Adrian E. Coronado Mondragon, Chandra Lalwani and Christian E. Coronado Mondragon
In a growing number of competitive sectors with closed‐loop supply chains, the reverse component has become an inherent part of the business, not to mention a core competence;…
Abstract
Purpose
In a growing number of competitive sectors with closed‐loop supply chains, the reverse component has become an inherent part of the business, not to mention a core competence; hence the need to have performance measures that can be used to provide an accurate diagnosis of the state of the supply chain by addressing both its forward and its reverse components. It is also important to identify the level of existing integration between parties, as this has been associated with supply chain performance. This paper seeks to address this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
Elements gathered from the literature reviewed are used to present a set of measures that can be applied for auditing purposes in: the forward supply chain; product returns and reverse logistics; flows of materials and information and integration between supply chain tiers. To illustrate the use of the proposed set of measures for auditing purposes a case study involving a major European mobile phone network operator was analysed using the operator's own brand of handsets characterised for having a closed‐loop supply chain.
Findings
The proposed set of measures for auditing purposes provide an overall picture of the performance of a closed‐loop supply chain by revealing high levels of stock for the products analysed, consequence of the difficulty to generate accurate forecasts and the accumulation of high quantities of product prior to launch. Also the methodology presented in this paper identifies links between product returns (faulty and non‐faulty) to operations in the forward component of the supply chain (design, sourcing, manufacturing and forecasting) and also indicates how performance is affected because of integration.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed set of measures for auditing purposes is relevant to closed‐loop supply chains which are related to products with short life cycles and during their lifetime can experience faulty and non‐faulty returns. The scope of the study presented may look limited; however, the application of the performance measures presented in this research can become a fundamental component of larger audit exercises. Further research should be carried out with supply chains on products with lifetime cycles that span long periods of time.
Practical implications
For industry sectors with closed‐loop supply chains, the availability of a set of measures that address the forward and reverse components plus integration can provide a detailed picture of the performance of value streams over traditional approaches to measurement that focus on only one component of the supply chain. The set of measures has the potential to be used to achieve better customer service and reduction in costs involving shipping, warehousing, labour and call centres.
Originality/value
The contribution of this research on closed‐loop supply chains is a methodology that defines performance measures for auditing purposes of the forward and reverse components of supply chains and assists in assessing the importance of integration between different tiers of supply chains.
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Diana Fischer-Preßler, Kathrin Eismann, Rafael Pietrowski, Kai Fischbach and Detlef Schoder
This paper reviews and classifies research connecting supply chain risk management (SCRM) and information technology (IT) and derives a structured proposal for fruitful research…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper reviews and classifies research connecting supply chain risk management (SCRM) and information technology (IT) and derives a structured proposal for fruitful research directions.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a systematic literature review of the interplay of SCRM and IT, drawing from major journals in the relevant fields. These findings are enriched by experiences from a three-year international research project.
Findings
Current research focuses on the role of IT for risk reduction, rather than for risk identification, analysis and monitoring. While much research has investigated operational supply chain risk, fewer insights into disruption risk are available. There is little research on the role of IT in SCRM beyond its potential to enhance information sharing among supply chain partners. To address these gaps, the paper proposes a two-dimensional framework to categorize IT potential for SCRM according to the source and impact of disruption risk on physical supply chain flows, which suggests promising directions for future research.
Originality/value
The paper offers a systematic review to further our understanding of the relationship of SCRM and IT. In addition, it presents and discusses nine areas for further research aimed at mitigating the gaps identified at the intersection of SCRM and IT.
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A.E. Coronado Mondragon, A.C. Lyons and D.F. Kehoe
In recent years there has been a shift towards the inclusion of agile processes in the development of manufacturing strategies. This work explores the agility of operations in…
Abstract
In recent years there has been a shift towards the inclusion of agile processes in the development of manufacturing strategies. This work explores the agility of operations in four SMEs in high‐tech manufacturing and the impact made by information systems to agile performance in those companies. The study demonstrated that information systems are relegated behind other enablers of agility. Although information systems are often used to support agility, information systems in themselves are not sufficient to achieve agility in business processes. Furthermore, the case studies demonstrate that companies rely upon non‐IT attributes to improve the agility of their manufacturing operations. The results of the study suggest that information systems play a more significant role for enhancing agility.
