Blockchain Application to the SMEs in the Food Industry

2022 ◽  
pp. 19-42
Author(s):  
Daniel Ruzza ◽  
Lorenza Morandini ◽  
Alessandro Chelli
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Food Sector ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Implementation Costs ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Trace Components

The agri-food sector is the highest application of blockchain technology to track and trace components and raw material along the supply chain. Blockchain presents many potential advantages; however, small and medium enterprises often lack the means and knowledge to exploit this technology fully. This chapter presents a case study of blockchain application, namely Trusty, a platform for the notarization of fully traceable information on blockchain in the agri-food sector. Thanks to its limited up-front implementation costs and its modularity, it seems particularly suitable for use by SMEs. The authors' goal is to identify some useful issues for practitioners and inspiration for future research for academics. The most relevant topics that will be placed are (1) needs and expectations of SMEs in the agri-food sector towards the blockchain, (2) difficulties of introducing blockchain into SMEs, (3) the agnostic approach to blockchain, (4) the different value of notarized information for B2B and B2C companies, and (5) limits of some blockchains compared to others.

Identifikasi Hambatan Penerapan Lean di Usaha Kecil dan Menengah (UKM)

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-124
Author(s):  
Mochammad Rifky Pamungkas ◽  
Erna Maulina ◽  
Margo Purnomo
Keyword(s):  
Structural Model ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Contribution ◽  
Lean Implementation ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Management Commitment ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The City

Today's world competition has increased the pressure on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to adopt lean implementations. The purpose of this study is to make a small contribution by exploring the Lean Implementation Barrier (LIB) in SMEs through three case studies of SMEs in the city of Bandung. A case study approach is used and followed by the Interpretative Structural Model (ISM) in order to see the inter-LIB relationship. The results of this study indicate that lack of management commitment and leadership, lack of employee involvement and lack of resources are the main obstacles to lean implementation in SMEs in Indonesia. Moreover, poor communication among various levels within the company and inadequate dissemination of knowledge about the benefits of lean also create barriers to lean implementation. The implication of this research is to strengthen and expand information related to research on the application of lean in SMEs, especially the results of the identified barriers that can assist SMEs in implementing lean or future research in developing and identifying barriers to implementing lean in SMEs.

Implementing strategic responses in the COVID-19 market crisis: a study of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guydeuk Yeon ◽  
Paul C. Hong ◽  
Elangovan N. ◽  
Divakar G. M.
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Strategic Responses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies. This paper aims to examine how India's SMEs implement their strategic responses in this crisis. Design/methodology/approach The study uses dynamic capability theory to explore the strategic responses of SMEs. Strategy implementation theory helps to explain how they implement innovative practices for outcomes. A research model defines the COVID-19 challenges, strategic responses and performance outcomes. The study reports the findings of an initial pilot study of 75 firms and follow-up case study results in the context of COVID-19. Findings Firms choose their approaches according to their perceived market risks. Case studies illustrate that firms display diverse attitudes depending on their strategic direction, leadership vision and organizational culture. They achieve different outcomes by implementing specific styles of risk management practices (e.g. risk-averting, risk-taking and risk-thriving). Research limitations/implications Although the study context is Indian SMEs, the findings suggest meaningful lessons for other emerging economies in similar crisis events. The propositions may be extended to future research in broad contexts. Practical implications Even in the extraordinary COVID-19 market crisis, SMEs with limited resources display their strategic potential by recognizing their unique capabilities, translating them into effective actions and achieving desirable outcomes. Social implications In the COVID-19 pandemic, top leaders' mental attitude, strategic perspective and routine practices are contagious. Positive leadership motivates both internal and external stakeholders with an enormous level of collaboration. Originality/value This rare study of Indian SMEs provides a theoretical framework for designing a pilot survey and conducting a case study of multiple firms. Based on these findings, testable propositions are articulated for future research in diverse organizational and national contexts.

Socially responsible supply chain management in small and medium enterprises in the GCC

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 369-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bader Al-Esmael ◽  
Faisal Talib ◽  
Mohd. Nishat Faisal ◽  
Fauzia Jabeen
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Socially Responsible ◽  
Gulf Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gulf Countries ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine variables and their relationships that hinder socially responsible behaviours in the supply chain of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). countries. Design/methodology/approach The study uses the mixed-method approach that includes the survey method and soft mathematical modelling. Empirical data were collected from 130 SMEs and their suppliers based in Qatar and Oman. Furthermore, to understand the barriers and their interrelationships, interpretive structural modelling approach is applied. Findings The results of empirical study reveal lack of coherence among SMEs and their suppliers in prioritising social responsibility issues in their supply chain. The hierarchy-based model reveals that shortages of incentive, short-term objectives, the lack of cooperation and willingness among supply chain partners, constraints (financial, managerial and technological) and the pressure from customers were the independent barriers and have strong driving power. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study are expected to provide an insight to further improve and promote socially responsible supply chain in emerging economies in Gulf region. Future research could compare the socially responsible activities of SMEs from different Gulf countries and expand the understanding of the barriers that outline the responses of suppliers situated in different Gulf economies. Originality/value The results contribute to the field of supply chain sustainability as the first academic attempt to shed light on how SMEs in GCC are dealing with supply chain social responsibility issues and one of the few in the emerging economy perspective that probes the key role of barriers to improve the socially responsible behaviour of Gulf-based SMEs.

