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1 – 10 of 193Sarthak Dhingra, Rakesh Raut, Angappa Gunasekaran, B. Koteswara Rao Naik and Venkateshwarlu Masuna
This paper aims to discover and analyze the challenges hampering blockchain technology’s (BT’s) implementation in the Indian health-care sector. A total of 18 challenges have been…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to discover and analyze the challenges hampering blockchain technology’s (BT’s) implementation in the Indian health-care sector. A total of 18 challenges have been prioritized and modeled based on an extensive literature search and professional views.
Design/methodology/approach
An integrated multi-criteria decision-making approach has been used in two phases. Best worst method (BWM) is used in the first phase to prioritize the challenges with sensitivity analysis to validate the findings and eliminate a few challenges. In the second phase, interpretive structural modeling is applied to the remaining 15 challenges to obtain relative relationships among them with cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification analysis for their categorization.
Findings
The study’s results reveal that limited knowledge and expertise, cost and risk involved, technical issues, lack of clear regulations, resistance to change and lack of top management support are the top-ranked or high-intensity challenges according to the BWM. Interpretive structural modelling findings suggest that the lack of government initiatives has been driving other challenges with the highest driving power.
Research limitations/implications
This work has been conducted in the Indian context, so careful generalization of the results is needed.
Practical implications
This work will give health-care stakeholders a better perspective regarding blockchain’s adoption. It will help health-care stakeholders, service providers, researchers and policymakers get a glimpse of the strategies for eradicating mentioned challenges. The analysis will help reduce the challenges’ impact on blockchain’s adoption in the Indian health-care sector.
Originality/value
The adoption of BT is a novel concept, especially in developing countries such as India. This is one of the few works addressing the challenges to BT adoption in the Indian health-care sector.
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Bak Aun Teoh, Yu Qing Soong and Jia Le Germaine Chee
This book chapter aimed to examine the relationships between green supply chain practices and environmental performance in Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The…
Abstract
Purpose
This book chapter aimed to examine the relationships between green supply chain practices and environmental performance in Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The practices of green supply chain in achieving environmental performance have been one priority concerns in Malaysia. However, green supply chain practices adoption remains emergence.
Design/methodology/approach
This manuscript adopted the multiple regression analysis in investigating the green supply chain (GSC) practices and environmental performance's variables. The self-administered surveys were randomly disseminated to Malaysian SMEs and 59 responses were returned. The result theoretically ascertained the positive relationship between GSC practices and environmental performance measures.
Findings
The findings are in aligned with the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory that conceptualized the GSC practices and strategies to sustain the environmental performance within the SMEs. In a nutshell, these findings would serve as the research implications and recommendations to the scholars, industrial practitioners, and policymakers who are interested in these GSC practices and environmental performance. This would further serve as a guideline for companies that tend to implement these GSC practices for improving its environmental performance.
Originality/value
The research revealed that ‘eco-design and packaging’ and ‘reverse logistics’ are significant to environmental performance, but both ‘green procurement’ and ‘investment recovery’ are not significant to environmental performance. The literature gaps exhibited for this manuscript; hence, future studies should be carried out on supply chain practices and environmental performance since there is no prescriptive method in sustaining environmental performance that matches all conditions in Malaysian SMEs.
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Araz Zirar, Abdul Jabbar, Eric Njoya and Hannan Amoozad Mahdiraji
This study aims to explore the key challenges and drawbacks of smart contracts (SCs) and how they impact digital resilience within small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Whilst this…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the key challenges and drawbacks of smart contracts (SCs) and how they impact digital resilience within small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Whilst this type of technology is seen as a step forward in terms of traceability, transparency and immutability to increase digital resilience, we argue that it should be approached with trepidation.
Design/methodology/approach
In developing this paper, the authors conduct a systematic literature search using the Scopus database. Through this, we identified 931 relevant articles, of which 30 were used as the focus of this article. Thematic analysis was used as the analytical approach to develop themes and meaning from the data.
Findings
In this paper, there is an emphasis on the importance of understanding the potential risks associated with SC implementation, as well as identifying appropriate strategies for mitigating any negative impact. In our findings, we puts forward three key themes, namely legality, security and human error, which we argue are key smart contract challenges that impact SME digital resilience.
Originality/value
In this paper, we propose the notion of “centralised control in decentralised solutions”. This comes from the research highlighting SC weaknesses in digital resilience for SMEs. We argue that there is a need for standards, regulations and legislation to address these issues, advocating, ironically, a centralised approach to decentralised technology.
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Mohammad A.K. Alsmairat, Noor Al-Ma’aitah, Tahani Al-hwameil and Hamzah Elrehail
The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of supply chain (SC) partnerships on sustainable performance (SP) and investigate the potential mediating role of total quality…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of supply chain (SC) partnerships on sustainable performance (SP) and investigate the potential mediating role of total quality management (TQM).
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 185 responses were collected from pharmaceutical industry employees. The research data were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach.
