Developing resilient supply chains: lessons from high-reliability organisations

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify the prescribed formative elements of supply chain resilience (SCR) in literature, to compare them with the unique characteristics of high reliability organisations (HROs) and derive lessons useful for improving SCR. Design/methodology/approach Two systematic literature reviews are carried out as follows: one on SCR and the other on HRO, which identified 107 studies and 18 papers, respectively. The results from the review are presented, analysed and synthesised. Findings Findings suggest that despite significant similarities in some of the proposed formative elements for SCR and the characteristics of HROs, the strong managerial commitment exhibited in HROs is absent in SCR literature. More importantly, the most cited characteristic of HROs, which is their flexible decision making structure is pointed out as a prima lesson towards developing resilience in supply chains. Practical implications A decision making framework to facilitate flexible decision making for supply chains during crisis is presented. Further, practical lessons are pointed out from principles common to both streams of literature such as redundancy, human resource management, collaboration, agility, flexibility, culture and risk avoidance that can be implemented in supply chains. Originality/value This paper is the first study to systematically review HROs, adapt a HRO decision making framework and also apply the Cynefin framework to SCR. This, therefore, provides the basis to launch further research into the use of these theories and the role of decision-making in SCR creation.

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AI technologies and their impact on supply chain resilience during COVID-19

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management ◽

10.1108/ijpdlm-12-2020-0434 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Sachin Modgil ◽

Shivam Gupta ◽

Rébecca Stekelorum ◽

Issam Laguir

Keyword(s):

Artificial Intelligence ◽

Supply Chain ◽

Information Processing ◽

Supply Chains ◽

Failure Modes ◽

Stress Test ◽

Weak Links ◽

Content Type ◽

Supply Chain Resilience

PurposeCOVID-19 has pushed many supply chains to re-think and strengthen their resilience and how it can help organisations survive in difficult times. Considering the availability of data and the huge number of supply chains that had their weak links exposed during COVID-19, the objective of the study is to employ artificial intelligence to develop supply chain resilience to withstand extreme disruptions such as COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachWe adopted a qualitative approach for interviewing respondents using a semi-structured interview schedule through the lens of organisational information processing theory. A total of 31 respondents from the supply chain and information systems field shared their views on employing artificial intelligence (AI) for supply chain resilience during COVID-19. We used a process of open, axial and selective coding to extract interrelated themes and proposals that resulted in the establishment of our framework.FindingsAn AI-facilitated supply chain helps systematically develop resilience in its structure and network. Resilient supply chains in dynamic settings and during extreme disruption scenarios are capable of recognising (sensing risks, degree of localisation, failure modes and data trends), analysing (what-if scenarios, realistic customer demand, stress test simulation and constraints), reconfiguring (automation, re-alignment of a network, tracking effort, physical security threats and control) and activating (establishing operating rules, contingency management, managing demand volatility and mitigating supply chain shock) operations quickly.Research limitations/implicationsAs the present research was conducted through semi-structured qualitative interviews to understand the role of AI in supply chain resilience during COVID-19, the respondents may have an inclination towards a specific role of AI due to their limited exposure.Practical implicationsSupply chain managers can utilise data to embed the required degree of resilience in their supply chains by considering the proposed framework elements and phases.Originality/valueThe present research contributes a framework that presents a four-phased, structured and systematic platform considering the required information processing capabilities to recognise, analyse, reconfigure and activate phases to ensure supply chain resilience.

