scholarly journals Reverse supply chain practices in developing countries: the case of Morocco

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 198-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamal El Baz ◽  
Regina Frei ◽  
Issam Laguir
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Reverse Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate reverse supply chain (RSC) practices and their obstacles using case studies of Moroccan companies. The authors present the main findings of case studies’ analysis along with a discussion of an RSC framework for further directions of research. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was adopted and semi-structured interviews with Moroccan companies were conducted using an interview guide. Findings The authors present an RSC model that encompasses remanufacturing, refurbishing and disposal processes. The authors believe that this model would constitute a promising framework for further research. The findings show that the successful implementation of RSC depends on many factors, but the company’s attitude (proactive or conservative) is one of the most critical determinants in RSC initiatives. Furthermore, the results of the case studies indicate two types of inhibitors: external and internal. These findings confirm the results of previous research on environmental sustainability obstacles in general and RSC obstacles in particular. Research limitations/implications This study has some limitations that provide future research opportunities. Because this study is qualitative, further statistical support is needed to justify wider generalisation of its findings. Further studies might therefore investigate RSC practices in developing countries other than Morocco to increase the external validity of the results. Practical implications The findings can help firms to gain better understanding of their RSC and particularly the link between forward and RSCs. Consequently, companies can upgrade their business models to better control their RSC activities. Originality/value The relevant literature about RSC practices has mainly targeted manufacturing sectors in developed countries, and few studies have been conducted on developing countries. Research on RSC practices in developing countries in general and African countries in particular is sparse. This is one of the first articles written to address this gap by investigating RSC practices in Morocco.

scholarly journals Pursuing Frugal Innovation for Sustainability at the Grassroots Level

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Mokter Hossain ◽  
Jarkko Levänen ◽  
Marleen Wierenga
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Frugal Innovation ◽  
New Business ◽  
Grassroots Level ◽  
Societal Problems ◽  
New Business Models

ABSTRACT Firms are often criticized for their reluctance to embrace sustainability in their business strategies. Frugal innovation is a recent concept that represents a new way for firms to serve underserved customers in developing countries while also promoting sustainability. Based on three cases of frugal innovation at the grassroots level in India, this article demonstrates how frugal innovation presents a promising way to tackle some of today's pressing societal problems with new business models. We use a range of parameters for economic, social, and environmental sustainability to strengthen the case for frugal innovation. This article attempts to inspire scholars to consider frugal innovation further in their future research endeavors and encourage firms to integrate it into their existing business models.

Hospital information systems in developing countries: a state-of-the-art systematic review

Kybernetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Lei ◽  
Jianming Liu ◽  
Wu Li
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Information System ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government

Purpose Hospital information system (HIS) can be examined as a vital factor for developing the quality of health care and cost managing. There exists abundant literature on HISs, but implementation-based literature of HIS is rare, typically about progressive countries. However, a study that can comprehensively review published articles is scarce. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the systematic and comprehensive study of HIS in developed countries. Together, the benefits and harms relevant to HIS’s different mechanisms have been considered, and the fundamental challenges of them are addressed to design more efficient HIS in the future. Design/methodology/approach HIS has been used globally for numerous years and is now being used in a wide area. HIS is broadly used in clinical settings. Information technology (IT) and information system have been suggested as a required piece to solve the health-care-related issues. Hence, to improve HIS’s ability, this paper conducted a review method concentratating on research related to HIS until 2019. A total of 21 papers were recognized and examined as principal research for the summary. Findings The authors found that HIS can help in reduction of medical mistakes, enhancement doctors’ performance and increase in the quality of the care provided. HIS management can be used to provide better health-care services. Therefore, HIS must be sensible and use clear structures. The authors conclude that, generally, with an increase in awareness, acceptability and the need for HIS worldwide, there will be more strategies and approaches available. Research limitations/implications First, this paper provides an outline of the status of HIS. Second, it identifies some distinct research gaps that could be worth studying. Some flawless work may be removed because of applying some filters to select the original articles. Surveying all the papers on the topic of HIS is impossible, too. Practical implications Design and sustainability of HIS is still a big issue for most developing countries, despite its wide usage in the developed countries. The technology is changing rapidly, so the field should be reviewed regularly. This paper suggests a suitable framework that will guide HIS in the local conditions of developing countries. Social implications The government will be assisted by the suggested solving ways in its performance and design of electronic health-care projects. Originality/value The study brings the viewpoints on the state of HIS mechanisms in developing countries. The paper’s results can offer visions into future research requirements. By providing comparative information and analyzing the current growths in this area, this study will support researchers and professionals to understand the progress in HIS mechanisms better.

scholarly journals Multidimensional value creation through different reverse supply chain relationships in used clothing sector

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 729-747
Author(s):  
Rudrajeet Pal ◽  
Erik Sandberg ◽  
Manoj Kumar Paras
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Extreme Case ◽  
Relational Theory ◽  
Reverse Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multidimensional Values

