scholarly journals Improving blood safety and availability: a collective mindfulness perspective in the supply chain

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luluk Lusiantoro ◽  
Nicola Yates
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Blood Safety ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Collective Mindfulness ◽  
Template Analysis ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Reliability Performance ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Organisational Level

PurposeMaintaining a safe and available supply of blood requires a mindfully coordinated supply chain (SC) and is fundamental to the effective operation of health systems across the world. This study investigates how blood supply chain (BSC) actors demonstrate collective mindfulness (CM) principles in their operations and how these demonstrations lead to improvements in blood safety and availability (BSA) in different operational contexts.Design/methodology/approachSix case studies drawn from two contrasting BSCs, the UK and Indonesia, which differ in structure and regulation are investigated in this research. Qualitative data are collected and analysed using template analysis.FindingsThe cases reveal how the CM principles are demonstrated in the supply chain context in a range of operational conditions and their impact on BSA. The BSC actors in the more centralised and tightly regulated cases display more behaviours consistent with more of the CM principles over a greater range of operational conditions compared to those in the more decentralised and loosely regulated cases. As such, more improvements in BSA are found in the former compared to the latter cases.Originality/valueThis paper is considered the first to investigate the demonstration of CM principles at the SC as opposed to the single organisational level. It proposes an alternative approach to understanding and evaluating reliability performance using behavioural rather than statistical principles.

scholarly journals Documenting entrepreneurial opportunism in action

2017 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Smith
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Historical Research ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
Criminal Enterprise ◽  
Food Fraud ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Integrity ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The contemporary rustler is a shrewd businessman, or rogue farmer exploiting food supply chain anomalies. Indeed, the first conviction in the UK for 20 years was a farmer stealing from neighbouring farmers. The theft of sheep in the UK is an expanding criminal enterprise which remains under researched. The purpose of this paper is to examine what is known of the illegal trade and its links to food fraud from a supply chain perspective with an emphasis on food integrity issues. Design/methodology/approach There is a dearth of current viable literature on livestock theft in a western context making it necessary to turn to socio-historical research and to official documents such as those published by the NFU and other insurance companies to build up a picture of this illegal practice. This is supplemented by documentary research of articles published in the UK press. Findings From this raw data a typology of rustlers is developed. The findings point to insider “supply chain” knowledge being a key facet in the theft of livestock. Other examples in the typology relate to urban thieves wrestling live sheep into a car and to industry insiders associated with the abattoir sector. Research limitations/implications The obvious limitations is that as yet there are few detected cases of rustling in the UK so the developing typology of rustlers is sketchy. Another limitation is that much of the evidence upon which the typology is developed is anecdotal. Originality/value The typology should prove helpful to academics, insurance companies, investigators, industry insiders and farmers to help them understand this contemporary crime and how to prevent its spread. It also sheds light on food integrity in relation to the purchase and consumption of the end product in that customers expect to be purchasing legally and ethically reared animal products.

scholarly journals Projecting at the project level: MMC supply chain integration roadmap for small housebuilders

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Dowsett ◽  
Martin Green ◽  
Martin Sexton ◽  
Chris Harty
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Integration ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Timber Frame ◽  
Road Map ◽  
Innovation Activities ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Key Aspects

Purpose This paper aims to provide insights into how supply chain integration may occur for small housebuilders adopting modern methods of construction (MMCs). The process of creating an empirically informed road map is described, whereby the practical day-to-day challenges of adopting a timber-frame solution on a small housing development in Southeast England were fed into a road map of future supply chain integration scenarios. The intention is to better position small housebuilders to contribute in addressing the shortfall in housing that continues to face the UK. Design/methodology/approach Interviews with supply chain members along with on-site observations captured key aspects of integration. Findings were used within two collaborative forums to guide discussion in a dual approach; discussing the challenges of timber-frame on the project and what would be needed on future projects for the firms analysed. Findings Empirically informed malleable roadmaps, of the kind developed within this study, provide feasible options for small housebuilders and suppliers of MMCs to collectively collaborate when transitioning towards fully integrated supply chains. Practically, the roadmapping approach, and the roadmap itself, would help small housebuilders and suppliers of MMCs transition towards full integration. Opening up avenues of integration that are spread across yet connected through numerous phases, firms and technologies helps construction professionals use more sophisticated modular and volumetric off-site solutions. Research limitations/implications Data collection took place over the course of a year. Future research could expand this relatively short duration to analyse the potential for construction professionals within the supply chain to integrate further over a longer period of time. Originality/value The novelty and contribution of this paper lie in the development and application of an alternative approach to roadmapping that departs from the normative linear examples of roadmaps found within the technology-roadmapping literature. The authors present a structured yet flexible approach to roadmapping that is both representative of the strategic planning and innovation activities that occur within small housebuilding firms and open to adaption to account for firm-level characteristics and contingencies. Positioned alongside firm-level dynamics (e.g. business cases and approaches to design), the roadmapping approach also reinforces the potential of incremental rather than whole-scale transitions.

