Performance measurement model for sustainability assessment of the swine supply chain

In this paper, a model and a set of indicators for evaluating the sustainability in swine supply chains are presented and discussed. Using the Delphi method, environmental, social and economic indicators were identified (namely environmental performance indicators to evaluate soil, water, air, energy and environmental practices; social performance indicators related to human capital and social interaction; and economic performance indicators that address labor remuneration and return on investment). Subsequently, the proposed sustainability assessment model was applied for validation purposes in three different companies belonging to the swine supply chain in the southern region of Brazil. This study differs from previous ones by focusing on the sustainability assessment of the upstream and downstream of the supply chain, which are responsible for significant impacts. The performance of the studied companies from the three triple bottom-line (TBL) dimensions is significantly different. Both negative and positive impacts were found to be related to most of the specific metrics. The economic dimension presented a better performance than the environmental and social ones. Furthermore, there was a predominance of negative impacts in the environmental dimension, in relation to the soil, water, air, and energy indicators. Thus, specific actions, strategies, and policies must be designed for the different companies towards an effective and comprehensive sustainability throughout the swine supply chain. The proposed model can be extended to other companies in the same supply chain, replicated in other livestock and agribusiness industries and supply chains (such as cattle and poultry), and it can be used in different locations and including additional indicators and metrics

Evaluación de la cadena de suministro para mejorar la competitividad y productividad en el sector metalmecánico en Barranquilla, Colombia

This paper studies the levels of competitiveness and productivity of the Metalworking Sector of the city of Barranquilla, based on the design of an evaluation model for the supply chain of companies belonging to that sector. The model consists of five critical aspects: supply, storage, inventory management, distribution and transport, and reverse logistics. These factors include a set of variables that evaluate the planning, execution, measurement, and control of supply chain management. The model was validated in five companies of the Metalworking Sector of the city of Barranquilla. Solutions for integral logistics practices were established in the procurement processes, taking into account quality standards of processes and security of the supply chain. It is concluded that the sector has presented a great economic growth in the country and it is necessary the optimization and continuous improvement of the productive processes through the monitoring and control of appropriate indicatorsEl presente artículo estudia los niveles de competitividad y productividad del Sector Metalmecánico de la ciudad de Barranquilla, a partir del diseño de un modelo de evaluación para la cadena de suministro de empresas pertenecientes a dicho sector. El modelo está conformado por cinco aspectos críticos: abastecimiento, almacenamiento, gestión de inventarios, distribución y transporte y logística inversa. Estos factores incluyen un conjunto de variables que evalúan la planeación, ejecución, medición y control de la gestión de la cadena de suministro. El modelo fue validado en cinco empresas del Sector Metalmecánico de la ciudad de Barranquilla. Se establecieron soluciones para las prácticas de logística integral en los procesos de aprovisionamiento, teniendo en cuenta normas de calidad de procesos y seguridad de la cadena de suministro. Se concluye que el sector ha presentado un gran crecimiento económico en el país y se hace necesario la optimización y mejora continua de los procesos productivos a través del monitoreo y control de indicadores apropiados

CUSTOS INTERORGANIZACIONAIS DE UMA CADEIA DE SUPRIMENTOS MOVELEIRA DO OESTE DE SANTA CATARINA

Esta pesquisa teve por  objetivo identificar os fatores condicionantes da Gestão de Custos Interorganizacionais presentes em uma cadeia de moveleira do oeste de Santa Catarina. Metodologicamente caracteriza-se como uma pesquisa exploratória e descritiva, de estudo de caso e com abordagem qualitativa. Para a coleta de dados, foram utilizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas em diferentes empresas da cadeia de suprimentos. A análise de dados foi realizada através da técnica de Análise de conteúdo, com a utilização do software de análise de dados qualitativo Atlas TI. Os resultados evidenciaram fatores atrelados aos constructos gestão interna de custos, gestão de custos interorganizacionais e nível de interdependência incentivam a aplicação da GCI na cadeia de suprimentos, em contrapartida a questão da cooperação e da confiança mostram-se como fatores que inibem sua pratica. Como limitações da pesquisa, destaca-se impossibilidade de generalizar os achados a outros relacionamentos interorganizacionais e o fato de a pesquisa ter analisado apenas o ponto de vista de poucas empresas da cadeia a montante e a jusante. Para estudos futuros, sugere-se a utilização de mais de uma forma de coleta de dados a fim de confirmar os relatos dos respondentes

Supply chain performance measurement at a selected hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa

Thesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019Performance measurement of supply chain in the healthcare environment has presented with a number of challenges, and studies exist to confirm this. These problems include rising costs, excessive demands, shortage of supply, and escalating level of customer dissatisfaction are the true reflection of supply chain issues faced by the hospitals. This study aims to find out an effective solution to measure supply chain performance within a hospital in Cape Town. The relation among trust, SCM/IT integration, firm’s performance, and knowledge exchange were investigated. A mixed research method (both qualitative and quantitative) was conducted involving five managers and 80 employees from the hospital. A number of interviews and a close-ended questionnaire were used for data collection. Content analysis was used for qualitative data and the descriptive results were generated through SPSS V25. Hospital and healthcare environment have been used interchangeable in this study. The research findings showed that trust levels between the hospital and its suppliers has no direct impact on supplier integration, but that its influence is interceded by knowledge exchange. Knowledge exchange plays an important role in influencing supply chain performance in the hospital. IT integration and knowledge exchange have a positive impact on hospital–supplier logistical integration between the hospital and its suppliers. In addition, knowledge sharing in supply chain may subsequently build strong relationships among SCM partners and may automatically influence hospital performance. This study recommended that the hospital should develop an approach that facilitates the dynamics of the hospital in order to manage the buyer-supplier relationship. Further research can be done on factors that contribute to buyer/supplier trust development in the healthcare environment

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

Analysis of Decision Support Systems of Industrial Relevance: Application Potential of Fuzzy and Grey Set Theories

The present work articulates few case empirical studies on decision making in industrial context. Development of variety of Decision Support System (DSS) under uncertainty and vague information is attempted herein. The study emphases on five important decision making domains where effective decision making may surely enhance overall performance of the organization. The focused territories of this work are i) robot selection, ii) g-resilient supplier selection, iii) third party logistics (3PL) service provider selection, iv) assessment of supply chain’s g-resilient index and v) risk assessment in e-commerce exercises. Firstly, decision support systems in relation to robot selection are conceptualized through adaptation to fuzzy set theory in integration with TODIM and PROMETHEE approach, Grey set theory is also found useful in this regard; and is combined with TODIM approach to identify the best robot alternative. In this work, an attempt is also made to tackle subjective (qualitative) and objective (quantitative) evaluation information simultaneously, towards effective decision making. Supplier selection is a key strategic concern for the large-scale organizations. In view of this, a novel decision support framework is proposed to address g-resilient (green and resilient) supplier selection issues. Green capability of suppliers’ ensures the pollution free operation; while, resiliency deals with unexpected system disruptions. A comparative analysis of the results is also carried out by applying well-known decision making approaches like Fuzzy- TOPSIS and Fuzzy-VIKOR. In relation to 3PL service provider selection, this dissertation proposes a novel ‘Dominance- Based’ model in combination with grey set theory to deal with 3PL provider selection, considering linguistic preferences of the Decision-Makers (DMs). An empirical case study is articulated to demonstrate application potential of the proposed model. The results, obtained thereof, have been compared to that of grey-TOPSIS approach. Another part of this dissertation is to provide an integrated framework in order to assess gresilient (ecosilient) performance of the supply chain of a case automotive company. The overall g-resilient supply chain performance is determined by computing a unique ecosilient (g-resilient) index. The concepts of Fuzzy Performance Importance Index (FPII) along with Degree of Similarity (DOS) (obtained from fuzzy set theory) are applied to rank different gresilient criteria in accordance to their current status of performance. The study is further extended to analyze, and thereby, to mitigate various risk factors (risk sources) involved in e-commerce exercises. A total forty eight major e-commerce risks are recognized and evaluated in a decision making perspective by utilizing the knowledge acquired from the fuzzy set theory. Risk is evaluated as a product of two risk quantifying parameters viz. (i) Likelihood of occurrence and, (ii) Impact. Aforesaid two risk quantifying parameters are assessed in a subjective manner (linguistic human judgment), rather than exploring probabilistic approach of risk analysis. The ‘crisp risk extent’ corresponding to various risk factors are figured out through the proposed fuzzy risk analysis approach. The risk factor possessing high ‘crisp risk extent’ score is said be more critical for the current problem context (toward e-commerce success). Risks are now categorized into different levels of severity (adverse consequences) (i.e. negligible, minor, marginal, critical and catastrophic). Amongst forty eight risk sources, top five risk sources which are supposed to adversely affect the company’s e-commerce performance are recognized through such categorization. The overall risk extent is determined by aggregating individual risks (under ‘critical’ level of severity) using Fuzzy Inference System (FIS). Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) is then used to obtain structural relationship amongst aforementioned five risk sources. An appropriate action requirement plan is also suggested, to control and minimize risks associated with e-commerce exercises

