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Article
Publication date: 30 April 2024

Qin Weng, Danping Wang, Stephen De Lurgio II and Sebastian Schuetz

Small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in e-commerce often invest in information technology (IT) to stay competitive. However, whether and how IT capability (ITC) translates…

Abstract

Purpose

Small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in e-commerce often invest in information technology (IT) to stay competitive. However, whether and how IT capability (ITC) translates into financial performance requires further research. This paper examines the role of ITC in enabling value proposition innovation (VPI) as an important mechanism that improves financial performance for Chinese e-commerce SMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic. We argue that ITC is critical for enabling innovation because it elevates SMEs’ understanding of changing customer needs, especially when SMEs operate on multiple e-commerce platforms (multihome).

Design/methodology/approach

We used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and tested the hypotheses that ITC mediated by VPI and moderated by multihoming increases the financial performance of e-commerce SMEs through a survey among 206 Chinese SMEs operating on Taobao.

Findings

We find that not only higher levels of ITC lead to better financial performance, but also that the effect is fully mediated by VPI. Moreover, the effect of ITC on innovation is enhanced when vendors operate on multiple platforms.

Originality/value

The study identifies VPI as an important mechanism through which SMEs can leverage their ITC to adapt, innovate and thrive in competition. Our work suggests that using technology to develop innovative ideas and identify opportunities (which are reflected in VPI) is key to success and that doing so is more likely when vendors multihome. Thus, this study contributes to the innovation literature by explicating a concrete link between ITC, multihoming, VPI and increased financial performance. Different e-commerce stakeholders, including SME owners, IT and service providers and e-commerce platforms, can benefit from the findings of this work.

Details

Internet Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 June 2024

Anchal Patil, Shefali Srivastava, Sanjoy Kumar Paul and Ashish Dwivedi

Production systems occupy geographically dispersed organizations with limited visibility and transparency. Such limitations create operational inefficiencies across the Supply…

Abstract

Purpose

Production systems occupy geographically dispersed organizations with limited visibility and transparency. Such limitations create operational inefficiencies across the Supply Chain (SC). Recently, researchers have started exploring applications of Digital Twins Technology (DTT) to improve SC operations. In this context, there is a need to provide comprehensive theoretical knowledge and frameworks to help stakeholders understand the adoption of DTT. This study aims to fulfill the research gap by empirically investigating DTT readiness to enable transparency in SC.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature survey was conducted to develop a theoretical model related to Supply Chain Transparency (SCT) and DTT readiness. Then, a questionnaire was developed based on the proposed theoretical model, and data was collected from Indian manufacturers. The data was analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to confirm the proposed relationships.

Findings

The findings from the study confirmed a positive relationship between DTT implementation and SCT. This study reported that data readiness, perceived values and benefits of DTT, and organizational readiness and leadership support influence DTT readiness and further lead to SCT.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature and knowledge by uniquely mapping and validating various interactions between DTT readiness and sustainable SC performance.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 124 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 July 2023

Deepak Datta Nirmal, K. Nageswara Reddy and Sujeet Kumar Singh

The main purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive review and critical insights of the application of fuzzy methods in modeling, assessing and understanding the various…

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive review and critical insights of the application of fuzzy methods in modeling, assessing and understanding the various aspects of green and sustainable supply chains (SSCs).

Design/methodology/approach

The present study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis of 252 research articles. This study employs various tools such as VOSviewer version 1.6.10, Publish or Perish, Mendeley and Excel that aid in descriptive analysis, bibliometric analysis and network visualization. These tools have been used for performing citation analysis, top authors' analysis, co-occurrence of keywords, cluster and content analysis.

Findings

The authors have divided the literature into seven application areas and discussed detailed insights. This study has observed that research in the social sustainability area, including various issues like health and safety, labor rights, discrimination, etc. is scarce. Integration of the Industry 4.0 technologies like blockchain, big data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT) with the sustainable and green supply chain (GSC) is a promising field for future research.

Originality/value

The authors' contribution primarily lies in providing the integrated framework which shows the changing trends in the use of fuzzy methods in the sustainability area classifying and consolidating green and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) literature in seven major areas where fuzzy methods are predominantly applied. These areas have been obtained after the analysis of clusters and content analysis of the literature presenting key insights from the past and developing the conceptual framework for future research studies.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 May 2024

Guilherme Tortorella, Marianne Gloet, Daniel Samson, Sherah Kurnia, Flavio S. Fogliatto and Michel J. Anzanello

This study aims to explore the relationship between digital transformation and resilience development in the Australian food supply chain (FSC), and identify the contribution of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between digital transformation and resilience development in the Australian food supply chain (FSC), and identify the contribution of digital technologies to it using the dynamic capabilities theory as theoretical lens.

Design/methodology/approach

For that, a mixed-method approach was used. It combines both quantitative and qualitative data to identify trends and details of the phenomenon, yielding more robust findings. We firstly collected and analyzing quantitative data obtained from food industry practitioners and, then, qualitative data gathered through semi-structured interviews with experts.

Findings

The study findings suggest that the relationship between digital transformation and resilience varies among tiers of the FSC and that digital technologies adoption affects resilience development differently across tiers. This highlights the potential cost savings of developing strategies that jointly address digital transformation and resilience development, improving performance outcomes and determining the extent to which digital technologies enhance or inhibit certain aspects of resilience in the FSC.

Originality/value

The study frames the relationship between digital technologies and resilience within the dynamic capabilities theory and suggests that digitalization can enhance resilience by enabling organizations to sense, seize, and transform strategies. We also provide insights for managers to develop strategies that simultaneously enhance digitalization and resilience, resulting in improved performance during disruptive events.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2023

Dimitrios Kafetzopoulos and Anastasia A. Katou

The purpose of this study is to build a theory on management investigating the relationship between organizational culture and strategic flexibility in firms, and how this…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to build a theory on management investigating the relationship between organizational culture and strategic flexibility in firms, and how this relationship is affected through industry 4.0 capabilities and the market orientation of firms.

Design/methodology/approach

As a methodological approach, this paper uses a rich combination of literature review and exploratory interviews with managers and academics. Data were collected from 379 industrial managers; confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and finally structural equation modeling (SEM) were performed to validate the data and examine the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The results show that organizational culture drives firms to strategic flexibility, but the introduction of industry 4.0 capabilities and market orientation fully mediate this relationship, revealing their significance to strategic flexibility.

Research limitations/implications

All the respondents of the study's dataset were from Greek firms; the role of national culture should be considered. Moreover, the comprehension of I4.0 is a quite recent concept that is still being formulated, this feature may modify the results of future studies.

Practical implications

Managers should allocate resources for the concurrent adoption of digital technologies capabilities and suitable market-oriented strategies in order for them to be key drivers for enhanced strategic flexibility.

Originality/value

The current state of knowledge of both theory and practise for critical organizational factors such as organizational culture, strategic flexibility, industry 4.0 capabilities and market orientation will be extended.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 73 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

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