Supply chain finance is not for everyone

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 775-807
Author(s):  
Viktor Hugo Elliot ◽  
Christiaan De Goeij ◽  
Luca Mattia Gelsomino ◽  
Johan Woxenius
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Supply Chain Finance ◽  
Transit Times ◽  
Resources And Capabilities ◽  
New Perspective

PurposeLogistics service providers (LSPs) have unique resources and capabilities that position them to deliver supply chain finance (SCF) solutions. The study aims to discuss and illustrate the necessary resources and process of value creation and capture of LSPs, potentially offering SCF solutions.Design/methodology/approachRelying on a theoretical framework, combining a resource-based view (RBV) with the literature on SCF, the authors apply an abductive case study methodology, including 11 interviews with representatives from four LSPs.FindingsThe main findings are as follow: (1) although an LSP has sufficient resources for value-added SCF solutions, it may not capture enough value to motivate realising them; (2) an LSP considering offering SCF should account for the interaction between its resources and cargo transit times, risk and regulatory restrictions and (3) future studies should distinguish between financing the logistics services and the moved products.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors contribute to the growing field of SCF research by analysing motives and barriers for LSPs to offer SCF service to their customers. Because none of our case companies decided to move beyond experimentation further research is needed on the resources and capabilities needed for LSPs to successfully venture into SCF.Practical implicationsThe study provides LSPs with clear indications of the difficulties involved when contemplating a move into SCF solutions and discusses the potential value of offering such services.Originality/valueDespite evidence of LSPs engaging in SCF in various industries, academic contributions do not go beyond operational conditions or quantification of benefits. The authors add evidence on how LSPs are currently evaluating the prominence of adding SCF to their value offerings, including a new perspective on resources, value generation and capture mechanisms.

The challenges of working with sexual offenders who have autism in secure services

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaunagh MacDonald ◽  
Jane Clarbour ◽  
Clare Whitton ◽  
Kelly Rayner
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Mediating Factors ◽  
Template Analysis ◽  
Challenging Environment ◽  
Staff Group ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Negative Feelings

Purpose Previous literature has reported that working with sexual offenders can impact staff negatively (Hatcher and Noakes, 2010). In addition, working with individuals with intellectual disability also appears to be challenging. There are benefits stated of working with sexual offenders and the purpose of this paper is to seek to highlight the challenges and positive experiences of staff members working with sexual offenders who have autism. Design/methodology/approach As working with this population has not been previously investigated, a semi-structured interview was conducted to explore the challenges and benefits of working with this population. Eight participants were interviewed who work on the autism specialist ward at a forensic secure hospital in the UK. Findings Template analysis identified three master themes: mediating factors, challenges and consequences, which were incorporated into the Model of Person-Organisation Wellbeing (M-POW). The findings show the specific challenges of working with a population that has not been previously studied. Research limitations/implications The study utilised a small, heterogeneous self-selecting sample from one clinical site. Practical implications Findings suggest there are a number of specific challenges this staff group face, and steps that can be taken at the personal and organisational level to mediate these. Recommendations are made for how staff are supported in their work from recruitment and induction onwards. Originality/value The M-POW highlights mediating factors that can be adjusted to develop more effective coping strategies for working in what, for some, is a challenging environment. This model provides a framework that can be adopted by organisations to ensure that the likelihood of their staff experiencing negative feelings is reduced and also suggests future avenues of research.

scholarly journals Using template and matrix analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 393-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Burton ◽  
Peter Galvin
Keyword(s):  
Matrix Analysis ◽  
Temporal Data ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Units Of Analysis ◽  
Template Analysis ◽  
Textual Data ◽  
The Uk ◽  
New Research ◽  
Oral History Interview

