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.

Adapting business models in buyer-seller relationships: paradoxes in the fast fashion supply chain

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Guercini ◽  
Andrea Runfola
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Business Model ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Fast Fashion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
A Chain

Purpose This paper aims to deal with the issue of business model change in industrial markets. It considers the fast-fashion supply chain by addressing the following research questions: What are the paths of change of the supplier’s business model to match the business model of fast fashion customers? How can a supplier’s business model be adapted to customer’s requirements in these paths of change? Design/methodology/approach Empirically, the paper presents a multiple case study of 10 semi-finished textile suppliers, carried out through a long-term research programme in the Italian textile industrial district of Prato. Findings The multiple-case study shows some key drivers of change in the suppliers’ business models. Three main paths emerged from the interactions with fast fashion clients. Paradoxes in the supplier’s business model changes are identified and discussed. Research limitations/implications The paper proposes implications for suppliers interacting with fast fashion clients and discusses how the adaptation of business models may be interpreted. This study points out how matching the business model of the customers does not call for alignment of similar features. Originality/value The paper deals with an understudied topic within the literature: business models change in business to business markets, taking into consideration the perspective of the supplier. It considers buyers-seller relationships in industrial supply chains as being part of a chain of business models and the need for the supplier’s business model to adapt and match one of the clients. The paper proposes two potential interpretations of such adaptation.

scholarly journals Coordination mechanisms in the store opening process

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 482-499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Sandberg
Keyword(s):  
Coordination Mechanisms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organic Growth ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
A Company ◽  
Opening Process

Purpose – For many retailers organic growth through the opening of new stores is a crucial cornerstone of the business model. The purpose of this paper is to explore the store opening process conducted by retail companies. The research questions cover: first, the role and organisation of the establishment function in charge of the process; second, the activities and functions involved in the process; and third, the coordination mechanisms applied during the process. Design/methodology/approach – This research considers the store opening process as a company-wide project, managed by an establishment function, in which internal functions as well as external suppliers need to be coordinated. A multiple case study of eight retail companies is presented, focusing on the organisation of the establishment function, a mapping of the store opening process and the application of coordination mechanisms. Findings – The role and organisation of the establishment function is described and the store opening process is summarised into 11 main activities to be conducted by either the establishment function or other involved functions. During the store opening process six different coordination mechanisms are utilised, including mutual adjustments and direct supervision, as well as different types of standardisation. Originality/value – This research seeks to improve our understanding for the store opening process and how it can be managed and controlled in an effective manner.

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.

Who wins in a complex buyer-supplier relationship? A social exchange theory based dyadic study

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 577-603 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kari Tanskanen
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Social Exchange Theory ◽  
Exchange Theory ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Supplier Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Power Balancing

Purpose – In complex buyer-supplier relationships (BSRs), contracts are always incomplete and many of the exchanges non-contractual. Because they occur over a long period of time and include unspecified obligations, non-contractual exchanges might be asymmetrical. The purpose of this paper is to examine BSRs with the aim of identifying the mechanisms that lead to asymmetry in exchanges. Design/methodology/approach – The author conducts an analysis, based on social exchange theory (SET), of six buyer-supplier dyads using the main SET constructs. From this multiple-case analysis the author develops a set of propositions explaining the exchange asymmetry in complex buyer-supplier relations. Findings – The results indicate that self-awareness of the determinants of attractiveness, use of power-balancing mechanisms, and primacy can explain the exchange asymmetry in BSRs. Research limitations/implications – The analysis is limited on the explanations for exchange asymmetry that are based on SET. Practical implications – The study highlights the importance of firms using the power-balancing mechanism in order to gain value from supply chain partners. The results show that firms can use attractiveness strategically to influence supply chain partners, but the author also observe that firms generally are not well aware of the determinants of their attractiveness in BSRs, which ignorance may pose a major obstacle to using attractiveness strategically. Originality/value – The paper provides the first systematic and comprehensive insight to social exchange mechanism in complex BSR. In this paper the author makes a major effort to clarify the basic assumptions and scope of the useful concepts and theoretical constructs of SET, and through a multiple-case study the author form a piece of substantive theory of SET in BSRs.

scholarly journals Participatory communication on internal social media – a dream or reality?

