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Article
Publication date: 15 March 2016

Stefanella Stranieri, Alessia Cavaliere and Alessandro Banterle

The proliferation of traceability standards shed light on the understanding of the mechanisms leading agri-food firms to choose among different kind of rules and systems for their…

Abstract

Purpose

The proliferation of traceability standards shed light on the understanding of the mechanisms leading agri-food firms to choose among different kind of rules and systems for their implementation. The present paper investigates the role of firms economic incentives on the adoption of different traceability systems. In specific, the analysis aims at segmenting food firms on the basis of economic incentives for the adoption of voluntary traceability and the levels of the system complexity implemented.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey based on an ad hoc questionnaire was conducted in 2014 on a sample of firms certified ISO 22005/2008. Cluster analysis was run for the analysis and one-way ANOVA was used to confirm differences among clusters.

Findings

The analysis presents three different clusters in terms of economic incentives for voluntary traceability and the level of systems complexity implemented. All the clusters reveal that supply chain incentives play a key role. Moreover, ‘fine traceability’ clusters firms with high level of traceability. They consider food safety as an important incentive to adopt a voluntary standard. ‘Medium traceability’ groups firms with an average level of traceability system complexity. The interviewed consider the firm reputation as strategic driver for voluntary standard implementation. The cluster ‘coarse traceability’ groups firms which introduced traceability for quality differentiation of products on the market. These firms implemented a low level of traceability system complexity.

Research limitations/implications

The paper presents some limitations due to the sample dimension. Future research is oriented to test such results on an extended sample and to analyse the relationships between the traceability system implemented and the different kind of economic incentives for traceability standards.

Originality/value

The present paper offers two main contributions. From a conceptual point of view it tries to deepen existing knowledge on the mechanisms regulating the existence of different traceability standards. From a managerial point of view, the analysis contributes in the understanding of firm strategies in relation to the adoption of different traceability systems. Such results could address firm management on the allocation of financial resources for the adoption of different traceability systems.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 118 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Article
Publication date: 2 October 2007

Gunnar Senneset, Eskil Forås and Kari M. Fremme

Increased focus on safe and healthy food has resulted in the need for implementing electronic chain traceability. This poses challenges both regarding technical solutions and…

1847

Abstract

Purpose

Increased focus on safe and healthy food has resulted in the need for implementing electronic chain traceability. This poses challenges both regarding technical solutions and business processes. The purpose of this paper is to report from a research project where implementation in a value chain for farmed salmon is used to investigate these challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The first step in the project was to establish a complete value chain for farmed salmon as a basis for further study. The second step was to use theoretical concepts of internal traceability and chain traceability as a basis for analyzing the status of each company regarding readiness to implement electronic chain traceability. The third step was to compare the final level of implementation in each company with the level of implementation readiness at the start of the project.

Findings

Implementation of electronic chain traceability may involve changes both in work processes and software systems. This study shows that a set of criteria regarding implementation readiness can be used to assess the challenges and risks involved. Coherence between implementation readiness and the final level of implementation is indicated.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to companies in a specific food sector. The generalization of the results for use in other sectors needs to be investigated.

Practical implications

Because of the increasing demand for improving chain traceability, it can be expected that implementation readiness regarding electronic chain traceability solutions will be an important factor in selecting partners in food value chains.

Originality/value

The large number of companies involved in this study is a good basis for evaluating the complexity of implementing electronic chain traceability. This paper describes guidelines and assessment criteria for companies planning to implement such solutions.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 109 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 February 2024

Xiongyong Zhou, Haiyan Lu and Sachin Kumar Mangla

Food sustainability is a world-acknowledged issue that requires urgent integrated solutions at multi-levels. This study aims to explore how food firms can improve their…

1299

Abstract

Purpose

Food sustainability is a world-acknowledged issue that requires urgent integrated solutions at multi-levels. This study aims to explore how food firms can improve their sustainability performance through digital traceability practices, considering the mediating effect of sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI) and the moderating effect of supply chain learning (SCL) for the food supply chain therein.

Design/methodology/approach

Hierarchical regression with a moderated mediation model is used to test the proposed hypotheses with a sample of 359 food firms from four provinces in China.

Findings

Digital traceability has a significant positive impact on the three pillars of sustainability performances among food firms. SOI (product innovation, process innovation and organisational innovation) mediates the relationship between digital traceability and sustainability performance. SCL plays moderating roles in the linkage between digital traceability and both product and process innovation, respectively.

Originality/value

This paper contributes as one of the first studies to develop digital traceability practices and their sustainability-related improvements for Chinese food firms; it extends studies on supply chain traceability to a typical emerging market. This finding can support food sustainability practice in terms of where and how to invest in sustainability innovation and how to improve economic, environmental and social performance.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2024

Jianlan Zhong, Han Cheng and Fu Jia

Despite its crucial role in ensuring food safety, traceability remains underutilized by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a vital component of China’s agricultural supply…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite its crucial role in ensuring food safety, traceability remains underutilized by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a vital component of China’s agricultural supply chain, thereby compromising the integrity of the supply chain traceability system. Therefore, this study sets out to explore the factors influencing SMEs’ adoption of traceability systems and the impact of these factors on SMEs’ intent to adopt such systems. Furthermore, the study presents a model to deepen understanding of system adoption in SMEs and provides a simulation demonstrating the evolutionary trajectory of adoption behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

This study considers the pivotal aspects of system adoption in SMEs, aiming to identify the influential factors through a grounded theory-based case study. Concurrently, it seeks to develop a mathematical model for SMEs’ adoption patterns and simulate the evolution of SMEs’ adoption behaviors using the Q-learning algorithm.