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a qualitative research method using oral history interview data that may advance new types of methodological inquiry in management and organisation history research. Design/methodology/approach The method, the authors present, combines matrix and template analysis using oral histories from unstructured interviews with 31 senior managers in the UK individual personal pensions product market to illuminate how the construction of “matrices” and “templates” can then be compared and contrasted across different time periods, and at different units of analysis, to analyse complex temporal data. Findings The authors highlight the veracity of a combination of template and matrix analysis for researchers handling management and organisation history data. Originality/value Elaborations of new research methodologies suitable for handling historical data remain few and far between. The proposed method offers a new approach for handing temporal textual data.

scholarly journals Meaning of “employee happiness” within the context of complex organisations? An explanatory review on the UAE labour force

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-180
Author(s):  
Vic Benuyenah ◽  
Bharti Pandya
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The World ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Organisational Level ◽  
Employee Happiness

Purpose In this study, the authors build on the current frameworks of happiness provided by the PERMA model, the World Happiness Report Index and the theoretical framework provided by the proponents of job-satisfaction model, motivation, employee engagement and commitment. The authors argue that, the existing theoretical framework in the management and the HR literature are just different aspects of a common goal – happiness. This position is consistent with the overall happiness projects championed by governments across the world, including the UK, Bhutan, several Scandinavian nations and essentially the United Arab Emirates. A chasm that currently exists in the literature is the availability of a universally acceptable definition for happiness and protocols for measuring happiness. The authors conclude that more research is required to keep pace with industry development relating to employee happiness initiatives. Design/methodology/approach Using quasi-literature review, the authors analysed selected studies on the theory of happiness to identify how each have treated the concept of happiness in organisations. Findings It is erroneous to promote national or international happiness initiatives without starting from the micro level – in this case, the institutions of society should start measuring happiness from the micro level to help understand what happiness actually means. Research limitations/implications As an opinion piece, its recommendations need to be applied cautiously. Originality/value Till date, only a few studies have explored the concept of happiness from micro-organisational level.

scholarly journals The adoption of soft skills in supply chain and understanding their current role in supply chain management skills agenda

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 1063-1079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ozlem Bak ◽  
Christine Jordan ◽  
James Midgley
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
The Uk

PurposeWith supply chains expanding in scope and scale globally, the academic literature underlined the increasing role and importance of soft skills. Traditionally, the supply chain literature geared towards hard skills including functional and technical skill sets with limited discussion on soft skills. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to assess and explore the soft skills demand in supply chain management arena.Design/methodology/approachThis study has utilised a mixed methods study in two phases, with the first stage including a questionnaire distributed to 120 supply chain employees in the UK, followed by six interviews with supply chain experts in the UK.FindingsThe results suggest that soft skills, especially behavioural skills such as communication, planning, initiative and negotiation, were seen to be more important when compared to decision making, negotiation and management skills. The findings indicate that the changing supply chain scope encourages the requisition and development of different supply chain soft skills with varied levels of emphasis in relation to 15 soft skills identified in the literature.Research limitations/implicationsThis study employs a mixed-method approach to establish the perceived importance of soft skills in the UK supply chains. This limits the generalisability of the results to other contextual settings.Practical implicationsThis paper presents soft skills impact upon the supply chain. Specific soft skills are critical to supply chain employees compared to others (e.g. behavioural and people management skills), which may lead to articulation of supply chain soft skills training initiatives.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the soft skills discussion in the supply chain context and discusses the role of soft skills. Topical gaps in the literature are identified as areas for future research. The findings have generated additional supply chain skills to the academic literature as well as provided an understanding of the weighting of soft skills in terms of their importance and application to industry needs.