Purpose This paper aims to purport deeper understanding of, and instigate theoretical elaboration to, multidimensional value created through different reverse supply chain (RSC) relationships. Design/methodology/approach By capturing the relationships (and their differences) constituted and embedded in three “extreme” case studies from global used clothing supply chain, the sources of multidimensional values are explored in line with Dyer and Singh’s (1998) relational theory. Findings In the RSC, when downstream relationships are typically more opportunistic, value is created using inter-personal ways of knowledge sharing and through use of informal safeguards. In contrast, the upstream RSC relationships are more symbiotic, and value is created through more seamless (and routinized) knowledge sharing practices, and additional use of more formal transaction-specific controls or financial incentives as safeguarding instruments. Research limitations/implications The use of consolidated case studies may affect the consistency in the findings presented. Another limitation relates to deriving propositions per each source presented in relational theory. Practical implications Practitioners particularly from industries whose global RSCs include different natures of relationships and multiple value incentives can be benefited through this study. Originality/value The paper extends the original sources of value creation prescribed in relational theory by contextualizing them in RSCs. It depicts how multidimensional values are created relationally by dyadic partners as the nature of relationship differs between upstream and downstream.

Industry 4.0 and digital supply chain capabilities

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maciel M. Queiroz ◽  
Susana Carla Farias Pereira ◽  
Renato Telles ◽  
Marcio C. Machado
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrative Framework ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Narrative Literature ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Shed Light

Purpose The Industry 4.0 phenomenon is bringing unprecedented disruptions for all traditional business models and hastening the need for a redesign and digitisation of activities. In this context, the literature concerning the digital supply chain (DSC) and its capabilities are in the early stages. To bridge this gap, the purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for digital supply chain capabilities (DSCCs). Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a narrative literature approach, based on the main Industry 4.0 elements, supply chain and the emerging literature concerning DSC disruptions, to build an integrative framework to shed light on DSCCs. Findings The study identifies seven basic capabilities that shape the DSCC framework and six main enabler technologies, derived from 13 propositions. Research limitations/implications The proposed framework can bring valuable insights for future research development, although it has not been tested yet. Practical implications Managers, practitioners and all involved in the digitalisation phenomenon can utilise the framework as a starting point for other business digitalisation projects. Originality/value This study contributes to advancing the DSC literature, providing a well-articulated discussion and a framework regarding the capabilities, as well as 13 propositions that can generate valuable insights for other studies.

Supply chain MFCA implementation: emphasizing evidence on coordination

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akira Higashida
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Coordination Mechanisms ◽  
Green Supply Chain ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Material Flows ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Case Studies

Purpose This study aims to clarify systematically the contribution of material flow cost accounting (MFCA) to green supply chain management (GSCM) by examining the coordination mechanisms. Design/methodology/approach Two qualitative case studies are conducted in a major Japanese manufacturing company, which introduced MFCA in two different supply chains. The concept of coordination mechanisms in supply chain management is used to consolidate the understanding on the usefulness of MFCA in GSCM. Findings The study’s findings reveal the significant role played by MFCA in coordinating material flows and eliminating sub-optimization in the supply chain from both economic and environmental perspectives. Furthermore, the focal company in the chain has an important role as the MFCA leader in implementing MFCA in the chain. In particular, the environmental department can eliminate suppliers’ concerns regarding opportunistic buyer behaviors and focus on material flows across the supply chain. Research limitations/implications The study highlights the possibility of reviewing existing transactions by coordinating material flows. This is a new direction for the adoption of MFCA in GSCM. In addition, although the study highlights the importance of the environmental department as an MFCA leader, future research is necessary to establish this aspect with greater precision. Practical implications The two case studies discussed in this paper demonstrate the usefulness of MFCA expansion into the supply chain, as well as information sharing and progression, in the development of GSCM. Social implications This study will contribute to enhance the green supply chain by implementing MFCA. Originality/value This study indicates that MFCA can potentially reveal the material losses caused by sub-optimization and provide information to avoid sub-optimization in decision-making. Moreover, it highlights the importance of the environmental department as an MFCA leader.