Findings

The adoption of traceability among SMEs is significantly influenced by factors such as system attributes, SMEs’ capability endowment, environmental factors and policy support and control. However, aspects of the SMEs’ capability endowment, specifically their learning rate and decay rate, have minimal impact on the adoption process. Furthermore, group pressure can expedite the attainment of an equilibrium state, wherein all SMEs adopt the system.

Originality/value

This study fills the existing knowledge gap about the adoption of traceability by SMEs in China’s agricultural supply chain. This study represents the pioneer study that identifies the factors influencing SMEs’ adoption and examines the effects of these factors on their traceability adoption, employing a multi-methodological approach that incorporates grounded theory, mathematical modeling and the Q-learning algorithm.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 124 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 February 2024

Duc Tran, Hans De Steur, Xavier Gellynck, Andreas Papadakis and Joachim J. Schouteten

This study aims to investigate the impact of consumer ethnocentrism on consumers' evaluation of blockchain-based traceability information. It also examined how the use of quick…

1341

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of consumer ethnocentrism on consumers' evaluation of blockchain-based traceability information. It also examined how the use of quick response (QR) codes for traceability affects consumers' evaluation of traceable food products.

Design/methodology/approach

An online choice experiment was conducted to determine consumers' evaluation of the blockchain-based traceability of Feta cheese with a quota sample of 715 Greek consumers. Pearson bivariate correlation and mean comparison were used to examine the relationship between consumer ethnocentrism and QR use behaviour. Random parameter logit models were employed to examine consumers’ valuation of the examined attributes and interaction terms.

Findings

The results show that ethnocentric consumers are willing to pay more for blockchain-based traceability information. Ethnocentric consumers tend to scan QR codes with traceability information. Spending more time reading traceability information embedded in QR codes does not lead to a higher willingness-to-pay (WTP) for traceable food products.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that patriotic marketing messages can draw consumers' attention to blockchain-based traceability information. The modest WTP for and low familiarity with blockchain-based traceability systems raise the need for educating consumers regarding the benefits of blockchain in traceability systems.

Originality/value

This is the first study to provide timely empirical evidence of a positive WTP for blockchain-based traceability information for a processed dairy product. This study is the first to attempt to distinguish the effects of the intention to scan QR codes and reading information embedded in QR codes on consumers’ valuation of food attributes.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 July 2023

Trang T. Hoang, John E. Bell and Thomas J. Goldsby

This paper aims to present an emergent framework that proposes the strategic importance of supply chain (SC) traceability beyond the traditional role in supporting product safety…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present an emergent framework that proposes the strategic importance of supply chain (SC) traceability beyond the traditional role in supporting product safety, recalls and sustainability initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

A grounded theory (GT) approach with 22 in-depth interviews with managers from 10 countries/territories and 3 different echelons of the food SC is employed to arrive at the strategic traceability framework and framework's propositions.

Findings

The framework suggests that traceability can sometimes help expose and modify firms' core and non-core SC capabilities and provide an opportunity to align them better with SC strategies. This alignment may require a complementary execution of human coordination and the adoption of technological traceability components.

Practical implications

The research suggests that firms may be able to extract greater value from the firms' traceability investments. While traceability continues to serve the key purposes of preventing and mitigating the risks of recalls, this can sometimes illuminate sustained business growth opportunities.

Originality/value

The study extends traceability beyond a means to meet the requirements of product safety, recalls and sustainability. Rather, this study establishes traceability's role in exposing and aligning firms' capabilities for business gain and not merely recall risk mitigation. This reframing of the premise for traceability can invigorate both research and practice on the subject of traceability.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 53 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 January 2023

Dimitrios Kafetzopoulos, Spiridoula Margariti, Chrysostomos Stylios, Eleni Arvaniti and Panagiotis Kafetzopoulos

The objective of this study is to improve the food supply chain performance taking into consideration the fundamental concepts of traceability by combining the current frameworks…

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this study is to improve the food supply chain performance taking into consideration the fundamental concepts of traceability by combining the current frameworks, its principles, its implications and the emerging technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative literature review of already existing empirical research on traceability systems was conducted resulting in 862 relevant papers. Following a step-by-step sampling process, the authors ended up with 46 final samples for the literature review.

Findings

The main findings of this study include the various descriptions of the architecture of traceability systems, the different sources enabling this practice, the common desirable attributes, and the enabling technologies for the deployment and implementation of traceability systems. Moreover, several technological solutions are presented, which are currently available for traceability systems, and finally, opportunities for future research are provided.

