The purpose of this paper is to implement the philosophy of supply chain management in the current higher education environment so as to suggest innovative management ideas in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to implement the philosophy of supply chain management in the current higher education environment so as to suggest innovative management ideas in higher education management.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper conducted an in‐depth case study approach in a university. This study follows Yin's approach to interview the personnel of a supply chain department and collected the university documents.
Findings
The study identified three supply chains of the university, i.e. commodity, special requested and outsourcing supply chains. Rearrangements of the existing supply chain are suggested to further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of higher education.
Research limitations/implications
This research, which used a case study approach to examine a university, affects the research generalization. This research, which qualitatively reviewed the supply chain management in a university, failed to obtain objective instruments of the supply chain performance in the university.
Practical implications
Two innovative ideas for managing the supply chain in the higher education environment are explored. The findings provide interesting and innovative ways for the manager in the education section to review their works.
Originality/value
From an academic perspective, this research may be an innovative way to implement the latest business management philosophy into the higher education environment. This connects education management with general business management. From a managerial perspective, this research provides education management a new way to understand how supply chain management impacts on the performance of a university. It also identifies unanswered questions for further study.
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Heather Lutz, Laura Birou and Joe Walden
This paper aims to provide the results of a survey of courses dedicated to the field of supply chain management in higher education. This research is unique because it represents…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide the results of a survey of courses dedicated to the field of supply chain management in higher education. This research is unique because it represents the first large-scale study of graduate supply chain management courses taught at universities globally.
Design/methodology/approach
Content analysis was performed on each syllabus to identify the actual course content: requirements, pedagogy and content emphasis. This aggregated information was used to compare historical research findings in this area, with the current skills identified as important for career success. This data provides input for a gap analysis between offerings in higher education and those needs identified by practitioners.
Findings
Data gathering efforts yielded a sample of 112 graduate courses representing 61 schools across the world. The aggregate number of topics covered in graduate courses totaled 114. The primary evaluation techniques include exams, projects and homework. Details regarding content and assessment techniques are provided along with a gap analysis between the supply chain management course content and the needs identified by APICS Supply Chain Manager Competency Model (2014).
Originality/value
The goal is to use this data as a means of continuous improvement in the quality and value of the educational experience on a longitudinal basis. The findings are designed to foster information sharing and provide data for benchmarking efforts in the development of supply chain management courses and curricula in academia, as well as training, development and recruitment efforts by professionals in the field of supply chain management.
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Jamie L. Daigle, Gary Stading and Ashley Hall
The study aims to refine the local university’s supply chain management curriculum to meet regional industry demands, thus boosting the local economy.
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to refine the local university’s supply chain management curriculum to meet regional industry demands, thus boosting the local economy.
Design/methodology/approach
Mixed-methods action research combined with neural network modeling was employed to align educational offerings with the needs of the local supply chain management industry.
Findings
The research indicates that curriculum revisions, informed by industry leaders and modeled through neural networks, can significantly improve the relevance of graduates' skills to the SCM sector.
Research limitations/implications
The study is specific to one region and industry, suggesting a need for broader application to verify the findings.
Practical implications
Adopting the recommended curricular changes can yield a workforce better prepared for the SCM industry, enhancing local business performance and economic health.
Social implications
The study supports a role for higher education in promoting economic vitality and social welfare through targeted, responsive curriculum development.
Originality/value
This study introduces an innovative approach, integrating neural network analysis with action research, to guide curriculum development in higher education based on industry requirements.
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David Ernesto Salinas-Navarro, Ernesto Pacheco-Velazquez, Agatha Clarice Da Silva-Ovando, Christopher Mejia-Argueta and Mario Chong
This study aims to present a conceptual framework aimed at promoting educational innovation in supply chain management and logistics (SCM&L). The framework can help to design…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to present a conceptual framework aimed at promoting educational innovation in supply chain management and logistics (SCM&L). The framework can help to design active learning experiences regarding student learning outcomes that tackle current challenges in the discipline. Emphasizing the significance of linking students’ learning to real-world scenarios, the framework enables reflective learning through hands-on engagement in a constructive alignment, overcoming existing pedagogical limitations in the field.
Design/methodology/approach
This study presents a qualitative research methodology that relies on the case study method. Three instances are presented to illustrate educational efforts of active learning in countries of Latin America, Bolivia, Mexico and Peru, linking real-world relevant situations to disciplinary teaching and learning.