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Noelia Garcia-Buendia, José Moyano-Fuentes, Juan Manuel Maqueira and Lucía Avella
This study aims to analyze the lean supply chain management (LSCM) strategy's role as a mechanism to address technology uncertainty and provide organizations with competitive…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyze the lean supply chain management (LSCM) strategy's role as a mechanism to address technology uncertainty and provide organizations with competitive advantage.
Design/methodology/approach
An empirical study was conducted of 276 Spanish focal firms in industrial sectors that occupy an intermediate position in the supply chain to investigate the influence of technology uncertainty on LSCM implementation and the latter's effect on operational performance and competitiveness. A covariance-based structural equation model (CB-SEM) was used to test three hypotheses.
Findings
Technological uncertainty encourages progress in the implementation of lean throughout the supply chain and so is a mechanism that not only brings stability to the focal company but also improves its performance and puts it in a better competitive position.
Practical implications
Managers are suggested to consider the strategic integration with supply chain partners and the establishment of long-term relationships based on trust and commitment advocated by LSCM to enhance organizations' capabilities and effectively and flexibly respond to technological changes.
Originality/value
This study focuses on the effects of environmental uncertainty on the supply chain. The past literature has focused on the behavior of individual firms to deal with uncertainty, but this work shifts the level of analysis to the supply chain. Therefore, the strategic change to deal with what is happening in the environment is now switched to the supply chain level.
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Jianfei Li, Bei Li, Kun Tang and Mengxia Sun
Based on the analysis of the dissipative structure of the retail service supply chain (RSSC), this paper divides the system into two internal and external dissipative mechanisms…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the analysis of the dissipative structure of the retail service supply chain (RSSC), this paper divides the system into two internal and external dissipative mechanisms, including the internal performance dissipation mechanism and the perceived quality dissipation mechanism outside the system. Based on the prediction of RSSC performance, this paper aims to discuss the application of Hidden Markov Model (HMM) in this field and puts forward a set of complete process of forecasting the service supply chain (SSC) performance based on HMM model.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the theory of dissipative structure, this paper selects the RSSC as the research object, analyzes the system characteristics of the dissipation structure of RSSC from three aspects, such as system opening type, distance from equilibrium state and nonlinear order and describes the quality fluctuation process of RSSC as a Hidden Markov process. Taking the RSSC of J Company as an example, this paper makes use of the observed state value of customer perceived service quality from 1997 to 2016, predicts the performance status of the enterprise's RSSC.
Findings
The research results show that: RSSC is a dissipative structure system, and its performance is the internal entropy flow of the system, and the customer perceived service quality is external, their interaction determines the dynamic evolution of the system dissipation structure, and the Markov property between supply chain performance and perceived service quality. There is a Markov property between supply chain performance and perceived service quality. Using the perceived service quality observation state data of the external consumers of the system can effectively predict the implicit state of RSSC performance. Based on this prediction result, the strategy adjustment and optimization of the action mechanism of internal and external entropy flow in the dissipative structure system can be carried out to promote the sustainable development of the RSSC.
Originality/value
This paper thinks that RSSC is a dissipative structure system and the SSC performance and customer perceived service quality are the internal and external entropy flow of the system, which determines the dynamic evolution of the system dissipation structure. There is a Markov property between supply chain performance and perceived service quality. The hidden state of SSC performance can be predicted effectively by using a hidden Markov model and observing state data of perceived service quality from consumers outside the system.
