How do suppliers address stringent environmental requirements from buyers? An exploratory study in the Bangladesh ready-made garment industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (9) ◽  
pp. 921-944
Author(s):  
Rezaul Shumon ◽  
Zaheed Halim ◽  
Shams Rahman ◽  
Kamrul Ahsan
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmental Requirements ◽  
Environmental Capability ◽  
Environmental Requirement ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Stakeholders such as customers, governments and environmental organisations are more concerned than ever about the impact of supply chain practices on the environment, leading firms to introduce environmental requirements into their supply contracts. While the extant literature on supply chains acknowledges this trend, it fails to inform comprehensively on the concept of “stringent environmental requirement” and its consequences. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this concept and explore how such requirements may translate into supplier environmental performance. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative methodology was adopted by the study and data were collected through conducting eight case studies in the Bangladesh ready-made garment (RMG) industry. Findings A number of factors were found to be influencing suppliers’ perception of stringency, such as uncertainty relating to the newness and deadline of buyers’ environmental requirements, the complexity of implementing the requirements, and the use of buyer-specific frameworks. The research also shows that suppliers’ efforts in building environmental capability play a vital role in dealing with stringent environmental requirements. Research limitations/implications The case studies are limited to the Bangladesh RMG industry. Given that environmental regulations vary across different countries and industries, the data may not reflect all the possible variations in stringent environmental requirements. Practical implications The new insight proposed by this research can guide firms to further understand how supplier environmental performance and the sustainability of their supply chain can be achieved. The research provides broad insight into how suppliers can address stringent environmental requirements and improve their environmental performance. Originality/value This research establishes evidence for the relatively new phenomenon of “stringent environmental requirements”, and develops a theoretical framework to demonstrate the relationships among the critical determinants relevant to this phenomenon.

scholarly journals Inclusive environmental disclosure practices and firm performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (9) ◽  
pp. 1815-1835 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annachiara Longoni ◽  
Raffaella Cagliano
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Environmental Disclosure ◽  
Conceptual Foundation ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Little empirical work has been done on the effects of inclusive environmental disclosure and green supply chain management (GSCM) on firm outcomes. The literature on environmental disclosure suggests that it is a useful practice to improve a firm’s reputation and its financial performance and also to establish a dialogue with stakeholders improving environmental performance. Recent conceptual contributions in the supply chain management literature state that stakeholder expectations and informational needs increasingly concern firm supply chains. Thus, the authors propose that positive effects of inclusive environmental disclosure practices are enhanced in presence of GSCM practices. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach To test these relationships a combination of primary data on environmental disclosure practices, GSCM practices and environmental performance, and secondary data on financial performance was used. A series of hierarchical regression models were performed to test the disclosure-outcome relationships and the moderation of GSCM practices. Findings Results provide empirical support for the impact of inclusive environmental disclosure practices on financial performance but no support for the impact on environmental performance. Specifically, the more inclusive the environmental disclosure practices the greater and positive is the impact on financial performance in presence of GSCM practices. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence of the joint effects of inclusive environmental disclosure and GSCM practices on environmental and financial performance. Doing so, it reinforces the recent conceptual foundation that firms should align and leverage on supply chain management for disclosure practice effectiveness.

When physical and digital worlds collide

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Retail Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The impact of digitalization on the retail sector has prompted firms to modify existing business models to create a hybrid that focuses on both physical and online channels. Involving the entire company in the development of suitable approaches to revenue distribution, supply chain operations and communication activities can help ensure a successful transformation. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format

Impact of additive manufacturing technology adoption on supply chain management processes and components

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 944-968 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrin Oettmeier ◽  
Erik Hofmann
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Engineer To Order ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic analysis about the effects of additive manufacturing (AM) technology adoption on supply chain management (SCM) processes and SCM components in an engineer-to-order environment. Design/methodology/approach Based on two explorative case studies from the hearing systems industry, the impact of AM technology adoption on SCM processes and SCM components is investigated. General systems theory and the contingency approach serve as theoretical underpinning. Findings Not only the internal processes and management activities, e.g. in manufacturing and order fulfillment, of producers are affected by a changeover to AM, but also the SCM processes and components relating to the supply and demand side of a firm’s supply chain. Endogenous and AM technology-related factors are contingency factors that help to explain differing effects of AM technology adoption on SCM processes and SCM components. Research limitations/implications It is proposed that AM’s ability to economically build custom products provides the potential to alleviate the common dilemma between product variety and scale economies. Practical implications Manufacturing firms are encouraged to consider the potential effects of AM on SCM processes and SCM components when deciding whether to adopt AM technologies in the production of industrial parts. Originality/value The research adds to the widely unexplored effects that AM technology usage in customized parts production has on SCM processes and components. Moreover, the general lack of case studies analyzing the implications of AM technology adoption from a supply chain perspective is addressed. The resulting propositions may serve as a starting point for further research on the impact of AM in engineer-to-order supply chains.