A preliminary investigation into senior management skills: the context of third-party logistics (3PLs) providers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
James Midgley ◽  
Ozlem Bak
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Senior Management ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Third Party Logistics ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Management Skill ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe third-party logistics (3PL) provider has faced significant change since containerisation with the broadening scope of supply chains and technological developments. With these changes, the required supply chain skills discussions have covered mostly graduate skills or employees' skills with a limited discussion to what extent and whether senior management skills were changing. Hence, 3PL senior management skill requirements will be compiled based on existing studies and assessed to check whether these are still relevant and if so to what extent for today's 3PL senior managers.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire has been devised based on 3PL senior management skills identified in the academic literature and sent out to senior managers via professional social networks of 3PL. Based on the previous literature, the senior managers selected had to fulfil the selection criteria of a minimum five years' managerial experience in a 3PL, and a minimum of ten years' experience in general, which limited the sample size to twenty-seven senior managers in the 3PL sector.FindingsThe findings indicated that 3PL senior managers’ skills highlighted an increasing dependence on and importance of relational and behavioural skills, particularly when compared with the more traditional functional and managerial skills. The study indicated that the 3PL senior managers highlighted an increasing dependence and importance upon relational and behavioural skills, particularly when compared with the more traditional functional skills.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has explored the senior management skills in 3PL in the UK, albeit the respondents possessing diverse backgrounds. Therefore, it would be beneficial to test whether these findings are exemplary across the wider 3PL sector, not only in the UK but also across Europe to see how corporate agenda for executive supply chain skills could be devised.Practical implicationsCorporate supply chain training and development staff can develop specific programs based on the 3PL senior management skill sets especially on relational and behavioural skills, which are needed for future managers as well as up-skill senior managers' skills which are deemed to be most important in the current 3PL market.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the supply chain skills discussion and reports subject relevant challenges for today’s senior management in the 3PL industry. The findings have generated preliminary discussions on whether senior management skills are changing with the broadening scope of supply chains.

scholarly journals A conceptual understanding of criminality and integrity challenges in food supply chains

2017 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liam Fassam ◽  
Samir Dani
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Food Fraud ◽  
Science Field ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Government Report ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Uk

Purpose Business, consumers and governmental organisations are harbouring a growing need to gain an appreciation of behaviours connected to food criminality. In order to acquire a cross-functional understanding of these thematic areas (crime and fraud) the mapping of existing research is needed. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This paper contributes to the process of knowledge understanding, by systematically reviewing literature to provide an analysis of the current body of business knowledge against the thematic criterion of “supply chain food crime” and “supply chain food fraud”. The analysis derives themes from the literature and maps this across the eight pillars underpinning the UK Government paper on food supply chain resilience. Findings A distinct gap lies with the eight pillars of food supply chain resilience, business interest into supply chain criminality and academic research into the field. There are noteworthy gaps when the literature is analysed to that of the UK Government report. Research limitations/implications The limitation of the study was its focus on business-only journals; a plethora of literature resides in the science field (e.g. testing) that has not made its way to business text. Practical implications Drawing inference between business research and the government report, clear identification and tangible research areas can be immediately exploited to align cross-functional thinking. Social implications The gap of consumer is not as yet addressed in this field, this research contributes originally to this gap and the need to address the same for societal benefit. Originality/value The paper concentrates on the metrics know to contribute to “food crime” and “food fraud” and deviating views of academic vs non-academic literature. In conclusion the paper identifies thematic areas for further research and presents a conceptual framework of food supply chain resilience.

Construction supply chain integration: an elusive goal?

2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 319-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Briscoe ◽  
Andrew Dainty
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Supply Chain Integration ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk

PurposeTo empirically investigate the problems encountered in trying to integrate supply chains in the UK construction industry and to set these problems in the context of the extensive literature on supply chain management and partnering.Design/methodology/approachA brief review of current supply chain issues in the construction industry is provided. Three case studies of leading construction clients were carried out and these included public and private organisations from different sectors of the economy, public transport, information and communications technology and vehicle manufacturing. A large number of interviews were conducted with the various clients, their main contractors and key subcontractors and suppliers.FindingsThe findings reveal that the large number of supply chain partners and the significant level of fragmentation limit the levels of integration that are achievable. The interplay of environmental and procurement related factors renders the realisation of truly integrated supply chains very problematic and difficult to achieve. Nevertheless the paper identifies some key principles that do need to be followed if the elusive goal of integration is to be eventually realised.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the present cases were chosen to be representative, they may not necessarily reflect the experiences of all clients and contractors in the construction industry.Originality/valueThis paper adds another dimension to the extensive body of knowledge that already exists on supply chain integration. In particular, it focuses on construction, a large and important sector of the economy but one that does not receive as much research interest as the manufacturing and distribution sectors.

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