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1 – 10 of 536Muhammad Shabir Shaharudin and Yudi Fernando
Cold supply chain technology is critical for extending the shelf life of perishable leafy green vegetables. This study aims to investigate the concept of managing leafy green…
Abstract
Purpose
Cold supply chain technology is critical for extending the shelf life of perishable leafy green vegetables. This study aims to investigate the concept of managing leafy green products using cold supply chain technology and visualise the findings.
Design/methodology/approach
Using expert interviews and data visualisation approaches, this study examines how organisations deal with the complexity of cold supply chain processes and networks. Thematic data analysis was conducted. Two types of software were used to accomplish the research objectives. The first software used AntConc version 3.5.8 with word frequency (N-gram) analysis, whereas the second software, VOSViewer offered co-occurrence network visualisation and cluster analysis.
Findings
The findings show that the appropriate design of cold chain technology is critical in ensuring the freshness and quality of leafy green vegetables. The primary goal of managing the complexity of the cold supply chain is to achieve product freshness and energy efficiency. Regardless of the importance of energy efficiency, cold supply chains require warehouse management solutions for transportation and storage.
Practical implications
This study found that proper design and selection of appropriate technology in the cold supply chain have driven the companies to improve the firms’ competitive advantage while delivering the best quality of perishable leafy green food products. In addition, the freshness, quality, safety, and health of leafy green vegetables will be determined by the company’s capacity to handle long-distance transportation and select the appropriate distribution channels and storage. Warehouse management system technology was found to be secondary compared to cold chain technology, although distribution and warehousing practices are critical for supply chain performance.
Originality/value
This study has established the conceptual indicators based on best practices and outcomes for the cold supply chain. This study argued that cold supply chain management and performance should be monitored independently. Furthermore, the theory of technological adoption can be expanded to include product nature as a driver. Finally, this study has established cold chain best practices based on a perishable supply chain perspective. The findings of this study can promote healthy foods to solve zero hunger and achieve sustainable development goals. Although this study demonstrates that technology improves supply chain practises, cold storage and logistics benefit the most from technological advancements. In contrast, non-cold supply chains benefit from technology-driven improvements in performance.
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Muzaffar Iqbal, Muhammad Waqas, Naveed Ahmad, Kramat Hussain and Jafar Hussain
The disruptive pandemic has badly affected supply chain operations across the globe and implementing green supply chain strategies is challenging for manufacturing firms…
Abstract
Purpose
The disruptive pandemic has badly affected supply chain operations across the globe and implementing green supply chain strategies is challenging for manufacturing firms, especially in emerging countries. Therefore, this study aims to identify the significant challenges hindering the green supply chain as a pathway towards sustainability in the post-COVID-19 era.
Design/methodology/approach
Fuzzy Delphi Methodology (FDM), Interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and MICMAC were applied. FDM was applied to select the most relevant challenges and later ISM and Matrices d'Impacts cross-multiplication appliqúe a classmate MICMAC were used for modeling and classifying critical challenges.
Findings
Lack of trust between firms and supply chain partners, and difficulty in transforming positive environmental attitudes into action are the significant challenges to implementing green supply chain management. Lack of communication between government and Chinese firms is the least important factor which shows that the government is trying to support firms and reduce the negative effects after the drastic impacts of COVID-19. However, COVID-19 left a draconian effect on organization’s green supply chain and it’s not easy to overcome.
Originality/value
None of the previous studies applied mixed methodologies of FDM, ISM and MICMAC to evaluate Green supply chain as a pathway to sustainable operations in the post-COVID-19 era. Challenging factors of green supply chain operations in COVID-19 are different from earlier studies and contribute to the literature of emerging countries.
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I aimed to obtain a deeper insight into the link between supplier involvement in product development (SIPD), supplier relationship resilience and company performance.
Abstract
Purpose
I aimed to obtain a deeper insight into the link between supplier involvement in product development (SIPD), supplier relationship resilience and company performance.
Design/methodology/approach
To collect data, a survey among 500 Polish manufacturing companies was conducted. I used quantitative methods (structural equation modeling) to test several research hypotheses referring to a single supplier–customer relationship. Thanks to the use of multi-construct measurement of SIPD and supplier relationship resilience, the study provides detailed research results on the topic.
