A fuzzy multi-criteria framework to identify barriers and enablers of the next-generation vaccine supply chain

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dheeraj Chandra ◽  
B. Vipin ◽  
Dinesh Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Demand Forecasting ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Immunization Program ◽  
Child Immunization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Universal Immunization Program ◽  
Barriers And Enablers ◽  
Generation Vaccine ◽  
Child Immunization Program

PurposeDue to the introduction of new vaccines in the child immunization program and inefficient vaccine supply chain (VSC), the universal immunization program (UIP), India is struggling to provide a full schedule of vaccination to the targeted children. In this paper, the authors investigate the critical factors for improving the performance of the existing VSC system by implementing the next-generation vaccine supply chain (NGVSC) in India.Design/methodology/approachThe authors design a fuzzy multi-criteria framework using a fuzzy analytical hierarchical process (FAHP) and fuzzy multi-objective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis (FMOORA) to identify and analyze the critical barriers and enablers for the implementation of NGVSC. Further, the authors carry out a numerical simulation to validate the model.FindingsThe outcome of the analysis contends that demand forecasting is the topmost supply chain barrier and sustainable financing is the most important/critical enabler to facilitate the implementation of the NGVSC. In addition, the simulation reveals that the results of the study are reliable.Social implicationsThe findings of the study can be useful for the child immunization policymakers of India and other developing countries to design appropriate strategies for improving existing VSC performance by implementing the NGVSC.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is the first empirical study to propose the improvement of VSC performance by designing the NGVSC.

Two-way assessment of key performance indicators to vaccine supply chain system in India

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 194-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dheeraj Chandra ◽  
Dinesh Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Performance Improvement ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Immunization Coverage ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Child Immunization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Process ◽  
Delivery Performance

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) of vaccine supply chain of Universal Immunization Program (UIP) India, and measure their impact on vaccine supply chain performance improvement, so that results of this study can help the decision makers manage the activity and effectiveness of their resources in order to improve vaccine delivery performance and child immunization coverage.Design/methodology/approachThe 41 KPIs in terms of four dimension of the balanced scorecard (BSC), i.e. financial, customer, internal process and learning and growth have been identified and validated from the literature and expert’s opinions. Further, the impact of internal process and learning and growth performance indicators on the vaccine supply chain performance improvement have been evaluated using two-way assessment. The rankings obtained using two-way assessment are then compared to DEMATEL approach to validate the results.FindingsThe results from the analysis reveal that “Enhancement in employee work satisfaction” (LG3=10.08 percent), “Enhancement in professional vaccine supply chain managers and leaders” (LG2 = 6.70 percent) “Improvement in planning and coordination in the supply chain” (LG9 = 6.57 percent) are the three critical performance indicators having maximum impact on vaccine supply chain performance improvement. The decision makers should give priority to these performance indicators to improve delivery performance and immunization coverage.Social implicationsThis study focuses on the improvement in vaccine delivery performance, therefore, analysis and findings can be useful to government immunization programs of India to other developing nations to improve child immunization coverage.Originality/valueTo our knowledge, this paper is first to attempt to provide a direction to improve immunization coverage through vaccine supply chain performance indicators.

Graduate students' perceptions of supply chain skills for supply chain managers

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 276-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shams Rahman ◽  
Nie Qing
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Demand Forecasting ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Matrix ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Skill Category

Purpose – The aim of this research is to identify the relevant skills and their relative importance, required by supply chain managers, and to suggest the key skill items that require improvement. Design/methodology/approach – Using a survey questionnaire, data were collected against 41 supply chain management skills. Using expert opinion, these skill items were then grouped to create four higher level supply chain skill-categories. These are supply chain general management (SCG) skill-category, supply chain analytical (SCA) skill-category, supply chain information technology (SCIT) skill-category, and supply chain environmental-related (SCE) skill-category. Subsequently, the importance-performance matrix (IPM) analysis was conducted to these higher level skill-categories to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the offered skills as perceived by the respondents. Findings – The analysis revealed that in order to prepare supply chain managers to face up to the future challenges educational institutions are required to devote their attention on areas such as warehousing management, distribution planning, demand forecasting, negotiation skill, cross-functional coordination skill, and knowledge of environmental issues in supply chains. Originality/value – This research provided insight into skills need for supply chain managers using IPM analysis. The results of the study could be adopted to upgrade the existing logistics and supply chain management program or design new logistics education and training programs to meet the current and future needs.