scholarly journals Identifying Digital Transformation Paths in the Business Model of SMEs during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 104
Author(s):  
Anjar Priyono ◽  
Abdul Moin ◽  
Vera Nur Aini Oktaviani Putri
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
High Level ◽  
Medium Enterprises

The objective of this study was to analyze how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) cope with environmental changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic by pursuing the business model transformation with the support of digital technologies. To achieve the objective, this study used a multiple case study design with qualitative analysis to examine the data obtained from interviews, observation, and field visits. Seven manufacturing SMEs from Indonesia were selected using a theoretical sampling technique, with the purpose of achieving some degree of variation to allow us to undertake replication logic. Our analysis demonstrates that SMEs adopt a different degree of digital transformations, which can be summarized into three paths, depending on the firms’ contextual factors. First, SMEs with a high level of digital maturity who respond to the challenges by accelerating the transition toward digitalized firms; second, SMEs experiencing liquidity issues but a low level of digital maturity who decide to digitalize the sales function only; and, third, the SMEs that have very limited digital literacy but are supported by a high level of social capital. This last group of firms solves the challenges by finding partners who possess excellent digital capabilities. The qualitative case study method allows us to conduct in-depth and detailed analysis, but has thin generalizability. To address this limitation, future research can use a survey covering various industries to test the proposed theory that has resulted from this study, so that the generalizability can be assured.

scholarly journals Understanding traceability: its relevance in the adoption of quality and safety measures across the supply chain

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alondra Yaneth De la Torre Dávila ◽  
Francisco Javier Haro Navejas ◽  
Claudia Prado Meza
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
International Markets ◽  
Future Market ◽  
Quality And Safety ◽  
Entry Barrier ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
Market Requirements ◽  
Medium Enterprises

The article is based on a previous case study of a certified papaya producer from Colima which currently implements traceability in its operations. Traceability can be defined as an instrument to respond and avoid risks in the supply chain of a product. For Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) the use of traceability can be a competitive advantage, adding value to their products; or either an entry barrier to access to new international markets. The article analyzes the importance of traceability and the adoption of new practices to respond to future market requirements in a competitive globalized environment. 

scholarly journals The Effect of Logistical-Crossfunctional Drivers on the Competitive Strategy of the Supply Chain of SMEs: A Case Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-97
Author(s):  
Sumarsono Sumarsono ◽  
Nur Muflihah
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Gross Domestic Product ◽  
Competitive Strategy ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Domestic Product ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Business World ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) dominate the business world in Indonesia with a high Gross Domestic Product contribution. However, SMEs are unable to compete with large industries due to uncompetitive supply chains. The logistical-crossfunctional aspect of drivers is an aspect driving a competitive supply chain. This study aims to examine the effect of logistical-crossfunctional drivers on the competitive strategy of the supply chain for SMEs in Indonesia. The case study was conducted in SMEs scattered in East Java, Indonesia. The data analysis method used PLS-SEM. The results showed that the logistical-crossfunctional aspects of SME drivers have a significant effect on the supply chain competitive strategy. The implications of the research results are used to develop supply chain strategies for SMEs with a priority scale of logistical-crossfunctional drivers such as 1) facilities; 2) sourcing; 3) information; 4) transportation; 5) inventory; and 6) pricing.

scholarly journals Case study: Supply chain scenarios in a plastic container company

Nova Scientia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (20) ◽  
pp. 510-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesto Alonso Lagarda Leyva ◽  
Alfredo Bueno Solano ◽  
José Manuel Velarde Cantú
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Intermodal Transportation ◽  
Plastic Container ◽  
Supply And Distribution ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
A Company ◽  
Plastic Containers

Introducción:  The supply chain is an underestimated issue in small and medium enterprises; it is assumed that its only purpose is to save on operating costs and this is not necessarily the case. It is imperative to recognize that not all customers are equal, as each has different requirements for their products and delivery of same to their final customers, and it is therefore important to consider all the factors that influence that outcome. The case study was developed in a company producing plastic containers in Cd. Obregon, Sonora. The study has selected the manufacture of the 737 gr salt container from resin, as this is a product demanded by one of its three main customers. The problem in the plant was the number of salt containers to be produced with different production policies, generating three scenarios.Método:  To respond to the problem, a study of the entire production process associated with the links in the supply and distribution was conducted based on the methodology of system dynamics to evaluate each of the variables and parameters included in the links in the supply chain via a simulation.Resultados: The results show three different scenarios that are executed through an interface with the user, allowing to observe the behavior of the profits, the sales of finished product and the use of the resin in the manufacture of bottles of 737 gr for a company that manufactures and distributes salt proposals were validated by drawing upon the judgment of experts on the subject and the experience of employees, as well as the actual data of the companyDiscusión o Conclusión: The findings reveal different modes of behavior of four critical variables in the process: profits, sales, the finished products warehouse, and resin use. The simulation was performed with the use of Stella ® 10.1.2 software, trying different policies and considering delay and initial inventory theories in processes and final products for the three different proposed scenarios derived from this study to interested parties (employers and customers); the case study was developed within the context of the National Center for Innovation in Intermodal Transportation and Logistics of Mexico.

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