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Increasing the flow of Guinness: the role of strategic investment decision-making in organizations

Strategic Direction ◽

10.1108/sd-12-2016-0173 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. 19-21

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Investment Decision ◽

Strategic Investment ◽

Content Type ◽

Strategic Direction ◽

Investment Decision Making ◽

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 The decision by Guinness in 1965 to expand into Ghana was based on a robust and experienced strategic investment decision-making process (SIDM). It required the knowledge of past failures and successes to implement those lessons onto a new project. As such, the SIDM process can be seen to be one of the most important in terms of an organizations ability to expand and take advantage of situations. What Alkaraan (2016) demonstrates is the factors that govern the SIDM process, why they are important and how they function within an organization. In doing so, organizations that are struggling to succeed may be able to highlight areas that have previously been ignored, to implement a new strategic direction. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. 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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Supply chain resilience

Strategic Direction ◽

10.1108/sd-04-2021-0041 ◽

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

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Understanding the relationships between global supply chain risk and supply chain resilience: the role of mitigating strategies

Supply Chain Management An International Journal ◽

10.1108/scm-06-2020-0248 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Juneho Um ◽

Neungho Han

Keyword(s):

Supply Chain ◽

Global Supply Chain ◽

Theoretical Development ◽

Supply Chain Risk ◽

Content Type ◽

Supply Chain Resilience ◽

Supply Chain Risks ◽

The Impact ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to theoretically hypothesise and empirically explore the relationships amongst global supply chain risks, supply chain resilience and mitigating strategies. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts supply chain resilience as a dynamic capability and resilience capability as a mediating prerequisite in addressing supply chain risk in sourcing, manufacturing and delivery. The moderating role of diverse mitigating strategies is tested to enhance supply chain resilience. Data collected via survey was used for structural equation modelling and additional tests to explore appropriate mitigating strategies for differing risk environments. Findings Achieving better supply chain resilience capability plays an important mediating role between supply chain risks and resilience, while the relationships depend on the performance of seven mitigating strategies. Research limitations/implications The findings contribute to the theoretical development of risk management issues in global supply chains by suggesting the role of supply chain resilience capability. Practical implications The findings offer managerial guidance on how to mitigate the global supply chain risk through the appropriate practice of strategies to strengthen supply chain resilience in an uncertain environment. Originality/value This is the first empirical research examining the impact of mitigating strategies on supply chain resilience. The results provide practical implications for managing uncertain events and offering theoretical insight for future research in supply chain resilience.

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Seeking reward or avoiding risk from restaurant reviews: does distance matter?

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management ◽

10.1108/ijchm-03-2018-0235 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (12) ◽

pp. 4482-4499 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Esther L. Kim ◽

Sarah Tanford

Keyword(s):

Critical Role ◽

Online Reviews ◽

Restaurant Industry ◽

Risk Avoidance ◽

Content Type ◽

Customer Base ◽

Restaurant Reviews ◽

Gains And Losses ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the extent to which consumers will exert more effort to avoid risk (negative reviews) versus seek reward (positive reviews) when making a restaurant decision. Design/methodology/approach This study investigates the influence of distance and review valence on restaurant decisions. A 2 (base restaurant review valence: negative, neutral) × 2 (target restaurant review valence: neutral, positive) × 2 (distance: 30 min, 60 min) between-subjects factorial design was used. Findings People exert more effort to seek a reward versus avoid a risk. People will drive any distance to dine at a restaurant with positive reviews. However, the tendency to avoid a restaurant with negative reviews declines as distance increases. Practical implications This study emphasizes the critical role of positive reviews in the restaurant industry. This research provides guidance to operators to manage online reviews effectively. The marketing strategy taking into account review valence and distance allows the business to attract new customers and grow its customer base. Originality/value This research synthesizes asymmetry effects and prospect theory with the level of risk associated with the outcome. This research is theoretically noteworthy since the finding of a reverse asymmetry principle is in contrast with the traditional belief of risk-avoidance when comparing gains and losses.

