Proposing a Tool for Supply Chain Configuration: An Application to Customised Production

The full implementation of collaborative production networks is crucial for companies willing to respond to consumer demand strongly focused on product customisation. This chapter proposes an approach to evaluate the performance of different Supply Chain (SC) configurations in a customised production context. The model is based on discrete-event simulation and is applied to the case of supply chain in the fashion sector to support the comparison between mass and customised production. A prototype web-based interface is also developed and proposed to facilitate the use of the model not only for experts in simulation but for any user in the SC management field

Offshoring and Backshoring in the British Fashion and Apparel Industry: a Literature Review

For decades, manufacturing has been offshored from high- to low-cost locations. However, there is now partial evidence of back-shoring to some advanced economies (Kinkel, 2012). Yet, both phenomena are not well understood. The aim of this paper is to investigate the theoretical underpinnings on the mechanisms of development and restructuring of production networks, and to provide reasoning for alternative locations of various activities, including possible causes of back-shoring. The example of the British fashion and apparel industry is chosen. The paper is concerned with the issues of flexibility (Christopher et al., 2004; Bruce et al., 2004) typical of this industry and related decision making on location and levels of control. This research reviews academic and practitioner literature on offshoring, outsourcing, FDI and related subjects, for the fashion and apparel industry and provides the insight in industry’s ecology based on interviews with practitioners from the industry

Blockchain-enabled supply chain traceability in the textile and apparel supply chain: A case study of the fiber producer, lenzing

Supply chain traceability is a dominant concern for many industries, regulators, and pol-icymakers. In the textile and apparel industries, social, environmental, and sustainability issues are frequent causes for concern, highlighting the need for effective traceability solutions. Blockchain technology has characteristics that make it attractive for supply chain traceability applications. However, the literature lacks discussion of empirical cases. We discuss current blockchain applications in the textile and apparel industries and analyze an exemplar of a prominent blockchain trace-ability solution adopted by a world-leading fiber producer, the Lenzing group. In this study, we identify two related objectives for traceability-product authentication and supply chain sustainabil-ity. The case study analysis has stimulated a rich discussion about the different levels of traceability achievable across the supply chain, the digital identification of products, and the extension of block-chain solutions across the whole supply network. Significant technical and business challenges exist in extending traceability to the upstream raw material supply chain and to the dispersed garment manufacturing networks downstream. More broadly, the study highlights the need to (1) clarify the objectives of a traceability initiative, and (2) scope a traceability solution appropriately, both hori-zontally across the supply chain and vertically with respect to the granularity of the items traced

“The map is not the territory”:a boundary objects perspective on supply chain mapping

Purpose To empirically examine the usefulness and value of supply chain mapping (SC mapping), a neglected area despite its importance in research and practice. Design/methodology/approach Based on three combined theoretical perspectives, we conducted a case study on a car manufacturer’s managers mapping their downstream supply chain (SC). We conducted semi-structured interviews and a mapping exercise with them, followed by a focus group. Findings We find differences between individual and corporate SC maps and between how managers define the outbound SC, the SC map they draw and what they say when mapping. The three theoretical perspectives allow us to enrich SC mapping thinking. We focus on boundary objects to formulate propositions. SC mapping and maps are discussed with respect to contemporary SCs and SCM. Research limitations/implications Based on a single case study on one firm’s outbound SC. Research could be expanded to the company's external partners and follow the development and use of maps in real time. Practical implications Highlights the usefulness and difficulties of SC mapping, for individuals and organisations. For the company, it opens avenues for further development and use of SC mapping to improve inter-functional and inter-organisational collaboration. Social implications Confirms the need for SC mapping competences in SCM and consequently the usefulness of teaching SC mapping courses in logistics and SCM programs. Originality/value Highlights the usefulness of SC mapping and rekindles interest in SC mapping and maps in SCM. Introduces boundary objects into SCM research