Findings
Collaborative practices implemented during SIPD increase procurement flexibility and decrease redundancy in the relationship with the involved supplier. Communication during SIPD increases supplier flexibility and procurement flexibility. Increased supplier flexibility and increased procurement flexibility in the relationship with the involved supplier as well as collaborative practices during SIPD positively impact company performance. I confirmed the indirect effect between communication during SIPD and company performance when the mediators are supplier flexibility and procurement flexibility. Decreased redundancy in relationship with involved supplier does not impact company performance.
Practical implications
Supply chain managers need to rethink SIPD practice to effectively ensure supply chain resilience (SCRES), especially in the face of the contemporary global crisis and black swans affecting the supplier base. My article provides important managerial insights into drivers of SCRES and company performance.
Originality/value
To the best of my knowledge, this research is among the first to conclude that SIPD does not have an unequivocally positive or direct impact on supplier relationship resilience. The research fills the gap by analyzing the impact of SIPD on two main SCRES elements. The study examines supplier relationship resilience, understood as flexibility and redundancy elements, in a single supplier–buyer relationship perspective. Thus, the presented considerations go beyond the traditional understanding of flexibility and redundancy in supplier relationship management, that is through the prism of double or multi sourcing and having back up-suppliers.
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Sarthak Dhingra, Rakesh Raut, Mukesh Kumar and B. Koteswara Rao Naik
This study aims to identify several perspectives that affect the adoption of blockchain technology in India (BCTA) and evaluate their impact. To study the sector’s influence on…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify several perspectives that affect the adoption of blockchain technology in India (BCTA) and evaluate their impact. To study the sector’s influence on adoption and the impact of BCTA on the performance of the Indian healthcare supply chain (HSCP) using BCTA as a mediating variable.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, we first developed a conceptual model based on Organizational Information Processing Theory and Technology-Organization-Environment, then formulated hypotheses. Based on this, a questionnaire was developed, and data were gathered from experts in the Indian healthcare industry who were familiar with blockchain technology. AMOS 19 was used to analyze data using structural equation modelling.
Findings
All the factors have a significant positive influence on BCTA. Healthcare supply chain factors influenced the adoption most dominantly, followed by technological, environmental, organizational and record-keeping unit factors. Both the public and private sectors of HSCP benefited significantly from BCTA.
Practical implications
This research work is fruitful for healthcare practitioners, top management, academicians and policymakers in assessing BCTA’s impact on the HSCP.
Originality/value
We have attempted to evaluate the possible BCTA impact on HSCP. BCTA as a mediating variable and considering different perspectives for a holistic view of adoption in the Indian context add to this work’s originality.
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Amr Ekram, Hebatallah Elmesmary and Amal Lotfy Sakr
Oil and gas sector has more disruptions regarding its logistics management than any other industry. It is critical to understand which external security threats disrupt the oil…
Abstract
Purpose
Oil and gas sector has more disruptions regarding its logistics management than any other industry. It is critical to understand which external security threats disrupt the oil and gas supply chain (OGSC). Recently, the time interval between these disruptions became frequent. the purpose of this paper is to identify key logistics elements that lead to such disruptions which would greatly benefit the oil and gas industry in developing more effective mitigation measures and resilient practices in the future.
Design/methodology/approach
This research develops the theoretical framework through a critical review of all theories related to resilience, logistics disruptions and mitigation methods in the oil and gas industry. Afterward, semi-structured interviews were conducted with executives in the Egyptian oil and gas industry to develop a conceptual framework. Finally, an empirical study was conducted through questionnaires with managers in the Egyptian oil and gas sector to develop the applied framework.
Findings
This research revealed that achieving an elevated level of flexibility, redundancy, visibility and collaboration in the Egyptian OGSC will significantly increase the level of resilience in the sector and consequently help in mitigating probable logistics disruptions.
Practical implications
This research contributes to academia by providing a conceptual framework for the most common logistics disruptions in the Egyptian OGSC and providing practitioners with the best resilience practices that are feasible and effective in mitigating logistics disruptions.
Originality/value
Previous research studied disruptions in OGSC from different perspectives: economic, social, political, technical, safety, legal and environmental perspectives, but no research highlighted the logistics perspective in the Egyptian context, to the best of the authors’ knowledge.