Findings
The innovative learning experiences introduced in this study transform real-world SCM&L operations into distinctive educational opportunities. These experiences facilitate learning not only within traditional classrooms but also in urban areas of the Latin American region, enabling students to interact with educational partners in authentic settings to achieve their intended learning outcomes. These experiences are characterized by their focus on establishing meaningful connections between learning and local communities, businesses or specific contexts.
Research limitations/implications
The study recognizes various limitations of conceptual, methodological, execution-related and research process aspects. First, not all academics in the SCM&L discipline may universally acknowledge the importance of educational innovation and active learning experiences because of limited pedagogical awareness. Moreover, execution-related limitations arise from the demanding nature of incorporating active pedagogical approaches into courses, as they can be resource-intensive and time-consuming. Regarding research process limitations, the case study limits generalizability and broader inferences because of its particular views and locations, which require further investigation with other instances across other disciplines and geographical regions for validation.
Practical implications
The practical implementation of this framework within the MIT SCALE network for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) demonstrates its potential in meeting diverse academic and institutional expectations and providing educational benefits to students.
Social implications
The study makes a valuable contribution to prioritizing and coordinating pedagogical research by investigating the success of learning outcomes achieved through active and experiential implementations in various contexts. It provides inspiring examples of innovative learning experiences that can drive new developments not only within the LAC region but also in other areas, prompting a shift away from traditional educational approaches.
Originality/value
This research presents a conceptual framework, which is developed from the insights obtained in the three learning experiences to guide future efforts in SCM&L education. The findings demonstrate how to structure active learning experiences based on authentic assessment and illustrate the potential for increased cooperation among institutions in Latin America. It also promotes the recognition of novel SCM&L active learning experiences and highlights some of the benefits of this approach.
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Sunil Kumar Jauhar, Hossein Zolfagharinia and Saman Hassanzadeh Amin
This research is about embedding service-based supply chain management (SCM) concepts in the education sector. Due to Canada's competitive education sector, the authors focus on…
Abstract
Purpose
This research is about embedding service-based supply chain management (SCM) concepts in the education sector. Due to Canada's competitive education sector, the authors focus on Canadian universities.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors develop a framework for evaluating and forecasting university performance using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) to assist education policymakers. The application of the proposed framework is illustrated based on information from 16 Canadian universities and by investigating their teaching and research performance.
Findings
The major findings are (1) applying the service SCM concept to develop a performance evaluation and prediction framework, (2) demonstrating the application of DEA-ANN for computing and predicting the efficiency of service SCM in Canadian universities, and (3) generating insights to enable universities to improve their research and teaching performances considering critical inputs and outputs.
Research limitations/implications
This paper presents a new framework for universities' performance assessment and performance prediction. DEA and ANN are integrated to aid decision-makers in evaluating the performances of universities.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that higher education policymakers should monitor attrition rates at graduate and undergraduate levels and provide financial support to facilitate research and concentrate on Ph.D. programs. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis indicates that selecting inputs and outputs is critical in determining university rankings.
Originality/value
This research proposes a new integrated DEA and ANN framework to assess and forecast future teaching and research efficiencies applying the service supply chain concept. The findings offer policymakers insights such as paying close attention to the attrition rates of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. In addition, prioritizing internal research support and concentrating on Ph.D. programs is recommended.
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Manfred Bornemann and Roswitha Wiedenhofer
The purpose of this paper is to apply the concept of Intellectual Capital to assess intangible resources as crucial for the quality of educational processes. It identifies…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to apply the concept of Intellectual Capital to assess intangible resources as crucial for the quality of educational processes. It identifies patterns of interdependence between drivers of Intellectual Capital and generic processes of educational institutions as a prototype study in Austria. Four levels of education are analysed and related to each other in order to identify the need to differentiate drivers of Intellectual Capital.
Design/methodology/approach
Educational institutions are typically regulated by governmental procedures and do not follow entrepreneurial management models. This paper suggests the assumption of a value chain of schools with the student as a significant customer as well as the object of intervention. Experiences from the application of Intellectual Capital assessment in value chains of the automotive industry are transferred to education. The methodology of “Wissensbilanz – made in Germany” is applied in action research-oriented prototypes.
Findings
Prioritizing scarce resources and systematically monitoring intangible assets in public as well as privately management educational intuitions contributes to economic improvement and better accomplishment of strategic objectives.