The development of a lean, agile and leagile supply network taxonomy based on differing types of flexibility

The paper explores the meaning of flexibility in the context of lean, agile and leagile supply networks and articulates a supply network flexibility framework. Two key ‘sources’ of flexibility are investigated: Vendor Flexibility and Sourcing Flexibility. The paper introduces an extension of the ‘leagility’ concept beyond the simple material flow decoupling point concept. Two new types of Leagility are put forward: (1) Leagile with Vendor Flexibility Systems, which combine the use of agile vendors with lean sourcing practices and (2) Leagile with Sourcing Flexibility Systems, which combine the use of lean vendors with agile sourcing practices. Case studies of two UK based specialist fashion retailers’ supply networks are presented in order to gain insights into the sourcing strategies used and the sources of flexibility employed by retailers at supply network level. A new taxonomy that dynamically links Vendor and Sourcing Flexibility with lean, agile and leagile supply network strategies is proposed. We suggest that the proposed taxonomy can be used as a guideline for firms designing and managing parallel supply pipelines that match different operating environments. The findings add to the understanding of the ways in which the two sources of supply network flexibility (Vendor and Sourcing) interact in practice and provide evidence of the ways in which companies can strike balances between these sources, as well as the effects that can be achieved and some of the trade-offs involved

Mapping the supply chain: Why, what and how?

There is now widespread appreciation of the critical role played by supply chains in the global economy. Supply chains are dominant concerns for many organisations, governments, policy makers, and consumers. A primary requirement in addressing many contemporary supply chain challenges is the need to ‘map’ a supply system. With notable exceptions, much of the supply chain management literature has shied away from providing guidance on the mapping process. In this paper, we stress the reasons for the increased emphasis on mapping. We review the academic literature, highlighting the diversity of mapping exercises conducted by researchers and the lack of clarity about the different types of maps developed. Supply chain mapping has been used as an umbrella term for studies at very different aggregation levels. We define the fundamental elements needed to create a supply chain map and develop a formal hierarchy of supply systems for mapping at different levels of analysis. The hierarchy provides a structured way to consider the diversity of mapping exercises in the literature and to define the unit of analysis for a mapping study. We illustrate the hierarchy with a range of examples from the textile and apparel industry. We identify the primary and secondary data sources that can underpin mapping studies, highlighting the significant challenges in using them. We discuss the emerging commercial solutions to capture, map, and analyse supply systems for different purposes. In an increasingly data rich world, there are many opportunities to develop the supply chain mapping process further

Why, Where, and How are Organizations Using Blockchain in their Supply Chains? Motivations, Application areas, and Contingency Factors

Purpose Blockchain is increasingly being considered for deployment in operations and supply chain management. However, evidence from practice is still scarce on why, where, and how organizations seek to apply the technology in the supply chain across different industries. The study develops a comprehensive framework to enhance understanding of the application areas of blockchain technology in the supply chain, as well as organizations’ motivations in seeking blockchain solutions and relevant contingency factors influencing applications.Design/methodology/approachWe investigate 50 use cases of blockchain applications in the supply chain, covering six industries. We apply contingency theory and conduct a detailed qualitative textual and correlation analysis to identify and compare blockchain adoption motivations, application areas and contingency factors across the different sectors. FindingsThe analysis develops an evidence-based framework that captures ten principal motivations in seeking blockchain solutions, three main blockchain application areas along with important application sub-categories, and five clusters of contingency factors that determine blockchain deployment and its success in different industrial sectors.Research implications The study expands the limited cross-sectoral research on blockchain applications and motivations in the supply chain. Using contingency theory, we present a comprehensive framework that captures the drivers and factors relating to blockchain adoption in the supply chain in a nomological network. The study lays the foundation for further theoretical perspectives and empirical research to investigate relevant sectoral characteristics and their importance for different types of blockchain applications in the supply chain.Practical implications The study informs practitioners about potential supply chain application areas that can be enhanced through blockchain technology, taking account of the specific characteristics of their product, business and manufacturing processes, supply network configuration, industry standards, regulations, and market demand.Originality/valueThe study is the first to provide cross-sectoral evidence on the relevance of organizations’ motivations and numerous contingency factors on blockchain application areas in the supply chain