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Aleš Popovič and Andreja Habjan
The information system (IS) literature has previously emphasized the positive contribution of IT‐enabled quality information on decision making and firm performance, particularly…
Abstract
Purpose
The information system (IS) literature has previously emphasized the positive contribution of IT‐enabled quality information on decision making and firm performance, particularly when firms operate in highly competitive and uncertain settings. Yet, our understanding of how such information potentially transforms transport operations and generates improvements in organizational performance is limited. In response, the authors conduct an exploratory comparative case study of three transport firms that have introduced the global positioning system (GPS) in their operations. The purpose of this paper is to focus on assessing changes in transport operations due to the use of the quality information GPS provides and the link between these changes and organizational benefits.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews, direct observations and archival documentation in the three transport firms. Applying methods of a comparative case study, the data were analyzed by employing iterative and inductive analyses.
Findings
The results identify transport operations as the missing element in a more comprehensive explanation of previously hypothesized relationships between information quality improvements and organizational benefits in road transportation. Notably, it was found that different information quality affects transport operations in various ways. In addition, improved transport operations, namely transport service planning, vehicle routing and transport control, result in improved customer service, enhanced transport asset utilization, reduced transport costs and time, and in increased satisfaction of employees working within the transport process.
Research limitations/implications
The paper offers a series of propositions that aims to stimulate empirical research and theoretical thinking on this topical subject.
Practical implications
The findings offer valuable insights to transport firms, while providing and improving information quality for transport service planning, vehicle routing and transport control that results in organizational benefits linked to customer service, transport asset utilization, costs, and employee satisfaction. For information to have practical value, firms must use it in those transport operations identified as adding value to the firms' performance.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors' knowledge this is an early attempt to inform firms in the transport industry about the information quality change following from GPS use and its implications for transport operations.
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Miriam Wilhelm and Wilfred Dolfsma
The rising need to innovate and obtain knowledge from more distant knowledge sources calls for new innovation strategies and a better integration of other external actors who lie…
Abstract
Purpose
The rising need to innovate and obtain knowledge from more distant knowledge sources calls for new innovation strategies and a better integration of other external actors who lie outside the traditional automotive supply chain. Such an open innovation strategy challenges organizational boundaries both on the firm and supply chain level, yet our understanding of the functioning of such boundaries and how they can be managed to allow for purposive knowledge flows is limited. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
In a longitudinal case study, the authors trace the development of the first open innovation network in the German automotive industry over a period of five years based on archival data, semi-structured interviews, and field observations.
Findings
While the automotive industry is advanced in collaborating with suppliers for innovation, routines for assessing and integrating ideas from sources outside the supply chain are still underdeveloped. The authors show which current knowledge boundaries pose obstacles for open innovation initiatives in this industry, and how they could be mediated through the involvement of gatekeepers.
Originality/value
The authors challenge and clarify the notion of the “permeability of organizational boundaries” in the open innovation literature and investigate the role of gatekeepers for open innovation.
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Seamus O'Reilly and Anita Kumar
Increased economic development in emerging economies has spurred the growth of “fast fashion” and this in turn has led to not only an opportunity for recycling activity but also a…
Abstract
Purpose
Increased economic development in emerging economies has spurred the growth of “fast fashion” and this in turn has led to not only an opportunity for recycling activity but also a need to do so from a sustainability perspective. The purpose of this paper is to consider the emergence of such recycling activity in a developing economy.
Design/methodology/approach
A process flow approach guides identification of stakeholders and an analysis of reverse supply chain structure and processes. An adapted and extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model is employed to explore recycling behaviour at the household level.