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 614-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vibeke Thøis Madsen
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Middle Managers ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Participatory Communication ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Internal Social Media

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore whether internal social media (ISM) introduces a new kind of participatory communication within organizations that is capable of influencing and moving the organization. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on two exploratory studies: a multiple case study in ten Danish organizations, and a single case study in a Danish bank. Findings The paper finds that different types of communication on ISM develop in different types of organizations. Participatory communication capable of changing the organization only develops when coworkers perceive that they have a license to critique. The paper, therefore, proposes to distinguish between three different types of communication arenas created by ISM: a quiet arena, a knowledge-sharing arena and a participatory communication arena. Research limitations/implications The research is exploratory and based on two Danish case studies and the perceptions of coworkers and social media coordinators. A deeper, summative analysis of ISM across more and various organizations in multiple countries has to confirm the findings. Originality/value The paper conceptualizes ISM as an interactive and dynamic communication arena, and proposes that the participatory communication on ISM is a co-constructed process among coworkers, middle managers and top managers.

Network video technology

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (7) ◽  
pp. 623-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joakim Hans Kembro ◽  
Veronica Danielsson ◽  
Granit Smajli
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Video Technology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Real Time Analysis ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Warehouse Operations ◽  
The Internet Of Things

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how modern network video technology could be used to improve different warehouse types and operations and how barriers may prevent its implementation. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory multiple-case study with nine case companies was conducted, including on-site visits, interviews, questionnaires and a workshop. Findings The authors identified 12 video applications that could improve warehouse operations by making them safer, faster, more transparent and more reliable than they are at present. The authors found that video applications complemented existing information technology and offered a new dimension that provided the real-time analysis of different activities in warehouse operations. The main barriers to implementing video technology included uncertain return on investment, staff integrity, union restrictions and integration with other systems. Research limitations/implications The study contributes to the literature by exploring how information technology could be used to improve warehouse operations and by developing a classification matrix that outlines the video applications that suit the warehouse type and operation. Building on the contingency theory, the authors also described a conceptual framework for guiding future relevant research on warehousing. Practical implications Video technology provides an opportunity to improve efficiency and cut costs in warehouse operations, which could contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the company and the supply chain. However, several barriers must be overcome to enable its implementation. Furthermore, competing technologies, such as augmented reality and the internet of things, are being developed in parallel. Social implications The identified video applications could help to increase safety, sustainability and traceability in warehouse operations and, potentially, across the entire supply chain. Originality/value This research is the first to explore the potential of introducing video applications to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of various warehouse types and operations.

Organizational environments and adaptive response mechanisms in India

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veena Vohra
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Response ◽  
Environmental Turbulence ◽  
Adaptive Responses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Study Design ◽  
Organizational Environments ◽  
Turbulent Environments ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Multiple Case

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature of the organizational environments of Indian business organizations and to identify the adaptive response mechanisms that organizations use to cope with their environments. This paper also examines in detail the causal texture of the organizational environments and attempts to build a conceptual model mapping adaptive responses of organizations to different types of organizational environments. Design/methodology/approach – A constructivist stance was adopted in this exploratory study to capture the perceptions of the organizational leaders through the multiple case study design to capture the features of the organizational environments and their causal texture. The multiple case study design used an embedded mixed-methods approach to collect data. Within-case analysis and cross-case analysis were conducted to draw out prominent themes across cases ordered for particular organizational environment types. The study was conducted by following construct validity, internal reliability and external validity guidelines. Findings – The study highlights and describes in detail the characteristics of the different organizational environment types in India. It is revealed that a majority of Indian organizations exist in turbulent environments. There are differences in the adaptive response mechanisms of organizations in the environment types studied. The study specially focuses on the strategies adopted by Indian organizations to adapt to turbulent environments. Practical implications – This study maps the causal texture of organizational environments in India and maps the organizational adaptive responses to the environment for greater effectiveness. This study offers various strategies to cope with turbulent organizational environments and adds to the research focus on causal texture and adaptive capacities of organizations across different types of environments. Originality/value – This study contributes to an ignored subject area of organizational environments. Managing organizations in uncertain and turbulent environments is complex, and this study provides an understanding about the various types of adaptive mechanism that are used to cope with environmental turbulence. This study also attempts to answer several questions that previous research works have raised about strategies that organizations use when they fail to cope with environmental turbulence.

Love plastic: Ashiyana Pipe’s journey to redefine the positioning of plastic

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Rajeev A. ◽  
Sandeep Sivakumar ◽  
Gopalakrishnan Narayanamurthy
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Sustainable Growth ◽  
Market Forces ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Plastic Industry ◽  
Detrimental Impact

