scholarly journals Measuring institutional pressures in a supply chain context: scale development and testing

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katri Kauppi ◽  
Davide Luzzini
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Measurement Development ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Institutional Pressures ◽  
Theoretical Construct ◽  
Measurement Scales ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Pressures ◽  
Coercive Pressure

Purpose Increasing amount of empirical research in operations and supply chain management is using institutional theory as its theoretical lens. Yet, a common scale to measure the three institutional pressures – coercive, mimetic and normative – is lacking. Many studies use proxies or a single, grouped, construct of external pressures which present methodological challenges. This study aims to present the development of multi-item scales to measure institutional pressures (in a purchasing context). Design/methodology/approach First, items were generated based on the theoretical construct definitions. These items were then tested through academic sorting and an international survey. The first empirical testing failed to produce reliable and valid scales, and further refinement and analysis revealed that coercive pressure splits into two separate constructs. A second q-sorting was then conducted with purchasing practitioners, followed by another survey in Italy to verify the new measurement scale for four institutional pressures. Findings The multimethod and multistage measurement development reveals that empirically the three institutional pressures actually turn into four pressures. The theoretical construct of coercive pressure splits into two distinct constructs: coercive market pressure and coercive regulatory pressure. Originality/value The results of the paper, namely, the measurement scales, are an important theoretical and methodological contribution to future empirical research. They present a much-needed measurement for these theoretical constructs increasingly used in management research.

Development, measurement and validation of supply chain performance measurement (SCPM) scale in Indian retail sector

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shradha Gawankar ◽  
Sachin Kamble ◽  
Rakesh Raut
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Measurement Instrument ◽  
Assessment Instrument ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Retail Sector ◽  
Measurement Scales ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Good Set

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a scale with a high degree of reliability, validity and dimensionality which help to determine appropriate supply chain performance measurement (SCPM). Design/methodology/approach – The data were compiled and collected from 213 operations and supply chain heads from leading retail stores in India. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the validity of the proposed measurement scale. Findings – The major contribution of the present study is the development of SCPM constructs as well as a rigorously validated measurement instrument. The confirmation process is according to the typical standards of scale development. Research limitations/implications – This paper strives to contribute to the literature on the SCPM in Indian retail industry. This paper tests the validity of the measurement scales which will enable the managers to determine the appropriate SCPM. Practical implications – In the long run a good set of identified SCPM and their implementation would inevitability enables in deriving meticulous supply chain strategies. Social implications – SCM managers in evaluating their current supply chain performance. This can help the managers to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their supply chain. Originality/value – This study proved that the SCPM can be used from different perspectives, all of which are integrated into one exclusive assessment instrument, applied to the SCPM in this case.

In search of virtuous learning circles: absorptive capacity and its antecedents in the education sector

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Regina Lenart-Gansiniec ◽  
Wojciech Czakon ◽  
Massimiliano Matteo Pellegrini
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Prior Knowledge ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Knowledge Flows ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Measurement Scales ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This study aims to identify context-specific antecedents to schools’ absorptive capacity (AC) and to show how those can enact “a virtuous learning circle.” Design/methodology/approach The study uses a mixed method: an exploration based on semi-structured interviews with educational experts; the development of a measurement scale and a partial least squares structural equation modelling to test the impact of the antecedents. Findings The results yielded four empirically-grounded antecedents and their measurement scales, namely, prior knowledge, employees’ skills, educational projects and interactions with the environment (Studies one and two). All antecedents are significantly and positively related to AC processes (study three). Using the organizational learning theory perspective, the results have been interpreted as an AC “virtuous learning circle.” Practical implications With increasing pressures to adapt, a case of which was the COVID-19 pandemic, schools can greatly benefit from absorbing knowledge flows. This suggests the construction a favourable environment for AC. To this end, the individual (employees’ prior knowledge and skills), organizational (educational projects) and institutional level of managerial action (interactions with the environment) can be effective when create a recursive organizational learning circle. In addition, this study offers an expert-validated measurement scale for self-assessment of a school’s specific contingencies, and thus, for planning of punctual interventions to develop AC. Originality/value This study advances the existing body of knowledge management in the educational context by rigorously identifying and validating a scale for measuring the antecedents of AC and developing an interpretive approach to the AC “virtuous circle.”

Measurement of innovation capability in supply chain: an exploratory study

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 331-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faisal Iddris
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Exploratory Factor Analysis ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Innovation Capability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Idea Management

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the development of innovation capability construct measures in the context of supply chain and to objectively identify the key dimensions for stimulating focal firms’ innovativeness. Design/methodology/approach The scale items for this research were obtained from extant literature. The data were collected from homogenous sample of 117 Ghanaian middle level managers (respondents). Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the main dimensions of innovation capability. Based on the statistical analysis, four dimensions were obtained – idea management, idea implementation, collaboration and learning – and the convergent validity, discriminant validity, nomological validity and reliability tests indicate that the scales are valid and reliable Findings Four dimensions (factors) of innovation capability were identified from the exploratory factor analysis. These dimensions were labelled as idea management, idea implementation, collaboration and learning. The results indicate that the integration of the dimensions of innovation capability may stimulate a focal firm’s innovativeness. Research limitations/implications First, the measurement scale might not capture all the important dimensions of innovation capability. Second, the judgmental sampling used in this study means that the result cannot be generalised to the entire supply chain population, third, the sample was drawn from one geographical location using non-probability sampling technique. Practical implications The measures provide supply chain managers with a better approach of understanding the innovation capability in their supply chain. For instance, the measurement of supply chain’s innovation capability should help supply chain managers to determine the important innovation areas that need attention most and to permit them to respond to challenges posed by any kind of innovation capability dimension that needs to be enhanced. Originality/value The unique contribution of this paper is the development innovation capability measurement scale in the context of supply chain.

