Search results

1 – 10 of 17
Article
Publication date: 1 April 2001

Martijn F. Teulings and Piet van der Vlist

Describes the complementary standard mixed loads concept (the standard mix concept in short), which allows for assembling mixed loads at an upstream echelon. These standard mixed…

1655

Abstract

Describes the complementary standard mixed loads concept (the standard mix concept in short), which allows for assembling mixed loads at an upstream echelon. These standard mixed loads are assigned to customer orders at an echelon downstream of the chain. Describes two applications of the use of the standard mix concept in order to identify up‐front the logistic advantages, both in inventory reduction and in handling reduction. Presents the basic principles of the concept and offers some mathematical modelling. Describes the effects on the inventory at the various points of the supply chain, and presents some simulation results. Concludes that the concept offers new perspectives for supply chain management and intermodal transport.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 29 July 2014

Dr Edgar E. Blanco and Dr Ely Laureano Paiva

3000

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 44 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Article
Publication date: 14 November 2016

Amit Sinha, William P. Millhiser and Yuanjie He

The field of supply chain management (SCM) evolves dramatically due to factors of globalization, innovation, sustainability, and technology. These changes raise challenges not…

3875

Abstract

Purpose

The field of supply chain management (SCM) evolves dramatically due to factors of globalization, innovation, sustainability, and technology. These changes raise challenges not only to higher education institutions, but also to students, employing organizations, and third parties like SCM-related professional bodies. To understand the challenge, the purpose of this paper is to examine the gap between demand and supply of SCM-related knowledge areas, answer-related design questions, and make recommendations to close the gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

To compare the demand and supply of SCM-related knowledge areas, demand data is collected from a professional career website and supply data is gathered from operations management (OM) and SCM course syllabi from AACSB-accredited business schools in the USA. Cluster analysis identifies how supply and demand are matched on the data collected.

Findings

First, gaps exist between SCM talent requirements from industry and the knowledge/skill training by US business schools. This paper identifies matching, under-supplying, and over-supplying knowledge areas. Under-supply in emerging areas such as SCM information technology and certain logistics management topics are found. Some traditional OM topics are over-supplied due to out-of-date industry applications and should be revised to reflect the field’s transition from an OM to SCM view. Last, this paper makes recommendations to different stakeholders in this matching supply with demand process.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature in two ways. First, it provides an up-to-date understanding on demand and supply of SCM talent in USA. Second, it provides insights and recommendations not only to educators on curriculum design, but also to potential candidates interested in SCM careers, to companies’ job recruiters, and to professional organizations (such as APICS and Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) to reduce the gaps between demand and supply.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 27 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 March 2023

Dharmendra Hariyani and Sanjeev Mishra

The purposes of this paper are (1) to identify and rank the various enablers for an integrated sustainable-green-lean-six sigma-agile manufacturing system (ISGLSAMS), and (2) to…

Abstract

Purpose

The purposes of this paper are (1) to identify and rank the various enablers for an integrated sustainable-green-lean-six sigma-agile manufacturing system (ISGLSAMS), and (2) to study their correlations and their impact on organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Three tiers methodology is used to analyze the enablers for the successful adoption of ISGLSAMS. First, a total of 32 ISGLSAMS enablers are identified through a comprehensive literature review. Then, data are collected with a structured questionnaire from 108 Indian manufacturing industries. Then, an analytic approach is used to analyze (1) the relevance and significance of enablers and (2) their correlations (1) with each other, and (2) with the organizational performance outcomes, to strengthen the understanding of ISGLSAMS.

