scholarly journals The Role of Supply Chain Antecedents on Supply Chain Agility in SMEs: The Conceptual Framework

2013 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahdi Mohammad Bagheri ◽  
Abu Bakar Abdul Hamid ◽  
Iraj Soltanic ◽  
Abbas Mardani ◽  
Ehsan Kish Hazrate Soltan
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Operations Management ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Organizational Capabilities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Organizational Capability ◽  
Supply Chain Agility

Firms must be agile for the reason that being responsive is a crucial competency for them in present global economy. Organizations that are agile happen to be more successful. The agility of an organization is dependent on the agility of its supply chain. The main aim of this paper is to give a new dimension in explaining how Trust, Information Technology (IT) and agility can create sustained competitive advantage for firms and develop an integrated framework to facilitate this. For the literature review of the related academic articles for the previous studies has been taken by international journals in Logistics, Supply Chain Management and Operations Management. Achievement of supply chain agility (SCA) is linked to the other organization’s resources, namely trust, IT and firm performance that play mediator role between them. IT is considered as a competitive tool by researchers and practitioners. Therefore, it is crucial for managers to apply their firms' IT and trust as lower-order organizational capabilities to improve agility as a higher-order organizational capability. Hence, the current article gives a conceptual framework to ascertain factors which affect SCA and finally firm performance. The findings of this study will present interesting information and insight about how to improve agility in small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). Moreover, the information presented in this study will be the foundation of future supply chain capability studies. To aid the study, this present study for develop the framework has been used the RBV theory. The paper also proposes the framework for future research in empirical investigation in companies. The study related the gap by developing a framework for measuring SCA, which enables any organization to identify critical success factors for sense and respond to market. 

Impacts of strategic orientations on Saudi firm performance: is supply chain integration a missing link?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin K. Alsadi ◽  
Wassim J. Aloulou
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Market Orientation ◽  
Supply Chain Integration ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Organizational Capability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Perspectives ◽  
Strategic Orientations ◽  
Positive Direct

PurposeLittle previous research has investigated the relationships among strategic orientations, supply chain integration and firm performance. The purpose of this study is to advance a research model that examines the direct and indirect effects of strategic orientations via supply chain integration on firm performance in the Saudi transitional context.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on data collected from a survey using questionnaires completed by 187 top management members of Saudi firms from different sectors. To analyse the data and test the proposed hypotheses, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were conducted using the AMOS statistical analysis package.FindingsResults show that both market orientation and supply chain integration have a significant positive direct effect on Saudi firm performance. They also reveal that supply chain integration fully mediates the effect of technology orientation on firm performance, while partially mediating the effect of market orientation on firm performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the literature by showing how SCI could serve as an organizational capability that links strategic resources to firm performance. The main limitation of this study is that it was not possible to generalize the findings. Future research perspectives were proposed to address this limitation and add new insights to the field.Practical implicationsThe results could help decision-makers in Saudi firms choose the right strategic orientations and aid them in integrating their supply chains by sharing the necessary information and coordinating operations with key partners to enhance their firms' performance.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to conduct such an investigation in the Saudi context. The study simultaneously examines the role of supply chain integration in linking strategic orientations to firm performance and fills a current research gap in such a transitional context.

Shortage of sustainable supply chain talent: an industrial training framework

2015 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rameshwar Dubey ◽  
Angappa Gunasekaran
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Operations Management ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chains ◽  
Trade Magazines

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify sustainable supply chain skill and propose a conceptual training framework for sustainable supply chain talent. Design/methodology/approach – The authors have used exhaustive literature review of extant literature published in academic journals, reputable reports, trade magazines, books and monographs. The authors further consulted leading experts from reputable bodies to further finalize the sustainable supply chain skills matrix and check the content validity of the constructs of our proposed conceptual framework. Findings – The sustainable supply chain skill matrix has been identified and a conceptual framework has been proposed. The authors further outlined the future research directions. Research limitations/implications – This is a conceptual paper based on the literature review and analysis. This offers opportunities for empirical research. Practical implications – This paper will alert companies to focus on developing talents that would help to achieve sustainable supply chain. Social implications – Better talents lead to better support for sustainable supply chains. Originality/value – The present study is unique in terms of scope and its contribution to theory of supply chain management and operations management and human resource management practice. The study has identified the sustainable supply chain skill matrix and proposed a conceptual training framework for sustainable supply chain talent.