Practical implications
Applying methodologies for Intellectual Capital reporting in educational institutions and integrating the management of these resources along the value chain of education seems to be very beneficial not only for ministries of education but for de-central decision makers as well.
Originality/value
Austria officially implemented the legal obligation for Intellectual Capital reporting for universities in 2007. Up to date, no test on the usefulness of a comprehensive Intellectual Capital assessment in educational institutions was reported. Based on data from 12 case studies collected over two years, preliminary insights are reported.
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Sanjeev Yadav, Dixit Garg and Sunil Luthra
Performance measurement (PM) of any supply chain is prerequisite for improving its competitiveness and sustainability. This paper develops a framework for supply chain performance…
Abstract
Purpose
Performance measurement (PM) of any supply chain is prerequisite for improving its competitiveness and sustainability. This paper develops a framework for supply chain performance measurement (SCPM) for agriculture supply chain (ASC) based on internet of things (IoT). Moreover, this article explains the role of IoT in data collection and communication (SC visibility) based on the supply chain operation reference (SCOR) model.
Design/methodology/approach
This research identifies various key performance indicators (KPIs) and also their role in SCPM for improving its sustainability by using SCOR. Further, Shannon entropy is utilized for weighing the basic processes of SCPM and by using weights, fuzzy TOPSIS is applied for ranking of identified KPIs at metrics level 2 (deeper level).
Findings
“Flexibility” and “Responsiveness” have been reported as two most important KPIs in IoT based SCPM framework for ASC towards achieving sustainability.
Research limitations/implications
In this research, metrics are explained only at SCOR level 2. But, this research will guide the managers and practitioners of various organizations to set their benchmark for comparing their performance at different levels of business processes. Further, this paper has managerial implications to develop an effective system for PM of IoT based data-driven ASC.
Originality/value
By using IoT based data driven system, this article fills the gap between SCPM by measuring different SC strategies in their performance measurable form of reliable, responsive and asset management etc.
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Manju Saroha, Dixit Garg and Sunil Luthra
Circular supply chain management (CSCM) is proving to be a strong contributor towards sustainable development. The purpose of this study is to analyse the circular practices in…
Abstract
Purpose
Circular supply chain management (CSCM) is proving to be a strong contributor towards sustainable development. The purpose of this study is to analyse the circular practices in CSCM implementation towards sustainability in the Indian auto sector; these practices are at the initial stage in a developing economy.
Design/methodology/approach
In this research work, a framework has been developed to enrich understanding of various CSCM practices for sustainability. To develop a causal framework, a Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (F-DEMATEL) methodology has been adopted.
Findings
The results produce 32 practices with cause and effect groups and their importance/priorities. Based on F-DEMATEL, these 32 practices are grouped into cause and effect groups based on R + C and R − C values.
Research limitations/implications
The findings will help managers and decision-makers to gain a deeper understanding of the practices and their nature; the governmental and financial practices are identified as the most critical factors that need more attention. The results will help strategy makers to plan accordingly.
Originality/value
This research has identified and analysed 32 basic practices and their interrelationships to achieve sustainability in CSCM.
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Pwint Nee Aung and Philip Hallinger
This review aims to identify the intellectual structure or key theoretical themes that comprise the emerging field of sustainability leadership in higher education.
Abstract
Purpose
This review aims to identify the intellectual structure or key theoretical themes that comprise the emerging field of sustainability leadership in higher education.
Design/methodology/approach
The Scopus index was used to identify 180 documents published sustainable leadership in higher education published between 1998 and 2021. Author co-citation analysis in VOSviewer software was used to address the research question driving this inquiry.
Findings
This review found that the intellectual structure of scholarship on sustainability leadership in higher education is composed of four dominant “schools of thought”. These included sustainability leadership, managing campus greening, managing change and system integration, and education for sustainable development.
Research limitations/implications
The findings suggest a need for more theorizing and empirical studies that explore the nature and effects of sustainability leadership in higher education. Particular attention should be given to how features of universities as organizations shape the requirements for and constraints on leadership. From a practical perspective, the findings highlight key domains of policy and practice that higher education leaders can target in efforts to enhance sustainability in their universities and societies.
Originality/value
The bibliometric review offers empirically-based insights into the evolution and current status of the literature on sustainability leadership in higher education. The findings can be used as a benchmark against which future developments in this knowledge base can be assessed.
