Investigating the effects of the outbreak of COVID-19 on perishable food supply chains: an empirical study using PLS-SEM

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed Abdul Rehman Khan ◽  
Pablo Ponce
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
First Case

PurposeAt the end of 2019, the first case of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) was reported in Wuhan city of China. The disease was declared a pandemic without imagining the magnitude of damage currently caused in all branches of the economy. One of the most affected sectors was food and mostly perishable food (PF), which are more susceptible to environmental conditions. Thus, the research examines the effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on Ecuador's perishable food supply chains (PFSCs) during the pandemic. It contributes to new results on the special issue (SI) PFSC response to event risk and uncertainty, such as those that generated the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe data used are from primary information sources, which were collected through a questionnaire. The questionnaire was applied to 298 companies belonging to the sector, and later the information was processed through partial least squares structural equation model. The convergent validity, discriminate and robustness tests provide arguments for the suitability of the model. Therefore, the findings are reliable and valid for the adequate measures to improve the PFSC due to a COVID-19 outbreak.FindingsThe results show that the perception of personal risk (PPR) produced by COVID-19 has caused the companies of the PFSC to adopt preventive policies (PO) to avoid contagion and guarantee the operation of the companies. In addition, the PPR has been responsible for the alterations in the demand and price (DP) of PF. Next, PO and DP have a significant effect on PFSC, which shows the evidence favouring the malfunction of PFSC operations due to anti-contagion PO, the mismatch of DP. On the contrary, circular economy practices contribute to the excellent performance of the PFSC. Finally, the research suggests some policy implications to consider in improving the PFSC.Originality/valueThis study is the first to be carried out in Ecuador's country on the PFSC; its contribution is unprecedented and makes it a road-map to be considered to guarantee the correct functioning of the PFSCs, and it will provide policymakers with valid elements to design efficient PFSCs that better respond to unforeseen events and uncertainties. Future research will focus on analysing the management of PF consumption in Ecuador during the pandemic.

Antecedents of horizontal logistics collaboration in agri-food supply chains

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ismail Badraoui ◽  
Ivo van der Lans ◽  
Youssef Boulaksil ◽  
Jack G.A.J. van der Vorst
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) characteristics on the antecedents of horizontal logistics collaboration (HLC). Specifically, the study compares the relationship between collaboration activities and outcomes for companies in and outside AFSCs.Design/methodology/approachFirst, a survey was used to collect data from different industries. Second, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were applied to compare the measurement and structural models from different industry categories.FindingsThe results support the premise that collaboration improves trust and commitment in the relationship, which in turn enhance satisfaction. The results also show the existence of a minor influence of AFSCs characteristics on HLC antecedents, in the form of an indirect impact of dedicated investments on commitment.Practical implicationsThe factors having a significant influence on the collaboration outcomes and their respective effects are generally similar across food and nonfood supply chains, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary and collaboration experiences.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the body of knowledge on interfirm collaboration by considering the specificities of HLC. It also highlights the importance of conducting contingency research on collaborative experiences, as firms from different industry contexts operate under distinct operational conditions.

Mapping the intellectual structure of short food supply chains research: a bibliometric analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianli Luo ◽  
Yuanxiang Liang ◽  
Yanhu Bai
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Citation Analysis ◽  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Short Food Supply Chains

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify major research topics and propose future research directions for the short food supply chains (SFSCs) by conducting a comprehensive bibliometric analysis.Design/methodology/approachA step-by-step literature review was performed. A total of 684 scientific papers were retrieved from Scopus, dated between 2000 and 2020. Then, content analysis was conducted based on 162 articles selected from the co-citation analysis. Bibexcel and Gephi software were employed to analyse, integrate and visualize the data.FindingsThe results of the descriptive analysis provided insights into publication trends, prominent countries, institutions and journal sources, which had not been fully captured or evaluated by previous reviews. In the citation analysis, the authors determined the highly cited papers based on the global citation. Additionally, in the co-citation analysis, the authors derived six research clusters, identified research gaps in each of six clusters and then suggested possible future research directions.Originality/valueAlthough several reviews have focused on certain aspects of SFSCs, a comprehensive review has been lacking. This study is among the first to comprehensively examine the knowledge structure of SFSCs research by using rigorous bibliometric analysis. More importantly, the future lines presented here offer potential insights for SFSCs researchers and policymakers.

