Traceability and supply chain complexity: confronting the issues and concerns

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Sarpong
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Global Supply Chain ◽  
Consumer Confidence ◽  
Weak Links ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Media ◽  
European Markets ◽  
Considerable Concern

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the recent horsemeat scandal in European markets. The paper is primarily interested in how this scandal has festered and what perhaps ought to be done to ensure consumers get what they feel they should be getting. It also attempts to identify the lapses that have created the basis for this to happen. Design/methodology/approach – The paper mainly draws on reports in the media and discussions generated following the scandal to assess the issues under consideration. It also looks at the issues surrounding the global supply chain environment and provides solutions on how to strengthen the weak links in the meat supply chain. Findings – The paper finds that the scandal has damaged consumer confidence in the industry's ability to regulate itself. It notes that pinpointing risk has become a difficult struggle as retailers are often inundated with data, and suppliers, for lack of time, have become reluctant to “waste time” completing check-lists and audits. The paper maintains that there is the urgent need for adequate inspection and a means to incentivise the food industry to police itself much better. It recognises that lack of visibility and a lack of direct influence over suppliers further down the supply chain have led to distinct problems within the food industry. Originality/value – The paper contributes to an ongoing discussion that has been of considerable concern to many consumers. Its importance lies in the fact that it suggests important measures, which, if implemented, could help in ensuring the elimination of fraud in the food chain.

Towards greater supply chain stability

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 33-35
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Bullwhip Effect ◽  
Global Supply Chain ◽  
Global Supply Chains ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Chain Increase

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Building a regional rather than a global supply chain can help firms guard against the damaging impact of the bullwhip effect and increase the stability of their supply chain. The possibility of better communication, greater flexibility, and ability to respond more quickly are factors that can appease the bullwhip severity. The benefits of a regional supply chain increase further in times of economic certainty, when the risk to global supply chains intensifies. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Social media and the search for new talent

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 18-20
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Global Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Recruitment Tool ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Social media is now recognized widely as a recruitment tool in major companies. Some industries have been quicker off the mark than others to engage in this way. This article investigates the degree to which social media is now being used for recruitment of global supply chain managers, and considers why it lags behind other sectors and offers a model for addressing the situation. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals Distributing wine globally: financial and environmental trade-offs

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 410-428 ◽  
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.

Bullwhip severity in conditions of uncertainty: regional vs global supply chain strategies

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo J. Alvarado-Vargas ◽  
Keith J. Kelley
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Bullwhip Effect ◽  
Global Supply Chain ◽  
Global Supply Chains ◽  
Internalization Theory ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Using a phenomenon known as the bullwhip effect, the authors explore why additional uncertainty in the marketplace can create severe disruptions in global supply chains (GSCs). The purpose of this paper is to analyze related risks in regional vs GSCs during low and high levels of uncertainty. The authors propose and discuss a number of potential implications alongside some tactics that may help mitigate disruptions in some cases before they become terminal problems for the supply chain sustainability. Design/methodology/approach Monte Carlo simulation is used to generate the conditions of uncertainty and various scenarios that may emerge to challenge GSCs. Vensim software is utilized as a tool for simulation purposes. The authors considered scenarios applicable to manufacturing and retail sectors specifically because of storability property of goods. Findings Regional supply chains, as opposed to global ones, are more stable and reliable (less risk of disruption) during low and high levels of uncertainty. During uncertain times, upstream suppliers are at greater risk in GSCs. Firms must make strategic decisions that will secure its supply chain functionality and assess the likelihood of such events since many firms entered emerging markets. Originality/value Building on internalization theory, it shows that risk and survival are components of decision making that are further complicated by supply chains now operating globally in emerging markets. The paper demonstrates with simulation that GSCs are riskier than regional supply chains in low and high levels of uncertainty, particular as it relates to the bullwhip effect. It also provides recommendations about supply chain restructure and investments in communication improvements to reduce the bullwhip effect in the supply chain.

scholarly journals Development of sustainability indicator scoring (SIS) for the food supply chain

2016 ◽  
Vol 118 (9) ◽  
pp. 2097-2125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Manning ◽  
Jan Mei Soon
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Food Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Brand Value ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Indicator ◽  
Strategic Goals

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify mechanisms for using a quantitative benchmarking approach to drive sustainability improvements in the food supply chain. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was undertaken and then a strategic and operational framework developed for improving food supply chain sustainability in terms of triple bottom line criteria. Findings Using a sustainability indicator scoring approach, the paper considers the architecture for analysis so that strategic goals can be clearly formulated and cascade into specific, relevant and timebound strategic and operational measures that underpin brand value and product integrity. Originality/value This paper is of value to academics and also practitioners in the food industry.

Centralized selection of standardized modular containers: a multi-criteria method considering freight behavior and shipper segment

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang Ji ◽  
Bingru Guan ◽  
Guowei Liu
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Global Supply Chain ◽  
Pareto Optimal ◽  
Managerial Implication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Physical Internet ◽  
Research Gap ◽  
Related Paper ◽  
Selection Of

PurposeSelection of standardized modular containers (SSMC) is counted as one of the most important driving factors that ensure the Physical Internet (PI) to realize the varieties of goals of sustainability simultaneously, thus overcoming the great challenge of modern logistics in nowadays global supply chain. However, previous research studies on SSMC seldom paid attention to freight behavior and shippers’ segment, which are described in several fundamental conceptual works as the most essential factors that should be taken into account when doing SSMC.Design/methodology/approachThis paper defines two preference matrices to characterize the freight behavior and shippers’ segment, and then integrates these two matrices into a centralized multi-criteria method to determine the optimal SSMC.FindingsThe SSMC derived by the proposed methodology is found to be Pareto-optimal. A managerial implication for shippers to further improve efficiency is summarized as well.Originality/valueFirst, the authors characterized the freight behavior and shippers’ segment by two preference matrices and then integrated them into a centralized multi-criteria method. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first SSMC-related paper that takes shippers' behaviors and preferences into consideration when making the selection. The authors’ attempt is expected to fill in the research gap that has existed until now. Second, the SSMC derived by the proposed methodology is found to be Pareto-optimal, ensuring the required sustainability. Finally, the authors summarized a managerial implication for shippers to further improve the efficiency from the aspects of production and design.