Broken chocolate: biomarkers as a method for delivering cocoa supply chain visibility

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Lafargue ◽  
Michael Rogerson ◽  
Glenn C. Parry ◽  
Joel Allainguillaume
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Unknown Origin ◽  
Child Labour ◽  
Institutional Pressures ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Modern Slavery ◽  
Chain Map

Purpose This paper examines the potential of “biomarkers” to provide immutable identification for food products (chocolate), providing traceability and visibility in the supply chain from retail product back to farm. Design/methodology/approach This research uses qualitative data collection, including fieldwork at cocoa farms and chocolate manufacturers in Ecuador and the Netherlands and semi-structured interviews with industry professionals to identify challenges and create a supply chain map from cocoa plant to retailer, validated by area experts. A library of biomarkers is created using DNA collected from fieldwork and the International Cocoa Quarantine Centre, holders of cocoa varieties from known locations around the world. Matching sample biomarkers with those in the library enables identification of origins of cocoa used in a product, even when it comes from multiple different sources and has been processed. Findings Supply chain mapping and interviews identify areas of the cocoa supply chain that lack the visibility required for management to guarantee sustainability and quality. A decoupling point, where smaller farms/traders’ goods are combined to create larger economic units, obscures product origins and limits visibility. These factors underpin a potential boundary condition to institutional theory in the industry’s fatalism to environmental and human abuses in the face of rising institutional pressures. Biomarkers reliably identify product origin, including specific farms and (fermentation) processing locations, providing visibility and facilitating control and trust when purchasing cocoa. Research limitations/implications The biomarker “meta-barcoding” of cocoa beans used in chocolate manufacturing accurately identifies the farm, production facility or cooperative, where a cocoa product came from. A controlled data set of biomarkers of registered locations is required for audit to link chocolate products to origin. Practical implications Where biomarkers can be produced from organic products, they offer a method for closing visibility gaps, enabling responsible sourcing. Labels (QR codes, barcodes, etc.) can be swapped and products tampered with, but biological markers reduce reliance on physical tags, diminishing the potential for fraud. Biomarkers identify product composition, pinpointing specific farm(s) of origin for cocoa in chocolate, allowing targeted audits of suppliers and identifying if cocoa of unknown origin is present. Labour and environmental abuses exist in many supply chains and enabling upstream visibility may help firms address these challenges. Social implications By describing a method for firms in cocoa supply chains to scientifically track their cocoa back to the farm level, the research shows that organizations can conduct social audits for child labour and environmental abuses at specific farms proven to be in their supply chains. This provides a method for delivering supply chain visibility (SCV) for firms serious about tackling such problems. Originality/value This paper provides one of the very first examples of biomarkers for agricultural SCV. An in-depth study of stakeholders from the cocoa and chocolate industry elucidates problematic areas in cocoa supply chains. Biomarkers provide a unique biological product identifier. Biomarkers can support efforts to address environmental and social sustainability issues such as child labour, modern slavery and deforestation by providing visibility into previously hidden areas of the supply chain.

scholarly journals Exploring blockchain implementation in the supply chain

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (6/7/8) ◽  
pp. 829-859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Remko van Hoek
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Managerial Decision ◽  
Implementation Framework ◽  
Managerial Decision Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Implementation Stage ◽  
Initial Exploration

Purpose There is great interest in blockchain in the supply chain yet there is little empirical research to support the consideration of the technology. Ferdows (2018) calls for research aimed at learning from pioneers in the field and Gartner points out that the interest in blockchain holds similarities to the interest surrounding RFID 15 years ago. As a result, there may be opportunities to leverage insights from RFID research to inform the consideration of blockchain. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the Reyes et al. (2016) framework for the implementation of RFID may inform the consideration of blockchain in the supply chain. Design/methodology/approach A two-stage approach is used to explore RFID implementation considerations from the Reyes et al. (2016) RFID implementation framework, using an initial exploration of managers interested in blockchain using a focus group and a survey and to more in depth explore three case companies pioneering blockchain. Findings Several RFID implementation considerations can inform the consideration of blockchain but there are also differences in considering blockchain. A framework is developed that details considerations found to be relevant by implementation stage. Originality/value This paper adds to the limited amount of empirical research on blockchain in the supply chain and advances research beyond the consideration of use cases into the exploration of actual implementation of blockchain in the supply chain. The decision framework developed both leverages and nuances findings from RFID research and can inform managerial decision making. It also adds to research a multi-stage approach to implementation and uncovers rich opportunity to further learn from pioneers.