System dynamics modeling with fuzzy logic application to mitigate the bullwhip effect in supply chains

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 610-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehdi Poornikoo ◽  
Muhammad Azeem Qureshi
Keyword(s):  
Fuzzy Logic ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
System Dynamics ◽  
Dynamic Models ◽  
Demand Forecasting ◽  
Bullwhip Effect ◽  
Automated System ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Inference System ◽  
Content Type

Purpose A plethora of studies focused on the cause and solutions for the bullwhip effect, and consequently many have successfully experimented to dampen the effect. However, the feasibility of such studies and the actual contribution for supply chain performance are yet up for debate. This paper aims to fill this gap by providing a holistic system-based perspective and proposes a fuzzy logic decision-making implementation for a single-product, three-echelon and multi-period supply chain system to mitigate such effect. Design/methodology/approach This study uses system dynamics (SD) as the central modeling method for which Vensim® is used as a tool for hybrid simulation. Further, the authors used MATLAB for undertaking fuzzy logic modeling and constructing a fuzzy inference system that is later on incorporated into SD model for interaction with the main supply chain structure. Findings This research illustrated the usefulness of fuzzy estimations based on experts’ linguistically and logically defined parameters instead of relying merely on the traditional demand forecasting based on time series. Despite the increased complexity of the calculations and structure of the fuzzy model, the bullwhip effect has been considerably decreased resulting in an improved supply chain performance. Practical implications This dynamic modeling approach is not only useful in supply chain management but also the model developed for this study can be integrated into a corporate financial planning model. Further, this model enables optimization for an automated system in a company, where decision-makers can adjust the fuzzy variables according to various situations and inventory policies. Originality/value This study presents a systemic approach to deal with uncertainty and vagueness in dynamic models, which might be a major cause in generating the bullwhip effect. For this purpose, the combination between fuzzy set theory and system dynamics is a significant step forward.

Agriculture supply chain

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srikanta Routroy ◽  
Astajyoti Behera
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Demand Forecasting ◽  
Systemic Review ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Gaps ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Strategy ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the agriculture supply chain (ASC) literature along many dimensions which include but are not restricted to scope, objective, wastages, driver, obstacle, outcome, etc. Design/methodology/approach In total, 203 relevant and scholarly articles of various researchers and practitioners during 2000-2016 were reviewed. The information related to definition, research methodology, global research spread, supply chain strategy, various types of produce, author profile and year of publication of ASC were collected and analysed. Findings The information related to empirical research and viewpoint of various ASC drivers were captured, studied and analysed in detail. Although inventory policy, demand forecasting and ASC integration were found to be important areas of ASC, they were less focused, studied and researched. Research limitations/implications Mainly post-harvest ASC of different agricultural produces were considered whereas products such as dairy, fishery and meat supply chains were not included in the study. Originality/value The paper provides an insight into various aspects of ASC in general and one can get a deeper and richer knowledge on it which will help in formulating effective strategies to design of an effective and efficient ASC. It uncovers the research gaps for the new future research paths. This systemic review is strongly felt to fill the gap in the ASC literature.

Perishable food supply chain quality (PFSCQ)

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 292-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Man Mohan Siddh ◽  
Gunjan Soni ◽  
Rakesh Jain
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Demand Forecasting ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Consumer Information ◽  
Critical Examination ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a literature review of the perishable food supply chain quality (PFSCQ). It includes all the products/process from the farm to folk of perishable food (milk, meat, vegetable, grains and butter). Design/methodology/approach – The methodology of a structured literature review involves selection of a representative sample of articles followed by classification of articles on the basis of research methodology and content of PFSCQ in the paper. Findings – Research toward PFSCQ has risen in last five years. Fewer articles are addressing issues of developing countries then developed countries. Majority of the articles involved multiple as entity of analysis (combination of supplier, distributor, manufacturer, retailer and consumer), information as element of exchange and chain as the level of analysis. A large number of articles involved “agri-food,” “dairy” and “pork” as perishable products. Majority of articles used “case study” methodology. Statistical analysis as a tool for problem solving was used in majority of articles. Performance measurement aspect is also on growth in PFSCQ literature. Information sharing, logistic management, strategic management, demand forecasting and integration among the various stakeholders of PFSCQ are some of the critical issues. Originality/value – Many literature reviews that aim at critical examination of supply chain literature are reported but none of them focussed exclusively on content of PFSCQ. Another unique feature of this paper is that the sample size of articles with respect to number of papers (481 papers) as well as number of journals (141 journals) is quite large. The paper spans a longer time span of 20 years (1994-2013) as well.