scholarly journals Aspirations and environmental performance feedback: a behavioral perspective for green supply chain management

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 729-751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongyi Shou ◽  
Shuo Shan ◽  
Anlan Chen ◽  
Yang Cheng ◽  
Harry Boer
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Performance Feedback ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Green Supply Chain Management ◽  
Green Supply Chain ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis study investigates the relationships between environmental performance feedback and green supply chain management (GSCM). It explores how environmental performance above or below aspirations affects the implementation of GSCM practices (specifically sustainable production [SP] and sustainable sourcing [SS]) through the lens of the behavioral theory of the firm (BTOF), which has received scant attention in the operations management literature.Design/methodology/approachThe study used data from the sixth round of the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey (IMSS). It employed hierarchical linear regression to test the proposed hypotheses. Moreover, the study tested an alternate model to rule out the possible role of financial performance aspirations in explaining the implementation of SP and SS.FindingsThe results indicate that organizations determine their efforts put into the two GSCM practices according to environmental performance feedback: the greater the aspiration–environmental performance discrepancy, the stronger the efforts put into implementing GSCM practices.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the GSCM literature by revealing the impact of environmental performance aspirations on the implementation of GSCM practices through the lens of the BTOF. It also extends the BTOF by applying it in the GSCM context and indicating that performance feedback is based on environmental performance instead of financial performance in this specific context.

Selection of tailored practices for supply chain management

2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 1040-1074 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Cristina Barros ◽  
Ana Paula Barbosa‐Póvoa ◽  
Edgar E. Blanco
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Secondary Case ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Selection Of

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate what hinders businesses to achieve superior supply chain performance and how this knowledge may be used in the process of selection of tailored practices for supply chain management (SCM).Design/methodology/approachLiterature review and secondary case studies were used to identify hinders of superior supply chain performance. A method for the selection of tailored practices for SCM is developed. Case study research is used to validate the value of the developed method for practice and research.FindingsThis research identifies detrimental phenomena that are observed in the management of supply chains: waste, uncertainty, vulnerability, congestion, bullwhip, diseconomies of scale and self‐interest. It develops and illustrates a method for the selection of tailored SCM practices.Research limitations/implicationsThis research did not verify the completeness of the list of phenomena identified. The implementation of the selected practices was not in the scope of the case studies.Practical implicationsResearchers may use the phenomena to study the impact of different practices in the overall supply chain performance, as well as to study the interactions between the different phenomena. Practitioners may use the proposed method as a diagnosis and continuous improvement tool for their supply chain.Originality/valueAlthough the supply chain phenomena have been explored individually in the literature, a holistic approach of the phenomena had not yet been developed to the best of our knowledge. The method developed identifies a set of tailored practices that are in alignment with the context and strategy of the business and decrease the overall effects of the detrimental phenomena.

The role of big data in shaping ambidextrous business process management

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 1163-1175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Dezi ◽  
Gabriele Santoro ◽  
Heger Gabteni ◽  
Anna Claudia Pellicelli
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Business Process Management ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Service Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how big data can shape ambidextrous business process management (BPM) in terms of exploitation and exploration. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology involving case studies has been chosen to explore the impact of big data deployment on exploitative and explorative business processes. Findings The results of case studies offer some opportunities and challenges for service firms related to both the exploitative and the explorative aspects of BPM driven by big data. Originality/value The deployment of big data in business processes has attracted a large amount of interest recently. However, these studies are mostly conceptual, so empirical research about this complex relationship is quite rare, especially research with specific arguments regarding exploitative and explorative activities. This paper aims to fill this gap by offering empirical evidence for big data-driven business processes.

Financial service providers and banks’ role in helping SMEs to access finance

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua Song ◽  
Kangkang Yu ◽  
Qiang Lu
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Information Asymmetry ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Commercial Banks ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Financial Service ◽  
Dyadic Relationship ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose Despite their crucial role in sustaining national economies, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are beset by the constraint of financing at better conditions. The purpose of this paper is to compare supply chain finance (SCF) solutions provided by commercial banks and financial service providers (FSPs) that help SMEs access financing. Design/methodology/approach This study looks at multiple case studies using in-depth interviews with focal firms (lenders) to answer the research questions. In-depth interviews were conducted with three Chinese FSPs and three commercial banks providing working capital to the same SMEs. The unit of analysis is SCF solutions that have made the companies competitive in the industry. Findings The case studies show that the acquisition of transaction information and business credit in SCF can reduce ex ante information asymmetry. SCF utilizing receivable transfers, closed-loop business, relational embeddedness, and a combination of outcome control and behavioral control can also reduce ex post information asymmetry. For these reasons, compared with commercial bank-dominated SCF, SCF adopted by FSPs in the supply chain can better reduce information asymmetry. Originality/value This study contributes to the emerging literature exploring the impact of SCF on SMEs accessing financing. In particular, this study provides supply chain management and operations insights on SCF and their consequent influence. Previous research has focused on the direct dyadic relationship between lenders and borrowers while neglecting supply chain effects. Uniquely, this study explores the different ways commercial banks and FSPs implement SCF solutions.

