Do blockchain and circular economy practices improve post COVID-19 supply chains? A resource-based and resource dependence perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Santosh Nandi ◽  
Joseph Sarkis ◽  
Aref Hervani ◽  
Marilyn Helms
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Resource Dependence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Organizational Size ◽  
Firm Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Resources And Capabilities ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeUsing the resource-based and the resource dependence theoretical approaches of the firm, the paper explores firm responses to supply chain disruptions during COVID-19. The paper explores how firms develop localization, agility and digitization (L-A-D) capabilities by applying (or not applying) their critical circular economy (CE) and blockchain technology (BCT)-related resources and capabilities that they either already possess or acquire from external agents.Design/methodology/approachAn abductive approach, applying exploratory qualitative research was conducted over a sample of 24 firms. The sample represented different industries to study their critical BCT and CE resources and capabilities and the L-A-D capabilities. Firm resources and capabilities were classified using the technology, organization and environment (TOE) framework.FindingsFindings show significant patterns on adoption levels of the blockchain-enabled circular economy system (BCES) and L-A-D capability development. The greater the BCES adoption capabilities, the greater the L-A-D capabilities. Organizational size and industry both influence the relationship between BCES and L-A-D. Accordingly, research propositions and a research framework are proposed.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the limited sample size, the generalizability of the findings is limited. Our findings extend supply chain resiliency research. A series of propositions provide opportunities for future research. The resource-based view and resource-dependency theories are useful frameworks to better understanding the relationship between firm resources and supply chain resilience.Practical implicationsThe results and discussion of this study serve as useful guidance for practitioners to create CE and BCT resources and capabilities for improving supply chain resiliency.Social implicationsThe study shows the socio-economic and socio-environmental importance of BCES in the COVID-19 or similar crises.Originality/valueThe study is one of the initial attempts that highlights the possibilities of BCES across multiple industries and their value during pandemics and disruptions.

Diving into emerging economies bottleneck: Industry 4.0 and implications for circular economy

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciana Oranges Cezarino ◽  
Lara Bartocci Liboni ◽  
Nelson Oliveira Stefanelli ◽  
Bruno Garcia Oliveira ◽  
Lucas Conde Stocco
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Emerging Countries ◽  
Management Decision ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regulatory Policies ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose In this paper, the authors aim to explore the relationship between the concepts of Industry 4.0 and circular economy (CE) as a contribution to the management decision on emerging countries. By analyzing the trends of scientific production to ascertain the interface of both constructs, the purpose of this paper is to identify limitations for Industry 4.0 and CE implementation in Brazil, as well to present an original framework and strategic pathways to overcome limitations for emerging countries. Design/methodology/approach Supported in the Brazilian case, the authors draw a framework using the structuralism approach to indicate pathways for the strategic positioning of emerging economies that consider their limitation and potential for competitive advantage. By understanding country-related limitations such as social and economic contingencies, the authors conceive a structure of implications for Brazil’s capacity to develop CE in the digital era. Findings Results show that Brazil has a reasonable, institutional and stable environment, as well as strong regulatory policies for solid waste that can stimulate CE in the country. However, it requires more communication between actors, especially public and private institutions, performing long-range relationships. Also, the country requires consolidation of industrial policies and investments in the remanufacturing process in the supply chain. Likewise, despite Brazil’s ability to take advantage of CE’s benefits, the country presents a huge lack of qualification to fulfill the competences that the digitization process demands. Economically, Brazil has been fighting against an economic crisis since 2014 that has limited general investments, especially in the industrial sector. Industry presents low performance and decreasing GDP participation, which leads to constant overseas production transfer as a consequence of the workforce’s high costs. Research limitations/implications The authors can affirm that Brazil is far behind developed countries in searching for the capacity to provide CE through technological industrial change. The main problems are related to the lack of articulation of public and private spheres to promote new digital business models. Therefore, the structured framework enables managers and public agents to provide solutions and to properly address supply chain bottlenecks in emerging economies. Originality/value Exploring the relationship between the concepts of Industry 4.0 and CE through the specific lens of the structuralist method, this work can contribute to the management decision on emerging countries, looking into four important perspectives: political, economic, social and technological.