Adoption of and compliance with IFRS in developing countries

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khaled Samaha ◽  
Hichem Khlif
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Equity Capital ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cost Of Equity Capital ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ifrs Adoption ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review a synthesis of theories and empirical studies dealing with the adoption of and compliance with IFRS in developing countries in an attempt to provide directions for future research. Design/methodology/approach – The review focusses on four main streams including: first, the motives for IFRS adoption; second, corporate characteristics and the degree of compliance with IFRS; third, the economic consequences of IFRS adoption and finally; fourth, the use of regulation as an enforcement mechanism to monitor compliance with IFRS. The authors review empirical studies specifically devoted to developing countries. Findings – Regarding the first stream relating to IFRS adoption, the macroeconomic decision of adopting IFRS in developing countries can be justified by two main theories which are: the economic theory of network (Katz and Shapiro, 1985) and isomorphism (DiMaggio and Powell, 1991), however, empirical evidence in developing countries to confirm these theories is limited. Regarding the second stream relating to corporate characteristics and the degree of compliance with IFRS, the authors find that the results are mixed. Regarding the third stream relating to the economic consequences of IFRS adoption, it seems that the evidence is still limited in developing countries especially with respect to the impact of IFRS adoption on foreign direct investment, cost of equity capital and earnings management. Regarding the fourth and final stream in relation to regulation, enforcement and compliance with IFRS, the authors find that research is very limited. It was evidenced in the very few research studies conducted, that global disclosure standards are optimal only if compliance is monitored and enforced by efficient institutions. Practical implications – The author’s study attempts to provide a foundational knowledge resource that will inform practitioners, researchers and regulators in developing countries about the relevance of the different theories that exist in the accounting literature to explain the adoption of and compliance with IFRS. Originality/value – Compared to developed countries, the four streams outlined remain under-researched in developing countries. Therefore, researchers should examine these topics in developing countries to inform practitioners, regulators and the capital market about the effects of adopting IFRS and their relevance to developing countries. In addition, researchers should embark on identifying new theories to explain the adoption of and compliance with IFRS in developing countries that take into consideration the socioeconomic culture of these settings.

A framework for managing the agri-fresh food supply chain quality in Indian industry

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Man Mohan Siddh ◽  
Gunjan Soni ◽  
Rakesh Jain ◽  
Milind Kumar Sharma ◽  
Vinod Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Organizational Sustainability ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fresh Food ◽  
Social And Environmental Performance

PurposeResearch in agri-fresh food supply chain quality (AFSCQ) has been given less consideration in developing countries as compared to developed countries and its role in achieving organizational sustainability has not been researched yet. Thus, this study aims to determine and combine numerous significant factors to establish a framework for managing AFSCQ practices favorable to organizational sustainability in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachTo accomplish this, all-inclusive framework of AFSCQ has been established through succeeding phases of data collection, analysis using structural equation modelling along with refinement of data. The collection of data for this study was from the Indian food industry, which relates to agri-fresh food products.FindingsThe AFSCQ practices are conducive to enrich organizational sustainability, and then enhance economic, social and environmental performance indirectly. The study established relationships among the AFSCQ practices promising to enhance organizational sustainability.Originality/valueAFSCQ practices have a huge impact on organizational sustainability by means of practices that sum up activities along the whole supply chain. The organizational sustainability consists of economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Multi-utility framework: blockchain exchange platform for sustainable development

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacques Bou Abdo ◽  
Sherali Zeadally
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Rainwater Harvesting ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Peer To Peer ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Blockchain Technology

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to design a sustainable development platform for water and energy peer-to-peer trading that is financially and economically feasible. Water and other resources are becoming scarcer every day, and developing countries are the neediest for an immediate intervention. Water, as a national need, is considered to be one of the most precious commodities, but it is also one of the main causes for conflicts in the 21st century. Rainwater harvesting and peer-to-peer trading of the harvested water is one of the most convenient, scalable and sustainable solutions but faces organization challenges such as the absence of suitable business models motivating normal users to sell their generated resources (such as water and energy), currency and financial settlement complexities and single utility markets. Design/methodology/approach This paper proposes a multi-utility trading platform based on the blockchain technology which can address the challenges faced by peer-to-peer trading for resources such as energy and water. Findings This paper presents a peer-to-peer multi-utility trading platform that solves the shortcomings of existing utility frameworks reported in the current literature. Originality/value This proposed platform meets the needs of developing countries as well as rural areas of developed countries. The open nature of the proposed design makes it suitable for adoption and use by various stakeholders.

Blockchain and supply chain management integration: a systematic review of the literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maciel M. Queiroz ◽  
Renato Telles ◽  
Silvia H. Bonilla
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Electric Power Industry ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to identify, analyse and organise the literature about blockchains in supply chain management (SCM) context (blockchain–SCM integration) and proposes an agenda for future research. This study aims to shed light on what the main current blockchain applications in SCM are, what the main disruptions and challenges are in SCM because of blockchain adoption and what the future of blockchains holds in SCM. Design/methodology/approach This study followed the systematic review approach to analyse and synthesise the extant literature on blockchain–SCM integration. The review analysed 27 papers between 2008 and 2018 in peer-reviewed journals. Findings Blockchain–SCM integration is still in its infancy. Scholars and practitioners are not fully aware of the potential of blockchain technology to disrupt traditional business models. However, the electric power industry seems to have a relatively mature understanding of blockchain–SCM integration, demonstrated by the use of smart contracts. Additionally, the disintermediation provided by blockchain applications has the potential to disrupt traditional industries (e.g. health care, transportation and retail). Research limitations/implications The limitations of this study are represented mainly by the scarcity of studies on blockchain–SCM integration in leading journals and databases. Practical implications This study highlights examples of blockchain–SCM integration, emphasising the need to rethink business models to incorporate blockchain technology. Originality/value This study is the first attempt to synthesise existing publications about the blockchain–SCM integration, shedding light on the disruption caused by, and the necessity of, the SCM reconfigurations.

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

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