Integrating supply chains: An investigation of collaborative knowledge transfers

This paper aims to empirically investigate the impact upon performance of explicit knowledge transfer in the integrated supply chain between a manufacturer and its external suppliers and customers. Literature derived hypotheses were evaluated using International Manufacturing Strategy Survey data from 338 companies. Valid and reliable scales were created via confirmatory factor analysis, and effects upon inventory performance tested via regression techniques. Whilst knowledge transfers from upstream and downstream directions were positively related to a manufacturer's performance, knowledge derived from customers was more powerful. Furthermore, integrated knowledge transfer- the combination of knowledge emanating from both suppliers and customers- had the strongest link to performance. The implications for practioners are that integrating knowledge across supply chains could be more far reaching than the exchange of assets, data and information usually considered in supply chain literature. Furthermore the current generalized approach to managing external knowledge is inadequate. This study expands upon existing literature by including directional implications as to which knowledge inflows are most valuable. For academics, this paper supports and extends existing literature by considering the supplier-manufacturer-customer triad in unison. The focus goes beyond asset, data and information exchange towards the leveraging of external knowledge. Relevant perspectives and dimensions were adopted from the knowledge management stream in order to add conceptual depth. Several areas of knowledge-based supply chain research have been identified as potential opportunities for further investigation.Supply Chain; Knowledge Management; Empirical Research:

Knowledge management in sustainable supply chain management: improving performance through an interpretive structural modelling approach

Sustainable supply chain management is one vital element in achieving competitive advantage in business management and knowledge management is seen to be one key enabler. However, in previous studies the interrelationships between knowledge management and sustainable supply chain management are still under-explored. This study proposes a set of measures and interpretive structural modelling methods to identify the driving and dependence powers in sustainable supply chain management within the context of knowledge management, so as to improve the performance of firms from the textile industry in Vietnam. The research result indicated that learning organisation, information/knowledge sharing, joint knowledge creation, information technology and knowledge storage are amongst the highest driving and dependence powers. These attributes are deemed to be most-effective to enhance the performance of firms. To further enhance the value of this research, theoretical and managerial implications are also discussed in this study

Developing a conceptual model for examining the supply chain relationships between behavioural antecedents of collaboration, integration and performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, review the literature on the topic of behavioural antecedents of collaboration and their impact on supply chain integration and performance; second, lay the theoretical foundations and develop a conceptual model linking behavioural antecedents of collaboration, information integration, coordination of operational decisions and supply chain performance; and third, set out operationalisation considerations. Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual model with theoretical basis on Relational Exchange Theory (RET) and extant supply chain theory is developed as a causal model that can be operationalised using structural equations modelling (partial least squares) and a “single key informant” approach. Findings – Positive relationships between behavioural antecedents of collaboration (trust, commitment, mutuality/reciprocity), information integration, coordination of operational decisions and supply chain performance (efficiency, effectiveness) are hypothesised. RET provides adequate theoretical background that leads to the theoretical establishment of hypotheses between behavioural antecedents, supply chain integration and performance, which are worth testing empirically. Research limitations/implications – The ideas presented in this paper enrich the study of behavioural factors in supply chain management and their impact on supply chain performance, and may benefit researchers in the field. The paper also sets the scene (experimental design, measurement items) for the upcoming field research. The empirical part of the work will provide the necessary evidence for the validation of the established hypotheses. Practical implications – The proposed linkages may stimulate the interest of supply chain strategists towards more collaborative relationship management and affect their decisions on the behavioural antecedents of relationship formation and management. Moreover, the proposed model may help clarify how the integration of critical operational contingencies – information, operational decisions – can help achieve superior supply chain performance. Originality/value – The paper establishes a causal relationship between constructs which have not been researched (mutuality/reciprocity, coordination of operational decisions) or have been researched individually or in combination (impact of integration on performance, impact of collaboration on performance) but not in the proposed integrated way. It also addresses the challenge of lack of theoretical justification on the development of knowledge that will assist decision making in SCM/logistics and its integration into models, processes and tasks. Finally, by using RET in selecting of behavioural factors and establishing hypotheses, it adds to the body of knowledge concerning the use of interorganisational theories in supply chain relationships

Optimal decisions and comparison of VMI and CPFR under price-sensitive uncertain demand