Borrowing theories in humanitarian supply chain management

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tunca Tabaklar ◽  
Árni Halldórsson ◽  
Gyöngyi Kovács ◽  
Karen Spens
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Theoretical Point ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chain ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chain Management

Purpose – Within the emerging research field of humanitarian supply chain management (HSCM) the use of existing theoretical concepts and frameworks to provide explanation and understanding of the phenomena under scrutiny is not yet well understood. There is still a lack of research on which theoretical approaches are used in this field, and to what extent this emerging field “borrows” theories from other disciplines. The purpose of this paper is therefore to deepen the understanding of HSCM from a theoretical point of view by identifying and evaluating the use of theories in HSCM literature. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review is conducted based on academic journal articles included in a well-recognised and publicly available bibliography on HSCM articles (Tatham, 2015). A content analysis is applied to the articles in terms of level of theory, research methodology, disaster management stages, disaster types, and disaster name/region. Findings – A trend towards using more established, “middle- range” theories, is evident. However, the use of theoretical approaches is not evenly spread between the different phases of disaster relief. A strong emphasis on SCM as a background discipline is also mirrored in the choice of theories used, which indicates the solidification of humanitarian logistics as a primarily supply chain discipline. The lack of use of other theoretical perspectives and grand theories is, however, still evident, which provides an interesting research agenda for future research. Research limitations/implications – The use of the bibliography limits the generalisation of the findings although some trends are evident. Originality/value – This is a first review of theories used in HSCM. It provides an overview of the state of the art of HSCM research but contributes to the maturation of research in this field. The paper concludes with a research agenda.

Leanness and agility: a comparative theoretical view

2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nesrine Eltawy ◽  
David Gallear
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Comparative Review ◽  
Concept Review ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare and distinguish between two salient means for improving the management of, and leveraging the effectiveness of, supply chains. Leanness and agility have been considered recently as prominent and successful means for competing. The paper examines the literature on leanness and agility thinking including their definitions, importance and practices. The paper also highlights the argument surrounding the relationship direction between these two concepts. Design/methodology/approach A systematic comparative review was conducted on the lean literature and agility literature at three levels: manufacturing, organisation and supply chain. The systematic review on the lean concept has been conducted based on articles published over the last two decades. The agility concept review was conducted based on the articles published from its inception in 1991 through early 2016. Findings A conceptual framework is presented following the in-depth review. The conceptual framework sets out the input, operational practice and output elements necessary for both philosophies to take root successfully. A discussion based on the review of the literature on the direction of the relationship between leanness and agility is also presented, and should also be included in any future empirical testing of the conceptual framework. Research limitations/implications The paper is based on a systematic review which extends previous research as it has been conducted in a detailed and clear systematic manner which enables a deep understanding of the similarities and differences between leanness and agility philosophies from an operational perspective: inputs, operational and outcomes elements. Future research is required to empirically test the conceptual relationships. Practical implications Companies are constantly searching for ways to improve their supply chains. This paper seeks to provide a deep understanding for lean and agility philosophies as important means for achieving this goal. This has been conducted by clarifying the differences, similarities and the direction of the relationship that may exist between these two approaches as means for improving a company’s supply chain. Originality/value Based on a systematic review on leanness and agility philosophies, a conceptual framework exploring the differences and similarities between both philosophies from an operational systematic perspective is presented.

scholarly journals Supply chain management as the key to a firm’s strategy in the global marketplace

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 159-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Gonzalez-Loureiro ◽  
Marina Dabic ◽  
Timothy Kiessling
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Strategic Management ◽  
Intellectual Structure ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Global Marketplace ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Theoretical Foundations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the intersection of two literature streams: that of strategy and supply chain management (SCM). This review should create a better understanding of “strategic SCM” by focussing on relevant theories in the strategic management field and their intersection with SCM to develop a joint research agenda. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted a correspondence analysis on the content of 3,402 articles from the top SCM journals. This analysis provides a map of the intellectual structure of content in this field to date. The key trends and changes were identified in strategic SCM research from 1990-2014 as well as the intersection with the key schools of strategic management. Findings – The results suggest that SCM is key to a successful deployment of strategy for competing in the global marketplace. The main theoretical foundations for research in this field were identified and discussed. Gaps were detected and combinations of theoretical foundations of strategic management and SCM suggest four poles for future research: agents and focal firm; distributions and logistics strategic models; SCM competitive requirements; SCM relational governance. Research limitations/implications – Scholars in both the strategy and the SCM fields continue to search for competitive advantages. Much recent research indicates that strategic SCM can be a critical source for that advantage. One of the limitations of the research is that the analysis does not include every journal that published an article mentioning SCM. However, the 34 journals selected are reputed to be the most influential on SCM and focussed primarily on SCM. Practical implications – The map of the intellectual structure of research to strategic SCM highlights the need to combine different theoretical approaches to the complex phenomenon of SCM. Practitioners should consider the supply chain as an informal organization and should devote time and resources to build a shared advantage across the supply chain. They should also consider the inherent benefits and risks that sharing. Originality/value – The paper demonstrates that strategic SCM needs a balanced and rigorous combination of theoretical approaches to deliver more theory-driven evidences. The research combines both a qualitative analysis and a quantitative methodology that summarizes gaps and then outlines future research from a large sample of articles. This methodology is an original contribution to this field and offers some assistance for enlarging the sample of future literature reviews.