Developing sustainability in global supply chains: the role of secondary stakeholders

Desenvolupar sostenibilitat en les cadenes de subministrament és una preocupació urgent per a les empreses. Per abordar aquestes preocupacions, les empreses compradores freqüentment implementen la gestió sostenible de la cadena de subministrament a través de l'avaluació i la col·laboració amb els seus proveïdors. No obstant això, l'efectivitat de l'avaluació i col·laboració amb proveïdors per millorar els resultats ambientals i socials en cadenes de subministrament globals caracteritzades per una gran distància geogràfica entre compradors i proveïdors, es troba qüestionada. L'evidència anecdòtica i la investigació recent suggereixen que públics d'interès secundaris com les ONG o les associacions comercials, que tradicionalment no es consideren part de la cadena de subministrament, poden ajudar a les empreses compradores a desenvolupar la sostenibilitat en les seves cadenes de subministrament globals. El propòsit d'aquesta investigació va ser explorar el desenvolupament de la sostenibilitat en cadenes de subministrament globals. Per aconseguir aquest objectiu, en primer lloc es va dur a terme una revisió sistemàtica de la literatura centrada en els principals elements estructurals i relacionals que caracteritzen la gestió sostenible de la cadena de subministrament en cadenes de subministrament globals. Els resultats de la revisió sistemàtica indiquen que es requereix més investigació pel que fa a la distància geogràfica i als públics d'interès secundaris. A partir d'aquests resultats, es va dur a terme una anàlisi estadística de dades secundàries de 186 empreses certificades com B Corporation per examinar la relació entre la distància geogràfica, col·laboració d'empreses compradores amb públics d'interès secundaris, i l'adopció per part de l'empresa compradora d'avaluació i col·laboració amb proveïdors. Els resultats mostren que l'adopció per part de l'empresa compradora d'avaluació i col·laboració amb proveïdors és major quan més gran és la distància geogràfica, i que la participació de públics d'interès secundaris modera negativament aquesta relació. Posteriorment, per tal d'explorar el rol dels públics d'interès secundaris amb més profunditat, es va dur a terme una investigació qualitativa basada en un estudi de cas de la cadena de subministrament de la banana fresca a Costa Rica. Els resultats revelen que els públics d'interès secundaris exerceixen rols específics i operen simultàniament per desenvolupar la sostenibilitat en una cadena de subministrament global. Aquesta investigació contribueix a estendre la literatura sobre la gestió sostenible de cadenes de subministrament al destacar el paper dels públics d'interès secundaris per desenvolupar la sostenibilitat en les cadenes de subministrament globals. La investigació també té implicacions per a gerents i legisladors.Desarrollar sostenibilidad en las cadenas de suministro es una preocupación urgente para las empresas. Para abordar estas preocupaciones, las empresas compradoras frecuentemente implementan la gestión sostenible de la cadena de suministro a través de la evaluación y la colaboración con sus proveedores. Sin embargo, la efectividad de la evaluación y colaboración con proveedores para mejorar los resultados ambientales y sociales en cadenas de suministro globales caracterizadas por una gran distancia geográfica entre compradores y proveedores, se encuentra cuestionada. La evidencia anecdótica y la investigación reciente sugieren que públicos de interés secundarios como las ONG o las asociaciones comerciales, que tradicionalmente no se consideran parte de la cadena de suministro, pueden ayudar a las empresas compradoras a desarrollar la sostenibilidad en sus cadenas de suministro globales. El propósito de esta investigación fue explorar el desarrollo de la sostenibilidad en cadenas de suministro globales. Para lograr este objetivo, en primer lugar se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática de la literatura centrada en los principales elementos estructurales y relacionales que caracterizan la gestión sostenible de la cadena de suministro en cadenas de suministro globales. Los resultados de la revisión sistemática revelan que se requiere mayor investigación respecto a la distancia geográfica y los públicos de interés secundarios. A partir de estos resultados, se llevó a cabo un análisis estadístico de datos secundarios de 186 empresas certificadas como B Corporation para examinar la relación entre la distancia