Blockchain systems and ethical sourcing in the mineral and metal industry: a multiple case study

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nir Kshetri
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Metal Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Networks ◽  
Marginalized Groups ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Ethical Sourcing ◽  
Sustainability Standards ◽  
High Degree

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine blockchain's roles in promoting ethical sourcing in the mineral and metal industry.Design/methodology/approachIt analyzes multiple case studies of blockchain projects in the mineral and metal industry.FindingsIt gives detailed descriptions of how blockchain-based supply chain networks' higher density of information flow and high degree of authenticity of information can increase supply chain participants' compliance with sustainability standards. It gives special consideration to blockchain systems' roles in overcoming the deficits in the second party and the third-party trust. It also demonstrates how blockchain-based supply chain networks include outside actors and configure the supply chain networks in a way that enhances the empowerment of marginalized groups.Practical implicationsIt suggests various mechanisms by which blockchain-based supply chain networks can give a voice to marginalized groups.Originality/valueIt demonstrates how blockchain is likely to force mineral and metal supply chains to become more traceable and transparent.

Exploring blockchain adoption intentions in the supply chain: perspectives from innovation diffusion and institutional theory

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet L. Hartley ◽  
William Sawaya ◽  
David Dobrzykowski
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Institutional Theory ◽  
Innovation Diffusion ◽  
Diffusion Theory ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Relative Advantage ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Networks ◽  
Intention To Adopt

PurposeDespite blockchain's potential supply chain benefits, few organizations have moved beyond pilot projects. The paper aims to explore blockchain adoption intentions for supply chain applications using two theoretical perspectives: innovation diffusion theory (IDT) and institutional theory (IT).Design/methodology/approachBased on theory, five propositions were developed addressing the intention to adopt blockchain. The propositions were tested using scenario-based experiments with supply chain professionals. To provide additional insights, interviews with 21 supply chain professionals in 15 organizations representing 8 industries were content analyzed.FindingsExperiments suggest that the intention to adopt blockchain is higher when there are government regulations regarding product origin, organizations are using updated cloud-based information systems and organizations are working with third-party consultants. The content analysis suggests that organizations that face normative pressures to adopt blockchain supply chain applications and recognize blockchain's relative advantage, compatibility and complexity are more likely to be actively seeking information about and adopting blockchain supply chain applications. The authors synthesize findings and provide new propositions to guide future research.Originality/valueUsing a multi-method approach, the study provides an important window into supply chain managers' perceptions of the necessary conditions to support organization-level blockchain adoption. The findings also indicate key characteristics present in supply chain networks poised for blockchain adoption.

Comparison analysis on the bilateral efforts of farmers and the third-party organization under multiple contract modes

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 818-834 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lanying Sun ◽  
Xiaoyan Li
Keyword(s):  
System Theory ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply System ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Purchase Price ◽  
Party Organization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Third ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Agricultural Supply

Purpose The purpose of this paper is under the analysis framework of the system theory, analyzing the optimal contract mode of agricultural supply chain to guarantee the stability of agricultural supply chain and the equilibrium of agricultural product market, to analyze the effect of farmers’ risk attitude on the selection of contract modes and to find the way to encourage farmers’ productive effort and to avoid farmers’ hitchhiking behavior, to guarantee the stability of agricultural supply chain. Design/methodology/approach Under the guidance of the system theory, using the Stackelberg model and the nonlinear programming theory, this paper comparatively analyzes farmers’ effort (productive effort and sales effort), farmers’ income and the stability of agricultural supply system of four types of contract modes between farmers, third-party organizations and market. Findings First, in the agricultural market, market-type contract cannot maximize farmers’ income. The main reason is that farmers do not have enough ability to avoid market risk and to bargain. Second, for farmers of risk seeking, choosing a market-type contract and secondary-income contract can increase their income. Third, under the fixed-purchase price contract, the hitchhiking behavior would happen. Fourth, when farmers’ productive efforts are the same, farmers’ income under the secondary-income contract is higher than under the fixed-purchase price contract. Because under the secondary-income contract, farmers have the opportunity to obtain the secondary distribution of benefits, farmers’ hitchhiking behavior could be avoided. Originality/value Analyzing the contract modes between farmers and the third-party organization in the agricultural market could reduce the influence of price fluctuation, avoid the uncertainty of the relationship between the supply and demand, stimulate the productive effort of farmers and provide theoretical guidance for establishing efficient and stable agricultural supply system.

scholarly journals Mathematical modeling for optimizing the blood supply chain network

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Rahimzadeh Dehaghani ◽  
Muhammad Nawaz ◽  
Rohullah Sultanie ◽  
Tawiah Kwatekwei Quartey-Papafio
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Blood Supply ◽  
Supply Chain Network ◽  
Distribution Centers ◽  
Nsga Ii ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Networks ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Blood Supply Chain ◽  
The Cost