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the performance of two advanced supply chain coordination mechanisms, Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and Collaborative Planning Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR), under a price-sensitive uncertain demand environment, and to make the optimal decisions on retail price and order quantity for both mechanisms. Design/ methodology/ approach: Analytical models are first applied to formulate a profit maximization problem; furthermore, by applying simulation optimization solution procedures, the optimal decisions and performance comparisons are accomplished. Findings: The results of the case study supported the widely held view that more advanced coordination mechanisms yield greater supply chain profit than less advanced ones. Information sharing does not only increase the supply chain profit, but also is required for the coordination mechanisms to achieve improved performance. Research limitations/implications: This study considers a single vendor and a single retailer in order to simplify the supply chain structure for modeling. Practical implications: Knowledge obtained from this study about the conditions appropriate for each specific coordination mechanism and the exact functions of coordination programs is critical to managerial decisions for industry practitioners who may apply the coordination mechanisms considered. Originality/value: This study includes the production cost in Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) equations and combines it with price-sensitive demand under stochastic settings while comparing VMI and CPFR supply chain mechanisms and maximizing the total profit. Although many studies have worked on information sharing within the supply chain, determining the performance measures when the demand is price-sensitive and stochastic was not reported by researchers in the past literature.Peer Reviewe

An Explorative Study on Educational Knowledge Management in Supply and Chain

Realizing the importance of knowledge management (KM) in improving the supply chain; KM is identified as one of the sustainable factors to educational achievement. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge management among principals and teachers in high performance schools in Malaysia. Information was gathered from six teachers and four principals from four different schools in Northern Malaysia. The data was collected through demographic profiles and semi-structured interviews. We identified five major themes related to teachers and principals in managing knowledge management in school; (1) Knowledge Received, (2) Knowledge Documentation, (3) Knowledge Sharing, (4) Knowledge Creation, and (5) Knowledge Application. Policy implications and suggestions for future research are also discussed

Assessing Blockchain Adoption in Supply Chain Management, Antecedent of Technology Readiness, Knowledge Sharing and Trading Need

The present research aimed to establish a framework integrating the concept of technology readiness with variables that accomplished the blockchain adoption theory to identify the impact of blockchain adoption on supply chain transparency, blockchain transparency, and supply chain performance. The methodology used was quantitative with PLS-SEM as the analysis method. There were 295 validated datasets used. The procedure of data collection involved questionnaires. The key finding of the research confirmed the six proposed hypotheses. It was also confirmed that technology readiness, knowledge sharing, and trading needs were significant for the profitability of blockchain technology adoption in supply chain management. On the other hand, blockchain adoption played a significant role in supply chain transparency, blockchain transparency, and supply chain performance. The novelty of this research is in the integration of technology readiness into blockchain in the field of supply chain management. This research can be used to improve and analyze the success rate of blockchain adoption in supply chain management systems. The findings of this study contribute to several aspects, namely practical and academic implications, by providing more insights that correlate with blockchain integration into supply chain management systems. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2022-06-05-01 Full Text: PD

Evaluating Supply Chain Context-Specific Antecedents of Post-Adoption Technology Performance

This study investigated the influence of context-specific antecedents to user perceptions of technology performance using a new logistics information tracking technology designed to facilitate the linking of supply functions. Supply chain awareness, task-technology fit, and satisfaction with the existing system were evaluated as external variables likely to influence technology performance. This research examines the effect of these three constructs on technology acceptance as a function of post-adoption perceptions of technology performance. The research model was based on the original Technology Acceptance Model. Data from a mail survey were collected to evaluate 718 first-tier supply chain users’ perceptions of a new technology’s performance that includes accuracy, visibility, and efficiency. A structural equation model tested eleven hypothesized relationships. The results of this study advance understanding of technology adoption, enrich knowledge of technology innovation, and offer suggestions for enhancing user perceptions of technology performance. Implications along with suggestions for future research are provided

The Interaction Effects between Supply Chain Integration and IT Capabilities on Firm Performance

It is well touted that embedding information technology (IT) capabilities in supply chain processes would allow firms to derive competitive advantage. Yet the outcomes of such embeddedness vary greatly across companies. Investigating how a firm configures appropriate IT capabilities with supply chain integration (SCI) to achieve superior performance is of significance. Drawing upon the dynamic capabilities theory, we examine how SCI and IT capabilities jointly affect firm performance. We test the hypotheses of interest with data collected from 252 firms in China. The results of hierarchical regression analysis reveal that the interactive effects of SCI and IT capabilities on firm performance vary across different combinations of dimensions of SCI (i.e., information sharing and collaborative planning) and IT capabilities(i.e., IT infrastructure flexibility, IT assimilation capability, and top management’s IT knowledge). In addition, the dimensions of SCI and IT capabilities have differential effects on firm performance. Theoretical contributions and managerial implications of the current research are discussed