scholarly journals Embracing supply chain agility: an investigation in the electronics industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 140-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Kei Tse ◽  
Minhao Zhang ◽  
Pervaiz Akhtar ◽  
Jill MacBryde
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Agility ◽  
External Learning ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – This paper aims to identify the antecedents of firm’s supply chain agility (SC agility) and how SC agility impacts on firm’s performance. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a comprehensive literature review, a conceptual model was proposed, in which the interrelated hypotheses were tested by structural equation modelling methodology using a dataset collected from 266 Chinese electronics firms. Findings – Initially, it was found that SC integration and external learning positively influenced SC agility. Second, the results indicated that firm’s performance is positively impacted by SC agility. Moreover, SC agility also fully mediated the effect of SC integration on firm’s performance and the effect of external learning on firm’s performance. Research limitations/implications – The generalizability of this research sample might be the major limitation of this study. Therefore, future research can adopt other industry sectors samples, such as automobile manufacturing, or other country samples to validate the research model. Practical implications – This research outlines strategies for better preparedness to achieve SCs to be agile which is a core competency of electronic firms in emerging market. Findings reveal that the external coordination practices – external learning and SC integration – are important factors of SC agility. In addition, the findings contribute to understanding the important role of SC agility in improving firm’s performance. Originality/value – This research examines the impact of two antecedents (i.e. SC integration and external learning) on SC agility and is the first empirical research to analyze the mediation effect of SC agility on the relationship between SC integration and firm performance and the relationship between external learning and firm performance.

The role of demand management in achieving supply chain agility

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 577-591 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Gligor
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Flexible Manufacturing ◽  
Demand Management ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Turbulent Environments ◽  
Supply Chain Agility ◽  
Managerial Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of demand management in achieving supply chain agility (SCA) through a multi-disciplinary review of the relevant research. The systematic literature review provides the basis for formulating a conceptual framework of the relationship. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic, comprehensive review of the literature on manufacturing, marketing organizational and SCA from 1991 through 2013 was conducted. The literature on demand management is also examined to identify the various elements that contribute to SCA. Findings – Most agility frameworks take a supply-side perspective and assume that demand is known. Those that do acknowledge the role of demand fall short of offering a holistic framework that acknowledges the role of both. This paper suggests that it is simply not enough to have flexible manufacturing, distribution and procurement systems to achieve SCA. Flexibility in managing demand is also needed. Furthermore, it is the premise of this paper that demand and supply integration (DSI) inside the firm is critical to achieving SCA. Research limitations/implications – This research is a systematic, integrative review of the existing literature on the concept of agility. As such, the next phase of research needed for theory building will be the operationalization of constructs and testing of the hypothesized relationships proposed by the conceptual framework. Practical implications – The paper has several managerial implications as well. It illustrates how firms can create and sustain competitive advantages in turbulent environments. Managers can use the framework developed here to assess what structures and decision-making processes they can use to increase the firm’s SCA. Practitioners can use this model as a checklist to identify candidate areas for improving agility. The section illustrating the use of knowledge management to increase DSI should be of particular interest to managers, considering that a great deal of firms experience a disconnect between demand creation and supply fulfillment. Originality/value – Through a systematic, comprehensive review of multi-disciplinary literature, the paper explores the role of demand management in achieving SCA.

Determinants of the firm performance of returnee entrepreneurs in Somalia: the effects of external environmental conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed-Abdullahi Mohamed ◽  
Asmat-Nizam Abdul-Talib ◽  
AfifahAlwani Ramlee
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Future Research ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Somali Diaspora ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
Perceived Environmental Uncertainty

Purpose This study aims to examine the role of returning Somali diaspora entrepreneurs on firm performance and their perceived environmental obstacles. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on a broad literature review and covers a theoretical background to develop a research framework. It presents several propositions to be empirically tested to determine the influence of returnee entrepreneurs’ success and the challenges they face in the process. Findings The paper offers an overview of how Somali diaspora returnee entrepreneurs can use their resources to succeed in their business and the possible environmental uncertainties that could hinder them. The study highlights some under-researched areas and provides future research directions. Research limitations/implications A research investigation is needed to test the proposed conceptual framework empirically. Further research is also recommended to use other predictors when investigating the perceived environmental uncertainty faced by returnee entrepreneurs. Practical implications In the diaspora entrepreneurship literature, returnee entrepreneurs in post-conflict African countries did not get enough attention. Hence, the study will contribute theoretically to the literature. Originality/value The paper provides a conceptual framework that will help understand returnee entrepreneurs in post-conflict states in Africa, paving the way for empirical studies on the topic.