Trade security in supply chain: the roles of Customs and Port Authorities towards security and trade facilitation in South African ports.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Since 9/11 and the fundamental growth of terrorism, the reauting security threats at the seaports, with potential loss of human lives and theft of goods means Supply Chains, must be addressed to secure and predictable, particularly given the growth in the volume of global transport. Increasing pressure has been invoked on the governments of many countries by the World Customs Organisations (WCO) and other global organisations, to actively strategise and ensure the safety and security of the ports through new strategies directed at effective Supply Chain management initiatives. These new Supply chain standards are focused on achieving effective seaport security measures. Christopher and Peck (2013) mentioned in their thesis that, one of the ways of managing the challenge of security threats at seaports is to galvanise and manage Supply Chain risk through the creation of a more appropriate approach. The universal trading system is susceptible to terrorist exploitations and attacks that have the propensity to endanger the total global economy and the social security of nations. Further, while this is being said, reports have shown that there is still a lack of empirical justification with respect to how security measures and Supply Chain management are related (Cavinato, 2010). This study thus focuses on Security in the Ports and examines the impacts from within the Customs Administration. It is hoped to culminate in adherence by the respective South African authorities in capturing and introducing compliance to security to the benefit of global traders for goods shipped to and from the Republic of South Africa. Through a desktop review of the literature, the study found that much is still expected from the ambit of the South African government and other government agencies to address the security challenges of seaports through appropriate and strategic interventions. The study concludes that there is an urgent need for more effective and robust monitoring functions by the South African Ministry of Transport, a genuine legislative review of seaport laws and regulations, as well as the need to address the challenges of security-related corruption in the operations of seaport activities. It is clear that Safety and Security in RSA Ports must be on par with global standards, for us, as a nation, to retain an economic advantage and continued participation in global trade

Development of decision support systems towards supply chain performance appraisement

Purpose: The aim of this research is to develop various Decision Support Systems (DSS) towards supply chain (SC) performance appraisement as well as benchmarking. The purpose of this work is to understand multi-level (measures and metrics) performance appraisement index system to evaluate overall supply chain performance extent, monitor ongoing performance level and to identify ill-performing areas of the supply chain network. Design/methodology/approach: Fuzzy logic as well as grey theory has been explored in developing a variety of SC performance appraisement modules (evaluation index systems). Generalized fuzzy numbers, generalized intervalvalued fuzzy numbers theory have been utilized in order to tackle decision-makers’ linguistic evaluation information towards meaningful and logical interpretation of procedural hierarchy embedded to the said appraisement modules. Fuzzy-grey relation theory, MULTIMOORA method coupled with fuzzy logic as well as grey theory have also been adapted to facilitate overall SC performance assessment, performance benchmarking and related decision making. Findings: Supply chain performance index has been computed in terms of fuzzy as well as grey context, suggesting the present performance status of the said organizational supply chain. Ill-performing areas of the SC have been identified too. Fuzzy as well as grey based MULTIMOORA (MOORA: Multi-Objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis), fuzzy-grey relation analysis, thus adapted, appeared helpful in evaluating performance ranking order (and selecting the best) of various candidate alternatives (industries/enterprises) operating under similar supply chain architecture according to the ongoing SC performance. Empirical illustrations exhibited the fruitful application potential of the developed decision support tools. Practical implications: The decision support tools thus proposed may be proved fruitful for companies that are trying to identify key business performance measures for their supply chains. Ill-performing areas can easily be identified; companies can seek for possible means in order to improve those SC aspects so as to improve/enhance overall SC performance extent. Benchmarking may help in identifying best practices in relation to the SC which is performing as ideal (benchmarked practices). Best practices of the ideal organization need to be transmitted to the others. Companies can follow their peers in order to improve overall performance level of the entire supply chain. In view of this, the work reported in this dissertation may be proved as a good contributor for effective management of organizational SC. Research limitations: The methodology and presentation is conceptual, yet the tool can provide very useful interpretations for both researchers as well as management practitioners. Accessibility and availability of data are the main limitations affecting which model will be applied. Procedural steps towards implementing the said decision support tools have been demonstrated through empirical research. The decision support tools tools have neither been validated by practical case study nor have these been tested for assessing their reliability. Originality/value: This work articulates various approaches for supply chain performance evaluation considering multiple evaluation criteria (subjective evaluation indices), with a flexibility to modify and analyze using the available data sets collected from a group of experts (decision-makers). The approaches of performance evaluation index system are attempted due to structure and fuzzy (as well as grey) sets. The work is aimed at operational researchers, engineers and special managers

Quarantine interceptions & transparency in horticultural supply chains: causes and outcomes in Uganda, a qualitative case study