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Sunil Luthra, Dixit Garg and Abid Haleem
The purpose of this paper is to introduce and provide an overview of the various issues related to Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) and suggest further scope and direction of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce and provide an overview of the various issues related to Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) and suggest further scope and direction of research in this emerging field.
Design/methodology/approach
The work relies on experiences, case studies and other literature related to GSCM. Literature has been segregated to understand various GSCM issues. A detailed review is used to sort out the literature and develop the research direction of the study. The review is focussed on development of GSCM including all those researchers which is relevant to environmental and social sustainability toward operation management and the supply chain. A literature review seems to be a valid approach, as a necessary step in structuring a research field.
Findings
The objectives of this paper are to identify major research work conducted on GSCM and to classify them to identify gaps in literature and opportunities for future research. The paper has provided an integrative framework for study, design, implementation and GSCM performance. The findings also identify a number of issues that need to be addressed.
Research limitations/implications
Implication of the work is that the knowledge of the research gap can be used to focus efforts on key areas so as to ensure speedy and comprehensive implementation of GSCM practices.
Practical implications
The paper may prove to be a very useful source of information to practitioners and regulators in their green practices implementation programs.
Originality/value
This paper provides some of the very first insights into development of GSCM theories. The methodological review will provide better understanding of the current state of research in the discipline.
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Thao-Trang Huynh-Cam, Venkateswarlu Nalluri, Long-Sheng Chen, Jonathan White, Thanh-Huy Nguyen, Van-Canh Nguyen and Tzu-Chuen Lu
As emerging e-course providers after the COVID-19 crisis, universities (UNI) policymakers in the Mekong Delta region (MDR) have faced difficulties owing to limited clues about…
Abstract
Purpose
As emerging e-course providers after the COVID-19 crisis, universities (UNI) policymakers in the Mekong Delta region (MDR) have faced difficulties owing to limited clues about what factors improve student retention and recruitment. This study aims to determine important factors (IF) for student satisfaction with e-course adoption (e-satisfaction) for student retention and recruitment.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data collected from 850 students of the target UNI were analyzed using the DT-fuzzy DEMATEL method. Input factor dimensions included course design, technical infrastructure, interaction, teacher-related and student-related factors. Decision Trees (DT) confirmed the final factors; fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) was used to establish the cause-effect relationships among these factors.
Findings
DT-fuzzy DEMATEL method can identify satisfied and dissatisfied students (accuracy = 94.95%) and determine IFs successfully. The most IFs included new and useful knowledge/information provided, various effective teaching methods and motivation to read provided learning materials.
Originality/value
Although e-satisfaction has been the focus of theories and practices, e-satisfaction in an emerging region like MDR has been studied here for the first time. Most IFs can be used as predictors for e-satisfaction and serve as a primary reference for UNIs’ policymakers. Several practical suggestions were also provided for the sustainable and long-term development of e-programs.
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Godson A. Tetteh, Kwasi Amoako-Gyampah and Juliet Twumasi
The purpose of this study is to demonstrate in the context of quality assurance (QA), how stakeholders define quality education and its connections to maximize value for the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to demonstrate in the context of quality assurance (QA), how stakeholders define quality education and its connections to maximize value for the stakeholder using a grounded theory approach.
Design/methodology/approach
A four-stage research design using grounded theory methodology was used to develop and elicit a theory, after which a single-case study design with embedded coding and analysis was used to examine the QA – Maximize Value for stakeholder’s relationships. The sample consisted of 16 participants who had visibility over the entire QA – Maximize Value relationship, were knowledgeable, willing to participate and had between 4 and 12 years’ higher education experience. The data was collected through focus, elite groups and in-depth interviews based on the participants’ perspectives of their experiences. The collected data was subjected to content analysis. The following research questions focused on: definition of QA, the definition of quality education and stakeholders’ expectations for the education setting.
Findings
The study identified 10 categories that drive the QA – Maximize Value for stakeholder relationships in higher education settings. The categories are, namely, the definition of QA; definition of quality management; value for governing council; value for lecturers and staff; value for students; value for employers; value for government; definition of quality education; continuous improvement; and QA in universities. The main findings of the research related to “how” and “why” QA create value for stakeholders. The results of the study indicate that the governing council representatives’ (key stakeholders) expected value creation through improved management and proper education policy. The expected value creation for lecturers and university staff included career advancement, good working conditions of service, remuneration and the excellent performance of students. The paper finds that QA in higher education is contingent on senior management commitment to the strategic decision on overall objectives, management of the facility, financial and human resources, which are geared toward ensuring effective teaching, student learning and value maximization for all stakeholders.
