•Comprehensive method for the management of supplier sustainability performance.•Data Envelopment Analyses (DEA) used to estimate supplier eco-efficiency.•Dynamic monitoring of supplier ...eco-efficiency through a Malmquist approach.•Bicriteria optimization model integrating order quantity discounts.•Methodology demonstrated with real data from an auto parts manufacturer.
Two big challenges for sustainable supplier management consist of (1) properly integrating the multiple factors necessary to measure the sustainability performance of suppliers and (2) modeling the dynamic nature of those factors. In this study, we demonstrate the aggregation of environmental and economic supplier performance criteria into a single (eco-efficiency) index using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) for interval data. Suppliers are pre-qualified according to this index and are allocated orders using multiple criteria models for single and multiple sourcing. In multiple sourcing, preemptive, non-preemptive and fuzzy goal programming models are used with purchase price and eco-efficiency as conflicting objectives. Finally, eco-efficiency change is assessed using an approach based on the Malmquist productivity index, which monitors suppliers over time. Thus, our methodology can be used for supplier evaluation, selection and monitoring. Data obtained from an auto parts manufacturer is used to illustrate the proposed method.
Circular supply chain management (CSCM) is required for the tea industry to transition from a linear economic model to a more productive circular economic model. However, tracking reusable and ...recyclable materials over the life cycle of the tea supply chain involves multiple stakeholders. Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology driven by blockchain technology (BCT) can help to manage the complexities of circular tea supply chain management (CTSCM), establishing transparency and traceability in the industry. This study takes the first step in developing a distributed and service-oriented system architecture that embraces an RFID-integrated BCT-enabled circular supply chain practice model for a business-to-business (B2B) tea industry network. The study provides a deeper understanding of inventory performance, resource use, and the industry's processes. Furthermore, the results will aid enterprises in the B2B tea industry to better understand the factors influencing supply chain performance. Managerial and social implications of implementing RFID-integrated blockchain-driven technologies in service of the circular economy agenda are discussed.
•The study determines the importance of RFID-integrated BCT-driven circular supply chain model in the tea industry.•The research is based in India, the world's second-largest tea producer andunder-researched sector in the circular economy.•It creates an interpretive structural model to explain the complexities of system architecture for the B2B tea industry.•This study responds to a demand for further research on the performance of blockchain-driven circular supply chains.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused considerable damage to various industries worldwide. Availability and supply of a wide range of raw materials, intermediate goods, and finished products have been ...seriously disrupted. Global supply chains (GSCs), which had shown a high level of robustness and resiliency against several disruptions in recent decades, are genuinely compromised. Using a critical reading and a causal analysis of facts and figures, this article aims to investigate the COVID-19 impacts on the effectiveness and responsiveness of GSCs and to propose a set of managerial insights to mitigate their risks and enhance their resilience in various industrial sectors. The study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented disruptions to the mechanics of most GSCs such as pharmaceuticals, food, electronics, automotive industry, etc. Unlike previous major disruptions, COVID-19 has adversely affected GSCs throughout all their stages with major turbulences in manufacturing, processing, transport, and logistics, as well as significant shifts in demand. The analysis pinpointed that enhancing the supply chain resilience is the main key driver to reducing vulnerability in disruptive times. Furthermore, the analysis indicated that the post-COVID-19 GSCs will tend to be shorter through revamped strategies focusing more and more on relocations and back-shoring.
PurposeThis paper aims to examine and overcome the barriers to the widespread adoption of blockchain technology, introducing a novel concept of sustainability in the fashion supply ...chain.Design/methodology/approachThis work is an exploratory study of a well-known fashion company operating in the Veneto region (Italy). Data extracted from interviews and focus groups are coded using the (CAQDAS) software AQUAD. The outcome is then organized according to an adapted TOE view.FindingsThis exploration study's findings support the idea that the blockchain solution could be a valuable add-on in sustainable supply chains. However, a high understanding of technology and extensive communication with clients is required for successful integration.Research limitations/implicationsBeing the outcome of qualitative analysis, the findings require further investigation to be inferable at a broader scale. As the project is still incomplete, some managerial choices are always subject to change.Practical implicationsFocused on a practitioner approach, this paper should guide managers in the process of successfully implementing blockchain technology. Arguably, similar companies may opt for similar choices.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper to contextualize and address the blockchain adoption barriers in the fashion supply chain. Furthermore, it offers an overview of how blockchain affects sustainable production.
Blockchain technology (BT) is expected to bring a revolutionary paradigm shift in the manner the transactions are carried in the supply chains. BT provides better visibility and transparency by ...removing the disadvantages of trust related issues in a supply chain. In this paper, we advance the literature on BT and its adoption in the supply chain by developing, and statistically validating a model for understanding the user perceptions on BT adoption. The model is based on the integration of three adoption theories- technology acceptance model (TAM), technology readiness index (TRI) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Based on a survey of 181 supply chain practitioners in India the proposed model was tested using structural equation modelling. The study found that the TRI constructs- Insecurity and discomfort have an insignificant effect on the perceived ease of use and usefulness. Perceived usefulness, attitude, and perceived behavioural control affect the behavioural intention. Subjective norm has a negligible impact on behavioural intention. This is one of the preliminary studies on BT adoption in supply chain and the findings imply that the supply chain practitioners perceive BT adoption free of efforts and would help them to derive maximum benefits for improving the supply chain effectiveness.
