Centralized selection of standardized modular containers: a multi-criteria method considering freight behavior and shipper segment

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang Ji ◽  
Bingru Guan ◽  
Guowei Liu
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Global Supply Chain ◽  
Pareto Optimal ◽  
Managerial Implication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Physical Internet ◽  
Research Gap ◽  
Related Paper ◽  
Selection Of

PurposeSelection of standardized modular containers (SSMC) is counted as one of the most important driving factors that ensure the Physical Internet (PI) to realize the varieties of goals of sustainability simultaneously, thus overcoming the great challenge of modern logistics in nowadays global supply chain. However, previous research studies on SSMC seldom paid attention to freight behavior and shippers’ segment, which are described in several fundamental conceptual works as the most essential factors that should be taken into account when doing SSMC.Design/methodology/approachThis paper defines two preference matrices to characterize the freight behavior and shippers’ segment, and then integrates these two matrices into a centralized multi-criteria method to determine the optimal SSMC.FindingsThe SSMC derived by the proposed methodology is found to be Pareto-optimal. A managerial implication for shippers to further improve efficiency is summarized as well.Originality/valueFirst, the authors characterized the freight behavior and shippers’ segment by two preference matrices and then integrated them into a centralized multi-criteria method. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first SSMC-related paper that takes shippers' behaviors and preferences into consideration when making the selection. The authors’ attempt is expected to fill in the research gap that has existed until now. Second, the SSMC derived by the proposed methodology is found to be Pareto-optimal, ensuring the required sustainability. Finally, the authors summarized a managerial implication for shippers to further improve the efficiency from the aspects of production and design.

Towards greater supply chain stability

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 33-35
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Bullwhip Effect ◽  
Global Supply Chain ◽  
Global Supply Chains ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Chain Increase

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 Building a regional rather than a global supply chain can help firms guard against the damaging impact of the bullwhip effect and increase the stability of their supply chain. The possibility of better communication, greater flexibility, and ability to respond more quickly are factors that can appease the bullwhip severity. The benefits of a regional supply chain increase further in times of economic certainty, when the risk to global supply chains intensifies. 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.

Critical supply chain vulnerabilities affecting supply chain resilience of industrialized construction in Hong Kong

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
E.M.A.C. Ekanayake ◽  
Geoffrey Qiping Shen ◽  
Mohan Kumaraswamy ◽  
Emmanuel Kingsford Owusu
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Significance Analysis ◽  
Research Gap ◽  
Selection Of

PurposeIndustrialized construction (IC) has been recognized as a game-changing approach in Hong Kong (HK). However, the increasing risks of disruptions in IC supply chains (SCs) raise SC vulnerability levels, prompting attention to developing supply chain resilience (SCR). Since SCR is only attainable through overcoming critical supply chain vulnerabilities (CSCV) with enhanced SC capabilities, this study first aimed to determine the most CSCV of ICSCs by addressing this current research gap and practical need.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on SCV factors identified from a precursor literature review, an empirical study of IC in HK was conducted using a questionnaire survey and interviews with industry experts. Focussed significance analysis of the data collected through questionnaire survey enabled the selection of 26 CSCV as appropriate to IC. Next, factor analysis was conducted, enabling the grouping of these CSCV under five components. The results were verified and reinforced by interview findings.FindingsThe results revealed 26 CSCV pertinent to resilient ICSCs in HK with five underlying components: economic, technological, procedural, organizational and production-based vulnerabilities. Loss of skilled labour is the most critical vulnerability, whereas organizational SCV is the most critical component identified.Originality/valueFindings of this study would motivate IC project professionals to appreciate and address the CSCV in the context of five components and thereby develop adequate specific capabilities to successfully withstand these CSCV. This should trigger future studies to map CSCV with appropriate capabilities in developing an envisaged powerful assessment model for evaluating the SCR in IC in HK.

