Supply chain performance: how lean practices efficiently drive improvements

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 829-845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guilherme Luz Tortorella ◽  
Ricardo Giglio ◽  
Jorge Limon-Romero

Purpose The purpose of this paper aims at investigating which lean supply chain management (LSCM) practices efficiently improve the supply chain performance. Design/methodology/approach To achieve that, a cross-sectional survey was carried out with 113 manufacturing companies undergoing a lean implementation. The proposed method combines complementary methods of multivariate data analysis in order to determine which bundles of LSCM practices more efficiently entail improvements on supply chain performance. Findings The findings justify why some LSCM initiatives may find larger barriers than others, compromising their success due to misguided implementation efforts according to the desired performance improvement. Originality/value The empirical examination on the efficiency of LSCM practices with regards to a certain set of performance indicators provides guidelines with respect to LSCM implementation depending on which performance indicators are envisioned for improvement.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shih-Jung Juan ◽  
Eldon Y. Li ◽  
Wei-Hsi Hung

PurposeThis study aims to explore the relationships among the five components of supply chain (SC) resilience (SCRES): visibility, velocity, flexibility, robustness and collaboration and their impacts on the SC performance under disruption (SCPUD).Design/methodology/approachFive SCRES components are identified from the literature review and data are collected using an web survey from 113 manufacturing companies in Taiwan. The data are analyzed by structured equation modeling with the partial least square solution. Two-stage least-squares (2SLS) regression was used to test the potential endogeneity of SC collaboration (SCC).FindingsThe results reveal that SCC is an exogenous driver of SCRES; it directly affects visibility, velocity, flexibility, robustness and SCPUD. Furthermore, SC flexibility is the only component of SC agility that directly affects SCPUD; it is influenced directly by SC velocity and indirectly by SC visibility through SC velocity. SC visibility is a vital agility component that positively influences SC velocity and SC robustness.Research limitations/implicationsThe data in this study are cross-sectional and the sample size of 113 is relatively small. The relationship between SC robustness and SCPUD needs a longer observation period to reveal. The logistic issue in the shortage of carriers caused by the pandemic has been overlooked.Practical implicationsA firm should enhance its collaboration and flexibility in the SC as they both are the critical antecedents of SC performance (SCP) during the disruption period.Originality/valueThis study integrates visibility, velocity, flexibility, robustness and collaboration into a complete framework of SCRES. The dependent variable, SCPUD, measures SC performance (SCP) under the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the first study to investigate the associations of the six constructs in a research model.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hemant Sharma ◽  
Nagendra Sohani ◽  
Ashish Yadav

PurposeIn the recent scenario, there has been an increasing trend toward lean practices and implementation in production systems for the improvement of an organization’s performance as its basic nature is to eliminate the wastes. The increasing interest of customers in customized products and the fulfillment of customers’ demand with good productivity and efficiency within time are the challenges for the manufacturing organization; that is why adopting lean manufacturing concept is very crucial in the current scenario.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors considered three different methodologies for fulfilling the objective of our research. The analytical hierarchy process, best–worst method and fuzzy step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis are the three methods employed for weighting all the enablers and finding the priority among them and their final rankings.FindingsFurther, the best results among these methodologies could be used to analyze their interrelationships for successful lean supply chain management implementation in an organization. In this paper, 35 key enablers were identified after the rigorous analysis of literature review and the opinion of a group of experts consisting of academicians, practitioners and consultants. Thereafter, the brainstorming sessions were conducted to finalize 28 lean supply chain enablers (LSCEs).Practical implicationsFor lean manufacturing practitioners, the result of this study can be beneficial where the manufacturer is required to increase efficiency and reduce cost and wastage of resources in the lean manufacturing process.Originality/valueThis paper is the first of the research papers that considered deep literature review of identified LSCEs as the initial step, followed by finding the best priority weightage and developing the ranking of various lean enablers of supply chain with the help of various methodologies.


