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Article
Publication date: 25 October 2021

Hemant Sharma, Nagendra Sohani and Ashish Yadav

Today the role of industry 4.0 plays a very important role in enhancing any supply chain network, as the industry 4.0 supply chain uses Big Data and advanced analytics to inform…

Abstract

Purpose

Today the role of industry 4.0 plays a very important role in enhancing any supply chain network, as the industry 4.0 supply chain uses Big Data and advanced analytics to inform the complete visibility. Latest data are available to bring clarity and support real-time decision-making in the entire supply chain that’s why adopting optimization techniques such as lean manufacturing and lean supply chain concept for enhancing the supply chain network of the organizations is a good idea and would benefit them in increasing their cost efficiency and productivity. The purpose of this work is to develop a technique, which may be useful for future researchers and managers to identify and classification of the significant lean supply chain enablers.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors considered hybrid analytical hierarchy process to find the ranking of the identified lean supply chain enablers by calculating their weightage. Interpretive structural modeling (ISM) is applied to develop the structural interrelationship among various lean supply chain management enablers. Considering the results obtained from ISM the Matrices d'Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliqué a un Classement (MICMAC) analysis is done to identify the driving and dependence power of Lean Supply Chain Management Enablers (LSCMEs).

Findings

Further, the best results applying these methodologies could be used to analyze their inter-relationships for successful Lean supply chain management implementation in an organization. The authors developed an integrated model after the identification of 20 key LSCMEs, which is very helpful to identify and classify the important enablers by ISM methodology and explore the direct and indirect effects of each enabler by MICMAC analysis on the LSCM implementation. This will help organizations optimize their supply chain by selective control of lean enablers.

Practical implications

For lean manufacturing practitioners, the result of the study can be beneficial where the manufacturer is required to increase efficiency and reduce cost and wastage of resources in the lean manufacturing process, as well as in enhancing the supply chain.

Originality/value

This paper is the first research paper that considered firstly deep literature review of identified lean supply chain enablers and second developed structured modeling of various lean enablers of supply chain with the help of various methodologies.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 21 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2022

Asmae El Jaouhari, Jabir Arif, Soumaya Fellaki, Mohamed Amejwal and Khaoula Azzouz

This study aims to address Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies that can improve the research and implementation of lean supply chain management (LSCM) and the enhanced LSCM subfields…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to address Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies that can improve the research and implementation of lean supply chain management (LSCM) and the enhanced LSCM subfields in I4.0 technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a systematic literature review to detect, categorize and assess recent data, highlighting patterns and providing suggestions for potential research in this field, to investigate I4.0 literature and its effect on LSCM. The authors examined 79 published types of research from the Scopus database that were published between 2010 and 2021 and classified them into four LSCM fields: logistics, production, supply chain and marketing.

Findings

The authors can emphasize the fact that the literature on this topic is in progress, from early German academic research to the current creation of new effects around the world. The majority of the potential effects investigated were discovered to improve specific areas that ultimately enhance the practices of the four LSCM domains as well as performance outcomes. The authors were also able to assess the extent to which present and upcoming I4.0 technologies can improve LSCM research and implementation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of its kind. Although some research looked into various areas of I4.0 and LSCM topics, there has been no research specifically looking into the impact of I4.0 on LSCM. The originality of this study lies in the treatment of the main fields and sub-fields of LSCM, which can benefit from the technologies of I4.0. Academic scholars interested in the research topics may benefit from the findings of this study. Organizations in various industrial sectors, particularly manufacturing, where lean thinking is used, business professionals specialized in lean operations and supply chain management, along with anyone else who wants to learn more about the interrelationships between I4.0 and LSCM.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 27 June 2023

Severine Sirito Augustine Kessy, Gladness Ladislaus Salema and Yusta Simwita

This paper aims to examine lean thinking in medical commodities supply chains by considering its applications and success factors. It determines the drivers and wastes of medical…

1045

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine lean thinking in medical commodities supply chains by considering its applications and success factors. It determines the drivers and wastes of medical commodity supply chain, and the existing lean tools and practices together with their application in the supply chain processes. The paper also examined the challenges and success factors for effective lean application in the medical commodities supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used qualitative approaches, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with key informants to form the basis for data collection. Through thematic analysis, the collected data were analyzed by developing themes reflecting the objectives of the study.