Research limitations/implications
The limitation of the study is that the major stakeholders considered were all from universities. Other stakeholders such as employers from the industry and other sectors should be included in a future study.
Practical implications
Based on the study findings, two major implications for training of senior management, deans and heads of departments in the concepts of QA to maximize value for all stakeholders; and the QA system selected for the university must be “fit for purpose” were drawn, leading to recommendations for future practice. These findings can help universities to develop strategies that improve educational quality and maximize value for all stakeholders. The authors suggested some propositions that can be examined in-depth in future research endeavors so as to enhance the understanding of the predictors of QA in education and the expectations of different stakeholders.
Originality/value
The originality of the study lies in the perspective of experienced participants who had visibility over the entire QA –Maximize Value relationship and were knowledgeable. Based on the use of the grounded theory approach and the view of major stakeholders used in this research, the findings emphasize the stakeholders’ – driven definition of quality education that focuses on value maximization for all stakeholders. This is different from the majority of the existing definitions in the quality literature that are primarily standard-driven, focusing on meeting a pre-defined set of standards, specifications, requirements and are set internally or externally. The approach provides an opportunity to increase the credibility and rigor of grounded theory research.
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Walter Leal Filho, Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis, Subarna Sivapalan, Halima Begum, Theam Foo Ng, Abul Quasem Al-Amin, Gazi Mahabubul Alam, Ayyoob Sharifi, Amanda Lange Salvia, Qudsia Kalsoom, Mustafa Saroar and Samara Neiva
It is still unclear how Asian universities incorporate the theory or practice of sustainable development (SD) in their research and education programmes. To address this gap, the…
Abstract
Purpose
It is still unclear how Asian universities incorporate the theory or practice of sustainable development (SD) in their research and education programmes. To address this gap, the purpose of this paper is to report on a study that has examined how universities in Asian countries handle and address matters related to SD.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a bibliometric analysis and an online survey-method. The online survey data were analysed through descriptive analysis and one-sample student’s t-test.
Findings
The study indicates that there is considerable variation among the Asian countries regarding sustainability practices in higher education institutions (HEIs). The HEIs in far eastern countries, such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand are perceived to demonstrate more sustainability practices.
Research limitations/implications
Even though a substantial number of participants participated in the survey, it did not cover all Asian countries. The online survey was carried out over a limited period of time, and not all HEIs in the field may have received information about the study.
Practical implications
Asia is the largest continent facing a number of sustainability challenges. In this context, the contribution of HEIs is very important. The findings of the current study may serve as a baseline for Asian HEIs to take more initiatives towards SD goals, as HEIs are responsible for the education and training of hundreds of thousands of students who will be occupying key positions in industry, government or education in the coming years.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the existing literature in two distinct ways. First, it was possible to develop a comprehensive instrument to measure sustainability practices in HEIs. Second, this study has filled the gap of the scarcity of studies regarding sustainability practices in HEIs in Asia.
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Stanley E. Fawcett and Stephen M. Rutner
The logistics and supply chain management discipline has evolved dramatically over the past generation. The rapid pace of change has challenged education providers – e.g.…
Abstract
Purpose
The logistics and supply chain management discipline has evolved dramatically over the past generation. The rapid pace of change has challenged education providers – e.g., universities, professional associations, and publications – to remain relevant to various stakeholders. Relying on an open systems design perspective, the purpose of this paper is to assess how well organizations use constrained resources (personnel, dollars, time, etc.) to meet customers’ educational needs.
Design/methodology/approach
To examine how well educational providers are meeting stakeholder goals, universities, associations, and publications are examined across time by multiple surveys to determine if they are keeping pace in the changing business world.
Findings
The paper identifies two gaps. First, stakeholders report a growing gap between the offerings of existing education providers and their educational needs. Second, the gap between academic and practitioner perceptions is growing. Importantly, some organizations and universities are doing a better job of responding to changing educational requirements. Finally, a shift to SCM is further complicating the educational process.