Power, resource dependencies and capabilities in intercultural B2B relationships

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 629-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashish Malik ◽  
Liem Viet Ngo ◽  
Russel P.J. Kingshott
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Resource Dependence ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Offshore Outsourcing ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
B2b Relationships ◽  
Resources And Capabilities

PurposeThis exploratory study aims to analyse the influence of organisational resources and capabilities on relationship quality and firm performance in the context of high-technology offshore outsourcing service vendors.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative case study design, data from four offshore business process and information technology outsourcing firms were analysed.FindingsFindings highlight that resource dependence, cultural orientation and the vendor’s resources and capabilities strengthen relationship quality and affect firm performance.Originality/valueThe distinctive contribution of this study lies in identifying key organisational mechanisms that improve relationship quality and firm performance, as well as help to understand the adverse effects of ethnocentricity and power faced by vendors and subsidiaries within diverse intercultural contexts. Study limitations and future research directions, along with implications for theory and practice, are also discussed.

scholarly journals Moderators affecting the relationship between coopetition and company performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 518-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
James M. Crick
Keyword(s):  
Optimal Level ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Company Performance ◽  
Organizational Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Resources And Capabilities ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the moderating factors that could affect the relationship between coopetition (the interplay between cooperation and competition) and company performance.Design/methodology/approachUnder the relational view and resource-based theory, key articles surrounding coopetition were reviewed. A conceptual framework (with six research propositions) was developed to understand the nature of the relationship between coopetition and company performance.FindingsWhile the coopetition – company performance relationship has been well-studied, this link could be moderated by the competitive business environment, organizational resources and capabilities, and trust between rivals. Further, most authors have explored the linear relationship between coopetition and company performance; however, in this paper, the non-linear (inverted U-shaped) link is also conceptualized, whereby firms might experience “too little” and “too much” coopetition in their business strategies.Practical implicationsManagement teams should engage in an “optimal-level” of coopetition by sharing resources and capabilities with rival firms, but not to the extent where they depend on such competitors. If firms rarely collaborate with their competitors, they risk not being able to achieve their performance objectives. Likewise, if businesses engage in excessive degrees of coopetition, there could be tensions between the rival companies involved. Also, practitioners should be aware of the factors that can improve or reduce their performance when they implement coopetition activities. By taking: the competitive business environment, organizational resources and capabilities, and trust between rivals into consideration, the themes of this paper should be used to help managers to maximize company performance (considered in multiple capacities).Originality/valueThis paper is used to help scholars and practitioners to understand the factors that could help or hinder the performance outcomes of coopetition activities. By appreciating the moderating roles of the competitive business environment, organizational resources and capabilities, and trust between rivals, managers are anticipated to provide themselves with scope to alter their coopetition activities to improve their performance. This article ends with a series of managerial implications, alongside some limitations and avenues for future research.

scholarly journals Re-thinking SME disadvantage in public procurement

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 991-1008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Flynn
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Firm Size ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Medium Enterprise ◽  
Resources And Capabilities ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between firm size, resources, capabilities and involvement in public procurement. While the liability of smallness has been a recurring theme in research into public sector suppliers, there remains a dearth of evidence and theorising on the effects of size. Design/methodology/approach A model linking firm size, resources, capabilities, tendering activity and performance is devised. Resource-based view theory informs the model. Survey data from over 3,000 firms active in the Irish public sector marketplace is used to test the model. Findings As hypothesised, firm size is positively associated with tendering resources and capabilities. Resources and capabilities, in turn, influence tendering activity and performance. Specifically, resources act as enablers for the number and value of contracts firms tender for while capabilities are important for winning contracts. The author also finds similarities between medium and large enterprises in their ability to tender. Research limitations/implications The treatment of tendering resources and capabilities is not exhaustive. Future research could include additional indicators of resources (e.g. external consultants, IT) and capabilities (e.g. production, process innovation). Practical implications Managers of micro and small suppliers should focus on augmenting their tendering capabilities as they lag bigger suppliers. Legislators need to re-assess current “one-size-fits-all” small and medium enterprise (SME) friendly policy as it is not sensitive to intra-SME differences. Originality/value This study introduces an important qualification into understanding of public sector suppliers by demonstrating that SME disadvantage is less black and white than shades of grey.