Packaging paradoxes in food supply chains exploring characteristics, underlying reasons and management strategies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Henrik Pålsson ◽  
Erik Sandberg
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Company Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Study Approach

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore different types of packaging paradoxes and the reasons for their existence in food supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses a multiple case study approach with rich empirical data from seven leading companies in Swedish food supply chains. The research uses coding and a paradox theory lens to analyse packaging paradoxes, both within and between companies in a supply chain.FindingsThe paper provides a novel theoretical lens which uses comprehensive empirical data to identify and categorise four types of packaging paradoxes on two system levels in food supply chains. It presents detailed descriptions of, and underlying reasons for, the paradoxes. It also discusses strategies required to manage packaging paradoxes.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should confirm and extend the findings in this study by incorporating data from companies in other countries. It should cover the importance of paradoxes, their impact on company performance and innovation, and how different paradoxes are related to each other. It should also investigate strategies to manage paradoxes further.Practical implicationsThe findings should help companies acknowledge and identify management principles for packaging paradoxes in food supply chains.Originality/valueIt is the first study which systematically explores packaging paradoxes in food supply chains. The study offers a new approach to understand the complexity of packaging decisions in food supply chains. It contributes to the packaging logistics literature by extending theoretical knowledge about conflicts of interest related to packaging. The management discussion offers initial insights into management of packaging paradoxes and directions for future research.

scholarly journals Distributed Ledger Technology Applications in Food Supply Chains: A Review of Challenges and Future Research Directions

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4206
Author(s):  
Jamilya Nurgazina ◽  
Udsanee Pakdeetrakulwong ◽  
Thomas Moser ◽  
Gerald Reiner
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Security And Privacy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Distributed Ledger ◽  
Future Research Directions

The lack of transparency and traceability in food supply chains (FSCs) is raising concerns among consumers and stakeholders about food information credibility, food quality, and safety. Insufficient records, a lack of digitalization and standardization of processes, and information exchange are some of the most critical challenges, which can be tackled with disruptive technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and distributed ledger technologies (DLTs). Studies provide evidence that novel technological and sustainable practices in FSCs are necessary. This paper aims to describe current practical applications of DLTs and IoT in FSCs, investigating the challenges of implementation, and potentials for future research directions, thus contributing to achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Within a systematic literature review, the content of 69 academic publications was analyzed, describing aspects of implementation and measures to address the challenges of scalability, security, and privacy of DLT, and IoT solutions. The challenges of high costs, standardization, regulation, interoperability, and energy consumption of DLT solutions were also classified as highly relevant, but were not widely addressed in literature. The application of DLTs in FSCs can potentially contribute to 6 strategic SDGs, providing synergies and possibilities for more sustainable, traceable, and transparent FSCs.

scholarly journals The Behavior of Dairy Consumers in Short Food Supply Chains during COVID-19 Pandemic in Suceava Area, Romania

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioan Sebastian Brumă ◽  
Codrin Dinu Vasiliu ◽  
Steliana Rodino ◽  
Marian Butu ◽  
Lucian Tanasă ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Dairy Products ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Buying Behavior ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Short Food Supply Chains ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods

In Romania, there is an emerging market of dairy products delivered through short food supply chains. Although this distribution system has existed since the communist period, and even though more than three decades have passed since then, the market fails to be mature, subject to taxation, or achieve a high diversity in terms of dairy categories, with a consolidated marketing culture that has significant effects on the regional socio-economic environment. The aim of this study was to observe whether the Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) crisis has influenced consumer behavior regarding dairy products delivered directly from producers in Suceava County, Romania. The research is based on a survey conducted between April and May, 2020, and the analysis relies on both quantitative and qualitative methods (namely, anthropological and ethnographic). From the provided responses, it a change was observed in the future buying behavior on short food supply chains, in a positive sense. One of the key findings was that family represents the main environment for passing on the values that influence the buying behavior. Another key finding was that the behavioral changes on the short food supply chains exert pressure on their digital transformations.