Findings

The main drivers for waste associated with the supply chain were demand management, supplier development, institutional framework and governance. The wastes were observed at the level of inventory, operation costs, transaction costs, delays in terms of service, commodity delivery time and quality. Digitalization, information technology and standardization were the tools for medical supply chain. Poor infrastructure, unreliable internet supply, environmental uncertainty and poor management support were challenges to realizing an effective supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

Although the qualitative approach used in the study provides detailed information, a quantitative study covers a larger sample for generalization.

Practical implications

Capacity building and professionalism should be given a priority because the philosophy of lean focuses on waste removal and continuous improvement, which highly depends on the quality of human resource (Brito et al., 2020). Limited human resource capabilities in supply chain management will, therefore, result into poor operational efficiency, which are wasted. Moreover, systems interoperability is key waste minimization and, therefore, demands interventions.

Social implications

The government under the Ministry of Health and other key sector ministries such as local and regional governments should better understand the role of the waste drivers and adopt system-wide reforms to support improvements to remove waste in the medical supply chain. For example, the current institutional framework creates an administrative block and hence leads to wastes. This bureaucratic procedure should be removed to minimize wastes along the chain.

Originality/value

This study is among the first studies to determine applicability and implementation of lean in a resource-constrained context. The paper identifies contextual factors for lean implementation. This paper focused on a holistic view of the entire supply chains to enhance a well-functioning supply chain in delivering health commodities.

Details

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 October 2022

Dejian Yu and Tong Ye

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the existing knowledge system of lean supply chain management (LSCM), i.e. by using main path analysis, and the authors extract the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the existing knowledge system of lean supply chain management (LSCM), i.e. by using main path analysis, and the authors extract the main development track of LSCM. It is advantageous for relevant scholars to deepen their understanding of this academic field from a bibliometrics view to grasp the future directions better.

Design/methodology/approach

Structuring a citation network with the processed data set containing 866 papers and relevant information collected from Web of Science (WoS). Conducting review analyses aiming at the main paths that are extracted from the above citation network.

Findings

There are two different evolution paths in LSCM field, i.e. improving corporate sustainability performance through combining lean and green practices, and seeking the balance between lean and agility to structure leagile supply chain for specific industries. LSCM research studies mainly focus on five aspects: (1) establishment and development of LSCM theory; (2) structuration of lean supply chain; (3) research studies of the relationship between LSCM and corporate performance; (4) supply chain evaluation system; and (5) review and vista of LSCM field. The intersection of two knowledge evolute routes would be Industry 4.0, which is an integrated theory system combining lean, agility, green and other supply chain thinking.

Research limitations/implications

The data set collected from WoS cannot contain all the research studies about LSCM is the main research limitation. Sustainability, as represented by environmental performance, will continue to be a major pursuit of this field. Integrating LSCM in Industry 4.0 will be the next hotspot in LSCM field.

Practical implications

Providing the main research contents and common methods of LSCM field. It is conducive to deepening the understanding of relevant practitioners and scholars to LSCM field from a dynamic perspective.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first time to reveal the knowledge diffuse trajectories of LSCM under different view with main path analysis. This study is unique that it provides a new view to understand the field of LSCM.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

Fernando Naranjo, Larry J. Menor and P. Fraser Johnson

This research proposes and illustrates a conditional view of lean supply chain management (LSCM) based upon the contextual contingent alignment between lean performance objectives…

Abstract

Purpose

This research proposes and illustrates a conditional view of lean supply chain management (LSCM) based upon the contextual contingent alignment between lean performance objectives (i.e. a contextual factor) and supply chain management challenges (i.e. a contingent condition) in the selection of lean approaches (i.e. a contingent event).

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the notions of contingency-based practices and strategic fit, the authors’ LSCM reconceptualization jointly considers contextual and contingency factors in specifying what lean approaches to adopt. The authors illustrate the practical relevance of LSCM reconceptualization for the Canadian agri-food industry using the Delphi method.

Findings

The authors highlight that LSCM is founded upon alignment associations between specific lean performance objectives and supply chain challenges as well as their influence on the selection of suitable lean approaches. The empirical illustration shows that those alignment associations do not occur at random, which supports the conditional view of LSCM.

