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To be able to continuously provide affordable services to consumers, managers of critical infrastructure (CI) maintenance supply networks have to balance investments in resilience with costs. At the same time, CI providers need to consider factors that influence resilience such as the geographical spread or the location of the network. This study aims to contextualize supply chain resilience knowledge by exploring how maintenance resource configurations impact resilience and costs in CI supply networks.

An in-depth longitudinal single case study of a representative CI provider that has centralized its maintenance supply network is used. Data were collected before and after the change to evaluate the effect of the changes on the maintenance supply network.

This study shows that in this specific CI maintenance context, structural resource choices such as the quantity or location of spare parts and tools, the creation and exploitation of tacit knowledge and staff motivation impact both resilience and costs due to geographical spread, network location and other network properties.

This study extends general supply chain resilience knowledge to a new setting (i.e. CI) and shows how existing insights apply in this context. More specifically, it is shown that even in engineered supply networks there is a need to consider the effect of human agency on resilience as the creation and exploitation of tacit knowledge are of immense importance in managing the network. In addition, the relationship between normal accidents theory and high reliability theory (HRT) is revisited as findings indicate that HRT is also important after a disruption has taken place.

To increase sustainability of their products and enable new business opportunities, manufacturers explore servitization in consumer markets. Yet, the literature has not addressed this development. This study is one of the first to investigate the challenges and benefits for manufacturers and their supply chains when engaging in business-to-consumer (B2C) servitization.

The study explores two unique cases of manufacturers of complex consumer products that aim to extend their service offerings to the end-users. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, observations and secondary data.

First, the authors identify two factors as prerequisites for a servitized set-up: internal collaboration within the manufacturer and product characteristics (e.g. product complexity). Second, the authors identify the network as an important factor for B2C servitization, which includes the triadic set-up between manufacturer, installer and consumer. Third, the authors identify moderating institutional settings, such as regulations and consumer needs.

This research elaborates existing B2B servitization theory into an empirically informed theoretical framework for B2C contexts. It expands the view on servitization by introducing the network perspective to service a large number of geographically dispersed customers.

Many countries aim to improve public services by use of information and communication technology (ICT) in public service supply chains. However, the literature does not address how inter-organizational ICT is used in redesigning these particular supply chains. The purpose of this paper is to explore this important and under-investigated area.

An explorative multiple-case study was performed based on 36 interviews, 39 documents, extensive field visits and observations providing data on digital transformation in four European criminal justice supply chains.

Two different design approaches to digital transformation were found, which are labelled digitization and digitalization. These approaches are characterized by differences in public service strategies, performance aims, and how specific public characteristics and procedures are dealt with. Despite featuring different roles for ICT, both types show the viable digital transformation of public service supply chains. Additionally, the application of inter-organizational ICT is found not to automatically result in changes in the coordination and management of the chain, in contrast to common assumptions.

This paper is one of the first to adopt an inter-organizational perspective on the use of ICT in public service supply chains. The findings have scientific and managerial value because fine-grained insights are provided into how public service supply chains can use ICT in an inter-organizational setting. The study shows the dilemmas faced by and possible options for public organizations when designing digital service delivery.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of different dimensions of supply chain integration on performance, while considering both the interconnections between these supply chain integration dimensions and the effect of context. Specifically, the authors investigate the relationship between two enablers (communication infrastructure and cooperative behaviour) and two practices (planning information and joint improvement), and the moderating effect of supply complexity on their relationship with performance.

A survey among 145 Dutch and Spanish manufacturers is used to gather data on the buyer‐supplier relationship. Both the sample and two subsamples – for high and low supply complexity – are analysed using SmartPLS.

The paper finds that two dimensions – communication infrastructure and cooperative behaviour – enable the two collaborative practices: joint improvement and planning information. All mentioned supply chain integration dimensions, except joint improvement are related to performance, but specifically if the supply complexity is high. Among these dimensions the effect of cooperative behaviour is relatively high.

This paper adds to our understanding of how contingencies influence the supply chain. It is the first paper that investigates the moderating effect of the complexity of the process of delivery (supply complexity) on the effectiveness of supply chain integration practices.

The concept of buyer focus has recently been introduced as a new supply chain strategy, although the design and operation of buyer‐focused cells have hardly been investigated. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how buyer‐focused cells realise responsiveness.

The paper explores the origins of buyer focus by synthesising the literature on focus and supply chain management (SCM). The recent model of responsiveness by Holweg is used to analyse two cases in the semi‐conductor industry. Based on the literature and the case‐findings the model is further developed.