Dynamic capabilities in the “new normal”: a study of organizational flexibility, integration and agility in the Peruvian coffee supply chain

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar Ramos ◽  
Andrea S. Patrucco ◽  
Melissa Chavez
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Organizational Flexibility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains

Purpose Considering the unprecedented supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the agri-food sector, the possession of dynamic capabilities (DCs) – particularly, the need for higher agility – seems to be the key to survival in highly uncertain environments. This study aims to use the dynamic capability view (DCV) theory to analyze how three key supply chain capabilities – organizational flexibility, integration and agility – should be combined to obtain the desired supply chain performance. Design/methodology/approach The authors designed a conceptual model in which the relationships between these three key capabilities and supply chain performance were hypothesized. The model was first tested through partial least square regression using survey data collected from 98 members of the Peruvian coffee supply chain. A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was conducted to uncover how DCs could be combined in successful supply chain configurations. Findings The authors show that organizational flexibility is a driver of higher agility in agri-food supply chains, together with external and internal supply chain integration, that have a direct impact on agility, which positively affects supply chain performance. Higher levels of supply chain agility are necessary but insufficient to guarantee high performance, as sufficiency is reached when both integration (internal and/or external) and agility are present. Originality/value This study represents a pioneering attempt to apply the DCV theory to agri-food supply chains – characterized by many sources of uncertainty. All the DCs are included within the same model and the joint use of PLS regression and fsQCA provides evidence about the relationships between DCs and how they can empower agri-food supply to obtain the desired performance.

Factors affecting the diffusion of traceability practices in an imported fresh produce supply chain in China

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Yi ◽  
Phil Bremer ◽  
Damien Mather ◽  
Miranda Mirosa
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovation ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Fresh Produce ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Integrated Framework ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Food Recalls

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to facilitate the successful adoption of traceability technologies, such as blockchain, into food supply chains and facilitate the understanding of the barriers and enablers to their uptake by channel members' needs so that appropriate enabling strategy can be put in place.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, an integrated framework involving five components was used as the methodology: (1) diffusion of innovation theory, (2) the innovation concept, (3) the business structure-conduct-performance paradigm, (4) legitimacy and (5) trust was developed and assessed for validity through interviewing 21 channel members, including distributors, wholesalers, Internet retailers and traditional retailers associated with a global fresh produce company's supply chain in China.FindingsBarriers negatively framing channel members' attitudes and decisions included a perceived lack of need owing to fresh produce having a short shelf life and being of low value and risk. However, the importance of traceability and the need for effective food recalls were not always understood among channel members, and distributed trust innovations were also suppressed by their lack of compatibility with the Chinese hierarchical culture.Originality/valueTo date, channel members' perception of innovations in food supply chains has not been considered in light of the components proposed in the integrated framework. The adapted framework used in this study ensured a comprehensive assessment of channel members' attitude and motivations toward traceability practices.

Exploring the roles of lead organisations in spreading sustainability standards throughout food supply chains in an emerging economy

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Minelle E. Silva ◽  
Gustavo Picanço Dias ◽  
Stefan Gold
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Technical Information ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Close Relation ◽  
Governance Mechanisms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Cashew Nut ◽  
Sustainability Standards