Author(s):  
Kazi Arif-Uz-Zaman ◽  
A.M.M. Nazmul Ahsan

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present supply chain metrics and to propose a fuzzy-based performance evaluation method for lean supply chain. Design/methodology/approach – To understand the overall performance of cost competitive supply chain the paper investigates the alignment of market strategy and position of the supply chain. Since lean is applicable in many supply chains, the authors propose a set of metrics to evaluate supply chain performance. Moreover, the paper uses a fuzzy model to evaluate the performance of cost competitive supply chains. Fuzzy is an appropriate model method when uncertainty is present. It also allows modelling of a significant number of performance metrics across multiple supply chain elements and processes. Competitive strategy can be achieved by using a different weight calculation for different supply chain situations. Findings – Research provides optimal metrics for lean supply chains. The proposed method can measure the performance of lean supply chains using a fuzzy approach and competitive strategies. Research limitations/implications – The metrics which have been selected to measure the performance of lean supply chains is particularly applicable for high volume, low-price products. Practical implications – By identifying optimal performance metrics and applying performance evaluation methods, managers can predict the overall supply chain performance under lean strategy. By identifying performance for each metric they can also categorize the existing performance and optimise them accordingly. Originality/value – This study provides a performance evaluation method for supply chain managers to assess the effects of lean tools and competitive strategies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-148
Author(s):  
Sibel Yildiz Çankaya

Purpose This study aims to examine the effects of strategic sourcing (SS) on lean supply chain (LSC) and agile supply chain (ASC) strategies and investigate the role of these concepts on development of competitive performance. Design/methodology/approach A proposed research model and hypotheses are tested by using cross-sectional e-mail survey data collected from the manufacturing firms operating in Turkey. SS is conceptualized as a second-order factor. Structural equation modeling is used to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings This study reached the conclusion that SS affects LSC and ASC strategies positively. Additionally, it is seen that these concepts are effective in improvement of competitive performance. Practical implications The results are important in terms of emphasizing the significance of SS in improvement of the lean and agile nature of the supply chain. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence regarding the relationships among SS, supply chain strategies and competitive performance. Research limitations/implications This study was carried out on the plant level where one person from each organization responded to the survey.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 625-646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Barau Singhry ◽  
Azmawani Abd Rahman

Purpose Despite the importance of collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment (CPFR), its influence on supply chain innovation capability (SCIC) and supply chain performance (SCP) has not been sufficiently examined. The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedence of SCP through CPFR and SCIC. Design/methodology/approach Through cluster and stratified random sampling, 286 responses from top managers of 1,574 Nigerian manufacturing companies were analyzed. Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling with AMOS graphics. Findings The results show that SCIC has a full mediating effect on the relationship between CPFR and SCP. Specifically, CPFR has a significant relationship with both SCP and SCIC, and SCIC also relates significantly to SCP. Practical implications This study offers implications for manufacturers in developing countries in general, and in Nigeria in particular, by providing a guideline on how to improve SCP through CPFR. Originality/value The paper contributes to the limited studies on CPFR and SCP by extending this line of study into the realm of innovation capability and innovation. It integrates the social exchange theory and the dynamic capabilities theory to examine the collaborative processes of CPFR in the supply chain context. This study stressed the importance of boundary theoretical spanning by extending CPFR and SCP into the domain of innovation capability.


Author(s):  
Dheeraj Chandra ◽  
Dinesh Kumar

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 1717-1737
Author(s):  
Reza Salehzadeh ◽  
Reihaneh Alsadat Tabaeeian ◽  
Farahnaz Esteki

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the impacts of different forecasting methods (judgmental, quantitative and mixed forecasting) on firms' supply chains and competitive performance.Design/methodology/approachWorking with three groups of manufacturing companies, we explore the consequences of judgmental, quantitative and mixed forecasting methods on firms' competitive performance in supply chains. The validity of constructs and path relationships was examined using structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsOur findings indicate that supply chain efficiency influences both cost reduction and customer satisfaction. In addition, the three dimensions of supply chain performance are shown to be direct antecedents of competitive performance. Our empirical results reveal that although all studied forecasting methods meaningfully influence supply chain performance, the mixed method, compared to the other two methods, has greater capabilities to enhance supply chain performance.Originality/valueThis research provides originality and insight into supply chain practices through forecasting methods to improve competitive performance.