Research limitations/implications

The contextual contingent view of LSCM can inform future scholarly inquiry and can reframe practically relevant middle-range theorization on LSCM.

Practical implications

The Delphi method-derived descriptive model of LSCM provides guidance to managers in the Canadian agri-food sector in identifying suitable lean approaches to adopt given the specific performance objective(s) pursued and supply chain management challenge(s) encountered.

Originality/value

The authors advance scholarly theorization and managerial understanding of LSCM by providing a conditional conceptualization that jointly considers relevant contextual and contingency factors that hitherto have not been examined. In ascribing what lean approach(es) to adopt to the alignment associations influence between lean performance objective(s) pursued and supply chain management challenge(s) encountered, the authors provide compelling conceptual and empirical support for the joint conditional view of LSCM.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 43 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2010

Diane Mollenkopf, Hannah Stolze, Wendy L. Tate and Monique Ueltschy

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship among green, lean, and global supply chain strategies as found in the literature, with emphasis on the concurrent…

23772

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship among green, lean, and global supply chain strategies as found in the literature, with emphasis on the concurrent implementation of these three strategic initiatives, in order to develop a research agenda to guide theoretically based future research that informs managerial decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review is conducted to examine research and practice with respect to the concurrent implementation of green, lean, and global supply chain strategies.

Findings

An in‐depth examination of the literature revealed drivers, barriers, converging, and contradictory points across the three supply chain strategies. Future research opportunities fall into four major themes: the need for theoretically grounded research, the need for a multi‐functional approach, the need for a systems approach that adds strategic insight, and the need for integrated measurement application. Managerial aspects are highlighted in the discussion of the metrics across the three strategic interfaces and integrated life cycle management is suggested as a framework for measurement application across the three supply chain strategies.

Originality/value

Separate literature streams have arisen to address issues in green, lean, and global supply chain management, but research has largely neglected the intersection of these three strategies practiced by multinational organizations. The current research synthesizes the literature addressing the intersections of green, lean, and global supply chain management, and suggests a research agenda to redress gaps in the literature.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 40 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 December 2021

Wojciech Domink Piotrowicz, Urszula Ryciuk and Maciej Szymczak

The aim of this paper is to review metrics and develop a framework for measuring leagile supply chain. Metrics that are applicable in the lean, agile and leagile strategies are…

6835

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to review metrics and develop a framework for measuring leagile supply chain. Metrics that are applicable in the lean, agile and leagile strategies are identified in the literature and are then combined into a framework that can reflect both agile and lean strategies – the leagile supply strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This work is based on the systematic literature review. Literature was collected, then lean and agile metrics were extracted, analysed, counted and grouped into the framework. Findings are compared against literature on leagile supply chain.

Findings

Findings indicate that there are sets of metrics specific to lean strategy, such as are process-focused, cost, productivity, inventory and delivery-based metrics, and specific to agile such as flexibility, responsiveness, information sharing and cooperation. There are also metrics common for both strategies; they are related to time, quality and customer satisfaction. Lean measures are tangible and focused on internal processes and products, while agile measures are targeted at external environment.

Practical implications

The framework could be used by practitioners as a starting point for performance system design.

Originality/value

There is a need to stop looking at lean and agile as separate and distinct supply strategies. Results of this research indicate that lean and agile are interlinked, both are focusing on customer satisfaction and quality. Applying a proposed set of metrics enables to design supply chain measurement system that reflects both strategies to measure leagile supply chain. The framework could be used by practitioners as a starting point for performance system design.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 72 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 July 2020

José Moyano-Fuentes, Juan Manuel Maqueira-Marín, Pedro José Martínez-Jurado and Macarena Sacristán-Díaz

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the contribution to improving the efficiency of the focal firm made by lean management at the internal and supply chain levels.

2145

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the contribution to improving the efficiency of the focal firm made by lean management at the internal and supply chain levels.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was conducted of 285 Spanish focal companies from industrial sectors that occupy an intermediate position in the supply chain. The data gathering method consisted of a telephone survey using computer-assisted telephone interviewing. A structural equation was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that there is an improvement in efficiency of the focal firm when lean management extends throughout the supply chain, in line with the resource-based theory and integrated supply chain management. In addition, lean management at the internal level is observed to impact positively on the focal firm's efficiency only when it contributes to enhancing the implementation of lean supply chain management.