The horticultural industry in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years, fuelled by increased demand for temperate fruits and vegetables in the European market. In Uganda, the introduction of Non-Traditional Agricultural Exports (NTAEs) in the post-civil war era (mid 1980s onwards) as an export diversification strategy was met with limited success attributed to agronomical, logistical, and institutional challenges that resulted in a relatively small and fragile horticultural industry, serving a limited market specialised in the ethnic/exotic food trade. However, in recent years, increased demand from the diaspora has created new opportunities for Uganda´s ethnic/exotic horticultural exports in a buoyant industry that has increased fourfold over the last two decades. Meanwhile, this renewed opportunity is threatened by EU/UK legislation targeting the introduction and spread of organisms considered harmful to the environment. The threat is manifested in the interception and destruction of consignments found to be infested by (regulated) organisms (notably the false coddling moth (FCM)). While being common to all SSA countries infested by the FCM, interceptions have been particularly high for Uganda over the last seven years, a period coinciding with the boom in its horticultural industry. Based on an instrumental case study design consisting of semi-structured interviews, document reviews, and participant observations, this research investigates the cause of interceptions in the Ugandan Horticultural Export Supply Chain, (fresh fruits & vegetables) and their relationship to the concept of transparency, which is increasingly core to agri-food chains. In line with the Global Value Chain (GVC) approach (Gereffi, 1999; 2005), it examines the response and outcomes resulting from attempts to comply with international public standards governing agricultural supply chains. Findings indicate that a combination of environmental (e.g., regulatory), people (e.g., literacy levels of Outgrowers), process (e.g., bureaucracy) and technological (e.g., lack of IT infrastructure) factors working together as inhibitors of transparency are to account for the rising wave of interceptions. Uganda´s response to interceptions, described in this study as the regulated integration (backwards) of supply chain relationships through the mandatory registration of producers is yielding results. This is in terms of enhanced capability development and supply chain transparency in a process described by the GVC literature as process upgrading. In so doing, the research contributes to the literature on supply chain transparency while suggesting a renewed focus of GVC research on the role of public standards (as opposed to private governance) in the upgrading and integration of developing countries in the world economy. The research is limited by the lack of a quantitative approach to validating findings that are essentially qualitative in nature. Future research involves the validation of transparency inhibitor matrix for the prioritisation of improvement initiatives in a quantitative study as well as an investigation of opportunities for improving Uganda´s phytosanitary certification process with distributed ledger technology

Supply Chain Performance Appraisement and Benchmarking for Manufacturing Industries: Emphasis on Traditional, Green, Flexible and Resilient Supply Chain along with Supplier Selection

Supply chain represents a network of interconnected activities starting from raw material extraction to delivery of the finished product to the end-user. The main constituents of supply chain are supplying/purchasing, inbound logistics, manufacturing, outbound logistics, marketing and sales. In recent times, the traditional supply chain construct is being modified to embrace various challenges of present business needs. Today’s global market has become highly volatile; customers’ expectations are ever-changing. Fierce competition amongst business sectors necessitates adapting modern supply chain management philosophies. Agility, greenness, flexibility as well as resilience have become the key success factors in satisfying global business needs. In order to remain competitive in the turbulent marketplace, industries should focus on improving overall performance of the supply chain network. In this dissertation, supply chain performance assessment has been considered as a decision making problem involving various measures and metrics (performance indicators). Since most of the performance indices are subjective in nature; decisionmaking relies on active participation of a group of decision-makers (DMs). Subjective human judgment often bears some sort of ambiguity as well as vagueness in the decision making; to overcome uncertainty in decision making, adaptation of grey/fuzzy set theory seems to be fruitful. To this end, present work deals with a variety of decision support tools to facilitate supply chain performance appraisement as well as benchmarking in fuzzy/grey context. Starting from the traditional supply chain, this work extends appraisement and benchmarking of green supply chain performance for a set of candidate case companies (under the same industry) operating under similar supply chain construct. Exploration of grey-MOORA, fuzzy-MOORA, IVFN-TOPSIS, fuzzy-grey relation method has been illustrated in this part of work. Apart from aforementioned empirical studies, two real case studies have been reported in order to estimate a quantitative performance metric reflecting the extent of supply chain flexibility and resilience, respectively, in relation to the case company under consideration. Performance benchmarking helps in identifying best practices in perspectives of supply chain networking; it can easily be transmitted to other industries. Organizations can follow their peers in order to improve overall performance of the supply chain. vi Supplier selection is considered as an important aspect in supply chain management. Effective supplier selection must be a key strategic consideration towards improving supply chain performance. However, the task of supplier selection seems difficult due to subjectivity of supplier performance indices. Apart from considering traditional supplier selection criteria (cost, quality and service); global business scenario encourages emphasizing various issues like environmental performance (green concerns), resiliency etc. into evaluation and selection of an appropriate supplier. In this context, the present work also attempts to explore fuzzy based decision support systems towards evaluation and selection of potential suppliers in green supply chain as well as resilient supply chain, respectively. Fuzzy based Multi-Level Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MLMCDM) approach, fuzzy-TOPSIS and fuzzy-VIKOR have been utilized to facilitate the said decision making