scholarly journals BENEFITS ASSESSMENT OF TRAINING ON SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudemir L. Tramarico ◽  
Fernando A. S. Marins ◽  
Ligia M. S. Urbina ◽  
Valerio A. P. Salomon
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Inventory Management ◽  
Operations Management ◽  
Evaluation Model ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Organizational Capability ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Chemical Company

<p>Supply chain management (SCM) is a critical factor in the current global scenario. This organizational capability has a recent knowledge base, which is being accumulated, validated, and certified by groups like the Association for Operations Management (APICS). Therefore, training in SCM has been growing as one of the most convenient ways of becoming “Certified in Production and Inventory Management” (CPIM) from APICS. Companies all over the world have invested in SCM training; however, some companies have conditioned the continuity of their training programs to the benefits assessment. This paper contributes by proposing an evaluation model for specific program training on SCM. This model was applied in a global chemical company, which allowed capturing its impact on organizational and individual competencies, as well as on the core competencies. The proposed model includes the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and concepts in the SCM literature. The main result revealed by this research is that an SCM training based on APICS CPIM is really perceived as beneficial, in individual or organizational terms, for a real-world company. Therefore, this company should be confident that its SCM training program is improving and strengthening its core competencies.</p>

Supply chain agility in humanitarian protracted operations

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cécile L'Hermitte ◽  
Peter Tatham ◽  
Ben Brooks ◽  
Marcus Bowles
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Humanitarian Logistics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emergency Operations ◽  
Supply Chain Agility ◽  
Agile Practices ◽  
Basic Features

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to extend the concept of agility in humanitarian logistics beyond emergency operations. Since the humanitarian logistics literature focuses primarily on emergencies and sees longer term and regular operations as being conducted in relatively stable and predictable environments, agile practices are usually not associated with humanitarian protracted operations. Therefore, this paper explores the logistics and supply chain environment in such operations in order to identify their basic features and determine if agility is an important requirement. Design/methodology/approach – Using a case study of the United Nations World Food Programme, the authors collected and analysed qualitative and quantitative data on the characteristics of protracted operations, the risks and uncertainties most frequently encountered, their impact, and the ways that field logisticians manage contingencies. Findings – The research demonstrates that unpredictability and disruptions exist in protracted operations. Therefore, short-term operational adjustments and agile practices are needed in order to support the continuity of humanitarian deliveries. Research limitations/implications – Future research should focus on a wider range of humanitarian organisations and move from a descriptive to a prescriptive approach in order to inform practice. Notwithstanding these limitations, the study highlights the need for academics to broaden the scope of their research beyond emergencies and to address the specific needs of humanitarian organisations involved in longer term operations. Originality/value – This paper is the first empirical research focusing exclusively on the logistics features of humanitarian protracted operations. It provides a more concrete and complete understanding of these operations.

A systematic review of the literature on supply chain agility

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bharat Singh Patel ◽  
Murali Sambasivan
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Supply Chain Agility ◽  
Agility Assessment ◽  
Future Research Directions

Purpose The purpose of this study is to critically examine the scholarly articles associated Murali Sambasivan with the diverse aspects of supply chain agility (SCA). The review highlights research insights, existing gaps and future research directions that can help academicians and practitioners gain a comprehensive understanding of SCA. Design/methodology/approach The present study has adopted author co-citation analysis as the research methodology, with a view to thoroughly investigating the good-quality articles related to SCA that have been published over a period of 22 years (1999-2020). In this study, 126 research papers on SCA – featuring diverse aspects of agility – from various reputed journals have been examined, analysed and assimilated. Findings The salient findings of this research are, namely, agility is different from other similar concepts, such as flexibility, leanness, adaptability and resilience; of the 13 dimensions of agility discussed in the literature, the prominent ones are quickness, responsiveness, competency and flexibility; literature related to SCA can be categorised as related to modelling the enablers, agility assessment, agility implementation, leagility and agility maximisation. This research proposes a more practical definition and framework for SCA. The probable areas for future research are, namely, impediments to agility, effective approaches to agility assessment, cost-benefit trade-offs to be considered whilst implementing agility, empirical research to validate the framework and SCA in the domain of healthcare and disaster relief supply chains. Practical implications This paper provides substantial insights to practitioners who primarily focus on measuring and implementing agility in the supply chain. The findings of this study will help the supply chain manager gain a better idea about how to become competitive in today’s dynamic and turbulent business environment. Originality/value The originality of this study is in: comprehensively identifying the various issues related to SCA, such as related concepts, definitions, dimensions and different categories of studies covered in literature, proposing a new definition and framework for SCA and identifying potential areas for future research, to provide deeper insights into the subject and highlight areas for future research.