A unique index with the explicit cost related to forecast

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 518-535
Author(s):  
Sanjay Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Inventory Management ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Demand Forecasting ◽  
Product Family ◽  
Basic Unit ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Unique Index

Purpose The present paper aims to draw an attention towards the inclusion of forecast related costs. Its main purpose is to initiate a new line of research/practice including the forecasting expenditure. Design/methodology/approach After a relevant review of supply chain/procurement/production planning related literature, it has been observed that the existing work lacks an explicit inclusion of the cost concerned with forecast. The increased cost of forecasting is expected to enhance the forecasting accuracy. At a higher level, product family is considered for the analysis. However, a basic unit of analysis is always a single item production/procurement situation. Therefore, this situation has been discussed analytically with the use of the fundamental equations and an explicit inclusion of forecasting cost for the first time in the relevant literature. Numerous practical applications have been discussed at strategic and operational level. A framework is also presented for future research in this area. Findings A specific contribution of the present paper is an approach towards a unique index for relative forecasting expenditure. The suggested index will be useful for comparison purpose. Also, it can be used as a benchmark that can be improved in future. Practical implications The case is explained when cycle time is invariant after discussing the other potential applications. Usefulness of the proposed methodology and the index is discussed for the business organizations operating independently or in the supply chains. Originality/value On the basis of the forecast, a production or procurement plan is generated in many of the industrial or business situations. In the context of supply chain/production/inventory management, focus is more on demand forecasting techniques or generation of the forecasts in the existing literature. However, the increased costs concerning forecasts are expected to provide more accurate prediction. Therefore, the originality lies in an inclusion of forecast related costs.

Service outsourcing contract design under asymmetric information

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Xia ◽  
Jiqing Xie ◽  
Guangsi Zhang ◽  
Weijun Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Asymmetric Information ◽  
Information Asymmetry ◽  
Service Provider ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Demand Forecasting ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Incentive Mechanisms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Third

PurposeUpstream suppliers attempt to outsource product after-sales services to midstream third-party service providers while selling the product directly to downstream sellers, forming a networked supply chain. However, a problem of information asymmetry in the market demand among supply chain members exists. The authors investigate the impact of demand information asymmetry among third-party service providers, upstream suppliers and downstream sellers in the supply chain on the supplier's contract selection under the networked framework.Design/methodology/approachThe authors establish a model in which the supplier can use a wholesale price contract and facilitate a signaling game between the third-party service provider and the seller. Conversely, the supplier could use a menu contract to establish an incentive mechanism to solve information asymmetry. The authors propose heuristic algorithms to quickly estimate a supplier's optimal profit.FindingsThe results show that when the demand forecasting bias is relatively small, the use of a menu contract by the supplier could eliminate information asymmetry; when the demand forecasting bias is large enough, the signaling mechanism between the third-party service provider and the seller could alleviate the double marginalization effect in the supply chain. Although it is common to solve the asymmetric information problem by establishing incentive mechanisms, the authors found that in the latter case, the supplier is better off when no incentive mechanisms are implemented in the networked supply chain.Originality/valueThis study compares screening and signaling effects and compares firms' profits in both cases.

Easy access: a case study on rural marketing

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Rashmi Ranjan Parida ◽  
Sangeeta Sahney
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Marketing Strategy ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Demand Forecasting ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Women Empowerment ◽  
Financial Loss ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Alternative Distribution

Subject area Marketing management and marketing strategy, rural marketing, sales and distribution. Study level/applicability Students of business schools specialising in the area of marketing or rural marketing. Case overview The case focuses on the rural market. It deals with the alternative distribution channels adopted for last mile distribution among rural consumers of underdeveloped Odisha (India). The case discusses key issues pertaining to rural marketing, business viability, social issues and public sentiment.Easy access is an entrepreneurial venture by an erstwhile intellectual marketing professor of a premier B-school. The objective behind this initiative is multiple, viz., rural marketing, developing alternative distribution networks, women empowerment, etc. The case highlights that the business of Easy Access started with noble social objectives like women empowerment and developing a cost effective distribution network so that rural customers would be benefited. The case also highlights that the practices adopted by Easy access was not good enough to track & forecast demand effectively as well as the supply chain to replenish stock was not proper.Since the particular market is a backward region and there are number of Govt. schemes and people are given many things for free. People thought Easy Access is result of one of such schemes. Also there were social issues of improper address and mismatch identity (as mentioned in the case) etc.So the issues of demand forecasting and supply chain management along with social issues resulted in financial loss and thus the viability of business venture (Easy Access) is a concern. The social objectives associated with this venture are also at stake or at danger because of financial loss. Expected learning outcomes The case provides insights into the marketing concepts like rural marketing, marketing strategy in emerging markets and sales and distribution. 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.

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