Findings

The findings suggest that top management commitment, sustainable reconfigurable manufacturing system, organization resources for 6 Rs, customers' and stakeholders' involvement, corporate social responsibility (CSR), customers and stakeholders-focused strategic alliances, dynamic manufacturing strategies, use of information and communication technology, concurrent engineering, standardized tasks for continuous improvement, virtual network of supply chain partners, real-time monitoring and control, training and education, employees' involvement and empowerment enablers are the higher level enablers for the adoption of ISGLSAMS. Findings also suggest that there is a scope for research in the incorporation of lot size reduction, Keiretsu-Kraljic supply chain relationship strategy, external collaborations with the stakeholders other than supply chain members, matrix flatter organization structure, employees' career development, justified employees' wages, government support for research fund and subsidies and vendor-managed inventory practices for ISGLSAMS. Top management commitment, sustainable reconfigurable manufacturing system, organization resources for 6 Rs, corporate social responsibility (CSR), dynamic manufacturing strategies, use of information and communication technology, concurrent engineering, virtual network of supply chain partners, real-time monitoring and control, training and education, employees' involvement and empowerment have a significant effect on (1) sustainable product design, (2) sustainable production system, (3) improvement in the sale, (4) improvement in market responsiveness, (5) improvement in the competitive position and (6) improvement in the global market image.

Practical implications

Through this study of ISGLSAMS enablers and their interdependence, and their impact on ISGLSAMS performance outcomes government, organizations, stakeholders, policymakers and supply chain partners may plan the policy, roadmap and strategies for the successful adoption of (1) ISGLSAMS in the organizational value chain, and (2) Industrial ecology and industrial symbiosis in India. The study also contributes to the industrial managers, and value chain partners a better understanding of ISGLSAMS.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to understand (1) the ISGLSAMS enablers and their correlations, and (2) the effect of ISGLSAMS enablers on ISGLSAMS performance outcomes to get the competitive and sustainability advantage. The study contributes to the practitioners, policymakers, organizations, government, researchers and academicians a better understanding of ISGLSAMS enablers and its performance outcomes.

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2022

Dharmendra Hariyani, Sanjeev Mishra and Milind Kumar Sharma

Scarcity of resources and ever-changing demand have attracted the government and manufacturers for an integrated sustainable-green-lean-six sigma-agile manufacturing system…

Abstract

Purpose

Scarcity of resources and ever-changing demand have attracted the government and manufacturers for an integrated sustainable-green-lean-six sigma-agile manufacturing system (ISGLSAMS). Many organizations failed to adopt ISGLSAMS due to various barriers. The purpose of this paper is to identify and rank the various barriers to ISGLSAMS and to analyze the correlations among the various barriers to ISGLSAMS so that the adoption of ISGLSAMS can be implemented in manufacturing organizations for more sustainable development of the industries, and industrial ecology.

Design/methodology/approach

A three tiers methodology is used to analyze the barriers to the adoption of ISGLSAMS. First, a total of 24 ISGLSAMS barriers are identified through a comprehensive literature review. Then data are collected with a structured questionnaire from 108 Indian manufacturing industries. Then, the sign test is used to check the relevance and significance of barriers. Then ISGLSAMS barriers are ranked based on the median and standard deviation. Spearman's correlations between the ISGLSAMS barriers are identified and studied to strengthen the in-depth understanding of correlations among the barriers.

Findings

The result shows that most of the Indian manufacturing industries agreed with the selected barriers to the adoption of ISGLSAMS. Low supplier commitment, uncertain financial benefits, the misconception of high cost, difficulty in evaluation of system performance throughout the life cycle, complexity in ISGLSA process design, the complexity of management of ISGLSAMS, complexity in ISGLSA system design, lack of updated information, complexity in ISGLSA product design and uncertain future legislation are found the major barriers for the ISGLSAMS in Indian manufacturing industries. While lack of leadership, low top management commitment, lack of government support, organizational structure, low employees' commitment, technological risk and low public pressure are considered minor barriers for the ISGLSAMS. Inter-relationships study of the barriers further contributes to the methodology to overcome the barriers.

Practical implications

The study contributes to a better understanding of ISGLSAMS barriers. Through this study, government, stakeholders and policymakers may plan the policy, roadmap and strategies to overcome the barriers to the ISGLSAMS. This will lead to the successful adoption of ISGLSAMS for more sustainable development of manufacturing industries in India.

Originality/value

This work contributes to identifying the barriers to a more sustainable manufacturing system, i.e. ISGLSAMS (7Rs based), and prioritizing them in Indian manufacturing industries. The research also contributes to the (1) study of inter-relationships among the ISGLSAMS barriers for analyzing the effect of one barrier over another barrier, and (2) ISGLSAMS literature because the sustainable manufacturing literature still lags the achievement of sustainability goals due to 6Rs focus.