The main findings of the paper are that: the model of responsiveness can be used to better understand buyer‐focused cells as a supply chain strategy, but needs to be enhanced with additional elements; two of the dimensions of Holweg's model (product and volume) seem to determine the third (process) dimension; designing and operating buyer‐focused cells is a blend of well‐chosen and proven solutions combined with close integration with the buyer.

The extended model and the operation of buyer‐focused cells need further refinement and research using the key factors so far established.

The paper explores both the contingency factors and the major design and operating factors related to a new supply chain strategy (buyer‐focused cells) which is aimed at increasing responsiveness, and investigates two practical cases. Managers can use the developed framework to better understand their own situation and guide decision making.

The paper aims at further developing and understanding the responsiveness of buyer‐focused cells by drawing on previous contributions in the literature on SCM and the focused factory. Through this, the authors add to the theory of responsiveness and to empirical knowledge on the design and operation of buyer‐focused cells.

Buyer engagement proves important supports for suppliers' corporate social responsibility (CSR); however, little is known about whether and how buyer CSR engagement can be actively searched for by a supplier and what activities and policies of suppliers could enhance buyer CSR engagement. From the perspective of resource dependence theory, this study aims to explore how suppliers seek to achieve buyers' CSR engagement.

The proposed model and hypotheses were tested by structural equation modeling methodology using survey data collected from 243 manufacturing and service firms in China.

The results show that instrumental CSR motives and internalization of CSR policies jointly improve buyers' dependence, which in turn increases buyers' CSR engagement. In addition, this study investigates the influence of suppliers' trust on the effect of buyers' dependence on buyers' CSR engagement and finds a negative moderating effect on the dependence–engagement relation.

The findings show that suppliers can actively engage in CSR to strengthen their position and improve the buyer CSR engagement. In fact, proactive CSR policies and implementation do pay off in the long run for them.

This study offers a fresh perspective on the role of suppliers in improving CSR. In contrast to much of the literature that has considered buyer-initiated practices and policies, this is the first theoretical and empirical investigation into how suppliers can increase the buyer CSR engagement.

The purpose of this paper is to review and classify survey‐based research connecting information and communication technology (ICT), supply chain management (SCM), and supply chain (SC) performance. The review evaluates present empirical results and aims at detecting explanations for similarities and differences in reported findings in the current literature.

The paper is based upon a structured literature review of the major journals in the fields of operations management, logistics, and information systems.

The point of departure in this paper is the possible inconsistency in reported findings within this field of research. The paper finds that measurements and constructs in all three major variables (ICT, SCM, SC performance) are different and often incomparable, and contextual factors are not systematically considered. Surprisingly, despite these differences, the papers reviewed show that generally, there is a positive direct or indirect effect of ICT on performance and SCM.

The paper aims at reviewing the survey‐based literature only. Findings from case studies and other types of studies are not considered. An implication of this paper might be to reconsider how future survey studies should be designed and what constructs and issues need to be incorporated. Specifically, the relationships between single technologies, aspects of SCM and performance dimensions need specific attention in future research.

The paper offers a systematic review that helps to further develop our understanding of the relationship of SCM, ICT, and SC performance.

Buyer‐focused operations aim at a high level of supply chain alignment by singling out resources for one buyer in order to serve this buyer optimally. The purpose of this paper is to identify what business characteristics make suppliers choose buyer‐focused operations as a supply chain strategy in their relationships with key buyers.

A broad range of qualitative and quantitative data was collected during interviews and plant visits in a multi‐case study research design. Nine units and 42 supply links with key buyers were investigated and analysed.

The suppliers choose buyer‐focused operations for different reasons. As expected, some of them choose buyer‐focused operations to fulfil the buyer's requirements in terms of flexibility (mix, volume, specification and timing). However, in other situations, buyer‐focus is used for other reasons: mostly to perform additional assembly operations. Suppliers rarely consider buyer‐focus of core production technology in relationships with buyers for which cost and speed are the main order‐winners.

The study is based on a relatively small number of cases. Although the findings confirm the theoretical framework, more empirical work is needed to better understand different forms of buyer‐focus. Further research should also point out if and how mutual trust and risk dispersal influence decisions to invest in buyer‐focused resources.

The results of this paper help managers in choosing between different forms of buyer‐focus, based on the specific characteristics of a supply chain link.

The paper introduces focus into the domain of supply chain management and shows that striving for close cooperation in a supply relationship needs to be carefully considered and depends on the business characteristics. The paper contributes also to a better understanding of the concept of buyer‐focus and distinguishes different types.