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.

Episodic supply chains at times of disruption

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Öberg
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Transformational Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Metal Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Contemporary Technology ◽  
Metal Additive

Purpose Additive manufacturing has been described as converting supply chains into demand chains. By focusing on metal additive manufacturing as a contemporary technology causing ongoing disruption to the supply chain, the purpose of this paper is to describe and discuss how incumbent firms act during an ongoing, transformational disruption of their supply chain. Design/methodology/approach Interviews and secondary data, along with seminars attracting approximately 600 individuals operating in metal additive manufacturing, form the empirical basis for this paper. Findings The findings of this paper indicate how disruption occurs at multiple positions in the supply chain. Episodic positions as conceptualised in this paper refer to how parties challenged by disruption attempt to reach normality while speeding the transformational disruption. Originality/value This paper contributes to previous research by theorising about episodic positions in light of a supply chain disruption. The empirical data are unique in how they capture supply chain change at the time of disruption and illustrate disruptive, transformational change to supply chains. The paper interlinks research on disruption from the innovation and supply chain literature, with contributions to both.

Supply chain resilience

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
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 COVID-19 has had a dramatic and damaging effect on supply chains and distributors. This briefing considers why, and what strategies there may be to cope. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists 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.

An integrated AHP and ISO14000, ISO26000 based approach for improving sustainability in supply chains

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faisal Talib ◽  
Saheim K Josaiman ◽  
Mohd. Nishat Faisal
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy Process ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Multi Criteria Decision Making ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeTypically, adoption of sustainability in organizations are often done in an unstructured way without the consideration of other partners in the supply chain. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a coherent plan to improve sustainability in the supply chains utilizing ISO standards for environment and social responsibility.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on literature on ISO14000 and ISO26000 to derive a set of variables applicable to supply chains, which are then prioritized for real organizations utilizing analytic hierarchy process.FindingsThe findings highlight that not all the variables of environmental, social and economic responsibility are equally important. Besides, the work reported in this paper justifies the application of multi-criteria decision-making (AHP) to prioritize elements of sustainability in context supply chains. The suggested method is illustrated using inputs from large manufacturing companies in Qatar.Practical implicationsISO14000 and ISO26000 are well known standards; however, there was no effort to integrate these standards to improve sustainability in supply chains. The suggested methodology provides invaluable help to the managers to implement sustainability in a coherent manner across the supply chain.Originality/valueThe research contributes to the extant literature by proposing a new methodology based on the integration of three-approaches: Analytic Hierarchy Process, ISO14000 and ISO26000 systems.

scholarly journals Integrating the Supply Chain … 25 years on

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham C. Stevens ◽  
Mark Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Original Work ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Firm Financial Performance ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose – Twenty-five years ago IJPDLM published “Integrating the Supply Chain” (Stevens, 1989). The purpose of that original work was to examine the state-of-the-art in supply chain management (SCM). There have been substantial changes to the landscape within which supply chains function and changes to supply chains themselves. Given these changes it is appropriate to re-visit what is the new state-of-the art and determine whether the 1989 conceptualization requires extending. The authors also attempt to assess whether the evolution of SCM is associated with improved financial performance. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The authors take a conceptual approach to suggest that SCM is undergoing a transition to devolved, collaborative supply chain clusters. In addition, the authors consider imperatives and models for supply chain change and development. In line with the 1989 work, many of the observations in this invited paper are based on the primary author’s experience. The authors use a selection of financial data from leading firms to assess whether benefits attributed to SCM and changes in supply chain operating models have affected financial performance. Findings – The authors formalize a model for the dynamics of SCM change. The authors also synthesize a number of models of SCM that extend the original, highly cited work. These include goal-oriented networks and devolved, collaborative supply chain clusters. The authors also find the associations between the evolution of SCM and measures of firm financial performance over time to be equivocal. Practical implications – This work proposes two additional operating models that firms can implement in order to improve the efficacy of their supply chains. Originality/value – The authors extend Stevens (1989) original work by synthesizing a number of additional models for SCI.

scholarly journals Coordinating food quality: How do quality standards influence contract arrangements? A study on Uruguayan food supply chains

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 449-466
Author(s):  
Annemarie Groot-Kormelinck ◽  
Jacques Trienekens ◽  
Jos Bijman
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Quality Standards ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The aim of this paper is to study the influence of quality standards on contract arrangements in food supply chains. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative double case study was conducted on the dairy and citrus sectors in Uruguay. A transaction cost theoretical framework was used. All current public and private quality standards applied by processors were studied in relation to contract arrangements between processors and upstream producers as well as downstream buyers for each sector. Findings Quality standards complement contract arrangements for upstream transactions, leading to hierarchy-type contract arrangements. Quality standards substitute contract arrangements for downstream transactions, leading to market- or hybrid-type contract arrangements. Research limitations/implications Longitudinal studies that measure changes in contract arrangements over time are recommended. Practical implications Supply chain actors can reduce transaction costs by aligning quality standards with appropriate contract arrangements – further supported by public instruments. Originality/value Quality standards have differential influence on underlying transaction characteristics, and therefore on contract arrangements, depending on the location of the transaction in the supply chain.