Borderless ideas - Open Innovation in the Hungarian Food Chain

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the innovation performance in the Hungarian food chain using the concept of open innovation. Design/methodology/approach - Empirical analysis is based on the data from a 2014 survey of more than 300 small-and medium-sized agricultural producers, food processors and food retailers. The authors analyse innovation performance taking into account not only the direct impacts of external knowledge inflows and absorptive capacity, but also the indirect effect of external knowledge inflows mediated by the existence of potentially complementary internal resources (absorptive capacity). The authors determine the impact of open innovation and a company's absorptive capacity on innovation performance employing two stage approaches. First, the authors apply a semi-non parametric probit model. Second, the authors run cluster analysis to categorize companies based on their open innovation, absorptive capacity, firm and managerial characteristics. Findings - Results imply the openness along the food chain may decrease the introduction time of innovation in all areas of innovation, as well the innovation propensity. The openness towards competitors may decrease the introduction time of innovation with regard to technological innovation, but it may increase with regard to product innovation, as well the innovation propensity. The absorptive capacity decreases the introduction time of technological product, organizational and market innovation. There is a positive relationship between the use of external knowledge (when it is defined as openness with competitors) and own innovation capacity with regard to innovation propensity, but not when it is defined as openness along the food chain. The enterprises of the sample are dividing into two groups: innovative (dominated by processors) and not innovative ones (dominated by producers and retailers). Research limitations/implications - Some limitations of the paper are worth mentioning. The study is limited in its scope with regard to the research setting and the unit of analysis (Hungarian food chain). With regard to the former, our sample consists of 302 SMEs along the food chain, almost equally distributed as producers, processors and retailers. At the end of 2014 in Hungary there were 7,766 producers, 2,681 processors and 6,420 retailers in this category, which means 1.3 - 3.7 per cent coverage (Agrargazdasagi Kutatointezet, 2014). Regarding the latter, the paper defines food chain in a narrow sense (three levels); therefore, the results represent the perspectives of a limited number of food chain partners (producers, processors, retailers). Were the definition to be widened, input from additional members would be necessary (such as suppliers of suppliers, customers of customers, third parties or competitors). Nevertheless, although the scope may be narrow, it is appropriate for our objective. Future research is recommended to overcome the paper's limitations (i.e. extend its scope to other countries, sectors and levels of chain). Practical implications - The analysis provides valuable inputs for policy makers and SMEs along the food chain that wish to build and improve (open) innovation system. Policy makers would need more targeted innovation development programmes in order to solve the tight innovation bottlenecks. These programmes should target first of all at expanding the absorptive capacities of the food chain's enterprises. The authors also need further research in order to investigate how much the restricted use of open innovation systems in the Hungarian food enterprises is linked to the cost and benefits of creation such systems. Originality/value - The authors analyse innovation performance taking into account not only the direct impacts of external knowledge inflows and absorptive capacity, but also the indirect effect of external knowledge inflows mediated by the existence of potentially complementary internal resources (absorptive capacity)

Moderating Effect of Supply Chain Dynamic Capabilities on the Relationship of Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices and Organizational Sustainable Performance: A Study on the Restaurant Industry in Indonesia

The sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) is a fairly new topic that has become a superior attention for the researchers recently. The current study is investigated empirically moderating effect of Supply chain dynamic capabilities (SCDC) on the relationship of SSCM practices and organizational sustainable performance (OSP) indicators namely; “economic performance, environmental performance, social performance” in the restaurant industry of Indonesia. For this purpose, data was collected from the 210 supply chain managers by using the simple random sampling technique which yield a 78% response rate. For data analysis Smart PLS 3 software and PLS Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach was employed. The SEM analysis has shown, SSCM practices has a significant association with the OSP indicators. Moreover, the findings of the current study also shown that SCDC is significantly moderates on the relationship of SSCM practices and OSP in the restaurant industry of Indonesia. This shows that SCDC is considered to be an important contribution of the study. The current research also contributes a body of knowledge in the way of theoretical and practical implications. The study limitations and future directions are also discussed at last of the study