors. Further, the findings provide in-depth insights into mitigation strategies such as engagement with local communities, proactive biogas policies and best practices in developed and developing economies, cost-benefit analysis of biogas production, close monitoring of the upstream supply chain activities in the biogas industry, incentivizing the segregation of municipal solid waste, and collaboration between industry and academia, which are lacking in the current literature. We argue that rich insights from the present study could facilitate practitioners, stakeholders, and policymakers in advancing sustainable biogas policies and regulatory frameworks, promoting alternative feedstock options, improving stakeholder collaboration, initiating biogas awareness programs, and effectively managing biogas supply chain operations.

Well‐to‐wheels analysis of greenhouse gas emissions for passenger vehicles in Middle East and North Africa

AbstractBattery electric vehicles (BEVs) are widely considered a pathway to achieve low carbon mobility. BEVs emit zero emissions from the tailpipe, but their life cycle carbon reduction compared to gasoline vehicles varies based on primary energy sources, electricity generation, and use efficiency. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is an area rich in fossil fuels, meriting a detailed comparison between the emissions from BEV and other powertrains. We developed a MENA‐specific life cycle model that estimates well‐to‐wheel (WTW) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from passenger transport with internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug‐in hybrid electric vehicles, and BEVs. MENA's average WTW GHG emissions for all supply chain steps including combustion emissions from vehicle operation are 767 g/kWh and 84 g CO2eq/MJ for electricity and gasoline, respectively, but are highly variable due to heterogeneity in upstream supply chains. The use of hybrid gasoline ICEVs provides the largest emission reduction opportunity for existing vehicle fleets in 9 of the 16 MENA countries. For these nine countries, replacing gasoline ICEVs with HEVs could, on average, reduce country‐level life cycle GHG emissions by 47%. There is a similar emission reduction opportunity for 14 of the 16 MENA countries when normalizing vehicle efficiencies irrespective of the powertrain shares and other trends in existing vehicle fleets. Future scenario analysis shows that BEVs would have the lowest WTW GHG emissions among all powertrains in most MENA countries only if significantly reduced electricity transmission losses and cleaner grid mix are realized, although a high cost of infrastructure developments is expected.

Predicting mean and variance in inventory order decisions

AbstractWe develop a simple forecast‐anchoring model to explain and predict the mean and variance of observed inventory order decisions in a newsvendor problem. The model assumes that people employ a two‐step decision heuristic. In the first step, a behavioral bias may gravitate the decision maker's point forecast toward a random forecast versus a constant unbiased forecast. In the second step, a behavioral bias of the same magnitude may cause the decision maker to treat the point forecast as if it is the mean of potential demand, and then make an upward or downward adjustment depending on the underage and overage costs. We evaluate the performance of this descriptive forecast‐anchoring model across five experimental newsvendor data sets. First, we fit the model to a setting with uniform demand. We then use the corresponding estimates to generate predictions in a secondary data set with uniform demand, as an out‐of‐sample test. We proceed to fit the model to three additional newsvendor data sets, two with normal demand and one with asymmetric two‐point demand. In all cases, the model predicts the mean and variance of inventory order decisions well. We further investigate the profit implications under the forecast‐anchoring model and find that the predictions match well with the experimental data. Through improved predictions, the model can help upstream supply chain parties anticipate inventory order decisions from buyers and improve profitability.

Examination of upstream supply chain and logistics issues in the US logging industry

AbstractUsing a mixed methods approach, this study investigates upstream supply chain and logistics issues in the logging industry through the findings of (1) a systematic literature review and (2) an inductive and interpretive case study of Mississippi, a top timber‐producing state in the United States. First, we analyze 45 peer‐reviewed studies examining logistical challenges in the logging industry via a systematic literature review to identify existing cumulative knowledge. Then, we conduct 11 qualitative semistructured interviews with logging business owners/managers to understand better complex and interdependent logistics issues that negatively impact productivity and profitability in the upstream timber supply chain. Performing a comparative analysis of the systematic literature review results and interview findings, we propose a general conceptual framework that classifies 25 logistical challenges in three main areas. They are (1) supply chain issues, (2) company‐, and (3) industry‐specific issues. Finally, using an abductive reasoning approach, we generalize our findings by linking our conceptual framework to resource dependence theory, transaction cost economics theory, and carrier selection literature to develop propositions to guide future quantitative research efforts.