Practical implications

To achieve the best operational performance derived from lean management, managers should pay attention to the transfer to their supply chain members of knowledge, competencies and cultural change linked to the level of internal lean implementation of the focal firm. Moreover, this paper provides a way to assess the operational aspects of lean supply chain strategy implementation and lean supply chain planning.

Originality/value

This study uses a holistic focus on lean supply chain management, to which it applies a validated instrument. It underlines that lean on the internal level should be complemented with lean on the supply chain level to provide a better understanding of the drivers of the efficiency of the focal firm.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 32 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 June 2023

Payam Nikneshan, Arash Shahin and Hamid Davazdahemami

This study aims to propose an integrated framework for analyzing the effect of lean and agile innovation on the lean and agile supply chains.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to propose an integrated framework for analyzing the effect of lean and agile innovation on the lean and agile supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature was reviewed and the dimensions of lean and agile supply chain/innovation were extracted. The statistical population included the managers and experts of pharmaceutical companies in Isfahan province. Eight pharmaceutical companies were selected. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to investigate the research variables. The face and content validity of the questionnaire and the data reliability were confirmed. After data collection, the studied companies were positioned in a two-by-two matrix and the associated data of two cells of the matrix, i.e. high lean supply chain/innovation and high agile supply chain/innovation were used for further statistical effect analysis using Smart-PLS.

Findings

The research results indicated that with the improvement of lean innovation in pharmaceutical companies, the lean supply chain improved by 97.9%; and with the improvement of agile innovation, the agile supply chain improved by 97.1%.

Practical implications

Considering lean innovation, pharmaceutical companies should deal with the process of conceptualizing innovation, and regarding agility strategy, their focus should be more on generating ideas to improve their agile supply chain. This study was performed during the COVID-19 pandemic and offers appropriate innovation strategies to improve the supply chain of pharmaceutical companies.

Originality/value

The literature review implies that no research has been conducted on the selected and classified variables of this study. Also, using the positioning matrix before statistical analysis distinguishes this paper from similar studies.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2018

Raid Al-Aomar and Matloub Hussain

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for identification, categorization and prioritization of lean techniques adopted in a hotel supply chain.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for identification, categorization and prioritization of lean techniques adopted in a hotel supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey tool is used for the identification of lean techniques that are relevant to a hotel supply chain. The targeted sample includes experts from 50 four- and five-star hotels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that confirmed experience in implementing lean practices across hotels supply chain. A Supplier-Inputs-Process-Outputs-Customers (SIPOC) chart and experts’ opinion are used to allocate and categorize the identified lean techniques across the construct of the hotel supply chain. Finally, analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is used to prioritize the criteria and sub-criteria of adopted lean techniques.

Findings

Study results have identified six main categories of lean practices and 19 specific lean techniques as relevant to a hotel supply chain. The identified categories include JIT, Kaizen, Quality, Inventory, Maintenance and Standardization. The study found that JIT and Kaizen take the top priority among the identified categories of lean practices. In line with that, on-time service to customers, effective improvement system and on-time delivery from suppliers were found to be the three most relevant lean techniques to a hotel supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

The study has targeted a representative sample of hotels with experience in implementing lean practices. Study findings have several implications to researchers and practitioners for effective adoption of lean techniques within a hotel supply chain. However, the accuracy and credibility of results obtained from this research including SIPOC allocation and lean categorization are highly dependent on the accuracy and credibility of collected empirical data from surveyed hotels within the study context. Results of AHP prioritization also depend on the credibility of judgements made by the hotels’ supply chain experts.

Practical implications

The study provides the hospitality industry with a structured approach that can help in a prioritized adoption of most relevant lean techniques across the hotel supply chain to reduce wastes, create value, increase efficiency and improve the service level. Study findings can be used by hotel management to direct and focus the effort of lean capacity building, resources allocation and implementation plans.

Originality/value

Limited research is available on lean management in the context of a hotel supply chain. Also, most of the previous research is focused on lean impacts, while academics and practitioners agree that the identification and prioritization of most relevant lean techniques is crucial to the successful implementation of lean management for waste reduction and value creation. This research addresses this important issue in hotel supply chains and proposes a structured approach for effective lean adoption.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

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