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Article
Publication date: 13 February 2023

Mahmoud Ramadan Barakat, Nicoleta Tipi and Jialin Snow Wu

This research aims to provide a conceptual framework with the scope to assist in establishing sustainable supply chain clusters (SCCs) by providing an instrument for organisations…

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to provide a conceptual framework with the scope to assist in establishing sustainable supply chain clusters (SCCs) by providing an instrument for organisations to enhance the three sustainability dimensions in a dynamic environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This research proposes a conceptual framework to enhance sustainability and organisational performance through three theoretical lenses: the system theory, extended resource-based view and the dynamic capabilities (DCs) theory. This approach is carried out through a comprehensive review of the existing literature on SCCs.

Findings

Four main propositions are formulated and demonstrated using the developed framework, which expands the discussion about SCCs and their key characteristics in a dynamic environment. This is particularly relevant as it allows empirical testing of the theories in an SCC context.

Research limitations/implications

It can be noted that more extensive research is needed to further understand the issues faced in establishing sustainable clusters. Drawing on the theoretical lenses to establish the framework helps to enhance the understanding and operational capabilities of sustainable SCCs during and after disruptions, such as the global disruption created by COVID-19.

Practical implications

This research paves the way to help organisations improve their adaptability to the dynamic business environment by emphasizing the importance of clustering and linking it to sustainability through DCs to establish a sustainable cluster.

Originality/value

This research aims to guide organisations' use of SCCs as tools to enhance sustainability in a dynamic environment, given that the relationship amongst supply chain cluster design characteristics (SCCDCs), DCs and sustainability remains unexplored. The combination of the three theoretical lenses in developing the proposed framework will assist in further understanding the applicability of these theories when they are considered together.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 61 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2022

Elias D. Georgakoudis, Georgia G. Pechlivanidou and Nicoleta S. Tipi

This paper seeks to analyze the concept of packaging re-design with the main purpose to better exploit the utilized space within a secondary packaging, pallet and/or to make…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to analyze the concept of packaging re-design with the main purpose to better exploit the utilized space within a secondary packaging, pallet and/or to make better use of transport, respectively. In addition, it investigates and discusses the importance of space exploitation in relation to environmental benefits, the industry and the community in general.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a specific case study, in which two different options of a bottle with the same capacity are investigated in terms of: shape and space utilization. The investigation includes a detailed numerical comparison between the bottles, in order to show the strengths and weaknesses of each option.

Findings

The analysis provides evidence that any shape improvements could result into benefits such as: reduce waste, increase space utilization and increase the number of transported products per load. This in turn could reduce the energy and CO2 emissions required per unit of product carried or stored. The analysis shows that a better utilization of the space could further offer significant economic benefits for the company with respect to transportation and warehousing.

Research limitations/implications

However, the proposed packaging design solutions are proposed with the guarantee that the protection of the product is ensured, the logistics activities are facilitated as expected, the needs of the user are fully covered and the cost is maintained low. This solution, therefore, addresses the economic, social and environmental aspect of packaging.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to study the relation between the packaging redesign concept and the various environmental and economic benefits for the industry and the participants of the supply chain, while maintaining the needs of the user. This works contributes to other more recent studies that are concerned with packaging design innovation that respond to key environmental concerns.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 34 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 August 2021

Abdallah Amhalhal, John Anchor, Nicoleta S. Tipi and Sara Elgazzar

The research investigates the effectiveness of the performance measurement alignment approach which claims that measurement diversity (multiple performance measures) should be…

Abstract

Purpose

The research investigates the effectiveness of the performance measurement alignment approach which claims that measurement diversity (multiple performance measures) should be aligned with organisational contingencies to enhance organisational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical framework is contingency theory. The study is an empirical investigation of the indirect relationship between three contextual factors (business strategy, information technology and organisation size) and organisational performance via multiple performance measures. The results are derived from cross-sectional questionnaire survey data from 132 Libyan companies (response rate of 61%). For data analysis, the research uses mediation regression analysis via Preacher and Hayes' (2004) macro.

Findings

There is a significant indirect effect of business strategy and information technology, but not organisation size, on organisational performance. The measurement diversity approach plays a core mediating role in the relationship between the contingencies and organisational performance.

Practical implications

The study helps to provide a better understanding of the usefulness of the fit/match between contingencies and Multiple Performance Measures in improving organisational performance.

Originality/value

The empirical evidence supports the central proposition of contingency theory that there is no universally appropriate performance measurement system which applies equally to all organisations in all circumstances. It also provides evidence relating to non–manufacturing and an emerging market context. This research significantly extends the relevant literature by highlighting the relationship between information technology, multiple performance measures and organisational performance. This study is the first to use Preacher and Hayes' (2004) macro to analyse mediation design in the field of contingency-based performance measurement.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 71 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 January 2019

Sara Elgazzar, Nicoleta Tipi and Glynis Jones

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a review of the literature that gives insight into design elements for constructing a supply chain performance measurement (SCPM) system.

2005

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a review of the literature that gives insight into design elements for constructing a supply chain performance measurement (SCPM) system.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of published research on SCPM systems and frameworks over the last two decades was conducted with the purpose of categorising key functions of SCPM systems by providing an insight into the design, functionality, implementation and practical implications of SCPM systems.

Findings

The review revealed a set of functions governing the SCPM system that have not been fully explored in previous research: the process focus, prioritisation, integration and causality functions of a SCPM system. A relationship between two or more functions can be created to include more functionality based on the needs of the company to create a comprehensive performance measurement system.

Research limitations/implications

The paper concludes with a conceptual framework to guide future research in the area of designing a SCPM system and define the main aspects that should be considered when developing a SCPM system.

Practical implications

The paper brings a new dimension to the SCPM research by identifying the main functions of SCPM systems that could benefit practitioners to set up a SCPM system relevant to its intended function. The paper presents multiple potential stages of merging different functions in one SCPM system. Based on the company’s needs and context, the functionality of the SCPM system can be designed at four levels creating ten possible scenarios when designing a company’s SCPM system.

Originality/value

The paper integrated the literature and findings of 269 research papers of the last two decades, upon which a conceptual framework was developed as a guide for constructing an effective SCPM system.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 68 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2021

Marina Papalexi, David Bamford, Alexandros Nikitas, Liz Breen and Nicoleta Tipi

This paper aims to evaluate the implementation of innovative programmes within the downstream domain of the pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC), with the aim of informing improved…

1308

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the implementation of innovative programmes within the downstream domain of the pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC), with the aim of informing improved service provision.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach was used to assess to what extent innovation could be adopted by hospital and community pharmacies to improve the delivery process of pharmaceutical products. Unstructured interviews and 130 questionnaires were collected and analysed to identify factors that facilitate or prevent innovation within PSC processes.

Findings

The analysis led to the creation of the innovative pharmaceutical supply chain framework (IPSCF) that provides guidance to health-care organisations about how supply chain management problems could be addressed by implementing innovative approaches. The results also indicated that the implementation of Lean and Reverse Logistics (RL) practices, supported by integrated information technology systems, can help health-care organisations to enhance their delivery in terms of quality (products and service quality), visibility (knowledge and information sharing), speed (response to customers and suppliers needs) and cost (minimisation of cost and waste).

Practical implications

The study’s recommendations have potential implications for supply chain theory and practice, particularly for pharmacies in terms of innovation adoption. The IPSCF provides guidance to pharmacies and health-care organisations to develop more efficient and effective supply chain strategies.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the academic literature as it adds novel theoretical insights to highly complex delivery process innovation.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

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