This study expands the environmental sustainability paradigm of reverse supply chains. The study examines the notion of closed-loop supply chains and suggests the use of the term in academia and ...business is too limited from a sustainability perspective. Three case examples in automotive remanufacturing were chosen to represent a global, multi-tier industry with documented circular economy strategies. A simple conceptual framework is developed that bridges different concepts of “loops” at whole product, component and material levels, and which is then used to show that closed-loop supply chains that focus on OEM activities appear to overlook alternative models of reverse supply chain loops. The study considers how these alternative loops contribute to environmental sustainability by looking at market dynamics and relations between business actors in supply chains in automotive remanufacturing. Alternative loops may contribute to product displacement activities in the market and thus provide positive environmental and resource results. The narrow focus on “closed loops” in supply-chain research and industry simplifies potential benefits and weaknesses, and overlooks the contribution of “open loops” in supply chains, which enable business innovation and can improve sustainability outcomes in product and material supply chains. This article fills a void in supply chain management research and argues for a more adaptive management approach to reverse supply chains for end-of-life products.
Abstract
Sustainability has always been a concern of humankind in one form or the other. Still, it has come into sharper focus after the promulgation of the sustainable development goals in 2015 and ...the disruptive forces unleashed by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Supply chain management is an aspect of business operations wherein the need for sustainability has been felt more keenly. The academic and business understanding of various nuances of incorporating sustainability, particularly environmental concerns in the supply chain, is still evolving. Our study seeks to enrich the growing literature in the area by proposing to uncover a novel, logical sequence of intangible supply chain resources that can amplify the impact of green supply chain management practices (GSCMPs) on business performance. We use the dual‐theoretical lens of a resource‐based view and stakeholder theories to conceptualize the sequential mediational role of supply chain visibility, resilience, and robustness between GSCMP and performance. Analyzing data collected from 318 individuals working in the manufacturing sector in the United Kingdom, we found a positive direct association of GSCMP with performance and the serial mediational role of visibility and robustness between the two. The findings of our study are pertinent for theorists as well as managers.
► Relationship between green practices and supply chain performance is investigated. ► Data were collected from five case studies within the automotive supply chain. ► A model to assess the influence ...of green practices on performance is proposed. ► Positive and negative effects of green practices on performance are identified.
The main objective of this exploratory paper is to investigate the relationships between green practices of supply chain management and supply chain performance. This relationship is investigated in the context of the automotive industry. Five research propositions are suggested and tested with empirical data derived from five case studies taken from the Portuguese automotive supply chain. The data analysis identifies the most important green practices considered by managers, as well as the performance measures that are most appropriate and most widely used as means to evaluate the influence of green practices on supply chain performance. A conceptual model was derived from the data analysis and it can be used to assess the influence of green practices on supply chain performance. This model provides evidence as to which green practices have positive effects on quality, customer satisfaction and efficiency. It also identifies the practices which have negative effects on supply chain performance.
Purpose
The importance of integrating sustainability into business activities rises continuously. In addition to an established focus on forward logistics, there is a growing awareness of reverse ...logistics. Reverse logistics ensures sustainable practices and increases competitiveness for companies, but it also comes with challenges. Therefore, the implementation of reverse logistics is associated with uncertainties. This paper aims to fill this gap by analyzing the development and comprehensive potential of reverse logistics as a sustainability tool.
Design/methodology/approach
To bridge the research gap, a real-time Delphi study was conducted. Through an extensive desk research, semi-structured interviews and an expert workshop, 14 projections for the German food sector of 2040 were created. A total of 49 experts in the field of logistics, reverse logistics and food logistics assessed the future projections concerning estimated probability, impact and desirability of occurrence.
Findings
The findings derived lead to three possible future scenarios as well as potential drivers and barriers that food companies, the government and society need to consider to enable a successful transition toward implementing reverse logistics in food supply chains.
Originality/value
The study examined the future role of reverse logistics as a sustainability tool in food supply chains. The results serve as a framework for decision-making on the sustainable orientation of business practices, leading to increased competitiveness and resilient business strategy. Several implications are derived for practitioners, policymakers and society to promote reverse logistics. Methodologically, this study extends existing Delphi methods by conducting a quantitative dissent and sentiment analysis, considering various surface-level and deep-level diversity characteristics.
PurposeThe physical internet (PI) is an emerging logistics and supply chain management (SCM) concept that draws on different technologies and areas of research, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) ...and key performance indicators, with the purpose of revolutionizing existing logistics and SCM practices. The growing literature on the PI and its noteworthy potential to be a disruptive innovation in the logistics industry call for a systematic literature review (SLR), which we conducted that defines the current state of the literature and outlines future research directions and approaches.Design/methodology/approachThe SLR that was undertaken included journal publications, conference papers and proceedings, book excerpts, industry reports and white papers. We conducted descriptive, citation, thematic and methodological analyses to understand the evolution of PI literature.FindingsBased on the literature review and analyses, we proposed a comprehensive framework that structures the PI domain and outlines future directions for logistics and SCM researchers.Research limitations/implicationsOur research findings are limited by the relatively low number of journal publications, as the PI is a new field of inquiry that is composed primarily of conference papers and proceedings.Originality/valueThe proposed PI-based framework identifies seven PI themes, including the respective facilitators and barriers, which can inform researchers and practitioners on future potentially disruptive SC strategies.
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