Findings
The results reveal that relationships with suppliers (RS), distributors (RD) and intermediaries (RI) have a direct impact on SP. In addition, this study found that TQM serves as a mediator between RS, RD, RI and SP. This study enhances the understanding of the significance of TQM, SC and SP in business environment development. The findings suggest that organizations in the Jordanian pharmaceutical industry should prioritize the enhancement of their RS, intermediaries and distributors to improve their SP.
Originality/value
By providing decision-makers with valuable information, this study enables them to identify and implement TQM and SC practices to enhance the SP of pharmaceutical companies in Jordan.
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Long Hong Pham, Erisher Woyo, Trang Huong Pham and Dao Thi Xuan Truong
Widespread technology adoption in tourism enables tourists to be active content creators, thus, influencing destination brands through co-creation. This study examines value…
Abstract
Purpose
Widespread technology adoption in tourism enables tourists to be active content creators, thus, influencing destination brands through co-creation. This study examines value co-creation, social commerce information sharing, and destination brand equity.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative approach was applied to analyse data collected from a global online survey. Hypotheses were tested using PLS-SEM analysis.
Findings
Results show that destination brand equity is positively influenced by value co-creation. Additionally, social commerce information sharing mediates the relationship between value co-creation and destination brand equity.
Practical implications
The article adds new insights to tourism marketing by investigating value co-creation, social commerce information sharing and destination brand equity. It also offers interesting implications for destination managers to improve Vietnam as a destination brand.
Originality/value
This paper is among the first to test the mediating role of social commerce on value co-creation and destination brand equity.
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The study aims to examine the impact of three types of supply chain integration (SCI) on supply chain flexibility (SCF), investigate the impact of SCF on supply chain performance…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to examine the impact of three types of supply chain integration (SCI) on supply chain flexibility (SCF), investigate the impact of SCF on supply chain performance (SCP) and analyse the indirect impact of SCI on SCP by considering the mediating role of SCF within the manufacturing sector of Jordan.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a quantitative approach to validate the study model. An online self-completed questionnaire was used to gather data from 219 participants from managers in various Jordanian manufacturing firms. SmartPLS software was used to perform structural equation modelling to test the formulated hypotheses.
Findings
Based on the findings of the study, firms in Jordan's manufacturing sector would benefit from developing an integrative and flexible supply chain to boost SCP in the present volatile, uncertain, complex and speculative market. In addition, SCP was significantly influenced by investments in supply chain management practices related to SCI and SCF. Moreover, SCF significantly moderated the relationship between SCI and SCP. Thus, SCI and SCF assisted firms in reaching their highest potential performance through increased productivity, decreased expenses and increased satisfaction of their customers.
Research limitations/implications
The study employed a cross-sectional design using SCF as a single construct. Future research should look into the specific type of SCFs that have an immense effect on SCP and how these types are affected by the three types of SCI. Furthermore, future research ought to employ probability sampling techniques to improve the generalizability of results or using a longitudinal data-collection design. Finally, additional research should be conducted to validate the findings of this study by replicating it in other specific industries or countries.
Originality/value
The study fills an identified gap based on previous studies by exploring the linkages between SCI, SCF and SCP in the context of manufacturing sector. Moreover, based on the relational view theory, the study proposed an assessment mechanism for SCP for firms based on the link between three types of SCI and SCF.
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Md Kamal Hossain and Vikas Thakur
The promulgation of group purchasing organizations (GPOs) into the healthcare (HC) sector is an invaluable procurement strategy to manage the suppliers effectively. This study…
Abstract
Purpose
The promulgation of group purchasing organizations (GPOs) into the healthcare (HC) sector is an invaluable procurement strategy to manage the suppliers effectively. This study aims to identify and prioritize the factors of integrating GPOs into the HC sector on the perspectives of the developing countries such as India.
Design/methodology/approach
The factors are identified from current literature exploration, experts’ support and experience surveys. The factors are scrutinized and shortlisted using the Delphi technique and analysed further using the best-worst model method.
Findings
The findings of the study highlight the cost reduction, fair distribution of savings and healthcare supply chain (HCSC) data standardization among others to be the most prioritized drivers. The consulting services provided by GPOs including training and development as a result of high competitiveness in the HC market has been prioritized the least.
Practical implications
The study bears some important implications for decision and policymakers. The managers should consider factors, namely, cost reduction, fair distribution of savings and HCSC data standardization on a priority basis that acts as motivation for the HC providers to join the GPOs.
Originality/value
The study provides valuable insights for HC providers to participate in the GPOs for cost savings and enhance the performances.