Social media and the search for new talent

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 18-20
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Global Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Recruitment Tool ◽  
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 – Social media is now recognized widely as a recruitment tool in major companies. Some industries have been quicker off the mark than others to engage in this way. This article investigates the degree to which social media is now being used for recruitment of global supply chain managers, and considers why it lags behind other sectors and offers a model for addressing the situation. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. 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.

scholarly journals Distributing wine globally: financial and environmental trade-offs

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 410-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen Varsei ◽  
Katherine Christ ◽  
Roger Burritt
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Carbon Emissions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Global Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Design ◽  
Water Usage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Cost Risk

Purpose Given that currently around ten billion litres of wine are transported long distances to overseas consumers per year, the purpose of this paper is to provide a foundation for understanding the trade-offs between cost, water usage and carbon emissions in decisions about the location of wine bottling plants in a global supply chain. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a case-based analytical modelling study and employs actual data from one of Australia’s major wine companies. A descriptive analytical model is developed for assessing wine supply chain scenarios using three indicators of economic and environmental impacts – supply chain cost, risk-weighted water usage and carbon emissions. Findings The research highlights trade-offs required when considering optimal supply chain design, and finds possibilities for reshaping a global wine supply chain in order to improve the selected economic and environmental impacts. Originality/value The originality of this paper lies in its analytical focus on examining the interplay between supply chain cost, risk-weighted water usage and carbon emissions in a global supply chain, which has not previously been addressed.

Supply chain agility: a systematic review of definitions, enablers and performance implications

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 287-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eias Al Humdan ◽  
Yangyan Shi ◽  
Masud Behnia
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Agility ◽  
Performance Dimensions ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Selection Of

PurposeSupply chain agility (SCA) has recently received considerable attention in the literature and in practice. Despite its popularity, the concept of SCA seems to be vaguely defined and loosely structured. More specifically, definitional ambiguity and conceptual fragmentation have prevented the concept of SCA from reaching its full potential. The time is ripe to address these issues through a systematic literature review.Design/methodology/approachA review and synthesis of the literature on SCA was undertaken. The authors selected 56 top-tier related articles for further analysis after applying rigorous filtering procedures.FindingsThe results of the review confirm that several key themes surround SCA's definition and enablers. In addition, consensus needs to be reached in terms of its performance dimensions and measures. Accordingly, this study constructed an encompassing definition, scrutinized SCA enablers and outcomes and thus developed an original framework for SCA, providing a unique conceptual contribution. Several research directions were also addressed accordingly.Originality/valueThe novelty of this research lies in the selection of highly recognized publications. It also provides an encompassing definition of SCA, consolidates its enablers for better communication and synthesizes its performance implications.

Improving supply chain performance through industry standards use and community socialization

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (8) ◽  
pp. 763-782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun Xu ◽  
Jiafen Liu ◽  
Jing Wu ◽  
Chuan Luo
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Organizational Boundaries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industry Standards ◽  
Research Gap ◽  
The Empirical Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how use of industry standards and community socialization contribute to the operational, strategic and environmental performances of supply chain partners. Design/methodology/approach Survey data were collected from 216 firms in China that have implemented RosettaNet standards. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses forming the research model. Findings The empirical analysis suggests that use of industry standards and community socialization is central to achieving greater supply chain performances. The results show that the use of industry standards and community socialization enhance inter-organizational knowledge sharing and trust, which eventually improve performances of supply chain partners. Originality/value The study makes several contributions to the literature. First, it highlights the importance of standards consortia, which not only develop and promote industry standards, but also improve community socialization. Second, the research examines how use of industry standards could influence the operational, strategic and environmental performances of supply chains, and thus fills the research gap in related literature. Third, this paper explores how industry standards can be used as boundary objects to span organizational boundaries and enable greater supply chain partnerships.

Bullwhip severity in conditions of uncertainty: regional vs global supply chain strategies

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo J. Alvarado-Vargas ◽  
Keith J. Kelley
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Bullwhip Effect ◽  
Global Supply Chain ◽  
Global Supply Chains ◽  
Internalization Theory ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Using a phenomenon known as the bullwhip effect, the authors explore why additional uncertainty in the marketplace can create severe disruptions in global supply chains (GSCs). The purpose of this paper is to analyze related risks in regional vs GSCs during low and high levels of uncertainty. The authors propose and discuss a number of potential implications alongside some tactics that may help mitigate disruptions in some cases before they become terminal problems for the supply chain sustainability. Design/methodology/approach Monte Carlo simulation is used to generate the conditions of uncertainty and various scenarios that may emerge to challenge GSCs. Vensim software is utilized as a tool for simulation purposes. The authors considered scenarios applicable to manufacturing and retail sectors specifically because of storability property of goods. Findings Regional supply chains, as opposed to global ones, are more stable and reliable (less risk of disruption) during low and high levels of uncertainty. During uncertain times, upstream suppliers are at greater risk in GSCs. Firms must make strategic decisions that will secure its supply chain functionality and assess the likelihood of such events since many firms entered emerging markets. Originality/value Building on internalization theory, it shows that risk and survival are components of decision making that are further complicated by supply chains now operating globally in emerging markets. The paper demonstrates with simulation that GSCs are riskier than regional supply chains in low and high levels of uncertainty, particular as it relates to the bullwhip effect. It also provides recommendations about supply chain restructure and investments in communication improvements to reduce the bullwhip effect in the supply chain.

