Optimizing efficiency‐robustness trade‐offs in supply chain design under uncertainty due to disruptions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how the moderating effect of uncertainty impacts the relationship of operational responsiveness and firm performance. Research on the relationship of supply chain fit and firm performance is discussed in isolation in different streams of research – such as in studies on responsiveness, agility, flexibility, efficiency and lean – without promptly recognising cross-stream contributions. This, at worst, prevents theory development. Therefore, the authors build a synthesis of literature from these streams. Grounded in the synthesis, a well-positioned empirical study that uses best research practices of past studies on the phenomenon is presented. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional survey sample of 875 Russian manufacturing firms was analysed with hierarchical regression. Findings – The findings show that operational responsiveness leads to superior organisational performance if the relationship is moderated by uncertainty and supply chain responsiveness. Additionally, a direct relationship between operational responsiveness and operational performance was found. These results imply that efficiency is a precursor to responsiveness. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the unification of practice–performance studies on lean, agility, flexibility, efficiency and responsiveness into a single stream of research: supply chain fit. The empirical results support contingency theory in the context of supply chain design. This paper also contributes by shedding light on supply chain dynamics of an under-researched national context. For managers, this paper offers concrete advice on decision-making regarding supply chain strategy trade-offs.

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Supply chain design under uncertainty for advanced biofuel production based on bio-oil gasification

Energy ◽

10.1016/j.energy.2014.07.023 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 74 ◽

pp. 576-584 ◽

Cited By ~ 42

Author(s):

Qi Li ◽

Guiping Hu

Keyword(s):

Supply Chain ◽

Supply Chain Design ◽

Biofuel Production ◽

Design Under Uncertainty ◽

Advanced Biofuel ◽

Bio Oil

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Distributing wine globally: financial and environmental trade-offs

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management ◽

10.1108/ijpdlm-01-2016-0012 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 47 (5) ◽

pp. 410-428 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Mohsen Varsei ◽

Katherine Christ ◽

Roger Burritt

Keyword(s):

Supply Chain ◽

Environmental Impacts ◽

Carbon Emissions ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Global Supply Chain ◽

Supply Chain Design ◽

Water Usage ◽

Content Type ◽

Trade Offs ◽

Cost Risk

Purpose Given that currently around ten billion litres of wine are transported long distances to overseas consumers per year, the purpose of this paper is to provide a foundation for understanding the trade-offs between cost, water usage and carbon emissions in decisions about the location of wine bottling plants in a global supply chain. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a case-based analytical modelling study and employs actual data from one of Australia’s major wine companies. A descriptive analytical model is developed for assessing wine supply chain scenarios using three indicators of economic and environmental impacts – supply chain cost, risk-weighted water usage and carbon emissions. Findings The research highlights trade-offs required when considering optimal supply chain design, and finds possibilities for reshaping a global wine supply chain in order to improve the selected economic and environmental impacts. Originality/value The originality of this paper lies in its analytical focus on examining the interplay between supply chain cost, risk-weighted water usage and carbon emissions in a global supply chain, which has not previously been addressed.

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