Supply risk management and competitive advantage: a misfit model

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 459-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jury Gualandris ◽  
Matteo Kalchschmidt
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Supply Chain Risk ◽  
Supply Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a model of congruence for the management of supply risk that is easy to apply, but also accurate. The authors also aim at providing empirical evidence about the relationship between misfit – i.e. the incongruence between a firm’s preparedness in (supply) risk management and the potential riskiness characterising the context – and competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach – In line with the purpose, literature and field interviews were used to develop a model of congruence in the context of supply risk management (SRM) and operationalise it within a questionnaire. Then, the authors collected survey data to validate the model. Findings – Results show that competitive advantage decreases when the firm’s preparedness in SRM does not match to the pattern of risk conditions (i.e. environmental vulnerabilities). Research limitations/implications – The model of congruence here developed is simple to apply but offer effective decisions support. This study, thus, stimulates future research on the assessment and management of supply chain risk. This study, also, fosters the attention to the non-linear relationship between risk management and business performance. Practical implications – This study develops a model that can be used by practitioners to configure an optimal adoption of SRM practices. Also, the analysis allows to draw some specific recommendations for supply chain managers aiming at improving their preparedness in SRM. Originality/value – By relying on SRM literature, the balanced-resilience logic and the theoretical framework of contingency theory, this study develops and test a model of congruence that shows how companies can gain competitive advantage through the management of supply risk.

scholarly journals How the blockchain enables and constrains supply chain performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 376-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Sundtoft Hald ◽  
Aseem Kinra
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Technology ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the enabling and constraining roles of blockchain technology (BCT) in managerial work practices and conceptualise the technology–performance relationship in supply chain management (SCM). Design/methodology/approach A structured literature review and a theory-driven approach are used. A set of propositions are developed, suggesting how the use of BCT in supply chains can be understood to simultaneously enable and constrain SCM and performance. Findings The analysis identifies four enabling and three constraining blockchain identities to explain how the technology either “facilitates” or “impedes” SCM and supply chain performance. Traceability, which emanates from its ability to provide data immutability, ranks highly as a core innovation of the technology. The blockchain is mainly seen as an opportunity to exploit existing supply chain resources and competencies. Research limitations/implications One limitation of the research is its conceptual nature. Future research should test the developed propositions empirically. Further research should focus on BCT as an opportunity to explore and as a relationship-building technology. More research is also needed focussing on the complex and simultaneous enabling and constraining effects of BCT in supply chains. Originality/value The paper shows the important and complex Janus-faced implications of embedding BCT in supply chains and demonstrates how organisational theory can be applied to explore the relationship between blockchain and SCM.

scholarly journals Embracing supply chain agility: an investigation in the electronics industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 140-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Kei Tse ◽  
Minhao Zhang ◽  
Pervaiz Akhtar ◽  
Jill MacBryde
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Agility ◽  
External Learning ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – This paper aims to identify the antecedents of firm’s supply chain agility (SC agility) and how SC agility impacts on firm’s performance. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a comprehensive literature review, a conceptual model was proposed, in which the interrelated hypotheses were tested by structural equation modelling methodology using a dataset collected from 266 Chinese electronics firms. Findings – Initially, it was found that SC integration and external learning positively influenced SC agility. Second, the results indicated that firm’s performance is positively impacted by SC agility. Moreover, SC agility also fully mediated the effect of SC integration on firm’s performance and the effect of external learning on firm’s performance. Research limitations/implications – The generalizability of this research sample might be the major limitation of this study. Therefore, future research can adopt other industry sectors samples, such as automobile manufacturing, or other country samples to validate the research model. Practical implications – This research outlines strategies for better preparedness to achieve SCs to be agile which is a core competency of electronic firms in emerging market. Findings reveal that the external coordination practices – external learning and SC integration – are important factors of SC agility. In addition, the findings contribute to understanding the important role of SC agility in improving firm’s performance. Originality/value – This research examines the impact of two antecedents (i.e. SC integration and external learning) on SC agility and is the first empirical research to analyze the mediation effect of SC agility on the relationship between SC integration and firm performance and the relationship between external learning and firm performance.

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