PurposeThis research studies a location-allocation problem considering the m/m/m/k queue model in the blood supply chain network. This supply chain includes three levels of suppliers or donors, main blood centers (laboratories for separation, storage and distribution centers) and demand centers (hospitals and private clinics). Moreover, the proposed model is a multi-objective model including minimizing the total cost of the blood supply chain (the cost of unmet demand and inventory spoilage, the cost of transport between collection centers and the main centers of blood), minimizing the waiting time of donors in blood donating mobile centers, and minimizing the establishment of mobile centers in potential places.Design/methodology/approachSince the problem is multi-objective and NP-Hard, the heuristic algorithm NSGA-II is proposed for Pareto solutions and then the estimation of the parameters of the algorithm is described using the design of experiments. According to the review of the previous research, there are a few pieces of research in the blood supply chain in the field of design queue models and there were few works that tried to use these concepts for designing the blood supply chain networks. Also, in former research, the uncertainty in the number of donors, and also the importance of blood donors has not been considered.FindingsA novel mathematical model guided by the theory of linear programming has been proposed that can help health-care administrators in optimizing the blood supply chain networks.Originality/valueBy building upon solid literature and theory, the current study proposes a novel model for improving the supply chain of blood.

Empirical testing of a model on supply chain management adoption in India using the case study method

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Srichandan Sahu ◽  
Kambhampati Venkata Satya Surya Narayana Rao
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Marketing Activities ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Innovative Culture

Purpose The purpose of this study is to empirically test a theoretical model on supply chain management (SCM) adoption in India. Design/methodology/approach The present study used a multiple case research method to study the phenomenon. The findings are based on analysis of the SCM adoption processes in three large manufacturing organizations from the aluminium, steel and fertilizer industries. Findings The present study tested four propositions. Three of the propositions were empirically validated and one proposition was revised. The key findings are: one, a lack of recognition by an organization of higher advantages because of SCM adoption as compared to the costs leads to SCM non-adoption. Two, a lack of organizational readiness factors such as a collaborative and innovative culture, higher absorptive capacity and slack resources leads to the non-adoption of SCM. Three, a lack of institutional pressure and marketing activities of the SCM vendors on an organization lead to the non-adoption of SCM. Originality/value The major contribution of the present study is that it has empirically validated the theoretical model for SCM adoption in India. The findings of the present study have both theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, a model of SCM adoption was validated. The study provides managerial connotations for SCM vendors, consultants, practitioners and policy implications for policymakers.

Building resilience in retail supply chains: Lessons learned from COVID-19 and future pathways

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atif Saleem Butt
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Cash Flows ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis study explores the countermeasures taken by retailers to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on supply chain disruptions.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a multiple case study approach and undertakes 36 semi-structured interviews with senior management of the four largest retailers of the United Arab Emirates. The respondents were designated at different positions such as Vice President, Director and Project Manager.FindingsResults reveal that retailers are employing six countermeasures to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on supply chains. Particularly, retailers are securing required demand, preserving cash flows, redirecting inventory, adding capacity to their distribution centres, becoming more flexible with their direct or third-party logistics provider and finally widening delivery options for their suppliers to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has some limitations. First, the results of this study cannot be generalized to a broader population as it attempts to build an initial theory. Second, this study uses a cross-sectional approach to explore the countermeasures employed by retailing firms to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.Originality/valueA notable weakness in a supply chain disruption literature is an unfulfilled need for research examining the strategies employed by retailers to respond to/address the challenges posed by COVID-19. Our study fills this gap.

Let the buyer beware: how network structure can enable (and prevent) supply chain fraud

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott DuHadway ◽  
Carlos Mena ◽  
Lisa Marie Ellram
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Network Structure ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Structural Holes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Concepts ◽  
Bridge Collapse ◽  
Multiple Case

PurposeSupply chain fraud is a significant global concern for firms, consumers and governments. Evidence of major fraud events suggests the role of supply chain structures in enabling and facilitating fraud, as they often involve several parties in complicated networks designed to obfuscate the fraud. This paper identifies how the structural characteristics of supply chains can play an important role in enabling, facilitating and preventing fraud.Design/methodology/approachThe research follows a theory elaboration approach. The authors build on structural holes theory in conjunction with a multiple case study research design to identify new concepts and develop propositions regarding the role of network structure on supply chain fraud.FindingsThis research shows how structural holes in a supply chain can create advantages for unscrupulous firms, a role we call tertius fraudans, or the cheating third. This situation is exacerbated by structural ignorance, which refers to the lack of knowledge about structural connections in the network. Both structural holes and structural ignorance can create information gaps that facilitate fraud, and the authors propose solutions to detect and prevent this kind of fraud.Originality/valueThis paper extends structural holes theory into the domain of fraud. Novel concepts including tertius fraudans, structural ignorance and bridge collapse are offered, alongside a series of propositions that can help understand and manage structural supply chain fraud.