geográfica, colaboración de empresas compradoras con públicos de interés secundarios, y la adopción por parte de la empresa compradora de evaluación y colaboración con proveedores. Los resultados sugieren que la adopción por parte de la empresa compradora de evaluación y colaboración con proveedores es mayor en presencia de mayor distancia geográfica, y que la participación de públicos de interés secundarios modera negativamente esta relación. Con el fin de explorar el rol de los públicos de interés secundarios con mayor profundidad, posteriormente se llevó a cabo una investigación cualitativa basada en un estudio de caso de la cadena de suministro de banano fresco en Costa Rica. Los resultados indican que los públicos de interés secundarios desempeñan roles específicos y operan simultáneamente para desarrollar la sostenibilidad en una cadena de suministro global. Esta investigación contribuye a extender la literatura sobre la gestión sostenible de cadenas de suministro al destacar el papel de los públicos de interés secundarios para desarrollar la sostenibilidad en las cadenas de suministro globales. La investigación también tiene implicaciones para gerentes y legisladores.Developing sustainability in supply chains is a pressing concern for businesses. To address such concerns buyer firms frequently adopt sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) based on supplier assessment and supplier collaboration. The effectiveness of supplier assessment and supplier collaboration for improving environmental and social outcomes in global supply chains characterized by high geographic distance between buyers and suppliers, however, is increasingly debated. Anecdotal evidence and recent research suggest that secondary stakeholders that are not traditionally considered part of the supply chain, such as NGOs or trade associations, can aid buyer efforts to develop sustainability in their global supply chains (GSCs). The purpose of this research was to explore the development of sustainability in GSCs. To achieve the research goal a systematic literature review focused on the main structural and relational elements that characterize SSCM in GSCs was conducted first. The results of the systematic review suggest that further analysis of geographical distance and of the role of secondary stakeholders is needed for understanding how sustainability can be developed in GSCs. Building on these results, statistical analysis of secondary data from 186 certified B Corporations was then carried out to examine the relationship between geographical distance, secondary stakeholder engagement, and buyer firm adoption of supplier assessment and collaboration for sustainability. Results suggest that buyer adoption of supplier assessment and collaboration is greater in presence of geographic distance, and that secondary stakeholder engagement negatively moderates this relationship. Qualitative research based on a case study of the fresh banana supply chain in Costa Rica was then conducted to explore the role of secondary stakeholders in greater depth. Results suggest that secondary stakeholders play specific roles and operate simultaneously for developing sustainability in the upstream part of the GSC. This research contributes to extending the SSCM literature by highlighting the role of secondary stakeholders for developing sustainability in global supply chains. The research also has implications for managers and policymakers

Pharmaceutical supply chains in Nigeria : a framework for outsourcing outbound value chains

Abstract: Effective patients’ treatment is predicated on availability of high quality medicines access. The outbound segment of pharmaceutical supply chains is critical to achieving this goal. In this study, the pharmaceutical supply chains management in Nigeria with emphasis on the outsourcing of the outbound value chains was investigated. The objectives were to study the extent of outsourcing of outbound value chain activities in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry, investigate the rationale for outsourcing outbound pharmaceutical value chains in Nigeria, study the critical criteria for a successful selection and outsourcing relationship with 3rd Party Service Providers, identify the desired outcomes of outsourcing outbound pharmaceutical value chains and utilize the study results to develop a framework for outsourcing and improvement of outbound value chain activities in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry...D.Phil. (Operations Management