Characterization of the life cycle carbon footprint of the automobile industry in the Republic of Korea by environmentally extended input-output model

The automobile industry is a major economic driver in Republic of Korea (Korea). However, little is known about its climate change contribution. This study estimates the direct and indirect greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions of the Korean automobile industry for the first time, by using a 2017 environmentally extended input-output (EEIO) model integrated by energy balance, GHG inventory and input-output table of 2017. The results show that the final demand of Korean automobile industry led to 8.4% of national GHG emissions in 2017, mostly because of indirect emissions embodied in the supply chain. The study also found that the Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions on average accounted for 3.0%, 2.9%, and 94.7%, respectively. This highlights the contribution of the upstream supply chain such as primary metals (40.9%) and electricity (32.5%) when assessing the GHG emissions. Finally, the study underscores that carbon taxes could have a significant impact on the competitiveness of automobile export. Overall, this study provides valuable insights on countermeasures by identifying the GHG emissions characteristics of the automobile industry. The results of the study could be used to develop policies and strategies to reduce the GHG emissions and promote sustainable practices in the Korean automobile industry.

Digital-enabled supply chain innovation and CO2 emissions: The contingent role of first-tier supplier's structural holes

The literature on sustainable supply chains primarily delves into how lead firms manage the CO2 emissions of various tiers of their suppliers by employing market-oriented solutions like incentives and monitoring practices. This lead firm perspective often overlooks the role played by technology-oriented solutions in CO2 emissions management along the supply chain by the first-tier suppliers. In this paper, we combine a network approach with the perspective of first-tier suppliers, proposing that digital-enabled supply chain innovation among the first-tier suppliers leads to a reduction in their CO2 emissions. However, the presence of structural holes in their downstream (customer) supply chain weakens this effect, while structural holes in their upstream (supplier) supply chain strengthen it. We provide empirical support for our arguments through an analysis of 2631 publicly listed Chinese firms from 2012 to 2019. This study makes valuable contributions to the literature on sustainable supply chains.

Retail operations strategy for improved customer experience: a better response to crises such as COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose Discount grocery stores (DGSs) are attractive food supply chain (FSC) channels because many cost-conscious Indians use them for monthly needs. Despite capacity, DGSs must address customer concerns about store crowd densities and improve their COVID-19 preparedness. The purpose of this study is to learn how retail operations strategies can improve customer experience and how stores can benefit. Design/methodology/approach The study looked at a case study where retail operations are run more efficiently, and the customer experience is enhanced by standardizing and customizing customer transactions. The potential benefits that customers and retailers might anticipate are then statistically verified. Next, the potential benefits were examined to determine which ones from customers’ and retailers’ views should be prioritized to increase satisfaction. Findings The case situation analysis in the study demonstrates how DGSs can improve their retail operations to reduce customer wait times and provide greater convenience. The study also provides practitioners with potential benefits to pursue from the perspectives of retailers, customers and both retailers and customers. Research limitations/implications This study requires many past transactions and can be considered an extension of the current study, so it does not capture floor space and capacity improvements. Practical implications This research can help FSC retailers compete with upstream supply chain partners and customers in omnichannel retailing. By improving DGS retailer capacity and customer experience, this study can benefit all FSC stakeholders. Originality/value Although there are numerous potential benefits that practitioners can pursue, the current study suggests that practitioners focus on those that can improve retailer and customer satisfaction.

The influence of marketing exploitation and exploration on business-to-business small and medium-sized enterprises' pioneering orientation

Organisational learning theory proposes firms can gain market knowledge through adaptive processes - marketing exploitation and exploration. Our study examines how these processes impact pioneering orientation, firms' emphasis on launching innovative products ahead of competitors, in business-to-business (B2B) small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The prevailing view is firms should simultaneously pursue both processes or focus on just one. We challenge this notion and posit B2B SMEs should generally prioritise one process over the other to effectively shape pioneering orientation. However, certain circumstances like upstream supply chain (SC) integration and strong information technology (IT) competence enable firms to optimise benefits by alternating between processes. Our longitudinal analysis of 213 Chinese B2B SMEs supports this argument, revealing marketing exploration has a stronger positive influence on pioneering orientation than exploitation. Furthermore, our analysis shows upstream SC integration alone does not moderate, but combined with robust IT competence, can increase the advantages of marketing exploitation over exploration when fostering pioneering orientation in B2B SMEs.