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Walaa AlKhader, Raja Jayaraman, Khaled Salah, Andrei Sleptchenko, Jiju Antony and Mohammed Omar
Quality 4.0 (Q4.0) leverages new emerging technologies to achieve operational excellence and enhance performance. Implementing Q4.0 in digital manufacturing can bring about…
Abstract
Purpose
Quality 4.0 (Q4.0) leverages new emerging technologies to achieve operational excellence and enhance performance. Implementing Q4.0 in digital manufacturing can bring about reliable, flexible and decentralized manufacturing. Emerging technologies such as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), Blockchain and Interplanetary File Storage (IPFS) can all be utilized to realize Q4.0 in digital manufacturing. NFTs, for instance, can provide traceability and property ownership management and protection. Blockchain provides secure and verifiable transactions in a manner that is trusted, immutable and tamper-proof. This research paper aims to explore the concept of Q4.0 within digital manufacturing systems and provide a novel solution based on Blockchain and NFTs for implementing Q4.0 in digital manufacturing.
Design/methodology/approach
This study reviews the relevant literature and presents a detailed system architecture, along with a sequence diagram that demonstrates the interactions between the various participants. To implement a prototype of the authors' system, the authors next develop multiple Ethereum smart contracts and test the algorithms designed. Then, the efficacy of the proposed system is validated through an evaluation of its cost-effectiveness and security parameters. Finally, this research provides other potential applications and scenarios across diverse industries.
Findings
The proposed solution's smart contracts governing the transactions among the participants were implemented successfully. Furthermore, the authors' analysis indicates that the authors' solution is cost-effective and resilient against commonly known security attacks.
Research limitations/implications
This study represents a pioneering endeavor in the exploration of the potential applications of NFTs and blockchain in the attainment of a comprehensive quality framework (Q4.0) in digital manufacturing. Presently, the body of research on quality control or assurance in digital manufacturing is limited in scope, primarily focusing on the products and production processes themselves. However, this study examines the other vital elements, including management, leadership and intra- and inter-organizational relationships, which are essential for manufacturers to achieve superior performance and optimal manufacturing outcomes.
Practical implications
To facilitate the achievement of Q4.0 and empower manufacturers to attain outstanding quality and gain significant competitive advantages, the authors propose the integration of Blockchain and NFTs into the digital manufacturing framework, with all related processes aligned with an organization's strategic and leadership objectives.
Originality/value
This study represents a pioneering endeavor in the exploration of the potential applications of NFTs and blockchain in the attainment of a comprehensive quality framework (Quality 4.0) in digital manufacturing. Presently, the body of research on quality control or assurance in digital manufacturing is limited in scope, primarily focusing on the products and production processes themselves. However, this study examines the other vital elements, including management, leadership and intra- and inter-organizational relationships, which are essential for manufacturers to achieve superior performance and optimal manufacturing outcomes.
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Osman M. Karatepe, Emmanuel Twumasi Ampofo, Taegoo Terry Kim and Seokyoun Oh
The purpose of this study was to develop and test a research model that explored leader psychological capital (LPsyCap) as a predictor of follower creative performance (FCRP). The…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to develop and test a research model that explored leader psychological capital (LPsyCap) as a predictor of follower creative performance (FCRP). The model also investigated follower job crafting (FJC) and follower knowledge collecting (FKC) and follower knowledge donating (FKD) behaviors as the multiple mediators of the trickle-down effect of LPsyCap on FCRP in a sequential manner.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were obtained from hotel employees in Korea. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling with the user-defined estimands function.
Findings
LPsyCap boosted employees’ FCRP. FJC and FKC behaviors mediated the trickle-down effect of LPsyCap on FCRP in a sequential manner. As predicted, FKC behavior parallelly mediated the effect of FJC on FCRP.
Practical implications
Hotel firms should boost a workplace that would encourage employees to redefine and redesign their jobs. To achieve this, the presence of structural (e.g. learning new things in the workplace) and social (e.g. supervisor coaching) job resources and challenging job demands (e.g. willingly taking on additional tasks) would pay dividends.
Originality/value
This paper is one of its kind focusing on unexplored parallel and sequential multiple mediation effects that highlight FJC and FKC as the two potential mediators in the association between LPsyCap and FCRP.
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Zhenyu Shan, Anwar ul Haq, Usman Javed Butt, Farooq Habib, Arshad Jamal and Murtaza Farooq Khan
This study aims to identify blockchain-related innovation trends that can improve trust networks in a smart city's transport and supply chain networks. Trust networks are crucial…
Abstract
This study aims to identify blockchain-related innovation trends that can improve trust networks in a smart city's transport and supply chain networks. Trust networks are crucial in building and maintaining the trust of citizens in smart cities. By promoting transparency and accountability, facilitating collaboration and innovation, enhancing citizen participation and protecting privacy and security, trust networks can help to ensure that smart cities are developed and implemented in a responsible and sustainable way. A systematic literature review identifies 60 conceptual and empirical studies. This research focuses on the current problems and developing procurement and supply chain strategy and the potential benefits of using blockchain in these areas. It suggests ways for the smart city's transport and supply chain networks to utilise blockchain to improve operations and supply chain strategy and identifies innovation trends related to blockchain. The study also includes a systematic literature review and Blockchain Transformation and Influence model as the basis to enhance trust networks in the supply chain.
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