Originality/value
This study makes two primary contributions. First, it identifies important changes in the logistics and supply chain education market. Second, it provides updated rankings of the perceptions of academics and practitioners regarding three education providers: professional organizations, universities, and publications. This insight enables logistics and supply chain thought leaders to evaluate how they can enhance education resources and thus remain relevant in a rapidly changing and increasingly tumultuous marketplace.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore the evolving nature of supply chain management customised executive education over the past decade and present a conceptual framework for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the evolving nature of supply chain management customised executive education over the past decade and present a conceptual framework for curriculum development and design.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts a combination of methods utilising both in‐depth interviews with academics and practitioners and a single longitudinal case study based on records of 197 customised executive education programmes delivered since 2000.
Findings
The findings show that the needs of practitioners have evolved from acquiring competency‐based training to obtaining support for wider strategy deployment and change management programmes within organisations. Moreover, the design and delivery of programmes have developed over the period considering the requirements for experiential learning, project work involving deeper faculty engagement, pre‐ and post‐course project activity, supported by internet‐based learning portals.
Research limitations/implications
The authors' research provides evidence that the nature of supply chain executive education has changed and that further research is needed to explore the implications for the delivery of programmes.
Practical implications
The adoption of the framework will provide course directors and programme managers involved in supply chain management executive education with insights for successful design and execution of programmes. Similarly, the framework can support decision‐making processes conducted by organisations commissioning customised executive education programs.
Originality/value
Although there is a body of research relating to curriculum development and design generally, there is little empirical research focusing on supply chain management executive education.
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Donald Sweeney, James Campbell and Ray Mundy
The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and teaching of graduate courses providing in‐depth experiential learning employing commercial supply chain management…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and teaching of graduate courses providing in‐depth experiential learning employing commercial supply chain management software. The benefits of teaching such courses are described, the challenges in offering such courses are identified, and some solutions to overcome the challenges are offered.
Design/methodology/approach
The experiences of the authors in developing and teaching supply chain management courses utilizing commercial software provided a basis for discussing the benefits and challenges associated with teaching students the management of modern supply chains using commercial decision‐support software.
Findings
Incorporating commercial software in university programs presents a myriad of challenges and therefore is rarely done. However, providing students with in‐depth knowledge of commercial logistics and supply chain management software improves their understanding of supply chain issues and provides a key differentiator in the marketplace. Modeling real‐world supply chains using commercial software enhances student's education by providing relevant experiential exposure to real‐world problems and decision‐support tools.
Originality/value
The observations of the authors in developing and teaching courses in supply chain management utilizing commercial software afford a unique viewpoint and roadmap for others regarding teaching supply chain management in academic environments.
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Nur Shahida Mat Ishah, Khai Loon Lee and Gusman Nawanir
The purpose of the paper is to determine the importance of digital literacy (DL) in educational supply chain (EduSC) sustainability.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to determine the importance of digital literacy (DL) in educational supply chain (EduSC) sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
A semi-systematic review technique was used with Google Scholar and Scopus databases.
Findings
The growing use of technology and digital resources revealed a significant digital divide between people, educational processes and access to technologies and suitable infrastructures, as well as the need for DL, particularly in the EduSC in the 21st century. According to the results, just 58.6% of EduSC researchers emphasize economic sustainability, while 72.4% emphasize environmental sustainability. A total of 93.1% of scholars examine the impact of DL on society, demonstrating the significance of DL in the EduSC.
Originality/value
DL was discovered to have the greatest impact on society, with students and educators being related to all processes in an EduSC.
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Erin Meier, Andrew Nelson Brown, Barry Chovitz, Dominique Zwinkels, Michael Egharevba, Bridget McHenry, Joseph Kabatende and Ines K. Gege Buki
This practice forum paper aims to present a theoretical framework to better develop the required supply chain management (SCM) competencies and the workforce needed for managing…
Abstract
Purpose
This practice forum paper aims to present a theoretical framework to better develop the required supply chain management (SCM) competencies and the workforce needed for managing public health supply chains.
Design/methodology/approach
This framework is driven by iterative systems thinking, a deeper consideration of the SCM labor market and a comprehensive mapping of human resource system requirements. The framework centers around three tools. A labor market analysis assesses factors influencing supply of and demand for health SCM workers in a country context. To improve supply of and demand for workers, the SCM Professionalisation Framework provides reference documents to establish health SCM as a recognized profession. The human resources for SCM Theory of Change explains and assesses the conditions required to achieve optimal workforce performance at the organizational level. The Ministry of Health in Rwanda applied these three tools sequentially to assess and improve the supply and performance of its health SCM workforce.
Findings
The authors describe this framework, how the tools were applied in Rwanda, and early impressions of the results.