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Supply chain interfaces between a port utilizing organisation and port operator

Supply Chain Management An International Journal ◽

10.1108/scm-04-2013-0137 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 79-97 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Dilek Demirbas ◽

Helen Flint ◽

David Bennett

Keyword(s):

Supply Chains ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Best Practice ◽

Research Papers ◽

Content Type ◽

Face To Face ◽

Telephone Interviews ◽

Purposeful Sampling ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose – This research revolves around understanding the interfaces of ports in supply chains. The main aim of the research is to explore the role of ports within supply chains. Design/methodology/approach – Collecting information representative of the range of experiences, perspectives, perceptions and the behaviours of managers relevant to the research was obtained through purposeful sampling. The data for this paper is derived from a literature review of research papers and studies in addition to conducting seven face-to-face and one telephone interviews. Findings – The responses were analysed utilising themes and presenting summaries of transcripts in tabulated form to ease clarification. The findings reveal that integration between ports and organisations resembles other industries and therefore enhances the scope of ports within supply chains and the adaption of best practice techniques. Research limitations/implications – Although in depth case studies were conducted the limitations are within the breadth of interviews undertaken. Practical implications – The findings reveal that integration between UK ports and organisations resembles other industries and therefore enhances the scope of ports within supply chains and the adaption of best practice techniques. Originality/value – The originality value of the research is the exploration of the on-going role of ports within operational supply chains.

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An investigation into the role of emotion in leadership development for entrepreneurs

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research ◽

10.1108/ijebr-12-2014-0227 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

pp. 510-530 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Louisa A. Huxtable-Thomas ◽

Paul D Hannon ◽

Steffan W. Thomas

Keyword(s):

Leadership Development ◽

Emotional Impact ◽

Leadership Practice ◽

Content Type ◽

Effective Learning ◽

Literature Reviews ◽

Behaviour Changes ◽

Practical Implications ◽

Large Organisation

Purpose – The Holy Grail of leadership learning is to stimulate behavioural changes that continue beyond the learning environment into the workplace, ultimately leading to improved productivity and value. The purpose of this paper is to explore the interface between emotion and leadership learning and provides evidence from research undertaken in Wales (UK) to support further research on the use of emotion in this endeavour. Design/methodology/approach – Unique access to a successful programme of guided leadership development for owner-managers of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Wales, UK, provided an opportunity to observe emotion being used and experienced by both learners and trainers. Literature reviews were used to inform initial inferences made during participant observations of a sample of the learners (n=91). Focus groups were undertaken with a sample (n=27) of participants in order to determine the emotional impact and perceived effectiveness of the method by the learners. Findings – The data corroborated the authors’ observations that emotion plays a role in the leadership practice of the learners and in the learning process. No appropriate conceptual model exists that describes this learning method or its mode of impact upon learning. A gap exists in the academic understanding of this observed social reality and multi-disciplinary research is required in order to further characterise and understand it. Practical implications – Improvements in leadership have been consistently linked to improvements in firm performance. Bringing new insights that lead to effective learning and constructive behaviour changes in the leaders of SMEs and their employees could have profound positive impacts on entrepreneurial economies. Originality/value – This novel perspective on leadership development within the life world of the entrepreneur moves away from the established literature which has traditionally focused on cognitive or conative constructs, often focused on the corporate or large organisation leader, and calls for further research into the synthesis of leadership, entrepreneurship and emotion.

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A novel hybrid MCDM approach for outsourcing supplier selection

Journal of Modelling in Management ◽

10.1108/jm2-06-2014-0045 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 536-559 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Maedeh Rezaeisaray ◽