PurposeThis paper investigates how food supply chains (SCs) introduce sustainability standards (i.e. organic and/or Fair Trade labels). The authors combined the concepts of power and dependence with types of governance mechanisms to analyse for-profit and cooperative organisations. The authors explored nuances of how lead organisations are spreading sustainability standards.Design/methodology/approachFour cashew nut and honey SCs were investigated as case studies in Brazil, with data gathered through 15 interviews, secondary data and field visits. Data were examined through a content analysis process following a combined deductive and inductive approach.FindingsSustainability is spread driven by market pressure, mainly through the diffusion of technical information, either by lead organisations enablers or inter-organisational relations. The authors found that the type and structure of organisations impact the source of power (mediated or non-mediated) and level of mutual dependence between buyer and supplier. For instance, suppliers that hold a strategic position use direct governance mechanisms, which, in turn, lessens the power imbalance in regard to the lead organisation. The authors found in the analysis, a close relation between governance mechanisms and the spread of sustainability, which is ultimately based on strong SC relationships.Practical implicationsBy recognising their role and the contingencies in spreading sustainability standards along the SC, managers of lead organisations can better design their relationships as well as create strategies to increase their supply chain sustainability (SCS) performance.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the underexplored issue of how sustainability standards are spread throughout SCs in Latin America. Also, it shows how different types of SC rely on governance mechanisms that foster SCS.

Social gains for artisanal agroindustrial producers induced by cooperation and collaboration in agri-food supply chain

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato Rocha dos Santos ◽  
Patricia Guarnieri
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Detailed Analysis ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Social Indicators ◽  
Collective Actions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Positive Effects

Purpose This study aims to analyze which collective actions (cooperation, coordination and collaboration), present in the supply chain of artisanal products, generate positive effects in terms of social gains. Design/methodology/approach The authors conduct multiple case studies in the supply chain of seven artisanal agroindustries in the Distrito Federal, Brazil. The data were collected through interviews, documental analysis and direct observation. The data were analyzed using the content analysis technique proposed by Bardin (1977). With priori and a posteriori analytical categories, it was possible to conduct: a detailed analysis of the current situation of artisanal agroindustries regarding collective actions from the perspective of supplier/supplier and supplier/client and a detailed analysis for the possible effects of collective actions that impact the supply chain and the indicators of social sustainability of artisanal agroindustries. Findings The results indicate that cooperation and collaboration have contributed positively in the transactions of the products of the artisanal agroindustries, reflecting in social gains for the producing families. In this context, some collective actions can be highlighted as follows: the collective commercial spaces, the demonstration spaces of the artisan products in the clients’ environment, the prospecting of improvements from the final consumers, the face-to-face meetings with the suppliers, the product dissemination by the customer, the joint marketing actions and the rationalization of transportation logistics. Research limitations/implications The study used a qualitative approach and findings and discussion are inherently interpretative and cannot be generalized. Practical implications This study can contribute to researchers and practitioners interested in collective actions contributing to the incrementation of social responsibility in agri-food supply chains. Social implications Understanding how the collective actions support the inclusion of smallholding and artisanal producers in agri-food supply chains can help policymakers and managers to implement initiatives related to social responsibility, which can be measured using social indicators. This creates a social benefit through rural growth and economic development, generation of income and social productive inclusion of the artisanal producers in larger agri-food supply chains. Originality/value For the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper approaching collective actions as the main source of incrementation of social benefits, which can measure the incrementation of social responsibility in agri-food supply chains.

scholarly journals Reflection on success and failures: scale development and validation

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 615-626
Author(s):  
Makoto Matsuo
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strengths Use ◽  
Wide Range

Purpose Although positive psychology emphasizes the importance of reflecting on success in promoting strengths use and self-efficacy, no research has developed a measure of reflection on success. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate the scales for reflection on success and failures. Design/methodology/approach Study 1 was conducted to extract the dimensions of reflection on success and failures using survey data from nurses (n = 298), whereas Study 2 involved validation of the scales using a two-wave survey of physical therapists (n = 291). Findings In Study 1, the factors of “reflection on success” and “reflection on failures” were extracted by exploratory factor analysis. In Study 2, the discriminant validity of the two scales was established via confirmatory factor analyses. The structural equation modeling results indicated that reflection on success promoted work authenticity, work engagement and strengths use, while reflection on failures only promoted work engagement, indicating the convergent validity of the scales. Research limitations/implications As the research subjects were medical professionals in Japan, the scales need to be validated with samples from a wide range of occupations and cultural backgrounds, in future research. Originality/value The present research expands the literature on reflection and strengths-based approach by introducing the “success–failures” dimension based on positive psychology, broaden-and-build theory and job demands–resources theory.

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