Subject area The case specifically discusses the role of stakeholders and non-market forces and how they can potentially influence the strategic choices of firms. Participants need to have some basic understanding of non-market forces, and stakeholder theory. The case is suitable for courses on sustainable supply chain management, closed loop supply chain management, reverse logistics, green business, environmental management, strategic management and business in emerging economies. Study level/applicability The target audiences for the case are bachelor and first-year MBA students and trainees who are interested in learning the relevance of non-market forces in sustainable growth of an industry and the importance of stakeholder management in the smooth conduct of business. Case overview The case study details how the plastic industry in Kerala faces a non-market threat and how it affects the progress of the industry by using the example of Ashiyana Pipe. Though plastic is a unique material by virtue of its reusability and non-perishable characteristics, it has invited a lot of criticism, as there is a wide spread perception regarding its detrimental impact on the environment (such as choking drains, preventing the degradation of solid waste because of its impermeability, etc.). But the reason for experiencing the detrimental impact of plastic can also be attributed to the inability of the supply chain of the plastic industry to reach a closed-loop status, especially in developing countries such as India, as all categories of post-consumer plastic are not reaching recycling plants. Lack of awareness, lack of community participation in proper segregation and aggregation at the source, absence of incentive systems, weak regulations and poor monitoring are discussed as the common barriers hindering the achievement of closed loop status of plastic supply chain. Detailing the barriers, the case study explains the failure of informal and formal recycling markets in Kerala. Finally, the case study proposes a model with involvement of all the key stakeholders to reposition the hate toward plastic into love through recycling initiatives. Expected learning outcomes Expected learning outcomes of the case are listed below: illustrate the importance of stakeholder involvement in achieving a sustainable business and to stress the importance of a decentralized approach. Illustrate the relevance of non-market forces in sustainable growth of an industry that has significant impact on the surrounding environment and society. Critically analyze the existing business models (based on market mechanism) and suggest possible improvements and alternatives. Understand the challenges that will be faced while implementing an inclusive model with involvement of all stakeholders to reduce the negative impact of non-market forces. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy.

scholarly journals Can “sin industries” prove their legitimacy through CSR reporting? A study of UK tobacco and gambling companies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asahita Dhandhania ◽  
Eleanor O'Higgins
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Stakeholder Support ◽  
The Social ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the ways that sin industry companies attempt to utilise CSR reporting for legitimation.Design/methodology/approachConventional and summative content analyses were carried out on annual CSR reports in UK tobacco and gambling companies, juxtaposed against analysis of the actual behaviour of the companies, collectively and individually.FindingsThe paper concludes that there is an ongoing tension between the business of sin industry companies and their attempts to establish and maintain any legitimacy, using CSR reporting in particular ways to try to prove their credentials to society and to engage salient stakeholder support. Ultimately, they aim to give themselves the scope for strategic choice to enable survival and financial flourishing.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research on CSR on other sin industries and in other jurisdictions with different regulatory situations could shed further light on the achievement or denial of different types of legitimacy. Studying different time periods as industries change would be of value.Practical implicationsOn a practical basis, the study offers guidelines to stakeholders on the use of CSR reports from sin companies, and suggests the establishment of objective external CSR reports, overseen by accounting regulators.Social implicationsThe paper provides an overview of the role of sin industries in society, and mitigating their harms.Originality/valueThis study allowed for a comprehensive, dynamic and inclusive understanding of the interplay of CSR reporting and legitimacy by addressing conflicting interests between sin companies' social effects and inherent activities at the industry level. The methodology of multiple case study design in two sin industries combined content analysis of CSR reports, juxtaposed against analysis of behaviour in context. Previous research included the juxtaposition of actuality in analysis of only single case studies or particular issues. Thus, this research allows for a broader industry understanding. On a practical basis, the study offers guidelines to stakeholders on the use of CSR reports from sin companies, and suggests the establishment of objective external CSR reports, overseen by accounting regulators. At the social level, the paper provides an overview of sin industries in society, and mitigating their harms.

scholarly journals Measuring performance at the supply chain level: the role of the chain director

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Job A.C. De Haan ◽  
Macarena Sacristán-Díaz
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Performance Measurement System ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
A Chain ◽  
Chain Level

<p class="Abstract">Supply chains lack their own across-the-board managers that can design and implement a performance measurement system (PMS), nor do they have an explicit overall strategy from which the PMS can be derived. The focus of this article is to develop a qualitative theoretical model on PM in supply chains to explore how to adopt PMS as a tool to implement collaboration and integration in chains. The exploratory nature of the research question determined our use of a multiple case study. Two focal firms in the agro-food sector from Spain and the Netherlands, serving a total of five different chains, illustrate the message of the model.</p>The findings show when an attempt to implement a PMS at the supply chain level might be appropriate and effective (if a chain exists and has a director), and how the system’s content should be focused on what is needed to improve chain performance (with end customers’ demands as a starting point). The paper highlights the benefits obtained by the other partners if they comply with the best informed supply chain member in the development of the chain’s PMS, as well as how a PMS cannot be developed when none of the partners can be labelled as chain director.

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