Practical implications

It provides an insight, which could affect the implementation process of traceability in the food supply chain and consequently the effective management of a food traceability system (FTS). Managers will be able to create a traceability system, which meets users' requirements, thus enhancing the value of products and food companies.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the food supply chain and the traceability systems literature by creating a holistic picture of where something has been and where it should go. It is a starting point for each food company to design and manage its traceability system more effectively.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 73 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 January 2023

Xie Hui and Zhang Kexin

Due to consumption changes in the post-pandemic era, the production safety of agricultural products is affecting global consumers. This paper constructs an evaluation index of the…

Abstract

Purpose

Due to consumption changes in the post-pandemic era, the production safety of agricultural products is affecting global consumers. This paper constructs an evaluation index of the agricultural Internet of things (IOT) traceability system and evaluates it using the dynamic hesitant-fuzzy linguistic term sets (HFLTS)-based DEMATEL method to improve agricultural supply-chain links and improve production quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The agricultural IOT traceability index system is constructed using the literature and expert interviews; it comprises 6 first-level indices and 20 second-level indices. The agricultural IOT traceability system is evaluated using the dynamic HFLTS-DEMATEL method.

Findings

Producers' awareness of agricultural-production safety (A11) has the most significant impact on production and processing links, while warehouse location and storage capacity (A31) have the largest impact on the circulation link. Inspection authenticity and transparency and quarantine information (A41) have the largest impact on the detection-consumption link. The extent to which the traceability-platform construction is complete (A62) has the largest impact on technical support.

Research limitations/implications

The present paper may be limited to the era of post-pandemic, and it is hard to consider all the indices. Further research can broaden the research context and establish a more comprehensive index system.

Practical implications

The index system constructed in this study will surely help relevant regulatory authorities in China to promote the construction of agricultural IOT traceability system and establish a unified standard, so as to provide a basis for future developers to enter the field. Accordingly, it also can help every subject to identify the key indices of each process in the agricultural-product supply chain and guide relevant departments to conduct targeted information tracking and management. The consumers could also understand the standards of traceable agricultural products and effectively protect their own rights and interests.

Originality/value

The existing literature does not provide an objective, unified standard for measuring a decentralized traceability system or identifying key processes. This study therefore proposes a new evaluation index system and uses a dynamic evaluation method to determine the importance of key indices. This study identifies the most important indices in each process, making it possible to discover, improve, and enhance the quality of agricultural products at a practical level.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 40 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 June 2023

Haidi Zhou, Qiang Wang, Lixu Li, Thompson S.H. Teo and Shuili Yang

Leveraging the benefits of supply chain digitalization is a big challenge for many firms. To address this issue, this study aims to use information processing theory to explore…

2073

Abstract

Purpose

Leveraging the benefits of supply chain digitalization is a big challenge for many firms. To address this issue, this study aims to use information processing theory to explore the mechanisms between supply chain digitalization and supply chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on survey data from 223 Chinese companies, the authors tested the moderated mediation model using the Process program in SPSS.

Findings

The empirical results reveal that supply chain traceability and supply chain agility partially mediate the supply chain digitalization–supply chain performance relationship. More interestingly, the above significant mediation effects show differences across industries. In particular, manufacturing firms rely more on supply chain traceability, whereas supply chain agility contributes more to service firms. Lastly, supply chain dynamism is a significant moderator that enhances the mediation effect of supply chain traceability in the supply chain digitalization–supply chain performance relationship.

Originality/value

This study offers new insights into the growing literature on supply chain digitalization by proposing a new moderated mediation model that demonstrates the relative importance of different mediators. The findings also help managers boost their supply chain performance in the digital era.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 February 2020

Cordula Hinkes and Günter Peter

Sustainability certification of agricultural commodities might be one measure to ensure deforestation-free supply chains. The purpose of this paper is to add to previous…

1134

Abstract

Purpose

Sustainability certification of agricultural commodities might be one measure to ensure deforestation-free supply chains. The purpose of this paper is to add to previous assessments of soy certification systems with respect to “zero deforestation” criteria by focusing on the aspect of traceability.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework for assessing certification systems is proposed based on a literature review. This concept is applied to 16 soy certification systems, considering previous studies and available chain-of-custody certification options.

Findings

Among the sample, five certification systems may contribute to ensuring deforestation-free soy supply chains, as they have relatively high “zero deforestation” and assurance requirements and support at least segregation. Other chain-of-custody systems are insufficient in terms of traceability, but still dominate the market.

Research limitations/implications

The assessment considers only certification systems that have been benchmarked according to criteria developed by the European feed industry. Regular updates and further assessments of certification systems for other commodities are recommended.

Practical implications

Supply chain actors and policymakers are informed about certification systems that may ensure deforestation-free sourcing. However, different factors influence the implementation of zero deforestation commitments, such as adverse effects, economic trade-offs and new certification and traceability concepts.

Social implications

The implementation of deforestation-free supply chains should contribute to achieving sustainable development goals. Potential adverse social effects need to be considered.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the so far rather neglected but essential aspect of traceability, which is required for ensuring deforestation-free sourcing along the whole supply chain.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 11 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 4000