Centralized supply chain – Food Lord

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Abdul Rehman Shaikh ◽  
Asad Ali Qazi
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Minimum Cost ◽  
Service Level ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Decentralized Supply Chain ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Cost And Benefit Analysis ◽  
The Impact

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes are as follows: to understand the impact of external factors in supply chain operations planning; to understand the role of quantitative and qualitative data in supply chain decision-making especially in the restaurant industry; to assess the pros and cons of centralized and decentralized supply chain operations; and to evaluate different alternatives in supply chain planning, for best service level at minimum cost. Case overview/synopsis This case visualizes the planning of supply chain drivers and process improvement to enhance supply chain speed and flexibility. Asim Rizvi has recently joined as senior supply chain manager at Food Lord, a renowned chain of restaurants in Pakistan. As instructed by his CEO, Rizvi has to take a decision for centralization, or to continue the decentralization of supply chain operations at two of their highest selling branches. These two branches were located at a distance of 125 km from each other. The objective of supply chain operations’ consolidation was to minimize cost and further improve the service level. Rizvi was confused about the decision because any decision cannot be taken on the basis of cost and benefit analysis only. A 360-degree analysis and future requirements also play a vital role to decide about supply chain operations. The CEO was very excited to take this decision; that is why newly hired manager Rizvi was analyzing all the facts to reach a decision that would be best for their business. Centralized or decentralized supply chain decision was not easy because normally the business dynamics completely change due to unpredictable customer demand, unavailability of professional suppliers and unavailability of a strong information system, etc. Complexity academic level BBA and MBA 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 9: Operations and Logistics.

Industry 4.0 and green supply chain practices: an empirical study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Umar ◽  
Syed Abdul Rehman Khan ◽  
Mohd Yusoff Yusliza ◽  
Shahzad Ali ◽  
Zhang Yu
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Emerging Economy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Green Supply Chain ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Industry 4.0 on economic and environmental performance through the mediation of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices in the emerging economic context, like Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional study investigates Industry 4.0 effects on economic and environmental performance through GSCM practices in an emerging economy. For the testing of hypotheses, Smart-PLS is employed. In total, 284 valid responses were analyzed in this study.FindingsThe outcomes indicate that GSCM practices mediate the effect of Industry 4.0 on both economic and environmental performance. Also, the results indicate that GSCM practices are positively affected by Industry 4.0.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of this study is limited to manufacturing firms in Pakistan. Future studies may explore other variables that could expedite the adoption of GSCM as the concept of GSCM is still in its infancy. Future studies can conceptualize GSCM through resource based theory as mainstream SCM research has largely ignored the synergistic view of resource based approach in conceptualizing green supply chain models. Implications include policy making that emphasis on enhancing environmental knowledge training.Originality/valueAccording to the best knowledge of the researcher, no study has been conducted regarding the effect of Industry 4.0 on economic and environmental performance through the mediation of GSCM practices in the emerging economy, like Pakistan.

The impact of general data protection regulation on software engineering practices

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luís Leite ◽  
Daniel Rodrigues dos Santos ◽  
Fernando Almeida
Keyword(s):  
Software Engineering ◽  
Software Development ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Data Protection ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
General Data Protection Regulation ◽  
General Data ◽  
Engineering Practices ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to explore the changes imposed by the general data protection regulation (GDPR) on software engineering practices. The fundamental objective is to have a perception of the practices and phases that have experienced the greatest changes. Additionally, it aims to identify a set of good practices that can be adopted by software engineering companies. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative methodology through four case studies involving Portuguese software engineering companies. Two of these companies are small and medium enterprises (SMEs) while the other remaining two are micro-companies. The thematic analysis is adopted to identify patterns in the performed interviews. Findings The findings indicate that significant changes have occurred at all stages of software development. In particular, the initial stages of identifying requirements and modeling processes were the stages that experienced the greatest changes. On the opposite, the technical development phase has not noticeably changed but, nevertheless, it is necessary to look at the importance of training software developers for GDPR rules and practices. Research limitations/implications Two relevant limitations were identified as follows: only four case studies involving micro-companies and SMEs were considered, and only the traditional software development methodology was considered. The use of agile methodologies was not explored in this study and the findings can only be mainly applied to the waterfall model. Originality/value This study offers mainly practical contributions by identifying a set of challenges that are posed to software engineering companies by the implementation of GDPR. Through their knowledge, it is expected to help these companies to better prepare themselves and anticipate the challenges they will necessarily face.

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