Sadoullah Ebrahimnejad ◽

Kaveh Khalili-Damghani

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Analytic Network Process ◽

Data Envelopment ◽

Content Type ◽

Dea Model ◽

Qualitative And Quantitative ◽

Network Process ◽

Criteria Weights ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the criteria weights of outsourcing and their key role in ranking outsourcing suppliers. Design/methodology/approach A new hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approach merges three tools, namely, decision making trial and evaluation (DEMATLE), fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) and ordinal/cardinal data envelopment analysis (DEA) model. Afterwards, experts’ opinions were gathered from a Pipe and Fittings company. Finally, their opinions were incorporated in three-stage approach for outsourcing suppliers’ selection. Findings The findings of this study show that among the selective criteria for outsourcing, business development, focus on basic activities and order delays are the three most important criteria. Also, the proposed approach ranks suppliers to facilitate decision making for selection. Research limitations/implications The number of suppliers, selection criteria and the number of members of the respondents’ team have been identified as some of the limitations of the present study. Practical implications The study has significant and practical implications for the managers and for the organizations which have to choose top suppliers, particularly in the case of dealing with numerous and qualitative/quantitative criteria. Originality/value This paper proposed a new three-stage approach that incorporates outputs of previous as inputs of next stage to increasing results accuracy. Also, it showed that by incorporating results of FANP method into DEA model, key role of experts’ opinions as a qualitative and quantitative criteria can be caused by increasing flexibility of decision process.

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Yaqoob biscuit manufacturers – missing contingency plan

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies ◽

10.1108/eemcs-09-2019-0224 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 1-19

Author(s):

Abdul Rehman Shaikh ◽

Asad Ali Qazi

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Learning Outcomes ◽

Regional Distribution ◽

Content Type ◽

Organizational Goals ◽

Supply Chain Resilience ◽

Contingency Plan ◽

Academic Level ◽

Working Day

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes are as follows: to describe the possible problems in cross hierarchical and cross-functional coordination; to illustrate the month/year-end closing operations related issues at logistics and warehousing end; to analyze the importance of supply chain resilience/ contingency plan; and to compare the role of the tradeoff in decision-making: ethics (policies) vs operations. Case overview/synopsis Mr Azhar Ali working as a regional distribution manager was waiting for the finalization of sales orders, it was the last working day of the financial year. He had to fulfill all the orders to achieve his personal and organizational goals. He was excited as he was supposed to be promoted and transferred to Head Office on a national role, after a successful annual closing. It was not too late when his excitement turned into anxiety when he received a never expected direct call from Director Sales. Around 7:00 p.m., he was informed of some new orders for an important institutional customer, which was out of his own region. The orders were placed in Ali’s region because of stocks’ availability. Ali had no time to plan this huge order and there were no dispatch trucks available at that time. Should Ali take risk of organizational goals and his promotion and cancel those orders? Should Ali generate sales invoices to record sales and dispatch the stocks on next day compromising the organizational core values and policies? Complexity academic level BBA. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 9: Operations and logistics.

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Supply chain resilience: the whole is not the sum of the parts

International Journal of Operations & Production Management ◽

10.1108/ijopm-09-2017-0510 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

pp. 92-115 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Marcelo Martins de Sá ◽

Priscila Laczynski de Souza Miguel ◽

Renata Peregrino de Brito ◽

Susana Carla Farias Pereira

Keyword(s):

Supply Chain ◽

Supply Chains ◽

Interfirm Relationships ◽

Content Type ◽

Supply Chain Resilience ◽

Food Supply Chains ◽

Trade Offs ◽

Climatic Event ◽

Depth Interviews ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how resilience at different nodes in the supply chain influences overall supply chain resilience (SCRES) during an extreme weather event. Design/methodology/approach Based on 41 in-depth interviews, this qualitative study examines two Brazilian agri-food supply chains (AFSC). The interviews explored the impacts, preparedness, response and adaptation strategies adopted by farmers, processors and manufacturers during Brazil’s extreme drought of 2014–2015. Findings SCRES does not depend on all organizations in the supply chain but rather on the company able to reconfigure the resources to control for the disruption. In a supply chain with low interdependence among players, individual firm resilience elements might be preferable to interorganizational ones. Research limitations/implications This study is based on the context of AFSCs with low interdependence among players and during the experience of a climatic event. The results might not be generalizable to other sectors and phenomena. Practical implications Firms must evaluate their positions in supply chains and their interfirm relationships to determine which resilience strategy to invest in and rely on. Moreover, to leverage resilience at the supply chain level, firms must intensify information sharing and improve proactive resilience strategies upstream as well as downstream in the supply chain. Originality/value This study presents a broader perspective of resilience by comparing resilience elements at both the node and supply chain levels and by discussing their interactions and trade-offs.

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