Interrelationship among resilience, robustness, and bullwhip effect in an inventory and order based production control system

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 732-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.V. Thomas ◽  
Biswajit Mahanty
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Control System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Production Control ◽  
Bullwhip Effect ◽  
Control Engineering ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Production Control System ◽  
Supply Chain Dynamics ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose This study aims to examine the interrelationship between resilience, robustness and bullwhip effect using an inventory- and order-based production control system being subjected to operational disruption in the customer demand process. Design/methodology/approach Control engineering techniques and simulation are employed for the supply chain dynamics study. Findings The results show that resilience and robustness are two conflicting performance characteristics and therefore, a tradeoff can be established between them. It is also observed that improvement in resilience and reduction of bullwhip effect can be achieved simultaneously through a proper selection of control parameters. Originality/value The work establishes a relationship between the resilient behavior of a supply chain and bullwhip effect.

Traceability and supply chain complexity: confronting the issues and concerns

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Sarpong
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Global Supply Chain ◽  
Consumer Confidence ◽  
Weak Links ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Media ◽  
European Markets ◽  
Considerable Concern

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the recent horsemeat scandal in European markets. The paper is primarily interested in how this scandal has festered and what perhaps ought to be done to ensure consumers get what they feel they should be getting. It also attempts to identify the lapses that have created the basis for this to happen. Design/methodology/approach – The paper mainly draws on reports in the media and discussions generated following the scandal to assess the issues under consideration. It also looks at the issues surrounding the global supply chain environment and provides solutions on how to strengthen the weak links in the meat supply chain. Findings – The paper finds that the scandal has damaged consumer confidence in the industry's ability to regulate itself. It notes that pinpointing risk has become a difficult struggle as retailers are often inundated with data, and suppliers, for lack of time, have become reluctant to “waste time” completing check-lists and audits. The paper maintains that there is the urgent need for adequate inspection and a means to incentivise the food industry to police itself much better. It recognises that lack of visibility and a lack of direct influence over suppliers further down the supply chain have led to distinct problems within the food industry. Originality/value – The paper contributes to an ongoing discussion that has been of considerable concern to many consumers. Its importance lies in the fact that it suggests important measures, which, if implemented, could help in ensuring the elimination of fraud in the food chain.

Adopting additive manufacturing in SMEs: exploring the challenges and solutions

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 937-957 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miia Martinsuo ◽  
Toni Luomaranta
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Systemic Innovation ◽  
Specific Implementation ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose Adopting additive manufacturing (AM) can be challenging, especially in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and as part of the supply chains of larger firms. The purpose of this paper is to explore SMEs’ perspectives on the adoption of AM in their specific supply chain positions. The paper develops new knowledge on the challenges SMEs face across the supply chain and the actions they need to promote the adoption of AM. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory interview-based research design is used. In total, 17 interviews were conducted and analyzed in four types of SMEs in their specific positions in AM supply chains. The challenges of adopting AM were mapped, and actions to promote AM adoption were identified. Findings SMEs in different supply chain positions experience different challenges when adopting AM. Strategic and operative actions are suggested as key solutions to overcome the challenges. The benefits of AM on a large scale will be achieved only if the broader supply chain adopts AM technology and experiences its benefits. Research limitations/implications The research is limited by its single-country context, its focus on SMEs, and the selection of early-phase AM-adopter firms. The findings imply a need to understand AM adoption as a shared concern and systemic innovation in the supply chain, instead of just a firm-specific implementation task. Practical implications The findings offer a framework for categorizing AM adoption challenges and propose ways to overcome the challenges of adoption. Originality/value The study reveals that AM adoption is not only a technology issue, but also an issue of strategic, organizational and operational challenges across the supply chain. It shows that when adopting AM, SMEs face particular challenges and require specific solutions according to their supply chain position.

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