A new integrated cooperative game and optimization model for the allocation of forest resources

We propose an integrated approach combining a cooperative game model and a multi-objective optimization model to determine the quantities of forest resources to allocate to several mills. The new mechanism developed in this study is applied to a regional case study in the province of Quebec (Canada), where public-owned forest resources should be allocated by the government to multiple competing mills. Collaboration between mills is considered in the upstream supply chain (i.e., harvesting, road construction/upgrading, and transportation operations) as well as their individual sustainability performances (economic, environmental and social aspects) in the allocation process. Moreover, this approach highlights the conditions under which the allocation ensures the stability of the configuration of the coalitions through a coalitional stability analysis. The proposed approach attempts to capture collaboration benefits and mills’ individual performances in the allocation process, while promoting equity among them. The coalitions of the case study overlap and thus, the concept of coalition configuration value is used to measure the marginal contribution of each mill to the cost savings. In particular, a methodology is proposed for the estimation of this value based on real data. The results of this study demonstrate that the allocation honors the efforts made by mills, both individually and collectively. In addition, it stimulates them towards a sustainable resource management relationship.

Buyer collaboration in managing supplier responsibility with ESG due diligence effort spillover and fairness concerns

Propelled by climate change and social injustice, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure is popularizing and drives for building a more transparent and responsible supply chain. As many unsustainable and unethical activities are hidden in the upstream supply chain, it demands ESG reporting on suppliers. Against this background, buyers conduct due diligence (DD) to assess, manage, and report the ESG practices of the upstream suppliers. We consider two buyers with different responsible awareness competing for consumers in the end market (referred to as a strong buyer and a weak buyer). Competing buyers can share a common supplier and cooperate in implementing ESG DD to strengthen consumer trust, nevertheless, such cooperation gives the weak buyer an opportunity to free ride on the strong buyer’s ESG effort (i.e., ESG effort spillover). We find that only a significantly low spillover effect can induce a fair-neutral strong buyer to adopt buyer collaboration. Interestingly, with the consideration of fairness concerns, the competitor can be treated as a friend in collaboratively managing the ESG practices of the common supplier even facing a great threat of ESG DD effort spillover. Our results also reveal that fairness concerns have a non-monotone impact on the possibility of realizing a win–win outcome between the two buyers. Our findings shed light on how the optimal supplier ESG DD strategy in a competing market differs when incorporating fairness concerns.

Transition towards dual control of CO2 emissions and intensity through supply chain management in China

To mitigate global climate change and achieve CO2 emissions reduction goals, China proposed to shift to dual control of total CO2 emissions (CE) and CO2 emissions intensity (CEI) as early as possible. Accurately assessing provincial sectoral CE and CEI and developing reasonable regulatory strategies is a prerequisite for achieving the goal of dual control. However, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis from different perspectives of the supply chain. Therefore, this paper evaluates the CE and CEI in provincial sectors of China in 2017 from production-based and consumption-based perspectives according to multi-regional input-output (MRIO) model. Then, we analyze the supply chain of transmission sector by betweenness-based method as a supplementary perspective. The results show that: (1) The CE and CEI from different perspectives are different and can complement each other. (2) Production and distribution of electric power and heat power in Inner Mongolia (P5D24), construction in Jiangsu (P10D27), distribution of electric power and heat power in Beijing (P1D24) are the critical sectors for dual control of CE and CEI from production, consumption, betweenness-based perspectives, respectively. (3) Construction in Jiangsu (P10D27) and Shanxi (P4D27) have the highest embodied CE and CEI in China respectively. Energy and raw material sectors from upstream supply chain contribute large CE to construction sectors. This research suggests that paying attention to critical sectors from different perspectives of the supply chain and taking different measures to decrease CO2 emissions. Taking both CE and CEI into consideration and allocating CO2 emissions reduction pressures reasonably among provincial sectors. At the same time, taking care of relevant upstream sectors of the supply chain to help a single sector achieve CO2 emissions reduction goals and promote China's transition to dual control of CE and CEI.

Digitalisation and inter‐organisational information exchange strategies of German companies—A survey with focus on small and medium sized enterprises

AbstractThe reliability of well‐performing production processes not only depends on internal but also on external factors in the upstream supply chain. Therefore, companies require fast and reliable information exchange with cooperating organisations. Since existing researches usually put focus on reviewing intra‐organisational solutions, the authors have conducted a survey to capture the current state and needs regarding the inter‐organisational information exchange between German companies. The main outcomes of the authors’ survey are outlined. In a first step, the current status of digitalisation in the companies is analysed. The authors have found that the use and implementation of modern methods correlates positively with the company size. Taking a look on the current methods for inter‐organisational information exchange in a second step, it is seen that only a few companies are completely satisfied with their current methods. Companies see the greatest potential for the improvement of information exchange in standardisation and the increase of required resources. This indicates that companies would be best supported by the development of solutions that can be implemented easily and help to form the heterogeneous landscape of data exchange strategies towards a structured, standardised way.