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2020

Deepu TS and Ravi V

Supply chain efficiency can be enhanced by integrating the activities in supply chain through digitalization. Advancements in digital technologies has facilitated in designing…

Abstract

Purpose

Supply chain efficiency can be enhanced by integrating the activities in supply chain through digitalization. Advancements in digital technologies has facilitated in designing robust and dynamic supply chain by bringing in efficiency, transparency and reduction in lead times. This research tries to identify and prioritize the customer requirements and design requirements for effective integration of supply chain through digitalization.

Design/methodology/approach

The key nine customer requirements and 16 design requirements applicable for an electronics company were shortlisted in consultation with the experts from the company and academia. An integrated analytic network process (ANP) and quality function deployment (QFD) methodology has been applied for prioritizing the customer and design requirements. The relative importance and interdependence of these requirements were identified and a House of Quality (HOQ) is constructed.

Findings

The HOQ constructed has prioritized and identified interrelationships among customer requirements and design requirements for effective supply chain digitalization. These findings could be effectively used by managers for planning the objectives on long-term, medium-term and short-term basis.

Originality/value

This study tries to bridge the gap of identifying and prioritizing the design and customer requirements for effective supply chain integration through digitalization. The results could aid practicing managers and academicians in decision-making on supply chain digitalization process.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 January 2019

Rahul Sindhwani, Varinder Kumar Mittal, Punj Lata Singh, Ankur Aggarwal and Nishant Gautam

Many types of research have already investigated the lean, green or agile manufacturing systems in a discrete manner or as combinations of two of them. In today’s competitive…

1095

Abstract

Purpose

Many types of research have already investigated the lean, green or agile manufacturing systems in a discrete manner or as combinations of two of them. In today’s competitive scenario, if industry wants to perpetuate its name in the market, then it has to supervene proper thinking and smart approach. Therefore, the combination of lean, green and agile manufacturing systems can provide better and beneficial results. The purpose of this paper is to discern the barriers to the combined lean green agile manufacturing system (LGAMS), understand their interdependence and develop a framework to enhance LGAMS by using total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) and MICMAC (Matriced’ Impacts Croise’s Multiplication Appliquée a UN Classement) Analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses TISM methodology and MICMAC analysis to deduce the interrelationships between the barriers and rank them accordingly. A total of 13 barriers have been identified through extensive literature review and discussion with experts.

Findings

An integrated LGAMS has been presented that balances the lean, green and agile paradigms and can help supply chains become more efficient, streamlined and sustainable. Barriers are identified while referring to all three strategies to showcase the clear relevance. TISM models the barriers in different levels showcasing direct and important transitive relations. Further, MICMAC analysis distributes the barriers in four clusters in accordance with their driving and dependence power.

Research limitations/implications

The inferences have been drawn from a model developed on the basis of inputs from a small fraction of the industry and academia and may show variations when considering the whole industry.

Practical implications

The outcome of this research can contribute to bringing the change to the manufacturing systems used in most developing nations. Also, top managers considering adoption of LGAMS can be cautious of the most influential barriers.

Originality/value

A TISM-based model of the barriers to an integrated LGAMS has been proposed with evaluation of the influence of the barriers.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 September 2019

Marcella Giacomarra, Maria Crescimanno, Georgia Sakka and Antonino Galati

The purpose of this paper is to explore how a food and beverage packaging company manages internal and external stakeholders to achieve sustainable innovation outcomes, as well as…

1757

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how a food and beverage packaging company manages internal and external stakeholders to achieve sustainable innovation outcomes, as well as to contribute to the spread of sustainability paths along the supply chain, on which it operates.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was chosen and applied multiple methods of semi-structured interviews and a documentation review.