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory Bressolles ◽  
Gerald Lang

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to expand existing research on fulfillment systems for multi-channel retailers by combining analysis of customer expectation (CE) with economic performance (EP) aspects. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory study is based on a literature review of supply chain management and marketing combined with the results of an online questionnaire submitted to French and Chinese multi-channel retailers from two sectors. Findings The results enable the authors to identify 13 important key performance indicators (KPIs) used by multi-channel retailers for measuring e-fulfillment system performance and also to determine under which of the EP or CE criteria these KPIs might be linked. Research limitations/implications Although the sample size is limited, this research is intended to be exploratory, based on the practices of supply chain and marketing managers. Moreover, the results do not address interdependencies among the different KPIs. Practical implications E-fulfillment is a major challenge for multi-channel retailers; it is cost intensive and critical for customer satisfaction. The identified set of KPIs enables retailers to choose those relevant to their particular infrastructure. Originality/value A limited number of scholarly works have explored the operational implications of online retailing in terms of e-fulfillment in a multi-channel context. In order to manage such supply chains efficiently and effectively, traditional measures of supply chain performance need to be adapted. This study expands existing knowledge by developing measurement systems and metrics for the evaluation of supply chain performance in this context.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Saeed Shahbaz ◽  
Mudaser Javaid ◽  
Syed Hasnain Alam Kazmi ◽  
Qamar Abbas

Purpose Branding plays a vital role in the success of every organization and even industry. In Islamic countries, every organization must consider Sharia rules while strategy making. Nowadays, the supply chain is considered a major tool of branding and marketing. After an extensive literature review, it has been found that the studies that test the marketing advantages (MAs) and sustainable competitiveness through branding are scarce. The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the relationship between branding and MAs and mediating the role of sustainable competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach This is a quantitative study. An instrument was adopted, and data were collected. The researchers tested the hypotheses from the survey data from 179 electronic organizations. The data ware analyzed through structural equation modeling to examine the proposed hypothesis of this study. Findings The findings indicate that the relationship among dimensions of branding attitude and MAs were supported (expect reliability). Additionally, this study also revealed that a sustainable competitive variable plays a substantial role as a mediating variable in those relationships. Research limitations/implications This study is a cross-sectional survey. Consequently, the limited sample size from the electric industry may affect the power of generalizability. The next study may be demonstrated for other industries to respect the nature of the branding and MAs among the managerial staff of other industries. Practical implications This study will help managers to understand how to use the supply chain as branding for their MAs through sustainable competitiveness. Originality/value This study adds practical value to the literature on sustainable competitive, branding and MA and supply chain. The study shows that sustainable competitiveness has varying mediating effects on industry value.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gizem Erboz ◽  
Işık Özge Yumurtacı Hüseyinoğlu ◽  
Zoltan Szegedi

Purpose Industry 4.0 not only impacts the manufacturing industry but also supply chain practices. Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV), the purpose of this paper is to examine how Industry 4.0 affects supply chain integration (SCI) and supply chain performance (SCP). Design/methodology/approach The data were collected from 212 respondents in manufacturing companies. The partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypotheses of this study. Findings The findings reveal that Industry 4.0 has a positive impact on SCI and SCP, and SCI has a positive impact on SCP. In addition, a partial mediating role of SCI has been found between Industry 4.0 and SCP. Practical implications This study reveals the role of Industry 4.0 on supply chain practices and draws attention to SCI in the linkage between Industry 4.0 and SCP. The findings emphasise the need for Industry 4.0 and SCI to enhance SCP. Originality/value There is limited research on the impacts of Industry 4.0 on SCI and SCP. This research finds empirical evidence for these impacts and enhances knowledge of Industry 4.0 by using a sample from an emerging country.


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