Notions for the successful management of the supply chain: learning with Carrefour in Spain and Carrefour in China

2011 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús Cambra‐Fierro ◽  
Rocío Ruiz‐Benítez
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Successful Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Strategies ◽  
A Company ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper proposes a framework that considers some key concepts to design and manage supply chains in both national and international contexts. For a better understanding, it is intended to illustrate this framework with the case of Carrefour in both Spain and China.Design/methodology/approachIn the form of a case study the paper explains global strategies in both countries. The paper also discusses similarities and differences in the supply chain management in both contexts.FindingsThe paper found application of core SCM concepts to a leader distribution firm. “Thinking global and acting local” is also pertinent to application in the management of supply chains.Practical implicationsManagers may identify key processes and consider the possible contributions of each to the efficiency of their own chains. This case study could be also used as an example of the successful management of the supply chain of a company leader in its sector.Originality/valueThe present paper illustrates a leader company based on real data.

Riding the wave of “Big Bang Disruption”

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 9-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Denning
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Big Bang ◽  
Global Markets ◽  
Main Function ◽  
Social Consensus ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Best Value ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This interview with author Paul Nunes discusses his theory that “Big Bang Disruption” is a new and critical threat to established businesses driven by large-scale, fast-paced innovation that can redraw global markets often before established players can react. Design/methodology/approach – The interview reviews the four phases of Big Bang Disruption. Nunes and his co-author Larry Downes believe that each phase has its own set of rules leaders need to learn to respond effectively. Findings – To defend against Big Bang Disruption, companies must strive to be the lowest-cost provider of all the elements of value the customer seeks, and be able to provide that value in a customer-intimate way. Practical implications – Marketing’s main function has shifted from selling to creating social consensus about what is “the best” value. Originality/value – Nunes’s startling conclusion: Every industry is now at risk. No industry will be left unscathed, no supply chain left unscrambled, no strategic plan left unraveled.

Customer-driven supply chains under IMP lens

IMP Journal ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 289-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Martina Martinelli ◽  
Annalisa Tunisini ◽  
Simone Guercini
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Interpretative Framework

Purpose This paper explores the most recent contributions to interpreting customer-driven supply chains (CDSCs) under the IMP lens, focusing on the main characteristics that emerged from a review of the relevant literature. The purpose of this paper is to offer a holistic interpretative framework of major topics covered by the CDSC literature, highlighting both some shared issues and emerging elements using the IMP conceptual framework’s ARA (actor bonds, activity links and resource ties) model. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviewed the literature by searching selected journals using a combination of specific keywords in order to find the most recent contributions on the CDSC theme. The presented analysis allowed an interpretation of the findings through a conceptual framework. Findings The findings suggest that the ARA model could be a useful method through which to structure an interpretation of the most recent contributions, in both IMP and the general literature, on the discipline. In particular, three streams of research were identified: the customer closeness strategy, relational strategy, and intra-organizational strategy. Research limitations/implications These clusters can be deeply analyzed using the major knowledge on CDSC dynamics. By studying these issues in an integrated way, the implications in terms of competition, generalization of results, constraints, problems, and difficulties of the customer-driven approach could be enhanced. Limitations are the restricted period of time and the absence of empirical research. Practical implications Each identified cluster presents the tools that have to be improved in order to implement the customer-driven orientation, which increases the performance and brings an added value for the same supply chain. For this reason, an emerging need is to develop studies on the empirical side that consider the implications in terms of an integrated framework among the three issues. Originality/value The paper increases the understanding of CDSCs by using conceptual and interpretative tools developed by the IMP literature. The ARA model allows the creation of a conceptual framework that clarifies, in a holistic way, the most important characteristics that have to be developed in order to improve the CDSC perspective. Recommendations and a research agenda for the implementation of the customer-driven view are derived.

Effective supply chain management

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 27-29
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
The Eu

Purpose Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints 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 As soon as the UK voted to leave the European Union (EU) in 2017, one of the key discussions among businesses throughout Europe centered on what the likely impact would be on supply chains involving UK companies. Whether you were a mainland European country with supply chain partners in the UK, or a UK manufacturer that depended on European companies for supplies, the uncertainty and potential disruption to well-grooved supply chain processes became a major headache. At first, it was the uncertainty that proved the major issue as governments played politics and refused to define the likely deal that would enable supply chain terms to be put in place. As the UK left the EU and the terms of the overall deal became clearer, firms then had to work out how whether any necessary changes to their supply chains were required. Practical implications Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Original/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 Foliated networks to analyze moral responsibility: a conceptual model

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 360-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Eriksson ◽  
Per Hilletofth
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Moral Responsibility ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Moral Disengagement ◽  
Information Flows ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Chain Links ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to explore how the flow of moral responsibility in supply chains can be understood through an analysis of material, monetary and information flows. Design/methodology/approach Social responsibility, foliated networks and morality are used to present a conceptual framework that suggests responsibility links in supply chains. Findings By understanding the flows of material, money and information, it is possible to see how different types (liable and political) of responsibility can be identified. Conventional supply chain flows are thus connected with moral responsibility. Research limitations/implications Responsibility issues in supply chain management need to include supply chain links created by monetary and information flows, as well as material flows. Practical implications Supply chain actors need to consider responsibility across their entire supply chain, which includes material, monetary and information flows. Originality/value Foliated transportation networks, moral disengagement and different types of responsibility are combined in a novel way to facilitate a better understanding of responsibility in supply chains.

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