How do social responsibility and social entrepreneurship generate value creation in pandemics?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Silva ◽  
Margarida Rodrigues ◽  
Mário Franco ◽  
Cidália Oliveira ◽  
Nuno Sousa
Keyword(s):  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
High Degree

Purpose Using self-determination theory and individual social responsibility’s (ISRs) association with pure social entrepreneurship, this study aims to answer the following question: How and why have the different actors responded to the crisis caused by the pandemic? Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research (multiple case studies) was adopted, resorting to interviewees with seven economic and non-economic actors in the Portugal context. Findings The results obtained, using MAXQDA software, show that those carrying out actions of social responsibility have a high degree of self-determination and intrinsic motivation, and are true social entrepreneurs, which lets them improve the well-being of those around them. In addition, these individuals feel good about themselves by performing these actions, as they measure their performance by the social impact of their actions on society in general. Practical implications This study suggest there is a high awareness amongst people to exercise that responsibility in a voluntary way, through humanitarian initiatives and campaigns brought about especially by an unprecedented pandemic. In practice, people joining these initiatives motivate many others towards the causes, creating the will to continue in the future and satisfy unmet needs provoked by social crises. Originality/value This study is innovative because it is related to filling the gaps identified, mainly by carrying out an empirical study about ISR, rather than that of firms, where studies are more common.

Supply chain structures for distributing surplus food

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 865-883
Author(s):  
Caroline Sundgren
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Service Provider ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Weak Links ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
A Chain

PurposeNew actors have emerged in the food supply chain in response to the increased awareness of food waste and the need to distribute surplus food. The purpose of this study is to analyse the different supply chain structures that have emerged to make surplus food available to consumers.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a qualitative multiple-case study of three new surplus food actors: a surplus food platform, an online retailer and a surplus food terminal. Data sources included interviews, documentary evidence and participatory observations.FindingsThree different types of actor constellations in surplus food distribution have been identified: a triad, a tetrad and a chain. Both centralised (for ambient products) and decentralised supply chain structures (for chilled products) have emerged. The analysis identified weak links amongst new actors and surplus food suppliers. The new actors have adopted the roles of connector, service provider and logistics service provider and the sub-roles of mediator, auditor and consultant.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to research on closed-loop or circular supply chains for the reuse of products in the context of surplus food distribution.

Assessing batteries supply chain networks for low impact vehicles

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 148-171
Author(s):  
Carlo Rafele ◽  
Giulio Mangano ◽  
Anna Corinna Cagliano ◽  
Antonio Carlin
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Hybrid Vehicles ◽  
Production Lines ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Networks

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate different logistics configuration to deliver batteries from the supplier to the production lines of a European carmaker who is implementing new propulsions for its models. Design/methodology/approach Several scenarios about the supply chain for traction batteries have been identified based on the company’s requirements and constraints. Then, the variables used for the assessment of each scenario have been selected to calculate the unit battery supply chain cost. Findings The results underline that a direct transport without intermediate nodes is the cheapest one. On the contrary, an additional warehouse makes the organization of the network more complex. However, with this configuration, it is possible to cover the risk of supply since that a certain level of inventory is always guaranteed. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to the analysis of only one model car, and just manual operations have been taken into account for computing the human resource time and cost. The present study is one of the first works exploring the organization of the supply chain for the batteries integrated in electric and hybrid vehicles together with the choice of the location of the related warehouses. Originality/value This paper is one of the first work on the assessment of batteries’ supply chain that are going to be integrated in low impact vehicles, focusing on location of the associated warehouse. The evaluation is carried out by taking into account all the sources of cost.

scholarly journals Knowledge capabilities in supply chain networks: a taxonomy

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 655-674
Author(s):  
Robert Ogulin ◽  
Gustavo Guzman ◽  
Subasinghage Maduka Nuwangi
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Managerial Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Networks ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Two Bodies

Purpose This paper aims to develop a conceptual taxonomy for building requisite knowledge capabilities for different supply chain network (SCN) types. Specifically, it examines knowledge capabilities required for three types of SCNs: efficient, collaborative and agile SCNs. Design/methodology/approach This paper integrates two bodies of thought (i.e. knowledge management and organisational learning) and applies them to SCNs. An abductive research process is used to develop this conceptual taxonomy. Findings The conceptual taxonomy details three archetypical knowledge capabilities – exploitation, exploration and ambidextrous. Those knowledge capabilities are required for efficient, collaborative and agile SCNs, respectively. Research limitations/implications This paper is conceptual and theory-based. The next stages of the research seek to further strengthen the explanatory value of the taxonomy through empirical validation. Practical implications The taxonomy developed in this paper provides a valuable and pragmatic tool for managerial decision-making in the context of SCNs. Specifically, it provides a roadmap for practitioners since the study develops an understanding of the relationship between knowledge capabilities and types of SCNs. Originality/value This is one of the earliest studies that attempt to unearth requisite knowledge capabilities for different types of SCNs.

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