Findings

Results reveal a structured stakeholder relationship management, according to which the packaging company acts through a stakeholder engagement process to both acquire and share new knowledge to address stakeholder pressure. Co-creation models result in a winning strategy to exploit knowledge, above all in a supply chain context, where actors should act as a part of a strictly interlinked system, involving external stakeholders (also suppliers) and internal stakeholders in joint eco-innovation projects. The case study shows the potential strategic role of a packaging company in affecting relevant actors of the supply chain through the promotion of a sustainability culture.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation is linked to the chosen case study approach, which does not allow for results to be generalized. Future works could arrange panel data analysis to investigate in depth the behavior of several packaging companies regarding stakeholder relationship management.

Practical implications

Managerial implications mainly underline that, to fully address market stakeholder pressure, managers should recognize the relevance of acquiring and sharing new knowledge from external sources, without underestimating the need to integrate it with internal stakeholders (employees) for its exploitation.

Originality/value

The present work is original for the food and beverage industry, with specific attention on the packaging sector, which, until today, has been widely investigated regarding food and waste loss reduction strategies, but less often from the perspective of stakeholder relationship management in addressing sustainability.

Article
Publication date: 2 October 2017

Jamal El Baz and Issam Laguir

The purpose of this paper is to examine the environmental sustainability practices of third-party logistics providers (TPLs) in a developing country and analyze the efforts made…

3057

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the environmental sustainability practices of third-party logistics providers (TPLs) in a developing country and analyze the efforts made by TPLs to implement green practices through a case study of Moroccan TPLs.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative case study of Moroccan TPLs was conducted using an interview guide.

Findings

The findings indicate that the internal and external drivers motivate TPLs to implement green practices while internal and external obstacles hinder them. The authors identified two groups of TPLs, each with a specific environmental sustainability approach. The results indicate also that environmental sustainability is at an early stage of development in Moroccan TPLs. Based on these findings, the authors were able to develop several propositions for further research. It is suggested that TPLs market coverage can influence positively their green initiative; the lack of collaboration and partners involvement hinders TPLs environmental initiatives; and the lack of clear environmental strategy limits TPLs environmental sustainability initiatives.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations that provide future research opportunities. Because this study is qualitative, further statistical support is needed to justify wider generalization of its findings. The possibility of generalizing the present findings to countries beyond Morocco is limited by the fact that data were collected exclusively there. Studies might therefore do well to investigate TPLs in developing countries other than Morocco to increase the external validity of the results. Also, the research could be expanded by taking into account how shippers or client companies collaborate with TPLs to improve sustainability initiatives.

Practical implications

The results can be used to inform companies about environmental sustainability initiatives that have been implemented or to identify practices that can be adopted.

Originality/value

The relevant literature has centered on advanced countries, and few studies have been conducted in the logistics market. Research on the sustainable initiatives of TPLs in developing countries in general and African countries in particular is sparse. This paper addresses this gap by investigating the sustainable practices of TPLs in Morocco.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 37 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2021

Kamran Mahroof, Amizan Omar and Berk Kucukaltan

The purpose of this paper is to offer a consolidative approach in exploring the potential contribution of digital technologies in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) for…

1905

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a consolidative approach in exploring the potential contribution of digital technologies in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) for the sustainable performance of food supply chain business, through the circular economy concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

As a single case study, this qualitative, interpretivist research was based on one of the largest food producers in the United Kingdom. The research utilises semi-structured interviews and applies thematic analysis to offer rich insights into SSCM challenges and their relationship with the business performance, through ten in-depth interviews.

Findings

Findings derived from thematic analysis of the interview transcripts suggest four main critical success factors underpinning SSCM practices and businesses performance – i.e. business continuity, waste reduction, performance measurement approach, and organisational learning, which could use the help of digital technologies to improve. This led to seven propositions to be addressed in the future research.

Originality/value

This research offers real, practical insights into SSCM challenges, within the context of food supply chain and explores the potential of digital technologies in overcoming them. Accordingly, the primary contribution of this work is grounded in the identification of critical success factors in SSCM for food supply chains (FSC). Hence, this work contributes further to the literature on SSCM, as well as circular economy, by providing a study of a business in the context of the highly pertinent and valuable food industry.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 71 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

1 – 10 of 17