Findings
The authors find rather haphazard garment recycling channels in Delhi NCR. In particular product acquisition processes are characterised by poor value appropriation and provide a limited service to households. This is supported by the householder survey that finds poor satisfaction levels with most recycling channels. PLS path modelling tested hypotheses that each of the four constructs (attitudes, subjective norm, perceived control and sense of duty) are significant determinants of “intention to plan to recycle”. Having tested for various possible meditating effects, sense of duty was found to act as a precursor to attitude. In this model all other constructs were significant determinants of intention to recycle garments. Thus the study highlights the role of “sense of duty” in attitude formation, a key determinant of intention to recycle garments. This highlights the importance of adherence to sustainable practices and the need for associated governance and regulation. Subjective norm points to the impact of a range of people, including experts. While perceived control points to difficulties encountered both from a self-efficacy and external (opportunity) perspectives.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that reverse supply chain design should address the limitations of the product acquisition process (especially poor value appropriation and limited collection services) and respond to household motivational factors and perceived difficulties.
Originality/value
The study considers the impact of the garment product lifecycle on household behaviour. In this context the adapted TPB model addressed the role of conscious planning. The model is extended to include sense of duty, this contributes to emerging work in this field.
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Daniel Hellström and Mathias Wiberg
This paper aims to explore and describe the impact of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology on inventory accuracy within a production and assembly plant, and to propose…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore and describe the impact of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology on inventory accuracy within a production and assembly plant, and to propose a model for assessing the impact of the technology on inventory accuracy.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical investigation, based on case study research, focuses on an RFID implementation at a supplier of injection‐moulded, surface‐treated plastic to the automotive industry. This implementation is one of the few item‐level, open‐loop RFID implementations in the automotive industry.
Findings
The empirical paper provides insights into, how inventory accuracy has been improved and made attainable in practice by implementing RFID, and indicates that the technology ensures inventory inaccuracy will be kept at a minimum. As a result, an analytical model is presented which identifies the impact of RFID technology on inventory accuracy.
Research limitations/implications
The case study and context need to be considered when generalising upon the findings. Furthermore, it is hoped future research could further develop the model presented and test it against implementation practice.
Practical implications
RFID technology provides practitioners with the opportunity to eliminate waste, and improve production and assembly performance. The research provides practitioners with experience of, and insights into how a production and assembly plant has improved inventory accuracy by implementing RFID technology. In particular, practitioners are provided with a model which enables them to assess the impact of RFID on inventory accuracy.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the RFID community by providing empirical insights into the impact of RFID technology on inventory accuracy, but also more broadly into logistics and operations management research.
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Tillmann Böhme, Sharon Williams, Paul Childerhouse, Eric Deakins and Denis Towill
– The purpose of this paper is to use a systems lens to assess the comparative performance of healthcare supply chains and provide guidance for their improvement.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to use a systems lens to assess the comparative performance of healthcare supply chains and provide guidance for their improvement.
Design/methodology/approach
A well-established and rigorous multi-method audit methodology, based on the uncertainty circle model, yields an objective assessment of value stream performance in eight Australasian public sector hospitals. Cause-effect analysis identifies the major barriers to achieving smooth, seamless flows. Potentially high-leverage remedial actions identified using systems thinking are examined with the aid of an exemplar case.
Findings
The majority of the healthcare value streams studied are underperforming compared with those in the European automotive industry. Every public hospital appears to be caught in the grip of vicious circles of system uncertainty, in large part being caused by problems of their own making. The single exception is making good progress towards seamless functional integration, which has been achieved by elevating supply chain management to a core competence; having a clearly articulated supply chain vision; adopting a systems approach; and, managing supplies with accurate information.
Research limitations/implications
The small number of cases limits the generalisability of the findings at this time.
Practical implications
Hospital supply chain managers endeavouring to achieve smooth and seamless supply flows should attempt to elevate the status of supplies management within their organisation to that of a core competence, and should use accurate information to manage their value streams holistically as a set of interwoven processes. A four-level prism model is proposed as a useful framework for thus improving healthcare supply delivery systems.
Originality/value
Material flow concepts originally developed to provide objective assessments of value stream performance in commercial settings are adapted for use in a healthcare setting. The ability to identify exemplar organisations via a context-free uncertainty measure, and to use systems thinking to identify high-leverage solutions, supports the transfer of appropriate best practices even between organisations in dissimilar business and economic settings.