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1 – 10 of over 1000Decision-making, reinforced by artificial intelligence (AI), is predicted to become potent tool within the domain of supply chain management. Considering the importance of this…
Abstract
Purpose
Decision-making, reinforced by artificial intelligence (AI), is predicted to become potent tool within the domain of supply chain management. Considering the importance of this subject, the purpose of this study is to explore the triggers and technological inhibitors affecting the adoption of AI. This study also aims to identify three-dimensional triggers, notably those linked to environmental, social, and governance (ESG), as well as technological inhibitors.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing upon a six-step systematic review following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, a broad range of journal publications was recognized, with a thematic analysis under the lens of the ESG framework, offering a unique perspective on factors triggering and inhibiting AI adoption in the supply chain.
Findings
In the environmental dimension, triggers include product waste reduction and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, highlighting the potential of AI in promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. In the social dimension, triggers encompass product security and quality, as well as social well-being, indicating how AI can contribute to ensuring safe and high-quality products and enhancing societal welfare. In the governance dimension, triggers involve agile and lean practices, cost reduction, sustainable supplier selection, circular economy initiatives, supply chain risk management, knowledge sharing and the synergy between supply and demand. The inhibitors in the technological category present challenges, encompassing the lack of regulations and rules, data security and privacy concerns, responsible and ethical AI considerations, performance and ethical assessment difficulties, poor data quality, group bias and the need to achieve synergy between AI and human decision-makers.
Research limitations/implications
Despite the use of PRISMA guidelines to ensure a comprehensive search and screening process, it is possible that some relevant studies in other databases and industry reports may have been missed. In light of this, the selected studies may not have fully captured the diversity of triggers and technological inhibitors. The extraction of themes from the selected papers is subjective in nature and relies on the interpretation of researchers, which may introduce bias.
Originality/value
The research contributes to the field by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the diverse factors that trigger or inhibit AI adoption, providing valuable insights into their impact. By incorporating the ESG protocol, the study offers a holistic evaluation of the dimensions associated with AI adoption in the supply chain, presenting valuable implications for both industry professionals and researchers. The originality lies in its in-depth examination of the multifaceted aspects of AI adoption, making it a valuable resource for advancing knowledge in this area.
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Rohit Joshi, Devinder Kumar Banwet and Ravi Shankar
The cold chain has become an integral part of the supply chain of perishable items. Recent studies have shown a critical absence of a strong and dependable cold chain in…
Abstract
Purpose
The cold chain has become an integral part of the supply chain of perishable items. Recent studies have shown a critical absence of a strong and dependable cold chain in developing economies. The purpose of this paper is to set out to identify and inter‐relate the inhibitors that significantly influence the efficiency of a cold chain in developing economies like India.
Design/methodology/approach
The synthesis and prioritization of inhibitors are done on the basis of an extensive literature review as well as consultation with academicians and industrial professionals. Using semi‐structured interviews and Fuzzy Interpretive Structure Modeling (FISM) approach, the research presents a hierarchy‐based model.
Findings
The end result is a model that establishes the relationships among the identified inhibitors with their respective dominance. The research shows that there exists a group of inhibitors having a high driving power and low dependence with strategic importance and requiring maximum attention and another group includes inhibitors that have high dependence and the consequential actions.
Research limitations/implications
At the time when cold chain is the key domain for the food sector, these findings will be immensely helpful for industry professionals, Government, non‐government, academia and the community in developing strategies and impounding the root causes responsible for the inefficient and weak cold chain in India. The Indian situation echoes to the situation in most of the developing economies and similar solutions can apply there also. These findings will be truly useful for organizations that are planning to operate food chains in developing nations.
Orignality/value
Presentation of inhibitors in hierarchy and their classification into driver and dependent categories with their respective dominance on the system is a unique effort in the area of cold chain management. This would help decision makers to better utilize the limited resources.
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Kizito Elijah Kanyoma, Frank Wogbe Agbola and Richard Oloruntoba
This paper investigates the inhibitors and enablers of supply chain integration (SCI) across multiple tiers in the supply chains of manufacturing-based small and medium-sized…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper investigates the inhibitors and enablers of supply chain integration (SCI) across multiple tiers in the supply chains of manufacturing-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malawi.
Design/methodology/approach
Following a qualitative approach, data were collected through face-to-face interviews across three supply chains, each consisting of a focal manufacturer, a major supplier and a retailer.