Practical implications
Practitioners can apply this approach to improve SCM competence and promote the attractiveness of health SCM positions by formalizing their professional status. This could lead to a pool of individuals who seek SCM qualifications and, in time, overcome the current shortage of health SCM workers. Employers can apply this approach to structured roles and workforce needs to meet health SCM system requirements. This would lead to a greater demand for and use of appropriately trained personnel.
Originality/value
This paper presents a novel, iterative, systems-thinking approach to develop human resources in public health supply chains. Rwanda is the first country to apply all three tools using this framework.
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Peter Tatham, Yong Wu, Gyöngyi Kovács and Tim Butcher
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the supply chain management (SCM) skills that support the sensing and seizing of opportunities in a changing business environment.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the supply chain management (SCM) skills that support the sensing and seizing of opportunities in a changing business environment.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the previous literature on the T-shaped model of SCM skills, data were collected through a mail survey among Australian business executives. The resultant skill sets are grouped along factors that support the sensing vs seizing of opportunities.
Findings
Interestingly from an SCM perspective, functional logistics-related skills are important to maintain competitiveness but are not the ones contributing to a firm’s ability to sense opportunities and threats, and to seize opportunities in a changing business environment. The authors, therefore, support the notion that supply chain managers should be managers first. Factual SCM knowledge is the solid basis, but otherwise only an entry requirement in this field.
Research limitations/implications
Problem-solving skills, along with forecasting and customer/supplier relationship management, stand out as important components that support the ability of supply chain managers to sense and shape opportunities and threats in a turbulent business environment. This focus would tend to suggest the importance of supply chain integration and collaboration as management approaches. Other SCM skills from warehousing and inventory management to transportation and purchasing are more prevalent for maintaining competitiveness.
Practical implications
The results of the survey and the consequential analysis indicate that the content of tertiary-level educational programmes should be significantly reviewed to deliver two distinct (but partially overlapping) streams that focus on the generalist and functionalist managers who must work together in the management of the increasingly global and complex supply chains.
Social implications
Functional skills often form the basis of training and education programmes for supply chain managers. Whilst these form the solid foundation for their jobs, they are entry requirements at best. In a changing business environment, other skills are needed for success. Given that turbulence is becoming the norm rather than the exception, this finding necessitates rethinking in training and education programmes, as well as in the recruitment of supply chain managers.
Originality/value
Testing the T-shaped model of SCM skills from a dynamic capabilities perspective, the results of the factor analysis lead to a regrouping of skill sets in terms of sensing and seizing opportunities in a turbulent business environment.
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Nasser Al Harrasi, Mohamed Salah El Din, Masengu Reason, Badriya Al Balushi and Jouhara Al Habsi
The study provides an evaluation of the knowledge and skills importance covered in the degree of Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) as well as the knowledge and skills…
Abstract
Purpose
The study provides an evaluation of the knowledge and skills importance covered in the degree of Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) as well as the knowledge and skills gap of graduates entry-level.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used both descriptive and exploratory research designs. The study adopted a self-administered questionnaire. The sample size is 41 logistics industry mid-managers of six organizations selected from the main operators of Sohar Port in Oman.
Findings
The findings reveal that logistics professionals agree on the importance of all the learner attributes, knowledge and cognitive skills, and general competencies identified in a university degree with a major in LSCM. Furthermore, the results identified moderate levels of gaps in five knowledge areas and six soft and hard skills of graduates at the entry level.
Research limitations/implications
Further research can be built on this study findings by evaluating the perception of logistics and supply chain industry professionals in different global contexts and investigate the effectiveness of different training and educational programs in enhancing the knowledge and skills of logistics professionals in various regions.
Practical implications
This study may extend beyond Oman and have important implications for LSCM practices in other developing countries. Universities' management in developing countries can use this study findings to identify the key skills required by entry-level logistics professionals and incorporate them into their curricula to better prepare graduates for the workforce. In addition, the skills identified in our study, such as decision-making skills, managing stress, negotiation skills and critical thinking, are relevant to logistics professionals in other developing countries with similar socio-economic and industry characteristics.
Originality/value
Unlike the prior studies that focused on the mismatch between educational degrees and job requirements without considering study specializations and industry, this paper lays a nuanced understanding of the knowledge and skills gap associated with entry-level graduates of the logistics and supply chain industry. As such, the paper offers inputs for the LSCM academic degree related to knowledge and skills needed by logistics and supply chain industry.