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Muhammad Talha Khan, Muhammad Dawood Idrees and Yaseen Haider
The aim of this study is to investigate how green supply chain management (GSCM) practices mediate the effect of Industry 4.0 technologies on operational and green innovation…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to investigate how green supply chain management (GSCM) practices mediate the effect of Industry 4.0 technologies on operational and green innovation performances.
Design/methodology/approach
To explore the study, data were collected from 225 different manufacturing industries in Pakistan. Gathered data were used to test the hypotheses using SmartPLS 3 software by using structural equation modeling.
Findings
The findings reveal that operational and green innovation performances are directly affected by the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and GSCM practices. Furthermore, the GSCM practices positively affect operational and green innovation performances. The study also investigated that the GSCM practices partially mediate the effect of Industry 4.0 on operational and green innovation performances.
Research limitations/implications
This study has some limitations, the data of this study were majorly collected from large enterprises of Pakistani firms and related to the manufacturing sector only. So, there is a huge need for attention toward small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Very few researchers are focusing on SMEs, so future research can be on SMEs. It can be suggested that the relationship between digital technologies and green innovation performance can be tested through a quantitative procedure. Moreover, the effect of GSCM's aspects can be estimated on manageable execution.
Originality/value
Through the mediating relationship of GSCM practices, this research has made a unique contribution by investigating the influence of Industry 4.0 on operational and green innovation performances. To the author's knowledge, no research has been undertaken in this area.
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Atikah Shamsul Bahrin, Ahmad Rais Mohamad Mokhtar, Ariff Azly Muhamed and Veera Pandiyan Kaliani Sundram
This study aims to provide a novel approach to examining the connection between several aspects of low-carbon supply chain practices (LCSCPs), eco-innovation (EI) and the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to provide a novel approach to examining the connection between several aspects of low-carbon supply chain practices (LCSCPs), eco-innovation (EI) and the performance of manufacturing firms in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
The current study employed a quantitative research strategy, utilizing survey data collected from a sample of 120 manufacturing firms located in Malaysia. The main aim of this study was to analyze the research framework and test the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
The results of the study indicate that EI has a mediating role in the link between LCSCP and manufacturing firm performance (MFP). EI serves as a mediating factor in the association between MFP and four components of LCSCPs, specifically low-carbon product design, low-carbon process improvement, low-carbon purchasing and low-carbon logistics.
Practical implications
The results of this study hold significant potential for supply chain professionals in their endeavors to decrease carbon emissions. Practitioners can help eliminate carbon footprints (CFs) by selecting the right LCSCP techniques that support EI and MFP. When creating low-carbon management methods in supply chain management (SCM), practitioners must take into account the potential mediating role of EI.
Originality/value
To date, this work is one of the first efforts to investigate the role of EI as a mediator between LCSCP and MFP. Moreover, this research adds to the existing knowledge and improves understanding of how low-carbon development is being implemented in Malaysia, with the ultimate objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
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This study explores the key embrace factors for designing supply chains in Industry 4.0 to improve sustainability practices with respect to the triple bottom line.
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the key embrace factors for designing supply chains in Industry 4.0 to improve sustainability practices with respect to the triple bottom line.
Design/methodology/approach
The theoretical underpinnings of this study were strengthened by a qualitative method that included an interview process within the framework of a holistic case study. Data collected through 38 remote interviews with representatives of 17 Egyptian companies that are actively using Industry 4.0.
Findings
The thematic analysis identified 6 main categories in addition to 32 economic, environmental, and social key embrace factors. Further, an integrated model was established to show how various key embrace factors can be included in the evaluation of the Supply chain. 64.7% of interviewees affirmed that these factors were deemed to be the most important and influential key factors.
Practical implications
The global contribution is mainly to facilitate additional eco-friendly initiatives to gain a competitive advantage through environmentally responsible practices, which reflects the strengthening of the sustainable supply chain with the involvement of all the interested parties.
Social implications
This study expands on previous research papers to underline 20 new global key embrace factors, including 9 social, 7 economic, and 4 environmental key embrace factors.
Originality/value
The Key embrace factors discovered and addressed in this paper provide a unique theoretical guideline to plan and popularize this integration process. The integrated approach assists in the review of existing supply chains or the creation of new ones.