Findings
The research identified interpersonal relationships, supplier cost transparency and joint supply chain management (SCM) investments as key enablers of SCI. Concerning the inhibitors of SCI, the study found that a lack of external integration inhibited internal integration by acting as a source of disruption to intra-firm processes and relationships. Further, the research found weaker links between manufacturer–-retailer dyads than in manufacturer–supplier dyads, which constrained the ability to achieve multi-tier supplier–manufacture–retailer integration. The study also revealed that resource and infrastructural deficiencies, a culture of fear and intimidation within and between firms, corruption in sourcing transactions and a lack of inter-firm trust inhibited SCI.
Research limitations/implications
The paper extends earlier evidence that internal integration is a prerequisite for external integration demonstrating that a basic level of external integration is necessary to prevent disruptions to internal integration.
Originality/value
This study is one of the few to go beyond the focal firm perspective and explore the inhibitors and enablers of SCI across multiple supply chain positions, and provides new evidence on the role of external integration in achieving internal integration.
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Sarat Kumar Jena and Abhijeet Ghadge
Human resource management (HRM) is struggling to cope with the increasingly volatile demand for skilled resources in the logistics and supply chain sector. Thus, this study…
Abstract
Purpose
Human resource management (HRM) is struggling to cope with the increasingly volatile demand for skilled resources in the logistics and supply chain sector. Thus, this study discovers the possible integration of HRM and supply chain management (SCM) practices for improved supply chain performance. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of intra HRM–SCM and joint HRM–SCM decisions on the performance of the supply chain.
Design/methodology/approach
An intra HRM–SCM and joint HRM–SCM model is developed following an empirical study. Survey data collected from 109 supply chain managers from Indian logistics firms are used to test the developed hypotheses. Structural equation modeling is used to analyze and validate the model.
Findings
The results suggest that supply chain performance is significantly influenced by joint HRM–SCM, compared to intra HRM–SCM practices, especially under volatile demand environments. Training and development, recruitment and selection, and performance management affect joint HRM–SCM significantly compared to the other three factors identified. Moreover, HRM and SCM show strong correlation and mutual support in identifying and fulfilling the demand of the logistics and supply chain sector.
Practical implications
With a growing trend toward globalization and digitalization, a joint HRM–SCM model will help businesses make robust and informed decisions for improved supply chain performance.
Originality/value
An empirical relationship between joint HRM–SCM, intra HRM–SCM, supply chain inhibitors and supply chain performance is established in this study. Although some part of this relationship may already exist, the study provides robust evidence to support this complex, collaborative relationship.
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Mauro Vivaldini and Paulo Renato de Sousa
The paper aims to further understanding of connectivity from the perspective of blockchain technology (BT) in the supply chain (SC). It presents the weaknesses (inhibitors) of…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to further understanding of connectivity from the perspective of blockchain technology (BT) in the supply chain (SC). It presents the weaknesses (inhibitors) of connectivity during technology implementation, focusing on supply chain interaction and resilience.
Design/methodology/approach
Restricting the focus to digital connectivity, interaction and supply chain resilience, this paper uses a systematic literature review (SLR) to examine how the literature has addressed, related or flagged connectivity weaknesses affecting supply chain interaction and resilience.
Findings
This study highlights the influence of connectivity for blockchain-technology projects. Technical and organisational influencers that affect the adoption of technology in the SC are presented. These influencers support the factors proposed in this study regarding the weaknesses that negatively affect the interaction between the agents involved and the SC's resilience. The research suggests that the weaknesses are related to technical needs and the relationships between companies arising from functionalities.
Research limitations/implications
This paper is restricted to a review of the theory and the researched material. Although the author was careful to choose the best search terms related to the research objective, some potentially relevant articles may have been excluded.
Practical implications
The study summarises research on blockchain connectivity influencers in the SC, helping managers to anticipate and mitigate some of doubts and concerns in projects of this nature.
Originality/value
This is one of the first articles in the area of operations and SCs that addresses the topic of connectivity, focusing on its restrictive factors (connectivity inhibitors), in the context of blockchain implementation in the SC.