Path analysis for proposed framework of SCM excellence in Indian manufacturing industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 577-611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gunjan Soni ◽  
Rambabu Kodali
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Path Analysis ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Structural Models ◽  
Statistical Testing ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Equation Modelling

Purpose – Several authors in extant literature have shown concern towards lacuna in availability of standard constructs in supply chain management (SCM). These standard constructs can represent pillars of SCM excellence. However, frameworks on SCM excellence unlike its contemporary fields are very few. Thus the purpose of this paper is to develop a path analysis for proposed framework of SCM excellence in Indian manufacturing industry proposed by Soni and Kodali (2014) using interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and structural equation modelling (SEM). Design/methodology/approach – The ISM is performed on two exemplary cases of supply chain in Indian manufacturing industry. These cases were selected on the consideration of supply chain excellence index (SCEI), based on the results of an empirical study conducted by Soni and Kodali (2014) in Indian manufacturing industry. The focal manufacturing company which exhibited lowest and highest SCEI were selected as contenders for developing ISM. The relationships among pillars and constructs of SCM excellence framework are obtained from ISM, and later are subjected to statistical testing of model fit by using SEM. The input to SEM was the respondent’s data used in previous study. Findings – The major findings revealed that ISM based on focal company having highest SCEI, is statistically fit for SCM excellence framework, and finally the structural models of the constructs for each pillar of SCM excellence are also formed by using path analysis. Originality/value – The study offers a unique managerial approach for analysing the underlying relationships between pillars of SCM excellence. Researchers can use this study for developing frameworks in various realms of SCM excellence.

AI technologies and their impact on supply chain resilience during COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sachin Modgil ◽  
Shivam Gupta ◽  
Rébecca Stekelorum ◽  
Issam Laguir
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Failure Modes ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Weak Links ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience

PurposeCOVID-19 has pushed many supply chains to re-think and strengthen their resilience and how it can help organisations survive in difficult times. Considering the availability of data and the huge number of supply chains that had their weak links exposed during COVID-19, the objective of the study is to employ artificial intelligence to develop supply chain resilience to withstand extreme disruptions such as COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachWe adopted a qualitative approach for interviewing respondents using a semi-structured interview schedule through the lens of organisational information processing theory. A total of 31 respondents from the supply chain and information systems field shared their views on employing artificial intelligence (AI) for supply chain resilience during COVID-19. We used a process of open, axial and selective coding to extract interrelated themes and proposals that resulted in the establishment of our framework.FindingsAn AI-facilitated supply chain helps systematically develop resilience in its structure and network. Resilient supply chains in dynamic settings and during extreme disruption scenarios are capable of recognising (sensing risks, degree of localisation, failure modes and data trends), analysing (what-if scenarios, realistic customer demand, stress test simulation and constraints), reconfiguring (automation, re-alignment of a network, tracking effort, physical security threats and control) and activating (establishing operating rules, contingency management, managing demand volatility and mitigating supply chain shock) operations quickly.Research limitations/implicationsAs the present research was conducted through semi-structured qualitative interviews to understand the role of AI in supply chain resilience during COVID-19, the respondents may have an inclination towards a specific role of AI due to their limited exposure.Practical implicationsSupply chain managers can utilise data to embed the required degree of resilience in their supply chains by considering the proposed framework elements and phases.Originality/valueThe present research contributes a framework that presents a four-phased, structured and systematic platform considering the required information processing capabilities to recognise, analyse, reconfigure and activate phases to ensure supply chain resilience.

Mining tech-fueled value from the procurement function

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 34-35
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Actions ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Reduced Costs ◽  
Productivity Gains ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This research paper concentrates on the capacity of procurement digitalization to pump up supply chain effectiveness and competitive advantage levels. Data from the examination of the strategic actions of an environmental charity, an IT multinational, and an Australian SME reveal that increasing procurement effectiveness translates into marked performance enhancements in terms of productivity gains and reduced costs. Wiping away boundaries between buyers and suppliers produced procurement processes with greater scalability, agility, and flexibility, all of which also enhanced the firms' capability to mitigate their risks. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Diagnosing recurrent logistics problems: a combined SCM disciplines and maturity perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harmen S. Wijbenga ◽  
Paul C. van Fenema ◽  
Nynke Faber
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Dynamic Capability ◽  
Public Organization ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Maturity Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of the study is to diagnose recurrent logistics problems in a public organization’s network of logistics entities, determining the maturity level of each supply chain (SC) function, and trying to link problems within the SC functions to the maturity level by using the case study method. Design/methodology/approach Extant research on supply chain management (SCM) maturity is combined with notions of SC flows and disciplines. The resulting SCM Disciplines Maturity model comprises multiple diagnostic steps. It is illustrated by means of a developmental case study at a large public organization facing recurrent logistics problems in routine processes. Findings The model is shown to be a useful instrument to obtain insight into linkages between recurrent logistics problems and the way an SCM organization harbors multiple SCM disciplines. Originality/value The paper examines recurrent logistics problems in relation to SCM maturity, a relatively unknown research subject. It shows how SCM maturity thinking can support the diagnosis of recurrent problems. In a rapidly changing world, it enables further research on diagnosis as a dynamic capability.

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