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Nabiira Nantongo, Matthew Kalubanga, Joseph Ntayi, Bonny Bagenda and Beatrice Nyakeishiki
This study aims to examine the relationship between institutional logics and specifications quality, and how this relationship is mediated by the legitimacy of the procurement…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship between institutional logics and specifications quality, and how this relationship is mediated by the legitimacy of the procurement process and stewardship behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
This study draws on insights from institutional logics theory, and legitimacy and stewardship behaviour literature. We conducted an extended literature review to gain a comprehensive understanding of “institutional logics” and their manifestations in organizational contexts, utilizing the 2000–2024 data collected from the EBSCO, Scopus and Web of Science databases, complemented with Google Scholar. We gather that institutional logics manifest in several forms, and that while some organizations may thrive on a single logic, in certain contexts institutional logics can manifest in combinations – “multiple logics or hybrids”. Based on this understanding, we developed testable research hypotheses, predicting the influences of institutional logics – professional logic, efficient service logic and delivery (market) logic, on legitimacy, stewardship behaviour and specifications quality. We then carried out an empirical study, adopting a quantitative cross-sectional survey design with a self-administered questionnaire to test the hypothesized relationships. The empirical data were obtained from 162 procuring and disposing entities in Uganda and analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling technique.
Findings
The study findings reveal that institutional logics exert a strong positive effect on the legitimacy of the procurement process and on stewardship behaviour, which, in turn, both positively influence specifications quality.
Research limitations/implications
The study findings have implications for theory and practice. The study findings provide useful insights that support the conceptual and theoretical development of institutional logics theory and applications in procurement literature. In addition, the study findings enhance procurement managers’ understanding of the mechanisms through which institutional logics can foster specifications quality. However, considering the fact that the study was conducted in a single country context, and focused on the public sector only, the findings of the study might not be generalizable globally.
Originality/value
This study contributes to established knowledge about quality management and procurement by examining the legitimacy of the procurement process and stewardship behaviour of those involved in procurement processes as mechanisms through which procuring entities are able to use institutional logics to enhance specifications quality. In addition, the study highlights areas for future research that may be explored to increase understanding of the value of institutional logics in ensuring specifications quality, and the link between specifications quality and the general performance of procuring entities.
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Matthew Kalubanga and Winfred Mbekeka
This study examines how compliance with government and firm's own policy and reverse logistics practices relate with firm environmental performance.
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines how compliance with government and firm's own policy and reverse logistics practices relate with firm environmental performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This study draws on insights from stakeholder theory, and follows a two-phase research approach. The first phase utilized an extended literature review that seeks to provide a qualitative and comprehensive understanding of the research problem. The 2001–2023 data was collected from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, complemented with Google Scholar. The second phase involved an empirical study—adopting a quantitative cross-sectional survey design with a self-administered questionnaire to validate the theoretical conceptualizations deriving from the literature review. The empirical data were collected from 203 food and beverages manufacturing firms in Uganda and analysed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach.
Findings
The study findings suggest that compliance with government policy positively influences firm environmental performance, both directly, and indirectly through fostering reverse logistics practices, and that the relationship between compliance with government policy and reverse logistics practices is contingent upon compliance with the focal firm's own policy.
Research limitations/implications
The study findings will enhance the theoretical and conceptual development of the ideas that underpin stakeholder theory and applications. The Ugandan government will come up with better mechanisms for enforcing compliance with policy regulating the application of reverse logistics practices. In addition, the study advances the use of multi-method approaches in investigating interesting research aspects requiring in-depth examination. However, considering the fact that the empirical study was conducted in a single country context, and focused on firms more or less from the same sub-sector, the findings of the study might not be generalizable globally.
Practical implications
This study provides useful insights to logistics and supply chain managers involved in reverse logistics activities in food and beverages manufacturing firms. These managers can know how to leverage reverse logistics practices to enhance environmental performance of firms amidst environmental policies in the industry where they operate.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the built body of knowledge in operations, logistics and supply chain management literature; understanding about reverse logistics practices as a mechanism through which compliance with government policy influences environmental performance of firms. The interaction between compliance with government policy and compliance with firm policy is essential in explaining the performance effects of reverse logistics practices. In addition, the study advances the use of multi-method approaches in investigating interesting research aspects requiring in-depth examination. Complementing extended literature review with and empirical research to investigate reverse logistics practices influences on firm environmental performance, and incorporating the role of policy in explaining this relationship should make considerable contribution. Besides, the study highlights important areas for future research.
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