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Nikhil Dhakate and Rohit Joshi
Environmental sustainability in health care is an important issue due to the limited available healthcare resources and increase in demand. For instance, organ recycling and…
Abstract
Purpose
Environmental sustainability in health care is an important issue due to the limited available healthcare resources and increase in demand. For instance, organ recycling and transplantation may reduce the increasing pressure on healthcare resources. The purpose of this paper is to set out to identify and interrelate the inhibitors that significantly influence the recycling of human organs and their implications to the environment in developing economies such as India.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses Delphi–ISM–regression, a three-step method, to investigate the possible reasons for the poor supply chain efficiency of organ recycling and to explore the consequence of excessive use of healthcare resources on the environment. The Delphi technique facilitates the identification, synthesis, and prioritization of the inhibitors. Then, using focused group discussion, the interpretive structure modeling (ISM) presents the interaction among the inhibitors into a hierarchy. Further, on the basis of 257 valid responses received on the structured survey instrument, the regression model examines the influence of identified constructs on one of the identified root causes.
Findings
The ISM presents the hierarchy-based model that depicts high driving power and low dependence inhibitors leading to reduced organ recycling rate. “Negative Intentions of family members” toward organ donation t “Willingness to discuss with family” and “Perceived Behavioral Control” emerged as the significant factors influencing organ recycling rate, which adversely impact the environment sustainability.
Originality/value
The patients on the organ waiting list put pressure on the availability of medical resources and, ultimately, on the environment through the consumption of different drugs and disposable of medical wastes. The study suggests policymakers and hospitals improve on the existing policies for an efficient supply chain of human organ recycling. The Indian situation echoes the situation in most of the emerging economies, and similar solutions can apply there too.
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Atul Kumar Tiwari, Anunay Tiwari and Cherian Samuel
Changes are inevitable in risky and uncertain business environments of today’s volatile supply chains. The concept of flexibility originates from this need to mitigate the…
Abstract
Purpose
Changes are inevitable in risky and uncertain business environments of today’s volatile supply chains. The concept of flexibility originates from this need to mitigate the ill-effects of risks and uncertainty in supply chains. In this paper, an attempt is made to present an exhaustive review on supply chain flexibility (SCF) and its implementation to gain strategic advantages.
Design/methodology/approach
A citation analysis method is employed in this paper to discuss, analyse and apprehend the conceptual, empirical, analytical and simulation studies done in this field. In this paper, about 110 papers on flexibility from many reputed journals are examined to study and assimilate various aspects of flexibility.
Findings
SCF embraces a unified process-based view including the core processes such as procurement, sourcing, distribution and logistics and mitigates uncertainty or risks involved. The review helps to assimilate the key knowledge about relevant practices in SCF and helps to draw implementing strategies while offering managerial insight on the subject.
Research limitations/implications
Citation and co-citation analysis is done to review the SCF literature. Efforts are made to investigate relevant papers from various journals regarding its ability to mitigate risk or aid in making strategic decision. The study, however, is limited to certain industries in the papers as per chosen approach here. The strategies described in here may further be verified by the researchers and practitioners pertaining to their study or industries focused.
Practical implications
It provides managerial insight for practitioners on how to use flexibility within the firm and across supply chain while considering various trade-offs.
Originality/value
This paper is unique as a review paper, as it encompasses various kinds of studies done on SCF from conceptual models to mathematical models. Further, it briefs with the current practices in industries/SC towards being flexible. It talks of various trade-offs in pursuit of flexibility and concludes while suggesting numerous research gaps and opening new dimensions for SCF research. It offers many managerial and academic implications.
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Srichandan Sahu and K.V.S.S. Narayana Rao
To assess the state of supply chain management (SCM) research in India and to understand the research trends and methodologies used. The present study also aims to create a…
Abstract
Purpose
To assess the state of supply chain management (SCM) research in India and to understand the research trends and methodologies used. The present study also aims to create a taxonomy of the subject areas researched in India.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study employed the systematic literature review methodology. Literature from 395 peer journal papers in 67 leading journals over a 20-year period (2000–2020 Quarter-1) was comprehensively reviewed and assessed.