Lean resilience: AURA (Active Usage of Resilience Assets) framework for post-COVID-19 supply chain management

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dmitry Ivanov
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Operations Management ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Resilience Capabilities

PurposeSupply chain resilience capabilities are usually considered in light of some anticipated events and are as passive assets, which are “waiting” for use in case of an emergency. This, however, can be inefficient. Moreover, the current COVID-19 pandemic has revealed difficulties in the timely deployments of resilience assets and their utilization for value creation. We present a framework that consolidates different angles of efficient resilience and renders utilization of resilience capabilities for creation of value.Design/methodology/approachWe conceptualise the design of the AURA (Active Usage of Resilience Assets) framework for post-COVID-19 supply chain management through collating the extant literature on value creation-oriented resilience and practical examples and complementing our analysis with a discussion of practical implementations.FindingsBuilding upon and integrating the existing frameworks of VSC (Viable Supply Chain), RSC (Reconfigurable Supply Chain) and LCNSC (Low-Certainty-Need Supply Chain), we elaborate on a new idea in the AURA approach – to consider resilience as an inherent, active and value-creating component of operations management decisions, rather than as a passive “shield” to protect against rare, severe events. We identify 10 future research areas for lean resilience integrating management and digital platforms and technology.Practical implicationsThe outcomes of our study can be used by supply chain and operations managers to improve the efficiency and effectiveness by turning resilience from passive, cost-driving assets into a value-creating, inclusive decision-making paradigm.Originality/valueWe propose a novel approach to bring more dynamics to the notion of supply chain resilience. We name our approach AURA and articulate its two major advantages as follows: (1) reduction of disruption prediction efforts and (2) value creation from resilience assets. We offer a discussion on ten future research directions towards a lean resilience.

Examining the role of logistics 4.0 enabled dynamic capabilities on firm performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 607-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surajit Bag ◽  
Shivam Gupta ◽  
Zongwei Luo
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Operations Management ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Organizational Capabilities ◽  
Technological Capabilities ◽  
Capability Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Questionnaire Online ◽  
Survey Responses

PurposeThe study investigates the effect of technological capabilities, organizational capabilities and environmental capabilities on Logistics 4.0 capabilities and also examines the effect of Logistics 4.0 capabilities on firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed theoretical framework is tested using WarpPLS 6.0 software. We selected samples from the Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers in South Africa. Initially, we sent the structured questionnaire online using Google forms to 800 potential respondents. After doing follow ups, we received 230 completed survey responses. Further, data preparation is done using established scientific approach and we checked suitability of its use in structural equation modelling. After ensuring all necessary checks are completed, the results are found satisfactory to further proceed with testing of research hypotheses.FindingsIt is observed that technological capabilities, organizational capabilities and environmental capabilities show significant effect on Logistics 4.0 capabilities. However, the outcome of technological capabilities and environmental capabilities on Logistics 4.0 capabilities (ß = 0.27) is found stronger than organizational capabilities. Logistics 4.0 capabilities shows significant effect on firm performance.Practical implicationsIt is important that the sustainability goals are aligned with Logistics 4.0 strategies. Managers need to increase focus towards development of Logistics 4.0 dynamic capabilities that enhance agility and responsiveness in the supply chain. Managers should check the financial performance and market conditions continuously to further review logistics performance as this can influence the overall firm performance.Originality/valueThis study advances the literature on Logistics 4.0 applications in operations management by investigating the key links such as Logistics 4.0 capability development and firm performance.

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