The impact of RFID, IIoT, and Blockchain technologies on supply chain transparency

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 441-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela J. Zelbst ◽  
Kenneth W. Green ◽  
Victor E. Sower ◽  
Philip L. Bond
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Radio Frequency Identification ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Rfid Technology ◽  
Measurement Scales ◽  
Technology Utilization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Combined Impact ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the combined impact of radio frequency identification (RFID), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Blockchain technologies on supply chain transparency (SCT). Design/methodology/approach Data from 211 US manufacturing managers is analyzed using a covariance-based structural equation modeling methodology. Findings The structural model fits the data relatively well. RFID technology directly and positively impact both IIoT and Blockchain technologies which, in turn, directly and positively impact SCT. RFID technology indirectly affects SCT through both IIoT technology and Blockchain technology. Research limitations/implications This study is the first to empirically assess the impact of RFID, IIoT and Blockchain technologies on SCT. First-wave empirical studies must be replicated to support generalization of the findings. Practical implications This study provides empirical evidence to support the implementation of a combination of RFID, IIoT and Blockchain technologies as infrastructure necessary to achieve end-to-end SCT. Originality/value New measurement scales for IIoT technology utilization and Blockchain technology utilization are developed and assessed for validity and reliability. This is the first study to assess the combined impact of RFID, IIoT and Blockchain technologies on SCT.

The dilemma of institutional duality and multinational firms 1967-2017

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akiebe Humphrey Ahworegba
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Multinational Firms ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Institutional Pressures ◽  
Host Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Pressures ◽  
Institutional Contexts ◽  
Institutional Duality

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of the dilemma of institutional duality (ID) confronting multinational corporations and to propose a workable solution for this problem. Design/methodology/approach The author has searched the literature using several terms directly related to the dilemma of ID and multinational firms. Findings The findings reveal that to attain “legitimacy”, subsidiaries strive to balance institutional pressures stemming from external environments in the host country and their parent organizations. Understanding institutional theories of multinational corporations enables the subsidiaries to manage external pressures. ID impact varies among subsidiaries, depending on institutional contexts and internal strategies of subsidiaries. Originality/value An “institutional duality incidence model” portraying how dual institutions make “legitimacy” problematic for subsidiaries is proposed. A framework for identifying factors generating ID dilemma and their management approach is also proposed. It is concluded that a multinational corporation that recognizes ID as a central concern is more likely to achieve and maintain a higher level of harmony with its subsidiaries and host countries.

Empirical Research Design on the Influencing Factors of Supply Chain Performance and their Relationships

2012 ◽  
Vol 482-484 ◽  
pp. 331-342
Author(s):  
Jing Li ◽  
Wen Liang Bian
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Material Flow ◽  
Model Building ◽  
Measurement Development ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Hypothetical Model ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
Integrated Supply Chain

Supply chain has become a leading role in this severely competitive market, while the research on supply chain performance has not been paid enough attention to improve overall operational abilities and effectiveness. Based on the view of an integrated supply chain, we develop a theoretical model of factors affecting supply chain performance from the points of material flow, commercial flow and information flow. It also describes the main procedure to finish this empirical research on this subject and explores hypothetical model building and measurement development. In this way, we pave the way for doing further empirical research on this subject.

Theorizing coordination, collaboration and integration in multi-sourcing triads (B3B triads)

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 285-300
Author(s):  
Ilias Vlachos ◽  
Selvie Carolin Dyra
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Transaction Cost Economics ◽  
Social Capital Theory ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Capital Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Structural Embeddedness ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Research Propositions

Purpose Supply chains are becoming more complex and uncertain, yet existing theories are predominately based on empirical research of dyads overlooking triadic settings. This study aims to bridge the gap between supply chain theories and praxis, this study examined multi-sourcing triads in terms of coordination, collaboration and integration. Design/methodology/approach Transaction cost economics, resource-based view in conjunction with social capital theory and agency theory were used to develop a research framework. Abductive, comparative research examined four triads. The triads comprised four retailers (EU, USA, Japan and one with a global presence), one third-party logistics provider (3PL) and 103 suppliers in textiles and the clothing industry. Findings All multi-sourcing triads achieved efficient coordination via network configuration showing varying degrees of collaboration and integration. Three research propositions were developed as follows: transaction complexity and dynamics necessitate triad coordination and control by the 3PL; relational and structural embeddedness emerge when actors invest in triad-specific resources and capabilities; information, relational and structural asymmetries may trigger bridge transfer and affect triad integration and performance. Research limitations/implications Empirical research on multi-sourcing triads complements existing research on logistics and service, transitive triads to uncover how triad coordination, embeddedness and power asymmetries affect supply chain performance. Future studies should examine the interrelationships between triad embeddedness, asymmetries and relational capital. Practical implications Compared to logistics or service triads, B3B triads excel in relational and structural embeddedness and offer unique production-distribution solutions that create value to end-consumers and triad actors. Originality/value B3B triads are a unique conceptualization in supply chain management that extends the concepts of logistics triads and service triads.

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