Findings
SCM research in India started around the year 2000. The quantum of research was low (single digit) until 2010. There has been steady growth over the last decade, and over 50% of the total papers up until now has been published in the last four years. The present study created a three-tiered taxonomy of the subject areas and classified the papers as per it. The first tier (level-1) has seven categories (SCM strategy, network design, SCM processes and integration, IT systems, skills, performance measurement and others). A perusal of the newly created taxonomy revealed that, except for a few areas under level-1 categories (such as SCM processes and SCM strategy), the other level-1 categories have not seen much research. Similarly, there is little or no research in a large number of level-2 categories (such as outsourcing strategy, channel strategy, demand management, demand fulfillment, customer relationship management, integrated supply chain planning, new product development, returns, supply chain orientation, performance monitoring, performance improvement, SCM adoption process, SCM implementation issues and quantified benefits of SCM). Methodologically, the rigor of SCM research in India needs improvement.
Originality/value
A comprehensive taxonomy of SCM subject areas researched in India at three cascading levels was created for the first time in the present study. The taxonomy will help provide researchers with a clear understanding of the structure of the subject areas and help in identifying areas where research has been carried out and the subject areas where gaps exist for future research to proceed. The present study also provides an overview of the methodological rigor of SCM research in India and points out some of the limitations that researchers should avoid in future studies.
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Xiaofeng Zhao, Hui Zhao and Jianrong Hou
B2B e‐hubs have been studied by IS researchers for close to a decade, and supply chain integration is a critical topic for supply chain management. However, the interface of the…
Abstract
Purpose
B2B e‐hubs have been studied by IS researchers for close to a decade, and supply chain integration is a critical topic for supply chain management. However, the interface of the two topic areas has not received adequate attention from both researchers and practitioners. This paper aims to examine the impact of B2B e‐hubs on supply chain integration, with particular emphasis on information integration, B2B e‐hub architecture, and enabling technologies.
Design/methodology/approach
General system theory (GST) provides the theoretical framework. The main approach is theoretical analysis of information integration and development of e‐hub architecture. The paper discusses how information integration can be achieved through B2B e‐hubs and explores extensible markup language e‐hub architecture and technologies.
Findings
GST could provide the theoretical framework of integration, whereas information integration is the foundation of broader supply chain integration. E‐hubs open up communication and enlarge networking opportunities and thus tremendously affect information integration. By analyzing B2B e‐hubs, this paper explores the mechanism of information integration and points out managerial and technical limitations. Although there are many challenges, e‐hubs create value by aggregating and matching buyers and sellers, creating marketplace liquidity, and reducing transaction costs. E‐hubs could be a crucial solution to supply chain integration.
Originality/value
The paper uses GST as the theoretical foundation to analyze information integration in supply chain operations. The paper explores how e‐hubs can support supply chain integration, examines the design and development of B2B e‐hub architecture, and compares some enabling technologies. The research provides an understanding of how data interchange solutions can be implemented in supply chain operations.
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Vimal Kumar, Pratima Verma, R.R.K. Sharma and Ahmad Faraz Khan
In the context of emerging economies, the purpose of this paper is to seek the critical success factors (CSFs) of supply chain and identify their relationships to enhance the…
Abstract
Purpose
In the context of emerging economies, the purpose of this paper is to seek the critical success factors (CSFs) of supply chain and identify their relationships to enhance the supply chain performance (SCP) in a sample of Indian manufacturing firms.
Design/methodology/approach
On the basis of a comprehensive literature review, the authors conducted this study and proposed a new model of antecedent and outcomes for SCP in emerging markets. The empirical data for this study were drawn from a survey of 227 Indian firms, resulting in a response rate of 52 percent. The method of confirmatory factor analysis was applied to refine the CSFs and SCP scale for empirical analysis. The data were analyzed by employing the structural equation modeling technique.
Findings
The results reveal that all the identified CSFs, namely, agility, flexibility, flexible innovation, information and communication technology, collaboration among conglomerate divisions, process structure, and training and leadership programs, are positively associated with SCP. The empirical study of 227 Indian firms lent good support to the hypotheses and validates it by the data analysis. Consequently, these findings highlight the prominence of these factors of supply chain for gaining a sustainable competitive advantage in emerging market scenario.
Research limitations/implications
The study emphasizes on CSFs in emerging markets that will help to boost the organization’s SCP through agility and flexibility in supply chain. This study is applicable for growing markets in which there is ample amount of resources.
Originality/value
As economic growth stagnates in developed economies, emerging markets grow at near double-digit rates. Somehow, this study is pioneer in terms of enhance SCP in emerging market scenario. Moreover, the outcome of the study could provide empirical evidence of the effects of CSFs on SCPs.
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